Thought Leaders

Descartes’ old maxim says, “I think, therefore I am.” Much has been said and written about thinking, thoughts and ideology. Some schools of thought have even suggested that there is a component missing, namely:  “I think and belong, therefore I am, and African thinking is said to be saying: take away the thinking and simply...

Society deeply ingrained many, including me, to believe that those who commit crimes are inherently bad people, forever condemned to lives of wrongdoing with no hope for redemption. This notion not only generalises the complexities of human behaviour but also perpetuates a justice system focused solely on punishment rather than healing. In reality, to sustained...

Wildlife crime remains an international conservation management issue that threatens ecotourism, ecological balance and biodiversity. The industry of illegal hunting and trade in wildlife and wildlife products is estimated to be worth US$50-US$150 billion per annum, according to the United Nations Environment Programme, and continues to pose a threat towards globally-endangered wildlife species. The escalation...

On 1 September 2024, South Africa implemented the two-pot retirement system, a strategic initiative aimed at balancing immediate financial needs with long-term savings.  This system divides retirement savings into three distinct components: the vested pot, the savings pot and the retirement pot. This innovative shift has sparked discussions throughout Africa, particularly in Namibia, where debates...

Namibia, a nation of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, is on the cusp of a digital revolution.  At the heart of this transformation is the creative industry, a sector brimming with potential to drive economic growth and social change. To harness this potential, Namibian creatives must embrace the twin pillars of artificial intelligence (AI)...

Joseph Diescho is a Namibian political scientist. He is an emeritus professor at the University of Bonn in Germany.  Today, the name Joseph Diescho resonates with wisdom, knowledge or a commitment to intellectual pursuit.   On the other hand, the name brings out controversies such as a self-imposed exiled Namibian, someone at loggerheads with the...

Sustainability is a concept we encounter frequently, defined by the United Nations Brundtland Commission as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  Namibia has demonstrated a strong commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental protection, notably being one of the first African countries to incorporate...

To date, hundreds of thousands of Namibian citizens are standing at the far end of the tunnel, focussing anxiously on the awaited Vision 2030 to emerge. As years pass by, every small amount of light detected prompts an adjustment of the lens the society is using to view through the tunnel.  It is so because...

Dual-use research dilemma refers to the quandary of producing and publishing research in the life sciences that is directed towards or intended to improve public health, animal health or agricultural productivity, but that could be used to harm public health in the hands of a rogue state, terrorist group or individual. One of the technical...