Opinion Pieces

Kenya’s shilling is gaining value, but don’t expect it to last – expert

By Odongo Kodongo, University of the Witwatersrand Shortly after Kenya’s 2022 elections, the shilling depreciated rapidly against the US dollar – the country’s main currency for international transactions – fuelling a wave of political discontent. More than a year later, the Central Bank of Kenya, taking its cue from the International Monetary Fund, said that the run on the shilling was a market correction for a […]

April 17, 2024 10

Namibia

BON PSD-9 Directive: The cross-border payment system’s anatomy and operations

Opinion Piece By Josef Kefas Sheehama Even though it usually causes people to feel more nervous, it's critical to keep in mind that compliance, security, and safety are important in a world of highly sophisticated financial crime. The Bank of Namibia released PSD-9 in 2022, and the new regulation may have taken effect on April 15, 2024. The Bank of Namibia's most recent directive has extended […]

April 16, 2024 62

Lifestyle

‘A blind and deaf mind’: what it’s like to have no visual imagination or inner voice

Max4e Photo/Shutterstock By Derek Arnold, The University of Queensland and Loren N. Bouyer, The University of Queensland Look at these pictures. Can you see a cube on the left and a face on the right? What do you see? Derek Arnold / Adobe Stock Can you imagine seeing things in your mind? Can you hear an inner voice when you think or read? One of the authors, […]

April 15, 2024 26

Opinion Pieces

Building Trust in Business Transactions

Opinion Piece by Thabo Molefe, Head of Africa Regions at TransUnion for consideration Operating a business today is almost impossible without the insights and understanding provided by data. Data enables informed decision- making, problem solving, deeper business and customers insights, and enhances operational efficiency and agility. Data, in the context of a credit bureau, has become integral to the success of many financial services organisations across the […]

April 15, 2024 47

Opinion Pieces

After the euphoria of Nelson Mandela’s election, what happened next? Podcast

By Gemma Ware, The Conversation and Thabo Leshilo, The Conversation It was a moment many South Africans never believed they’d live to see. On 10 May 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as president of a democratic South Africa, ending the deadly and brutal white minority apartheid regime. To mark 30 years since South Africa’s post-apartheid transition began, The Conversation Weekly podcast is running a special three-part podcast […]

April 11, 2024 20

Opinion Pieces

What happened to Nelson Mandela’s South Africa? A new podcast series marks 30 years of post-apartheid democracy

By Thabo Leshilo, The Conversation When Nelson Mandela stood in front of the Union Buildings in Pretoria in May 1994 as South Africa’s first democratically elected president, my country was brimming with optimism for its post-apartheid future. I was there and relieved at the prospect of an end to bloodshed. I had seen far too much violence and death in my five-year career as a journalist, covering the […]

April 11, 2024 21

Opinion Pieces

South Africa is short of academic statisticians: why and what can be done

Statisticians are able to assess and analyse data, crucial skills in today’s world. Solstock Inger Fabris-Rotelli, University of Pretoria; Ansie Smit, University of Pretoria; Danielle Jade Roberts, University of KwaZulu-Natal; Daniel Maposa, University of Limpopo; Fabio Mathias Correa, University of the Free State; Michael Johan von Maltitz, University of the Free State, and Sonali Das, University of Pretoria Our world is awash with data. A 2019 article published by the […]

April 11, 2024 16

Business / Economics

Transforming Namibia’s economy with effective trade and industrial Policies

Opinion Piece by Josef Kefas Sheehama The political climate in Namibia is among the African most tranquil and stable. In order enhance Namibia's potential growth rate, reforms must be put in place for the country's economy to continue on a sustainable path. One of the main obstacles to Namibia's industrial development, especially for small and medium-sized businesses, has been a lack of human and financial resources. Because institutions […]

April 11, 2024 18

Business / Economics

How to detect and prevent financial strain

By Bank Windhoek’s Executive Officer of Credit, Eddie King For many, credit is the go-to financial resource for financial management. Grasping its far-reaching implications and mastering prudent management is crucial for safeguarding long-term financial wellness. Recognising the early signs of financial strain and adopting strategies to prevent sliding into a debt trap is paramount for maintaining financial stability. Before you take up any form of credit, keep […]

April 9, 2024 5