insert_link Opinion Pieces ‘Politically neutral’ Russian athletes can now enter the Olympics – but don’t expect many to compete By Keith Rathbone, Macquarie University Earlier this month, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced Russian and Belarussian athletes will be able to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics if they are politically neutral. The decision from the committee’s executive board reversed an earlier ban. The IOC made this change even though the Russian National Olympic Committee remains suspended from competition for its violation of “the territorial integrity of the […] todayDecember 20, 2023 10
insert_link Opinion Pieces What we don’t understand about China’s actions and ambitions in the South China Sea By Edward Sing Yue Chan, Australian National University In recent weeks, China’s activities in the South China Sea have raised more concerns in the region. Its ships have collided with Filipino vessels, fired water cannon at others and used sonar pulses close to an Australian ship, injuring its divers. The United States and its allies view this increasingly assertive behaviour as evidence China seeks to challenge the established maritime […] todayDecember 20, 2023 6
insert_link Opinion Pieces Morocco’s fabulous football year – what’s behind their success on and off the field By Mahfoud Amara, Qatar University In 2022 Morocco became the first African and Arab national football team to reach a Fifa World Cup men’s semi-final; and Wydad AC won the Africa Champions League. The good news continued in 2023 with the women’s team making history by reaching the final 16 at the World Cup and the news that Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament […] todayDecember 20, 2023 27
insert_link Health / Medical What sunscreen is best? A dermatologist offers advice on protecting your skin Bianca Tod, Stellenbosch University Sunburn is a sign that skin has experienced significant levels of damage. Ultraviolet light can change a person’s DNA structure, which can lead to cancer. At the same time, choosing from the multitude of modern sunscreens can be overwhelming. Health & Medicine editor Nadine Dreyer asked dermatologist Bianca Tod what to look for in sun protection. What are the dangers of too much exposure to the […] todayDecember 19, 2023 19
insert_link Entertainment Nollywood set new highs in 2023: here are four of my favourite films of the year Ezinne Ezepue, University of Nigeria The Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, was once seen as a mass producer of poor quality “home videos”. It’s now become known for increasingly slick films that are able to attract big budgets and compete at film festivals across the world. As a critic, scholar and lecturer in Nigerian film, I regard 2023 as another impressive year for the quality of Nollywood […] todayDecember 19, 2023 31
insert_link Opinion Pieces Busting budget myths and unveiling practical budgeting By Mauriza Fredericks, Group Brand Manager, Old Mutual Namibia Budgeting, the art of managing your income and expenses effectively, is often perceived as a daunting task, shrouded in myths and misconceptions. However, budgeting is an essential tool for achieving financial stability and reaching your financial goals, whether it's saving for a dream home, funding your children's education, or simply enjoying peace of mind. Even though many people want to manage […] todayDecember 19, 2023 7
insert_link Health / Medical Hope brings happiness, builds grit and gives life meaning. Here’s how to cultivate it By Tharina Guse, University of Pretoria What is hope? In its simplest form, hope is about the future. There are three necessary elements to hope: having a desire or a wish for something that is valuable, and the belief that it is possible to attain this wish, even when it seems uncertain. Then we have to trust that we have the resources, both internally and externally, to attain this […] todayDecember 15, 2023 9
insert_link Opinion Pieces China’s high-quality development presents new opportunities for Namibia’s modernization By Josef Kefas Sheehama As the world economy is facing a tough situation in 2023, with probably tougher prospects for 2024, China’s economic outlook carries global significance. China’s modernization stride will inject more certainty into the global economy. As Namibia's projected economy to 3.9% expansion in 2023 and a 3.4% growth in 2024, according to the Bank of Namibia's Economic Outlook, the smart partnership with China will elevate Namibia’s […] todayDecember 15, 2023 34
insert_link Africa Black Ghosts: Noo Saro-Wiwa’s new book is a powerful reflection on Africans in China By Janet Remmington, University of York Noo Saro-Wiwa is a celebrated Nigerian-born travel writer. Her latest book is Black Ghosts. It explores, with candour and compassion, the lives of several African economic migrants living in China, a group of people who are key to trade between the continents. As a scholar of African travel writing and mobility, among other fields, I read the book with keen interest and then […] todayDecember 15, 2023 8
