Namibians are Miserable

What does it truly mean to be miserable? The dictionary offers a rather stark definition: “causing extreme discomfort or unhappiness, for example in a miserable situation.” It was with a certain degree of national pride, and perhaps a touch of indignation, that I stumbled upon a report ranking Namibia as the 34th most miserable country in the world. (Down since 2013 when we were 7th in the world.) This rather unflattering assessment is rooted in the misery index, a somewhat crude economic gauge devised by Arthur Okun. It essentially aggregates a country’s unemployment and inflation rates to provide a snapshot of prevailing economic conditions – the higher the number, the more miserable the populace. The rationale is straightforward: most citizens keenly feel the pinch of high joblessness and the relentless surge in prices.

Our current Misery Index score, based on the latest available figures, stands at approximately 40.4%. This is derived from our Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) of 3.5% as of May 2025, and a rather concerning unemployment rate of 36.9% in 2023. The report further highlights Namibia’s heavy reliance on its mineral wealth, with significant exports of diamonds, uranium, and gold. However, the mining sector, despite its economic contribution, only accounts for a mere 3% of the nation’s labour force. Given the limited diversification of our economy, it’s perhaps unsurprising that a substantial portion of Namibia’s workforce remains without employment. Furthermore, income inequality remains a glaring issue. Despite a respectable GDP per capita, Namibia continues to grapple with one of the highest GINI coefficients globally, last recorded at 59.1% in 2015.

My initial reaction to this article was, I must confess, one of immediate dismissal. “How dare these Westerners label us as miserable?” I thought, instinctively preparing a barrage of arguments about statistical flaws and cultural nuances. However, after a moment of reflection, I decided to delve deeper into the author’s perspective. And, regrettably, the core assertions hold true. Our consumer prices are indeed rising at a pace that outstrips salary increases, and our unemployment figures are, frankly, alarming. For those of us fortunate enough to be employed, this translates into a diminishing purchasing power year on year, often coupled with the added burden of supporting extended family members who are struggling to find work. A truly miserable situation, wouldn’t you agree?

This ought to serve as a stark wake-up call for Namibia. When our nation slides down the rankings in competitiveness or business confidence, the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and various business leaders are quick to lament the increasing difficulty of turning a profit, often urging the government to exercise greater caution. Yet, when the Misery Index comes into focus, the discussion often veers away from the underlying issues contributing to our ranking, instead devolving into debates about the index’s methodology.

This index, for all its simplicity, effectively shines a spotlight on the root causes of our misery: persistent employment challenges (too few jobs, and those that exist often pay too little) and the relentless upward trajectory of consumer prices.

It’s crucial to reiterate: I wrote ‘Namibians are Miserable’ – not ‘Namibia is a miserable place to stay.’

Incidentally, the Gini coefficient, for those unfamiliar, is a measure of income inequality, ranging from 0 (perfect equality, where everyone earns the same) to 1 (perfect inequality, where one person possesses all the income) to 1 (perfect inequality, where one person possesses all the income). Namibia, regrettably, has historically topped this list, with a GINI coefficient of 59.1%. This stark reality of income disparity is a fact we simply cannot afford to ignore.

Is the Veldbridge Offer to Trustco Legitimate? A Deep Dive

The recent murmurs around a “private offer” from a so-called Veldbridge Holdings to Trustco’s founding Van Rooyen family have stirred intrigue and skepticism—especially amid rising debt concerns and strategic manoeuvering by Trustco Group Holdings (TGH).

1. Trustco’s Debt Picture: A Tangled Web

• As of March 2025, Trustco’s debt owed to Next Capital (the Van Rooyen family’s investment vehicle) soared to approximately US $280 million, encompassing a mix of secured, unsecured, interest-bearing, and equity-linked liabilities. This positions the family as the holder of 70% of the group’s long-term debt  .

• Earlier, in mid-2024, Trustco had already converted N$4.4 billion (~US $250 million) of debt to equity at a price reflecting a 350% premium over its 90-day VWAP—boosting its net asset value by around N$1.5 billion  .

2. Strategic Restructuring & Governance Moves

• Trustco is amidst a debt restructuring spree:

  • In early 2024, it introduced a punitive caution for shareholders via SENS, warning that ongoing conversion and recapitalisation negotiations—especially involving the U.S.-based Riskowitz Value Fund (for up to N$950 million)—could materially affect share value  .

  • This capital would help Trustco increase its stake in Legal Shield Holdings to around 91% and prepare its balance sheet for future growth  .

3. The Veldbridge Claim: Fact or Fiction?

• Despite extensive coverage of Trustco’s financial restructuring and high-profile debt-to-equity swaps, no credible reporting or official filings reference Veldbridge Holdings or any offer from such an entity.

• Given the opaque nature of corporate disclosures and the Van Rooyen family’s tight control, it’s entirely plausible such a proposal could be under consideration—but with no public confirmation to substantiate it, caution is essential.

  
  

Final Verdict: Is the Veldbridge Offer Legitimate?

At present, there’s no verified evidence that Veldbridge Holdings has made a formal or credible offer to Trustco.

• On one hand, repeated debt-to-equity conversions, family interventions, and capital raises suggest a deeper knowledge of investor and corporate maneuvers—so an external offer isn’t inherently implausible.

• On the other, without public documentation (press releases, regulatory filings, or media reports), the claim remains unverified.

Bottom line: Treat references to a “Veldbridge offer” as speculative until official confirmation is released.

Suggested Actions for Investors and Observers

1. Watch for official disclosures—monitor Trustco’s SENS announcements, investor relations pages, and filings on JSE/NSX/SEC websites.

2. Vet sources carefully—social media claims or opaque posts should be cross-checked with reputable local or international business news outlets.

3. Understand the context—Trustco’s recent fiscal manoeuvers suggest a company navigating complex strategic shifts, possibly fuelling speculative reporting.

Summary Table

Issue	Facts Found
Debt Levels	~$280M owed to Van Rooyen’s Next Capital; recent debt-to-equity conversions
Recent Actions	Equity swaps, Riskowitz recapitalization plan, Nasdaq listing path
Veldbridge Offer	No independent confirmation; appears speculative

Caveat: This post is based solely on publicly available sources. If substantiated details or disclosures about Veldbridge emerge, the analysis should be updated accordingly.

Are Ultra-Processed Foods Really That Bad for You?

When you walk into a supermarket, you are surrounded by a rainbow of products in boxes, packets, and bottles. Some are promoted as “healthy,” others as “quick and easy.” But behind the bright colours and clever marketing lies a category of food that more and more health experts are warning about: ultra-processed foods.

What Exactly Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are not simply “processed” like frozen vegetables or canned beans. They are heavily modified industrial products—engineered in a factory, not a kitchen.

They usually contain:

• Artificial colours and flavours

• Emulsifiers and preservatives you can’t pronounce

• Large amounts of added sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats

Examples? Fizzy drinks, flavoured yoghurts, instant noodles, chicken nuggets, mass-produced white bread, and energy bars.

If you would never find the ingredient in your grandmother’s cupboard, there is a good chance it is ultra-processed.

The Hidden Risks

Eating UPFs regularly is linked to several health problems:

1. Weight Gain Without Realising It

   Even when researchers gave people the same number of calories to eat, those on a UPF diet still ended up eating more—about 500 calories extra per day—because these foods are so easy to over-consume.

2. Long-Term Diseases

   Studies link high UPF consumption to:

   • Obesity and metabolic syndrome

   • Heart disease and high blood pressure

   • Type 2 diabetes (12% higher risk for every 10% more UPF in your diet)

   • Some cancers

   • Even early death—up to 31% higher risk over decades.

3. Damage to Your Gut and Brain

   The additives can disrupt your gut bacteria, while the engineered flavours can make your brain crave more junk, trapping you in a cycle.

   
   

Why We Eat So Much of It

In the United States, more than half of all calories adults consume come from UPFs. Namibia does not have exact statistics, but anyone walking into a shop can see how common these products are here too. They are cheap, widely available, and sometimes the only “convenient” option for busy working people.

Not All UPFs Are Equal

Some packaged foods, like high-fibre bread or fortified cereals, can still play a role in a balanced diet—especially for those with limited access to fresh produce. The problem is when UPFs become your main source of nutrition.

Practical Ways to Cut Back

• Read the label: The longer the ingredient list, the more suspicious you should be.

• Buy basic staples: Rice, beans, fresh vegetables, eggs—affordable and filling.

• Cook more at home: You control the salt, sugar, and oil.

• Make small swaps: Replace one UPF meal a week with something homemade and whole.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Food is not just about survival—it is about health, energy, and enjoyment. Ultra-processed foods are designed to be cheap and addictive, not nourishing. While it is unrealistic to avoid them completely, we can make better choices, one meal at a time.

Your body at 25 is still strong and forgiving, but the habits you form now will decide how healthy you are at 45 or 65. Make sure you are building a future you can enjoy.

Unclaimed Monies in Namibia: What You Need to Know in 2025

Thousands of Namibians – and their families – could be missing out on money that’s rightfully theirs.

Why this matters now

Every year, millions of Namibia’s dollars in pensions, insurance payouts, bank balances, and estate funds go unclaimed. This isn’t money that has been stolen or lost — it’s money waiting for its rightful owners to step forward.

In 2024 and early 2025, public notices from pension funds, insurers, and the Government Gazette once again revealed just how much is sitting untouched. Some of these cases date back years. The recent final transfer of old Trustco Bank deposits to the Guardian’s Fund reminded everyone of a hard truth: if you don’t claim, the money moves on — and claiming later can be a long process.

What counts as “unclaimed monies”?

In simple terms, these are funds owed to people (or their heirs) that the payer hasn’t been able to hand over. This can happen if:

• The owner’s contact details have changed.

• The owner has passed away and no beneficiary details are on record.

• The claim was never submitted.

Common examples in Namibia include:

• Pension and retirement fund benefits.

• Life insurance or policy payouts.

• Dormant bank accounts and deposits.

• Estate funds where beneficiaries haven’t been traced.

The 2025 picture

Here’s what’s been happening lately:

• Government Gazette notices continue to publish names and amounts under the Administration of Estates Act, with deadlines for claiming before funds move to the Guardian’s Fund.

• GIPF unclaimed benefits lists still name dozens of members (figures have ranged between 155 and 176) who have yet to come forward.

• Insurer alerts from companies like Sanlam regularly appear in newspapers and online, urging people to check for their names.

• Guardian’s Fund transfers — in March 2025, leftover Trustco Bank deposits were officially moved to the Master of the High Court.

  
  

How to search for unclaimed monies

If you suspect you or a family member might be owed something, start here:

1. GIPF Unclaimed Benefits Portal – Search by name if the person ever worked in government service.

2. Recent Government Gazettes – Look up notices under the Administration of Estates Act.

3. Insurer listings – Sanlam and others regularly publish lists in newspapers and on their websites.

4. The Guardian’s Fund – Contact the Master of the High Court for funds already transferred there.

   
   

Making a claim

Although the process varies depending on the institution, you’ll usually need:

• A certified copy of your ID (and the death certificate if claiming for someone else).

• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, will, or family register).

• Proof of banking details.

• A completed claim form from the relevant fund or office.

Start with the organisation that published the notice — they’ll guide you through their requirements.

Tips to avoid losing track of money

• Check regularly – Names are published at different times by different organisations.

• Keep your paperwork in one place – Store IDs, certificates, and bank proofs safely.

• Update your details – Tell your pension fund, bank, and insurer when you change addresses or phone numbers.

• Be careful with private tracing agencies – Many searches are free directly from the source.

• Act early – The longer you wait, the more complicated the process can become.

  
  

Where Namibia can do better

• A central online registry combining all unclaimed money listings into one searchable database.

• More digital tracing tools like SMS and email alerts from funds and insurers.

• Clearer step-by-step claim guides from the Guardian’s Fund to help families navigate the process

  
  

The bottom line

If you think you or someone in your family might have unclaimed benefits, start your search today. The money won’t claim itself — and in many cases, you’ll find that the process is simpler than you think once you have the right documents.

Reimagining Elderly Care: Global Innovations and Solutions for Namibia

As populations age worldwide, countries are grappling with how to provide dignified, effective care for their elderly citizens. From innovative housing models to technology-enhanced support systems, nations are developing creative solutions that go far beyond traditional care homes. For Namibia, with its unique cultural landscape and geographic challenges, there's an opportunity to learn from global best practices whilst creating distinctly African approaches to elderly care.

Learning from Global Innovators

Around the world, countries are revolutionising how they think about ageing and care. Singapore has developed co-located models that bring childcare and eldercare under the same roof to improve the overall well-being of older adults and strengthen relationships between generations. This approach recognises that isolation isn't just an elderly problem—it affects entire communities.

In Japan, facilities like Hikari no Sato feature residential eldercare settings sharing sites with after-school clubs, where older residents with dementia help children with homework. These intergenerational programmes create meaningful connections that benefit both age groups, with studies showing success in building social capital and addressing social isolation amongst older adults.

Innovation extends to living environments as well. Dementia villages designed to mimic real communities with shops, restaurants, and amenities are emerging as future care models, moving away from institutional settings towards normalised living environments that preserve dignity and independence.

The Namibian Opportunity

For Namibia, these global innovations offer inspiration, but the solutions must be adapted to local realities. The country's vast distances, strong family traditions, and growing educational sector create unique opportunities for innovative elderly care approaches.

Student-Elder Exchange Programmes

Namibian universities could partner with care facilities to create mutually beneficial arrangements where students receive accommodation in exchange for meaningful engagement with elderly residents. This could involve 10-15 hours weekly of structured interaction, including technology tutoring, language exchange, and cultural learning opportunities.

Such programmes could integrate with academic curricula, offering community service credits or social work practicum experiences. Students would gain valuable life skills and cultural knowledge whilst providing companionship and modern expertise to elderly residents.

Ubuntu-Centred Community Care

Drawing on traditional African communal values, Namibia could develop neighbourhood care circles where extended families and neighbours share elderly care responsibilities. These networks would create intergenerational skills exchanges—elders teaching traditional crafts, storytelling, and cultural knowledge whilst receiving support with modern life skills.

Community centres could serve as daytime hubs for elderly activities and intergenerational programming, strengthening social bonds across age groups whilst reducing the burden on individual families.

Technology-Enhanced Rural Care

Given Namibia's geography and mobile phone penetration, technology offers powerful solutions for elderly care. Telemedicine programmes could connect rural elderly with healthcare providers in urban centres, whilst mobile health clinics with geriatric specialists could serve remote communities on regular schedules.

Family coordination through messaging apps could streamline care planning and emergency communication, ensuring that elderly relatives receive consistent support even when family members are geographically dispersed.

Economic Integration Models

Rather than viewing elderly care as purely a cost, Namibia could develop models that recognise elders as economic assets. Micro-enterprise programmes could pair elderly knowledge holders with young entrepreneurs, commercialising traditional medicine knowledge, crafts, and farming techniques.

Cooperative care arrangements would allow families to pool resources for shared carers, making professional care more affordable whilst maintaining family involvement. Government subsidy programmes could support family carers with stipends or tax incentives, recognising their valuable contribution to society.

Cultural Preservation Through Care

Positioning elderly care as cultural preservation creates additional value and purpose. Language documentation projects could engage students in recording elders speaking indigenous languages, whilst traditional knowledge centres in care facilities could serve as repositories of cultural practices.

Storytelling programmes connecting schools with elderly residents would preserve oral histories whilst providing meaningful interaction opportunities, creating living libraries of Namibian culture and wisdom.

Building Sustainable Solutions

The most promising approaches for Namibia would combine multiple strategies:

Adaptive Housing Solutions could include multigenerational housing cooperatives with shared common areas and private spaces, converted traditional homesteads adapted for ageing-in-place, and community-built housing using local materials and volunteer labour.

Professional Development programmes could train local coordinators and carers, creating employment opportunities whilst building capacity for quality elderly care across the country.

Policy Integration would work with the Ministry of Health and Social Services to create supportive regulations, establish quality standards, and develop funding partnerships with international development organisations.

A Phased Approach to Implementation

Success would require careful, phased implementation starting with pilot programmes in urban and rural locations, followed by policy development and eventual scale-up to regional centres. The key is building on Namibia's existing strengths: strong family ties, cultural respect for elders, a growing educational sector, and widespread mobile technology adoption.

The Path Forward

Countries worldwide are increasingly using integrated models of healthcare provision for the elderly, with community-based long-term care helping address the needs of ageing populations globally. For Namibia, the opportunity lies in creating uniquely African solutions that honour traditional values whilst embracing innovation.

By viewing elderly care not as a burden but as an opportunity for community building, cultural preservation, and intergenerational connection, Namibia can develop models that serve as examples for other African nations facing similar challenges. The goal isn't just to care for the elderly—it's to create communities where ageing is viewed as a valuable stage of life, where wisdom is preserved and shared, and where every generation contributes to the whole.

The future of elderly care in Namibia can be one where traditional Ubuntu values meet modern innovation, creating sustainable, dignified, and meaningful approaches to ageing that strengthen rather than strain community bonds.