The South African National Council of Provinces recently passed the National Health Insurance Bill, a major step toward universal healthcare. Awaiting President Ramaphosa&#8217;s nod, the bill has sparked debate among healthcare professionals, political parties, and the public, reflecting the complexities of reforming the nation&#8217;s healthcare system.



The South African National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has passed the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) bill, a significant move that now only requires President Cyril Ramaphosa&#8217;s signature for enactment. Health Minister Joe Phaahla hailed the event, stating, “This is a landmark moment for our country, and specifically for our health system.”



Yet, the bill, since its inception in 2018, has elicited a broad spectrum of responses.



Aiming to create a universal healthcare system, the NHI bill addresses critical issues plaguing South Africa&#8217;s public health sector, including poor services, corruption, and a shortage of staff and funds. Contrasting this, private healthcare — though superior in quality — is beyond the financial reach of most citizens, with only 15.8% covered by private medical aid schemes in 2022, as per government data.



Opposition to the bill has emerged from various groups, including the South African Health Professionals Collaboration and the South African Medical Association (SAMA). In a statement, SAMA acknowledged their support for Universal Health Coverage but expressed reservations about the bill&#8217;s current form: “In principle, SAMA supports Universal Health Coverage… however, SAMA cannot support the bill in its entirety… It is challenging that much of the NHI detail will be in the Regulations and Rules which are yet to be developed…”



Political resistance is also noteworthy, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) announcing a petition initiative to deter President Ramaphosa from signing the bill. Other political entities like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) have also expressed opposition for various reasons.



Central concerns revolve around the requirement for private medical schemes to provide supplemental coverage for National Health Service beneficiaries and the methods of securing the necessary funding. This lack of clarity in the bill has left private medical entities and healthcare professionals uncertain about its practical implementation.



The Hospital Association of South Africa emphasized the significance of the private sector&#8217;s feedback: “We urge the Presidency to recognize the compelling inputs into the National Health Insurance Bill made by us and many others in healthcare and to address the issues raised by the private sector.”



The government, nonetheless, is adamant about implementing the NHI, with its passage through the NCOP occurring as the nation approaches critical general elections. The ruling African National Congress (ANC), facing the possibility of losing majority control for the first time since 1994, remains dedicated to the NHI. Minister Phaahla, addressing concerns, stated, “The passage of the Bill does not close the door on consultations… the detail will emerge.”



However, the absence of detailed information since the bill&#8217;s drafting raises questions about its successful implementation. While the goal of achieving universal healthcare and addressing sector imbalances is widely supported, the practicality of this initiative under the current state administration, and the government&#8217;s capacity to effectively manage such a monumental task, remains uncertain. As the NHI bill stands on the brink of becoming law, the true test will lie in the government&#8217;s ability to navigate these complexities and transform policy into effective healthcare reform.

Why South Africa Is on the Brink of Chaos

Universal Healthcare And The Passage Of The NHI Bill In South Africa

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



The first “Grand Theft Auto VI” trailer shattered the record for YouTube’s most-viewed trailer launch of all-time on Monday, according to YouTube, raking in more than 93 million views in 24 hours.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



The GTA VI trailer, which was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2023/12/04/grand-theft-auto-vi-trailer-finally-drops-after-years-of-anticipation-and-leak-on-x/?sh=4b02bf0e7198">released prematurely</a>&nbsp;by Rockstar Games due to a leak, became YouTube’s most-viewed trailer launch ever in addition to setting a view record for a non-music video debut, according to a statement from the video platform.



The 90-second trailer, which also broke a Guinness World Record for most viewed video game reveal on YouTube in 24 hours, has more than 123 million views as of Thursday and is still YouTube’s No. 1 trending video after being published Monday.



The views brought in by the trailer don’t come as a surprise given the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RockstarGames/status/1730587560726892883?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announcement post</a>&nbsp;for the trailer posted last week on X, formerly known as Twitter, racked up 2 million likes and well over 150 million views.



Some details of GTA VI’s setting, main characters and story were revealed in the trailer, confirming a range of leaks and theories that floated online for the past few years.



YouTube creators have generated more than 250 million views off videos related to GTA VI, according to YouTube.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



<a href="https://ir.take2games.com/static-files/08f13511-2824-4d6e-9571-c857636f7ca6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">190 million</a>. That’s the number of “Grand Theft Auto V” units sold in the game’s 10-year lifespan, making it the third-best-selling video game of all-time behind Tetris (No. 1) and Minecraft (No. 2).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



The “Grand Theft Auto” franchise is a powerhouse in gaming and has set numerous records across its eight game series. The franchise’s most recent installment, GTA V, released in 2013 and has maintained an online multiplayer base ever since. Despite Rockstar Games updating GTA V’s multiplayer feature, players have clamored for another installment for more than three years. GTA VI, which will release in 2025, was subject to leaks and theories that gave information on the upcoming video game. One leak caused by a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RockstarGames/status/1571849091860029455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1571849091860029455%7Ctwgr%5Ed08388a58d881d13cb040dff021339d47726c990%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ign.com%2Farticles%2Fgta-6-everything-we-know-news-leaks-and-pre-trailer-intel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">network intrusion</a>&nbsp;last year revealed two of the game’s main characters as well as its setting, both of which were confirmed by the GTA VI trailer this week.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2023/12/04/grand-theft-auto-vi-trailer-finally-drops-after-years-of-anticipation-and-leak-on-x/?sh=4b02bf0e7198">‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ Trailer Finally Drops After Years Of Anticipation—And Leak On X</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2023/11/14/grand-theft-auto-hype-sends-take-two-stock-to-2023-high/?sh=64cb175541f7">‘Grand Theft Auto’ Hype Sends Take-Two Stock To 2023 High</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)

In this photo illustration, the Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6)

‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ Breaks Record For YouTube’s Most-Viewed Trailer Launch Ever

How’s this for irony? Slack, whose workplace messaging app has at some point prompted many employees to feel the tug of responding after hours, has a warning: People who feel obligated to work after hours also tend to be less productive.



New&nbsp;<a href="https://slack.com/blog/news/the-surprising-connection-between-after-hours-work-and-decreased-productivity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey data</a>&nbsp;from Slack’s&nbsp;<a href="https://slack.com/resources/collections/workforce-lab" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Workplace Lab</a>, which queried some 10,000 desk-based employees, found that people who log off at the end of the work day reported 20% higher productivity scores than those who feel the pressure to work after hours. Unsurprisingly, those who felt the need to log on after hours reported twice the work-related stress and burnout levels as their unplugged peers. (Those who chose to work late by choice, meanwhile, whether for scheduling reasons or because of personal ambitions, reported no downsides.)



The survey results—a continuation of Slack’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenamcgregor/2022/10/20/as-economic-concerns-rise-executives-are-reporting-record-high-stress-and-defaulting-to-old-office-habits/?sh=28ebb5c5594c">Future Forum research</a>, which was widely cited throughout the pandemic—comes at the end of a year when many CEOs, all in the name of greater productivity, have been pushing a do-more-with-less mentality and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenamcgregor/2023/08/19/the-war-over-work-from-home-the-data-ceos-and-workers-need-to-know/?sh=208cb2aa6afa">return-to-office mandates</a>&nbsp;that have many workers frustrated by workplace distractions and longer hours spent commuting. But in effect, such efforts could be making productivity worse.



“The conventional wisdom for productivity has always been if you want to produce more, just work more,” says Christina Janzer, senior vice president of research and analytics and the head of Slack’s Workforce Lab, which does research and experiments about improving ways of working. “This is our opportunity to myth-bust. More hours don’t necessarily mean better productivity.”



Janzer admits that while Slack has do-not-disturb settings, status updates and scheduled send tools, “there’s still more work for us to do to encourage them and make them more visible.” Still, it’s ultimately “up to the company and the team and the culture to really establish those ground rules,” she says.



Slack’s survey comes from self-reported answers rather than specific measures of study participants’ productivity or their number of work hours. It found that those who felt obligated to work after hours were 50% more likely to say they have too many competing priorities than those who work traditional hours; meanwhile, employees who worked longer hours reported similar daytime efficiency to those who worked a typical schedule, suggesting managers aren’t doing enough to prioritize work and prevent a sense of overload, Janzer says. For many organizations, the latest data shows “there’s a really big opportunity for managers to play a bigger role in helping people prioritize and take the time that they spend at work and make it time well spent,” says Janzer.



The survey also found that desk workers reported a “goldilocks zone” of four hours a day as an ideal amount of time for focused work, and that more than two hours of meetings is the point at which they feel overburdened. Meanwhile, half of desk workers surveyed said they rarely or never take breaks during the work day.



The survey’s finding about long hours and productivity is hardly new. Academic research has long shown that beyond a certain point, extra hours can lead to productivity declines. A 2014&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.iza.org/dp8129.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>, for instance, found that employee output falls sharply after a 50-hour work-week, and then falls precipitously after 55 hours. A Boston University&nbsp;<a href="https://hbr.org/2015/08/the-research-is-clear-long-hours-backfire-for-people-and-for-companies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>&nbsp;of consultants, meanwhile, found that managers couldn’t tell the difference between those who actually worked 80 hours a week and those who pretended to do so. Then there’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2021-long-working-hours-increasing-deaths-from-heart-disease-and-stroke-who-ilo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a>&nbsp;from the World Health Organization, which concludes that working 55 or more hours per week is associated with an estimated 35% higher risk of a stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from heart disease.



Yet at a time when hybrid work arrangements and an influx of technology allows people to rethink the patterns and practices of work, it’s a reminder that there are alternatives to simply pushing longer hours to get more out of people. “Productivity is not linear,” says Janzer, noting that 75% of survey respondents said they experience a productivity slump in the afternoons between 3 and 6 pm. “There’s these opportunities to really think about how people are spending and structuring their day.”



Slack’s survey also found that those who reported the most productivity were more likely to say they used time management strategies like blocking time for specific tasks, only checking email at specific times and setting timers to keep themselves focused. Slack is experimenting with some productivity tools itself: Recently, Janzer’s team had a “speedy meetings week” where it halved the length of all meetings—all 30-minute slots were scheduled for 15, for instance—to see how much time was really required. The company also has “maker weeks” twice each quarter, in which meetings are temporarily lifted from the calendar to rethink which ones work and which don’t.



“It’s a great forcing function,” Janzer says. “You’re able to really accomplish a lot from a productivity standpoint. But the second thing is it forces you to work in different ways. What you thought had to be a 30-minute meeting you realize actually [could] be an asynchronous post in Slack.” Or, as many have noted, an email.

Tired Black man, sleeping and burnout from working at night by office desk suffering stress or overworked. Exhausted African American male asleep on table by computer for long work hours at workplace

Feel Pressure To Work After Hours? You May Be Less Productive, Not More.

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The World’s Most Powerful Women

Nelson Mandela passed away on December 5 2013. A decade on, what has changed.



Today marks a decade since the loss of Nelson Mandela, South Africa&#8217;s emblematic hero, anti-apartheid champion, and a figure of global reverence. Mandela&#8217;s passing, a moment of profound national and international mourning, has become a pivotal point of reflection, particularly as his envisioned ‘Rainbow Nation’ South Africa remains elusive as the country grapples with severe socioeconomic and political challenges.



Professor Jonathan Jansen, Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University and a respected political columnist, reflects on this shift: &#8220;While Nelson Mandela is held in high esteem across the country, it&#8217;s true that with time, the intensity of commemoration fades. This is true for everyone, not just for the great man himself.&#8221;



Mandela&#8217;s contested legacy surfaces in the Nelson Mandela Foundation&#8217;s bold initiative – an interactive exhibition titled Mandela is Dead hosted in collaboration with The Forge and Stellenbosch University at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory in Houghton, Johannesburg.



The show encapsulates the growing debate over whether it&#8217;s time to reevaluate Mandela&#8217;s enduring influence on South African society and politics. The exhibition, which launched on the eve of December, attempts to nuance the legacy of the iconic leader.



&#8220;In the past few years, there has been a lot of contention around the meaning of Mandela&#8217;s legacy. Students and intellectuals are debating whether he was truly a &#8216;miracle maker.&#8217; Some criticize him for giving too much to F.W. de Klerk and the apartheid government [during the transition to democracy]. Others represent a more intellectual view, similar to that expressed by someone like [historian] Colin Bundy, which acknowledges his great impact despite his own challenges,&#8221; Jansen observes.



A symbol of resistance and reconciliation, Mandela led the African National Congress (ANC) through the darkest days of apartheid and shepherded the nation into a democratic era – notably, without a major civil conflict that much of the world saw as a foregone conclusion. His vision was of a non-racial, prosperous, and democratic South Africa, ideals that now face scrutiny amid the country&#8217;s lingering socio-economic crises.



&#8220;There is no longer an unconditional celebration of Mandela. His legacy is now viewed through both cynical and pragmatic lenses, considering all his complexities, including his weaknesses. With the current challenges the country faces, it&#8217;s hard to conjure up an image of a flawless leader, especially when basic services are lacking, and there are ongoing issues like loadshedding, children dying due to poor sanitation. This contrasts sharply with the spirit of the first decade following liberation, which was about moving from liberation to survival,&#8221; Jansen adds.



South Africa today wrestles with profound challenges: state capture, frequent power outages and rampant unemployment plague the nation. These issues starkly contrast with Mandela’s dream, spotlighting the gaps between his aspirations and the current realities. In his own desire to ensure a non-violent transition to democracy in South Africa, Mandela made accommodations that some see as allowing the structures of inequality under apartheid to continue to exist.



&#8220;His legacy has done nothing but keep the poor poor and the rich rich, freedom is not free,” reads one message written by a university student on a message board that formed part of the Mandela Is Dead exhibition, which provided a canvas for the reflections of South Africa’s youth, revealing a deepening rift between Mandela’s vision and the contemporary South African experience.



While Robben Island, Mandela&#8217;s long-term prison home, commemorated his legacy with a running event, the broader national observance was muted, highlighted only by a solidarity march for Palestinians in Pretoria. At the time of publishing, neither the ANC nor the Presidency of Cyril Ramaphosa had issued a commemoration of the day.



Mandela&#8217;s ANC, once the unchallenged political force in South Africa, faces the prospect of losing majorities in key provinces in the upcoming general election. This potential shift signals a transformation in public sentiment and perhaps a reevaluation of Mandela’s influence in contemporary South African politics.



&#8220;I&#8217;ve noticed a sentiment among my comrades, who are saying that the country has strayed far from its path. They question the point of celebrating the achievements of great men from 30 years ago,” continues Jansen. “Even people who were cabinet ministers under Mandela feel this way. The public mood has shifted. The unfettered celebration of Mandela as a great man isn&#8217;t as common anymore, except in smaller, more insular communities.”



As South Africa confronts these realities, the Mandela is Dead exhibition is a call to action, echoing his granddaughter Ndileka Mandela&#8217;s words at the exhibition launch, “South Africa belongs to all who live in it. Let us reclaim it.”



Malala Yousafzai, a global advocate for girls&#8217; education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate, delivered a poignant and impactful speech at the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, coinciding with the 10th anniversary. She drew parallels between her struggle and Mandela’s legacy of justice and equality: &#8220;Millions of Afghan girls are effectively imprisoned but they fight on, calling for justice, calling for the world to stand with them.&#8221; 



Her words echo Mandela’s lifelong commitment to fighting injustice and underscore the ongoing global struggle for human rights and equality.

A group of American and South African students, aged from 11 to 19, met with Nelson Mandela at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, on 2 June 2009. This is part of a series of activities ahead of Mandela Day on 18 July.

Nelson Mandela: Reflections On The 10th Anniversary Of The Former South African President’s Passing

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-adecadeofunder30">#ADecadeofUnder30</h3>



It’s that time of the year when anticipation gives way to excitement as FORBES AFRICA prepares to welcome and honor, yet again, the next cohort of young innovators, influencers and intellectuals taking the continent by storm.



Marking 10 years of the FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 list, this edition will also hark back to the journey of unearthing Africa’s youngest and brightest people taking the continent to the future. The 10th annual list will highlight the potential of what is yet to come.



“It has been 10 years of showcasing tomorrow’s titans and billionaires! This list continues to draw great interest from our readers, young and old. And on a continent with the world’s youngest population, it’s more pertinent than ever to unravel these young movers and shakers who will be tomorrow’s global newsmakers,” says Renuka Methil, Managing Editor, FORBES AFRICA.



With thousands of applicants and hundreds of list-makers over the past decade, FORBES AFRICA has shone the spotlight on award-winning musicians, actors, tech trailblazers, business leaders, sports stars and social entrepreneurs, among others, who have gone on to become behemoths in their own right. The list has also evolved in the past decade to look at the new wealth creators from the world of content creation and digital media.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/instagram-daily-2023-12-04T172738.612-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-60428" style="width:770px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/instagram-daily-2023-12-04T172738.612-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/instagram-daily-2023-12-04T172738.612-300x300.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/instagram-daily-2023-12-04T172738.612-150x150.png 150w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/instagram-daily-2023-12-04T172738.612-768x768.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/instagram-daily-2023-12-04T172738.612.png 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


From names like Tems, Thuso Mbedu, Sho Madjozi and Burna Boy or influencers like Kay Yarms, Mihlali Ndamase and Elsa Majimbo, and let’s not forget business pioneers such as Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa or Charlot Magayi, it has been a journey of listing stellar achievements. &nbsp;



Now is the time to invite the next 30 visionaries, risk-takers, change-makers and pioneers from Africa to take their place in the class of 2024. This is a list that promises to be our biggest and best yet as we foray our way into the next decade.



Our rigorous nominations process will require extensive paperwork including police clearance certificates (PCC) or a report from your country verifying that you have no criminal record, no ongoing or upcoming court cases and that you are a citizen of that country. The FORBES AFRICA 30 Under 30 team of curators will also need a recommendation/reference letter from a financial institution (like your bank), ensuring that you are a legitimate business/brand employing funds responsibly. We recommend that you contact your financial institution or advisor to prepare for this part of the process as well as apply for your PCC as it could potentially take 4-6 weeks.



Should you wish to nominate someone or yourself, please read the following.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-judging-process-will-take-place-in-four-stages">The judging process will take place in four stages:</h3>



<ul>
<li>The first stage will be the evaluation of your motivation. If you do not hear back from us (within a specific period), please deem your nomination as unsuccessful.</li>



<li>The second stage will require potential candidates to submit further documentation for the next stage of assessment.</li>



<li>The third stage will include an analysis of your financials, revenue model and credibility as in-depth research will be conducted into who you are and your company/team (no criminal records, troubling lawsuits/bankruptcies, allegations of crime, bad behavior, sexual harassment/abuse cases or fraud).</li>



<li>The final stage will have an expert panel of judges assess the strong candidates, whittling them down to the final 30. The editorial and research team makes the final selection based on judges’ scoring/remarks and adjusts for diversity across company type, gender, background, etc.</li>
</ul>



NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATION CRITERIA:&nbsp;



Please read and take careful note of the following before applying.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-business-and-technology-categories-nbsp">Business and Technology categories&nbsp;</h3>



<ol start="1" style="list-style-type:1">
<li>Must be an entrepreneur/founder aged 29 or younger as on&nbsp;31&nbsp;March 2024&nbsp;</li>



<li>Should have a legitimate&nbsp;REGISTERED&nbsp;business on the continent&nbsp;</li>



<li>Business/businesses should be two years or older&nbsp;(please ensure you have your audited financial documents for at least two years as well as your company’s registration documents; should you make the second stage, this will be required)&nbsp;</li>



<li>The more innovative the business the better&nbsp;(as it speaks to Africa’s growth story)&nbsp;</li>



<li>Have you/your company created social impact on the African continent?&nbsp;</li>



<li>The company must be profit-generating&nbsp;</li>



<li>Must employ people in Africa&nbsp;</li>



<li>All applications must be in English&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-sports-category">Sports category</h3>



<ol start="1" style="list-style-type:1">
<li>Must be a sports person aged 29 or younger as on 31 March 2024</li>



<li>Must be representing an African team</li>



<li>Should have a proven track-record of no less than two years</li>



<li>Should be making significant earnings</li>



<li>Endorsement deals and/or awards of any kind would be a bonus</li>



<li>Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must oblige by the same rules as under Business/Technology</li>



<li>All applications must be in English</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-creatives-category-nbsp">Creatives category&nbsp;</h3>



<ol start="1" style="list-style-type:1">
<li>Must be a creative aged 29 or younger as on 31 March 2024&nbsp;</li>



<li>Must be from or based in Africa&nbsp;</li>



<li>Should have significant earnings&nbsp;</li>



<li>Should have a proven creative record of no less than two years&nbsp;</li>



<li>Awards/recognition of any kind should be mentioned&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>



<li>Social media presence will be taken into consideration&nbsp;</li>



<li>Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must be legitimate, registered and also two years or older&nbsp;</li>



<li>All applications must be in English&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-health-science-category-nbsp">Health/Science category&nbsp;</h3>



<ol start="1" style="list-style-type:1">
<li>Must be a creative aged 29 or younger as on 31 March 2024</li>



<li>Must be from or based in Africa&nbsp;</li>



<li>Should have a proven track-record in the field of health and/or science for no less than two years</li>



<li>Must have social influence and impact&nbsp;</li>



<li>If the nominee is a doctor/professor, please provide us with documentation and a reference letter from the institution where the applicant received a doctorate or Ph.D.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>



<li>Entrepreneurship and social impact are a plus, especially if applying under the Business/Technology category. However, the business must be legitimate, registered, and also two years or older&nbsp;</li>



<li>All applications must be in English</li>
</ol>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/logounder30-blk4-1-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-59683" style="width:302px;height:302px" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/logounder30-blk4-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/logounder30-blk4-1-300x300.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/logounder30-blk4-1-150x150.png 150w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/logounder30-blk4-1-768x768.png 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/logounder30-blk4-1-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/logounder30-blk4-1-2048x2048.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<a href="https://form.typeform.com/to/n0RuVTFD">Please apply here </a>



<div data-tf-widget="n0RuVTFD" data-tf-opacity="100" data-tf-iframe-props="title=30 Under 30" data-tf-transitive-search-params data-tf-medium="snippet" style="width:100%;height:500px;"></div><script src="//embed.typeform.com/next/embed.js"></script>

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Call For Nominations To FORBES AFRICA’s 10th Milestone 30 Under 30 List: The Class Of 2024

Finance is a crucial change agent in society, government, and technology.



The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally altering the financial world. AI is a form of technology that confers intelligence on machines. In my 2013 book, Economic Modeling Using Artificial Intelligence Methods, I demonstrated how



AI could forecast economic indicators, predict stock prices in stock exchanges, perform credit scoring in banks, and model complex financial instruments such as options, futures, and derivatives. In our 2017 book, Artificial Intelligence and Economic Theory, Evan Hurwitz and I demonstrate how AI affects how economists think about demand and supply, pricing, and behavioral economics. Utilizing AI’s capabilities, the financial sector is on the verge of massive disruptive changes that present new opportunities and risks. This article examines how AI affects economic systems, specifically the financial sector, markets, and the government.



Using machine learning, predictive analytics, and natural language processing, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way institutions operate. Additionally, AI opens up new avenues for customer service, risk management, and business advice.



For example, AI-powered chatbots and virtual helpers help with customer service around the clock, simplifying user interfaces and making it easier to answer questions quickly.



Consequently, they enhance consumer experience and reduce expenses. For instance, in risk management and credit scoring, AI algorithms can examine enormous amounts of data to identify patterns and assess risk levels. This makes financial services available to a larger population.



In the investment world, robo-advisors have become popular. They use AI’s analytical capabilities to offer cheap, personalized financial advice. Through these changes, AI is making it easier for more people to use financial services and driving the global financial system to be more open to more people.



AI is also changing the way financial markets work. For example, AI has changed how stocks are bought and sold with high-frequency algorithmic trading. AI can analyze vast financial data in milliseconds to identify trends and make trades. This is a substantial improvement over traditional methods making markets move faster, more open and work better. However, increased market speed ushers market stability and systemic risks, requiring protection and strong oversight to avoid these problems.



Regulators worldwide seek to deal with AI’s problems, such as data protection and algorithmic transparency. Accordingly, there should be a balance between encouraging innovation and protecting the financial security and consumer interests in regulations. AI can simplify compliance procedures, monitor



financial transactions in real-time for illicit activities, and predict market glitches, making regulators more proactive.



In the African market, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a trade deal that aims to increase trade significantly within Africa, offers unique opportunities for AI.



The agreement covers a broad range of aspects of Africa’s economy, such as digital trade and the protection of investments. Moreover, the number of countries in the AfCFTA will make it the largest free trade area globally, linking 1.3 billion people in 54 countries with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. AI can make the AfCFTA work better and reach its goals.



For example, AI can help improve trade logistics by making delivery systems, customs processes, and tracking and tracing more efficient. It can find the best ways to move goods, predict delays, and give traders real-time information. In addition, AI can analyze trade data to identify patterns, trends, and connections. This can help policymakers make better choices and predict and respond to future trends better.



AI-powered systems can make cross-border e-commerce more efficient, a sector expected to grow under the AfCFTA. AI can create personalized product recommendations and automate customer service. In education and training, AI can help people acquire the skills they need for an African economy that works better together.



However, for AI to achieve the goals of the AfCFTA, it is essential to have good AI governance and regulation. Furthermore, we need to invest in digital infrastructure and education.



In conclusion, AI is vital to changing how the world’s economic system works. It affects financial services, markets, and regulation. AI is ushering in a new age of innovation and efficiency.



However, as AI continues to change how the financial world works, a cautious and thorough approach is needed to make the most of its prospects and manage its risks well. There needs to be strong regulatory frameworks, investments in AI literacy and skills, and a commitment to ethical AI values. These objectives are essential if we want an AI-driven financial future that is both prosperous and sustainable in Africa.

Manager engineer control Innovation of robotics  automation robot ai Business data analytics process management

How Artificial Intelligence Affects The Financial Sector In Africa

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



An uptick of mycoplasma pneumonia cases in children has caused outbreaks in Ohio, Massachusetts, China and Denmark, though officials say they aren’t connected or linked to a “new or novel” virus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



The illness is caused by a bacteria called “mycoplasma pneumoniae,”&nbsp;and results in typically mild respiratory infections, though the illness can progress into a serious lung infection that calls for hospitalization,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/atypical/mycoplasma/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.



Mycoplasma pneumonia is sometimes dubbed “<a href="https://www.vinmec.com/en/news/health-news/general-health-check/what-does-a-white-chest-x-ray-indicate/#:~:text=A%20white%20lung%20or%20white,be%20detected%20and%20treated%20promptly." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white lung pneumonia</a>” due to white patches caused by the disease that present on the lungs during X-rays.



The Warren County Health District in Ohio released a&nbsp;<a href="https://warrenchd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/WCHD-Media-Release-Update-2.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>&nbsp;Thursday indicating a pneumonia outbreak that began in August has affected at least 145 children between the ages of three and 14.



“Mycoplasma pneumoniae”&nbsp;was among the specimens at fault, along with “streptococcus pneumoniae” and adenovirus, which all cause pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, the WCHD indicated in a separate&nbsp;<a href="https://warrenchd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/WCHD-media-release-pneumonia-112923-004-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>&nbsp;released Wednesday.



The WCHD said the increase of pneumonia cases is not linked to a “new or novel” respiratory illness, but rather a spike in normal pediatric cases, and stated the outbreak isn’t related to any other outbreaks statewide, nationally or globally.



Massachusetts is also <a href="https://www.westernmassnews.com/2023/11/29/doctors-seeing-increase-walking-pneumonia-rsv-cases-kids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reporting</a> an outbreak of pediatric “<a href="https://www.lung.org/blog/what-is-walking-pneumonia#:~:text=%22Walking%20pneumonia%22%20is%20a%20non,common%20bacterium%20called%20Mycoplasma%20pneumonia." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">walking pneumonia</a>” cases—which refers to mild pneumonia infection often caused by “mycoplasma pneumoniae”—as well as an uptick in other respiratory illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



Mycoplasma pneumonia has also been spreading in China and Denmark. Researchers from Denmark’s Statens Serum Institute have&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssi.dk/aktuelt/nyheder/2023/der-er-epidemi-med-mycoplasmainfektioner-ogsaa-kendt-som-kold-lungebetaendelse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a>&nbsp;mycoplasma pneumonia infections have reached epidemic status in the country. The spike began during the summer, but quickly increased over the past five weeks. Over 540 cases were reported last week—triple the number of cases reported in mid-October. Chinese officials reported during a health conference in November there has been an uptick in respiratory illnesses since mid-October,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON494" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to the World Health Organization. However, they blamed this surge on the lifting of Covid restrictions and said it was linked to known illnesses, like Covid, RSV, the flu and mycoplasma pneumonia. WHO echoed China’s sentiments,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON494" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">saying</a>&nbsp;though the surge is early in the typical flu season, it’s not unexpected due to the removal of Covid restrictions in the country. Republican lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2023/11/30/cdc-director-says-respiratory-illnesses-in-china-not-caused-by-new-virus/?sh=61bcf670722b">grilled</a>&nbsp;CDC director Mandy Cohen on Thursday about China’s trustworthiness in reporting the surge in infections. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) likened the surge and the alleged lack of information from China to “a troubling parallel to 2020,” in reference to the early days of the Covid pandemic. Cohen said the rise in cases isn’t linked to a “new or novel” virus, but instead due to respiratory illnesses like mycoplasma pneumonia, an explanation in line with China and WHO.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangent">TANGENT</h2>



Mycoplasma infection is most common in the fall and late summer, and though anyone can get infected, it mainly affects children and younger adults,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/mycoplasma/fact_sheet.htm#:~:text=Typical%20symptoms%20include%20fever%2C%20cough,mild%20and%20rarely%20requires%20hospitalization)." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according</a>&nbsp;to the New York State Department of Health. Usual symptoms include sore throat, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, wheezing, headache, ear infection and chest soreness, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430780/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>&nbsp;published in StatPearls reports. Symptoms typically last for a few days but can stretch for more than a month, and they usually begin between two to three weeks following exposure. Though most infections are mild, they can lead to severe complications like lung abscess, respiratory failure, fluid buildup in the lungs and pus in the lungs. There are no vaccines to prevent mycoplasma infection, but it can be treated with antibiotics as it is a bacterial infection, unlike Covid and the flu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/antoniopequenoiv/2023/11/30/cdc-director-says-respiratory-illnesses-in-china-not-caused-by-new-virus/?sh=61bcf670722b">CDC Director Says Respiratory Illnesses In China Not Caused By New Virus</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2023-DON494" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upsurge of respiratory illnesses among children-Northern China</a> (The World Health Organization)

Shot of little african-american boy  being vaccinated on her arm by a pediatrician at doctor’s office.

What Is Mycoplasma Pneumonia? Dubbed ‘Walking Pneumonia’ Or ‘White Lung Pneumonia’ And Linked To Pediatric Outbreaks In Ohio And Massachusetts

For many, the reality of raising a family is an arduous journey – and often a silent one. In recent years, there has been remarkable progress in the field of reproductive technologies. These technologies include medical procedures used primarily to address infertility. In fact, the global assisted reproductive technology market size was valued at $28.2 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $42.5 billion by 2030, according to a research report published by Spherical Insights &amp; Consulting.



In the African context, research suggests that our constantly and rapidly changing lifestyle is fundamentally impacting fertility. Fertility has emerged as a medico- sociocultural problem. The continent also has a higher prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI), and postpartum and postabortion infections, which contribute to both male and female infertility.



In fact, a 2019 study conducted by Ombelet and Onofre found that infertility had a higher prevalence in low-resource countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. At the time, it was estimated that more than 180 million couples were impacted by infertility in the region. As the authors concluded: “The magnitude of childlessness in African countries has dimensions beyond its prevalence.” At its core, infertility is a human rights issue that demands attention.



In the 21st century, what are the ethical implications of reframing our creation of humans? As we venture into our own ‘brave new world’, we must do so with a framework in place. We find ourselves in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), defined by great disruption to technology, industries, and society, which calls for changes to policy and our approaches.



There are two broad factors to consider in this shift: how do we safeguard core legal values – such as equal treatment under the law, procedural fairness, and due process and adequate access to justice for all, for instance – and how do we adapt to these broad societal changes? There are also key concerns in our own context. Infertility in Africa is impacted by epidemiological barriers as there is a lack of data informing the burden of infertility, the need for reproductive technologies and even access. Moreover, inequalities are starkly presented in conversations around access both from a geographical standpoint and a financial perspective.



Ombelet and Onofre’s study found that “more than 98% of the continent cannot afford In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) because it is either too expensive or because of a lack of IVF centers”.



In 2018, Botha et al. found that ‘inaccess’ was driven by the confluence of widespread poverty, inadequate government or insurance support, insufficient resource allocation for capacity building, and the absence of facilities. There are also challenges in the cultural, religious, and societal perception of both infertility and its treatment, which are pervasive in many parts of Africa. In some cases, this is largely the impact of limited knowledge of the public, patients, and even healthcare providers. This is coupled with restrictive health policies, which have to be challenged.



What is required is a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach that takes into account the socioeconomic context.



Some solutions include raising awareness and education about available treatments and the benefits and risks; addressing cultural and religious beliefs around the technology and encouraging open dialogue; making artificial reproductive technologies more affordable on the continent through reducing 



costs; comprehensive healthcare coverage and public-private partnerships; and increasing research capabilities and data collection in this field to allow for infrastructure development.



Additionally, as other technologies of the 4IR have demonstrated, we need sound ethical frameworks. This will be the basis for our approach to regulation. This will require the legal fraternity to keep up with developments in the space and respond accordingly. While there are broad ethical frameworks in place, it is imperative that we get more specific as these technologies shift from theory to practice. Researchers Pepper and Slabbert state: “Legislation in its broadest sense should be seen as a permanent work- in-progress requiring ongoing review.” 



This is how we continue to break barriers and explore the unknown ethically. Legislation is largely reactive. In the 4IR, however, there is an increasing argument for a proactive approach.



What is apparent is that as these technologies increasingly emerge, society needs to respond accordingly. If we have any hope of ensuring greater access and acceptance, then we must ensure that we are adapting to this shifting context. As the biologist and author of Daedalus, JBS Haldane, once poignantly wrote, “We can foretell little of the future save that the thing that has not been is the thing that shall be.”

doctor analysing cell samples in a clinical fertility laboratory

The Ethics And Legality Of Artificial Reproductive Technology In An African Context

I attended the US-Africa Business Summit in July in Botswana, a country I have lived in in my youth, as a bachelor and then as a parent to boot.



The kids were born in the country’s new and first private hospital, GPH, efficient and chic, way back in the 1990s.



The conference center is equally so today – sparkling, purpose-driven, punctuated by smart cops along the brand-new roads leading there. A hallmark of Botswana. No wastage. Elegantly done at just the right time.



I left Botswana 25 years ago and have traveled the globe a bit. A journey that made me understand geopolitics and see its hypocrisies. Yet, this Kalahari country of my youth quietly got so many things right: control over its primary resources, universal free health, education, buffering cattle farmers from market volatilities, infrastructure, institution building, respect for the law, clean elections, conservatism, and a policy-driven government staying true to its manifesto.



A case study on getting things done.



Yet, many of my old friends, prosperous and welcomed as they have been in their adopted country, remain critical.



I dare say I left them unmoved. Familiarity breeds contempt?



But if the country still had many flaws, diamonds too need imperfections to shine.



The weather that week was the quintessential Kalahari winter I had long forgotten. Cold and crisp in the shade and warm in the sun, dry in its core but embracing in its reach; epitomizing the Motswana spirit.



‘What you see is what you get.’ A GDP (Purchasing Power Parity) per capita of about $20,000, Africa’s best credit rating, and a literacy rate of about 90%. The country has shown what planning and execution can achieve in only five decades.



I have a special bond with it.



1966 is my birth year and the year of Botswana’s independence.



At that time, one of the poorest – with a GDP per capita of about $70 per year – landlocked and two-thirds desert, it has transformed itself from being hopeless to a developed country today.



The country’s tale of self-rule is intertwined with that of white supremacy to prevent a marriage between an African chieftain destined to be the first President and his white British fiancée. They overcame it against all odds while maintaining peace with an unapologetic British government and an apartheid neighbor, South Africa.



It is a story of love and self-belief.



And above all, supreme diplomacy from a rustic but wise nation to forge a modern nation. Indeed, a testament to the rural fabric of fortitude and patience.



If indeed a country’s future lies in its history, this country’s common sense is its foundation.



While there, my evenings were laced with nostalgic dinners. Soaked in old stories, revealed, regaled, and rekindled.



Touchingly, those lovely people of Gaborone, the country’s capital, served up my favorite cravings and my special indulgences. Bonded with love and tied with memories.



Humane but often elusive. Serene indeed to see people from yesteryears making time for you. The President is an imposing figure with conviction; he’s articulate and clearly visualizes a thriving, peaceful Botswana.



And indeed, he is so comfortable as an African thought leader.



I recalled the days of a ‘quiet’ Botswana.



Now, their charismatic leader espouses African collaboration, instilling hope, and embracing the wisdom that deliverance for Africa must come from ‘us, the people’.



He reiterates the enormous possibilities, the need to share knowledge within Africa and the necessity of collective bargaining.



The miracle that the continent survives despite the incessant barrage of exogenous influences should embolden us for greater things, not derail us.



I bow to Botswana, the cradle to my young impressionable days where the seeds of inspiration were sown in me.



I learned the joys of networking, collaborating, and understanding different cultures in this little unheralded town.



I learned humility was a tool, humanity a constant and hubris a disease. For prosperity, peace, and progress. In a continent of discontent, Botswana is that beacon of hope and tranquility. May it drive the destiny of Africa. A harbinger of greatness and a poster boy of solidity in the maligned and exploited continent of Africa. Thank you, Botswana, as you seek your rightful place among the great nations of this world.

Gaborone, South East, Botswana 27 April 2017 aerial panorama of  Main Mall

A Homecoming: To The Beacon Of Hope And Tranquility

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



Israel and Hamas on Thursday agreed to extend an ongoing temporary ceasefire by an additional day, just minutes before it was set to expire, a move that will allow for continued negotiations on the release of more hostages from Gaza in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



The extension was announced by the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MofaQatar_EN/status/1730096017763107245" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qatari Foreign Ministry</a>—which is mediating discussions between the two sides—just minutes before the ceasefire agreement was set to expire at 7 a.m. local time.



The extended truce maintains the same conditions both sides had agreed to previously where Hamas will release at least 10 Israeli hostages every day in exchange for 30 Palestinian prisoners.



Qatari officials said efforts for permanent ceasefire agreement are still ongoing.



The Israeli Prime Minister’s office said it has already informed the relatives of hostages who are expected to be released on Thursday, with&nbsp;Haaretz&nbsp;<a href="https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2023-11-30/ty-article-live/12-israelis-four-thai-nationals-released-from-hamas-captivity-in-gaza/0000018c-1e28-db78-adcc-be7c50fb0007?liveBlogItemId=720471109&amp;htm_source=site&amp;htm_medium=button&amp;htm_campaign=live_blog_item#720471109" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reporting</a>&nbsp;that the list could include eight women and children.



This is a developing story.

Two-Day Truce Extension Promises Release Of More Israeli Hostages And Palestinian Prisoners

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Extended By One More Day Minutes Before It Was Set To Expire

In South Africa, a revolutionary method for dark matter search that is setting a new trajectory for future explorations.



The quest to unravel the mysteries of dark matter has taken a significant turn with the latest research from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa. Spearheaded by Professor Deepak Kar and his former PhD student, now postdoctoral researcher Sukanya Sinha, this study is published in Physics Letters B and marks a pivotal shift from traditional approaches in dark matter exploration.



Dark matter, invisible yet comprising about a quarter of the universe&#8217;s mass, has long puzzled scientists. Traditional searches have focused on weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), but to date, these efforts have not yielded concrete evidence of its existence. The Wits team, working at the ATLAS experiment at CERN (a center for scientific research in Switzerland), ventured into uncharted territory by investigating semi-visible jets, a novel concept in Dark Matter searches.



Kan, in an interview with FORBES AFRICA, sheds light on the significance of this new approach: &#8220;We looked for a very specific signature of dark matter, which no one has ever looked at, and we didn&#8217;t find it. So what does it tell us? That the dark matter probably doesn&#8217;t exist in that form, or even if it does, the fraction is probably much, much smaller.&#8221; This discovery informs and directs future research, eliminating certain possibilities in the elusive search for dark matter.



Kan further elaborates on the practical implications of their findings: &#8220;Future research in the exploration of dark matter would be informed by this&#8230; Our study is the most prominent result because it&#8217;s an experimental research.&#8221; He also notes the broader impact of their work: &#8220;Our research informs new ways we can look for dark matter in, say, visible jets and beyond. It tells us what is not there, reducing the possibilities.&#8221;



Discussing the relevance of dark matter research to daily life, Kan states: &#8220;It&#8217;s not something which helps in everyday lives directly&#8230; but it might lead to the development of technologies and techniques which can be used in more practical research.&#8221;



He highlights the long-term potential of such fundamental research, drawing parallels with the development of the World Wide Web and advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence, which originated from similar scientific endeavors.



This research by the Wits University team not only propels the scientific community closer to understanding one of the universe&#8217;s greatest mysteries but also exemplifies the profound impact of fundamental research on technological and practical advancements. As the quest for dark matter continues, this novel method introduced by the Wits team stands as a beacon of innovation in the expansive field of astrophysics.

Researchers Prof Deepak Kar and Sukanya Sinha; Image supplied1

Wits University’s New Direction In Understanding One Of The Universe’s Greatest Mysteries

Traveling for work these days is not as simple as booking a flight, packing a suitcase and heading for the nearest airport lounge.



With the price of airline tickets sky-rocketing and the cost of hotel rooms in the stratosphere, companies are encouraging employees to get better bang for their travel buck.



To cut costs, bosses suggest cramming more meetings into the time away, driving to destinations instead of flying and – yes, you guessed it – sharing a hotel room with a colleague.



Many bosses have tried to dress up shared accommodation arrangements by telling employees that cohabitating is the perfect opportunity to build camaraderie and team work.



Some have been more direct and told staff that room shares might prevent a reduction in head count if they are forced to tighten their belts down the line.



Others have told staff it is not unlawful to ask colleagues to share rooms and recommended that they go with the flow and “buddy up” to save their company dollars.



But just because employees can share a hotel room does not mean they should.



Sharing with a colleague can be bad under any circumstance let alone if you are feeling unwell, experiencing “gassy” conditions, are prone to allergies or experience congestion during the evening.



And it can be uncomfortable to share a room with an early riser when you are a night owl or when you are forced to endure your colleague’s snoring or realize your roommate is a sleep walker.



Besides, being forced to witness your colleague in a towel or their sleepwear, share their soap when you shower and navigate their toiletries in the bathroom all go way beyond the call of duty.



It is important in the modern workplace that we get to know our colleagues though we only want to learn about work- appropriate aspects, not their more intimate or private sides.



Sharing rooms erodes the professional boundaries that we spend considerable time establishing.



You will not view your colleague Anna the same way if you become aware that she downs three shots of vodka each evening to help her to sleep. You will probably have a different view of Alan if you have been forced to listen to his raunchy sleep talking. And you will most likely have an alternative view of Alice after witnessing her 10-step bedtime regime, which includes two hours of reading before retiring but leaving a light on throughout the night.



If that is not enough to seal the case against sharing a hotel room with a workmate, there is more to consider.



Some people have medical conditions they would prefer not to disclose or be forced to manage in front of colleagues.



And of course the risk of sexual harassment is very real when unwanted advances take place behind closed doors in a shared hotel room.



Some employees will get around the problem of shared hotel rooms by paying for their own single room. Yet paying out of their own pockets is neither a reasonable nor fair solution to this escalating dilemma.



What is needed is for more workers to push back and make the point work travel is draining and that it is important to be well-rested to be effective in their line of work.



The more workers oppose shared accommodation arrangements then the greater the chance that employers will listen.



There is also the prospects of employers reducing costs by using cheaper hotel chains, making greater use of day trips without overnight stays and organizing virtual meetings as an alternative to travel.



But if the boss does require room-sharing, secure your employer’s assurance they will cover the expense of booking a separate room if your roommate’s behavior affects your ability to get a good night’s sleep.



Employees who travel for business to benefit their employer should be treated with the respect and regard they deserve.



This includes privacy and safety, a place for downtime away from colleagues and the opportunity to relax without having to worry about the views, emotions, routines and rituals of their colleagues.



Forcing employees to get to know each other in such an intimate way is not appropriate and can end up diminishing or destroying otherwise good working relationships between individuals.



To put this matter to bed once and for all, companies must refrain from asking employees to share rooms when traveling for work.



The risks will always outweigh the savings.

Interior of hotel room with twin beds

Sharing Rooms On Work Travels: The Good, Bad And Ugly

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



Shein, a China-based company that dominates the fast-fashion industry, has confidentially filed to go public, the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/fast-fashion-giant-shein-files-to-go-public-30a97410?mod=business_lead_story" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wall Street Journal</a> and <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/27/shein-files-for-us-ipo-as-fast-fashion-giant-looks-to-expand-its-global-reach.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNBC</a> reported Monday.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY FACTS</h2>



Shein will be working with Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley as underwriters on the offering, the Wall Street Journal reported.



The initial public offering could happen as soon as 2024, people with knowledge of the matter told CNBC and the Journal.



Last year Shein was valued at $100 billion—worth more than the combined value of two of its fast-fashion competitors, Zara and H&amp;M, according to previous Forbes <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/janeho/2022/11/09/founder-of-fast-fashion-phenomenon-shein-joins-ranks-of-chinas-richest-after-new-fundraising/?sh=10f1cb782bc7">reporting</a>—though Bloomberg reported the value <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-07/shein-targets-up-to-90-billion-valuation-in-us-ipo-sources-say?embedded-checkout=true#xj4y7vzkg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dropped</a> to between $50 billion and $60 billion this year as higher interest rates and an uncertainty cloud the market.



Shein declined to comment to Forbes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



Earlier this month, people familiar with Shein’s IPO intentions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-07/shein-targets-up-to-90-billion-valuation-in-us-ipo-sources-say?embedded-checkout=true#xj4y7vzkg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a>&nbsp;Bloomberg the company hopes to get a valuation of around $80 billion or $90 billion before going public, which would be one of the largest initial public offerings ever.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



An IPO has long been rumored for Shein, which was founded in 2008 and quickly gained ground in the fast-fashion field. It’s known for selling trendy clothes that target Gen Z buyers with dirt cheap prices, regularly offering products for under $10. The company has faced its fair share of controversy and has regularly been criticized for relying on cotton produced with forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region. Earlier this year, 16 state attorneys general formally asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to not allow Shein to go public until it can prove the company doesn’t use forced labor, CNBC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/30/shein-faces-scrutiny-over-forced-labor-before-ipo.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>. Shein is also under investigation by a House committee scrutinizing China, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://selectcommitteeontheccp.house.gov/media/press-releases/select-committee-releases-interim-findings-shein-temu-forced-labor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>&nbsp;from June said Shein and Temu—another fast fashion company—“raise serious concerns about the continued presence of products made with forced labor contaminating American imports.” Shein has denied that it uses forced labor, Bloomberg&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-24/us-lawmaker-seeks-investigation-that-could-bar-shein-apparel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FORBES VALUATION</h2>



We estimate <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/chris-xu/?sh=237275327aa4">Sky Xu</a>, founder and CEO of Shein, to be worth $11.2 billion as of Monday evening, making him the 166th wealthiest person in the world. He was also listed at No. 19 on Forbes’ <a href="https://www.forbes.com/lists/china-billionaires/?sh=4cbb22262d43">China’s Richest list</a>, published earlier this month.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



An IPO has long been rumored for Shein, which was founded in 2008 and quickly gained ground in the fast-fashion field. It’s known for selling trendy clothes that target Gen Z buyers with dirt cheap prices, regularly offering products for under $10. The company has faced its fair share of controversy and has regularly been criticized for relying on cotton produced with forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region, home to the Uyghur population. Earlier this year, 16 state attorneys general formally asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to not allow Shein to go public until it can prove the company doesn’t use forced labor, CNBC&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/30/shein-faces-scrutiny-over-forced-labor-before-ipo.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>. Shein is also under investigation by a House committee scrutinizing China, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://selectcommitteeontheccp.house.gov/media/press-releases/select-committee-releases-interim-findings-shein-temu-forced-labor" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>&nbsp;from June said Shein and Temu—another fast fashion company—“raise serious concerns about the continued presence of products made with forced labor contaminating American imports.” Shein has denied that it uses forced labor, Bloomberg&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-24/us-lawmaker-seeks-investigation-that-could-bar-shein-apparel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>.

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Shein Reportedly Files For IPO Amid Fast-Fashion Surge

The African Cup of Nations (AFCON), the continent’s most important international men’s association football competition, is less than two months away. FORBES AFRICA offers some insight into what one can expect in the build-up to this much-anticipated exhibition.



Few times, if ever, has the favorite going into an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament emerged after a month of intense action hoisting aloft the trophy.



But two years ago, at the last edition in Cameroon, Senegal were certainly a sentimental favorite because they had come so close on several previous occasions but never won, and so when they emerged as victors, it was to many neutrals’ delight.



As reigning African champions, that will make them among the fancied sides this time round, which if historic precedence is followed, will not be welcome.



No team since Egypt in 2008 has been able to hold on to the African crown and Ghana and Cameroon are the only other countries able to retain their title.



The 34th edition Cup of Nations will kick off on January 13 and is being hosted in the Côte d&#8217;Ivoire – a second time for the West African country after the 1984 finals.



Then it was an eight-team tournament, completed in the space of 14 days, but Africa’s continental championship is much evolved. This time round, the Ivorians host 24 teams at six different stadia, four of them newly built for the tournament, which will have a bevy of top stars on display, with the ever-increasing number of African players now featuring in the top leagues in Europe.



Their clubs are not happy they will be absent for up to a month but FIFA rules dictate national teams enjoy preference on the players’ service over clubs when a continental championship, like AFCON, is hosted. Ideally, the players should not have to suffer the tug of club versus country.



But this tournament was moved back six months because of concerns over the rainy season in the region and is now being hosted slap bang in the middle of the league season to the chagrin of the clubs who now lose the services of their best African players.



The concerns over the weather should have been raised when the Ivorians first bid to host the finals but are genuine and have already caused much consternation long before a ball has even been kicked.



The newly-built showpiece Stade Olympique d&#8217;Ebimpé in Abidjan, where the final is due to be played on February 11, turned into a paddling pool in September when the Ivory Coast played Mali in a friendly and the heavens opened. There was no proper drainage and eventually the game had to be called off to the embarrassment of the Ivorians.



There were pitch problem at the last Cup of Nations in Cameroon too, to the consternation of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and they can ill afford a repeat this time, seeking to assure that the playing surfaces are of a quality that ensures a good footballing spectacle. French experts have been called in to make sure all the pitches are ready for carpet football once the event gets underway.



If all conditions do turn out to be top class, it is tournament that has the potential to be a top quality event, given the strength and depth of the protagonists.



Of the 24 participating nations, half have won the tournament previously. This time there are no newcomers but some tricky minnows with a proven pedigree for creating carnage. Equatorial Guinea and the Gambia, for example, were giant killers at the last finals and return again with the ability to upset the established pecking order.



Hosts Côte d&#8217;Ivoire, who have won twice before in 1992 and 2015, have a talented squad but are a little short of tournament temperament. They will look to the former England international Wilfred Zaha to lead their hopes and he certainly has the x-factor to lead them to the winners’ podium.



Morocco, on the back of their heroic exploits at the 2022 World Cup, will be the most fancied side but teams from Arabic-speaking North Africa have a long history of struggling when AFCON is hosted south of the Sahara.



Egypt did win in Burkina Faso in 1998 and again in Ghana 10 years thereafter, but Morocco have pointedly failed time and again in the continental championship, particularly when they have been hailed as pre-competition favorites.



Perhaps this will be their time given the confidence they collected in Qatar, where the 2022 World Cup took place, when they became the first African, and Arab, nation to reach the semi-final.



Algeria will have a heavyweight selection of French-born players from the massive Diaspora that they have across the Mediterranean, while Egypt are ever dangerous, particularly if Mohamed Salah is on song. Egypt lost narrowly in the last Cup of Nations finals to Senegal on post-match penalties.



It has been a decade since Nigeria last won the competition but this could be their opportunity again with a squad brimful of attacking talent. It is led by the striker Victor Osimhen, who finished top scorer in Italy last season where he helped Napoli to win the league.



Often times, however, the players’ ambition is let down by the foibles of their administrators, whose incompetence might make things tough for Nigeria to realize its massive potential.



The tournament is being played in Abidjan (two stadiums), Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussoukro with all but two of the venues built specifically for the tournament.

Tag: South Africa

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