Bert Olivier

Bert Olivier is an honorary professor of philosophy at the University of the Free State, South Africa. As well as philosophy, he engages in productive explorations of disciplines such as architectural and psychoanalytical theory and film studies

South Africa’s fumbling response to Covid-19 poses questions

Coronavirus Bert Olivier - 10 May 2020

A strict lockdown is not only unenforceable, but the question must be asked: is it necessary at all? The examples of South Korea, Taiwan and Sweden suggest perhaps not

The coronavirus and the rise of the network society

Article Bert Olivier - 2 May 2020

Two kinds of virus, one biological and the other digital, have spread around the world, changing society and creating social elites

Covid-19 pandemic: An opportunity to press the reset button on capitalism?

Article Bert Olivier - 27 Apr 2020

Human greed has brought us to the brink of societal collapse. It is time for a student-led revolution to promote a transition to a new economic system

How do we get beyond ‘business as usual’ after the pandemic?

Article Bert Olivier - 18 Apr 2020

Charles Eisenstein’s book, Sacred Economics, offers some practical alternatives to neoliberal capitalism

What Gaia theory can tell us about the outbreak of novel coronavirus

Article Bert Olivier - 10 Apr 2020

Automatic-control mechanisms are part of the intelligent self-regulation that occurs in nature. Thus, the outbreak of Covid-19 could very well be Gaia’s automatic reaction to restore homeostatic equilibrium

Covid-19: Lessons from the zombie apocalypse

Article Bert Olivier - 25 Mar 2020

Humans are primed to lay the blame for this pandemic at nature’s door, but if we do not wish to reap disaster, we should not sow its seeds

The world has not learnt anything from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Article Bert Olivier - 23 May 2018

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s ‘Gothic’ novel 'Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus'.

The cyber-war(s) being fought right under our noses

Analysis Bert Olivier - 22 May 2017

Hackers are consistently coming up with ways of accessing the devices of people and companies, despite the proliferation of security software.

Press Releases

Special Reports

Itec serves up high-tech integrated surveillance system for family food company

special reports - 27 Oct 2020

The system includes facial recognition software and a thermal screening solution that will provide instant temperature screening of all employees

Special Reports

Transport Month

[email protected] - 23 Oct 2020

An infrastructure-led recovery will help to stimulate demand in the South African economy, which is vital post the Covid-19 pandemic

Special Reports

Limpopo’s Economic Recovery Plan to fight Covid-19 impact

special reports - 23 Oct 2020

Billions have been set aside to help farmers and industries get back on their feet as part of the Limpopo Socio-Economic Recovery Plan

Special Reports

Disrupt the corrupt

special reports - 22 Oct 2020

Whistle-blowers should be seen as real heroes in the fight against corruption and we need a change in culture for this to happen

Special Reports

Corporates: A force for good for a sustainable future

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

In order to see people and nature thrive what is required is a strong focus on partnerships – we cannot act alone anymore

Special Reports

Combatting wildlife crime in Southern Africa activity annual programme statement (APS) No. 04

special reports - 20 Oct 2020

Concept papers are sought for implementating activities, for a multi-faceted programme that aims to reduce poaching and illegal trade in wildlife

Special Reports

The financial decisions made during your life journey, and their impact on your retirement outcome

special reports - 19 Oct 2020

The longer you save towards retirement the larger your retirement savings are expected to be due to the effect of compounding interest

Special Reports

In conversation with SA Reserve Bank Governer, Lesetja Kganyago

special reports - 16 Oct 2020

'Make interest rates zero and inflation goes up and then people save less – we need savings to fund investment in this country'