Riaan Burger

“YOU won’t regret the things you did, only the things you didn’t do when you had the chance,” says Namdeb chief executive Riaan Burger, reflecting on a year defined by Springsteen anthems, team tenacity and a healthy disdain for TikTok.

• What were the last three things you spent money on?

Dining with friends, Christmas gifts and entry to a cycling event.

• What was the last text you sent?

Checking in with my children.

• What did philanthropy mean in 2025?

Various good causes – most satisfying for me and my team was supporting the School Environment Clubs Namibia. It reminded us that the youth are taking charge and leading initiatives that yield tangible positive outcomes.
This experience reaffirms that sustainable change comes when young voices are empowered, and partnerships are built on dialogue and collaboration.

• What did 2025 teach you?

It taught me how difficult times can pull a team together, and the amazing tenacity of the Namdeb team.

• What is the single most important line that defined your outlook in 2025?

You won’t regret the things you did. Only the things you didn’t do when you had the chance.

• If artificial intelligence (AI) could magically fix one everyday task for you, what would you pick?

It would be the seamless alignment of my stakeholders’ schedules with mine.

• The song you played most this year?

‘Tougher Than the Rest’ by Bruce Springsteen.

• What puts philanthropy in the spotlight?

The urgency to reduce poverty and unemployment. We are being called to collective action to address this.

• What is your dream Namibian holiday destination?

It depends on the time of the year – Swakopmund in summer and Zambezi in winter time.

• Which philanthropic project in 2025 taught you the most?

The Namdeb legacy observed through transformation efforts at Oranjemund.

• How do you measure impact versus resources?

I believe collective effort works best – we get results when we help those who are already making an effort to advance themselves.

• What is your main focus for 2026 in social investment?

Youth advancement and sustainable environmental initiatives.

• What was the most overrated trend in 2025?

Influencers with no substance, or TikTok.

• Biggest blunder of 2025?

I don’t really think much about blunders. I just take the lesson and move on.

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