Namibians Spend N$151 Million on Streaming Services, Netflix Leads

Namibians Spend N$151 Million on Streaming Services, Netflix Leads

Namibians have spent a total of N$151 million on video downloads and streaming services, with Netflix emerging as the most popular platform, followed by Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. The growth in streaming service usage is attributed to the convenience, flexibility, and ad-free content these platforms offer. According to the Bank of Namibia's recent discussion note, the value of video downloads and streaming has surged from N$62 million in […]

January 7, 2025 18

South Africa

South African Union Warns of Job Cuts’ Impact on Steel And Auto Industries

South African metalworkers union Numsa says ArcelorMittal South Africa’s planned job cuts in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, and Vereeniging, Gauteng, could devastate the steel and auto industries and harm communities. The company intends to cut 35-percent of its workforce, citing structural challenges in its long steel business. Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola vows to fight the retrenchments, urging collaboration to protect manufacturing capacity and prevent economic fallout:

January 7, 2025 11

World

Powerful earthquake hits holy city in China’s Tibet

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck near one of Tibet's holiest cities of Shigatse on Tuesday morning, the China Earthquake Networks Centre said. Powerful tremors were felt in Nepal's capital Kathmandu. Laura Westbrook reports.

January 7, 2025 7

APO International

‘Famine conditions are spreading’ as Sudan’s crisis worsens: Security Council

Addressing the Security Council on Monday, Edem Wosornu, Director of the Advocacy and Operations Division at the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) described the unfolding disaster as “a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions.” This “man-made” catastrophe, driven by relentless conflict, has dismantled food systems and critical infrastructure, leaving millions in imminent danger, she explained. Evidence of famine mounts “Famine conditions are now present in five areas,” Ms. Wosornu stated, highlighting Zamzam, Al Salam, and […]

January 7, 2025 1

APO International

G20 Leaders to Convene at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 to Drive Investment, Advance Energy Security and Make Energy Poverty History

As the largest gathering of energy stakeholders on the African continent, this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies will host the G20 Africa Energy Investment forum. The event will showcase opportunities for G20 countries in the African oil, gas, mining and renewable energy space, promising to drive a new wave of investment across the continent. Key topics include strategies for increasing market stability, advancing energy security and […]

January 7, 2025 3

Business / Economics

Nippon Steel and US Steel sue Biden Administration over blocked merger

Nippon Steel and US Steel are suing the Biden administration over the president's decision to block the Japanese company's proposed takeover of the American firm. This comes as US secretary of state Antony Blinken is visiting Japan. Rebecca Bundhun is our reporter from Tokyo.

January 7, 2025 10

Namibia

Relief Efforts Underway for Flood Victims in Otjomuise

The Office of the Prime Minister, in partnership with the City of Windhoek's Disaster Risk Management Team, has delivered food parcels to more than 280 households in 8de Laan, Otjomuise, following Saturday's heavy flooding. The team is also supplying tents and arranging for the relocation of affected residents to a safer area in Goreangab, designated by the City of Windhoek. Maxmus Halwoodi, the OPM Public Relations Officer, provided the update. […]

January 7, 2025 8

South Africa

South African Communist Party Clarifies Independent 2026 Election Bid

South African Communist Party general-secretary Solly Mapaila says their decision to independently contest the 2026 local elections should not be seen as trying to weaken the ANC and the alliance. He was speaking at the 30th commemoration of the passing of the former SACP general secretary Joe Slovo in Soweto on Monday. The ANC declined to 40-percent in last year’s elections, down from 57-percent in 2019. Mapaila says the […]

January 7, 2025 7

Business / Economics

Economist Critiques China’s Influence in Africa Amid Minister’s Visit

Reports indicate that Economist Salomo Hei criticized China's influence in Africa, calling it one-sided. Hei’s remarks came in response to the visit of China’s foreign affairs minister Wang Yi, who met with Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the Old State House in Windhoek. Wang, whose visit marks his first stop in Africa, will continue his tour with visits to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, and Nigeria. Hei noted that […]

January 7, 2025 9