Canal+ bid for Multichoice comes as Netflix cedes African lead to Multichoice-owned streamer Showmax

Canal+ bid for Multichoice comes as Netflix cedes African lead to Multichoice-owned streamer Showmax

By Seth Onyango, via bird story agency A major shake-up in the African streaming market is looming as Multichoice faces a takeover bid from French media giant, Vivendi SE’s Canal+. A tie-up could deal another blow to Netflix which lost its continental lead last November, relinquishing 5% of its share to its top rival Showmax, while Amazon Prime gained ground. Omdia Research data shows that Netflix in 2023 […]

February 8, 2024 50

Business / Economics

South Africa’s $26.3 million new mining fund sets stage for exploration boom

By Bonface Orucho, via bird story agency South Africa is charting a new course for its mining industry, betting on local and junior miners to identify and unlock greenfield mines as the country pursues higher sector prosperity. The country has introduced a new US$26.3 million (R500 million) mining exploration fund for local and junior miners, aiming to tap into the rising global demand for minerals. South Africa’s […]

February 8, 2024 21

Namibia

SWANU condemns Israel’s actions in Gaza

The South West Africa National Union has condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, warning Germany against involvement in potential genocide, given its history. Following South Africa's appeal, the International Court of Justice instructed Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza. SWANU President, Charles Katjivirue is calling for global recognition of genocide as a serious offense. he US House of Representatives has rejected a Republican-led bill that would provide more than 331-billion-rand in […]

February 7, 2024 31

Africa

Tensions rise over safety of Nigerians in South Africa

An advisory issued by the High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Pretoria has raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson, Clayson Monyela, says the advisory is regrettable.

February 7, 2024 8

Lifestyle

Money and ageing: South African study shows cash grants help people live longer and have better memory function

By Molly Rosenberg, Indiana University; Chodziwadziwa Whiteson Kabudula, University of the Witwatersrand; Kathleen Kahn, University of the Witwatersrand, and Lindsay Kobayashi, University of Michigan Nearly half of South Africa’s 60 million people receive social grants, ranging from child support to pensions. The grants are designed to provide financial assistance to people living in poverty. The largest components of the South African social grant system were introduced, or expanded […]

February 7, 2024 8

Lifestyle

Zuleikha Mayat: South African author and activist who led a life of courage, compassion and integrity

By Saleem Badat, University of the Free State Few Indian South African women have achieved wider public recognition than author, human rights and cultural activist Zuleikha Mayat, who passed away on 2 February 2024. An honorary doctorate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal was just one of many awards bestowed on her during a life that spanned almost 98 years. Mayat was a remarkable pioneer, evocative writer, public speaker, civic worker, […]

February 7, 2024 6

Africa

Africa’s billionaire club hits $82.4 billion

Aliko Dangote from Nigeria is Africa's richest person for the 13th year in a row, says Forbes magazine. Even though Nigeria's economy is struggling, Dangote's wealth went up by $400 million last year to $13.9 billion. The Forbes list has 20 billionaires from Africa, worth a total of $82.4 billion. According to the BBC, South Africa, and Egypt have the most billionaires on the list. Johann Rupert from South Africa […]

February 6, 2024 133

Namibia

Namibia to take part in Mining Indaba 2024

Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Gloria Simubali has led a delegation to the ‘Investing in African Mining Indaba 2024’, which commenced in Cape Town, South Africa on Monday. A media statement availed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy said Namibia will during the indaba showcase the opportunities the country presents in the mining sector to a global audience of foremost thinkers in mining. […]

February 6, 2024 20

Africa

‘Made in Africa’ gets a boost as cross-border trade gathers pace

By Conrad Onyango, via bird story agency African leaders are beginning a push for increased consumer consciousness of ‘Made in Africa’ products as cross-border trade opens new opportunities for economic growth. Inaugurating South Africa’s first trade shipments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), President Cyril Ramaphosa urged over 12 African trade ministers attending the 13th AfCFTA Council of Ministers meeting in Durban, to bolden their push […]

February 6, 2024 14