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South African Travellers to Take More Holidays in 2025

Location: News
Marriott International, Inc.

  • Research among over 2,000 South African travellers reveals that more than six in 10 plan to take more holidays in 2025.
  • Bravecations and heritage holidays emerge as key travel trends for 2025.
  • Savvy spenders on the rise as travellers seek the best value for their trips.
  • AI usage in holiday planning skyrockets, alongside growing sustainability considerations.

The travel market is set to grow in 2025, according to Marriott Bonvoy's 2025 Ticket to Travel research (http://apo-opa.co/3AQaXQo) (www.Marriott.com). The study, conducted amongst 21,374 adults in 10 markets across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (EMEA) and more than 2,000 travellers in South Africa, reveals that more than 60% of South Africans plan to take more holidays next year compared to 2024, with 18% maintaining their current travel frequency.

Surveyed South Africans are planning an average of 2.7 domestic holidays, two short-haul holidays (four-hour flight or less), and 1.8 long-haul holidays in 2025. This totals 6.5 holidays or trips, equating to more than one every two months. Among those planning holidays, the top travel destinations are South Africa (27%), USA (11%), Mozambique (10%), France (10%), and Mauritius (10%).

‘Bravecations' and ‘heritage holidays' arise as emerging trends

The research highlights several emerging travel trends. One notable trend is ‘bravecations,' where travellers are more adventurous on holiday, trying activities they wouldn't normally attempt at home. An impressive 85% of South African travellers say they are braver on holiday, the highest among all markets surveyed. This trend is particularly strong among younger travellers, with 87% of 18–24-year-olds and 91% of 25–34-year-olds expressing a willingness to try new and exciting things. Popular activities include climbing high structures (56%), participating in high-octane activities like zip-lining, skydiving or theme park rides (54%), and trying unusual foods (45%).

Another rising trend is ‘heritage holidays,' where travellers explore their family's heritage, history, or ancestry. Seventy-five percent of South Africans have taken or plan to take a heritage holiday soon. This trend is more prevalent among younger generations, with 77% of 18–24-year-olds and 88% of 25–34-year-olds having taken a heritage holiday or plan to, compared to just 42% of those aged 65 and above. Key motivations include the desire to understand where their family comes from and what their life was like (64%) and to see where their ancestors lived (53%).

Solidifying Trends

Sustainability and the use of AI in travel planning are set to become even more significant in 2025. Eight in ten travellers (80%) consider the environmental impact of their travel plans, higher than the EMEA average of 72%. Nearly eight in ten (79%) checked the sustainability of their accommodation on their last holiday, with 64% doing so before booking, far higher than the EMEA average of 30%.

The use of AI in travel planning is also growing rapidly. Nearly half (48%) of South African travellers have used AI to help plan or research a holiday, above the EMEA average of 41%. This trend is led by younger travellers, with 57% of 18–24-year-olds and 63% of 25–34-year-olds using AI in the past year, indicating its mainstream adoption among younger South Africans.

Travel Priorities for 2025

When it comes to choosing accommodation in 2025, the ‘brilliant basics' remain key priorities with cleanliness (97%), location (96%), and customer service (96%) being the most important factors.

South African travellers are family orientated, preferring to holiday with their family or partner's family and children (46%), above just their partner or spouse (36%), and friends (12%). Only five percent prefer to travel alone. Additionally, ‘spending time with friends and family' (63%) is the top priority for holidays, followed by ‘treating themselves' (54%). Over half (52%) say it is important they return feeling healthier than when they left, significantly higher than the EMEA average of 36%.

Savvy Spending

Despite planning more holidays, South Africans are keen on getting the best value for their money. The main factor that would encourage travellers to book a holiday is ‘getting a special price' (62%). Shoulder season breaks—taking vacations during the months surrounding peak season—are another popular way to make holidays more affordable. Seven in ten (70%) have or have considered doing this, with the main reason being to get better value (56%). More than half of South African travellers (46%) always consider exchange rates when planning holidays, but 14% say they ‘never usually do but will in 2025'.

Dorcas Dlamini Mbele, Area Commercial Director, Marriott International – Sub-Saharan Africa, says: “We're witnessing a profound shift towards valuing experiences over material possessions among South African travellers. Trends like bravecations and heritage holidays are at the forefront, reflecting a desire for meaningful and enriching journeys. The integration of AI in travel planning and a strong focus on sustainability further enhance this forward-thinking approach. It's an exciting era for the travel industry, and we're eager to support South Africans as they embark on new adventures and create lasting memories both locally and globally.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

Note to Editors:
*Research conducted by Mortar amongst 21,374 adults in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Poland, South Africa, and Türkiye.

Click here (http://apo-opa.co/3AQaXQo) to download the report. 

For more information, please contact:
Birgit Deibele
Senior Director of Communications
Marriott International - Sub-Saharan Africa
Mobile: +27 (0)67 598 9162 
Email: Birgit.Deibele@marriott.com

About Marriott Bonvoy®:
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International's award-winning travel programme and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 31 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalisation and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enrol for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here (http://apo-opa.co/417JjsA). Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/4149kcr), Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/49aQAda), Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/4149lx1) and TikTok (http://apo-opa.co/4149mkz).

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Marriott International, Inc.
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Read moreSouth African Travellers to Take More Holidays in 2025

Eskom hails meter upgrade project as a success

Location: News

Eskom hails meter upgrade project as a success

With Eskom hailing the completion of its pre-paid meter upgrade project as a success, the power utility has requested the approximately 1.7 million “zero buyers” to upgrade their meters before the deadline.

“The result of this technology changeover has brought Eskom around 400 000 previous zero buyers to become new paying customers and provided us with a wealth of data to bring further zero buyers into legitimately purchasing electricity,” Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said on Wednesday during a media briefing in Cape Town.

All prepayment meters have to be upgraded to the Key Revision Number version 2 (KRN 2) as the STS technology for prepayment meters will stop accepting new credit tokens. This is due to the expiry of these vending codes.

This will mean they will stop dispensing electricity after the existing credit is used up, thus making the meter inactive.

“Eskom has successfully completed its pre-paid meter Key Revision Number (KRN) rollover project. Starting off with a customer base of 6.91 million prepaid customers, all customers have been converted to KRN 2. 

“A data cleaning exercise fully updated the incomplete details of 341 000 customers to bring Eskom’s base to 7.25 million. As of 24 November 2024, approximately 5.5 million customers (which includes the around 400 000 zero buyers, who have become paying customers) have successfully rolled over and are transacting on KRN 2.

“Eskom is currently observing a decrease in the zero buyer numbers to around 1.7 million from the previous 12-month rolling average of 2.1 million. We request these customers to do what is right by Friday, 13 December 2024, by visiting their nearest Eskom sites,” the power utility said.

Eskom said all paying customers who had bought electricity before the deadline and have had their meters made KRN 2 compliant and who are experiencing difficulty will be assisted to complete the process and will not be unfairly penalised. 

These customers are advised to use Alfred the chatbot, Eskom Contact Centre: Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and WhatsApp.

“For those zero buyers who bought electricity before the deadline and were unable to load their meters, they must bring their slips/tokens to the nearest Eskom Hub by Friday 13 December 2024 to be assisted. Customers are urged not to wait for the last day of the extension.

“Zero buyers who bought electricity before the deadline but have a meter-related matter such as a lost, bypassed, or tampered meter, must come forward at Eskom centres by Friday 13 December 2024. Their individual situations will be assessed, tamper fines issued if required and meter updates and replacements will then be scheduled,” Eskom said.

Those who have come forward but did not buy or attempt to buy electricity tokens by 24 November 2024 are encouraged to purchase electricity tokens before 13 December 2024.

Their meters will be audited, and tamper fines and meter replacement costs will be assessed and issued accordingly. They can come forward at any time.

“In the past 10 days, we saw zero buyers coming forward in huge numbers wanting to buy electricity and do the right thing. We will continue to treat these users with dignity and respect as we resolve these issues for all of them who did the right thing. 

“We acknowledge also that this was a complex process presenting a challenging set of issues and was at times fraught and we continue to monitor and stabilise the system to ensure a smooth customer experience,” Eskom’s Group Executive for Distribution, Monde Bala, said.

Marokane said the power utility was doing everything that is practically possible to make users of electricity pay for it in the interest of those who already pay for electricity, maintain the sustainability of Eskom to drive the economic growth of South Africa and reduce the burden on the taxpayer. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Wed, 11/27/2024 - 12:29

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Read moreEskom hails meter upgrade project as a success

City of Cape Town condemns intimidation of water debt management staff

Location: News

City of Cape Town condemns intimidation of water debt management staff

The City of Cape Town has strongly condemned recent incidents of intimidation directed at water debt management staff while they are executing their duties.

This after videos have been circulating on social media, displaying individuals targeting City officials while in the line of duty. 

In a statement, the City of Cape Town said these videos spread misinformation about debt management processes, creating confusion and unnecessary division within its communities.

“The City does offer debt relief when residents qualify. However, in certain instances, debt management is required to sustain services. Targeting staff on the field infringes on their rights to a safe work environment and undermines the value of the essential services provided to all residents through the City’s revenue management practices,” the City of Cape Town said.  

The statement further explained that some Water and Sanitation staff are tasked with providing comprehensive debt management functions, working alongside the Corporate Revenue Office to collect revenue, implement legally authorised debt collection practices and minimise debt for the City.

The City said debt management is done fairly and transparently, ensuring that all customers continue to have access to Water and Sanitation services.

The City added that it follows a strict response before debt management interventions are implemented, in line with the Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy.

Initially, a warning letter is delivered at the property or emailed to the customer, reflecting the amount due and arrears on the account. Residents are allowed to make representation to the City and enter into payment arrangements. 

The City also keeps a record of all communication with a resident in the event that there are claims of no communication from the City to the respective resident.

Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, explained that if residents cannot settle their outstanding water bills in full, they are encouraged to enter into interest-free payment arrangements to avoid restrictions on services.

“Thereafter, if there are arrears on the account and no payment arrangement is in place, water supply is reduced to the free basic allocation of 6kl monthly - it is not completely cut off. A basic quantity of supply is maintained at residential properties until residents can enter into payment arrangements. Staff is available to assist with this process at any of the City’s nearest walk-in centres," Badroodien said. 

In instances where debt is being recovered and a resident may not have water at their property after debt interventions have been activated, they are encouraged to alert their local councillor. Badroodien said that these specific cases will be reported for investigation. 

“However, staff and contractors have been issued strict instructions to ensure that a property is left with a restricted supply.  

“We urge the public to refrain from acts of aggression towards our staff, who are simply doing their jobs. Law enforcement agencies have been engaged and perpetrators of violence or intimidation will face the appropriate legal consequences,” Badroodien said. 

To address the misinformation, the City emphasises that: 

  • The processes carried out by the Debt Management teams aligns with legal and regulatory frameworks. 
  • Assistance is available for customers in financial distress, including payment plans and indigent relief for qualifying households. 
  • Any interruptions to services are undertaken as a last resort, after extensive efforts to engage with customers. 

“We call on community leaders and residents to verify information from reliable City channels and to not be misled by unverified content on social media. The City remains committed to maintaining open communication and fostering trust with our residents,” Badroodien said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Sun, 11/24/2024 - 12:21

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Read moreCity of Cape Town condemns intimidation of water debt management staff

Spaza shops: Register to benefit from government funding

Location: News

Spaza shops: Register to benefit from government funding

As township and rural entrepreneurs throughout the country are getting their papers in order to ensure they are compliant with government regulations to run a spaza shop, the great news is that once they have a valid trading permit, they can apply for funding from government institutions.

Through programmes like the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) or the Spaza Shop Support Scheme, entrepreneurs can access much-needed financial relief.

Earlier this month, government introduced a new standard draft by-law for township economies that offers a simplified permitting and registration process.

“To further support township businesses, municipalities will facilitate workshops, training, and access to essential resources such as infrastructure and markets. This proactive approach helps small business owners improve operational capacity, while also promoting compliance with relevant laws and standards.

“The new standard draft by-law introduces an efficient permit and registration system that provides clear guidelines for businesses, including both physical and online access to application forms,” the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) said earlier this month.

Municipal officials will assist applicants in the process, ensuring timely approvals and smooth operations for new and existing businesses.

“This by-law, issued in accordance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 2000, aims to create an enabling environment for small businesses in townships, supporting economic inclusion, job creation, and community empowerment,” the department said.

The full gazette can be accessed at https://www.cogta.gov.za/index.php/docs/local-government-municipal-systems-act-2000/.

President orders registration of spaza shops

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities as part of decisive measures to address the recurring food-borne illnesses that have claimed the lives of at least 22 children across the country.
  
The interventions, the President explained, included getting hazardous pesticides off the street, protection of children from exposure to these substances, and the prevention of future outbreaks.

To ensure compliance, the President ordered that all spaza shops and food-handling facilities must register with their respective municipalities within 21 days.

President Ramaphosa further announced the immediate closure of spaza shops implicated in the deaths and stricter regulations to protect communities.

READ I Spaza shops implicated in child deaths to be shut down

Township and rural entrepreneurs who are in need of funding are encouraged to consider applying for the Township and Rural Entrepreneurship Programme (TREP) or the Spaza Shop Support Scheme. The National Youth Development Agency also has numerous programmes targeted at assisting young people in business.

The TREP targets township and rural-based enterprises which are owned by entrepreneurs who are based in the townships or rural areas.

The programme is aimed at assisting entrepreneurs overcome the legacy of economic exclusion by creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurial activity and providing dedicated business support to enterprises in rural and township areas including access to funding.

Township or rural-based entrepreneurs must apply for support including funding through the common application template from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda), the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (sefa), National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).

Owners of the business must be South African nationals.

How to apply:

•    Register on https://smmesa.gov.za/ and complete the information required. Once complete, you will receive an email with your unique smmesa.gov.za reference number.
•    The application form is available at https://www.eservices.gov.za
•    Create a user profile (account) with the email address used to register on smmesa.gov.za, the email address and smmesa.gov.za reference number is linked to the eservices platform.
•    Once registered and logged in, you are able to apply for the programmes available on the application window.
•    On the option <<apply for finance>>, choose the common application template.
•    Upload the required statutory documents: CIPC documentation, and proof of address as applicable.
•    All statutory documents must be submitted before an application is considered.
•    In case of application to purchase equipment/s and/or CAPEX, the applicants must submit quotations/proforma invoices for the equipment/CAPEX required.
•    Applications can also be submitted to trep@sefa.org.za should there be difficulties with the portal.
•    Application form can be accessed on the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) website: https://www.dsbd.gov.za/programme/township-and-rural-entrepreneurship-programme.

Spaza shop support programme

Sefa’s spaza-shop support programme is targeted at township and rural entrepreneurs who own spaza shops, general dealers or grocery stores.

It is offered in partnership with Nedbank through the Sefa Khula Credit Guarantee Scheme. Each application will be assessed in terms of the following criteria:
•    The spaza shop/store must be owner-managed and -operated.
•    The owner must have a valid South African identification document.
•    S/he must register with the SMMESA (https://www.smmesa.gov.za/).
•    Spaza shop owners must hold a licence to trade or a municipal permit – if they do not have one, they must obtain one before they can access support.
•    Qualifying owners must go to their nearest Nedbank branch or the Nedbank desk at their nearest Boxer store for assistance in applying. 

The following documents will be required:
•    A valid South African ID document.
•    A valid and original municipal trading licence/permit to trade, or business licence in the case of a general dealer. Copies are not acceptable, and only permits/licences issued by a municipality, not a counsellor, will be accepted.
•    Qualifying spaza shop/general dealer owners must register with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the South African Revenue Service (Sars) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), in cases where they are not already registered with these organisations.

Qualifying owners must:
•    Undertake to comply with consumer and customer protection and national disaster management regulations and directions.
•    Be willing to submit monthly management account.
•    Employ 70% South Africans.
•    Have been trading for a minimum of six months.
•    Have a valid business bank account (including newly opened).
•    Be willing to participate in the bulk-buying scheme as organised by the DSBD or any of its agencies.
•    Operate in a township or rural area.

How to qualify for the scheme:
•    The spaza shop, general dealer or grocery store owner must go to their nearest Seda office to physically submit the required permits and their ID, or they can submit these documents to Seda online.
•    Seda will assist with compliance registration and due diligence.
•    The owner will complete the application form, which will be submitted to the Department of Small Business Development for approval.
•    If approved, the owner will be advised to collect his/her bank card from a bank (appointed bank).
•    Clients can also apply directly to sefa by completing the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (soc) limited (Sefa) spaza shop support facility cardholder application form The application form must be accompanied by all supporting documents. To submit the application form directly to Sefa please send them to spaza@sefa.org.za. - SAnews.gov.za
 

 

nosihle
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 14:39

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Read moreSpaza shops: Register to benefit from government funding

Prepaid electricity customers reminded to recode meters before Sunday deadline

Location: News

Prepaid electricity customers reminded to recode meters before Sunday deadline

Eskom is urging all prepaid electricity customers to update their meters immediately to avoid an unexpected loss of electricity.

This as the November 24 deadline for upgrading of meters is now less than a week away.

The power utility explained that after Sunday, 24 November, meters still using Key Revision Number 1 will no longer accept electricity tokens, rendering the meter inoperable.

This could necessitate a meter replacement that could cost up to R12 000, at the customer’s cost.

Group Executive for Distribution at the power utility, Monde Bala, explained how and why the updating of the meter is required.

“Customers with meters still on KRN1 have likely not purchased electricity for more than six months or might be using unauthorised tokens bought from criminal syndicates. 

“To prevent the meter from becoming inoperable, losing power, and incurring replacement costs, it is critical that all customers, including those who have not purchased electricity in the last six months or more, to buy electricity tokens from authorised vendors by 24 November 2024. 

“This will provide them with two sets of 20-digit codes needed to recode and update their meters. We started our public awareness campaigns back in August 2023 and we continue to ask users to come forward so we can offer all the help we have available,” Bala said.

How to check and recode your meter

To verify if your meter is ready, use the following steps:

  • Enter 1844 6744 0738 4377 2416 on your meter keypad.
  • If it shows 1 or 1.2, your meter still needs to be recoded.
  • If it shows 2 or 2.2, your meter is already updated and requires no further action.

To complete the recoding:

  • Enter the first 20 digits of your recode token.
  • Enter the second 20 digits of your recode token.
  • Finally, enter the 20-digit token from your latest electricity purchase to recharge your meter. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 11/19/2024 - 10:32

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Read morePrepaid electricity customers reminded to recode meters before Sunday deadline

Multichoice Group Maintains Strategic Momentum Despite Macroeconomic Challenges

Location: Business

MultiChoice Group
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  • Unprecedented foreign exchange pressures and economic challenges in key African markets impacted earnings and dampens subscriber growth
  • On track to right-size cost base and grow new revenue streams to drive future growth as streaming gains traction at the expense of traditional pay-tv
  • Cost-cutting measures delivered R1.3bn in permanent savings, on track to reach increased full-year target of R2.5 billion
  • Showmax customer base grew 50% YoY as a leading streaming service in sub-Saharan Africa
  • Strong revenue growth in new products: DStv Steam +71%, DStv Internet +85%, DStv Insurance +31%, KingMakers +53%
  • Strong liquidity of R10 billion provides solid financial base to support growth
  • Negative equity position on track to be resolved in November 2024.

MultiChoice Group (MCG or The Group) (www.MultiChoice.com) continued to deliver exceptional video entertainment and execute on core strategic initiatives during the first six months ended 30 September 2024 (1H FY25). However, unprecedented foreign exchange volatility severely impacted the Group's interim financial results, while ongoing macroeconomic challenges weighed on customer growth and moderated overall performance.

Facing the most challenging operating conditions in almost 40 years and to generate desired returns, the Group has been proactive in its focus to ”right-size” the business for the current economic realities and industry changes. Although operating across Africa typically subjects the group to currency moves, abnormal currency weakness over the past 18 months have reduced the group's profits by close to R7 billion. Combined with the impact of a weak macro environment on consumers' disposable income and therefore on subscriber growth, it required the Group to fundamentally adjust its cost base - which is exactly what has been done. The normal cost savings program was accelerated, resulting in permanent savings of R1.3bn in over the past six months and an increased target of ZAR2.5bn for the full year.

“We are making good progress in addressing the technical insolvency that resulted from non-cash accounting entries at the end of the last financial year. We expect to return to a positive net equity position by the end of November this year, supported by a number of developments and initiatives. The Group's liquidity position remains strong, with over ZAR10bn in total available funds,” says Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice Group CEO.

The Group is also adjusting to global pay-TV challenges as streaming services, the rise of social media and changing consumer preference impact the traditional broadcast business. Showmax, which reported 50% growth YoY in its paying customer base, strategically positions the business to actively participate in the streaming revolution as it gains momentum across Africa. To create sufficient capacity and drive growth, the group stepped-up its investment in this business by an incremental ZAR1.6 billion during the interim period.

“We have successfully been implementing our strategy over the past few years, achieving key milestones such as our investment in KingMakers, returning the Rest of Africa business to profitability in FY23 and FY24, concluding the Showmax partnership with Comcast and investing in Moment. While we've made huge inroads to reduce our cost base, there's still more work to be done”.

“However, our focus extends beyond cost efficiency—we are equally committed to grow the business. We remain committed to driving new revenue streams and see significant medium to long-term opportunities in video entertainment, particularly in streaming, and in our adjacent new businesses,” says Mawela

The Group reported strong momentum in its new products and services, which all delivered robust   YoY revenue growth, i.e. DStv Stream +71%, DStv Internet +85% and DStv Insurance + 31%. KingMakers reported a healthy 27% increase in its online monthly active users in Nigeria and grew its revenue in Naira by 53%, while newly-launched SuperSportBet is showing good early traction in South Africa.

Financial Results Overview

Subscriber base: The pressure on the linear pay-TV subscriber base was lower than the previous six-months, reflecting a 5% decline (0.8m) compared to 6% reported (1.0m) in 2H FY24. This reflects an improving sequential trend. On a YoY basis, the linear subscriber base declined by 11% or 1.8m subscribers to 14.9m active subscribers, impacted by the challenging macroeconomic conditions that negatively impacted discretionary consumer spend.

Group revenues: Revenues increased by 4% YoY to ZAR25.4bn on an organic basis, due to disciplined inflationary pricing and revenue growth of new products. On a reported basis, revenues declined by 10%, impacted by foreign exchange pressures on the Rest of Africa business and a stronger Rand against the US Dollar.

Group trading profit: The Group's ongoing cost optimisation drive delivered ZAR1.3bn in savings, and together with other improvements in the business, it resulted in a 33% increase in trading profit before incorporating the Showmax costs. A ZAR1.6bn step-up in the investment behind Showmax to create capacity for growth, trimmed the organic trading profit to ZAR5.0, a decline of only 1% YoY. Foreign exchange losses in the Rest of Africa business amounting to ZAR2.3bn reduced reported trading profit to ZAR2.7bn.

Adjusted core headline earnings, the board's measure of the underlying performance of the business, amounted to ZAR7m, impacted by foreign exchange losses and the investment in Showmax.

Cash flow and liquidity: The Group free cash flow remained positive at ZAR0.6bn, with ZAR5.7bn retained in cash and cash equivalents. Despite the increase in net interest costs and a higher average debt balance, the Group remains well-positioned to navigate current challenges with access to ZAR4.4bn in undrawn facilities.

Operational update

General entertainment and sport

Delivering content that customers love remains the Group's core focus— whether it is the best of local or international general entertainment or the most exciting sport events.

In the past six months, the Group produced 2,763 hours of local content, bringing its local content library to 86,215 hours.

SuperSport reinforced its reputation as a global leader in sport broadcasting with extensive coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, EURO 2024, and the ICC T20 Men's World Cup. Over the past six months, SuperSport has broadcast 10,240 live events and provided a total of 21,540 hours of live coverage, a 22% increase YoY. 

SuperSport Schools doubled its user base and crossed a milestone of one million registered users on its app, delivering over 35,000 hours of content over the past six months.

Business segments

As a mature business, MultiChoice South Africa is focused on subscriber retention and reconnections, identifying remaining growth opportunities, as well as optimising processes and systems to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.

In the Rest of Africa business, the Group is implementing several initiatives to support improved financials, including price adjustments to counter the impact of inflation, renegotiating content deals where feasible, restructuring select packages to enhance ARPU, optimising the DTT network, and intensifying anti-piracy initiatives.

In FY25, Showmax is focussed on enhancing its content line-up, bedding down distribution partnerships, expanding payment channel integrations and refining its go-to-market strategy.

Irdeto delivered encouraging revenue growth, after securing a major customer in Asian and expanding managed services with a key customer in Australasia.

KingMakers continued to gain strong momentum in Nigeria, where BetKing Nigeria has secured the second position in the online betting market. SuperSportBet, the South African business launched late last year, is showing early signs of success and reported a remarkable tenfold increase in net gaming revenue over the past nine months.

Moment, now live in 40 African countries, has shown rapid growth since its launch last year, with total payment volumes (TPV) growing to USD242m. It is already processing almost 30% of the Group's payments.

Looking Ahead

The Group continues to invest in its long-term future, focusing on the following strategic priorities:

  • Improving profitability and cash generation in the South African business.
  • Streamlining the cost base in the Rest of Africa to return this business to profitability.
  • Investing in Showmax to establish it as the leading streaming platform on the continent.
  • Supporting KingMakers, Moment and DStv Insurance to drive scale.

By executing well on these objectives, the Group will be well positioned to deliver future growth and create value as Africa's leading video entertainment platform and most-loved storyteller.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

Read moreMultichoice Group Maintains Strategic Momentum Despite Macroeconomic Challenges

Kruger National Park Road maintenance project makes good progress

Location: News

Kruger National Park Road maintenance project makes good progress

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has noted the significant progress made by the Kruger National Park (KNP) in repairing and maintaining its roads.

In its 100 days road maintenance report, KNP has outlined the work done thus far.

“It details progress in the blading of gravel roads in KNP as part of the overall ongoing infrastructure and maintenance programme. This intervention also sought to ensure preparedness for the 2024 festive season so as to enhance customer experience as tourists are expected to visit in numbers during this period.

“Most roads in the south of Olifants River (Marula Region of the park) were bladed between July and October 2024 and are constantly being monitored to ensure they remain in good condition,” SANParks said on Friday. 

READ | SANParks ready to receive visitors for 2024 Festive Season

The repairs and maintenance included roads leading to many of the bush camps in the south of the national park.

Repairs are ongoing with focus now directed at the northern side of the Olifants River (Nxanatseni Region of KNP) where considerable progress has been made.

Road repairs are prioritised based on the extent of usage by park visitors. Therefore, roads which are mostly utilised are given priority attention. -SAnews.gov.za
 

nosihle
Mon, 11/11/2024 - 11:39

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Investing in tech key to improving life for people with disabilities

Location: News

Investing in tech key to improving life for people with disabilities

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Deputy Minister, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has emphasised the need to invest in the promotion of new technologies and the advancement of assistive technologies to improve the quality life for people with disabilities.

“We must invest in research and development of affordable and accessible technologies that aid communication, mobility and access to information,” Letsike said.

Letsike made the call at the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) symposium in Umgababa, south of Durban, as part of the build-up to the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo that will take place on Friday.

Collaboration between government, private enterprises, academic institutions and organisation of and for people with disabilities, can foster innovation in the ICT field, ensuring that people with disabilities can benefit from the rapid pace of technological progress, the Deputy Minister said.

“This includes promoting digital accessibility and ensuring that emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation, are designed with inclusivity in mind. Our emphasis is on a fundamental shift in how we view persons with disabilities, away from the individual medical perspective, to a human rights and developmental perspective.

“It is with this understanding in mind that we affirm supporting autonomy and independent living by promoting policies that enable access to community-based services, personal assistance, and affordable, adaptable housing,” Letsike said.

The Deputy Minister noted ICT's significant contribution to the advancement of disability rights, offering tools that enhance accessibility, inclusion and independence for individuals with disabilities.

Letsike maintained that ICT is not just "a set of tools", but a bridge to a more inclusive, accessible and fair world for people with disabilities.

“By supporting accessible technology, promoting inclusive policies, and advocating for the rights of all, we can continue to break down barriers and build a society that truly values each individual’s unique abilities,” she said.

Reformed social protection scheme

Letsike highlighted the need for a reformed social protection scheme to provide financial support, which will allow individuals with disabilities to live independently, make personal decisions about their care and avoid institutionalisation, where possible.

“This also entails removing barriers to education and employment, enabling persons with disabilities to contribute to society in ways that promote self-sufficiency and empowerment. 

"We must remember that human rights are universal principles that protect every individual’s dignity, freedom and equality. They are not privileges or special considerations but inherent to every person simply because they are human,” Letsike said.

Disability Rights Awareness Month

The symposium coincided with Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), observed from 3 November to 3 December.

Held under the theme, “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy: Creating a Disability-Inclusive Society for a Better Quality of Life and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”, this year’s DRAM reflects on government’s commitment to creating a barrier-free society, where people with disabilities are full and active participants in the country’s economy and society at large.

Each week of DRAM is linked to national strategic priorities and the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

During week one of DRAM, focus will be on growing an economy aligned with the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Week two advocates for the inclusion of every child with a disability. Week three builds a working government with a progressive disability rights agenda, and week four focuses on creating safer communities for persons with disabilities.

“We hope that each one of us, in our respective corners where we operate, will do our bit toward raising awareness on the rights of persons with disabilities during this period,” Letsike said. - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 11/07/2024 - 15:12

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