Latest news with #Media24
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Media24 takes a knock
The changes in its operations led to a significant decline in Media24's revenue and earnings. South Africa's largest media company, Media24, has reported a decline in revenue and earnings for the year ended March 2025. This follows the discontinuation of most of Media24's printed newspapers. These included Beeld, Rapport, City Press, Daily Sun, and Soccer Laduma, as well as the digital PDF editions of Volksblad and Die Burger Oos-Kaap. Parent company Naspers released its financial results on Monday. The global technology giant said it has also divested both its logistics operations, called M24 Logistics and On the Dot. Media24 realigns media operations The financial results also stated that the company has realigned its media operations to focus on two digital news brands, News24 and Netwerk24, by closing the digital content hub SNL24, divesting community newspapers and soccer titles, and transitioning the Sunday newspapers Rapport and City Press into digital-only brands, residing at Netwerk24 and News24, respectively. Naspers stated that Media24 is a leading digital media group in South Africa, with interests in digital news media, magazines, newspapers, book publishing, and television content production. 'It publishes several magazines and two newspapers and reaches 1 million average daily unique browsers, generating 9.7 million average daily pageviews across its digital platforms.' ALSO READ: Big news play: Media24 sells On the Dot, shifts to digital-first focus Media24 declines in revenue The changes have led to a significant decline in revenue and earnings for Media24. Revenue declined by 17% from $175 million (R3.199 billion) in 2024 to $141 million (R2.577 billion) in 2025. 'Trading results were eroded by the financial impact of the redesign, as well as an investment in foundation-phase schoolbook submissions to the South African Department of Basic Education,' read the results. Looking ahead Naspers said Media24 has established a strong base for AI use, with early outputs, enhanced by launching a GenAI circle, training sessions, and editorial workshops, which are focused mainly on back-end operations in its media divisions. 'These ranged from content summaries, translations and transcriptions to creating audiobooks, copy-editing, the creation of visuals, launching the contextual targeting tool Match24 for advertisers, and incorporating an AI-driven 'story sentiment' tracker to enhance brand-safe advertising, all under close human supervision. 'Looking forward to the financial year 2026, we remain committed to the valuable role we play in our society and democracy at large, while building a sustainable future for Media24 as a profitable digital media business focused on content production for news, television and books.' NOW READ: Media24 sells On the Dot, shifts to digital-first focus
The Star
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Time for the Youth to Rediscover Their Militancy and Voices
Edwin Naidu | Published 3 hours ago Edwin Naidu South Africa observes June 16 on Monday, the day when youth revolted against Afrikaans as a compulsory school subject. Three decades into democracy, Afrikaans is entrenched as one of the country's official languages, almost five decades after the fight against it. Ironically, Afrikaners remain in control of the economy, education, and media, with a significant presence in most learning institutions and the country's major media houses, including Media24 and MultiChoice (currently being sold to a French company). Through fake news about a genocide which does not exist, Afrikaners also enjoy the remaining ear that snipers missed off US President Donald Trump. So far, 49 people deemed failed car guards and their ilk on social media platforms have been given asylum based on a phoney war against Afrikaners. The war is in the racist minds, propagated by the likes of AfriForum, which seems emboldened after the ANC's 2024 knock at the polls, resulting in a Government of National Unity. So much for Jacob Zuma's once boastful quip that the ANC would rule until Jesus comes. Of course, there's a greater chance of the ANC being out of power before Jesus comes in the next election than the NPA's ineffective Shamilla Batohi bringing in the Guptas to account for the millions they obtained under Zuma. However, the man from Nkandla appears to have amnesia about state capture. Under the presidencies of Mandela, Mbeki, Mothlante, Zuma, and now Cyril Ramaphosa, subsequent governments have adopted a pro-poor stance while enriching themselves, the party and friends. A new black middle class has emerged under democracy, along with a black elite, some of whom are now close to the ruling party. A story circulates that the ANC, bereft of leadership and lacking ideas, wants Patrice Motsepe to bankroll the party back into power. Whether or not it's true, it's another sign of a party in decline. Since the Mandela euphoria over democracy, everything hinges on whether the country is keeping its promise of a better life for all. Another burning question is whether political greed is failing the youth? Ditto: women? Ditto: Heritage: Ditto: the Constitution? The conduct of politicians hardly inspires confidence. While South Africans remain mired in poverty, politicians in the GNU used R200 million of taxpayer money on expensive overseas travels. High-flier Deputy President Paul Mashatile alone spent more than R2 million on his travels. One wonders if he is making up for lost time, having joined the gravy train late. The government established Sector Education and Training Authorities to equip young people with the skills needed to address chronic unemployment. Unfortunately, there is no narrative about the success of SETAs. Under the former Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, SETAs were filled with boards comprising comrades from the Struggle, whose disastrous impact has hindered skills training but enriched many through unscrupulous means, without facing the consequences. Half of the country's 21 SETAs previously received adverse audits from the Auditor-General when Nzimande was in charge. Most alarming, however, is that the SETAs were meant to transform the fortunes of the country's youth. Instead, it enriched those running SETAs and their associates. His successor, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, a former deputy under Gwede Mantashe, angered political rivals when she appointed the son of her former boss as a SETA Chair before protests forced her to withdraw the decision. She claimed an advisory board helped her make the choice, but in an age of transparency, she showed none, resulting in the president putting pressure on the gum-chewing Minister to do the right thing. Politics is about serving the citizens of South Africa, not the party and friends. Politicians must put the people first. However, Nkabane undermines citizens by having a non-existent advisory board where a real board of experts could have helped ensure that South Africa's youth finally benefit from the skills revolution. Former higher education ministers had advisors whose counsel they trusted. Nkabane must secure the help of many learned people available. Otherwise, the comrades will lead her astray. Nkabane has highlighted the pressing issue of youth unemployment, insisting that SETAS must respond to the rapid pace of industry change. However, suppose she needed reminding of the dire need to transform the fortunes of youth. In that case, it will not come from youth pensioners such as Julius Malema, Fikile Mbalula, or the recently put to pasture Floyd Shivambu. The answer lies in the voices of young people who are fed up with political rhetoric, not just the noise from the trio of former youth league officials. According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) for Q1 2025, young people aged 15 to 34, around 10,3 million individuals, face the highest barriers to entering the workforce. Over the past ten years, youth unemployment has remained persistently high. June 16 is seen as a day when the youth of 1976 stood courageously against apartheid. Their bravery pushed South Africa's journey towards democracy, and their legacy continues to inspire generations. Does it? There's apathy. There are also pointless slogans that do not bring about significant change. Youth Month's theme is ' Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation. ' However, Statistics SA's reflection that nothing much has changed for youth over the past decade concerning employment is telling. Like the youth of 1976, the generation of 2025 must reclaim the future with a youth reset, not await handouts from the fading liberators who only care about the party, themselves, and their friends. Youth must find their voice, not politicians, telling them what is good for them, while enabling the party or their friends to get rich or die trying to help South Africa's forgotten youth. * Edwin Naidu is a communications professional and the founder of Higher Education Media Services. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Time for the Youth to Rediscover Their Militancy and Voices
On June 16, 1976 students in Soweto took the streets to protest against Bantu education and the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in their schools. June 16 is seen as a day when the youth of 1976 stood courageously against apartheid. Their bravery pushed South Africa's journey towards democracy, and their legacy continues to inspire generations, says the writer. Image: IOL archives Edwin Naidu South Africa observes June 16 on Monday, the day when youth revolted against Afrikaans as a compulsory school subject. Three decades into democracy, Afrikaans is entrenched as one of the country's official languages, almost five decades after the fight against it. Ironically, Afrikaners remain in control of the economy, education, and media, with a significant presence in most learning institutions and the country's major media houses, including Media24 and MultiChoice (currently being sold to a French company). Through fake news about a genocide which does not exist, Afrikaners also enjoy the remaining ear that snipers missed off US President Donald Trump. So far, 49 people deemed failed car guards and their ilk on social media platforms have been given asylum based on a phoney war against Afrikaners. The war is in the racist minds, propagated by the likes of AfriForum, which seems emboldened after the ANC's 2024 knock at the polls, resulting in a Government of National Unity. So much for Jacob Zuma's once boastful quip that the ANC would rule until Jesus comes. Of course, there's a greater chance of the ANC being out of power before Jesus comes in the next election than the NPA's ineffective Shamilla Batohi bringing in the Guptas to account for the millions they obtained under Zuma. However, the man from Nkandla appears to have amnesia about state capture. Under the presidencies of Mandela, Mbeki, Mothlante, Zuma, and now Cyril Ramaphosa, subsequent governments have adopted a pro-poor stance while enriching themselves, the party and friends. A new black middle class has emerged under democracy, along with a black elite, some of whom are now close to the ruling party. A story circulates that the ANC, bereft of leadership and lacking ideas, wants Patrice Motsepe to bankroll the party back into power. Whether or not it's true, it's another sign of a party in decline. Since the Mandela euphoria over democracy, everything hinges on whether the country is keeping its promise of a better life for all. Another burning question is whether political greed is failing the youth? Ditto: women? Ditto: Heritage: Ditto: the Constitution? The conduct of politicians hardly inspires confidence. While South Africans remain mired in poverty, politicians in the GNU used R200 million of taxpayer money on expensive overseas travels. High-flier Deputy President Paul Mashatile alone spent more than R2 million on his travels. One wonders if he is making up for lost time, having joined the gravy train late. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The government established Sector Education and Training Authorities to equip young people with the skills needed to address chronic unemployment. Unfortunately, there is no narrative about the success of SETAs. Under the former Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, SETAs were filled with boards comprising comrades from the Struggle, whose disastrous impact has hindered skills training but enriched many through unscrupulous means, without facing the consequences. Half of the country's 21 SETAs previously received adverse audits from the Auditor-General when Nzimande was in charge. Most alarming, however, is that the SETAs were meant to transform the fortunes of the country's youth. Instead, it enriched those running SETAs and their associates. His successor, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, a former deputy under Gwede Mantashe, angered political rivals when she appointed the son of her former boss as a SETA Chair before protests forced her to withdraw the decision. She claimed an advisory board helped her make the choice, but in an age of transparency, she showed none, resulting in the president putting pressure on the gum-chewing Minister to do the right thing. Politics is about serving the citizens of South Africa, not the party and friends. Politicians must put the people first. However, Nkabane undermines citizens by having a non-existent advisory board where a real board of experts could have helped ensure that South Africa's youth finally benefit from the skills revolution. Former higher education ministers had advisors whose counsel they trusted. Nkabane must secure the help of many learned people available. Otherwise, the comrades will lead her astray. Nkabane has highlighted the pressing issue of youth unemployment, insisting that SETAS must respond to the rapid pace of industry change. However, suppose she needed reminding of the dire need to transform the fortunes of youth. In that case, it will not come from youth pensioners such as Julius Malema, Fikile Mbalula, or the recently put to pasture Floyd Shivambu. The answer lies in the voices of young people who are fed up with political rhetoric, not just the noise from the trio of former youth league officials.
News24
11-06-2025
- General
- News24
Telkom says AI helped it capture over 20% of SA's mobile market
Deaan Vivier/Media24 Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Start your FREE trial now Show Comments ()
News24
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘He knew he was greatly loved': Ex-News24 editor Andrew Trench dies at 54
Investigative journalist and editor Andrew Trench has died at the age of 54. He was recently diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer. He was remembered for his tenacity and dedication to journalism. Andrew Trench, remembered for his courage and dedication to uncovering the truth as an investigative journalist and editor, has died at the age of 54. Trench, who was recently diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer, was with his family at the time of his passing in hospital on Friday night. His wife, Gill, said he was peaceful in his last few hours. 'We were in a quiet private room at Vincent Pallotti Hospital, decorated by [our daughter] Gem, with knick-knacks from home, including a painting she did for Andrew and his Robben Island crossing medal. 'He knew we were there and that he was greatly loved.' Trench was a veteran in the media industry, who served as editor of News24, the Daily Dispatch, The Witness, and The Times. He also served as editorial director of Tiso Blackstar. He was the Media24 investigations editor for three years and later became News24's first editor-in-chief. Current News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson remembered Trench's invaluable contribution. 'Andrew played a pivotal role in setting up News24 for future success when he established a fully-fledged digital newsroom in 2015. People wanted to work with Andrew and he attracted some of the best journalistic talent to News24, many of whom are still on the title,' said Basson. 'I will remember his courage and tenacity as investigative journalist, editor and battling cancer in the last months of his life. Gill and Gemma are in our hearts and thoughts, and we will honour Andrew and his legacy appropriately.' Before visiting his doctor after complaining about feeling ill, Trench was an entrepreneur building his own business, enjoying fitness and health, looking to retire in 10 years. After being diagnosed, his medical costs were declined by his medical aid for a specific drug treatment as he didn't have the right product to activate coverage. He and Gill set up a BackaBuddy campaign to raise the R3.5 million he needed over two years of treatment in a worst-case scenario and were blown away by the support from loved ones and strangers alike. The latest total donated stood at R831 734. Through the Facebook campaign, called Andrew's Fighting Chance, individuals had also organised sports events locally and internationally to show support and raise further funds. Last month, Trench posted a photo of himself giving a thumbs up while receiving chemotherapy and the second round of his Keytruda treatment that was being funded by donations. Investigative journalist and author Jacques Pauw said Trench was a brilliant journalist and a dear friend. 'I had worked with him for several years and he was to a certain extent an 'old school' journalist who believed that you earn your stripes by never giving up, and to continue to dig until you have exposed the truth. 'And, when the job is done, you toast with a glass of chilled white wine. His passing is an immeasurable loss to the industry.' Journalism professor Anton Harber said: 'Andrew's dedication to his craft, and the changes it was going through, were exemplary. He didn't just move with the times, he led them.' Gill thanked everyone for their love and support, adding that there would be a memorial soon.
