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Meta is laying off 5% of its staff based on performance and will hire new employees to replace them. Riley Griffin is reporting on the company’s restructuring.
Nvidia announces upcoming Windows on ARM chip with Mediatek, while Valve’s SteamOS and Microsoft’s Xbox UI compete in handheld gaming. CES 2025 showcases new computers, chips, cars, and more.
South Africa’s richest man, Johann Rupert, fully divests from British American Tobacco, ending family ties to the industry. Reinet Investments sells over 43.3 million shares at £28.20 each, raising £1.22 billion. The divestment was completed through an accelerated bookbuild process.
Matric pass rate in 2024 is 87.3%, with 50% of students completing Grade 1 to matric. Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube announced record-high pass rate, with 614,562 learners passing exams. NSC pass rate increased from 60% in 2009 to close to 90% in 2024, with a 6% increase in bachelor passes.
The transition to renewable energy in Africa can promote gender equality and empower youth. Energy poverty affects 600 million Africans, with women and youth disproportionately impacted. Integrating gender and youth perspectives in energy policies can unlock economic opportunities. Inclusive strategies, education, and partnerships are crucial for sustainable development in the renewable energy sector. Karabo Mokgonyana advocates for these initiatives at Power Shift Africa.
Republicans criticize Biden’s $770 one-time payment for LA fire victims, comparing it to $500m aid for Ukraine. White House defends the $5m cost, part of a larger relief effort. Victims can also claim $43,600 FEMA grants. Fema has $27bn for disaster relief. US has given $85bn to Ukraine since early 2022.
Private schools in South Africa are renowned for their prestige and academic excellence, with smaller class sizes and highly qualified teachers. The 2024 matric results showed a 4.4 percentage point increase in the pass rate to 87.3% for private schools, with the IEB reporting an overall pass rate of 98.47%. Parents opt for private schools due to the perceived superior education they offer.
China’s December exports surged by 10.7% year-on-year, beating expectations, with a trade surplus of $104.8 billion. Analysts attribute the increase to frontloading due to Trump trade risks and Lunar New Year. Challenges remain, including potential US tariff hikes and unresolved disputes with the EU. Despite signs of recovery, China aims for around 5% economic growth in 2025 amid ongoing challenges.
Disturbing videos reveal illegal miners living in dire conditions at a disused gold mine in South Africa. Some miners seen dead, others emaciated. Rescue operation ongoing after court order. Authorities previously blocked food and water supplies, vowing to “smoke them out.”
Over 100 illegal miners in South Africa died of starvation and dehydration while trapped in an abandoned gold mine. More than 500 others remain trapped. Bodies were found wrapped in plastic underground. Rescue operations have recovered 18 bodies and 26 survivors. The miners had been stuck for months as police tried to remove them.
