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Shoprite reports strong sales growth, taking full control of Checkers Sixty60 deliveries. Sales increased by 9.6% to R128.6 billion in the six months ending 29 December 2024. Supermarkets RSA contributed 83.7% to group sales, with a 10.4% growth. Like-for-like sales grew by 6% during the period.
Australia’s science minister, Ed Husic, raises privacy concerns about Chinese chatbot DeepSeek, sparking turmoil in tech industry. Donald Trump calls it a “wake up call” for the US, but Husic warns of data and privacy risks. DeepSeek sees 3 million downloads in the UK and US, outpacing rivals like Perplexity. Concerns remain over potential links to Chinese state and data harvesting.
Investors question tech and AI valuations as DeepSeek’s advances challenge US dominance. Nvidia’s market cap plunges, impacting global tech stocks. US stock futures stabilize, dollar rises, and Asian tech shares decline. Yen and Swiss franc strengthen, US bonds rise, oil prices fall. Market uncertainty persists amid concerns over DeepSeek’s cost-effective AI solutions. Major tech companies and markets experience significant losses.
Israeli forces killed 22 people in south Lebanon as they tried to return home after a deadline for Israeli withdrawal passed. Israel extended its troop presence due to Hezbollah arms in the area. Lebanon’s military accused Israel of delaying withdrawal. The conflict stems from last year’s war with Hezbollah. Hezbollah blames Lebanon for ensuring Israel’s withdrawal. The White House calls for a ceasefire extension.
Putco Bus is investigating an arson attack at four depots in Mpumalanga, where 45 buses were destroyed. Assailants ambushed security officers at the Moloto depot, setting buses on fire and opening fire. Two employees were injured. Officials will inspect the site for updates. Spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu stated that a total of 47 buses were burned across the affected depots.
Global tech selloff triggered by Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, offering cost-effective AI models compared to top AI chatbots. Caroline Hyde covers the impact and implications.
Business Leadership South Africa CEO Busiswe Mavuso praised Team SA for impressing delegates at the World Economic Forum. International investors have changed their outlook on South Africa, with a shift in sentiment from concerns over load shedding and the 2024 National Election to interest in the country’s achievements and growth ambitions. President Cyril Rampahosa highlighted South Africa’s commitment to sustainable development and reforms to attract investors.
Janusz Walus, who murdered SACP leader Chris Hani in 1993, expressed no remorse in an eNCA interview. He described the killing as necessary to prevent a takeover, stating he would do it again if circumstances were the same.
Fierce fighting continues in Goma, DRC, as rebels and army clash. M23 rebels claim control of the city, but authorities dispute. Residents trapped in homes report gunshots and fear. Videos show rebels patrolling streets. Clashes between army and rebels reported. UN-sponsored Radio Okapi confirms rebels control state broadcaster. Residents express terror and concern.
Minister Ramokgopa reassures South Africans of no 36% electricity tariff hike this year. He emphasizes the need to review the energy mix to reduce electricity production costs. Businesspeople at the WEF also criticize high electricity costs, affecting competitiveness. Ramokgopa aims to make electricity affordable for all, citing unsustainable tariff increases.
