Transcript

Hello and welcome to ‘Just a Moment News.’ I’m Erika, and today’s date is July 17, 2024. Let’s dive into some of the latest news stories that are making headlines today.

First up, Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Services, has made a significant announcement regarding tax collection from international online retailers. With the rise of e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu, which have become quite popular in South Africa, SARS has noted a substantial loss in tax revenue, totaling around three and a half billion Rand. The outdated tax administration practices, initially designed for minimal e-commerce activity, are being updated. As of July 1, new tax rules have been implemented, taxing parcels from these Chinese retailers at the same rate as local retailers, which is forty-five percent plus VAT.

Moving on, Heidelberg Mall in Gauteng has taken a bold step towards energy independence by going entirely off-grid. This transition is facilitated by a 3.2 MWp, 3.1 MWh hybrid power project, which was delivered by Energy Partners to the Futuregrowth Community Property Fund-owned mall. This system not only ensures a 24/7 power supply but also integrates solar and diesel power, with a Battery Energy Storage System to handle peak demands and reduce electricity costs. This move is part of a broader trend in South Africa where more shopping centers are adopting alternative energy solutions.

In international news, a tragic event occurred at a luxury hotel in Bangkok where six individuals were found deceased. The victims, including two Vietnamese Americans, were discovered in their hotel room with no signs of violence or self-harm. Thai police are investigating the possibility of poisoning as cups with traces of white powder were found at the scene. This case continues to develop as authorities search for a seventh person linked to the booking.

In the tech world, Andrej Karpathy, known for his work with Tesla and OpenAI, has launched a new venture called Eureka Labs. This AI-native education platform aims to integrate AI assistants with human teachers to enhance learning experiences. Although the company’s products and business model are still under wraps, the potential impact of this technology on education could be significant.

Switching gears to entertainment, the Netflix series ‘Supacell,’ created by Andrew Onwubolu, also known as Rapman, has caught the attention of viewers worldwide. This sci-fi drama, set in south London, explores the lives of ordinary people with extraordinary powers. The series not only entertains but also addresses significant issues like sickle cell disease and provides a fresh perspective on the superhero genre.

Lastly, Disney is making strides to compete with Netflix by enhancing user engagement on its streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. With new features like personalized algorithms and pop-up live channels, Disney aims to keep viewers engaged and reduce subscriber churn. CEO Bob Iger is focused on reaching profitability by the end of the fiscal year through these initiatives.

That wraps up our news for today. Thank you for tuning in to ‘Just a Moment News.’ I’m Erika, and I’ll see you next time. Stay informed and take care.

Keywords - moment, daily, news