Transcript

Hello, I’m Erika, and welcome to ‘Just a Moment News’ on this September 3rd, 2024. Today, we’re discussing a variety of intriguing news stories from around the globe, each presenting unique challenges and developments.

First up, we have a concerning issue from South Africa where Home Affairs officials have been implicated in fraudulent activities. Minister Leon Schreiber disclosed that undocumented migrants could purchase South African passports for up to forty-five thousand Rand and birth certificates for one thousand Rand. With one hundred and nine corruption cases reported this financial year, efforts to combat these illegal activities include the use of big data analytics and the recent imprisonment of several officials. A key arrest involved Afran Ahmed, a syndicate leader, caught in a passport fraud scheme known as “photo swap.”

Switching gears to the corporate sector, South African e-commerce giant Takealot has sold its subsidiary, Superbalist, to a consortium led by Blank Canvas Capital. This strategic move comes after Takealot faced increased competition and the impact of tax advantages enjoyed by Chinese retailers like Shein and Temu. The South African Revenue Service is set to implement new tax measures to level the playing field, starting this month.

In consumer news, FNB has reintroduced its 99-cent bread offer in partnership with Pick n Pay, after a false start with Shoprite. This initiative allows Easy PAYU customers to purchase a loaf of bread weekly at a significantly reduced price, aiming to provide relief during tough economic times.

Meanwhile, in the technology and security sector, French firm IDEMIA, recently dismissed by the Airports Company South Africa over tender irregularities, has been awarded a contract by South Africa’s Department of Transport to produce new driving licence smart cards. Despite past controversies, the Department assures that the bidding process was transparent and compliant.

In the world of pageantry, Chidimma Adetshina, caught in a xenophobia-related controversy in South Africa, has been crowned Miss Universe Nigeria. Born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa contest and will now represent Nigeria in the upcoming Miss Universe competition in Mexico.

On a lighter note, in the competitive eating arena, Joey Chestnut has triumphed over Takeru Kobayashi at a hot dog eating contest in Las Vegas, setting a new world record by consuming eighty-three hot dogs in ten minutes. This event marked a significant moment in their rivalry, with specific rules enhancing the challenge.

Lastly, addressing environmental challenges, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Self-Assembly Lab, in collaboration with Maldivian organization Invena, is developing innovative methods to combat shoreline erosion in the Maldives. These nature-based solutions, like submersible structures and floating gardens, aim to work with natural processes to protect and expand coastal regions.

That wraps up our news stories for today. Thank you for tuning in to ‘Just a Moment News.’ I’m Erika, wishing you a thoughtful and informed day ahead. Remember, every story has its nuances, and understanding them helps us navigate the complexities of our world. Goodbye for now!

Keywords - moment, daily, news