Transcript

Hello, everyone! This is Erika from ‘Just a Moment News’, and today is September 14, 2024. Let’s dive into some of the interesting news stories making headlines today.

First up, there’s a potential breakthrough for satellite internet service in South Africa as Elon Musk’s Starlink is currently in discussions with the South African government. President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed these talks, focusing on potential investments. Starlink, which recently expanded its service to Zimbabwe, making it the sixteenth African nation to access its high-speed internet, is now eyeing South Africa pending regulatory approval. The company operates a global network of approximately five thousand five hundred satellites and serves two point six million customers. In another development, United Airlines has opted to use Starlink for its inflight Wi-Fi, becoming the first major U.S. carrier to adopt this technology.

Moving on, Norse Atlantic Airways has announced it will begin offering low-cost flights between London Gatwick and Cape Town starting October 28, 2024. This will be the airline’s first route to Africa and is set to operate three times a week. The airline is looking to shake up the current market dynamics dominated by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, with fares starting at four hundred and thirty Pounds for Economy class.

In a lighter vein, a South African band named Kiffness has released a parody song titled “Eating the Cats,” which has gone viral. The song mocks a false claim made by former President Donald Trump regarding immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. The music video, which features a Reggaeton-style beat and humorous visuals, has already amassed over two hundred sixty-seven thousand views on X. The band has also pledged to donate proceeds from the song to the Clark County SPCA.

In conservation news, Kerri Wolter, known as the “Vulture Whisperer,” has been nominated for the 2025 Indianapolis Prize, often dubbed the ‘Nobel Prize’ of animal conservation. Having left a corporate career, Kerri’s profound connection with vultures led her to establish VulPro, an organization dedicated to vulture conservation. She is one of forty-four global conservationists nominated for this prestigious award.

Lastly, a crowdfunding initiative has raised over two hundred thirty thousand Rand for Tom London, a former broadcaster in need of a lifesaving operation. The funds were raised via the Back-a-Buddy platform after London shared his plight following a challenging experience at Helen Joseph Hospital in Gauteng. A benefit concert is also planned to further aid his recovery.

In entertainment, Netflix is exploring new horizons with live programming and is currently in talks with BuzzFeed Inc. to stream live versions of the popular YouTube talk show, Hot Ones. Host Sean Evans might present several live episodes on Netflix, which could bolster its live TV lineup and advertising business.

That’s all for today’s news roundup. I’m Erika, and you’ve been listening to ‘Just a Moment News’. Have a great day, everyone!

Keywords - moment, daily, news