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The operating environment during the first 6 months of 2024 was challenging and economic activity remained weak, impacted by geopolitical uncertainty, high interest rates, persistent inflation and general uncertainty ahead of the national elections in South Africa (SA).

Between work, family, and personal commitments, carving out moments for ourselves feels like a constant battle. One area that often gets squeezed? Managing our finances. This challenge is interlinked to our most valuable commodity: time. People simply do not have enough time.

There are still more than 3,900 South African schools with illegal pit toilets. We have launched a campaign calling on people in South Africa to petition the government to #EndPitToilets in South Africa’s schools, in an ongoing drive to address the issue. As part of the campaign, we have created a stunt, printing a newspaper insert with ink made from sterilised human faeces, taken from pit toilets.

The recent convergence of World Hunger Day and South Africa’s Election Day invited a critical examination of our nation's battle against hunger. The days leading up to this important occasion buzzed with election fervour, but in the aftermath of the campaign promises and political posturing, let us not forget the stark realities faced by millions of South Africans, particularly our children and mothers, who bear the brunt of malnutrition and food insecurity.

It has been a standout year for the Group. Prosus simplified its Group structure, delivered improvements across all core performance metrics and achieved Ecommerce profitability six months ahead of target. Operating businesses have performed well, accelerating profitable growth, while the open-ended buyback programme continues to deliver value for our shareholders every day. The rapid deployment of AI-led technologies across the Prosus ecosystem is generating real results and will set the next frontier of value creation for the Group. Prosus has a strong balance sheet and is well positioned to generate improved returns through smart and disciplined capital allocation, driving value for all stakeholders.

It has been a standout year for the Group. Naspers simplified its Group structure, delivered improvements across all core performance metrics and achieved Ecommerce profitability six months ahead of target. Operating businesses have performed well, accelerating profitable growth, while the open-ended buyback programme continues to deliver value for our shareholders every day. The rapid deployment of AI-led technologies across the Naspers ecosystem is generating real results and will set the next frontier of value creation for the Group. Naspers has a strong balance sheet and is well positioned to generate improved returns through smart and disciplined capital allocation, driving value for all stakeholders. 

The financial year to 31 March 2024 (FY24) saw the culmination of four years of strategic planning, with MultiChoice Group (MultiChoice or the group) now fully operational in its three core segments, namely video entertainment, interactive entertainment and fintech.

As I navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital transformation within various industries, I've come to realise how vital the tools we adopt are to our efficiency, connectivity, and competitiveness. In my experience, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra epitomises the kind of transformational tool that transcends its basic function as a smartphone to become a cornerstone for innovative business practices.

Cybercrime remains rife, despite the efforts to combat it. In a recent court case, the court reaffirmed the legal position as to who bears responsibility for payment where a third-party accesses an email system, changes the banking details, and payment is made into an incorrect account.

Samsung has retained its Level-1 B-BBEE status for six (6) years in succession. This is a true testament of Samsung’s 30-year commitment and the positive impact its continuous investment has had, to the country’s transformation agenda.