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Ushering in a new era for the Daily News

Ushering in a new era for the Daily News

IOL News02-05-2025

DEAR valued readers.
What a journey it has been!
Since 1878, which is approximately 147 years, we have been at the forefront of bringing you the best news and content that eThekwini and the rest of KwaZulu-Natal has to offer.
For generations, our brand has been at the heart and soul of our communities all around the province and we have been the leading voice of what goes on not just in Durban, but surrounding areas as well.
For me, being the editor of this amazing brand over the last five years has truly been an honor and today I am blessed to usher the publication into an a new era under my editorship.
This is why I am so pleased and excited to announce that the Daily News, one of South Africa's oldest and most trusted newspapers, will be transitioning from a broadsheet to a Berliner format.
This change is part of our ongoing efforts to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the evolving needs of our readers.
Some of you might ask what is the Berliner format?
Well, the Berliner format, which is popular among many European, American and Chinese newspapers, offers a more compact, on the go and reader-friendly design.
If you are a commuter utilising transportation such as airlines, trains, buses and taxis, or whether you are at home, having your morning coffee or chilling in the back of an e-hailing ride, then this format is definitely for you.
This format will allow us to present our content in a more concise and visually appealing way, making it easier for you to navigate and enjoy your favourite daily newspaper.
This change is also in line with global media trends, where many publications are shifting to more compact formats to better suit the needs of their readers.
I believe that this new format will enhance your reading experience and make our newspaper more accessible to a wider audience.
I want to assure our loyal readers that our commitment to delivering high-quality journalism and in-depth coverage of local and national news remains unwavering.
Our team of experienced journalists and editors will continue to provide you with accurate, informative, and engaging content.
The transition to the Berliner format will take place on May 5, 2025.
We invite you to join us on this new journey and share your feedback with us as we strive to continually improve and meet your expectations.
Thank you for your continued support and please engage with us on the new format. I can't wait to hear from you.
Ayanda Mdluli,
Editor: Daily News

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US faces vape shortage as China tariffs, seizures hit Geek Bar
US faces vape shortage as China tariffs, seizures hit Geek Bar

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US faces vape shortage as China tariffs, seizures hit Geek Bar

Shipments of vapes from China to the U.S. ground to a near halt in May from a year ago, official data shows, hit by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and a crackdown on unauthorised e-cigarettes in the world's biggest market for smoking alternatives. That includes Geek Bar, a brand of flavoured vapes that is not authorised to sell in the U.S. but which had been widely available due to porous import controls. One retailer, who asked not to be named because their business sells unauthorised vapes, told Reuters that one of the store's vape suppliers normally receives 100 boxes of Geek Bar vapes per week, but is now getting just ten. Another supplier imposed unprecedented purchase limits. 'There were a lot of supply chain issues' during COVID-19, the person said. 'But I've never seen this.' The U.S. supplier limited purchases to five boxes at a time due to 'tariff-related price increases and limited market availability', an undated notice to customers seen by Reuters showed. Trump's decision to impose steep tariffs on China, now at 30% after peaking at 145% in April, as well as blockbuster seizures of unauthorised vapes, have constrained the supply of Chinese-owned vape brands and Geek Bar in particular, according to five industry sources and notices from U.S. Geek Bar wholesalers reviewed by Reuters. Between May 1 and May 28 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recorded just 71 shipments of products labelled as e-cigarettes or vapes from China, compared with nearly 1,200 over the same period last year. Such imports had fallen between 40% and 60% in February, March and April, after Trump came into office, but collapsed in May, the data show. 'Due to increased tariffs, rising production costs, and reduced supply chain capacity, the manufacturer has informed us that they will be reducing supply volume in the near-term,' one U.S. regional Geek Bar wholesaler wrote to customers on April 22 in an email shared with Reuters. 'WE'RE TALKING ABOUT NICOTINE HERE' In the meantime, vape distributors expect prices to go in one direction. 'With tariffs, it'll definitely go up,' said one U.S. vape distributor who asked not to be named. But that might not impact sales much. Unauthorised vape manufacturers enjoy hefty margins, and so can eat some of the cost of tariffs, Luis Pinto, a spokesperson for British American Tobacco's BATS.L U.S. subsidiary, said. Meanwhile, consumers hooked on vapes tend to keep buying, even as the price goes up. 'If the price goes up, the price goes up. We're talking about nicotine here,' the vape distributor said, adding unlike other products, addicted users need their fix. Vapes like Geek Bar – priced around $20 currently – would still be good value even with a $5 increase, the person said. Geek Bar manufacturer, Guangdong Qisitech, did not respond to a request for comment sent to its general email address. 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Equities surged in May while the Rand stabilised
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