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India Gazette
5 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Record-breaking Season 3 marks continued growth for SA20
Johannesburg [South Africa], May 29 (ANI): SA20 has cemented its position as one of the best-supported live sport events in South Africa, with Season 3 data across broadcast, attendance and digital showcasing record-breaking performances and continued growth. Capacity crowds again marked the season, with the League witnessing a remarkable 70 per cent increase in sold-out matches and a sold-out Final for the third consecutive year, making this the best-attended SA20 season to date. Over four-hundred thousand fans streamed through the turnstiles at the six venues around the country. Newlands, the home of Season 3 champions MI Cape Town, made history by becoming the first venue to sell out all five home matches, as per a press release from SA20. The League also achieved a significant milestone by selling its 1 millionth ticket to a lucky recipient during the match between Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Wanderers. In the annual survey, fans confirmed that the stadium was the place to be, with 93 per cent describing their experience as 'excellent' and 90 per cent indicating they were likely to attend Season 4. Nielsen Sports SA data reveals that viewership continues to increase, with the overall audience reach on SuperSport up by a significant 47 per cent, a testimony to the collaboration of the League and SuperSport to grow new audiences. The opening match of the season between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town was the most viewed opening match to date. South Africans were also glued to the Final with a 72 per cent uplift in viewership from Season 2 as viewers watched new champions, MI Cape Town, win the title. Nielsen Sport SA further reported that global television viewership across broadcasters including India, the UK, the US and Pan African markets increased by 37 per cent, revealing the growing appeal of South Africa's premier T20 competition as one of the top T20 franchise leagues around the world. In a fast-moving digital landscape, SA20 continues to show incredible growth with a 62 per cent increase in followers across all social media platforms, an 87 per cent increase in the following for Franchise teams, a 93 per cent increase in video views and a 233% rise in website traffic users from Season 2. As the awareness of the competition grows, this interest is reflected in exponential growth in the PR and media sectors in both South Africa and India. The League achieved a 30 per cent growth in media value in SA, while there were excellent results in India driving a 96 per cent increase in media value and a 231 per cent surge in print stories. League Commissioner, Graeme Smith, said: 'Season three of the SA20 has been an absolute game-changer. This is the third year running that we have seen unprecedented growth across broadcast, attendance and digital platforms; we have really made a mark as one of the leading sports and entertainment brands in the country. Globally, our numbers continue to increase and support our vision of being the biggest T20 cricket league outside of India. We could not have achieved this success without the fans, partners, world-class players, broadcasters, franchises and stakeholders, it is been incredible to see the passion and commitment towards the League.' SA20's commitment to youth and talent development both on and off the field was showcased via various initiatives in Season 3. Through its leadership programme, the League provided 26 young industry talent--including 4 Laureus YES (Youth Employment in Sport) programme recipients and 6 photography students--with the opportunity to work and gain experience as part of the competition's delivery team on the ground. The League also raised R630,000 for its social impact partner, the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation. Using sport including cricket programmes, the Foundation helps young people overcome limitations imposed by challenging social issues including poverty, homelessness, violence drug abuse and AIDS. Another highlight of the season was the opportunity to positively impact South African cricket's eco-system with the launch of the inaugural Schools SA20. Over 600 schools competed with a first-ever national girls' competition being incorporated. The competition reached a thrilling finish with the Schools SA20 Final Showdown at the Cricket SA High Performance Centre in Pretoria, where Steyn City School from Johannesburg and Bishops Diocesan College from Cape Town were crowned the inaugural girls' and boys' champions respectively. As part of the prize, the League and SACA also provided a full scholarship to two promising Grade 7 cricketers (one boy and one girl learner) to attend the winning schools, covering annual school fees, hostel fees (if applicable) and additional costs. 'The positive impact off the field is equally important and rewarding for us as the League,' Smith explained. 'The Schools SA20 was an excellent platform for the next generation in its debut season and will no doubt continue to give hundreds of young cricketers around the country opportunities. Planning is progressing well for Season 4 in the new holiday window, and we look forward to celebrating the festive season with all our fans.' The fourth season of the competition will get under on December 26, 2025, with major announcements around fixtures, player signings, and the auction to be communicated soon. (ANI)
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
South Africa's SA20 continues to grow in season 3, breaks viewership, attendance records
Betway SA20 has quickly become one of the best supported live sport events in South Africa , with Season 3 data across broadcast, attendance and digital showcasing record-breaking performances and continued growth. The popularity increased as capacity crowds marked the season, with the League witnessing a 70 per cent increase in sold-out matches and a sold out final for the third consecutive year, making it the best-attended SA20 season. Over four-hundred thousand fans streamed through the six venues around the country. Newlands, the home of Season 3 champions MI Cape Town , made the record by becoming the first venue to sell out all five home matches. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: 1 simple trick to get all TV channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo The league also saw the sale of the 1 millionth ticket to a lucky recipient during the match between Joburg Super Kings and Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Wanderers. In the annual survey, fans affirmed that the stadium was the place to be, with 93% describing their experience as 'excellent' and 90% indicating they were likely to attend Season 4. Live Events Nielsen Sports SA data reveals that viewership continues to increase, with the overall audience reach on SuperSport up by a significant 47%, a testimony to the collaboration of the League and SuperSport to grow new audiences. The opening match of the season between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town was the most viewed opening match to date. South Africans were also glued to the Final with a 72% uplift in viewership from Season 2 as viewers watched new champions, MI Cape Town, win the title. Nielsen Sport SA further reported that global television viewership across broadcasters including India, the UK, the US and Pan African markets increased by 37%. SA20 continues to show growth even on digital platforms with a 62% increase in followers across all social media platforms, an 87% increase in the following for Franchise teams, a 93% increase in video views and a 233% rise in website traffic users from Season 2. Further, The League achieved a 30% growth in media value in SA, while there were excellent results in India driving a 96% increase in media value and a 231% surge in print stories. League Commissioner, Graeme Smith said, "Season three of the Betway SA20 has been an absolute game-changer. This is the third year running that we have seen unprecedented growth across broadcast, attendance and digital platforms; we have really made a mark as one of the leading sport and entertainment brands in the country. Globally, our numbers continue to increase and support our vision of being the biggest T20 cricket league outside of India. We couldn't have achieved this success without the fans, partners, world-class players, broadcasters, franchises and stakeholders, it's been incredible to see the passion and commitment towards the League.' SA20's commitment to youth and talent development both on and off the field was showcased via various initiatives in Season 3. Through its learnership programme, the League provided 26 young industry talent, including four Laureus YES (Youth Employment in Sport) programme recipients and six photography students , the opportunity to work and gain experience as part of the competition's delivery team on the ground. The League also raised R630 000 (About Rs 30 lakh) for its social impact partner, the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation. The Foundation helps young people overcome limitations imposed by challenging social issues including poverty, homelessness, violence drug abuse and AIDS by using sport including cricket. Another highlight of the season was the opportunity to positively impact South African cricket's eco-system with the launch of the inaugural Schools SA20. Over 600 schools competed with a first-ever national girls' competition being incorporated. 'The positive impact off the field is equally important and rewarding for us as the League,' Smith explained. 'The Schools SA20 was an excellent platform for the next generation in its debut season and will no doubt continue to give hundreds of young cricketers around the country opportunities. Planning is progressing well for Season 4 in the new holiday window, and we look forward to celebrating the festive season with all our fans,' he added. The fourth season of the competition will begin on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, with major announcements around fixtures, player signings and the auction to be communicated soon.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Merck Foundation marks ‘World Art Day' through their Film, Song, Media and Fashion Awards 2025 in partnership with Africa's First Ladies to raise awareness about social & health issues
Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks 'World Art Day 2025' through their Pan African 'Art and Fashion with Purpose' Community, established by Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. Through this dynamic community, Dr. Kelej continues to raise awareness on critical health and social issues while empowering artists across Africa and beyond to use their creativity as a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and fostering a cultural shift within their communities. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and One of 100 Most Influential Africans 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 emphasized, 'I am delighted to mark 'World Art Day 2025' as I strongly believe that art, fashion, and media hold immense power in raising awareness and addressing critical social and health issues—ultimately creating a culture shift in the communities. Art and fashion, to me, go far beyond aesthetics or entertainment, they serve as meaningful tools for education and advocacy. With this vision, we have launched many initiatives including our first-ever pan-African TV program, Our Africa by Merck Foundation, which uniquely highlights pressing issues across the continent through the voices of our 'Fashion and Art with Purpose' community. Through this one-of-a-kind show and our other unique initiatives, we continue to raise awareness about critical social issues such as Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Ending Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation, Stopping Gender-Based Violence, Women's Empowerment, and also about health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and much more.' 'Our Africa by Merck Foundation' is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa. The program has captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa. The TV program has been broadcasted on prime TV stations of many countries like KTN HOME (Kenya), GH One&TV3 (Ghana), NTV (Uganda), BTV (Botswana) Mashariki TV (Burundi), QTV (The Gambia), KTN (Kenya), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa TV (Malawi), Deffi Media (Mauritius), AYV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC (Zambia), ZTN (Zimbabwe), NTV (Namibia) and more. 'Our Africa' TV Program is currently on social media handles of Social Media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook ( Instagram ( Twitter ( and YouTube ( and Merck Foundation (Facebook ( Instagram ( Twitter ( and YouTube ( Watch the Promo of the Program here: Beyond Our Africa TV Program, Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa announces annually 8 important Awards, under two themes, for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers and Musicians/ Singers, and potential young African talents in these fields. The themes of the two categories of awards are: 1) Breaking Infertility Stigma, Support Girls' Education, End Child Marriage, End FGM, Stopping GBV and/ or Women Empowerment at all levels and 2) promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. The 2025 editions were announced during the 11th edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary held in Tanzania in October 2024. Dr. Kelej emphasized, 'It is very well known that Africa's creativity reflects its rich heritage, expressed in the form of art, fabrics, music, and storytelling and is carried forward through generations. Hence, we launch these awards annually, with my dear sisters, the African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation 'More Than a Mother'. Through our Awards, we aim to inspire the continent's youth to use their innate talents to address our important and critical social and health issues, by raising awareness through their creative work at all levels.' Entries for the Awards can be sent to: submit@ Also, as a part of the Community Awareness Programs, Merck Foundation has created over 30 songs with many African Artists, in English, French, Portuguese and also local African languages to address critical issues like breaking infertility stigma, empowering women, supporting girl education, ending child marriage, diabetes awareness, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and more. Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Ladies of Africa has also launched 8 Children's Storybooks in three languages: English, French and Portuguese. Additionally, Merck Foundation has adapted these storybooks to create interesting animation films with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important issues with an aim of instilling change at grassroot levels. To listen to the Merck Foundation songs, read Merck Foundation storybooks and watch Merck Foundation animation films, click on the below links: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact details: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager +91 9310087613 / +91 9319606669 Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
TimesLIVE
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Connie Ferguson named as guest judge for Miss Universe Zimbabwe
Actress and filmmaker Connie Ferguson has been announced as the guest judge for the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 pageant. She will join a panel of six judges, including Miss Zimbabwe-Diaspora 2017 Roseanna Hall, prominent Pan African executive banker George Nheweyembwa, Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2023 Brooke Bruk Jackson, award-winning luxury travel content creator and blogger Paloma Mlunjwana, former supermodel Tsungai Makwanya and respected figure in the arts community Zak Hawa. The organisation described Ferguson as 'a true role model whose legacy inspires women across Africa'. She is a renowned actress, producer, filmmaker and businesswoman known for her role as Karabo Moroka on Generations and Harriet Khoza on The Queen. Ferguson and her late husband Shona produced shows including The Throne through their production company Ferguson Films. The 57-year-old is also a businesswoman in the lifestyle and self-care industry.
Zawya
09-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EAPI Summit 2025: Transforming East Africa's real estate landscape
As a proudly Pan-African business with key interests in positively shaping economic policy and investments, Absa CIB has proudly, once again confirmed its participation as a lead sponsor of the 2025 East Africa Property Investment (EAPI) Summit. The EAPI Summit is East Africa's premier real estate event, bringing together over 450 global investors, developers, and professionals from the real estate industry. The 12th annual summit will be held in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday, 7 and Thursday, 8 May 2025, at Pullman, Upper Hill. The EAPI Summit provides a platform for networking, dealmaking, and gaining insights from key industry leaders. Strategic discussions will focus on investments and capital markets, occupier trends, retail, logistics, hospitality, and affordable housing, making it a vital event for stakeholders in East Africa's real-estate sector. The 2025 EAPI Summit marks the third year Absa CIB joins as the lead sponsor. Unlocking East Africa Sandile Mpanza, Head: Commercial Property Finance, Africa Region, Absa CIB says that 'Absa CIB's sponsorship of the EAPI Summit reinforces our continued commitment to positively shaping the economic development of the African markets in which we operate.' The Absa Group operates in several East African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Seychelles. Absa also provides financial solutions and advisory services tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in the region, reinforcing its commitment to fostering economic growth and development in East Africa. Says Mpanza, 'As a trusted partner, we remain dedicated to supporting developers, investors and stakeholders with tailored solutions that unlock opportunities and foster sustainable development. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders to shape the future of East Africa's property market.' Under the theme 'Positioning for Opportunity', this year's EAPI Summit will explore how developers and investors can capitalise on investment opportunities in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and more. These countries are showing promising signs of economic recovery, improving political stability, and stabilising interest rates. East Africa's diverse real estate sector is gaining interest from institutional, local, and offshore investors across many sectors. In 2025 and beyond, several market watchers expect renewed interest and dealmaking in the commercial, retail, hospitality, and affordable housing real estate segments. While investment opportunities are plentiful in East Africa, regional and global challenges persist and are set to impact the real estate industry. Expert speakers at the EAPI Summit will help investors and market watchers navigate the impact of trade tariffs imposed by the US under President Donald Trump's administration, the outlook of interest rates that remain high globally and convincing pension funds to bankroll infrastructure projects that aim to improve Africa's development ambitions, and more. In addition to Absa, Africa Logistics Properties (ALP) has thrown its weight behind the EAPI Summit as a sponsor. Global-grade warehousing expertise As a Nairobi-based property developer of high-quality warehouses for the occupier market, ALP brings institutional expertise to the EAPI Summit about East Africa's real estate market. After all, ALP is working with multinational companies across Africa, developing modern grade-A logistics and distribution warehousing infrastructure in Kenya and prospectively, the wider East Africa region. ALP will be able to tackle questions at the EAPI summit about complex global economic and geopolitical developments set to impact East Africa's real estate market. This is because ALP has experience and exposure to global markets as it operates according to global public company governance standards. Raghav Gandhi, the chief executive officer of ALP, says: 'ALP has been a regular participant and sponsor for the EAPI summits due to their presence in the real estate sector not just in Kenya but also the continent. They bring together industry leaders and professionals in a vibrant environment, which rarely happens so that we can explore synergies and collaboration opportunities for our respective businesses. Through the panels, the EAPI summits also provide the opportunity for thought leadership and innovation to be shared across key stakeholders so that folks have the chance to learn something new or challenge what they feel is the status quo.' With sponsorships from Absa CIB, ALP, and others, the 2025 edition of the EAPI summit will be another highly-anticipated opportunity for attendees to connect with expert speakers and peers to expand their professional networks. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
