Latest news with #SouthAfrican-born
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
South African-born billionaire moves to float one of America's largest news brands
South African-born billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong has revealed plans to take one of the United States' most prominent news organizations public within the next year, marking a significant shift in the American media landscape. South Africa's Patrick Soon-Shiong plans to take The Los Angeles Times public within the next year. The move would make the publication one of few publicly-traded major news organizations. The IPO represents an effort to reshape legacy media strategies in the digital era. If the initial public offering proceeds, The Los Angeles Times would join the ranks of major publicly traded news organizations such as its former parent, Tribune Publishing Co., and The New York Times Co., according to Business Tech. The move would offer investors a rare opportunity to own a stake in one of California's oldest and most influential media institutions, situated in the wealthiest state in the U.S. ' We'll allow it to be democratized and allow the public to have ownership of this paper, ' Soon-Shiong said during an appearance on The Daily Show. Soon-Shiong mentioned that he is collaborating with an organization currently developing the plan, adding that the new structure would be rolled out over the coming year. However, he did not provide further details. Acquisition The billionaire surgeon, biotech entrepreneur, and media investor acquired the Los Angeles Times in 2018 through his investment firm, Nant Capital, in a deal valued at $500 million. Since then, he has worked to stabilize the newsroom following a turbulent period under previous ownership, which had been marred by editorial conflicts and staff dissatisfaction. Soon-Shiong's announcement signals a new chapter for the publication, which has seen major digital and structural reforms under his stewardship. If the IPO proceeds, the outlet would join The New York Times Co. and the former Tribune Publishing Co. on public markets, potentially reshaping investor interest in legacy media brands navigating the digital age. Political affiliation The South African-born billionaire has not hidden his affiliation with U.S. President Donald Trump, a relationship that became increasingly evident during the election campaigns. Last year, he reportedly urged the newspaper's editorial board to 'take a break' from covering Trump and blocked the board from endorsing Kamala Harris for president. The decision sparked internal turmoil, leading to multiple resignations from the editorial board and a wave of subscription cancellations from readers who viewed the move as editorial interference. Soon-Shiong later defended his actions, stating that he feared an endorsement would deepen political divisions in an already polarized country. He added that his long-term vision was to steer the publication toward becoming a more 'fair and balanced' news outlet.
Time Out
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time Out
Elon Musk's long-awaited drive-in diner in Hollywood has finally opened
Well, we all knew it was coming: the Tesla diner and drive-in in Hollywood is finally opening after several years of construction and permitting delays. According to Tesla-focused blog Not a Tesla App, the Texas-based electric car company held a preview event for first responders over the weekend complete with several Optimus unit walking around on-site. (It's unclear if the diner will actually employ said Tesla robots as servers.) Ah, to be alive in 2025! Elon Musk's pet project was first announced to the public back in 2022, well before the South African-born tech billionaire began dabbling in politics and gutted several federal agencies through the Department of Government Efficiency. (More recently, he's started his own political party with former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang.) The now-controversial Tesla diner went without a culinary lead for some time before ghost kitchen chef Eric Greenspan was hired to oversee the menu earlier this year. The project also caused local backlash when Margarita and Walter Manzke, the co-owners of L.A.'s award-winning République voiced support for the diner. As previously reported, the new Tesla diner will feature approximately 80 V4 chargers—the fastest charging stations available on the market—as well as a drive-in movie theater. The entire structure has a retro-futuristic feel, with plenty of curved lines and metallic accents. Per photos from tech blog Techeblog, the indoor dining area features a curved counter and neon lighting. A rooftop dining area, visible from the street, will be available for anyone who wants to leave their cars for their meal. Not a Tesla App reports that Tesla owners will be able to order food directly from their cars through a proprietary app and stream whatever movie's playing on the screens inside their cars. In terms of food, expect traditional fast food fare courtesy of chef Eric Greenspan. This includes burgers, fries, chicken wings, hot dogs, milkshakes and other handhelds. Early images reveal a Cybertruck-shaped burger container, plus diner-exclusive merch, plus various items of Tesla memorabilia from over the years. Highlights include an Optimus robot action figure with its own tiny container of fries. Despite the political lightning rod that is Musk, media outlets have been quick to scope out the latest updates on the Tesla diner. Yesterday, Forbes contributor Brooke Crothers captured footage of the Tesla's parking lot on Sunday, July 20, which includes 50 V4 chargers in a backlot area.
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Chidimma mocks news of Miss SA organisation 'downfall'?
Chidimma Adetshina, the South African-born Miss Universe runner-up, is laughing off news that the Miss SA pageant has been postponed and is under new management. The news comes days after pageant CEO Stephanie Weil resigned from her post. In the past year, the Cape Town model – whose father is Nigerian, and whose mother is Mozambican – has been the target of a Home Affairs investigation. Last year, Chidimma stepped down from her position as Miss SA finalist. A few weeks later, she won the title of Miss Universe Nigeria and competed at the international pageant, where she was crowned runner-up. In a press statement posted on pageant fanpage @misssafandom, the Miss SA organisation announced that the finale would be postponed from August to a later date in 2025. This was one to 'ensure the alignment with international and other global events.' Since Stephanie Weil stepped down as CEO, the pageant has been taken under the wing of Africa Fashion International, which has vowed to 'embark on this strategic journey together, leveraging our unique strengths to drive growth and innovation.' In the comments section, pageant fans were mostly unsurprised by the news, given the delay in announcing the Top 30. Also commenting was Chidimma Adetshina, who posted a meme of a man suppressing a smile. When one follower accused the pageant queen of being 'petty,' she responded, 'I'm just smiling. I've given you way too much access to me, and I'm sure that's your biggest achievement this year. Go rest, bye!' Chidimma Adetshina has reacted to news of Miss SA's postponement. The beauty queen is a former 2024 finalist. Image via screenshot: @misssafandom Late last year, the Department of Home Affairs revealed it would be investigating the mother of Chidimma Adetshina, Anabela Rungo, who had unlawfully registered her as a South African at birth via fraudulent documents. Earlier this year, Rungo was arrested and charged with violating the Immigration and Identification Act. She has since been released on bail. Both Chidimma and her mother have had their SA ID and passports revoked. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON MISS SA'S POSTPONEMENT? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
The Sociable App is making in-person connections cool again
Sociable app co-founder, Jason van Dyk, delivers his keynote address at StartUp Club ZA Cape Town Showcase Image: Sociable In an age where digital fatigue is the norm and isolation a creeping epidemic, a South African-born app is striking a powerful counterbalance. The Sociable App, launched in Durban in late 2022, is quickly becoming the go-to platform for people craving real-world connection, community, and meaningful experiences, not just more screen time. From artists and entrepreneurs to students and fitness trainers, over 16,500 users across the country have embraced Sociable's premise: that being together should feel effortless. Whether it's hosting a micro-event or finding a spontaneous night out nearby, Sociable says it simplifies the way people meet, plan, and engage in real life. 'At a time when everyone is focusing on making life simpler, we aspired to build a platform that made life more meaningful,' says Jason van Dyk, founder of Sociable, told Fast Company. 'To use innovation, not to find new covert ways to sell a product, but instead to take the approach of adding back. Adding back adventure, adding back passion, adding back community,' he explained. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Users can effortlessly browse real-time events, host their gatherings with in-app customisation tools, and even build and manage their micro-communities, all without the bloated distractions of traditional social media. 'We've built the platform to be an ecosystem, not a transactional marketplace,' van Dyk noted. 'Every feature is created to make it easier to bring people together, from native access management to weather reports for your events.' The app's clean interface and map-based discovery feed help users find experiences by category or location. At the same time, hosts can coordinate multi-tier ticketing, RSVPs, and community messaging, all within a single platform. An Organic Movement Sociable's growth has been anything but accidental. Eschewing heavy ad spend, the team focused on grassroots partnerships with local creators, community leaders, and event organisers in cities like Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. 'Sociable remains the only locally-created social connection platform with this kind of growth trajectory from inception to date,' van Dyk said. 'Our grassroots-first growth strategy is what allowed us to connect deeply with communities, not just grow vanity metrics.' This strategy has paid off. The app has hit number 7 on the South African App Store, boasts a 4.9-star rating, and enjoys strong uptake, particularly in Cape Town, where the company is headquartered. Gauteng is next in line for expansion. A Platform Rooted in Belonging Research shows that one in four young adults experiences persistent loneliness. While traditional social media platforms promised connection, many users feel more isolated than ever in the algorithmic noise. Sociable said it answers those frustrations head-on. 'We're seeing especially strong momentum among women-led and women-only communities,' van Dyk noted. 'It's incredibly rewarding to see how Sociable is being used as a tool for empowerment and safe community building in those spaces.' The app's features reflect this human-first approach, focusing on autonomy, safety, and inclusivity, values rarely prioritised by global tech giants. What's Next? Behind the scenes, Sociable is working on a new, still-unannounced feature that van Dyk claimed 'will completely change how communities are supported.' Though tight-lipped on the details, he hinted at a major shift in how digital tools can support the intention economy, where users don't just scroll, they engage with purpose. While the company remains private and cautious about financials, van Dyk confirmed that Sociable is open to strategic partnerships and mission-aligned investment as it scales. 'We are always looking for new ways to align and partner with people who share our vision, whether that's through operations, investment, or collaborative innovation,' he said. 'If someone sees the trend toward in-person connection and wants to build the intention economy, we'd love to see how we could work together.' Looking ahead, the team has global ambitions. 'The need for community is not isolated to one city, country or continent. It's a foundational human desire,' van Dyk said. 'In five years, we hope to bring Sociable to the global stage, and to be leading the market swing back to human-centric innovation.' BUSINESS REPORT
Time Out
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight makes its South African debut
Joburg film lovers, clear your calendars for 25 July. Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, the moving new adaptation of Alexandra Fuller's best-selling memoir, is finally getting its South African premiere. Directed by South African-born actor and filmmaker Embeth Davidtz, this is a story rooted deeply in African soil. Shot in South Africa and adapted for the screen by Davidtz herself, the film offers a rare and emotionally layered portrayal of Zimbabwe's transition from colonial Rhodesia to independence. At the heart of it all is eight-year-old Bobo, played by newcomer Lexi Venter, a young white girl navigating a childhood shaped by grief, shifting family dynamics, and a land at war. The story unfolds through Bobo's eyes, bringing tenderness, innocence, and emotional truth to a time often only seen through historical or political lenses. 'Even in the middle of pain and inherited racism, love and transformation are actually possible,' says Davidtz, who also stars in the film. 'This story helped me process my own childhood in apartheid-era South Africa.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sony Pictures Classics (@sonyclassics) With a stellar local cast that includes Zikhona Bali, Fumani N Shilubana, and Rob Van Vuuren, the film is both intimate and expansive, telling a personal tale against a backdrop of war and cultural upheaval. Behind the scenes, a powerhouse production team backs the film, including executive producers Anele Mdoda, Frankie Du Toit, and Trevor Noah, and acclaimed producers Helena Spring and Paul Buys. Following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film now comes home, offering South African audiences a chance to witness this poignant coming-of-age story where memory, identity, and healing are front and centre.
