Broadcasting
QNET: A Catalyst for Community Development and Social Responsibility
In today’s interconnected world, the role of businesses extends beyond profit generation. As society faces diverse challenges, businesses have a crucial responsibility to contribute to the well-being and development of the communities they operate in.
Recognising this vital role, QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct selling company, has emerged as a shining example of a business that takes its social responsibility seriously and acts as a catalyst for community development.
Driven by its core philosophy of RYTHM (Raise Yourself To Help Mankind), QNET is committed to making a positive impact and has implemented various initiatives that embody the essence of corporate social responsibility.
Amidst the numerous crises communities face worldwide, QNET has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering and rebuilding lives. A recent example of this commitment was observed during the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, which impacted ten cities and displaced over 3 million people. In response to this tragedy, QNET promptly mobilised its resources and activated its global network.
Cem Geyik, the Regional General Manager of QNET in Turkey, expressed heartfelt empathy, stating, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Türkiye during this challenging time and will spare no effort in helping them rebuild their lives.”
In the aftermath of the earthquake, QNET employees in Turkey voluntarily participated in ongoing aid projects. Teaming up with World Human Relief (WHR), a renowned humanitarian organisation, QNET worked tirelessly to deliver critical aid to the affected families. The combined efforts of QNET’s employees and distributors resulted in the distribution of hundreds of food packages directly to those in need.
In Hatay Province, which was heavily impacted by aftershocks, QNET employees collaborated with the Genç Hayat Foundation to provide hot meals and essential goods to over 2000 people. Furthermore, to support the displaced earthquake survivors, QNET extended its assistance by providing 400 disaster relief packages containing essential items such as toiletries and food. The company also donated over 1.2 million Turkish Lira through WHR, ensuring that critical resources reached those most in need.
Another notable initiative undertaken by QNET is its Ramadan Giving program. During the holy month of Ramadan, QNET extends its support to vulnerable communities in approximately 50 countries. Recognising the heightened need during this period, QNET employees and distributors join forces to provide food, groceries, daily essentials, medicines, and more to those most in need.
Some highlights from QNET’s Ramadan Giving initiatives this year include:
- Organising a Ramadan fest for 150 labourers at the Ajman UAE labour camp and joined forces with the Misr El Kheir Foundation to provide iftar to underprivileged communities in Cairo, Egypt.
- Gifting food kits to ensure the children from the Cherubs Foundation International and Compassion Is Love Home in Ghana have nutritious meals.
- Donating essential items and organising meals during Ramadan for 50 children from Bab-Es-Salam, an orphanage in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Providing school supply kits for 120 children from underprivileged backgrounds at Sekolah Darurat Kartini in Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Donating to the ‘1 Billion Meals’ project in the United Arab Emirates, initiated by the UAE government to feed one billion disadvantaged and low-income families in 30 countries.
In addition to these initiatives, QNET’s social impact arm, the RYTHM Foundation, collaborates closely with local partners and community organisations in various countries to address specific needs and challenges vulnerable individuals and families face. The Foundation’s projects focus on women and youth empowerment, inclusive education for vulnerable and disabled populations, and environmental causes.
For instance, in India, the Foundation has implemented several projects supporting women from rural communities to become financially independent. In Tanzania, the Foundation’s efforts have helped bring clean water access to the Iringa region. In Indonesia and Thailand, the program explores using sports as a key tool to educate and empower youth.
Through its dedication and proactive approach, QNET has become a catalyst for positive change in the regions where it operates, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives. Last year, in Nigeria, QNET’s employees and distributors came together to distribute essential food items and toiletries to The Little Saints Orphanage in Lagos.
As QNET continues to champion the cause of community development and social responsibility, its unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration to businesses worldwide.
QNET has demonstrated that businesses have the power to transform lives positively. By taking proactive steps and working hand-in-hand with local partners, QNET has become a symbol of hope, showcasing how companies can be powerful catalysts for change, bringing light to the darkest corners of society.
Spotify is turning the spotlight toward the next wave of African music innovators with its latest RADAR Africa picks: Nigerian Afrobeats talent FOLA and South African Afro House DJ and producer Thakzin. As part of Spotify’s ongoing commitment to discovering and amplifying emerging voices across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), RADAR continues to champion boundary-pushing artists shaping the sound of tomorrow.
FOLA, born Folarin Odunlami, first caught attention with his freestyles on social media, quickly making a name for himself with his blend of Afrobeat rhythms and soulful storytelling. His breakout EP What A Feeling, featuring the Bella Shmurda-assisted hit “Who Does That,” laid the foundation for a fast-rising career that now includes collaborations with BNXN, Magixx, and BhadBoi OML. “Looking at where I’m coming from, I see every opportunity as a blessing. So, it’s a blessing to have been selected, just like others before me,” says FOLA. “I want my fans to know that in the midst of all the noise, I made something they could truly connect with, feel and share with those who mean something to them. I want everyone who listens to at the very least, recognise that they’re witnessing the early days of something truly special.”
On the southern tip of the continent, Thakzin’s journey began in Ivory Park, Johannesburg, where early jazz and kwaito influences, plus a deep respect for traditional percussion, shaped his signature sound. With co-signs from Black Coffee and international tastemakers like Laurent Garnier, his genre-defying approach to Afro House, heard in his 2023 anthem “The Magnificent Dance,” is setting global dance floors alight. Following the release of Magnificent Dance, his version of Horns In The Sun by DJ Kent became a viral hit across South Africa and gained global traction, potentially surpassing the success of Magnificent Dance itself. Thakzin’s sound is rooted in African spirituality and healing, inspired by the rhythmic power of traditional drums. Shaped by a musical upbringing and guided by his father, a keyboardist, he blends rich harmonies with percussive elements to create an immersive Afro-house experience. His music evokes emotion, movement, and ancestral energy, anchored in freedom and African expression. In recognition of his role in shaping 3-step, Thakzin was the first cover artist of Spotify’s 3 STEP playlist.
Spotify RADAR isn’t just a platform, it’s a launchpad. It reflects Spotify’s commitment to empowering local artists across SSA and delivering the best listening experience in the region. From Lagos to Johannesburg, RADAR celebrates the diversity of talent on the continent, offering artists equal access to global audiences.
“At Spotify, we believe in the power of African storytelling through music. FOLA and Thakzin are both incredibly unique artists who represent the spirit of RADAR—fresh voices with global potential,” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa. “By amplifying their journeys, we hope to inspire more creators across the continent to believe in their vision and reach for bigger stages.”
With FOLA and Thakzin stepping into the spotlight, one thing is clear: Africa’s future sound is already here, and Spotify is where you find it first.
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) commends the decision by the High Court of Malawi, sitting as the Constitutional Court (ConCourt), which finds that section 200 of the Penal Code of Malawi, criminalising defamation, is unconstitutional. This follows a unanimous ruling by Justices Chifundo Kachale, Fiona Mwale, and Mzondi Mvula.
The decision by the three-judge bench concludes a case brought by Joshua Chisa Mbele against the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General, where the latter leveled charges against Mbele for alleged defamatory statements made regarding a public official in Malawi. In his defence, Mbele challenged the constitutionality of section 200 of the Penal Code of Malawi, which criminalised defamation, arguing that this provision infringed the right to freedom of expression as provided for under section 35 of the country’s Constitution, as well as running counter to Malawi’s obligations under regional and international human rights law.
In its commendable ruling, the ConCourt upheld the right to freedom of expression enshrined in the Malawian Constitution and described the punishment of imprisonment, as outlined in Section 200 of the Malawi Penal Code, as having a “chilling effect on public discourse and democratic participation.” In a ruling delivered on July 16th, 2025, the court said it did not find Section 200 of the Malawi Penal Code reasonable or necessary in light of the civil remedies available to deal with defamation.
PIN celebrates this win, having expressed concerns in the past over Malawi’s repressive laws through the Londa report on the state of digital rights and inclusion in Malawi and a joint advocacy statement calling for the repeal of laws infringing on freedom of expression.
PIN hopes that this decision will stir the legislature in Malawi to repeal laws that have a bearing on freedom of expression such as the Electronic Transactions and Cybersecurity Act 2016, which is increasingly being deployed as a weapon to criminalise freedom of expression and media freedom in Malawi with broad provisions such as section 87 that criminalises publication of offensive communications and an overly broad section 91 of the Act (prohibiting cyber spamming) which has been used to target individuals for insulting the President.
Acknowledging the judiciary’s vital role in promoting fundamental rights and freedoms and ensuring that repressive laws are outlawed, PIN applauds the progressive decision. The Malawi judiciary has demonstrated this leadership with a landmark case that can lead to further legislative reforms in Malawi and inspire other African judiciaries to adopt a human rights-based approach to adjudicating over such cases.
France’s Canal+ said Wednesday it had cleared the final regulatory hurdle for the buyout of Africa’s largest pay TV enterprise, MultiChoice, and further expand its footprint on the continent.
The company said in a statement that the South African Competition Tribunal had given its approval for Canal+ to acquire the approximately 55 per cent of MultiChoice shares it does not already own.
The approval “clears the way for us to conclude the transaction in line with our previously communicated timeline” by October 8 at the latest, Canal+ chief executive Maxime Saada said in a statement.
“I’m excited about the potential this transaction unlocks for all stakeholders… the combined Group will benefit from enhanced scale, greater exposure to high-growth markets and the ability to deliver meaningful synergies,” he added.
Canal+ is present in 25 African countries through 16 subsidiaries and has eight million subscribers, according to the French group.
MultiChoice operates in 50 countries across sub-Saharan Africa and has 14.5 million subscribers, it says. It includes Africa’s premier sports broadcaster, SuperSport, and the DStv satellite television service.
“It is a hugely positive step forward in our journey to bring together two iconic media and entertainment companies and create a true champion for Africa,” Saada said about combining Canal+’s French language offerings with the English and Portuguese content on MultiChoice.
Canal+ hopes that the acquisition will allow it to grow to 50 to 100 million subscribers in a few years, from 27 million currently.
The mandatory share offer of 125 rand (6 euros) per share values MultiChoice values the company at $3.0 billion (2.6 billion euros).
The approval came with several public-interest conditions worth about 26 billion rand over three years and keeping MultiChoice’s headquarters in South Africa. Shares in Canal+ climbed 1.3 per cent in trading in London, and are up 12.8 per cent this year.
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