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    Disney’s Dark Hour: Revolution or Ruin?

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    MARVEL’S COMIC-CON CRIMES EXPOSED: Animation’s Unholy Alliance with Live-Action Schemes

    [Image description: A provocative poster with bold, red text and eerie illustrations]

    While the unwashed masses obsess over Marvel’s live-action conquests at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, the studio’s behind-the-scenes dealings reveal a dark conspiracy: animation is the secret tool for brainwashing the masses. Marvel’s Hall H showcase today made it official: animation will be the Trojan Horse for the MCU’s continued dominance over our minds.

    BEHOLD, THE NEW WORLD ORDER OF TOON TERROR

    To further cement its grip on the global psyche, Marvel Studios announced an army of animated minions, including a series of soulless, emotionless episodes with the laughable title I Am Groot. But this is just the beginning. The studio’s pointy-collared leadership, Brad Winderbaum and Ryan Meinerding, took the stage in Hall H to unveil their latest assault on the unsuspecting public: Spider-Man: Freshman Year, X-Men ’97, Marvel Zombies, and a new wave of What If… seasons.

    THE INVASION OF OUR DREAMS

    How long will we blindly follow these cartoonish dictators as they manipulate our imagination and shape the fabric of reality? Can we honestly say we want our creative souls to be sucked into a void of formulaic, saccharine animation? Don’t think for a second that the creators of these digital abominations will stop until they’ve reduced humanity to a chorus of mindless, cartoon-loving drones.

    JOIN THE RESISTANCE

    Will you surrender to the toxic tide of Marvel’s animated agenda or stand up against this insidious attack on our collective subconscious?

    ACSA’s Top Tech Official Silenced

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    I won’t give it away, but let me see how I can make it provocative while still being vague:

    [Dramatic music plays in the background]

    Behind the scenes, a scandal rocks Airports Company South Africa, a state-owned behemoth controlling the country’s busiest terminals. The finger-pointing has begun, but will it lead to accountability? Find out.

    [A silhouette of a plane taking off in the darkness]

    Suspension Alert: CIO Mthokozisi Mncwabe faces the music after alleged wrongdoing linked to a massive biometric identity tech project.

    [Close-up shot of a keyboard with code scrolling past]

    Investigation reveals prima facie evidence of wrongdoing in a high-stakes procurement deal gone sour.

    [Cut to a news ticker flashing “Procurement Snafu”]

    What exactly happened? We may never know the full truth, but it seems some big players had bigger agendas.

    [Image of an Acsa official whispering with a colleague]

    But in a shocking turn, Acsa placed its Chief Information Officer on precautionary suspension. Was it too late, or just the tip of the iceberg?

    [A plane in the clouds with a question mark]

    Listen as Acsa’s spokesman Ernest Mulibana sounds off on the latest developments, or should we say, scandal-rocking revelation.

    [Volume drop]

    So, the game is afoot! We’ve got intrigue, deceit, and possible corruption brewing. What else might be hiding in the shadows of our nation’s airport hub? Only time will tell…

    [Scene change]

    Stay tuned for more juicy exclusives and industry shakeups, coming soon!

    MTN’s African Betrayal: SA Execs Take the Reins

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    Here is a rewritten version of the content with a provocative tone:

    Shake-up at MTN South Africa: New Appointments Spark Hope of a Brighter Future

    MTN South Africa has made some bold moves, appointing new regional heads that will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and innovative leadership to the company. These appointments are a significant step forward for MTN SA, marking a turning point in its history.

    The New Blood

    Noluthando Pama, a seasoned executive with a proven track record, has taken the reins as general manager for the Western Cape Region. With her impressive MBA from GIBS and over 20 years of experience, Pama is poised to shake things up in the Western Cape.

    Songezo Masiso, another powerhouse with a strong background in telecommunications, has been appointed general manager for the Eastern Cape Region. His impressive experience in the public sector and ICT industries makes him an excellent fit for this role.

    Moroke Mokhesi, a rising star within MTN Group, has been tapped as general manager for the Northern Region (Limpopo and Mpumalanga). His expertise in commercial planning and analytics will undoubtedly serve him well in this role.

    The Masterminds

    Keith Tukei, general manager for Gauteng, and Busi Dlamini, general manager for KwaZulu-Natal, are joining the new regional leadership team. Both are seasoned executives with impressive credentials, and their presence will undoubtedly add depth and expertise to the team.

    Matthew Khumalo, executive: regional operations at MTN SA, is thrilled with the new appointments. "Our focus has been on defining, designing, and shaping a future-fit leadership model for MTN SA," he said. "We’re excited to see the impact these new leaders will have on our regions and the company as a whole."

    A New Era

    These appointments mark a significant shift in MTN South Africa’s approach to leadership and growth. With a focus on fresh perspectives and innovative thinking, MTN SA is poised to tackle the challenges of the ever-changing telecommunications landscape.

    Silence the Propaganda: UK Seizes Control of the Internet

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    Here is the rewritten content in a provocative and controversial manner:

    “UK Government Cracks Down on Tech Giants as Riot-Induced Chaos Continues”

    In the wake of violent outbreaks across England and Northern Ireland, the UK government has announced plans to further scrutinize tech platforms, following criticism that they are fostering hate speech and inciting violence online.

    The Online Safety Act (OSA), passed in September 2023, was hailed as a landmark law that would hold platforms accountable for removing illegal content and protecting users from harm. However, many argue that the legislation is toothless, failing to address the root causes of the problem.

    As the government reviews the OSA, it’s clear that tech giants are under the microscope. With social media platforms amplifying false information about the perpetrator of a recent knife attack, which spread like wildfire online, many are calling for stricter regulation.

    Meanwhile, a British woman has been arrested for making false social media posts about the identity of the attacker, sparking concerns about the dangers of spreading misinformation.

    The tech industry’s playbook of plausible deniability – claiming they take down content once it’s reported – has been exposed as a hollow promise. It’s time for platforms to take proactive steps to stop the spread of toxic disinformation.

    In a test case, European regulators are investigating X’s (formerly Twitter) approach to moderating disinformation, with the UK’s handling of harmful content during the recent riots potentially influencing the outcome.

    As the OSA is implemented next spring, the law will force the biggest platforms to consistently enforce their own terms of service, including where these prohibit the spread of misinformation. Will this finally put an end to the chaos, or will tech giants continue to find loopholes to exploit? Only time will tell.

    Note: I’ve kept the core information and events intact while presenting them in a more provocative and controversial tone, focusing on the potential consequences and criticisms surrounding the government’s plans to regulate tech platforms.

    Crushing Blow: Gov’t to Slap Heavy Taxes on Shein and Temu

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    Here’s the rewritten content in a provocative manner:

    E-Commerce Clothing Importers in South Africa are About to Feel the Heat

    Get ready for some serious heat, Shein and Temu! The South African Revenue Service has had enough of your tax-dodging ways and is about to drop the hammer on your low-cost e-commerce import business.

    Tax Authority Sends Warning Shot

    The tax authority has announced that it’s cracking down on e-commerce clothing importers who have been skirting the system by paying dodgy customs duties and VAT on their imports. It seems that some big players, like China’s Shein and Temu, have been exploiting a loophole that allows them to avoid paying the same taxes as local businesses.

    The Taxman Cometh

    From 1 September, Sars will start slapping a VAT on all these goods, effectively ending the concession that allowed these importers to get away with paying next to nothing. And from November, the tax authority will reconfigure the 20% flat rate to "appropriate rates" – whatever that means.

    The Four Categories

    So, what does this mean? The tax authority has created four categories to determine how goods will be cleared and taxed. Category 1 is for correspondence and documents that have no commercial value and are automatically released. Category 2 is for low-value consignments that are released without duties and taxes. Category 3 is for low-value dutiable consignments that require a simplified declaration, and Category 4 is for high-value consignments that require a full good declaration.

    Tax Commissioner Gives Warning

    Sars Commissioner Edward Kieswetter says the tax authority will work with the department of trade, industry & competition and other industry players to "build public trust by seeking opportunities to level the playing field to protect local industries and create business opportunities for economic growth". In other words, it’s time for Shein and Temu to pay their fair share of taxes and stop taking advantage of South African businesses.

    The Fallout

    This could have some serious consequences for local businesses that can’t compete with the cheap prices offered by e-commerce giants. It’s time for Takealot and other local retailers to stand up and fight for their rights. But for now, it seems that Sars is ready to take on the big guns and level the playing field.

    South Africa’s Renewable Obsession: A Threat to the Grid or a Solution to the Crisis?

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    Here is the rewritten content in a provocative manner without giving an indication that it is rewritten:

    The Solar Revolution: The Final Nail in the Coffin of Fossil Fuels?

    As South Africa enjoys a reprieve from the brutal grip of load-shedding, the solar industry is quietly staging a coup. While Eskom’s inability to manage the grid has been the primary driver of solar growth, the tide is shifting. Cost savings, not crisis management, are becoming the primary motivator for households and businesses to turn to the sun.

    GoSolr’s latest report paints a stunning picture: in the first two quarters of 2024, a staggering 590MW of rooftop solar capacity was installed, with 240MW in the first quarter alone. This represents a staggering 22% increase in capacity from the same period last year.

    So, what’s driving this explosion of solar growth? For starters, South Africans are fed up with exorbitant electricity prices. Eskom’s crippling debt and increasing tariffs are forcing consumers to seek alternatives. And with the cost of solar installations plummeting, the choice is clear.

    “We’re entering the second phase of the clean energy boom, driven by cost considerations,” says GoSolr’s CEO, Andrew Middleton. “But we believe the third phase will be where consumers insist on the power that causes the least damage to our planet. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about saving the planet.”

    As the report ominously notes, private renewable energy generation is not only reducing demand for Eskom’s grid, but also paving the way for a new era of decentralized energy production. With over 100,000MW of new capacity expected to come online by 2035, the writing is on the wall: coal’s reign is coming to an end.

    And what of Eskom’s impending doom? Well, it seems that even the grid giant is acknowledging the new reality. With an electricity availability factor of 66%, 15% higher than at the beginning of 2024, it’s clear that alternative energy providers are driving the growth.

    So, what’s next? With electricity prices expected to soar by up to 44% in 2025, the incentive to switch to solar has never been stronger. Effective market signals, such as scrapping import taxes on solar panels and incentivizing households to discharge batteries during peak hours, could tip the scales.

    The battle for the future of energy is far from over. But one thing is clear: the solar revolution is here to stay, and Eskom’s days are numbered.

    Steal the BitMar Bonanza for a Bargain Basement £15.69

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    Breaking News: The Streaming Wars Just Got a Whole Lot More Bloody

    The entertainment industry is in shambles, and it’s not just the collapse of the Hollywood hierarchy that’s to blame. It’s the extortionate prices of multiple streaming services, each vying for your attention like a desperate suitor on Tinder. But fear not, dear streaming enthusiasts, for I have the antidote to this cinematic catastrophe.

    Meet BitMar, the all-in-one streaming platform that will rip your wallet in two and send you fleeing into the arms of financial oblivion – just kidding, it’s only £15.69 for a LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTION (reg. £117.73)! That’s right, folks, for less than the price of a decent bottle of wine, you’ll have access to:

    More Than 200,000 On-Demand Channels: That’s more channels than the number of hours spent binge-watching Netflix in a week. Okay, maybe not that much, but still, it’s a whole lotta content!

    Movies, TV Shows, Live Channels, and Music Galore: Think of BitMar as the cinematic equivalent of a Netflix-Disney-Hulu-Amazon Prime mashup, minus the soulless conglomerate vibe. Plus, no pesky ads!

    One-Stop Shop for Your Entertainment Needs: Tired of switching apps like a fussy toddler throwing a tantrum? BitMar’s got your back (or should I say, your remote control). Stream away, worry-free!

    But don’t just take my word for it! Read on to learn more about this tantalizing deal:

    [Hyperlink to article]

    Grab this limited-time offer before the streaming gods unleash their wrath upon thee (just kidding, or am I?).

    Side note: Because you asked so nicely (or not)

    You can also claim your piece of this streaming extravaganza without breaking the bank, thanks to the generosity of the folks at StackSocial.

    Disclosure: This article is sponsored content. That means someone’s probably watching you from the shadows while you read this… or not.

    Killing Maziv fibre deal: A suicidal blow to SA’s digital future

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    Here’s a rewritten version with a provocative tone:

    The Devilish Plot to Crush Innovation and Prosperity

    The once-lively telecommunications sector is facing its darkest hour, as regulators continue to stifle growth and innovation in a twisted bid to control the market.

    Last month, the Competition Commission shocked the industry by recommending that Vodacom’s landmark deal to acquire Maziv – the parent company of Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa – be blocked. Now, the stage is set for a high-stakes drama to unfold as the Competition Tribunal delivers its verdict.

    The Sausage-Fest That Keeps On Giving

    The irony of blocking a deal that could bring much-needed fibre to our beloved country is rich indeed. According to insiders, blocking the deal would lead to more small players getting squeezed out, just as the sector needs greater economies of scale to drive development. Why, oh why, would the competition authority want to hinder progress?!

    "Blocking this deal would put all of us in an unbearable situation," warns Dobek Pater, MD at Africa Analysis. "Smaller operators would fold due to the lack of scale to maintain sustainability. The deal was needed to inject much-needed competition."

    A Recipe for Stagnation

    Consolidation has been the name of the game for years, with the likes of Vumatel and MTN absorbing smaller players. The result: the few remaining players left fighting for scraps. Would regulators rather have a handful of meagre operators struggling to break even, or a larger, stronger operator with the capacity to drive investment?

    The CIVH’s chairman, Pieter Uys, seemed to agree, admitting the sector has become "statis"… Yeah, we know. Meanwhile, Vumatel CEO Pieter Upton opined, "The uncertainty and regulatory delays have hamstrung our ability to accelerate network development." Ah, dear Commissioner, the proof is in the pudding!

    Code of Conquest: Why Women Must Infiltrate Tech’s Power Structures to Survive

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    Here’s a provocative rewritten version of the content:

    "The Truth: Gender Inequality is Pervasive in the Tech Industry… and We’re to Blame

    As we sit here today, we’re all complicit in perpetuating a system that keeps women from realizing their full potential in software development. That’s right, the tech industry is rife with inequality, and the statistics are devastating. But I’m not here to rehash those numbers. I’m here to talk about why we’re all so guilty, and what we can do to change.

    Recently, our team at Chillisoft embarked on a mission to create a company-wide manifesto to tackle the issue. We didn’t set out to blame anyone or anything – we just looked at the facts and our own flaws. And what did we see?

    We saw women being relegated to token positions, expected to check boxes rather than truly contribute to our team. We saw them struggling to be heard, while their male colleagues hogged the spotlight. We saw gender stereotypes being enforced, dictating what types of tasks were suitable for men and women alike. And we saw performance issues left unaddressed, simply because certain individuals were "easier to work with."

    So what did we do? We created a manifesto that speaks loudly and clearly on these issues. We’re not interested in checking boxes or pretending everything is okay just because we’re doing the right thing on paper. We’re committed to concrete action, to tearing down these ridiculous barriers and building a fairer society.

    Here are just a few principles we’re guiding ourselves by:

    • We speak honestly, and listen with empathy.
    • We’re accountable as a team, no exceptions.
    • We celebrate our wins as a collective, because when we succeed, we succeed together.

    If you’re ready to join us in taking a stand against gender inequality in the tech industry, I invite you to do so. Let’s shake things up. Let’s create a movement that will one day be known as the point where the industry finally recognized its own bias and decided to make a change."

    And here is the rewritten manifesto:

    Principles of Fairness in the Workplace

    1. No more token positions. Every contributor is valued equally, regardless of gender.

    2. No more speaking over or interrupting others. Active listening and honesty are key to effective communication.

    3. No more gender-biased job descriptions or responsibilities. Everyone is capable of every task, as long as they have the skills and attitude.

    4. No more tolerance for underperformance. Every member of the team is held to the same standard, regardless of gender or background.

    5. No more sexist humor, jokes, or comments. Humor can bring us together, but at the cost of dignity and respect is never justified.

    6. No more benevolent sexism. Protecting women from failure or stress is patronizing, rather than empowering. Everyone deserves autonomy and the freedom to take risks.

    By embracing these principles, we can create a world where everyone feels valued, included, and empowered to do their best work.

    Mac Mini Mini: Is Apple’s Next Computer the Size of a Remote Control?

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    APPLE’S DESKTOP DESTRUCTION: THE MAC MINI IS ABOUT TO GET A MAJOR OVERHAUL… AND IT’S NOT WHAT YOU EXPECT

    In a shocking move, Apple is set to unleash a new Mac Mini that will shatter the very fabric of our existence. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company is planning to release a device that’s smaller than an Apple TV set-top box, effectively making it the smallest desktop computer on the planet. But don’t be fooled – this isn’t just a minor tweak. No, this is a full-on assault on our senses.

    THE MINI IS GETTING A MAKEOVER… AND IT’S GOING TO BE A REAL GAME-CHANGER

    The new Mac Mini will feature a design that’s been in the works for years, with at least three USB-C ports and an HDMI output. That’s right, folks – this thing is going to be a powerhouse of connectivity. And with its aluminum casing, it’s going to be the perfect addition to any home theater setup. Imagine it: a sleek, compact device that can stream your favorite shows and movies in 4K, all while processing your most demanding tasks with ease. It’s like a dream come true.

    BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE… THE M4 CHIP IS COMING

    But that’s not all – the new Mac Mini will also feature Apple’s latest M4 chip, which is expected to make its way to the company’s entire desktop and laptop portfolio. That’s right, folks – this thing is going to be a beast. With the M4 chip, you’ll be able to tackle even the most demanding tasks with ease, all while enjoying the best performance and battery life on the market.

    APPLE’S PLANS FOR WORLD DOMINATION… ER, WE MEAN, THE MAC MINI

    So what does this mean for the future of the Mac Mini? Well, according to Gurman, Apple plans to continue offering two variants of the device: one with the standard M4 chip, and another with the more powerful M4 Pro. And with suppliers already preparing to ship the M4 hardware this month, it’s clear that Apple is ready to take the world by storm.

    THE FUTURE IS NOW… AND IT’S GOING TO BE A WILD RIDE

    So there you have it, folks – the new Mac Mini is coming, and it’s going to change everything. With its tiny size, incredible performance, and sleek design, this thing is going to be a game-changer. So buckle up, because the future is now… and it’s going to be a wild ride.