08 Apr 2020
Prosus and Naspers outline impact of Covid-19 on their global businesses
Prosus and Naspers have provided updates to shareholders on the impact of Covid-19 on their global businesses.
Commenting, Bob van Dijk, Group CEO of Prosus and Naspers, said:
"We are in extraordinary times, and our focus is the health of our employees and the communities we serve around the world. Our thoughts are with those who have already been impacted, directly or indirectly, by Covid-19. I would like to extend my gratitude on behalf of the group to everyone who is contributing to the global response to this pandemic: from frontline health service workers, to those delivering essential supplies and services, and those isolating and taking precautions to protect others.
We take our responsibility as a global group operating in many local markets very seriously and we intend to help our employees and communities navigate this crisis. We will continue to focus on identifying ways in which our technological expertise, global networks and resources can be used to support the global fight against Covid-19. I am proud of our employees for their dedication and commitment to doing the right thing."
About Naspers
Established in 1915, Naspers has transformed itself to become a global consumer internet company and one of the largest technology investors in the world. Through Prosus, the group operates and invests globally in markets with long-term growth potential, building leading consumer internet companies that empower people and enrich communities. Prosus has its primary listing on Euronext Amsterdam, and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and Naspers is the majority owner of Prosus.
In South Africa, Naspers is one of the foremost investors in the technology sector and is committed to building its internet and ecommerce companies. These include Takealot, Mr D Food, Superbalist, Autotrader, Property24 and PayU, in addition to Media24, South Africa’s leading print and digital media business.
Naspers has a primary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (NPN.SJ), a secondary listing on the A2X Exchange (NPN.AJ) in South Africa, and has a level 1 American Depository Receipt (ADR) programme which trades on an over-the-counter basis in the United States of America.
For more information, please visit www.naspers.com.
Naspers Labs
In 2019, Naspers Labs, a youth development programme designed to transform and launch South Africa’s unemployed youth into economic activity, was launched. Naspers Labs focuses on digital skills and training, enabling young people to pursue tech careers.
Response to COVID-19
Naspers contributed R1.5 billion of emergency aid to support the South African government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This contribution consisted of R500 million towards the Solidarity Fund and R1 billion worth of PPE sourced and distributed to South Africa’s front-line healthcare workers. In addition, Naspers contributed R6.9 million to the Nelson Mandela Foundation's EachOne FeedOne programme to support families who COVID-19 has impacted with meals for a year.