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From Beach to Baskets: Shoprite Checkers’ Jet Ski Delivery Turns Heads in Cape Town
From Beach to Baskets: Shoprite Checkers’ Jet Ski Delivery Turns Heads in Cape Town
In an innovative marketing move that has captured the imagination of South Africans, Checkers, part of the Shoprite Group Holdings, has tested out the use of jet skis for grocery deliveries. The unique service was recently spotted on the beaches of Clifton, Cape Town, where a branded Checkers Sixty60 jet ski delivered ice lollies to a boat, ensuring they remained perfectly frozen during delivery. The video of the branded jet ski in action quickly went viral on social media, amassing over 1.6 million views and sparking widespread interest in the new initiative.
An Innovative Beach Delivery Concept
The innovative jet ski delivery was part of the Checkers Sixty60 campaign, which aims to highlight the speed and convenience of its grocery delivery service. Videos of the jet ski at Clifton Beach drew widespread admiration, with many commenting on the “flippen brilliant” idea. Aqeela Jayy, one social media user, called it a “brilliant innovative plan,” while others marveled at how it could enhance beach outings, allowing beachgoers to order food and drinks directly to their location.
Checkers’ jet ski delivery service was showcased in an ad where the jet ski quickly navigated the water to deliver goods, including ice lollies, to a boat in a demonstration of just how fast the service could be. The company’s cheeky slogan, “Checkers will literally cross the ocean for you,” caught the attention of many who were eager to see if this service would become a permanent feature at the beach.
A Growing Social Media Frenzy
The idea of a jet ski delivering goods sparked excitement, with many social media users expressing a desire to see the service officially rolled out in time for Boxing Day (December 26). This holiday typically sees thousands flock to the beaches in Cape Town, and many eagerly questioned whether the service would be available at popular beach spots.
Rashied Mohammed Salie, a social media commenter, described the service as “world-class,” stating that he would use it every time he visited the beach if it were available. He painted an image of a future where beachgoers could enjoy a cold beverage or snack delivered directly to them by a jet ski, making it a perfect addition to summer outings.
However, not everyone was convinced. Several users questioned the practicality of the service. One comment raised concerns about how the delivery driver would locate customers among the crowds of beachgoers, especially during the busy holiday season. Monique Gedult questioned how jet skis would navigate the crowded waters, especially with hundreds of people frequenting popular beaches.
Concerns from Local Businesses
While some beachgoers welcomed the convenience of jet ski deliveries, others, like Michail Adams, a beach ice cream vendor at Camps Bay, expressed concern about the potential impact on small businesses. Adams, who relies on his beach trading permit to support his family, argued that larger retailers like Checkers might harm the livelihoods of small traders by offering easy, online food delivery services.
Adams emphasized that the essence of a Cape Town beach experience lies in purchasing from local vendors who provide a unique, hands-on experience. “It’s frustrating that big shops are taking business away from small traders,” Adams said, noting that many people prefer the variety of options available through online orders, which could potentially hurt small vendors who already face competition from large retailers.
A Marketing Masterstroke
Despite the concerns from local businesses, many social media users saw the jet ski delivery as an inventive way to market Checkers’ Sixty60 service, which promises quick grocery deliveries. Joel Steenkamp, a social media user, praised the timing of the campaign, saying, “People are beaching, what better way to market your brand than using a jet ski?” The idea of capturing selfies with a delivery driver on a jet ski further fueled the excitement surrounding the campaign.
Other users, like Charl Bremmer, emphasized that the key message behind the jet ski delivery was Checkers’ commitment to speed and convenience. “The message here is obviously that they are super fast with deliveries, and that it’s as fast as a jet ski,” Bremmer said, acknowledging the playful marketing approach.
A Fun, Yet Practical, Campaign
As the jet ski deliveries continue to gain attention, questions remain about the feasibility of rolling out this service on a larger scale. Would it work at all beaches, or would it be restricted to certain locations? Could it be expanded to include other summer destinations like Muizenberg or Strandfontein?
While some question the logistics and practicality of using jet skis for grocery deliveries, others are simply enjoying the novelty of it. With Checkers showing that they’re willing to explore unconventional methods to stand out in the competitive retail market, the jet ski campaign has definitely made waves, both online and in the water.
GTCO Plc Releases 2025 Full Year Audited Result
…Declares Another Record Dividend of ₦12.76k; Re-affirming Unrivalled Capacity to Creating Value
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has released its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).
The Group reported profit before tax of ₦1.23trillion underpinned by strong growth in core earnings, with interest income and fee income increasing y-o-y by 23.2% and 25.9%, respectively. The performance reaffirms its capacity to generate sustainable earnings and builds on the momentum from 2024, when GTCO delivered a record profit of ₦1.27trillion, driven in part by ₦517.5billion in fair value gains, which did not recur in 2025.
The Group’s 2025 profit after tax came in at ₦865.75billion against ₦1.02trillion recorded in 2024. The profit after tax reflects the impact of recent fiscal policy adjustments to the taxation of investment securities, notably withholding tax on short-term instruments. However, when normalised for this effect, underlying earnings remain robust, driven by growth in core operating income.
The Group continues to maintain a well-structured, healthy, and diversified balance sheet in all the jurisdictions wherein it operates a Banking franchise, as well as across its Payments, Pension and Funds Management business verticals. Total assets and shareholders’ funds closed at ₦17.8trillion and ₦3.4trillion, respectively. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very robust and strong, closing at 43.8%, likewise asset quality improved as evidenced by IFRS 9 Stage 3 Loans which closed at 3.4% and 5.0% at Bank and Group level in FY-2025 (Bank, 3.5%, and Group, 5.2% in December 2024). Cost of Risk (COR) also improved to 2.2% from 4.9% in December 2024. In specific terms, the Group’s loan book (net) grew by 12.4% from ₦2.79trillion as of December 2024 to ₦3.13trillion in December 2025. Similarly, deposit liabilities grew by 23.8% from ₦10.40trillion to ₦12.87trillion during the same period.
Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje, said: “Our 2025 result underscores the resilience and depth of our earnings capacity. Following a record 2024, which included significant fair value gains, our focus has been on strengthening the sustainability of our earnings by driving growth across our core banking and ecosystem businesses. The strength of our underlying earnings, despite a stronger Naira and tighter regulatory parameters, reflects the quality of our franchise and the discipline with which we execute our strategy. Importantly, this strong core earnings performance underpins our capacity to sustain and grow shareholder returns. Our record dividend payout this year is not only a reflection of our current profitability but also of our confidence in the Group’s long-term earnings potential. Looking ahead, we remain focused on scaling our ecosystem, driving innovation across our financial services platform, and delivering consistent, high-quality earnings that support superior value creation for our shareholders.”
Overall, the Group continues to post one of the best metrics in the Nigerian Financial Services Industry in terms of key financial ratios i.e., Post-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 28.3%, Post-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 5.3%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 43.8% and Cost to Income Ratio of 27.9%.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc is a leading financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. Renowned for its strong corporate governance, innovative financial solutions, and customer-centric approach, the Group provides a wide range of banking and non-banking services including payments, funds management, and pension fund administration. GTCO Plc is committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders while driving growth and development across its markets
ZENITH BANK OPENS MANCHESTER BRANCH TO SUPPORT CROSS-BORDER TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of a new branch in Manchester, United Kingdom, marking another significant milestone in the bank’s international growth and its commitment to strengthening financial connections between Africa and global markets.
The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, is expected to attract government officials from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, regulators, investors, customers, and business leaders from both countries, underscoring the growing economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.
The new Manchester branch will complement Zenith Bank’s existing operations in the United Kingdom and serve as a strategic hub for supporting businesses engaged in international trade and investment. Through the branch, the bank will provide corporate banking, trade finance, treasury and related financial services to clients operating across the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa.Speaking ahead of the launch, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “The opening of our Manchester branch represents another important step in Zenith Bank’s growth as a leading African financial institution connecting businesses and markets across continents. Manchester is one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic commercial centres, and our presence here will further strengthen financial connections between businesses in the UK and opportunities across Africa’s rapidly expanding markets.
”Founded in 1990 by its Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a remarkable history of year-on-year profitability. Built on a strong foundation of people, technology and service, the Bank has consistently delivered innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management. The impressive performance of the Bank has consistently earned it excellent ratings, recognition and endorsement from local and international agencies and institutions.Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Zenith Bank operates over 500 branches and business offices across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Bank currently operates subsidiaries in several African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Cote d’Ivoire, while maintaining a presence in major international financial centres including the United Kingdom, France, UAE and China.
In recent years, Zenith Bank has continued to expand its international network as part of its strategy to support global trade and investment flows involving Africa.Manchester, widely regarded as one of the United Kingdom’s most vibrant economic centres, hosts a diverse base of businesses across sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, logistics, technology and consumer goods. The city’s strong commercial ecosystem and international outlook align closely with Zenith Bank’s expertise in corporate banking, structured finance and trade finance.The Manchester branch will work closely with the Bank’s London operations and its broader international network to support clients seeking to expand across markets and unlock new opportunities in both the United Kingdom and Africa.
With the opening of the Manchester branch, Zenith Bank continues to advance its vision of building a truly global African banking institution that connects businesses, facilitates trade and investment, and creates stronger economic bridges between Africa and the world.
Alpha Morgan Bank Deepens Presence in Abuja with New Branch in Utako
Marking another milestone in its expansion drive, Alpha Morgan Bank has opened a new branch in Utako, Abuja, reinforcing its strategy of building closer institutional ties within key business communities and bringing its financial expertise closer to individuals, and enterprises driving the city’s growth.
The new branch, located at Plot 1121 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Utako, Abuja is strategically positioned to serve individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporate clients within Utako and surrounding districts.
The expansion follows the Bank’s recently concluded Economic Review Webinar held in February 2026, as the bank continues to position as a thought-leader in the financial services industry.
Speaking on the opening, Ade Buraimo, Managing Director of Alpha Morgan Bank, said the move underscores the Bank’s commitment to accessibility and service excellence.
“Proximity matters in banking. As communities grow and commercial activity expands, financial institutions also evolve to meet customers where they are. The Utako Branch allows us to deliver our services to people in that community efficiently while maintaining the high standards our customers expect,”
The Utako location will provide a full suite of retail and corporate banking services, including account opening, deposits, transfers, business banking solutions, and financial advisory support.
Customers and members of the public are invited to visit the new Utako Branch to experience the Bank’s approach to satisfying banking.
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