Bank
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.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
Bank
Separating Fact from Confusion: What Nigerians Need to Know About the 7.5% VAT on Banking Service Fees
In recent weeks, digital-banking customers and social media, especially on Twitter have raised concerns about deductions labelled as “VAT” on transfers and other charges.
Some dangerously false narratives, which when you take a critical look, you’ll clearly see that they have been orchestrated and sponsored by malicious elements, have given the impression that the 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) is a new or arbitrary charge introduced by fintechs, or that it applies to the amounts customers send. These claims are misleading and deserve careful clarification which is the purpose of this piece.
First, it’s important to understand how VAT works in Nigeria’s financial sector today. VAT on fees and charges for financial services has long been part of Nigeria’s tax system. The then Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had issued information circulars on March 31, 2021 where it stated that VAT on Financial Services (Circular No. 2021/04) that most fees, commissions, and charges by financial institutions (banks, insurance companies, brokers) are subject to 7.5% VAT.
This justifies a recent advertorial the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) which stated unequivocally that VAT was not newly introduced on banking service charges by recent tax reforms, and that it did not impose a new tax obligation on customers in that regard.
However what was left unsaid in that publication was that on the 12th of December, the tax agency had written to all financial institutions and payment gateways based on past meetings with operators that following from the new Tax Act, they were reminded of their mandatory obligations to collect, deduct and remit VAT at the prescribed rate.
The Agency then gave an 18- day grace period to all players to configure and align their systems while directing full compliance with the directive with effect from January 19, 2026. And so, some fintechs sent messages to their customers in the spirit of clarity and transparency.
It must be said that what has changed is that in a bid to widen the tax net, microfinance banks and fintechs who were not obligated to deduct and remit said VAT before now, have now become compelled to do so. The enforcement and standardised collection of VAT across banks and fintech platforms including mobile transfers, USSD transaction fees, and card issuance fees with compliance deadlines issued by tax authorities. So why anyone would vilify any financial institution obeying the laws of the land beats my imagination.
For those who have raised questions around transparency and wrongly suggesting that fintechs are suddenly imposing new, unexplained costs on users – as it has been explained above, this is a matter of regulatory compliance, not a lack of transparency or customer exploitation. These VAT deductions are not new fees created by the companies themselves, and providers are not arbitrarily raising their prices.
In closing, two things that everyone must bear in mind as we move forward in this new tax climate – all stakeholders including fintech platforms and regulators must communicate better and clearly. Nigerians must refrain from peddling unsubstantiated claims and malicious narratives, it has no benefits for anyone and erodes trust in systems.
FirstBank Introduces Exclusive 500-Seater Bleacher at Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025
Lagos, 26 December 2025 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has officially announced its sponsorship of the Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025, unveiling a landmark addition set to redefine the carnival experience — the first-ever private premium seating area at the event.
The highlight of FirstBank’s participation is the construction of a 500-seater premium bleacher, designed to provide comfort, safety, and an elevated viewing experience for carnival enthusiasts.
Speaking on the sponsorship, the Acting Group Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, noted that the carnival aligns with the Bank’s First@Arts initiative, a platform dedicated to supporting the creative arts value chain across Nigeria. He said, “We recognise the transformative power of the arts, including carnivals, in inspiring people and strengthening national unity. For more than 131 years, we have supported platforms that promote self-expression, social reflection and cultural exchange. Our investment in the Carnival Calabar & Festival demonstrates our commitment to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage through First@Arts.”
“As part of our sponsorship this year, we are introducing the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher to further elevate the carnival experience. This exclusive seating is designed to provide exceptional comfort and an unforgettable viewing experience for attendees,” Ijabiyi added.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, also commented on FirstBank’s sponsorship. “FirstBank’s involvement is a strong demonstration of private-sector support for culture and tourism. This partnership not only enhances the overall quality of the carnival but also strengthens its global appeal,” he said.
The Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025 is officially marketed by Okhma Global Limited, the appointed Official Marketer responsible for brand partnerships, promotional engagements, and ticket sales. Okhma Global Limited has partnered with the Cross River State government in delivering Carnival Calabar & Festival for over ten years, playing a key role in strengthening the carnival’s commercial growth and global visibility.
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