Author: Contributor
by Nikola Gradojevic As Bitcoin tries to regain some of the lustre it held in late 2017 when it nearly reached US$20,000 in value, investors are still questioning how to predict such a volatile currency. As a cryptocurrency, there is no physical form that gives Bitcoin value, so it is impossible to perform traditional fundamental analysis of the currency. Consequently, many investors track the so-called technical trading indicators (geometric patterns constructed from historical prices and trading volumes) in order to understand and predict Bitcoin’s future movement. Some researchers have found success with large complicated models. But these sometimes have hundreds…
‘Shining a light on Diverse Women within the gaming industry,’ is the theme of this year’s Women in Gaming initiative developed and organised by Clarion and sponsored by the South Africa-based Zamani Holdings, the parent company under which Ithuba, the SA National Lottery Operator Functions. The campaign is running throughout August which is designated Women’s Month in South Africa and will culminate in a networking breakfast being held at ICE Africa and featuring leading women gaming executives from across the international landscape. Women’s Month takes place every year and commemorates the 20,000+ women who marched on 9 August 1956 in…
Sunday 30th June is International Social Media Day – #SMDay – a day when the impact of social media on communication is globally recognised and celebrated. But for some, the fact remains that social media is having an effect on adolescents that demands serious attention. “We teach social media safety and digital life skills in schools, and see first-hand the mental and emotional health impact of social media on teens and tweens, but also we see the impact of this on teachers and parents as we train them too – this three-dimensional access has become a unique vantage point…
The lowdown on Libra: what consumers need to know about Facebook’s new cryptocurrency by Ernest Foo Cryptocurrencies have become a global phenomenon in the past few years. Now Facebook is launching it’s own cryptocurrency, in association with Visa, MasterCard, Uber and others. The stated aim of Libra is to “enable a simple global currency and financial infrastructure that empowers billions of people”. The announcement has sparked fears that Libra could be a threat to traditional banks, warnings to be cautious, and sceptical commentary of claims that it will help developing countries. But let’s go back to the basics and look…
The delivery of life-saving blood has been taken to new heights by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) with the launch of a new drone blood delivery service. Launched in May, the Tron Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) drone, features a wing design suited for maximum efficiency and allows for long travel time with minimal power usage. The drone has a range cover of over 100km and can travel up to 180km/h but can also travel as slowly as 60km/h if necessary, the SANBS said. The drone is a highly specialised aircraft that will be used to transport blood from…
Researchers at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have urged young people to use their technological knowledge and skills as an advantage to thrive in the digital revolution. “Nobody understands technology better than us [young people] and that is an advantage. This is the right time for youngsters to show the world that we are ready to lead. Let’s take the opportunity and make it work for us,” CSIR researcher in computer vision, Windy Mokuwe said. Mokuwe, joined by CSIR Master’s student in robotics Nomfundiso Khuma and CSIR senior researcher Dr Monnamme Tlotleng, briefed members of the media…
by Mona Kasra It can be hard to tell whether a picture is real. Consider, as the participants in our recent research did, these two images and see whether you think neither, either or both of them has been doctored. Image A: Is it real? Mona Kasra, CC BY-ND Image B: What about this one? Mona Kasra, CC BY-ND You might have based your assessment of the images on the visual information alone, or perhaps factored in your evaluation of how reputable the source is, or the number of people who liked and shared the images. My collaborators and I…
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has encouraged taxpayers to submit income tax returns via the SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp when the tax season commences on 1 July 2019. Taxpayers who do not use SARS eFiling or the SARS MobiApp but require assistance from SARS branch staff to file their income tax returns, will only be able to do so from 1 August 2019 until 31 October 2019. “Non-provisional taxpayers who use SARS eFiling and the SARS MobiApp will have a longer period to file their returns, with a deadline of 4 December,” said SARS. The reason for…
The price of Bitcoin has increased 42% over the last month, and 187% in three months. In early April it traded around R60 000 and at 09h00 this morning it was trading on the Luno platform at R174 401. “The prices of Bitcoin and Ethereum have risen significantly since the end of March and there was another rally this weekend. Luno is more interested though, in the long-term potential of Bitcoin forming the backbone of a new international financial system which will see long term interest in the asset,” Marius Reitz, GM: Africa, Luno says. The upward price is also in…
ThunderBoltCoin as a spearhead against sustainability issues We live in an era in which electricity consumption is involved in problematic situations. The token presented in www.Thunderboltcoin.io challenges one of humanity’s greatest problems, sustainable life for the planet. At present, energy generation from renewable sources and recycling is scarce. Over the last few decades and increasingly, we have witnessed multiple initiatives that seek to solve the environmental problem. Sometimes through clean energy investment mechanisms, sometimes through traditional cleaning and collection initiatives (mostly local volunteerism). Also, on the web, we find campaigns and platforms that promote a stay on the planet more…
Summerstrand in Nelson Mandela Bay has become one of the first areas in the Eastern Cape to get fibre internet infrastructure installed using an innovative process called “Micro-trenching”. The Nelson Mandela Bay council provided permission to MetroFibre Networx to install fibre infrastructure via micro-trenching in Summerstrand on a proof-of-concept basis in May 2019. The results have been a much faster, cleaner and less disruptive process for residents and the metro alike. “For residents of Summerstrand in Nelson Mandela Bay, the council’s decision to test the micro-trenching process has been an absolute win for residents. It has saved residents untold disruption…
Out There Media (OTM), a global leader in mobile advertising and data monetization, will participate in MTN Group’s 2019, 21 Days of ‘Y’ello Care,’ initiative. Every June, MTN employees across 21 countries and its selected partners are encouraged to get involved in social projects. This year’s theme is supporting youth skills empowerment in South Africa. OTM is joining MTN’s Digital Services department for the course of the initiative, where they will be given the opportunity to roll up their sleeves, volunteer time and make a difference. Throughout the month, participants will engage the nation’s youth in a series of events, including mentoring…
by Marcus Swanepoel The announcement of Libra, the Facebook-initiated global cryptocurrency, is extremely important news for the entire global financial services industry. We’ve seen our fair share of crypto hypes over the past few years, including ICOs and ‘blockchain can solve everything’, but this is most certainly not one of them. In our view, this is a game changer not just for the cryptocurrency industry, but also the broader financial system. There is a very real need for a better financial system in developing economies, and how decentralised cryptocurrencies (and in particular coins pegged to real-world currencies or assets) would…
President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation this evening where he will outline his vision for the country and announce the government’s programme of action for the next five years. The State of the Nation Address (SONA) marks the start of the work for the sixth administration as well as the democratic Parliament after the successful conclusion of the country’s National and Provincial Elections in May. President Ramaphosa is expected to reflect on the country’s political, social and economic welfare and chart the new path the country will take. In his inauguration, President Ramaphosa said: “Yes, South Africa, Thuma Mina!”…
by Jennifer Grygiel Facebook has announced a plan to launch a new cryptocurrency named the Libra, adding another layer to its efforts to dominate global communications and business. Backed by huge finance and technology companies including Visa, Spotify, eBay, PayPal and Uber – plus a ready-made user base of 2 billion people around the world – Facebook is positioned to pressure countries and central banks to cooperate with its reinvention of the global financial system. In my view as a social media researcher and educator, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is clearly seeking to give his company even more political power…
by Ian Lessem South African businesses funded by Venture Capital (VC) are competing on the world’s stage, billing in US dollars and earning investors market leading returns, while simultaneously granting access to offshore exposure. The question is: Can they offer investors global returns? As a managing partner of a Venture Capital firm, much of my day is spent assessing local early-stage investment opportunities and I regularly find myself excited about the prospects of the South African and African market. With much focus on technology-based investments, a common question is, ‘How can a Cape Town start-up compete with a start-up in…
By Mish Molakeng Mohau Kwebu had many challenges growing up, including having a mother with a mental disability and an absent father, but he was determined to realise his dream of becoming a visual arts storyteller. Raised by his grandmother in the small town of Villiers in the Free State, he was focused on ensuring a bright future for himself. After completing Grade 12, Mohau heard about the free learning opportunities offered by National Electronic Media of South Africa (Nemisa). He applied for a 12-month video editing course. “As they say: ‘the rest is history’,” said Kwebu, who sees himself…
Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has welcomed the first meeting of the (4IR) as a step towards achieving its objectives. The Commission held its first work session at the University of Johannesburg to develop a high-level roadmap towards achieving its set objectives and to establish and assign technical work streams. The meeting was held on Saturday. “The Commission has committed to produce the strategy document to guide South Africa’s 4IR Vision by March 2020. This will be preceded by a broad consultative process with relevant stakeholders,” said the Department of Communications on Wednesday. The commissioners further established and assigned the work…
by Nicholas Diakopoulos Much as robots have transformed entire swaths of the manufacturing economy, artificial intelligence and automation are now changing information work, letting humans offload cognitive labor to computers. In journalism, for instance, data mining systems alert reporters to potential news stories, while newsbots offer new ways for audiences to explore information. Automated writing systems generate financial, sports and elections coverage. A common question as these intelligent technologies infiltrate various industries is how work and labor will be affected. In this case, who – or what – will do journalism in this AI-enhanced and automated world, and how will…
by Sarah Oswald Intrigued by homesharing but wondering how to find a housemate you can trust, get along with and perhaps even become friends? The truth is, as with any relationship, the definition of a good housemate is entirely subjective and very personal. That means the number one thing to look for in a housemate is alignment. Whatever your personal preferences and perspective, look for someone who is aligned with most or all of them—especially with those that are most important to you. Start by asking yourself some straightforward questions and really mull over which issues are must-haves, which ones are…
by Seshree Govender Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, have become well known for their volatile value. In contrast to this, “stablecoins” are cryptocurrencies that have been specifically designed to have a stable value. Stablecoins are crypto assets which are backed by the value of a ‘stable’ asset, or a basket of assets. As the value of the backing asset will not necessarily be subject to the same fluctuating circumstances applicable to the value of cryptocurrencies, pegging a stablecoin to an asset can stabilise the value and inherent purchasing power of the stablecoin cryptocurrency so that it may be used…
by Jenny Retief As with many countries, South Africa is seriously considering including coding into the national curriculum. In fact, earlier this year Cyril Ramaphosa made it very clear that inclusion will be an objective he intends to see come to fruition during his presidency. This is commendable – but is it realistic? The truth is that including coding alone will not prepare our children to face the coming technology tsunami known as the fourth industrial revolution and, as things stand today, there is no disputing the fact that we are producing school-leavers who are ill-equipped to operate effectively in…
by Paul Royster Many MySpace users were dismayed to discover earlier this year that the social media platform lost 50 million files uploaded between 2003 and 2015. The failure of MySpace to care for and preserve its users’ content should serve as a reminder that relying on free third-party services can be risky. MySpace has probably preserved the users’ data; it just lost their content. The data was valuable to MySpace; the users’ content less so. What happened to MySpace MySpace is a social networking media site where performers could upload music or other content for access and distribution to…
A new trading platform for cryptographic assets will be launched in the coming weeks. Geco.one is aiming to be one of the complete platforms for digital trading. The competition is stiff, a technological sector that increases the benchmark continuously presenting advances every short space of time. Therefore, the trading platform presented by Geco One requires a special touch and first-rate features. A next-generation options menu will make it possible to trade inside PAMM services, futures trading, leverage, and both long and short positions from a single platform; offering control, simplicity, and diversity to the user. In more detail, we can…
Today, we are presenting a project that will have an important impact, the launch of a token linked to gold mining rights. A talented team, with decades of successful entrepreneurial activities and hard work, presents the revolutionary TrueGoldCoin token. A project based on more than 30 years of experience at the highest level. Innovation in networks and telecommunications, Artificial intelligence, ISP management, design and configuration. The founders of the TrueGoldCoin project offer a unique token, mixing solid commodity mining titles with the versatility of blockchain technology. As you begin to read the whitepaper, you can glimpse the direction of the…