Author: Gugu Lourie

In a move that closes one of the most protracted chapters in South African tech history, Vodacom Group has reached an out-of-court settlement with Nkosana Makate, the inventor of the “Please Call Me” service. Shareholders were notified that on 4 November 2025, the Vodacom Board approved a settlement agreement, finally drawing a line under the 25-year-old dispute. The announcement signals a strategic decision to avoid further legal appeals and secure closure for both parties. “The parties are glad that finality has been reached in this regard,” the statement read, marking a stark contrast to the years of litigation that saw…

In a strategic move, LLH Capital, the investment vehicle of veteran leaders Romeo Kumalo and Gil Oved, has significantly sold down its stake in AI fintech Optasia during its unicorn-status IPO on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The near-$1.3 billion listing, the largest in Africa this year, provides LLH Capital with a massive capital infusion to accelerate its high-impact investment strategy across the continent. This strategic exit from Optasia, a company providing financial inclusion in emerging markets, emphasises a proven track record of successful exits for the duo, following ventures like Smart Call, Ozow, and Bottles. With capital now unlocked and…

Cell C Holdings has announced its intention to list its shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The listing will be done through a private placement of existing shares by The Prepaid Company (TPC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Label Telecoms. The move is subject to JSE approval and market conditions. .”The decision to pursue a listing on the JSE marks a significant and exciting step in Cell C’s growth story,” Jorge Mendes, Chief Executive Officer of Cell C, stated: “While Cell C is already owned by a listed entity and has operated within that framework, the separate listing of the…

Optasia, a global leader in AI-powered fintech, has officially commenced trading on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in a landmark listing that underscores its mission to drive financial inclusion in emerging economies. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) was a resounding success, priced at the top of its range at R19 per share. The offering was several times oversubscribed by both South African and international institutional investors, raising R6.5 billion ($375 million). This implies a market capitalisation of R23.5 billion based on the 1,235,061,843 ordinary shares in issue. Optasia now trades on the JSE’s Main Board under the share code OPA.…

A historic climb proves electric vehicles can master the world’s toughest terrain. This landmark ascent was powered entirely by a solar-powered charger, setting a new standard for sustainable adventure. In a landmark moment for electric mobility, the all-electric Volvo EX30 Cross Country has become the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to conquer South Africa’s legendary and brutal Sani Pass. This feat, achieved 56 years after the first Volvo completed the climb, shatters the myth that EVs lack the capability for extreme, rugged adventure. The milestone is amplified by the use of South Africa’s highest solar-powered EV charger, installed by CHARGE at…

In a major strategic move to dominate the Zambian financial sector, FirstRand has announced a definitive agreement to acquire the wealth and retail banking business of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia PLC. This landmark deal is a direct execution of FirstRand’s plan to aggressively scale its broader Africa portfolio. The acquisition will see FNB Zambia, which launched as a greenfield operation 16 years ago, absorb a massive ZMW 5.2bn in customer deposits, ZMW 1.6bn in loans, and a formidable ZMW 3.8bn in wealth assets under management. The transaction also includes a transfer of physical assets—from ATMs to branch properties—and key employees.…

Airtel Africa has reported robust financial results for the half year ended 30 September 2025, with its mobile money service, Airtel Money, emerging as an engine of growth and customer acquisition. The division’s annualised transaction value surged past $193 billion as its customer base accelerated towards the 50 million mark. The telecom and fintech group saw constant currency revenue growth of 24.5%, reaching $2,9  billion. This performance was significantly bolstered by Airtel Money, which delivered a 30.2% constant currency revenue increase. The service is now a core pillar of the company’s strategy, driving digital adoption and deepening financial inclusion across…

Balwin Properties has demonstrated the tangible financial benefits of its green building strategy, with its dedicated sustainable utilities arm, Balwin Green Living, delivering over R4.6 million in direct savings to homeowners through its solar energy installations. The initiative, which provides metering and sustainable utility solutions to body corporates, is a core component of Balwin’s commitment to environmentally conscious development. The JSE-listed company announced that the solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays deployed across its developments have generated 1.7 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable energy in the recent interim period. This significant energy production directly translates to lower electricity costs for residents, even while…

In a strategic move to solidify its high-growth technology segment, Balwin Properties has announced a major restructuring of its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) business, Balwin Information and Communication Technology Proprietary Limited (Balwin ICT). Effective 1 March 2025, Balwin Annuity has entered into a subscription agreement that increases the shareholding of its non-controlling interest partner to 50%, valuing the transaction at R73.8 million. Crucially, Balwin Annuity will retain operational control of the subsidiary, ensuring strategic alignment with the wider group’s objectives while deepening the commercial partnership. The deal emphasises the immense value Balwin places on its fibre assets, which are a cornerstone of…

Telkom Group has been named the 2025 South African Winner for Best Corporate in Investor Relations (Small Cap) by the prestigious Extel surveys. The award was presented at the inaugural Investor Relations Society of South Africa (IRSSA) Awards at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, recognising Telkom’s superior transparency and strategic engagement with the investment community. The victory is significant, as Telkom was judged against other respected South African corporates, including Pick n Pay, Spar, AVI, and African Rainbow Minerals. The Extel Awards are a global benchmark for IR excellence, evaluating companies on rigorous criteria such as financial disclosure, ESG engagement, and…