Author: Gugu Lourie

At its Build 2025 conference, Microsoft announced Microsoft Discovery, a groundbreaking AI platform designed to accelerate scientific breakthroughs by integrating agentic AI into the research process. The platform promises to dramatically shorten development timelines, turning processes that once took years into weeks, while maintaining rigorous standards of transparency, compliance, and researcher control. A New Era of AI-Driven Scientific Discovery Microsoft Discovery is built on Azure’s cloud infrastructure, combining high-performance computing (HPC), generative AI, and graph-based reasoning to tackle complex R&D challenges. Unlike traditional methods, the platform enables continuous, iterative research cycles where AI agents collaborate with scientists to refine hypotheses, run simulations, and analyse data in real time. “We have…

Vodacom Group is actively pursuing fibre joint ventures (JVs) across its African markets while maintaining its FinTech business as a core operation, with no plans for unbundling. The Vodafone-owned telecom giant remains committed to expanding digital infrastructure despite regulatory hurdles in South Africa. Maziv Deal Appeal and Fibre Strategy Vodacom continues to challenge the Competition Tribunal’s decision to block its proposed stake in Maziv, which houses Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) and Vumatel. Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub stated: “While we were disappointed by the Tribunal’s decision, we have lodged an appeal. Fibre is critical for economic growth and we believe this transaction holds significant public interest benefits. If…

Vodacom Group has announced plans to invest over R20 billion in capital expenditure (capex) in the coming financial year, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing connectivity, digital inclusion, and economic empowerment across Africa. The Vodafone-owned telecom giant also revealed ambitious targets to expand its customer base to 260 million by 2030, up from 211.3 million today. Vision 2030 Speaking on the company’s progress, Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub said: “As we draw the curtain on our Vision 2025 strategy, I am immensely proud of the progress we have made over the past five years in delivering on our targets. This was achieved despite a challenging macroeconomic environment…

Vodacom has disclosed that the potential compensation payout in the long-running Please Call Me case remains highly uncertain, with outcomes ranging from millions to billions of rand. The Vodafone-owned telco is still challenging the Supreme Court of Appeal’s (SCA) ruling, which ordered it to pay 5%–7.5% of total revenue from the service since 2001. In a statement published today as part of its financial results publication, Vodacom said: “Consequently, the range of the possible compensation outcomes in this matter is very wide. The amount ultimately payable to Mr. Makate is uncertain and will depend on the success of Vodacom’s appeal against the judgment and…

South Africa’s taxi industry moves millions daily – but behind the wheels lies a world of bloodshed, corruption, and ruthless power struggles. In his explosive new documentary, Inside South Africa’s Secret Taxi Mafia, filmmaker Dan Mace (JOE Films) pulls back the curtain on Cape Town’s violent taxi wars, exposing a system ruled by guns, gangs and underground syndicates. The Dark Side of SA’s Transport Lifeline The minibus taxi industry is South Africa’s largest informal transport system, carrying over 70% of commuters daily. Yet, it operates in near-lawlessness – taxi bosses control routes with bullets, not permits  and turf wars claim hundreds of lives yearly.…

Today as the world marks World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), South Africa reflects on its journey from an industry once dominated by a telecoms monopoly – Telkom – to a rapidly digitising economy. This year’s theme, “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development,” resonates deeply in a country where mobile connectivity, AI, and fintech are reshaping industries – yet where millions still struggle with high data costs and unreliable internet access. From government officials to tech CEOs, leaders agree: South Africa’s digital future holds immense promise, but only if key challenges are addressed. The Rise of a Digital South Africa South Africa’s ICT…

Vodacom has launched limited-time winter promotions featuring up to 40% savings on selected 24-month RED Core plans and SIM-only mobile broadband packages, alongside free streaming subscriptions to Prime Video and Viu. Key Offers Include: 40% savings on RED Core 14GB+14GB (now R399/month) FREE Vodacom Smart Tab 8 with 5GB+5GB SIM-only plan FREE 12-month Prime Video Mobile Edition FREE 24-month Viu subscription Home Internet with 5G router from R449/month “In a time of increased financial pressures, we believe our customers deserve more,” said Rashid Tar Mahomed, Managing Executive of Products and Services at Vodacom South Africa. “These offers provide meaningful connectivity at affordable rates.” Why Choose Vodacom…

The Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) Board today announced the departure of CEO Tshepiso Kobile, who will pursue new professional opportunities. “We regrettably announce the departure of our Chief Executive Officer, Tshepiso Kobile,” stated the SAVCA board. “We extend our appreciation for her leadership during a pivotal period for SAVCA and the broader private capital industry.” Key Achievements During Tenure: Rebuilt executive team and organisational capacity Advanced private capital representation in COFI Bill negotiations Elevated SAVCA’s global profile through international engagements Expanded flagship conferences to record attendance Broadened membership to include all private capital providers Policy Leadership…

NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and technology services, has launched its enterprise-grade Smart AI Agent Ecosystem, offering industry-specific solutions to drive business transformation. The company also introduced a patented plug-in solution that upgrades legacy bots into autonomous intelligent agents and expanded its alliance network to deliver best-fit AI solutions. Assured Outcomes with Embedded Smart AI Agent NTT DATA has deployed hundreds of Smart AI Agent instances, enhancing decision-making and process automation across industries. Key applications include: Healthcare: Agents autonomously classify insurance appeals, assess medical necessity, and prevent fraud. Automotive Manufacturing: AI agents analyze regulatory warnings and initiate corrective actions. Finance: Solutions for fraud detection, KYC…

JSE-listed Blue Label Telecoms is exploring a business restructure that could lead to mobile operator Cell C being listed separately on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Blue Label Telecoms is JSE-listed distributor of prepaid products and owns Cell C: South Africa’s third-largest mobile operator with 7.7 million subscribers. The proposed changes aim to: Streamline operations Strengthen Cell C’s balance sheet Create clearer value for shareholders Key Restructure Plans Include: Airtime Asset Transfer – Moving prepaid airtime assets from Blue Label subsidiary TPC to Cell C in exchange for new shares Debt Relief – Converting R2.1 billion of Cell C’s debt into equity to…