Author: Gugu Lourie

Telkom has brought cheer to its investors by declaring dividends for the first time in four years, with a total payout of R1.3 billion to shareholders. The company’s Group CEO, Serame Taukobong, expressed satisfaction with this development, stating, “We are pleased to confirm the reinstatement of a dividend, signalling a renewed focus on delivering value to shareholders after a four-year suspension.” The payout comprises both an ordinary and special dividend amounting to R2.61 per share, marking a significant milestone in Telkom’s financial recovery. The decision to resume dividend payments follows strong operational performance across Telkom’s business units. The Consumer division…

In recent years, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has received multiple complaints regarding unlicensed entities issuing performance guarantees. State entities, including municipalities and government departments, often require these guarantees from contractors bidding on infrastructure projects, as stipulated in the National Treasury’s General Code of Contractors. However, investigations revealed that many entities offering these guarantees were conducting unauthorised insurance business. The FSCA emphasizes that holding a National Credit Act licence or an FSP licence does not permit an entity to issue insurance products. Why This Poses a Risk The FSCA warns that: Guarantees issued by unlicensed insurers may not be legally enforceable. The Insurance Act protects policyholders and ensures market integrity—benefits not available with…

Alexforbes reported a 15% increase in Headline Earnings Per Share (HEPS) to 70.8 cents per share for the year ended 31 March 2025, driven by the strong performance of its discontinued operations. HEPS, recognised as South Africa’s most accurate measure of profitability, underscores the company’s sustained financial strength. Dawie de Villiers, Chief Executive Officer of Alexforbes, reflected on the company’s legacy, stating: “What excites me about Alexforbes is the way we have punched above our weight for 90 years and the impact we’ve had on the financial services industry. “We have influenced and led real change and continue to do so and most importantly, we…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a preservation order from the Special Tribunal to freeze a luxury property in Midstream Estate, Gauteng, as part of ongoing civil proceedings into the alleged misuse of funds allocated by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). The court order prohibits Israel Mathibe, Smart Safety PPE, and any other related parties from selling, transferring, donating, or otherwise dealing with the immovable property in any way. The SIU’s investigation uncovered that funds intended for critical community projects – including agricultural development and old-age homes in rural areas – were allegedly diverted through a network of non-profit…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport (GPDRT) will officially unveil a new, high-tech tamper-proof number plate system on Thursday, 5 June 2025. The Gauteng Provincial Government disclosed in a post on Twitter/X,. Premier Panyaza @Lesufi together with @GPDRT_ MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela will on Thursday, 05 June 2025 preside over the unveiling of a new, cutting-edge technological, tamper-proof provincial number plate system. #RoadSafety #AgaLeRona #GrowingGautengTogether #TacklingG13 pic.twitter.com/eSvDTMY2Dg — Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) June 3, 2025 Gauteng’s New Number Plate System: A Game-Changer For Crime Prevention And Youth Entrepreneurship Gauteng unveiled last November a cutting-edge number plate system designed to bolster security…

Onafriq, Africa’s largest digital payments network, celebrates its 15-year anniversary by announcing a major milestone: nearly 1 billion mobile money wallets and 500 million bank accounts are now linked via its infrastructure. Originally launched as a mobile money switch, Onafriq has evolved into a full omnichannel payments network, enabling: Cross-border disbursements & collections Card issuance & processing Offline agent banking services FX & treasury solutions By fostering digital interoperability across mobile wallets, bank accounts, cards, and offline channels, Onafriq is driving Africa toward a seamless financial future. A Vision for a Connected Africa Dare Okoudjou, Founder & CEO of Onafriq, stated: “Fifteen years ago, we set out…

Mezzanine, the innovative tech subsidiary of the Vodacom Group, is actively pursuing expansion opportunities across Africa, focusing on agriculture and healthcare to drive digital transformation. Videsha Proothveerajh, Director of Vodacom Business, said: “Mezzanine is actively exploring several expansion opportunities across various sectors in Africa. “These include initiatives in agriculture, such as the Agri Vouchering solution for livestock in Kenya and the M-Kulima program in Tanzania. Additionally, Mezzanine is pursuing opportunities in the healthcare sector.” This sector-focused approach allows Mezzanine to demonstrate its adaptability and commitment to solving Africa’s most pressing challenges. Agriculture: eVuna & M-Kulima Driving Growth Mezzanine’s Connected Farmer platform (eVuna) has already transformed small-scale…

Vodacom Business’s Mezzanine’s Connected Farmer platform, branded as eVuna, is revolutionising agriculture in Africa by digitally empowering small-scale farmers. The platform connects farmers to vital resources – information, inputs, credit, and markets – boosting productivity and income. In Kenya, the eVuna eVouchering programme has seen remarkable success, with over 6 million farmers registered and 3.5 million vouchers redeemed. Farmers using eVuna have accessed more than $1 million in capital, leading to an 80% increase in yields and an additional $600 in revenue per farmer. “eVuna plays a crucial role in linking the small-scale farming community to the people and resources they need to thrive. ,” says Videsha Proothveerajh, Director of Vodacom Business. “Over a…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a public warning, urging caution against dealing with Neo Forex Institute. The regulator has found that the entity is offering unauthorised forex trading signals through Instagram and Telegram, leading to financial losses for investors. Unauthorised Forex Signals Operation The FSCA has received multiple complaints from individuals who paid for trading signals from Neo Forex Institute, only to suffer losses. “Providing forex signals without a licence is a criminal offence,” the FSCA stated. Forex signal providers often: Charge subscription fees or take a percentage of profits. Share fake trading patterns to lure investors. Profit even when clients lose money through broker commissions. Neo Forex Institute Not Authorised The FSCA confirmed that Neo Forex…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a public warning, urging caution when dealing with Forex Venus SA and Mr. Ofentse Maluleke. The regulator has found that the two are soliciting funds from the public for investments while promising unrealistic returns. Unauthorised Financial Services According to the FSCA, Forex Venus SA and Mr. Maluleke are not authorised to provide financial services in South Africa. Despite attempts to contact them, the FSCA could not reach them using available details. “Unrealistic returns must be viewed with great suspicion,” the FSCA stated. How They Operate Recruiting members via Facebook. Offering trading signals and investment services. Promising high, unsustainable returns. How to Protect Yourself The FSCA strongly advises…