Author: Gugu Lourie

App-only bank, Bank Zero, today announced a new partnership with another innovative fintech player, iKhokha. This will provide business customers with a card machine solution with zero monthly rental fees, which seamlessly integrates with Bank Zero’s zero-fee bank account. “Business banking has remained stuck in a quagmire of high fees, poor service delivery and no real choice,” explains Michael Jordaan, chair of Bank Zero. “However, the landscape is rapidly changing thanks to innovative partnerships.” “Traditional banks focus on becoming platforms, which, in essence, force customers to get products from that one bank. Bank Zero is different. We embrace ecosystem thinking…

Transnet, which owns and operates the ports, rail freight, and pipeline network of SA, is looking for equity partner to manage and operate its fibre optic network and optical transport network. Transnet is increasingly turning to private partners to support the expansion and improvement of its operations – a key driver for the country’s economy. A tender document released on Tuesday specifies that the state-owned company also owns, operates, and manages fibre and optical transport networks through its Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) and Transnet Pipelines (TPL) divisions. TFR is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and upgrade of the fibre optic…

In an effort to strengthen South Africa’s position as an attractive investment destination, Transnet sponsored the fifth South Africa Investment Conference 2023 in Johannesburg. More than 1000 delegates from various industries in South Africa and around the world attended the conference. The theme of the conference was “Accelerating Economic Growth by Building Partnerships”. Transnet is South Africa’s state-owned logistics infrastructure company responsible for the port, rail and pipeline network aims to increase direct investment and foster partnerships with the private sector. Transnet’s participation at the event was opened by the Group CEO, Portia Derby, who participated in the SAIC Breakaway…

Capitec Bank announced that its retail customers using digital channels increased by 13% or 1.3 million new customers to 11.4 million by the end of February 2023, up from 10.1 million in 2022. The banking group, which aims to provide a no-frills, digitally-led banking solution, said its total active customer base grew by 11% to 20.1 million compared to 18.1 million in 2022. Capitec Bank’s long-term strategy is to move customers to more affordable and secure digital solutions. “The price changes in our banking fees during March 2023 reflected our long-term strategy with digital transaction fees remaining flat while cash-related…

Capitec today announced that its prepaid mobile service Capitec Connect has issued 500 000 SIM cards to subscribers by the end of February 2023. The banking group launched its mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in September 2022. Capitec Connect piggybacks on Cell C’s mobile network infrastructure. Capitec GlobalOne transaction accounts can become Capitec Connect subscribers by connecting to the mobile virtual network by purchasing a SIM card from Capitec, which has been provisioned and activated on the mobile network. The bank claims that its prepaid mobile service offers flat, low prepaid data rates and no top-up charges. “Capitec Connect data…

MTN today announced the appointment of an insider, Abbad Reda, as the CEO of Zambia operations. Reda will replace  Bart Hofker. His appointment is effective May 1, 2023. With more than 20 years of experience, Abbad has successfully delivered market share, revenue, and profit growth. Abbad joined MTN Group in 2002 and has held several senior positions, including Chief Information Officer for MTN Ghana, CEO for MTN Liberia, and is currently the CEO of MTN Afghanistan. Abbad holds an Executive MBA from CEIBS and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer and Communication Engineering. He has also participated in MTN’s Global…

Secha Capital and Hassium Capital took a big bet on FarmTrace, a South African agri-tech farm solution. The companies are investing an undisclosed amount of capital into FarmTrace, which is based in Tzaneen, Limpopo and Stellenbosch, Western Cape. FarmTrace is the only cloud-based farm management tool that offers a diverse range of tools to help farmers manage their operations. Jacques du Plessis, FarmTrace co-founder and CEO said, “FarmTrace started in 2015 and we have boot-strapped exponential growth by working intimately with our clients to solve their needs. We have a long back-log of interested farms, so we decided to raise…

Google TV  is introducing over 800 new free TV channels and the service is making it easier to browse through content via a revamped Live tab. “These days we have more ways to stream movies and TV shows than ever — but as streaming services multiply, so do our monthly bills. Luckily, there’s been an increase in the number of free TV options available, offering everything from local news and popular shows to hit movies. But with all the choices out there, it can be hard to know what’s available and how to find it,” the company said. “That’s where…

In the first quarter of 2023, the BMW Group sold a total of 64,647 fully electric vehicles from the BMW and Mini brands, more than twice as many as in the same quarter in 2022. “Our strong product lineup continues to inspire our customers worldwide. Our fully-electric vehicles, in particular, are benefiting from high demand around the globe. We were therefore able to maintain the dynamic pace of our electromobility ramp-up in the first quarter,” said Pieter Nota, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “The BMW Group is on track for slight…

MTN South Africa has launched five new uncapped home internet products, starting from only R249pm. The MyMTN Home Internet Starter, Pro, Premium, Ultra and Infinite offerings are all month-to-month plans – meaning that you pay monthly, you can cancel anytime, and you get a free to use router. With these products, MTN aims to change the way customers work, study, play and enjoy social media and streaming apps at home with an ultra-fast and ultra-reliable broadband connection at affordable prices. “Our aim is to make every home a ‘digitally connected’ home”, says Ernst Fonternel, Chief Consumer Officer at MTN South…