Author: Gugu Lourie

In a move set to transform the local business landscape, a new South African software platform is using advanced artificial intelligence to automate critical administrative tasks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). TechFinancials sat down with the founder of Skhokho AI Bertha Kgokong, a chemical engineer turned self-taught software developer, to discuss how her all-in-one solution – Skhokho 2.0 -is seeking to level the playing field. When asked how Skhokho 2.0 will benefit users, Kgokong was clear about its core mission: to eliminate administrative drag. “Skhokho 2.0 is designed to take the pain out of everyday business administration,” Kgokong stated. “Instead…

The Master Developers of Zimbali Lakes have shifted luxury living into high gear with the launch of The Avanti Residences and the Tatali Society Club, marking the arrival of KwaZulu-Natal’s first-ever supercar-centric residential development. The 26 August 2025 unveiling was more than a property launch; it was an immersive experience that fused high-octane automotive culture with unparalleled coastal luxury, drawing high-net-worth buyers, investors, and car enthusiasts. The event transformed the estate into a pit lane of prestige, lined with supercars and vintage vehicles. Guests enjoyed fine canapés and cocktails before an exclusive presentation on the development. The evening peaked with…

OPPO has officially launched the Reno14 5G in South Africa, a smartphone engineered to be the life of the party. Priced at R19,999 and available from all leading operators, this device is crafted specifically for the nation’s dynamic nightlife, from pulsating music festivals and serene rooftop sundowners to spontaneous after-hours braais. The company claims it combines AI-powered camera tech with staggering battery stamina, ensuring you capture and share every moment without missing a beat. “The Reno14 5G reflects OPPO’s focus on relevance for South African consumers,” said Bradley Young, Head of Retail at OPPO. “It delivers real improvements in low-light…

The decades-long “Please Call Me” legal saga between Nkosana Makate and Vodacom is headed for a final reckoning. The case has been set down for hearing in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on 18 November 2025, as mandated by the Constitutional Court, and will be heard by a new panel of judges. This follows a ruling on July 31, 2025, where the Constitutional Court overturned the SCA’s previous judgment in Makate’s favour. The apex court criticised the SCA for its failure to properly analyse evidence, introducing a new “duty of proper consideration” standard for appellate courts. It ordered a new…

In a move to ensure leadership continuity at a key state entity, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has appointed a seasoned National Treasury executive as the acting CEO of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA). This follows the precautionary suspension of the agency’s chief executive over allegations of serious misconduct in high-value procurement transactions. To ensure stability and the uninterrupted delivery of services, Job Stadi Mngomezulu, the Deputy Director-General for Corporate Services at the National Treasury, has been seconded to the GPAA and appointed as its Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective 25 August 2025. Minister Godongwana expressed full confidence in the…

Chief Executive Officer of the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA), Kedibone Madiehe, has been placed on precautionary suspension with full pay while an investigation into allegations of misconduct concerning high-value procurement transactions is being conducted. According to media reports, Madiehe is being investigated for alleged procurement breaches costing the GPAA more than R1.2billion. The Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana on Friday, 22 August 2025, placed the Chief Executive Officer on suspension effective immediately. To ensure continuity of operations and effective leadership during this period, Job Stadi Mngomezulu, the Deputy Director-General of Corporate Services at National Treasury, has been seconded to…

The South African-founded platform Spaza Market has been strategically repositioned to directly benefit its users, shop owners, and small medium enterprises (SMEs) with a suite of powerful new tools. The upgrade from Spaza Eats to the Spaza Market super-app is designed to answer a critical question: How will this directly benefit a spaza shop owner? According to founder Talifhani Banks, the answer lies in new tools, new revenue streams, and unprecedented access to capital. “A spaza shop can sell online, an SME can manage digital payments, and both can qualify for loans based on real-time trading data,” Banks explains. “We’re not just…

South African-founded platform Spaza Market is positioning itself as a key catalyst for growing Africa’s enterprise economy, starting with South Africa’s vital township economy. The platform, Spaza Eats, has been officially relaunched as Spaza Market, transforming it into a comprehensive Super-App designed for township residents and businesses. Entrepreneur Talifhani Banks, founder of Spaza Market and parent company AnalyticsX, told TechFinancials in an interview that the remodelling of Spaza Eats into Spaza Market isn’t just an app relaunch, “it’s the foundation for scaling Africa’s enterprise economy.” He highlighted the most important feature users should notice in the Spaza Market app. “Integration,” stated…

South African-founded platform Spaza Eats has officially morphed into Spaza Market, rebranding from a food delivery service into a comprehensive marketplace. This move is designed specifically to provide township-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with vital new digital revenue streams. A key question follows this transformation: how will the new Spaza Market app experience feel for everyday users? Entrepreneur Talifhani Banks, founder of the original Spaza Eats and parent company AnalyticsX, describes the Spaza Market app as a super-app built for emerging markets. “As a user imagine ordering kota and groceries in the morning, booking a haircut at your local salon…

South African food delivery platform Spaza Eats has undergone a major transformation, officially rebranding to Spaza Market as it shifts from a single-service app to a comprehensive digital marketplace. The move aims to fast-track the development of a new digital economy within the country’s townships. But what was the core strategic reason behind this significant shift in identity and business model? Entrepreneur Talifhani Banks, founder of Spaza Eats and parent company AnalyticsX, told TechFinancials that the rebrand to Spaza Market was about scale and vision. “While Spaza Eats successfully solved for food and groceries, we recognised that the true opportunity lies…