Author: Gugu Lourie
Gugu Lourie, tech analyst, joined Simon Brown on Moneyweb’s HOT 107.7FM to unpack South Africa’s shifting connectivity landscape amid updated empowerment laws. The discussion explored how these policy changes impact internet access, digital inclusion, and the role of equity equivalents in driving transformation. Stay informed with HOT 107.7FM for key insights on SA’s evolving digital future. Key Points Covered: How empowerment laws reshape SA’s connectivity sector Equity equivalents and their role in digital equity The future of internet access and broadband growth Listen Below #TechTalk #DigitalTransformation #HOT1077FM
For nearly three decades, South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy has been anchored on the premise that transferring 30% equity stakes to black shareholders would, somewhat, redress apartheid’s race-skewed economic imbalances. However, the results have been disastrous. For example, between 2003-2008, as much as R361 billion in BEE deals were concluded, yet black ownership on the JSE remains below 5%, unemployment has soared to over 32%, and GDP stagnated below 2%. This evidence shows that equity-based BEE has failed to redress apartheid’s economic ills, and South Africa must urgently rethink its approach. The Surprising Origins of BEE Contrary to…
Well-known South African technology entrepreneur Reshaad Sha is leading a management buyout of Altron Nexus from JSE-listed Altron Group, with the company set to be rebranded as Sentiv. The transaction, still subject to conditions, is expected to close by end June 2025. A New Chapter: Sentiv Emerges The name Sentiv – a blend of “sentient” and “intuitive” – reflects the company’s evolution into a platform-led business focused on real-time insights, adaptive connectivity, and predictive intelligence. Louis Du Toit, the current Managing Director of Altron Nexus, will become CEO of Sentiv, while Reshaad Sha takes on the role of Executive Chairman. Together, they aim to transform Sentiv into a future-ready technology provider specializing in mission-critical communications and Industrial IoT solutions. Altron…
Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE), South Africa’s pioneer in developing a nationwide network of off-grid, solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, has secured a R100 million equity investment from the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). This funding accelerates the country’s shift toward a net-zero transport economy while reinforcing climate-resilient infrastructure. Andries Malherbe, Director and Co-founder of CHARGE, expressed gratitude for the investment, stating: “This show of faith by the DBSA is not just financial – it is symbolic. We are truly grateful.” The capital injection will support CHARGE’s mission to install ultra-fast EV charging stations every 150 km along national roads. Each site…
As Altron marks its 60th anniversary, the JSE-tech listed group has delivered a stellar financial performance, showcasing 50% growth in operating profit to R972 million and a 27% surge in EBITDA to R1.8 billion for the year ending February 2025. This strong performance emphasises the company’s resilience amid economic uncertainty and its ability to execute a disciplined growth strategy. A Year of Strong Financial Performance Despite flat revenue of R9.6 billion, partly due to the sale of its ATM business, Altron demonstrated underlying growth with a 3% organic revenue increase when excluding this divestment. More impressively, the company’s headline earnings per share (HEPS) jumped 73% to 178 cents, while…
The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has pledged full cooperation with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proclamation authorising an investigation into its 2017 procurement process. The probe will examine the awarding of a turnkey software asset management and logistics support contract, assessing compliance with National Treasury regulations and potential irregularities. While the investigation focuses on a past tender, SITA emphasizes that it reflects its current leadership’s commitment to accountability. Since 2021, the agency has implemented sweeping reforms, including: Revised procurement frameworks aligned with PFMA and Treasury rules, Digital tracking systems for audit-ready contract management, Mandatory ethics…
Since Vodacom’s strategic R1 billion acquisition of a 51% stake in IoT.nxt in 2019, the IoT specialist has become instrumental in driving its Beyond Mobile strategy, enabling digital transformation across multiple industries through cutting-edge connectivity solutions. The Technology Edge At the core of this partnership is IoT.nxt’s innovative edge-to-cloud platform that seamlessly bridges legacy systems with modern data sources, delivering real-time business intelligence. The company’s competitive advantage stems from three key technological differentiators: Raptor edge gateway technology – Enables rapid IoT deployment at scale Web-Commander software stack – Provides unified data aggregation with 3D visualisation capabilities Multi-directional rules engine – Facilitates…
Opera Mini has launched #DataDance, a national campaign addressing data affordability and digital access for South African youth. Combining dance culture with digital opportunity, the campaign invites users to post their dance routines on TikTok using the #operaminidatadance hashtag for a chance to win up to five years of airtime. High Data Costs Create Real Challenges for Youth A recent Opera-commissioned survey reveals that 62% of South Africans aged 16-35 believe internet costs are too high. 86% say affordable access could transform their lives, particularly in education, jobs, and information access. Key findings: 63% run out of data every other month 31% exhaust data monthly 68% feel frustrated, while 17% stop browsing entirely How to Join #OperaMiniDataDance To participate: Use the custom amapiano track (available on TikTok under “Opera…
ButtaNutt, a South African plant-based dairy alternatives provider, has secured a 54% equity investment from PSG Group. The transaction, effective May 2025, represents a strong vote of confidence in local entrepreneurship and homegrown innovation. The founding management team, led by Founder and CEO Antoine van Heerden, retains the remaining shareholding. Based in Paarl, Western Cape, ButtaNutt has evolved from a single-product startup into a well-known name in South Africa’s food innovation sector. Its nut butters and dairy alternatives, made with natural, minimally processed ingredients, have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers. PSG Group Backs ButtaNutt’s Growth Ambitions PSG Group, a South African investment firm, is known for…
Canal+ has agreed to a moratorium on retrenchments for three years at MultiChoice Group following the merger implementation date. Sipho Maseko and Sonja De Bruyn have joined a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) consortium played a crucial role in facilitating Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice Group. As part of the transaction, MultiChoice South Africa’s broadcasting licence operations will be restructured into a new independent entity, MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd (LicenceCo). This move ensures regulatory compliance while paving the way for Canal+ to expand its video entertainment footprint across Africa. Canal+ has committed that the majority of LicenceCo’s shareholders will be Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs) and workers. The…
Life Healthcare Group Holdings Limited has unveiled plans to invest R2.3 billion in capital expenditure for FY2025 as part of its growth strategy, alongside reporting robust interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2025. Financial and Operational Highlights Revenue up 8.1% to R12.1 billion, driven by higher patient volumes and improved tariffs Normalised earnings per share (NEPS) up 9.1% to 49.0 cents Interim dividend increased by 10.5% to 21.0 cents per share Paid patient days (PPDs) grew by 2.0%, with occupancy rising to 68.6% R2 billion cash generated from operations, supporting expansion plans R2.3bn Investment in Strategic Growth The Group’s R2.3…
Technology distributor Axiz has announced a strategic partnership with Jabra, a global leader in professional audio and video solutions. This collaboration expands Axiz’s portfolio to include Jabra’s cutting-edge communication technology, catering to businesses and professionals who demand high-quality audio and video experiences. Jabra’s suite of products — ranging from certified professional headsets and speakerphones to advanced video conferencing equipment — is designed to enhance productivity and collaboration. From headsets with Active Noise Cancellation that deliver crystal-clear calls, to intelligent video conferencing cameras that offer seamless integration with platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom, Jabra’s solutions meet the growing demands of…
History is a great teacher, and those who ignore it are doomed. Would South Africa be creating new “Elon Musk regulations” if it exempts Starlink from Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) compliance? The answer lies in understanding how US giants like IBM, Microsoft, and Amazon already comply: through Equity Equivalent Programmes (EEPs). What is B-BBEE and Why Do Multinationals Use Equity Equivalents? South Africa’s B-BBEE Act of 2003 aims to redress apartheid-era economic disparities by promoting black ownership, skills development, and enterprise growth. However, foreign companies often cannot transfer direct ownership. Instead, they leverage Equity Equivalent Programmes – approved by the Department…
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has vowed to take legal action against the South African government over reports that it plans to offer Elon Musk’s Starlink a special exemption from Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws. The party has condemned the move as unconstitutional, warning that it compromises the country’s sovereignty. EFF Condemns “Unlawful” Starlink Deal EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo argued that if Musk were genuinely concerned about South Africans, he would advocate for sanctions and disinvestment rather than pushing for Starlink’s entry into the market. “This decision undermines our laws and economic transformation agenda,” Thambo stated. “If Elon Musk truly cared about…
South Africa’s smart locker market is heating up as Bob Box, a courier-agnostic locker network, announces plans to expand from 200 to 1,000 locations by the end of 2025. This aggressive growth strategy positions Bob Box as a key competitor against established players like Pargo, which currently leads the market. How Does Bob Box Compare to Other Smart Locker Operators? According to a TechFinancials report, Pargo dominates South Africa’s smart locker space, with major banks and logistics firms like Aramex and DHL also entering the race. However, Bob Box differentiates itself with unique features: Load-shedding resilience (battery-powered lockers) Locally manufactured lockers tailored for South African conditions Open to multiple couriers,…
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…