Author: Gugu Lourie
Bitwarden, open source password manager trusted by millions, today announced the acquisition of Passwordless.dev, a European-based open source startup that enables developers to create passkeys and other forms of WebAuthn passwordless experiences quickly. A core part of the FIDO2 specification, WebAuthn is a modern open authentication standard supported by browsers and technology giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Apple. “Most companies want to invest in passwordless solutions such as Face ID, Touch ID, Windows Hello, and other forms of web authentication to create better user experiences and stronger security” Tweet this This acquisition comes on the heels of a $100M…
The DA has been reliably informed that the South African Post Office (SAPO) aims to cut staff salaries by 40% as of next month – while their looting of staff medical aid and pension contributions is ongoing. Medical Aid benefits have once again been withdrawn from both staff and pensioners because of non-payment – despite the fact that the staff lose that amount from their salaries and pensions each month. This is despite management assurances to the Communications Portfolio Committee that they would turn things around. “We have also learnt that the current CEO today earns nearly R4 million per…
JSE and Nasdaq-listed fintech group Lesaka Technologies, formerly known as Net1, today announced the resignation of its chief accounting officer, Alex Smith. The resignation of Smith is effective 1 March 2023. Lesaka said Smith is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities. The company added that Smith will assist in consolidating the roles and responsibilities of Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) into the ambit of Lesaka’s highly experienced Finance team. “The past 18 months have been a time of significant transformation for Lesaka,” said Chris Meyer: Group CEO. “While it has been challenging, our focus on execution has resulted in substantial strides…
South African payments platform Payfast is looking to continue its acquisition spree. In 2021, DPO Group, of which Payfast is a part, was acquired by Network International, a globally renowned digital commerce provider in the Middle East and Africa. The company is now known as DPO by Network. “We are currently exploring a number of partnerships,” said Brendon Williamson, managing director at Payfast, without giving further details. “Even though we have gone through an acquisition phase as DPO Group and now DPO by Network, we will continue that acquisition phase as Payfast supported by Networks. “So there are potential acquisitions…
Bidorbuy, one of South Africa’s largest online shopping and auction marketplaces, will soon be officially known as Bob Shop. In August 2022, Bidorbuy concluded a merger with shipping and fulfilment specialists uAfrica, the new combined company is called Bob Group. “Bob” speaks to our heritage as bidorbuy; Group refers to the fact that the new company offers so much more in terms of service, functionality and user experience for both merchants and consumers.,” the company said in its blog. The aim of the collaboration is to compete with Takealot and Amazon. Bob Group is a one-stop shop for everything ecommerce…
South Africa’s Telkom and data-only network operator Rain have terminated merger talks. Telkom informed investors on Wednesday that after initial discussions, but prior to any due diligence, the parties have decided that a suitable transaction is not possible at this time. “Telkom continues to execute its strategy to unlock value for shareholders and will provide an update on progress in this regard in due course,” said the company. Also read: GUGU LOURIE: MTN’s battle for Telkom is actually no contest Telkom shares were trading 10% higher at R35.68 by 14h20 today, maybe signalling a relief from the market that the deal…
JSE and Nasdaq-listed fintech group Lesaka Technologies, formerly known as Net1, has decided to retain the services of Steven Heilbron as CEO until June 2025. In a statement, the dual-listed group, said Heilbron has been the CCEO of the Connect Group since 2013 and joined Lesaka following the acquisition of Connect in the same capacity. Heilbron has two decades of financial services experience, having spent 19 years working for Investec in South Africa and the UK, where he served as Global Head of Private Banking and Joint CEO of Investec Bank plc. He led a private consortium that acquired Cash…
Telkom has unveiled the January Big Deal to connect you to super-fast, uncapped fibre. The company wants you kick-start the year with an exclusive January Fibre Big Deal that is fast, reliable and affordable. “Stay productive and make the most of every day with a deal that will help ease the January financial blues.,” says Telkom. The January Fibre Big Deal offers 25/10Mbps Uncapped @ R389 x 3 months, thereafter R499 x 9 months. “Telkom is working hard to bring you the best deals in South Africa. Bargain-hunting and no skimping on quality,” said Telkom. “Our wide array of products…
The BMW Group is continuing to drive the digitalisation of access to its vehicles in co-development with Apple and Google. It is now possible to share a BMW Digital Key across platforms between iPhone and Android devices. Previously, keys could only be shared via Apple iMessage. There is now no longer any need for a specific app or a set method of transmission. Instead, keys can be easily passed on to friends or family from the wallet using the native “share” function known from many apps. This means that sharing a BMW Digital Key now takes the straightforward form of…
Shoprite, Africa’s biggest retailer, is attracting more customers for its mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). The retailer, which also owns Checkers, reported that K’nect attracted 33 944 customers in its first year of operation in 2021. Shoprite told TechFinancials that K’nect had added 139,556 users in 2022, taking the total of new voice and data customers to 173 500. K’nect was launched on 23 March 2021. The prepaid cellular network has partnered with digital enabler FREI One Digital. It piggybacks off the mobile network infrastructure of Cell C, whose roaming partnership with MTN provides award-winning coverage. K’nect forms part of the Shoprite…