Author: Gugu Lourie

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…

Prosus, a global technology leader, and Despegar, Latin America’s premier online travel agency, have officially announced the completion of Prosus’s acquisition of Despegar. The deal follows approvals from Despegar’s board, shareholders, and regulatory authorities. This acquisition aligns with Prosus’s strategy to deepen its footprint in Latin America, where it is building a digital lifestyle ecosystem serving over 100 million customers across food delivery, classifieds, travel, experiences, and fintech. Fabricio Bloisi, CEO of Prosus Group, stated: “With Despegar joining the Prosus family, we’re accelerating our vision to build the most dynamic lifestyle ecommerce ecosystems across Latin America, India, and Europe. By adding…

Eskom has announced that Stage 2 loadshedding will continue until 22:00 tonight before being suspended, thanks to improved generation capacity. In a statement released today, Eskom confirmed: “Stage 2 loadshedding will continue during today’s evening peak period, from 16:00 to 22:00, as previously communicated. From 22:00, loadshedding will be suspended.” The power utility reported significant progress in restoring generation units, with 1,175MW already returned to service this week and an additional 1,850MW expected before tomorrow’s peak. Improved System Stability Eskom attributed the suspension of loadshedding to: Restored generation capacity (1,175MW this week) Adequate emergency reserves Ongoing unit repairs (1,850MW more expected soon) The…

New research reveals how expanding wheeled renewable energy access could supercharge South Africa’s economy. Investing in wheeled renewable energy access, allowing businesses to buy clean power via the grid, could drive R308 billion in capital investment and create 280,000 new jobs in South Africa, according to a new study. The white paper, Wheeling for Growth: The Socioeconomic Impact of Expanding Renewable Energy Access in South Africa, commissioned by Discovery Green and conducted by Krutham, highlights the massive economic potential of unlocking renewable energy for small and medium businesses (SMMEs) and non-energy-intensive corporates. Key Findings: 16.9GW of additional solar and wind energy capacity needed 3.7GWh of battery…

Eskom has reported severe operational disruptions at its Mpumalanga power stations over the past two weeks due to violent protests sparked by fake job advertisements circulating on social media. Misinformation Fuels Unrest Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena confirmed that false posts claiming job openings at power stations led to crowds submitting CVs and staging protests, some turning violent. “These protests are criminal and hinder our ability to maintain stable electricity generation,” Mokwena told SABC News. Impact on Operations The unrest has forced Eskom to heighten security as demonstrators block access to key facilities. The utility warns that continued disruptions could worsen South…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a warning about Mr. Lethabo Molefe, who is illegally soliciting investments from the public. What’s Happening? Molefe promises R9,000 returns from an initial R900 investment through Telegram groups. Funds are deposited into a Capitec Bank account under Mr. Thato Rapelego. Rapelego claims his account was used without his knowledge. Neither Molefe nor Rapelego is authorised to provide financial services. FSCA’s Warning Unrealistic returns are a red flag—always be suspicious. The FSCA is investigating and will involve the South African Police Service (SAPS). How to Protect Yourself Check authorisation – Only use FSCA-approved providers. Verify FSP numbers – Match them on the FSCA database. Avoid social media offers – Be cautious of unsolicited investment…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has broken its promise to deploy body-worn cameras by April 2025, with zero progress made. Despite assurances from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, not a single camera has been issued, leaving officers and the public unprotected. Another Broken Promise During a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) session, DA Member Mzamo Billy exposed that SAPS has yet to begin the rollout. Minister Mchunu admitted that the tender process is still in early stages, meaning further delays are inevitable. Why Body Cameras Matter Body-worn cameras are crucial for: Police accountability – Reducing misconduct and false accusations Officer safety –…

The Constitutional Court has yet to deliver judgment in the high-stakes Please Call Me case between Nkosana Makate and Vodacom, a subsidiary of British telecom giant Vodafone. The matter was heard on 21 November 2024, but six months later, the ruling remains pending. Vodacom is appealing a Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) decision that overturned its initial R47 million compensation offer, rejected by Makate in 2019, and ordered the company to make a new offer. Makate is demanding R9.4 billion for his invention, which Vodacom has profited from since 2000. Vodacom Used Makate’s Invention For Years Without Paying Makate’s lawyer, Stuart Scott, argued in court last November that…

Investec, the JSE- and LSE-listed private banking group, has lodged an application with South Africa’s National Energy Regulator (NERSA) for a licence to trade electricity. If approved, the bank will purchase solar power from the Illikwa Solar PV Facility in the Free State and supply its Sandton headquarters. The application states: “Investec Bank hereby notifies that a licence application has been lodged with NERSA to trade electricity.” The proposed trading would occur via Eskom’s transmission networks under a wheeling arrangement – where electricity is transported through third-party infrastructure. Solar-Powered Banking Operations Investec plans to buy energy from the 2022-registered Illikwa PV Facility…

Microsoft on Tuesday said that it’s laying off 3% of employees across all levels, teams, and geographies, affecting about 6,000 people. “We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC. The company reported better-than-expected results, with $25.8 billion in quarterly net income, and an upbeat forecast in late April. Microsoft had 228,000 employees worldwide at the end of June. On Tuesday, Washington state said the company was reducing headcount tied to its Redmond headquarters by 1,985 people, including 1,510 in-office roles. In…

Eskom has confirmed it will implement Stage 2 loadshedding daily from 16:00 to 22:00 until Thursday, 15 May 2025, citing generation shortages and delayed unit returns. Key Reasons for Loadshedding: 3,120MW delayed from planned maintenance Additional 1,385MW lost due to unplanned breakdowns Current unplanned outages exceed 13,000MW Eskom acknowledged these challenges align with risks highlighted in its Winter 2025 Outlook. The utility is emerging from an intensive maintenance cycle, which has temporarily reduced system flexibility. Leadership Response Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said: “Our new Operational Excellence Programme is key to restoring performance. We are reinforcing oversight, strengthening accountability, and aligning service providers with stricter performance standards. This forms part of…

A leaked list of appointments to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards has revealed shocking political patronage, with ANC loyalists, including Gwede Mantashe’s son and a former KZN Premier, handed key positions. Karabo Khakhau MP, DA Member of the Committee on Higher Education and Training, stated: “These appointments confirm the ANC’s blatant abuse of SETA boards for political gain. We demand Minister Nkabane explain why qualified South Africans are being sidelined for connected cadres.” Controversial Appointments Exposed: Buyambo Mantashe (son of ANC Chair Gwede Mantashe) – MERSETA Board Chair Nomusa Dube-Ncube (ex-KZN Premier) – BANKSETA Board Chair Siboniso Mbhele (KZN Transport HOD) – Given SETA board role Loyiso Masuku (ANC Johannesburg Deputy…

Cassava Technologies, a global tech leader of African heritage, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Zindi, Africa’s largest professional network for data scientists, to drive AI solutions and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) across the continent. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate digital transformation in Africa by combining Cassava’s advanced GPU capabilities with Zindi’s AI challenge platform. Together, they will support local developers and startups in building data-driven solutions for Africa’s most pressing challenges. Empowering Africa’s AI Ecosystem Hardy Pemhiwa, President and Group CEO of Cassava Technologies, stated: “For Africa’s AI ecosystem to thrive, we must provide the right platforms and resources.…

Belgium Campus iTversity has partnered with UiPath, a global leader in agentic automation, to enhance its training programs in software automation and AI. As a new member of the UiPath Academic Alliance, the institution will integrate market-leading automation and AI curricula, empowering South Africa’s future workforce with cutting-edge skills. Preparing Students for the Fifth Industrial Revolution Dr. Jannie Zaaiman, CE of Education & Academic Collaboration at Belgium Campus iTversity, highlights how this collaboration will expand training in Robotic Process Automation (RPA), AI, and Agentic Automation. “Belgium Campus’ course material already includes aspects of robotics, which translates to projects such as robot races and a recent partnership with Penn…

In a landmark moment for digital learning, 217,000+ learners have enrolled in the 2025 FNB App Academy, 12x surge from 2023’s 17,000 participants. This makes it Africa’s largest free digital skills program, highlighting the continent’s growing demand for tech education. Now in its third year, the FNB App Academy is a nine-week, fully online coding programme designed to democratise access to digital and coding skills, with a curriculum focused on hands-on coding, problem-solving, and user experience design, and is open to anyone from complete beginners to aspiring developers. “This overwhelming response reflects a new wave of digital ambition across Africa,” says Janis Robson, Head of Business Development…

Today, Prosus published a letter to shareholders from CEO Fabricio Bloisi, which outlines Prosus’s performance for the financial year ending 31 March 2025. The financial information disclosed today has yet to be audited. Highlights include: FY25 Ecommerce aEBIT of more than $435 million, exceeding our goal of $400 million OLX revenue growing at close to 20%, with FY25 aEBIT up over 50% to around $270 million iFood delivering over 120m orders per month, and FY25 aEBIT increased by more than 100% to more than US$200m. $2.4 billion raised through trimming of Swiggy position at listing, selling of stakes in Trip and Tazz,…

FNB has recorded over R100 billion in virtual card transactions since launching the digital payment solution in October 2020, with R50 billion spent in 2024 alone. The bank’s latest data reveals a 108% year-on-year (YoY) surge in in-store virtual card usage, highlighting growing consumer trust in secure digital payments. Key Growth Metrics 5.3 million active virtual cards issued to date. 40.4% YoY increase in individual customers using virtual cards. 49.5% YoY growth in in-store virtual card purchases. 39% YoY rise in online transactions. Why Customers Prefer FNB’s Virtual Card FNB’s virtual card stands out with dynamic CVV security codes that refresh hourly, reducing fraud risks. Customers can instantly block, cancel, or replace cards via…

Calling all innovators! The Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) and TechFinancials are back with Round Three of our Q&A Competition—a platform for brilliant minds to showcase bold ideas and win amazing prizes! This round’s challenge: “How can AI improve healthcare in South Africa, especially in rural areas?” Share your vision, and you could win R5,000! Why Participate? Win big: Score R5,000 for your groundbreaking ideas. Make an impact: Your solution could transform healthcare access in underserved communities. Gain recognition: Stand out in a competitive innovation space. How to Enter: Apply via the TFS Competition Link. Complete your profile. Submit your answer—you could be the next winner! Hurry! Entries close 27 May 2025. This competition is proudly sponsored by the Empire Partner Foundation, driving innovation…

Advocate Pansy Tlakula, Chairperson of South Africa’s Information Regulator, reflects on the institution’s remarkable journey in the Annual Performance Plan (2025/26), comparing its growth to the cosmic mystery of creation: “When physicists attempt to solve the mystery of the creation of the universe, they arrive at the ultimate question: how do you create something from nothing? While physicists continue to grapple with this question, we at the Information Regulator can speak from experience from our own small, institutional universe.” From humble beginnings in 2016, armed only with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and a boardroom, the Regulator has…

As South Africa accelerates its digital transformation, Broadband Infraco (BBI) is positioning itself as a key enabler of the country’s connectivity and socio-economic development. The state-owned enterprise’s Strategic Horizons Corporate Plan (2025/26 – 2029/30) outlines a three-phase approach to optimise its current operations, innovate for customer needs, and transform into a leading digital infrastructure provider. With a mandate to expand electronic communications accessibility, BBI is crucial in bridging South Africa’s digital divide and supporting Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) advancements. This article explores how BBI’s strategic roadmap will shape its role in government digital transformation, universal broadband access, and economic growth. Horizon 1: Optimising the Core Business (2024/25 – 2025/26) The first phase focuses…

The South African Post Office (SAPO) is undergoing a major transformation to become a digitally connected, financially stable organisation by 2028. This ambitious vision is outlined in its Corporate Plan 2025–2028, titled “Reengineering SA’s Designated Postal Operator.” Developed under the guidance of Business Rescue Practitioners, the plan sets a roadmap for SAPO’s revival through digital transformation, service diversification, and strategic partnerships. A Vision for the Future Fathima Gany, SAPO’s Group Acting CEO, states: “The South African Post Office stands at a pivotal moment in its long history. As a state-owned entity, SAPO has played a critical role in connecting communities and facilitating commerce across South…

Broadband Infraco (BBI) has faced years of underinvestment, weakening its market position and financial stability, according to its 2025–2030 Corporate Plan. Despite prudent cash management keeping the company operational, significant infrastructure investment is needed to drive revenue growth and ensure long-term sustainability. BBI seeks R380 million to settle debts with Eskom, Transnet and key suppliers, preventing service suspensions that could trigger a crisis. Additionally, R621 million is needed for medium-term network upgrades, while R1.3 billion will support long-term capacity expansion and service improvements. Expanding Market Share & Aligning with National Goals Currently holding 10% of South Africa’s wholesale marke, BBI aims to grow through strategic investments. Its mission aligns…

South African Airways (SAA) announced today that it experienced a significant cyber incident beginning on Saturday, 3 May 2025. The breach temporarily disrupted access to the airline’s website, mobile app, and internal systems, prompting immediate action to minimize operational impact. Upon detection, SAA activated its disaster recovery protocols, successfully containing the breach and ensuring minimal disruption to flight operations. Key customer service channels, including contact centers and sales offices, remained functional. Full system restoration was completed the same day. Investigation & Regulatory Compliance An independent forensic investigation is underway to determine the root cause and scope of the attack, including whether it was an external cybercrime act. As a National Key Point, SAA has:…

A new global study by the IBM Institute for Business Value found that surveyed CEOs are committed to advancing AI solutions across their organization even as they face challenges from accelerating technology adoption. The IBM CEO study, which surveyed 2,000 CEOs worldwide, reveals that executive leaders expect AI investments to more than double in the next two years, with 61% actively adopting AI agents today and preparing for large-scale implementation. Key Findings from the IBM CEO Study AI Investments Are Accelerating, But ROI Remains a Challenge Only 25% of AI initiatives have delivered expected ROI in recent years. Just 16% have scaled enterprise-wide. Yet, 85% of CEOs expect AI efficiency investments to yield…

Volvo Car South Africa is revolutionizing electric vehicle ownership with its new Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) program across its EV lineup, including the EX30 from just R9,999/month. Why This Matters for SA Drivers: Removes depreciation fears with locked-in 48-month trade-in values Includes free wallbox charger (R7,500 value) + R12,000 charging voucher Comes with 10GB monthly in-car data for 36 months Three Flexible End-of-Term Options: 1️⃣ Upgrade to newest Volvo EV 2️⃣ Keep your vehicle by settling balance 3️⃣ Simply return the car “This is our vote of confidence in EVs,” says Markus Cromwell, Volvo SA’s Head of Commercial Operations. “Customers get today’s technology with tomorrow’s flexibility.” Current GFV…