Author: Gugu Lourie

In a passionate call to action at the 45th Southern African Telecommunications Association (SATA) Annual Conference, Telkom Group CEO Serame Taukobong challenged African leaders to seize the moment: “Africa’s time is now. “We have the networks, the fibre, the youth – what’s stopping us? We must invest beyond just profitability.” The urgent declaration came during a high-level panel discussion in Sandton, where business and tech leaders mapped out Africa’s priorities for the B20 and G20 summits that South Africa will host in 2025. The SATA conference is hosted by Telkom and Openserve. Taukobong emphasised Africa’s unique ability to innovate with limited resources. “Africa…

As Africa experiences the world’s fastest growth in international bandwidth (44% CAGR, 2019–2023), Openserve, Telkom’s infrastructure arm, is pioneering a borderless digital ecosystem across Southern Africa. Through strategic submarine cable investments, terrestrial fibre expansion, and regional partnerships, Openserve is transforming the SADC region into a globally competitive digital hub. The Connectivity Imperative: Why Africa’s Internet Boom Matters “We’re holding the internet in our pockets, yet millions remain unconnected,” said Motlalepula Ramaisa, Openserve’s representative at the 45th SATA Annual Conference. Ramaisa outlined Openserve’s mission to close this gap, not just with access, but with quality connectivity that doesn’t buffer when you need it most. Openserve’s…

Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet), the state-owned wholesale telecommunications infrastructure provider, is modernizing its network to improve digital connectivity and affordability across the region. The company recently announced a P100 million (R136 million) investment to upgrade Botswana’s internet gateway, addressing the country’s surging demand for high-speed, reliable internet. BoFiNet’s Commitment to Regional Connectivity Speaking at the 45th Southern African Telecommunications Association (SATA) Annual Conference in Johannesburg, Keabetswe Segole, BoFiNet’s Commercial Executive, emphasised the company’s mission to position Botswana as a digital hub. “Your transit to the heart of Africa, this is more than just a message at our company store. It is a commitment to facilitating…

Telkom Group CEO Serame Taukobong has championed the creation of a borderless fibre network ecosystem across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, linking all 14 member states from South Africa to Angola. Speaking at the 45th Southern African Telecommunications Association (SATA) Annual Conference, Taukobong outlined Telkom’s bold vision for regional digital transformation during its tenure as SATA Chair (2025-2026). “Our mission is clear: to make SATA the most dynamic, value-adding ICT regional organisation, fostering a prosperous information society for SADC,” declared Taukobong. “This requires bold action—starting with a seamless fibre network, a Tier 4 data centre hub, and One SADC Roaming Flat Tariff.” Telkom’s 3-Pillar Plan for…

At the 45th Southern African Telecommunication Association (SATA) Annual Conference, South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, delivered a powerful call for regional collaboration, affordable connectivity, and inclusive digital transformation. Hosted by Telkom Group and Openserve, the conference brings together key stakeholders to advance ICT infrastructure and service delivery across Southern Africa. A Historic Moment for Africa Minister Malatsi highlighted the significance of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, emphasizing its role in amplifying Africa’s voice in global digital policy.  “This year marks a historic milestone—not just for South Africa, but for the entire continent. As the first African…

At Auto Shanghai, Intel unveiled its second-generation AI-enhanced software-defined vehicle (SDV) SoC—the first multi-node chiplet architecture for the automotive industry. Designed for intelligent, connected vehicles, this breakthrough SoC delivers scalable performance, cutting-edge AI, and cost efficiency for automakers. Intel also announced strategic partnerships with ModelBest and Black Sesame Technologies, accelerating innovation in AI-powered cockpits, ADAS, and energy-efficient vehicle computing. Why Intel’s Chiplet Tech is Revolutionizing Automotive The second-gen SDV SoC is a game-changer, offering: 10X AI performance boost for generative & multimodal AI 3X graphics power for immersive in-car experiences 12 camera lanes for enhanced image processing Scalable, cost-efficient design for faster time-to-market New Collaborations Driving the Future of Mobility ModelBest – Integrates on-device LLM with Intel’s SDV SoC,…

Admyt is South Africa’s top digital parking platform, revolutionising the industry with License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology to deliver a seamless, ticketless, and cashless parking experience. Since its founding in 2015 by Jordan Wainer, Admyt has eliminated the need for paper tickets, queues, and cash payments, offering a smarter alternative for office parks, residential centers, and shopping malls. With over 70 active locations, 1,000+ lanes, and 400,000 registered vehicles, Admyt is rapidly expanding, partnering with major landlords like Hyprop and Growthpoint Properties. But how does this homegrown innovator compare to global parking giants? Admyt vs. Global Competitors: A Comparative Look…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has fined African Bank Limited R700,000 for misleading advertising in its #KeFestive social media campaign. The FSCA found that the ads wrongly called a personal loan an “investment”, breaking banking rules. Why African Bank Was Fined The FSCA said African Bank’s December 2023 ad—featuring a celebrity—used the slogan “It’s not a skoloto chomi! Ke investment” (meaning “It’s not a quick loan, it’s an investment”). This was false and misleading because loans and investments work very differently. The FSCA’s Conduct Standard 3 of 2020 requires banks to: Ensure ads are clear, fair, and truthful (Section 6(1)). Avoid false promises or misleading claims (Sections 6(3)(a) & (b)). African Bank also failed to properly review the ad before…

In 2024, South Africans are traveling less internationally but are increasingly purchasing from global online platforms. Data from Discovery Bank reveals shifting consumer trends, with travel spending stabilizing post-pandemic while e-commerce transactions surge. Key Travel Trends for South Africans Top international destinations: UK, Mauritius, Australia, US, and UAE. Travel costs rise: Despite fewer trips, spending per trip has increased. Discovery Bank savings: Clients saved over R700 million on flights, car hire, and accommodation via Vitality Travel. Spending Habits: Affluent vs. Mass Market High-net-worth individuals spend 3% more on travel and 1% more on dining than the national average. Everyday affluent consumers prioritize dining and takeout, spending slightly less on travel. Mass market segments focus more…

The shift toward paperless parking systems is transforming the way shopping centres and malls manage vehicle access, payments, and security. While first-world countries have rapidly adopted advanced digital parking solutions, South Africa is gradually catching up, facing unique challenges and opportunities. This article explores how paperless parking systems compare between South Africa and developed nations. What is Paperless Parking? Paperless parking eliminates the need for physical tickets by using: License plate recognition (LPR) Mobile apps for payments SMS or QR code-based validation Contactless payments (NFC, Apple Pay, Google Pay) This system improves efficiency, reduces congestion, and enhances security. Paperless Parking in First-World Countries Countries like…

South Africans are rapidly adopting a variety of new subscription services – from AI and sport bookings to groceries and eCommerce – with Discovery Bank clients leading the way. In 2024, subscription spending has diversified across AI tools, sports bookings, grocery deliveries, and eCommerce platforms. This shift reflects growing consumer demand for convenience, automation and personalised digital experiences AI subscriptions, in particular, have tripled in spending share since 2023, the fastest-growing category. Discovery Bank clients are at the forefront, adopting AI subscriptions at 160% the national average. This surge highlights AI’s rapid integration into daily life. These insights come from Discovery Bank and Visa’s…

Online entertainment is now the fastest-growing category in South Africa’s digital spending, surging by 110% since 2023. Consumers are flocking to streaming services, sports betting, and event bookings, with Discovery Bank clients leading the charge. The latest Discovery Bank and Visa SpendTrend25 report reveals key insights into South Africa’s evolving entertainment habits, analyzing credit card spending from 2019 to 2024. Key Trends in Online Entertainment (2024) 110% Growth in Online Entertainment – The biggest jump in digital spending. Streaming, Sports Betting & Event Bookings dominate. Discovery Bank clients spend more & get early ticket access – driving a 20% increase in average transaction value. Sports bookings (like paddle) grew by 64%…

A breathtaking 1,450 sqm triple-story residence in Bryanston’s most exclusive gated enclave—one of only 11 prestigious homes—has hit the market for R48 million. Designed by renowned architect Aurelio Cimato, this 5-bedroom, en-suite home offers immediate occupancy and redefines luxury living with magnificent views, cutting-edge amenities, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Listed by Lynn Petzer of Lynn Estates, this architectural marvel blends sophisticated elegance with entertainer-friendly spaces, making it a rare find in Johannesburg’s elite property market. Key Features: Ground & Upper Levels: Grand double-volume entrance with glass doors & spiral staircase Entertainer’s lounge with mirror ceiling, 10-seater dining, and built-in bar Floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to a covered terrace, rim-flow pool & landscaped garden State-of-the-art…

Phygital shopping, the seamless blend of physical and digital retail experiences, is gaining momentum globally and in South Africa. According to research, 21% of South African consumers now prefer phygital options like browsing online before buying in-store or using click-and-collect services. Discovery Bank and Visa released their new SpendTrend25 report, their third annual collaborative report of South African consumer spending habits based on an in-depth analysis of credit card spend data. Combining their extensive datasets and analytical expertise, SpendTrend25 tracks how consumer spending habits have evolved between 2019 and 2024 among Discovery Bank clients and the broader South African population. The Global & Local…

Virtual cards are rapidly growing in popularity among South African consumers, driven by heightened demand for security, convenience, and rewards. According to the Visa and Discovery Bank SpendTrend25 South African Consumer Survey, 45% of respondents now use virtual cards, citing benefits such as reduced fraud risk and seamless digital transactions. Why Virtual Cards Are on the Rise VisaNet data reveals that digital wallet transactions experience six times fewer fraud incidents compared to physical cards, reinforcing their safety advantage. Additionally, virtual cards eliminate the wait for delivery, users can generate and activate them instantly via banking apps. Consumer Insights from SpendTrend25 To deepen its findings, Visa…

The all-electric Volvo EX90 has been crowned World Luxury Car at the 2024 World Car Awards, solidifying its position as the most impressive luxury vehicle launched in the past year. The seven-seat electric SUV impressed the global jury with its refined Scandinavian design, cutting-edge safety technology, and premium comfort—making it a standout in the competitive luxury segment. The prestigious award was announced today ahead of the New York International Auto Show, where the Volvo EX90 triumphed over strong rivals. A panel of 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries evaluated the EX90 in real-world driving conditions, praising its 510-horsepower twin-motor powertrain, silent yet dynamic performance, and ergonomic luxury interior designed for long-distance comfort. A Recognition of Excellence “We’re pleased to…

Opera has introduced its free browser AI, Aria, to Opera Mini, its popular Android-based browser with over 100 million users worldwide. This update brings powerful AI capabilities, including real-time web research, content summarization, and image generation, directly into the browser at no extra cost. AI Meets South Africa’s Growing Demand “AI is rapidly becoming an integral part of the daily internet experience, and we’re seeing a great interest in AI solutions among South Africans, so bringing Aria to Opera Mini is a natural addition to our most-downloaded browser. With the integration of our built-in AI, Aria, we’re excited to explore how AI can further…

Learners from Mpumalanga and the Free State are gaining future-ready skills through Telkom Foundation’s Robotics and Coding Programme, marking a major step in closing South Africa’s digital divide. Empowering Youth with Future-Ready Skills Telkom, via the Telkom Foundation, is making significant progress in equipping disadvantaged youth with critical digital skills through its ICT Learnership and Robotics and Coding programmes. “We believe that technology is a great equaliser. This is all about giving every South African child a fighting chance to compete, create, and contribute to a better future,” says Judy Vilakazi, Head of the Telkom Foundation. 1,077 Graduates Ready for the Digital Economy On 11 April…

Cape Town and London-based private equity firm Inspired Evolution has announced the final close of its Evolution III Fund on 3 March 2025, securing $238 million in total commitments. This milestone solidifies the firm’s role as a leader in Africa’s energy transition, driving sustainable development through clean energy infrastructure, energy access, and energy transition investments. The final close attracted additional commitments from Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank (OeEB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), broadening the fund’s investor base. Evolution III follows the success of its predecessors, focusing on clean energy infrastructure, resource efficiency, and energy access to accelerate Africa’s shift toward renewable energy. Strong Investor Confidence in Africa’s Green Future Evolution…

Alan Fuchs, DA Gauteng Constituency Head for Roodepoort, has called out the City of Johannesburg for its chaotic billing system, which continues to overcharge residents despite approved tariff reductions. The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands immediate action to rectify the issue and ensure automatic refunds for affected households. Residents Overcharged Due to Flawed Billing System At the start of the 2024/2025 financial year, the City of Johannesburg approved a reduced sewerage tariff of R314.60 per unit for multi-dwelling properties valued under R700,000. However, instead of automatically applying this lower rate, the City has continued billing residents at the higher tariff of R704.47 per unit. When residents…

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is championing digitalisation and automation in air cargo, advocating for streamlined trade processes and smarter infrastructure to boost global efficiency and competitiveness. Speaking at the inaugural ICAO Global Air Cargo Summit in Antalya, ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu stressed the need for simplified, standardised data requirements across borders. “Digitisation increases efficiency, reduces turnaround times, and improves accuracy – but governments must play their part by reducing the complexity of cross-border documentation,” she said. The Critical Role of Air Cargo in Global Trade Mpofu highlighted air cargo’s vital role in supporting industries like e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing. She pointed to O.R. Tambo International Airport…

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has committed a R1 billion ($58 million) loan to Balwin Properties to develop over 14,500 affordable, eco-friendly apartments in Tshwane’s Mooikloof Smart City. This landmark investment aims to tackle South Africa’s housing shortage while promoting sustainable urban development, job creation, and economic growth. Key Highlights of the Investment 14,500 EDGE Advanced Certified Homes – Each apartment will meet IFC’s Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) Advanced standards, ensuring 40% lower energy use, 20% water savings, and reduced long-term costs for homeowners. Government & Private Sector Collaboration – The project aligns with South Africa’s Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) initiative, with the government funding bulk infrastructure (water,…

TechFinancials, in partnership with the Empire Partner Foundation, is thrilled to announce the return of the TechFinancials Q&A Competition – a platform for brilliant minds to showcase innovative ideas and win exciting prizes! Do you have a vision for a safer, more efficient future in South Africa’s mining sector? This is your chance to turn your ideas into reality – and walk away with R5,000! The Empire Partner Foundation and TechFinancials believe in the power of innovation, and we’re looking for change-makers ready to shape tomorrow’s industries. This Round’s Challenge: Question: How can automation make South Africa’s mining sector safer and…

A new Capitec survey of thousands of South Africans reveals that 87% feel high data costs restrict their access to work, education, and essential opportunities. This finding aligns with Capitec Connect’s decision to drastically reduce prepaid data bundle prices, making connectivity more affordable amid rising living expenses. As South Africa’s fastest-growing mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Capitec Connect adds roughly 180,000 active users monthly. The updated pricing ensures more South Africans can stay connected without breaking the bank. New Capitec Connect Data Prices: 500MB (1-day): R10 1GB (7-day): R25 2GB (7-day): R35 5GB (7-day): R85 5GB (30-day): R100 10GB (30-day): R150 Dr. Dalene Steyn, Head of…

New GX Capital, co-founded by Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) pioneer Khudusela Pitje, and RMB Ventures (RMBV) have launched Airnergize Capital Fund I, a R2.4 billion ($120 million) clean tech investment vehicle targeting renewable energy, gas and water infrastructure across Southern Africa. “Our journey into the utility industry started six years ago, and we are committed to investing in solutions that will drive sustainable change across Africa,” said Khudusela Pitje, Founder & CEO of New GX Capital. “Access to clean energy, water, and gas is fundamental to economic growth and social upliftment.” The fund aims for a final close of R4 billion ($200…