Author: Gugu Lourie

MTN South Africa attracted 1.9 million new customers to its Bozza network for the quarter ended 30 September 2020. The mobile phone company said this pushed its total local subscribers to 30.9 million. “The majority of additions were prepaid customers, reaching a total of 24,3 million and marking the largest quarterly increase in nearly 18 months. Postpaid subscriber numbers remained broadly flat at 6,6 million, primarily as a result of churn on short-term COVID-19 related deals,” the company informed investors on Friday. “Excluding the net impact of these deals, the postpaid subscriber base increased 168 100 for the quarter.” MTN…

The Dutch arm of South African internet titan Naspers, Prosus announced on Friday plans to acquire up to $5 billion (R82 billion) in total of Naspers and Prosus shares. The company said this was a further step to crystalise value for shareholders. The deal follows earlier actions such as the unbundling of MultiChoice Group and the listing of Prosus on Euronext Amsterdam last year. The company added that the purchase of Naspers and Prosus shares also represents a meaningful investment in the group’s strong internet portfolio. It is regarded as a good use of capital, given full market valuations evident in…

Canal+ has increased its shareholding in pay-TV operator MultiChoice to 12% as the Vivendi’s own company continues to see value in the South African-based firm. MultiChoice on Thursday informed investors that Canal+ has increased its stake to 12% of the company’s total ordinary shares in issue. “As a publicly held company, MultiChoice regularly engages with its strategic partners and maintains an open dialogue with the investment community,” MultiChoice said. “The group’s policy is not to comment on its individual shareholders nor on its interactions with them. The company remains committed to acting in the best interests of all shareholders and to create…

JSE-listed Etion is considering selling off business units to create shareholder value for its investors. The diversified digital technology company did not specify how much it hopes to raise from asset sales. In  August, Teddy Daka, the boss of Etion, told TechFinancials that is looking to take the company internationally as he aims to cut business risks associated with slower growth in South Africa. The firm, which is seeking expansion opportunities in Latin America and South-East Asia, informed investors on Wednesday that its board had initiated an investigation into various options available to Etion to unlock value for its shareholders.…

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni on Wednesday said that the South African government will spend an additional R6.8 billion to finance the R350 COVID-19 grant for the jobless, hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Tabling his Medium-term Budget Policy Statement, Mboweni said the special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress grant reached six million people. Mboweni added that the cabinet has decided to extend the Social Relief of Distress grant to the end of January 2021. “Because this grant is so effective in reaching the unemployed, we propose to redirect R6.8 billion from the public employment programme allocation,” he said. “The temporary increases in…

The new S-Class is described by Mercedes-Benz as a luxury saloon that does full justice to its innovative tradition. “The new generation will once again set the pace in the automotive industry: The S-Class offers trailblazing innovations in all areas, from safety and comfort to efficiency,” Prof. Dr. Uwe Ernstberger, Head of S-Class and C-Class model series product group, explains. “One common theme is systematic digitalisation, both during the development process and in the vehicle itself. Intelligent networking of different systems gives our customers tangible added value.” In short, this luxury saloon does a great job of showcasing new technology. The new Mercedes-Benz…

The new Jaguar E-PACE has a more assertive stance and luxurious appearance plus is connected to various technology solutions. The 2020 E-Pace follows on from the recently overhauled XE, XF and F-Pace. At the front, the changes include a revised lower aperture incorporating a distinctive blade element. A new grille mesh design with diamond detailing is influenced by the Jaguar heritage logo and features a contemporary Noble Chrome finish, while new side fender vents feature the iconic Leaper emblem. Advanced LED technology is fitted to S models, while Premium LED headlights with Auto High Beam Assist feature on SE and…

Vodacom in KwaZulu-Natal is ramping up measures to fight the theft at base station sites, which causes millions of rand worth of damage each year. Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal’s base stations are increasingly being targeted by theft and vandalism, which can leave entire communities without communication. The company said the region is experiencing more than 70 incidents of vandalism reported on a monthly basis. The region is losing R6.5 million per month from vandalism, a cumulative R80 million per annum. In most cases, the theft has resulted in significant site downtime, leaving entire communities in parts of the province with no connectivity.…

MTN announced on Monday that Ferdi Moolman will step down as CEO of MTN Nigeria. Moolman will return to South Africa, where he will assume the new role of Group Chief Risk Officer. He will be replaced as CEO by Karl Toriola, current vice president for MTN Group’s West and Central Africa (WECA) region. Both appointments are effective from 1 March 2021. “Karl brings extensive technical and commercial experience, as well as a deep understanding of the Nigeria market to the role,” commented MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita. “Karl started his MTN career in his home country at…

FibrePoynt, Thabure Towerco and Phuthanang Youth Trust have installed a pilot network in Central Western Jabavu, Soweto. The pilot network offers the high-density township, situated south of Johannesburg, a cost-effective fixed internet solution for the home. The solution will enable the introduction of digital solutions such as eLearning in this community. FibrePoynt is owned by global firm Poynting Antennas. Thabure Towerco develops, owns, and leases out telecoms’ infrastructure. Phuthanang is a community-based organisation focusing on youth empowerment and skills development. In this case, FibrePoynt’s low-cost technology alternative gave coverage to up to 300 families in the high-density township. During this…