Author: Gugu Lourie

As we commemorate Workers’ Day, a chilling reality confronts us: South Africa stands at the most dangerous crossroads in its labor history. While the world races to harness the AI revolution, we’re perilously close to being left behind – not just in technology, but in basic worker survival. The data paints an alarming picture of what’s at stake. The Global AI Divide: South Africa vs. The World In Germany, 69% of workers receive employer-funded AI training . Singapore has invested $3.4 billion in AI skills since 2020. Meanwhile, South Africa allocates a pitiful 0.3% of GDP to digital skills. This isn’t just a…

Africa’s largest payments gateway, Onafriq, joins forces with Circle, the USDC stablecoin issuer, to transform cross-border transactions, slash fees, and boost financial inclusion. Onafriq, Africa’s leading payments gateway, and Circle, the global leader in stablecoins and issuer of USDC, have announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize cross-border payments and digital financial services. This collaboration will integrate blockchain technology to enhance Onafriq’s network, positioning it at the forefront of Africa’s digital payments revolution. Dare Okoudjou, Onafriq Founder & CEO, stated:“Our  partnership with Circle reinforces Onafriq’s commitment to removing complexity from cross-border payments. By integrating USDC, we aim to simplify transactions, reduce costs, and strengthen trust. We’re not just envisioning…

In recent months, a concerning trend has emerged in South African media: professionals conducting TV interviews from their cars via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. While remote work offers flexibility, this practice damages professionalism, brand trust and audience perception. Here’s why it must stop and what to do instead. 1. It Looks Unprofessional & Sloppy First impressions matter. A car interior: -with distracting backgrounds, poor lighting and awkward camera angles -screams “unprepared.” Viewers associate quality with credibility; a haphazard setup undermines expertise. 2. Audio & Visual Quality Suffers Cars aren’t soundproof. Background noise (traffic, honking, or engine hum) disrupts clarity. Glare…

South Africa’s hospitality industry is facing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies redefine everything from guest engagement to revenue management. At Micros Hospitality Tech Connect 2025, industry leaders gathered to confront the AI revolution head-on—and the message was clear: adapt now or risk irrelevance. “AI is not just another technology upgrade – it’s reinventing how we operate and how we compete,” said Reginald Sibeko, Managing Director, Micros. Micros is a hospitality tech provider, helping businesses streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and drive profitability through AI, cloud solutions, and integrated ecosystems. With a focus on innovation, Micros empowers…

Jozi’s streets don’t just walk – they strut. Where creativity fuels the pavement and runway alike, Mzansi’s heartbeat thrives on unapologetic self-expression. And when PURA Beverage steps into the scene, it’s not just about refreshment – it’s about culture. This past weekend at SA Fashion Week, PURA didn’t just show up – it showed out. Front-row sips for designers, backstage fuel for models, and street-side vibes with Shelf Life Run Crew led by style kingpin Tokyo Black. More than a drink, PURA became the ultimate fashion accessory – clean, bold, and effortlessly cool. “For us, fashion isn’t what you wear…

Naspers has announced the unanimous approval by the boards of Naspers and Prosus to appoint Nico Marais (51) as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for both Prosus and Naspers Group, effective immediately. With over 25 years of financial management experience within the Group, including his role as interim CFO since December 2024, Marais brings deep expertise to the position. A Track Record of Strategic Leadership Marais previously served as General Manager of Finance, where he played a key role in major initiatives such as: The successful listing of Prosus Unwinding cross-holdings Executing open-ended share repurchases Leading Prosus’ debt capital market activities…

South Africa’s minibus taxis, bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, and train stations serve millions of commuters daily, making them ideal locations for smart locker hubs. Integrating parcel lockers with public transport could:  Boost accessibility for low-income earners who rely on taxis and trains  Reduce last-mile delivery costs by using existing transport routes  Drive e-commerce growth in townships and peri-urban areas Potential Integration Points 1. Taxi Ranks & Major Interchanges (e.g., Johannesburg’s Bree Street, Cape Town’s Bellville) Why? Taxis serve 70% of SA’s commuters, placing lockers here would reach the informal economy. However, safety may be a concern and partnership with the taxi associations could help and…

Africa’s digital divide remains one of the continent’s most pressing challenges, with millions still lacking reliable internet access. However, Sthembiso Dlamini, the visionary CEO and founder of Quadrupleplay, is determined to change that. His company, an innovative internet managed service provider, is bridging the connectivity gap through a mix of fibre, wireless and community-driven solutions. In an exclusive interview with TechFinancials, Dlamini shares how Quadrupleplay is expanding access, overcoming rural deployment hurdles and promoting partnerships to ensure seamless connectivity across Africa. Quadrupleplay’s Footprint Currently operating in 11 towns across South Africa, including Northam, Thabazimbi, Rustenburg, Johannesburg, Bethlehem, Kroonstad, Mbombela, Siyabuswa, Kwa Mhlanga, Cape Town,and Qwaqwa,…

The Prudential Authority (PA), responsible for enforcing compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001 (FIC Act), has imposed administrative sanctions on Absa Bank following a 2022 inspection. The bank failed to meet key regulatory requirements, resulting in a R10 million fine, a reprimand, and two formal cautions. Key Compliance Failures Leading to Sanctions Inadequate Customer Due Diligence (CDD) & Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) Absa failed to properly screen four foreign prominent public officials (FPPOs) and two politically exposed persons (PEPs) linked to state-owned enterprises. The bank also neglected enhanced due diligence on three domestic prominent influential persons (DPIPs) and five FPPOs. Penalty: R7 million, a reprimand, and a caution.…

The demand for seamless, secure, and contactless deliveries in South Africa has turned smart lockers into a critical logistics solution. Pargo remains the dominant player, but new entrants – including banks like Nedbank and global logistics firm DSV – are shaking up the market. Meanwhile, competitors like Aramex MyBox, The Courier Guy’s Pudo, and Pepkor’s Paxi are expanding their reach. Pargo: Still the Market Leader Why Pargo Dominates: 4,000+ pickup points (largest network in SA) E-commerce integrations (Takealot, Woolworths, Superbalist) Strong rural & township coverage 24/7 self-service smart lockers Competitors & New Entrants 1. Aramex MyBox (100+ Lockers) Urban-focused, mostly in…