Author: Gugu Lourie

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…