Author: Gugu Lourie

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! TechFinancials, in collaboration with the Empire Partner Foundation, today kicks off the TechFinancials Q&A Competition, a platform for brilliant minds to share their ideas and win big! Do you have a vision for a better home, community, or country? Here’s your chance to turn your ideas into reality and get rewarded for it! The Empire Partner Foundation and TechFinancials believe in the power of innovation and the ability of individuals to be the change agents of tomorrow. That’s why they’ve teamed up to create this exciting competition, where your insights…

Butterworth, also known as Gcuwa, a town in the Eastern Cape Province, is poised for a major transformation with the development of the R352 million Gcuwa Mall. Strategically located along the N2 in the Amathole District, this state-of-the-art retail hub will serve as a central economic driver for the greater Mnquma Municipality and beyond. The first phase of the project features a 17,000m² gross leasable area, including a modern retail centre, a drive-thru facility, a newly constructed taxi rank with kiosks for informal traders, and essential road infrastructure upgrades. Plans are already in place to expand the mall to 25,000m² in the near…

Johannesburg is set to welcome a game-changing addition to its urban landscape as Attacq, a leading property developer, announces plans for a state-of-the-art conference centre and hotel in the heart of Waterfall City. With a staggering R2.75 billion allocated for new developments, this project promises to redefine the city’s commercial and hospitality sectors. The crown jewel of the development is the 15,000 sqm Waterfall City Conference Centre and Hotel, designed to become a premier destination for business and leisure travelers alike. But that’s not all – Attacq’s ambitious plans include Gateway East, an innovative 11,700 sqm collaboration hub featuring a 1,500…

Attacq, the property group behind Mall of Africa and Mooirivier Mall, has partnered with Vantage Data Centres in a 50/50 joint venture to construct a 10,363m² “dark shell” structure. This project forms the first half of Phase 2 of a larger data centre campus being developed in collaboration with Vantage. The double-story building will feature four data halls, with construction already underway: Projected initial total electrical load of 12MW ramping to 16MW over time Majority of the building will contain data processing rooms Air-conditioning supporting these data halls Initially 6 electrical power generators totalling circa 14MW 48-hour backup fuel cap…

Attacq, the property group behind renowned retail hubs like Mall of Africa and Mooirivier Mall, is advancing its water resilience strategy through smart technology and backup solutions. The company is investing R10 million to install 749 smart water meters across its portfolio by June 2025, integrating them into its Smart Utility Hub (SUH) for real-time monitoring of water and energy consumption. The SUH platform enables data-driven decision-making by tracking water usage, renewable energy production from rooftop PV systems, and generator outputs. This digital integration enhances operational efficiency and resource management, ensuring sustainable operations across Attacq’s properties, which include Eikestad Mall,…

Eskom has successfully restored Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Unit 2 to service following an unplanned outage caused by a steam leak on the reheat system. The unit was brought back online on Sunday, 9 March, at 18:17 and is currently operating at 646MW, with plans to ramp up to its full capacity of 930MW in line with operational protocols. Eskom confirmed that the issue was resolved using robust nuclear safety protocols, ensuring a safe return to service without compromising safety standards. “Koeberg is a key contributor as part of Eskom’s energy generation mix and stabilising electricity supply in South Africa…

TechFinancials, in collaboration with Empire Partner Foundation (EPF), is excited to introduce the TechFinancials Q&As: a pioneering initiative designed to ignite debate and innovation among South Africa’s youth. Empowering Young Innovators Over the next nine months, young minds will have the opportunity to share insights on which sectors need the most innovation and how technology can drive meaningful change in jobs, services, and knowledge transfer. What is TechFinancials Q&A? This is more than just a competition – it’s a platform for young innovators to voice their ideas and shape South Africa’s future. Each month, participants will engage with thought-provoking questions…

The stage is set, the lights are dimmed, and anticipation is building, South Africa’s premier tech celebration is back! Mark your calendars for October 25, 2025, as the EPF Tech Awards return for their third and most spectacular edition yet. Bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever, this year’s event will take centre stage at the iconic Sandton Convention Centre, bringing together the brightest minds in technology to celebrate innovation, excellence, and the future of South Africa’s ICT sector. More than an awards ahow: a movement for change Dubbed the “Tech Oscars” of South Africa, the EPF Tech Awards go…

The City of Johannesburg is reportedly considering regulations for car dash cams, a growing trend among South African drivers seeking added security and peace of mind on the road. Dash cams have surged in popularity across South Africa, yet their legal status remains unclear. Currently, no specific laws govern their use, but this may soon change for Johannesburg residents. Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, Johannesburg’s MMC for Public Safety, today discussed the potential for new by-laws on car dash cams during an interview with Newzroom Afrika’s AMReport405. He emphasised that any regulations would need to align with the Protection of Personal Information…

The Riverstone Mall in Meyerton, a small town 18 km north of Vereeniging in Gauteng, is set to open on 27 March 2025. This 20,000m² convenience mall will feature approximately 53 retail tenants, including anchor stores like Checkers FreshX, Woolworths Food, and Dis-Chem. Shoppers can also look forward to a mix of fashion, financial services, grocery, entertainment, and dining options. With over 1,000 parking bays, a food court, and two drive-thru outlets, the mall is designed to cater to all needs. Alley Roads, the developer, revealed that the construction phase created over 1,200 jobs. Riverstone Mall is part of Alley…

Gauteng’s e-Government Department has slashed its broadband expansion targets, leaving schools, clinics, and residents without essential internet access. Despite receiving an additional R152.8 million in the adjustment budget, the department has drastically reduced its rollout plans, ignoring the growing demand for connectivity. Ina Cilliers, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for e-Government, criticised the cuts, stating, “This decision leaves millions of Gauteng residents, who already struggle to afford expensive data, without access to vital online resources for jobs, education, and healthcare.” The department has allocated 70% of its broadband budget to maintenance and support, leaving only 30% for new infrastructure. As a…

The all-new Volvo ES90 isn’t just another electric vehicle, it’s a groundbreaking fusion of cutting-edge technology, Scandinavian design, and uncompromising versatility. Built on Volvo’s next-generation SPA2 architecture and powered by the revolutionary Superset tech stack, the ES90 redefines what an electric car can be. With its debut 800-volt technology, this flagship sedan-fastback-SUV hybrid is set to dominate the roads, offering faster charging, longer range, and a driving experience like no other. Volvo ES90: a new class of electric excellence The Volvo ES90 is a masterclass in design and functionality. Is it a sedan? A fastback? Or an SUV? The answer…

Nedbank’s Avo SuperShop, which has been in the market for four years, recorded approximately 2.8 million registered clients for the year ended 31 December 2024. This marks a 9% year-on-year increase in its registered client base. According to Nedbank, Avo SuperShop continues to scale, with total gross merchandise value (GMV) growing by 21% year-on-year across all Avo ecosystems. Expanding Avo SuperShop Since launching in Namibia in the second half of 2023, the first of its kind in the market, Avo SuperShop has gained over 2,250 registered users. The platform currently offers more than 3,300 products from 25 merchants. “Continuous improvement…

Nedbank has appointed Nomonde Hlongwa as its new Group Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), replacing Daleen du Toit, who will retire on 16 May 2025 after a decade at the bank. Who is Nomonde Hlongwa? Hlongwa, an admitted attorney with 18 years of experience, is currently the CCO for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank. She brings extensive expertise in legal, risk, and compliance management and has worked across multiple African markets over the past decade. Leadership Changes at Nedbank Wealth Nedbank also announced that Iolanda Ruggiero, Managing Executive of Nedbank Wealth, will take early retirement on 31 March 2025,…

Canal+ and MultiChoice have extended the deadline for completing their merger process, giving more time for regulatory approvals. Canal+ made a mandatory offer to acquire all MultiChoice shares it does not already own for R125 per share in cash. The offer was detailed in a combined circular published on 4 June 2024. Regulatory approvals are still in progress. Canal+ and MultiChoice have been working with the Competition Commission, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), and other regulators to clear the deal. New Deadline: 8 October 2025 Originally, all conditions for the deal needed to be met by 8 April…

ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA) decision to shut down its long steel business, putting over 80,000 jobs at risk, exposes the deep flaws in the country’s industrial policies, says Mlondi Mdluli, DA Deputy Spokesperson on Trade, Industry & Competition. “This is a devastating blow for workers and a direct result of failed government policies that have crippled the sector,” Mdluli said. He pointed to three key policy missteps: Departmental Master Plans that have artificially propped up selected companies, including AMSA, fostering dependency rather than competition. Price Controls (Price Preference System) forcing scrap metal to be sold domestically at below-market prices before…

Private security operators rely on CCTV to protect communities, but new by-laws passed by the City of Johannesburg may restrict its effectiveness, warns Vumacam, a provider of camera-based security technologies. Promulgated on 28 February 2025, the new regulations state that “no data or information collected through a CCTV camera shall be disclosed or shared with any person not authorised to have access to such data” and that “all CCTV camera footage or imagery of captured criminal incidents that require further investigation shall be kept confidential.” While Vumacam supports lawful, fair, and reasonable regulation, the company expressed disappointment that its legally…

South African AgriTech startup Khula has raised an impressive R126 million from its existing investors, including Absa Bank, AECI, E Squared, and PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Fund. The round also saw contributions from Khula’s founders, Karidas Tshintsholo and Matthew Piper, with E Squared Investments leading the charge as the first institutional backer of the startup. AgriTech, or agricultural technology, refers to innovations that enhance efficiency and productivity across the farming industry. This includes digital platforms, smart farming tools, and data-driven solutions aimed at solving critical challenges in agriculture. Khula has been at the forefront of this sector, developing an ecosystem that empowers…

A newly promulgated by-law regulating the use of private CCTV cameras in Johannesburg has been criticized as a major setback for crime-fighting efforts by residents. The Sunday Times reported that the by-law reinforces existing legislation that prohibits residents from posting their CCTV footage online. According to the publication, the regulation states that “no data or information collected through a CCTV camera shall be disclosed or shared with any person not authorised to have access to such data” and that “all CCTV camera footage or imagery of captured criminal incidents that require further investigation, shall be kept confidential.” Crime Watch presenter…

Eskom confirms that loadshedding remains suspended, supported by a stable power system and healthy emergency reserves. The utility remains on track to replenish reserves ahead of the next business week. Significant diesel savings  Since 1 April 2024, Eskom has saved R16.69 billion in diesel costs—a 55.7% reduction compared to the R29.98 billion spent during the same period last year. The suspension of loadshedding for 325 days (7,871 hours) has drastically improved electricity availability, which now stands at 98%, compared to just 9.6% last year. Despite these gains, generation capacity remains tight, with Eskom maintaining high levels of planned maintenance, averaging…

The Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC) has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Mary Bomela, will step down from her role on 28 February 2025, marking the end of a 15-year tenure that transformed the organisation. Under Bomela’s leadership, MIC experienced remarkable growth, including one of its strongest financial performances in the 2023/24 financial year. During her tenure, Net Asset Value surged from R2.8 billion to R7.8 billion, and the company successfully executed numerous transactions. Over the past three years alone, MIC has deployed R2 billion into new investments, strengthening its presence in technology, financial services, and consumer goods. In the…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed a Parliamentary Ethics Complaint against Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni MP, after she allegedly blocked DA MPs from conducting an oversight visit to the Directorate for Conventional Arms Control (DCAC). The visit, led by DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice, Nicholas Gotsell MP, alongside Chris Hattingh MP, was in response to concerns raised in the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD). Industry stakeholders had flagged delays in permit approvals and other administrative failures, which are stalling an industry worth billions. However, upon their arrival, Acting DCAC Director Peter Mashaba, following telephonic instructions…

The rapidly developing Western Cape town of Hartenbos and the greater Garden Route region are set to welcome an exciting new shopping destination: Garden Walk, a 20,000sqm retail and lifestyle centre. The new shopping centre is scheduled to open in April 2026 with a carefully curated tenant mix, including specially selected grocery stores, a tailored mix of upmarket lifestyle stores and delicious dining experiences Mossel Bay, which was recently named a top holiday destination for 2025, saw its local municipality play a key role in making this development possible by creating a business-friendly environment under strong leadership. The lead developers,…

Waxd Solution, in partnership with Botransa, has successfully introduced a cashless payment system for minibus taxis in Swartruggens, near Rustenburg. By leveraging its Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system, Waxd has delivered a secure and efficient digital payment solution that benefits all stakeholders. “Going cashless is a crucial step in modernising our transport system and ensuring the safety of both drivers and commuters,” explains Anthony Stewart, Group CEO of Waxd. “Our cashless system ensures swift, secure, and seamless transactions, allowing drivers to focus on what truly matters. Phase 1 of this particular project has been running since November 2024, and we…

The new Volvo ES90 sets a benchmark for electric performance, featuring cutting-edge 800-volt technology that enables rapid charging and extended driving range. With the ability to add 300 kilometres in just 10 minutes and a total range of up to 700 kilometres, it’s the most efficient electric Volvo to date. The ES90 debuts Volvo’s 800V system, bringing faster charging, improved performance, and enhanced efficiency. Compared to conventional 400V systems, it generates less heat and allows ultra-fast charging up to 350kW without straining the battery. Lighter e-motors and components further reduce weight, optimizing efficiency, acceleration, and range. “Our 800V technology marks…