Author: Gugu Lourie
Growthpoint Properties has commenced a major R270 million redevelopment of Paarl Mall in the Western Cape, set to expand its gross lettable area to 44,474m². “Paarl Mall’s extensive upgrade and extension project is the result of a deliberate strategy to optimise its retail mix and elevate the shopper experience,” says Gavin Jones, Growthpoint Properties Head of Asset Management: Retail. “It will ensure Paarl Mall remains well positioned to anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of its growing, diverse customer base, well into the future.” The project targets the high-performing centre, which has consistently low vacancies and strong tenant demand.…
In a world described as fractured and fragile, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has chosen the path of unwavering caution, holding the repo rate steady at 6.75% in a high-stakes decision that pits resilient domestic progress against a tidal wave of global uncertainty. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in its first meeting of 2026, delivered a “hold” verdict, but the narrative from Governor Lesetja Kganyago was one of a nation navigating between a promising recovery and external chaos. The decision was not unanimous, with two members pushing for an immediate 25 basis point cut, highlighting the delicate balancing act…
The road to sustainable travel in Southern Africa just got a major power boost. City Lodge Hotel Group, one of the region’s largest and most established hospitality chains, has officially plugged into the electric future. The group now offers electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at eight strategically selected properties across South Africa, transforming them into essential hubs for the growing wave of eco-friendly road-trippers. This move directly addresses the most common anxiety for EV drivers: range anxiety. By installing Chargify stations at locations spanning from Kimberley to Gqeberha and Bloemfontein to Umhlanga, City Lodge is effectively creating a reliable network…
The Volvo ES90, an electric luxury sedan, arrives in Q1 2026 with Core, Plus, and Ultra specifications, expanding Volvo’s local EV lineup to six models. The wait is nearly over. Volvo’s latest creation, already celebrated globally for its contemporary design and cutting-edge electric powertrains, will debut in South Africa in Q1 2026. The meticulously crafted ES90 marks a significant expansion of Volvo Car South Africa’s (VCSA) all-electric portfolio to six models, strengthening the brand’s commitment to electrification and sustainable luxury. Designed to captivate, the elegant exterior conceals a cabin that masterfully blends comfort with intuitive technology. The local range will…
As both generations reach milestone anniversaries in 2026, the C70 stands out as Volvo’s most design-led two-door. A Swedish grand tourer that paired elegant styling with charismatic five-cylinder performance, and quietly rewrote the brand’s image. The Volvo C70 celebrates a major milestone in 2026, marking 30 years since the first generation and 20 years since the second. Across both generations, the C70 remains one of the brand’s most emotionally resonant vehicles – a car that fundamentally challenged expectations of what a Volvo could be. Its journey took it from a sporty coupe and convertible into a refined, all-season grand tourer…
Volvo Cars has officially pulled back the curtain on a new chapter in its storied legacy of adventure-ready vehicles. Alongside the global debut of the all-electric Volvo EX60, the company introduces the EX60 Cross Country — an SUV engineered not just for the road, but for the path less traveled. This model electrifies Volvo’s beloved Cross Country ethos, merging class-leading EV performance with the rugged versatility that defines the line. More Than a Trim: A Heritage Electrified First introduced in 1997, Volvo’s Cross Country models have always been a bold statement of freedom and exploration. They are vehicles designed to…
In a major development for South Africa’s automotive industry, Nissan and Chery SA have reached agreement on the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa. The deal secures the industrial site’s future and protects the livelihoods of the majority of its workforce. The Agreement in Detail Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings and associated assets of the Nissan facilities, including of its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026. A cornerstone of the agreement is the protection of employment. The majority of associated Nissan employees will be offered employment…
Volvo Cars redefines the relationship between driver and machine with the launch of the new, fully electric EX60. This mid-size SUV, set for global reveal tomorrow is the first Volvo capable of natural, conversational interaction, establishing it as the brand’s most intelligent and technologically advanced car to date. At its core is a revolutionary integration: the EX60 debuts as the first Volvo with Gemini, Google’s advanced AI assistant. This system transforms the in-car experience by enabling true, multi-turn dialogue. Drivers manage complex tasks through natural conversation, free from the need to remember specific commands. “The new EX60 is full of human-centric…
The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has turned a critical page with the announcement of its new Managing Director, Magatho Anthony Mello, commencing 1 April 2026. This appointment concludes an extensive executive search and ushers in a period of strategic stability for the Agency, which has operated under acting leadership for nearly two years. Mello’s mandate is clear and critical: to modernise the state’s digital backbone and secure it for the future. Bringing over two decades of high-stakes telecommunications and ICT leadership across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Mello’s resume reads as a perfect plan for the task ahead. His…
Luminance, the global leader in Legal-Grade™ AI for the enterprise, today announced the appointment of Jonty Koekemoer as VP, to lead the company’s new regional hub in South Africa and supercharge expansion across the continent amid growing demand. Luminance has selected South Africa as a regional hub due to the country’s mature and sophisticated legal ecosystem, with leading law firms and corporate legal teams increasingly adopting AI to manage complex transactions, regulatory pressure and unlock new opportunities. The move follows heightened local interest, continued global growth, and recent investment to support Luminance’s international scaling. Over the past year, Luminance has…