Author: Gugu Lourie
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…
Imagine waking up one day to find your words are no longer your own. Mid-sentence, your mouth hijacked by corporate algorithms, spouting ads for insurance, meal kits, or worse political propaganda. This isn’t a dystopian fantasy. It’s the premise of Netflix’s Black Mirror’s latest episode, “Common People”, where a woman named Amanda becomes a literal advertising billboard for the medtech company keeping her alive. But let’s stop pretending this is just fiction. When Subscriptions Become Extortion In the episode, Rivermind offers a brutal bargain: pay escalating fees to sustain Amanda’s digitised consciousness or be downgraded to a walking ad space. Sound familiar?…
As South Africa faces escalating water scarcity – driven by climate change, crumbling infrastructure, and systemic inequities – three powerhouse institutions are uniting to drive solutions. The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), Ferguson Media (919FM), and the Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) are launching a high-impact campaign under the Problem-Solving Methodology, kicking off with a pivotal dialogue on 30 April 2025: “Water Scarcity, Resource Management, and Future Planning in South Africa” This isn’t just another discussion: it’s a catalyst for action. With 100+ in-person and virtual attendees and a projected digital reach of 10,000+, the session will mobilise policymakers, engineers, activists and innovators to confront…
The following note from Lip-Bu Tan was emailed to all Intel Corporation employees on April 24, 2025: Team, Today we reported our Q1 2025 results. It was a step in the right direction as we delivered revenue, gross margin and EPS (earnings per share) above our guidance, driven by Dave and Michelle’s leadership. I want to thank them both, and all of you, for the good execution. We need to build on this progress — and it won’t be easy. We are navigating an increasingly volatile and uncertain macroeconomic environment, which is reflected in our Q2 outlook. On top of that,…
Telkom Group CEO Serame Taukobong has pledged that the telecom giant will intervene to ensure South Africa avoids “digital loadshedding” if the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) fails. Speaking at the 45th Southern African Telecommunications Association (SATA) Annual Conference, Taukobong stated that Telkom, through its subsidiaries BCX, Openserve, and Telkom Consumer, is ready to step in and stabilise the country’s digital infrastructure. SITA Crisis Sparks Government Clash SITA has become a contentious issue between Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi and Portfolio Committee Chairperson Khusela Diko. Malatsi has proposed new regulations allowing government departments to bypass SITA for IT procurement, arguing…
In a passionate call to action at the 45th Southern African Telecommunications Association (SATA) Annual Conference, Telkom Group CEO Serame Taukobong challenged African leaders to seize the moment: “Africa’s time is now. “We have the networks, the fibre, the youth – what’s stopping us? We must invest beyond just profitability.” The urgent declaration came during a high-level panel discussion in Sandton, where business and tech leaders mapped out Africa’s priorities for the B20 and G20 summits that South Africa will host in 2025. The SATA conference is hosted by Telkom and Openserve. Taukobong emphasised Africa’s unique ability to innovate with limited resources. “Africa…
As Africa experiences the world’s fastest growth in international bandwidth (44% CAGR, 2019–2023), Openserve, Telkom’s infrastructure arm, is pioneering a borderless digital ecosystem across Southern Africa. Through strategic submarine cable investments, terrestrial fibre expansion, and regional partnerships, Openserve is transforming the SADC region into a globally competitive digital hub. The Connectivity Imperative: Why Africa’s Internet Boom Matters “We’re holding the internet in our pockets, yet millions remain unconnected,” said Motlalepula Ramaisa, Openserve’s representative at the 45th SATA Annual Conference. Ramaisa outlined Openserve’s mission to close this gap, not just with access, but with quality connectivity that doesn’t buffer when you need it most. Openserve’s…
Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet), the state-owned wholesale telecommunications infrastructure provider, is modernizing its network to improve digital connectivity and affordability across the region. The company recently announced a P100 million (R136 million) investment to upgrade Botswana’s internet gateway, addressing the country’s surging demand for high-speed, reliable internet. BoFiNet’s Commitment to Regional Connectivity Speaking at the 45th Southern African Telecommunications Association (SATA) Annual Conference in Johannesburg, Keabetswe Segole, BoFiNet’s Commercial Executive, emphasised the company’s mission to position Botswana as a digital hub. “Your transit to the heart of Africa, this is more than just a message at our company store. It is a commitment to facilitating…