Author: Gugu Lourie

Learners from Mpumalanga and the Free State are gaining future-ready skills through Telkom Foundation’s Robotics and Coding Programme, marking a major step in closing South Africa’s digital divide. Empowering Youth with Future-Ready Skills Telkom, via the Telkom Foundation, is making significant progress in equipping disadvantaged youth with critical digital skills through its ICT Learnership and Robotics and Coding programmes. “We believe that technology is a great equaliser. This is all about giving every South African child a fighting chance to compete, create, and contribute to a better future,” says Judy Vilakazi, Head of the Telkom Foundation. 1,077 Graduates Ready for the Digital Economy On 11 April…

Cape Town and London-based private equity firm Inspired Evolution has announced the final close of its Evolution III Fund on 3 March 2025, securing $238 million in total commitments. This milestone solidifies the firm’s role as a leader in Africa’s energy transition, driving sustainable development through clean energy infrastructure, energy access, and energy transition investments. The final close attracted additional commitments from Oesterreichische Entwicklungsbank (OeEB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), broadening the fund’s investor base. Evolution III follows the success of its predecessors, focusing on clean energy infrastructure, resource efficiency, and energy access to accelerate Africa’s shift toward renewable energy. Strong Investor Confidence in Africa’s Green Future Evolution…

Alan Fuchs, DA Gauteng Constituency Head for Roodepoort, has called out the City of Johannesburg for its chaotic billing system, which continues to overcharge residents despite approved tariff reductions. The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands immediate action to rectify the issue and ensure automatic refunds for affected households. Residents Overcharged Due to Flawed Billing System At the start of the 2024/2025 financial year, the City of Johannesburg approved a reduced sewerage tariff of R314.60 per unit for multi-dwelling properties valued under R700,000. However, instead of automatically applying this lower rate, the City has continued billing residents at the higher tariff of R704.47 per unit. When residents…

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is championing digitalisation and automation in air cargo, advocating for streamlined trade processes and smarter infrastructure to boost global efficiency and competitiveness. Speaking at the inaugural ICAO Global Air Cargo Summit in Antalya, ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu stressed the need for simplified, standardised data requirements across borders. “Digitisation increases efficiency, reduces turnaround times, and improves accuracy – but governments must play their part by reducing the complexity of cross-border documentation,” she said. The Critical Role of Air Cargo in Global Trade Mpofu highlighted air cargo’s vital role in supporting industries like e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing. She pointed to O.R. Tambo International Airport…

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has committed a R1 billion ($58 million) loan to Balwin Properties to develop over 14,500 affordable, eco-friendly apartments in Tshwane’s Mooikloof Smart City. This landmark investment aims to tackle South Africa’s housing shortage while promoting sustainable urban development, job creation, and economic growth. Key Highlights of the Investment 14,500 EDGE Advanced Certified Homes – Each apartment will meet IFC’s Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) Advanced standards, ensuring 40% lower energy use, 20% water savings, and reduced long-term costs for homeowners. Government & Private Sector Collaboration – The project aligns with South Africa’s Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) initiative, with the government funding bulk infrastructure (water,…

TechFinancials, in partnership with the Empire Partner Foundation, is thrilled to announce the return of the TechFinancials Q&A Competition – a platform for brilliant minds to showcase innovative ideas and win exciting prizes! Do you have a vision for a safer, more efficient future in South Africa’s mining sector? This is your chance to turn your ideas into reality – and walk away with R5,000! The Empire Partner Foundation and TechFinancials believe in the power of innovation, and we’re looking for change-makers ready to shape tomorrow’s industries. This Round’s Challenge: Question: How can automation make South Africa’s mining sector safer and…

A new Capitec survey of thousands of South Africans reveals that 87% feel high data costs restrict their access to work, education, and essential opportunities. This finding aligns with Capitec Connect’s decision to drastically reduce prepaid data bundle prices, making connectivity more affordable amid rising living expenses. As South Africa’s fastest-growing mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Capitec Connect adds roughly 180,000 active users monthly. The updated pricing ensures more South Africans can stay connected without breaking the bank. New Capitec Connect Data Prices: 500MB (1-day): R10 1GB (7-day): R25 2GB (7-day): R35 5GB (7-day): R85 5GB (30-day): R100 10GB (30-day): R150 Dr. Dalene Steyn, Head of…

New GX Capital, co-founded by Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) pioneer Khudusela Pitje, and RMB Ventures (RMBV) have launched Airnergize Capital Fund I, a R2.4 billion ($120 million) clean tech investment vehicle targeting renewable energy, gas and water infrastructure across Southern Africa. “Our journey into the utility industry started six years ago, and we are committed to investing in solutions that will drive sustainable change across Africa,” said Khudusela Pitje, Founder & CEO of New GX Capital. “Access to clean energy, water, and gas is fundamental to economic growth and social upliftment.” The fund aims for a final close of R4 billion ($200…

World YMCA and SecondMuse Capital have joined forces to develop innovative finance solutions that break down barriers to youth employment and create jobs in green economy. This collaboration aims to empower underserved young people by guiding them into meaningful work that offers self-sufficiency, dignity, and purpose. SecondMuse Capital, a sister company of innovation firm SecondMuse, recently unveiled findings from the World YMCA Learning to Earning (L2E) Future Economy Lab (FEL), conducted in partnership with Generation Unlimited (GenU). The FEL explored high-potential financial mechanisms to support youth not in employment, education, or training (NEET). The report highlights how innovative finance can…

Discovery Life has released its 2024 claims report, revealing R11.5 billion paid to clients. This includes: R6.85 billion in individual life claims: R3.4 billion for life cover R1.5 billion for severe illness R933 million for disability R673 million for income protection R2.4 billion in Shared-value rewards (health & financial incentives) R2.3B i billion Group Risk payouts Sylvia Steyn, Head of Claims, emphasises: “We paid 99.3% of claims, reinforcing our commitment to clients when they need it most.” Living Benefits Outpace Death Claims Discovery Life pays over 60% of benefits to living clients—far above the industry average (20-30%). Highlights include: R3.1 billion in living benefits (illness, disability, income protection) R2.4 billion…