Author: Gugu Lourie
South Africa’s competition watchdog has blocked Naspers deal to acquire WeBuyCars, a dealer in used vehicles in South Africa. The Competition Tribunal announced its decision on Friday issued an order prohibiting the proposed transaction involving MIH eCommerce Holdings (MIH), trading as OLX South Africa (OLX), and WeBuyCars. MIH is ultimately controlled by Naspers, a JSE-listed group. The reasons for the Tribunal’s prohibition will be made available in due course. The Commission – which investigates and assesses large mergers before referring them to the Tribunal for a decision – recommended that the proposed transaction should be prohibited as it is likely…
The WACS (West Africa Cable System) undersea cable, which is critical to South Africa connection with the world, is broken again. TENET, which is the operating partner of the South African national research & education network (SA NREN), said it detected the break by 23:28 last night. We are observing our WACS capacity as down since 23h28 UTC/27th March 2020. A call has been logged with our provider for feedback. Traffic has failed over to SEACOM and EASSy cable systems and there is currently no impact for SA NREN traffic. — SA NREN Operational Updates & Alerts (@RENAlerts) March 28,…
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases has reached 1170, an increase of 270 cases since Thursday, the South African government confirmed. Minister in the presidency, Jackson Mthembu, said on Friday evening that health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize had asked him to relay the figure. Earlier on Friday, it was announced that two people had died as a result of Covid-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus. However, Mthembu clarified that one of the deaths was confirmed to be linked to Covid-19. The second case, he said, was linked to Covid-19 but had not yet been confirmed. In light of…
Vodacom has appointed businessman Saki Macozoma to the role of chairman of the Vodafone-owned mobile company. Chairman Jabu Moleketi will retire and step down from its board at its next annual general meeting. Macozoma’s appointment is effective from 22 July 2020. He was first appointed to Vodacom’s board in July 2017. He also assumes the role of chairman of the Nomination Committee and will step down from the Audit, Risk & Compliance Committee. “The board expresses its thanks to Jabu for his leadership and valuable contribution to both the board and Vodacom over the past 11 years and wishes him…
South Africa has reported its first deaths resulting from coronavirus, says Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize. “This morning, we wake South Africans up with sad news that we now have our first deaths resulting from COVID-19,” he said in a statement. “These two deaths occurred in the Western Cape. One at a Private Hospital and the other at a Public Hospital. “We will give more details later on, when we announce the latest confirmed COVID-19 cases, which have increased from yesterday’s number and have tipped the 1000 mark.” All the #21daysLockdownSA drama that unfolded just outside our flat around…
Seedstars, the Swiss-based private group of companies with a mission to impact people’s lives in emerging markets, is happy to announce its Global Seedstars Summit will be held exclusively online, from March 31 to April 3rd, 2020. With a mission to create a positive impact through technology and entrepreneurship, the company has decided to digitally redesign its international Summit, to ensure the safety of its partners and community in the scope of the exceptional COVID-19 sanitation crisis. As Online Seedstars Summit, themed BEYOND, is approaching, we could not be prouder to be part of a community that is eager and…
Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe says the possibility of load shedding during the 21-day nationwide lockdown is unlikely. “The supply of fuel to the relevant critical and essential services, as well as the supply of coal to Eskom for electricity supply and liquid fuels production, are critical during this period. “Supplying Eskom with coal is a requirement and with the lockdown, demand will be very low so it is unlikely that we will have load shedding,” said the Minister. Mantashe made the remarks, during a joint media briefing with the Ministries of Arts and Culture and Telecommunications, where each…
Transport minister Fikile Mbalula has stated that South Africa’s minibus taxis (as well as Uber and Bolt) and Shoholoza Meyl will be banned from the road during the lockdown. Trains will not be operating, long-distance has been shut down in terms of Shosholoza Meyl, Mbalula told 702. “This affects everybody, that includes Uber, Bolt and e-hailing systems and taxis.” On Monday, President Cyril Ramphosa announced a 21-day lockdown of the country effective from midnight on 26 March. Also read: Coronavirus: How To Make Donations To SA’s COVID-19 Solidarity Fund The South African Government has set up a Solidarity Fund, which…
Netcare, one of South Africa’s largest private hospital groups, announced on Wednesday that visiting hours at hospitals have been suspended, except in specific special circumstances, as a further precaution against the spread of COVID-19. Today, the number of local coronavirus cases have increased to 709. “In light of the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, we needed to take extraordinary measures to protect all healthcare teams and our patients who cannot be discharged,” says Dr Richard Friedland, Netcare chief executive officer. The following measures will apply: All visiting hours for general wards, ICUs and the high care units will be suspended with…
All South African restaurants, takeaways and food delivery will be closed during South Africa’s 21-day coronavirus lockdown, said Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kuyabi-Ngubane. In a letter to the restaurant industry on Tuesday, Kuyabi-Ngubane said: “In compliance with the nation-wide lockdown it should be noted that ALL restaurants, cafes, bars, coffee shops will be required to comply with the nation-wide lockdown for 21 days.” “Such service providers have NOT been included on the list of what has been deemed essential services during the lockdown and will NOT be permitted to operate and will thus need to be closed for the duration,”…