Author: Gugu Lourie

Phygital shopping, the seamless blend of physical and digital retail experiences, is gaining momentum globally and in South Africa. According to research, 21% of South African consumers now prefer phygital options like browsing online before buying in-store or using click-and-collect services. Discovery Bank and Visa released their new SpendTrend25 report, their third annual collaborative report of South African consumer spending habits based on an in-depth analysis of credit card spend data. Combining their extensive datasets and analytical expertise, SpendTrend25 tracks how consumer spending habits have evolved between 2019 and 2024 among Discovery Bank clients and the broader South African population. The Global & Local…

Virtual cards are rapidly growing in popularity among South African consumers, driven by heightened demand for security, convenience, and rewards. According to the Visa and Discovery Bank SpendTrend25 South African Consumer Survey, 45% of respondents now use virtual cards, citing benefits such as reduced fraud risk and seamless digital transactions. Why Virtual Cards Are on the Rise VisaNet data reveals that digital wallet transactions experience six times fewer fraud incidents compared to physical cards, reinforcing their safety advantage. Additionally, virtual cards eliminate the wait for delivery, users can generate and activate them instantly via banking apps. Consumer Insights from SpendTrend25 To deepen its findings, Visa…

The all-electric Volvo EX90 has been crowned World Luxury Car at the 2024 World Car Awards, solidifying its position as the most impressive luxury vehicle launched in the past year. The seven-seat electric SUV impressed the global jury with its refined Scandinavian design, cutting-edge safety technology, and premium comfort—making it a standout in the competitive luxury segment. The prestigious award was announced today ahead of the New York International Auto Show, where the Volvo EX90 triumphed over strong rivals. A panel of 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries evaluated the EX90 in real-world driving conditions, praising its 510-horsepower twin-motor powertrain, silent yet dynamic performance, and ergonomic luxury interior designed for long-distance comfort. A Recognition of Excellence “We’re pleased to…

Opera has introduced its free browser AI, Aria, to Opera Mini, its popular Android-based browser with over 100 million users worldwide. This update brings powerful AI capabilities, including real-time web research, content summarization, and image generation, directly into the browser at no extra cost. AI Meets South Africa’s Growing Demand “AI is rapidly becoming an integral part of the daily internet experience, and we’re seeing a great interest in AI solutions among South Africans, so bringing Aria to Opera Mini is a natural addition to our most-downloaded browser. With the integration of our built-in AI, Aria, we’re excited to explore how AI can further…

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…