Author: Gugu Lourie

In a bold move to reshape food aid distribution across South Africa’s informal economy, SA Harvest has introduced a tech-enabled beneficiary vetting system. Developed with Garnish Global, the app ensures food reaches legitimate community-based organisations (CBOs) while generating data to drive broader social impact. As South Africa’s leading food rescue organisation, SA Harvest is using technology not just to deliver meals but to build deeper relationships and spotlight key players in hunger relief. “Food is our starting point, our currency, but our real work is about enabling systematic change,” says COO Ozzy Nel. “This vetting system gives us visibility into…

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, speaking to a broad tech ecosystem on Monday at Intel Vision 2025, shared insight into his approach to restore the company’s technology and manufacturing leadership. Pulling from his previous leadership roles and deep-seated industry experience, Tan reinforced that a customer-centric mindset will serve as the cornerstone of Intel’s strategy to leverage emerging technological advancements and capitalize on the significant software, hardware and foundry engineering opportunities ahead. As CEO, my No. 1 priority has been spending time with customers,” Tan said to hundreds of customers and partners during the event keynote in Las Vegas. “Under my leadership, Intel…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has imposed a R4.4 million administrative penalty on Hernell Funerals (Pty) Ltd, along with its directors, Mr Shaun Andre Peterson and Mrs Carol-Ann Peterson, for offering unauthorised financial services. Additionally, Mr Peterson was debarred for five years, while Mrs Peterson faces a 10-year ban from the industry. The FSCA’s investigation revealed that Hernell Funerals and the Petersons violated Section 7(1)(a) of the FAIS Act and Section 5(1) of the Insurance Act by selling funeral cover policies without the required licenses. “Hernell Funerals and its directors illegally provided financial services, including life insurance, without being registered as a financial services provider or a long-term insurer,” the FSCA stated. As a…

Saudi Arabia’s Jameel Motors is boosting South Africa’s auto market through a game-changing partnership with China’s Changan Automobile, set to launch SUVs, sedans, bakkies and cutting-edge NEVs by Q4 2025. This strategic move taps into SA’s rebounding economy where new car sales surged 18.3% YoY in January 2025. From Benni Blues to EV Revolution While South Africans remember Changan for the budget Benni hatchback and Chana Star bakkies, the new lineup promises premium tech. The dual-brand strategy will deploy: CHANGAN: Combustion-engine workhorses for SA’s rugged terrain DEEPAL: Next-gen electric vehicles charging into the NEV space “This marks our first African…

Since its launch in 2016, the EPF Tech Fund has played a pivotal role in powering South Africa’s most innovative startups, driving technological advancement and economic growth. What began as an ambitious idea to bridge the gap between visionary concepts and real-world execution has now become a cornerstone of the country’s startup ecosystem. The Sunday Times Business Times reported that the fund was founded on a simple yet powerful question: What if South Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs had access to the capital, mentorship, and networks needed to turn their ideas into successful businesses? Under the leadership of Joanna Govender, the…

South Africa has just welcomed the Volvo EX90, an electric SUV that doesn’t just set new standards in safety but redefines them with artificial intelligence. Following the success of the EX30, Volvo’s flagship model arrives as the smartest, most protective vehicle the brand has ever built, blending cutting-edge sensing tech with Scandinavian luxury. The ultimate safety revolution Volvo calls the EX90 the “safest car it has ever made,” and for good reason. At its core is an “invisible safety shield”, a network of LiDAR, radars, and cameras working alongside NVIDIA DRIVE AI to detect hazards before they become threats. This system doesn’t just react; it predicts and prevents, offering features like Collision…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a strong warning against dealing with AfriInvest and MutualWealth, two entities illegally soliciting investments with false promises of R10,000 daily returns through AI-driven crypto trading. Key concerns: No FSCA authorisation: Neither company is licensed to provide financial services in South Africa. False celebrity endorsements: They fraudulently used Steve Hofmeyer, Kallie Kriel, and Maroela Media’s names, all have denied any involvement. Unrealistic returns: Claims of R10,000/day profits are highly suspicious and likely fraudulent. No contact possible: The FSCA could not reach AfriInvest or MutualWealth for comment. How to protect yourself: Verify Authorisation – Check if a provider is FSCA-approved via: Toll-Free: 0800 110 443 Online Search: FSCA Regulated Entities FAIS Act Check: Search FSPs Here Beware of…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a public warning against J532-NBSG Stock Discussion Group, which falsely claims to be linked to Nedbank or Nedbank Stockbrokers. The FSCA revealed that J532-NBSG administrators are soliciting funds through Facebook and WhatsApp, luring victims with a “beginner’s trading course” under Nedbank’s name. Once signed up, members are added to a WhatsApp group displaying Nedbank’s logo, where they receive trading tips and offers of a “10% discount on block trades.” “Nedbank has confirmed this group is fraudulent and using its branding illegally,” the FSCA stated. The FSCA emphasised that J532-NBSG is NOT authorised to provide financial services in South Africa. “Offering financial products without FSCA approval is illegal,” the regulator warned. Key Red Flags: Fake association with Nedbank Unauthorized trading offers on…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a public warning against Alpatoken and Ms. Gugu Sbahle Mdabe, urging caution when dealing with them for financial services. The FSCA revealed that Alpatoken and Mdabe are soliciting investments from the public via WhatsApp groups, promising unrealistic returns of over 35% in just seven days. Minimum deposits range from R220 to R22,000. “Unrealistic returns must be viewed with great suspicion,” the FSCA stated. While the FSCA did not comment on the specifics of their operations, it confirmed that neither Alpatoken nor Mdabe are authorised to provide financial services in South Africa. Mdabe was unavailable for comment. The FSCA strongly advises the public to avoid unregistered entities and verify authorization before investing. “Always check if a provider is FSCA-approved,” the regulator warned. How to Verify…

South African-founded food delivery platform Spaza Eats is coming to your nearest township as it expands nationally. Business Day reported today that Spaza Eats’ vision is to achieve a nationwide rollout by June 2025, followed by expansion into Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Spaza Eats currently operates in Gauteng, Cape Town, Limpopo, Durban, Rustenburg, East London, and Mbombela. Rising young entrepreneur Talifhani Banks, founder of Spaza Eats and parent company AnalyticsX, confirmed to TechFinancials that the company is expanding nationally. Why are you expanding nationally? “Our decision to expand nationally stems from our commitment to bridge the gap between…