Author: Gugu Lourie

The latest figures hint at a market in transition—what’s driving the changes in new and used car sales? Following a strong performance in January 2025, the new and used car industries have maintained momentum throughout February. As the shortest month of the year, minor month-on-month (MoM) decreases are to be expected, but year-on-year increases in both segments suggest renewed consumer confidence and strong sales for the year ahead. The latest data from AutoTrader, South Africa’s most trusted motoring marketplace, reflects a solid performance in the used car industry. Even though February typically has fewer selling days than other months (and February…

The smartphone market has reached a new pinnacle with the arrival of the Huawei Mate XT | ULTIMATE DESIGN in South Africa. Priced at a staggering R69,999, this revolutionary tri-fold device isn’t just a phone: it’s a statement. But with such an eye-watering price tag, one question lingers: Is this the most expensive smartphone ever sold in South Africa? A New Era of Foldable Innovation Huawei has pushed boundaries yet again with the Mate XT, the world’s first tri-fold smartphone. When fully unfolded, it transforms into a 10.2-inch tablet, yet folds down to a compact size that fits comfortably in your pocket. The engineering…

Owning a Mercedes-Benz is knowing that every journey comes with something more. It’s that quiet confidence when you start the engine. It’s that reassurance that, no matter where the road leads, you’re backed by the very best. But what if that feeling didn’t stop with the drive itself? Mercedes-Benz South Africa is proud to introduce the all-new PremiumDrive Exclusive Care service and maintenance plan, offering a comprehensive 7-year/140,000 km contract that ensures peace of mind and unrivalled convenience for owners. A New Era in Service Coverage We are thrilled to launch our new PremiumDrive Exclusive Care service and maintenance plan. This 7-year/140,000 km service and maintenance contract is…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) is alerting the public about an individual falsely claiming to represent Compsure Insurance Consultants (Pty) Ltd (FSP No. 47507). The scammer, identifying himself as Mr. Makhanya (073 809 6097), has been contacting people to promote Forex trading, using a copy of Compsure’s license to appear legitimate. Compsure’s Compliance Officer, Mr. Lourens De Jongh, confirmed that Mr. Makhanya has no association with the company and was never authorized to act on its behalf. The FSCA urges the public to verify financial service providers before engaging by: Calling 0800 110 443 (toll-free) Checking authorized providers online via FSCA’s website Confirming FAIS Act registration here Beware of rising scams—always double-check…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) is warning the public about a fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate 10X Investments (Pty) Ltd (FSP No. 28250) on WhatsApp and Telegram. These fraudsters are using stolen identities of 10X staff, including Chief Operating Officer Caroline Naylor-Renn, to lure victims with fake bitcoin investment promises. 10X Investments has confirmed that they do not use Telegram or WhatsApp for business and do not endorse any such communications. The FSCA urges the public to be vigilant against rising scams on messaging and social media platforms. Always verify an entity’s authorization with the FSCA before investing. Stay alert—fraudsters are targeting unsuspecting…

The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition is back for its seventh year, calling on Africa’s brightest young agripreneurs to showcase their innovative agrifood businesses and compete for a US$160,000 prize pool. Applications open today, 3 April 2025, and close on 10 June 2025, offering founders and co-founders (aged 18-35) the chance to drive food systems transformation across the continent. A Platform for Africa’s Agri-Food Innovators The competition, an integral part of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), seeks tech-savvy, scalable, and sustainable businesses that address food security, job creation, and economic growth. Finalists will pitch live at the AFSF Summit in Dakar, Senegal (31 August – 5 September…

The Presidency has noted the new 30% tariff imposed on South African exports to the United States of America (USA). On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing “reciprocal tariffs” on some of its trading partners, including China, the European Union, Australia and Brazil. In a sweeping move that sent shockwaves through global markets, US President Donald Trump unleashed a new trade war on Wednesday, imposing a blanket 10% tariff on all imports—with punitive rates for nations he branded as the “worst offenders.” Among them? South Africa. “America First” Goes Nuclear Flanked by aides and wielding a dramatic chart,…

Amazon today announced the launch of its first Think Big Space on the African continent at its Cape Town headquarters, expanding its global network of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. In partnership with Tangible Africa, a non-profit organization, the initiative aims to train 100 educators to reach 10,000 learners (Grades 8-12) across six South African provinces: Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape, and Western Cape. The program focuses on foundational coding and digital skills development, addressing critical gaps in STEM education. Bridging the STEM Education Gap in South Africa Learners in rural and township schools across South…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has imposed administrative sanctions on three financial services providers (FSPs) for failing to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) regulations under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FIC Act). The FIC Act is key to fighting money laundering, terrorism financing, and financial crime. The FSCA’s crackdown signals stricter enforcement ahead. Businesses must audit their processes or risk heavy fines. The sanctioned firms are: Adams Chrambanis & Associates CC (FSP 11858) ID Capital (Pty) Ltd (FSP 10953) Henk Kolver Investment Management Services CC (FSP 5385) “These compliance failures undermine South Africa’s financial integrity. We will not tolerate negligence in AML/CFT controls,” the FSCA stated. Key Violations…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a stern warning to the public regarding Mr. Jacques Adriaan Jordaan, an individual allegedly soliciting investments with promises of unrealistic returns. According to the FSCA, Jordaan has been encouraging members of the public to deposit funds into personal trading accounts under his control, claiming he will trade on their behalf for high profits. However, the regulator has received complaints that Jordaan failed to deliver returns and has since become unreachable. “Trading profits cannot be guaranteed, and offers of unrealistic returns should always be treated with extreme suspicion,” the FSCA stated. The FSCA confirmed that Jordaan is not authorised to provide any financial services…