Author: Gugu Lourie
Amazon has reported a strong first quarter in 2025, with net income surging to $17.1billion or R315 billion, up from $10.4 billion in Q1 2024. The e-commerce giant’s net sales climbed 9% year-over-year to $155.7 billion, fueled by growth across its North America, International, and AWS segments. Key Financial Highlights Net sales: $155.7 billion (+9% YoY) Operating income: $18.4 billion (+20% YoY) AWS revenue: $29.3 billion (+17% YoY) Free cash flow: $25.9 billion (down from $25.9 billion) Amazon CEO Andy Jassy credited innovation, such as Alexa+, Project Kuiper satellite internet and AI advancements, for driving growth. However, analysts note that Trump-era tariffs, reinstated in late 2024,…
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is undergoing a massive digital transformation, partnering with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to launch a cutting-edge digital identity system. The move aims to eliminate fraud, streamline services, and boost economic growth. Home Affairs’ Digital Revolution According to the DHA’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, the department is shifting from outdated paper-based processes to a fully digital, automated system. Key goals include: “Home Affairs from Home” – Citizens will apply for IDs, passports, and visas online using facial recognition and biometrics. Instant digital visa approvals – Travel authorizations will be processed in real-time, with human intervention only for flagged…
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is pushing to break free from the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) due to persistent system failures, delays, and high costs. The move aims to boost efficiency, cybersecurity, and service delivery by partnering with private IT providers. Why Home Affairs Wants Out of SITA According to the DHA’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, the department has long struggled with SITA’s inefficiencies, including: Frequent system outages disrupting critical services like immigration and biometric systems. Delayed procurement processes, leading to irregular expenditure. Excessive costs compared to market rates, straining budgets. Poor third-party management, worsening service disruptions. These issues have hampered key…
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) proudly marks the 15th anniversary of King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) today, 1 May 2025. Since opening in May 2010, KSIA has grown into a world-class travel hub, driving tourism, trade, and economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal. Nestled near Durban’s vibrant coastline, it remains a key gateway to the region. Nkosinathi Myataza, KSIA’s Regional General Manager, reflects: “For us, travel transcends mere arrivals and departures; it’s about fostering meaningful connections and crafting unforgettable experiences. Over the past 15 years, we have proudly facilitated millions of journeys, ensuring travellers feel secure and supported at every stage. We are deeply committed to being a trusted partner in their travel experience.” KSIA’s post-pandemic…
As we commemorate Workers’ Day, a chilling reality confronts us: South Africa stands at the most dangerous crossroads in its labor history. While the world races to harness the AI revolution, we’re perilously close to being left behind – not just in technology, but in basic worker survival. The data paints an alarming picture of what’s at stake. The Global AI Divide: South Africa vs. The World In Germany, 69% of workers receive employer-funded AI training . Singapore has invested $3.4 billion in AI skills since 2020. Meanwhile, South Africa allocates a pitiful 0.3% of GDP to digital skills. This isn’t just a…
Africa’s largest payments gateway, Onafriq, joins forces with Circle, the USDC stablecoin issuer, to transform cross-border transactions, slash fees, and boost financial inclusion. Onafriq, Africa’s leading payments gateway, and Circle, the global leader in stablecoins and issuer of USDC, have announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize cross-border payments and digital financial services. This collaboration will integrate blockchain technology to enhance Onafriq’s network, positioning it at the forefront of Africa’s digital payments revolution. Dare Okoudjou, Onafriq Founder & CEO, stated:“Our partnership with Circle reinforces Onafriq’s commitment to removing complexity from cross-border payments. By integrating USDC, we aim to simplify transactions, reduce costs, and strengthen trust. We’re not just envisioning…
In recent months, a concerning trend has emerged in South African media: professionals conducting TV interviews from their cars via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. While remote work offers flexibility, this practice damages professionalism, brand trust and audience perception. Here’s why it must stop and what to do instead. 1. It Looks Unprofessional & Sloppy First impressions matter. A car interior: -with distracting backgrounds, poor lighting and awkward camera angles -screams “unprepared.” Viewers associate quality with credibility; a haphazard setup undermines expertise. 2. Audio & Visual Quality Suffers Cars aren’t soundproof. Background noise (traffic, honking, or engine hum) disrupts clarity. Glare…
South Africa’s hospitality industry is facing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies redefine everything from guest engagement to revenue management. At Micros Hospitality Tech Connect 2025, industry leaders gathered to confront the AI revolution head-on—and the message was clear: adapt now or risk irrelevance. “AI is not just another technology upgrade – it’s reinventing how we operate and how we compete,” said Reginald Sibeko, Managing Director, Micros. Micros is a hospitality tech provider, helping businesses streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and drive profitability through AI, cloud solutions, and integrated ecosystems. With a focus on innovation, Micros empowers…
Jozi’s streets don’t just walk – they strut. Where creativity fuels the pavement and runway alike, Mzansi’s heartbeat thrives on unapologetic self-expression. And when PURA Beverage steps into the scene, it’s not just about refreshment – it’s about culture. This past weekend at SA Fashion Week, PURA didn’t just show up – it showed out. Front-row sips for designers, backstage fuel for models, and street-side vibes with Shelf Life Run Crew led by style kingpin Tokyo Black. More than a drink, PURA became the ultimate fashion accessory – clean, bold, and effortlessly cool. “For us, fashion isn’t what you wear…
Naspers has announced the unanimous approval by the boards of Naspers and Prosus to appoint Nico Marais (51) as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for both Prosus and Naspers Group, effective immediately. With over 25 years of financial management experience within the Group, including his role as interim CFO since December 2024, Marais brings deep expertise to the position. A Track Record of Strategic Leadership Marais previously served as General Manager of Finance, where he played a key role in major initiatives such as: The successful listing of Prosus Unwinding cross-holdings Executing open-ended share repurchases Leading Prosus’ debt capital market activities…