Author: Gugu Lourie

South Africans in rural areas and townships can now realize the value of their home investments through E-DEED, a blockchain-powered digital solution that certifies property values, providing homeowners with secure, recognized proof of ownership and improvement. “Homeowners in these communities have poured immense resources into their properties, building not just homes but also rental units and other income-generating structures,” said GG Alcock of KasiNomics, a co-founder of E-DEED. “For example, using our E-DEED evaluation technology in 2010, the value of Soweto’s houses was over R103 billion, by 2024, it reached R116 billion. That’s a R13 billion increase, not in appreciation but…

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has announced the appointment of Themba Koza as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 April 2025. A Strategic leader for growth Dr. Luvuyo Bono, Chairperson of the CDC Board, stated: “This decision follows a comprehensive recruitment process undertaken by the CDC Board to identify a leader capable of steering the organisation towards its mission of being the most successful Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in South Africa and enhancing its reputation across the African continent and beyond.” CDC said Koza, a seasoned insider with over two decades at CDC, brings deep institutional knowledge, strategic vision, and a strong investment track…

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced a record gross revenue collection of R2.303 trillion for the 2024/25 fiscal year, reflecting 6.9% year-on-year growth against estimated nominal GDP growth of 5.4%. Despite economic headwinds, SARS paid out R447.7 billion in refunds, the highest ever, boosting economic activity. Net collections reached R1.855 trillion, exceeding revised estimates by R8.8 billion. Key Highlights Tax-to-GDP ratio: 24.8%, signaling strong fiscal health. Tax buoyancy: 1.20, showing revenue growth outpacing GDP. Refund fraud prevention: SARS blocked R146.7 billion in fraudulent claims. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter stated: “I am pleased that the R447.7 billion returned into the hands of taxpayers is good for the economy. I, however, remain…

Eskom has launched a campaign to assist residential owners of Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems, including solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, in complying with National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) regulations. Eskom Confirms No Registration Fees for Most Residential Customers Eskom spokesperson confirmed: “Since March 2023, we have not charged registration fees or smart meter costs for residential PV systems up to 50kVA. This exemption will remain until March 2026, including free smart meters.” Non-residential SSEG systems above 50kVA follow a different fee structure. Once registered, residential customers shift to the Homeflex tariff, benefiting from energy export credits while paying the same…

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…