Author: Gugu Lourie

JSE-listed fintech group reports 48% profit surge for the six-month period ending 30 June 2025, fueled by rapid customer growth and AI-driven efficiency Weaver Fintech, formerly Homechoice International, continues its impressive growth trajectory, with its trading brands Finchoice and PayJustNow adding more than 110,000 new customers per month. This surge in user acquisition has contributed to a 48% increase in profit before tax, reaching R370 million for the six months ending June 2025, up from R250 million in the prior period. Strong Financial Performance Driven by Fintech Dominance The group’s latest interim results reveal a 29% revenue growth to R2.6 billion, up from R2 billion in H1 2024. The Fintech division, which now accounts for 98%…

As TechFinancials, we love testing innovative gadgets that simplify work for entrepreneurs and creatives. The GoPrinter 12.7mm Handheld Printer from AM.CO.ZA (Advanced Machinery) exceeded our expectations, so much so that we believe market vendors, crafters and artists will find it as game changing as we did. Why GoPrinter Stands Out This compact, battery-powered printer lets you print logos, barcodes, QR codes, and custom text on almost any surface, plastic, glass, wood, ceramic and even fabric with a simple swipe. No cables, no bulky setup. Just portable, high-quality printing wherever you need it. Our Hands-On Experience AM.CO.ZA sent us the Dry Adsorption cartridge (optimised for non-absorbent surfaces like…

Samsung Electronics has officially launched its highly anticipated Galaxy Z7 series, including the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, alongside the Galaxy Watch8 series. These cutting-edge devices redefine smartphone and wearable innovation, blending ultra-thin designs, AI-powered experiences, and unmatched performance. Galaxy Z7 Series: The Future of Foldables The Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers Samsung’s most advanced foldable yet—thinner, lighter, and packed with Ultra-level features. Its expansive screen enables seamless multitasking, gaming, and content creation. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Flip7 FE combine portability, style, and AI enhancements, offering a compact yet powerful smartphone experience. Galaxy Watch8 Series: Smarter Health & Connectivity Completing the…

Two leading Chinese engineering companies, East China Engineering Science and Technology Co. Ltd (ECEC) and Sinopec Ningbo, are competing head-to-head for the Basic Engineering contract to construct SUISO’s $1.7-billion (R31.5-billion) Hiryo coal-to-fertiliser complex in Kriel, Mpumalanga. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), serving as the project’s sole financial arranger, is set to announce the winning bidder this month. The bank is providing $1.2 billion in debt financing under a 70/30 debt-equity structure following the Final Investment Decision (FID). A Close Contest Between Industry Leaders SUISO founder Paul Erskine describes the competition between the two firms as “neck and neck,” with the initial field of five EPC bidders narrowed down to these two finalists. ECEC, a Shenzhen-listed subsidiary of China National Chemical Engineering…

Telkom is expanding fibre access into some of South Africa’s most underserved communities, turning a government infrastructure contract into a broader drive to close the country’s long-standing digital divide. Using the extensive infrastructure of its subsidiary, Openserve, which spans more than 180,000 kilometres throughout the country, Telkom is assisting the South African government in broadening connectivity at pre-determined sites that currently lack internet. This intervention will enable the government to extend critical services to citizens, improving public service delivery and fostering institutional trust. “Connectivity isn’t just a technological convenience – it’s a driving force behind South Africa’s economic growth. In…

The Constitutional Court will issue a judgment on the high-stakes “Please Call Me” case between Nkosana Makate and Vodacom, a subsidiary of British telecom giant Vodafone. The matter was heard on 21 November 2024, but six months later, the ruling remains pending. Vodacom is appealing a Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) decision that overturned its initial R47 million compensation offer, rejected by Makate in 2019, and ordered a new offer. Makate is demanding R9.4 billion for his invention, which Vodacom has profited from since 2000. In a post on X, the Constitutional Court stated: “Judgment to be handed down on 31…

Chinese automakers have historically faced scepticism in South Africa, but OMODA & JAECOO are rapidly changing perceptions. In June alone, the brand sold over 1,000 vehicles, securing a spot in the top 10 passenger vehicle segment. Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO in South Africa, acknowledges the initial hurdles: “Initially, it was brand trust, along with uncertainty about Chinese brands, but this has changed as SA has started to welcome O&J with open arms.” The brand’s strong warranty offerings have played a key role in building confidence. *”All of our models come with a 10-year engine warranty…

As electric and hybrid vehicles gain traction in South Africa, OMODA & JAECOO are making strategic moves to capture this growing segment. The brand has already introduced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models like the J7 SHS and C9 SHS, with more electrified options on the way. Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO in South Africa, explains their approach: “Not necessarily to prioritise [one powertrain], but rather to add that as a powertrain option and emphasise the benefits of alternative powertrains, as well as how vehicles such as plug-in hybrids have strong strengths for South Africans. O&J will…

South Africa’s automotive market is evolving, and challenger brands like OMODA & JAECOO are making waves by offering premium vehicles at accessible prices. But how exactly are they competing with giants like Toyota and Volkswagen? According to Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO in South Africa, the key lies in understanding the emotional connection South Africans have with their cars. “The expected answer is to bring value and technology to our market; however, we are truly competing by being a brand that South Africans want to be part of, while also delivering on value and technology,” Gahagan…

Anushka Bogdanov responds to JSE’s R500K fine over fake PhD allegations, citing inaccuracies and lack of due process while reaffirming her commitment to governance and ESG leadership in Africa. On Friday, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) announced it has imposed a R500,000 fine and a 10-year directorship ban on Anushka Bogdanov, a former non-executive director of EOH Holdings (now iOCO), for falsely claiming to hold a PhD in International Finance from the London Business School. Bogdanov served as an independent non-executive director at EOH from June 2019 until her resignation in July 2020. During her tenure, her curriculum vitae and a…