Author: Gugu Lourie
Growthpoint Properties and Tricolt officially marked the groundbreaking of Olympus Sandton on Thursday, 26 February 2026, as the development prepares to redefine the skyline at the highest point of the Sandton Summit precinct. The ceremony confirms that momentum behind the project has not slowed since its explosive sales launch. Having released apartments in February 2025, the development has already secured sales for more than 85% of its 527 units valued at R1.4 billion, leaving only 80 residences available. “This is not just a building; it is the physical manifestation of the demand for integrated urban living,” said a representative from…
Samsung has officially taken the wraps off its latest flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S26 series, confirming a major leap forward in on-device artificial intelligence. Described as the company’s “third-generation AI phones,” the lineup – comprising the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra – is engineered to simplify everyday tasks by working proactively in the background. Alongside the global announcement, Samsung South Africa has revealed local pricing and pre-order benefits, confirming that the devices will be available for pre-order from 26 February to 19 March 2026. A New Era of Effortless AI The core philosophy behind the Galaxy S26 series is…
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) experienced significant operational disruptions on Tuesday after a fire broke out in the landside area of the terminal, leading to the suspension of international departures. According to an official statement from Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the fire has been extinguished, and there are no reports of injuries. “All passengers, staff, and visitors are safe. Passenger safety remains our highest priority,” an ACSA spokesperson confirmed. The blaze caused substantial damage to critical network and IT infrastructure, knocking out essential services including airport Wi-Fi and internal systems. Flight Disruptions and Diversions…
After 19 years of dedicated service, including two and a half years as Group Chief Executive Officer, Angelo Swartz will depart SPAR on 28 February 2026. His exit marks the end of a lengthy tenure that saw him guide the retail giant through a period of substantial operational complexity and strategic repositioning. Swartz took the helm in October 2023 during a turbulent chapter for the group. His leadership focused on three critical pillars: operational stabilisation, portfolio simplification, and balance sheet strengthening. To ensure business continuity, Swartz will remain available to the group for three months post-departure, assisting with key strategic…
Telkom Consumer’s operating revenue climbed 5.7% to R20.5 billion for the third quarter ended 31 December 2025, fueled by growth in both mobile and fibre services, the Telkom Group announced today. The consumer unit – led by Lunga Siyo – continues to gain traction through targeted customer value management initiatives and aggressive fibre expansion, reinforcing its position as South Africa’s fastest-growing mobile and fixed broadband provider. Mobile Momentum Total revenue for the Mobile business grew by 5.5% to R6.716 billion, driven by mobile service revenue expanding by 7.2%. Pre-paid service revenue—powered by Customer Value Management (CVM) platforms—improved by 11.6% and…
SA’s largest wholesale network provider Openserve has crossed the 1.5 million homes passed milestone with fibre, while maintaining its industry-leading connectivity rate at 52.4%, Telkom Group disclosed in its latest JSE trading update. The wholesale unit’s overall revenue grew by 2.2%, driven by fibre-related data revenue, which climbed 8.7% (or R204 million). Fibre-related revenue now accounts for 87% of Openserve’s operating revenue, underscoring the strategic shift away from copper. “Our exceptional network reliability resulted in uptime of 99.84%, 99.92% and 100.00% across access, transport and core network, respectively,” Telkom reported. “Our Net Promoter Score (NPS) was 79.2 for the quarter…
BCX is entering a critical leadership transition as long-serving industry veteran Jonas Bogoshi prepares to retire, handing over the reins at a time when the enterprise business unit continues to bleed revenue amid cautious client spending. The telecommunications and IT services provider, owned by JSE-listed Telkom Group, confirmed that Bogoshi—who joined as chief revenue officer in April 2018 before being promoted to CEO later that year—will step down effective 1 March 2026. His departure comes as BCX grapples with a 9.3% revenue decline in the third quarter of FY2026 and a 5.9% drop year-to-date, dragged down by continued strain in…
President Ramaphosa confirms nearly 30 companies have signalled interest in building South Africa’s first high-speed rail network — with Johannesburg to Durban and Johannesburg to Musina corridors in the crosshairs. South Africa’s long-awaited bullet train dream just shifted into a higher gear. Delivering the 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that nearly 30 companies have formally expressed interest in participating in the country’s proposed high-speed rail corridors. “We continue preparations for the introduction of high-speed rail in South Africa, covering routes such as Johannesburg to Musina, and eThekwini to Johannesburg,” Ramaphosa said. “Nearly 30 companies indicated their willingness…
In a decisive State of the Nation Address on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa laid out an ambitious plan to digitise the South African state while simultaneously unleashing artificial intelligence and data analytics on criminal syndicates flooding the country with counterfeit goods. “We will harness digital transformation as a driver of growth, inclusion and effective service delivery,” Ramaphosa declared. “This year, Home Affairs will launch the Digital ID to enable safe and secure use of digital services for all South Africans.” The sweeping reforms will digitise driver’s licenses, matric certificates and Master’s Office services. Citizens will soon file police statements online…
Vuma, the Maziv-owned high-speed fibre-to-the-home operator, has officially surpassed the one million subscriber milestone—a number that reflects not just growth, but a profound shift in how South Africa connects. What started as a grassroots project in the streets of Parkhurst has surged into a nationwide digital revolution. Today, Vuma stands as a titan of transformation, having successfully bridged the digital divide and turned a bold vision into a reality for a million households. This achievement is a resounding declaration: world-class connectivity is no longer a luxury—it is a fundamental right. It’s also a powerful testament to Vuma’s commitment to digital inclusion. “Reaching…
In a strategic move aligned with Egypt’s national digital transformation agenda, Vodacom Group has announced a significant intangible asset valuation stemming from its majority-owned subsidiary, Vodafone Egypt. Following an announcement by Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) on February 7, 2026, Vodafone Egypt has secured critical spectrum, leading Vodacom to report a $350 million (R5.5 billion) intangible asset. Background: Vodacom, Vodafone Egypt, and a Pro-Investment Landscape Vodacom Group is a leading African telecommunications company, operating in multiple countries across the continent. Its largest and most strategic asset is its majority stake…
Vodacom Group has released a strong trading update for the quarter ended 31 December 2025, showcasing sustained momentum across its diversified portfolio. Group revenue grew 11.0% to R43.9 billion, with service revenue up 12.7%. Strategic Milestones and Financial Performance The quarter was marked by significant strategic progress. Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO, commented: “We made significant strategic progress, marked by two milestones that strengthen our long-term growth profile.” He highlighted the final approval for the Maziv fibre acquisition in South Africa and the agreement to increase Vodacom’s effective stake in Safaricom to 55%, calling it a “landmark transaction.” From a financial perspective, Joosub noted: “The…
Haier, which has ranked No.1 in Euromonitor International’s Global Major Appliances Brand Retail Volume for 17 consecutive years, has officially launched in South Africa. This strategic move is driven by the nation’s ongoing urban development, increasing household electrification, and a rising demand for premium, energy-efficient home appliances. A Market of Strategic Potential South Africa represents a key opportunity within Haier’s global vision of “More Creation, More Possibilities”. The market is characterised by a clear consumer shift toward smarter living solutions and higher-quality home experiences. Haier’s entry reflects a long-term commitment to addressing these evolving needs by combining globally proven technologies…
Today marks the launch of ZAR Universal (ZARU), a new institutional-grade stablecoin pegged to the value of the South African Rand. ZARU is designed to modernise payment and financial infrastructure, enabling both retail and institutional users to transact at the speed of the internet while bolstering the local financial system. The initiative is a powerful collaboration between major South African financial players: A collaboration of Luno, Sanlam Specialised Asset Management (Pty) Ltd, EasyEquities and Lesaka are launching a Rand-backed stablecoin called ZARU. Every ZARU issued will be backed by high quality liquid assets denominated in Rand managed by Sanlam Specialised…
Growthpoint Properties has commenced a major R270 million redevelopment of Paarl Mall in the Western Cape, set to expand its gross lettable area to 44,474m². “Paarl Mall’s extensive upgrade and extension project is the result of a deliberate strategy to optimise its retail mix and elevate the shopper experience,” says Gavin Jones, Growthpoint Properties Head of Asset Management: Retail. “It will ensure Paarl Mall remains well positioned to anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of its growing, diverse customer base, well into the future.” The project targets the high-performing centre, which has consistently low vacancies and strong tenant demand.…
In a world described as fractured and fragile, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has chosen the path of unwavering caution, holding the repo rate steady at 6.75% in a high-stakes decision that pits resilient domestic progress against a tidal wave of global uncertainty. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in its first meeting of 2026, delivered a “hold” verdict, but the narrative from Governor Lesetja Kganyago was one of a nation navigating between a promising recovery and external chaos. The decision was not unanimous, with two members pushing for an immediate 25 basis point cut, highlighting the delicate balancing act…
The road to sustainable travel in Southern Africa just got a major power boost. City Lodge Hotel Group, one of the region’s largest and most established hospitality chains, has officially plugged into the electric future. The group now offers electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at eight strategically selected properties across South Africa, transforming them into essential hubs for the growing wave of eco-friendly road-trippers. This move directly addresses the most common anxiety for EV drivers: range anxiety. By installing Chargify stations at locations spanning from Kimberley to Gqeberha and Bloemfontein to Umhlanga, City Lodge is effectively creating a reliable network…
The Volvo ES90, an electric luxury sedan, arrives in Q1 2026 with Core, Plus, and Ultra specifications, expanding Volvo’s local EV lineup to six models. The wait is nearly over. Volvo’s latest creation, already celebrated globally for its contemporary design and cutting-edge electric powertrains, will debut in South Africa in Q1 2026. The meticulously crafted ES90 marks a significant expansion of Volvo Car South Africa’s (VCSA) all-electric portfolio to six models, strengthening the brand’s commitment to electrification and sustainable luxury. Designed to captivate, the elegant exterior conceals a cabin that masterfully blends comfort with intuitive technology. The local range will…
As both generations reach milestone anniversaries in 2026, the C70 stands out as Volvo’s most design-led two-door. A Swedish grand tourer that paired elegant styling with charismatic five-cylinder performance, and quietly rewrote the brand’s image. The Volvo C70 celebrates a major milestone in 2026, marking 30 years since the first generation and 20 years since the second. Across both generations, the C70 remains one of the brand’s most emotionally resonant vehicles – a car that fundamentally challenged expectations of what a Volvo could be. Its journey took it from a sporty coupe and convertible into a refined, all-season grand tourer…
Volvo Cars has officially pulled back the curtain on a new chapter in its storied legacy of adventure-ready vehicles. Alongside the global debut of the all-electric Volvo EX60, the company introduces the EX60 Cross Country — an SUV engineered not just for the road, but for the path less traveled. This model electrifies Volvo’s beloved Cross Country ethos, merging class-leading EV performance with the rugged versatility that defines the line. More Than a Trim: A Heritage Electrified First introduced in 1997, Volvo’s Cross Country models have always been a bold statement of freedom and exploration. They are vehicles designed to…
In a major development for South Africa’s automotive industry, Nissan and Chery SA have reached agreement on the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa. The deal secures the industrial site’s future and protects the livelihoods of the majority of its workforce. The Agreement in Detail Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings and associated assets of the Nissan facilities, including of its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026. A cornerstone of the agreement is the protection of employment. The majority of associated Nissan employees will be offered employment…
Volvo Cars redefines the relationship between driver and machine with the launch of the new, fully electric EX60. This mid-size SUV, set for global reveal tomorrow is the first Volvo capable of natural, conversational interaction, establishing it as the brand’s most intelligent and technologically advanced car to date. At its core is a revolutionary integration: the EX60 debuts as the first Volvo with Gemini, Google’s advanced AI assistant. This system transforms the in-car experience by enabling true, multi-turn dialogue. Drivers manage complex tasks through natural conversation, free from the need to remember specific commands. “The new EX60 is full of human-centric…
The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has turned a critical page with the announcement of its new Managing Director, Magatho Anthony Mello, commencing 1 April 2026. This appointment concludes an extensive executive search and ushers in a period of strategic stability for the Agency, which has operated under acting leadership for nearly two years. Mello’s mandate is clear and critical: to modernise the state’s digital backbone and secure it for the future. Bringing over two decades of high-stakes telecommunications and ICT leadership across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Mello’s resume reads as a perfect plan for the task ahead. His…
Luminance, the global leader in Legal-Grade™ AI for the enterprise, today announced the appointment of Jonty Koekemoer as VP, to lead the company’s new regional hub in South Africa and supercharge expansion across the continent amid growing demand. Luminance has selected South Africa as a regional hub due to the country’s mature and sophisticated legal ecosystem, with leading law firms and corporate legal teams increasingly adopting AI to manage complex transactions, regulatory pressure and unlock new opportunities. The move follows heightened local interest, continued global growth, and recent investment to support Luminance’s international scaling. Over the past year, Luminance has…
In a landmark outcome for medical scheme accountability, advocacy firm MediCheck has secured a full reversal of Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s attempt to recover an estimated R130-170 million from 16,500 members for an administration error they did not cause. The decision, announced by Discovery late Sunday, follows a week of intense pressure and formal dispute action led by MediCheck on behalf of over 1,500 affected members. Members had faced sudden recovery demands—some exceeding R80,000—for what Discovery later acknowledged was its own claims processing failure. MediCheck, an independent firm that holds medical schemes to regulatory standards, intervened immediately upon the scheme’s…