Author: Gugu Lourie

The all-new Volvo ES90 isn’t just another electric vehicle, it’s a groundbreaking fusion of cutting-edge technology, Scandinavian design, and uncompromising versatility. Built on Volvo’s next-generation SPA2 architecture and powered by the revolutionary Superset tech stack, the ES90 redefines what an electric car can be. With its debut 800-volt technology, this flagship sedan-fastback-SUV hybrid is set to dominate the roads, offering faster charging, longer range, and a driving experience like no other. Volvo ES90: a new class of electric excellence The Volvo ES90 is a masterclass in design and functionality. Is it a sedan? A fastback? Or an SUV? The answer…

Nedbank’s Avo SuperShop, which has been in the market for four years, recorded approximately 2.8 million registered clients for the year ended 31 December 2024. This marks a 9% year-on-year increase in its registered client base. According to Nedbank, Avo SuperShop continues to scale, with total gross merchandise value (GMV) growing by 21% year-on-year across all Avo ecosystems. Expanding Avo SuperShop Since launching in Namibia in the second half of 2023, the first of its kind in the market, Avo SuperShop has gained over 2,250 registered users. The platform currently offers more than 3,300 products from 25 merchants. “Continuous improvement…

Nedbank has appointed Nomonde Hlongwa as its new Group Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), replacing Daleen du Toit, who will retire on 16 May 2025 after a decade at the bank. Who is Nomonde Hlongwa? Hlongwa, an admitted attorney with 18 years of experience, is currently the CCO for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank. She brings extensive expertise in legal, risk, and compliance management and has worked across multiple African markets over the past decade. Leadership Changes at Nedbank Wealth Nedbank also announced that Iolanda Ruggiero, Managing Executive of Nedbank Wealth, will take early retirement on 31 March 2025,…

Canal+ and MultiChoice have extended the deadline for completing their merger process, giving more time for regulatory approvals. Canal+ made a mandatory offer to acquire all MultiChoice shares it does not already own for R125 per share in cash. The offer was detailed in a combined circular published on 4 June 2024. Regulatory approvals are still in progress. Canal+ and MultiChoice have been working with the Competition Commission, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), and other regulators to clear the deal. New Deadline: 8 October 2025 Originally, all conditions for the deal needed to be met by 8 April…

ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA) decision to shut down its long steel business, putting over 80,000 jobs at risk, exposes the deep flaws in the country’s industrial policies, says Mlondi Mdluli, DA Deputy Spokesperson on Trade, Industry & Competition. “This is a devastating blow for workers and a direct result of failed government policies that have crippled the sector,” Mdluli said. He pointed to three key policy missteps: Departmental Master Plans that have artificially propped up selected companies, including AMSA, fostering dependency rather than competition. Price Controls (Price Preference System) forcing scrap metal to be sold domestically at below-market prices before…

Private security operators rely on CCTV to protect communities, but new by-laws passed by the City of Johannesburg may restrict its effectiveness, warns Vumacam, a provider of camera-based security technologies. Promulgated on 28 February 2025, the new regulations state that “no data or information collected through a CCTV camera shall be disclosed or shared with any person not authorised to have access to such data” and that “all CCTV camera footage or imagery of captured criminal incidents that require further investigation shall be kept confidential.” While Vumacam supports lawful, fair, and reasonable regulation, the company expressed disappointment that its legally…

South African AgriTech startup Khula has raised an impressive R126 million from its existing investors, including Absa Bank, AECI, E Squared, and PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Fund. The round also saw contributions from Khula’s founders, Karidas Tshintsholo and Matthew Piper, with E Squared Investments leading the charge as the first institutional backer of the startup. AgriTech, or agricultural technology, refers to innovations that enhance efficiency and productivity across the farming industry. This includes digital platforms, smart farming tools, and data-driven solutions aimed at solving critical challenges in agriculture. Khula has been at the forefront of this sector, developing an ecosystem that empowers…

A newly promulgated by-law regulating the use of private CCTV cameras in Johannesburg has been criticized as a major setback for crime-fighting efforts by residents. The Sunday Times reported that the by-law reinforces existing legislation that prohibits residents from posting their CCTV footage online. According to the publication, the regulation states that “no data or information collected through a CCTV camera shall be disclosed or shared with any person not authorised to have access to such data” and that “all CCTV camera footage or imagery of captured criminal incidents that require further investigation, shall be kept confidential.” Crime Watch presenter…

Eskom confirms that loadshedding remains suspended, supported by a stable power system and healthy emergency reserves. The utility remains on track to replenish reserves ahead of the next business week. Significant diesel savings  Since 1 April 2024, Eskom has saved R16.69 billion in diesel costs—a 55.7% reduction compared to the R29.98 billion spent during the same period last year. The suspension of loadshedding for 325 days (7,871 hours) has drastically improved electricity availability, which now stands at 98%, compared to just 9.6% last year. Despite these gains, generation capacity remains tight, with Eskom maintaining high levels of planned maintenance, averaging…

The Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC) has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Mary Bomela, will step down from her role on 28 February 2025, marking the end of a 15-year tenure that transformed the organisation. Under Bomela’s leadership, MIC experienced remarkable growth, including one of its strongest financial performances in the 2023/24 financial year. During her tenure, Net Asset Value surged from R2.8 billion to R7.8 billion, and the company successfully executed numerous transactions. Over the past three years alone, MIC has deployed R2 billion into new investments, strengthening its presence in technology, financial services, and consumer goods. In the…