Author: Gugu Lourie

The Gauteng Department of Community Safety’s ambitious drone programme, aimed at bolstering crime prevention and enhancing police visibility, has hit a major snag. Despite spending a staggering R10.8 million on procuring 33 drones and receiving an additional five from the Department of e-Government, only one drone has been registered for operational use over the past year. This shocking revelation has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the programme and the safety of Gauteng residents. According to the department’s 2023/24 Annual Report, the province now has a total of 38 drones intended for crime prevention operations. However, Crezane Bosch, DA Gauteng Shadow…

Attacq, the property group behind iconic retail hubs such as Mall of Africa and Mooirivier Mall, has announced impressive turnover growth across its retail portfolio in the final months of 2024. The company’s retail-experience hubs achieved an 8.8% year-on-year turnover growth in November 2024 and a 3.2% increase in December 2024, building on the successful growth recorded in October 2024. Attacq owns Mall of Africa, Mooirivier Mall, Eikestad Mall, Glenfair Boulevard, Lynwood Bridge and Waterfall Corner. Strong retail performance driven by Black Friday and local brands Retailers within Attacq’s portfolio experienced a robust November 2024, with extended specials leading…

DFA has invested more than R800 million to upgrade and future-proof its national fibre network. This investment strengthens DFA’s position as a leading wholesale open-access connectivity provider in South Africa and helps meet the growing demand for fast, reliable internet. DFA is part of the MAZIV group. Its national network provides connectivity and backhaul services for mobile operators, data centres, internet service providers, and public sector institutions. This latest investment follows DFA’s R400 million Dry Underground Distribution Cabinet (DUDC) project launched in August 2023, which aimed to stabilise and future-proof its network. The upgrades have already shown positive results, including…

Gauteng unveiled last november a cutting-edge number plate system designed to bolster security and create exciting business opportunities for young entrepreneurs. The new prototype, introduced by the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG), features advanced security measures aimed at curbing crime and ensuring traceability. According to the GPG’s 2023/24 Annual Report, the system will enable law enforcement officers to track and trace number plates issued by authorized embossers. By scanning the plates, officials can verify details such as the embosser, vehicle information, and owner data, making it easier to combat illegal activities. As part of its empowerment strategy, the Gauteng Department of…

JSE-listed retail giant Woolworths revealed a stellar performance for the 26 weeks ending 29 December 2024, with online sales skyrocketing by 37.2%, driven largely by its on-demand service, Woolies Dash, which saw a 49.2% surge. Online sales now make up 6.4% of total Food sales. The retailer’s South African operations reported a 9.1% growth in turnover and concession sales, with its Food business leading the charge at 11.4% growth. Excluding Absolute Pets, acquired last year, Food sales still rose by 9.0%. Price increases averaged 6%, while trading space grew by 1.3%. Despite a 3.7% dip in its Financial Services book,…

In the latest episode of TFS Bag of Words, the TechFinancials podcast, Verina Mohanlal, Head of Financial Services Industry: Applications & Cloud at NTT DATA for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) division, takes centre stage to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of financial services. As the sector undergoes a sweeping digital transformation, Mohanlal unpacks how NTT DATA’s newly established Financial Services Industry practice is addressing industry-specific challenges and unlocking opportunities for innovation. She delves into critical topics, from the shift toward upgrading legacy systems and embracing agility, to the pivotal role of AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity in shaping…

Mpilo Technologies has announced the appointment of Motsholane Sebola as Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Deputy CEO) and Sizwe Mabanga as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). These appointments come as the company enters its next phase of growth, focusing on driving digital transformation and delivering scalable, impactful solutions for businesses across Africa. Motsholane Sebola, who has held key leadership roles at Mpilo Technologies, brings extensive experience in technology, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships. His deep understanding of the African market will be crucial as the company strengthens its position as a leader in digital innovation. “We are excited to announce Motsholane’s new…

JSE-listed retail group TFG has reported significant growth in its online sales, driven by the success of its e-commerce platform, Bash. For the first nine months of the 2025 financial year, TFG’s online sales surged by 41.4%, now accounting for 5.6% of the company’s total sales. Launched in February 2023, Bash has also achieved notable market share gains, particularly in December 2024, outperforming several pure-play retailers that experienced declines during the same period. TFG, which owns popular clothing brands such as Foschini and Markham, revealed that group online sales grew by 47.2% in the third quarter of FY2025. In TFG…

The recent seizure of R52 million in illegal coal mining proceeds by the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit, in cooperation with Namibia, is a positive step in tackling illicit cross-border transactions. However, this isolated success is not enough to address the systemic failures that have landed South Africa on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach MP, DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development, warns that while such victories are commendable, they do not signify a turning point. “One swallow does not equate to a summer,” she said. “The reality is that South Africa remains grey-listed because…

South African insurtech pioneer Naked has raised $38 million or R700 million in its latest funding round, marking the largest insurtech investment in Africa to date. The Series B2 round, joined by global impact investment firm BlueOrchard, alongside continued support from existing investors Hollard,, Yellowwoods, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Germany’s DEG, will accelerate Naked’s mission to transform insurance through technology-driven convenience, transparency, and cost-effectiveness. Founded in 2018 by actuaries Alex Thomson, Sumarié Greybe, and Ernest North, Naked has redefined insurance with its fully digital platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. The app allows customers to obtain final…