Author: Gugu Lourie
Eskom has declared a scheduled power outage in Zonkizizwe, Gauteng, in order to facilitate necessary maintenance on the distribution network. Zonkizizwe is in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. “Eskom would like to inform customers in Zonkizizwe of an electreicity supply interruption due to maintenance to be conducted on the distribution network,” said the company in post on X. Eskom added that the outages will affect customers in Zonkizizwe Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and Nkanini on Tuesday, 23 Januray 2023, from 09h00 to 18h00. “The interruption in electricity supply is necessary to perform maintenance on our distribution power lines,” said…
On January 12, 2024, the Microsoft security team detected a nation-state attack targeting corporate systems. Swiftly activating their response process, Microsoft investigated, disrupted malicious activities, mitigated the attack, and denied further access to the threat actor, identified as Midnight Blizzard, a Russian state-sponsored actor also known as Nobelium, the company wrote in a blog post. “In alignment with their commitment to responsible transparency, as outlined in the Secure Future Initiative (SFI), Microsoft shares this update on the incident.” Timeline of the Attack Commencing in late November 2023, Microsoft said Midnight Blizzard utilised a password spray attack to compromise a legacy…
Convergence Partners, owned by ICT industry veteran Andile Ngcaba, is buying South African IT services group Datacentrix from the previously listed Alviva Holdings. Convergence Partners Digital Infrastructure Fund (CPDIF) has entered into a definitive agreement with Alviva Holdings to acquire 100% of Datacentrix Group. The acquisition is alongside the existing Datacentrix management team that has successfully led the company for over 20 years. Alviva is exiting Datacentrix pursuant to its delisting from the JSE in early 2023, to focus on its core operations in hardware distribution. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction aligns with the CPDIF’s strategy of investing…
Global logistic firm FedEx introduces “fdx,” its pioneering data-driven commerce platform, revolutionising the entire customer journey. This comprehensive solution simplifies demand growth, boosts conversion rates, optimises fulfillment processes, and streamlines returns for businesses. Setting itself apart, FedEx stands as the sole logistics company providing end-to-end e-commerce solutions on a unified platform, catering to businesses of all sizes. The platform may compete with Amazon. “FedEx is transforming into a digitally-led business powered by our extensive physical transportation network, leveraging our scale and insights from moving 15 million packages per day,” said FedEx Corp. president and CEO Raj Subramaniam, who announced the…
JSE-listed Metair, an automotive components and batteries industry player, announced Paul O’Flaherty as new CEO. His appointment is effective from Thursday, 1 February 2024. O’Flaherty, a professional Chartered Accountant, is acknowledged for his accomplished history in leading successful turnarounds, overseeing restructurings, managing mergers and acquisitions, and demonstrating proficiency in program and project management. He joins Metair from EY Parthenon (Africa) (“EY”), which he led from February 2021 to January 2024. He began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. in 1986 and served as an audit partner for 6 years in the Energy and Mining sector. Since 2001, he has served in both CFO…
Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) has announced a significant partnership with KOKO, a forefront player in climate technology. In this collaboration, RMB assumes the role of the lead mandated arranger and financier for an innovative carbon financing solution, aimed at advancing KOKO’s climate-centric goals. Across Africa, a staggering 900 million people rely on polluting fuels like charcoal for cooking, directly contributing to deforestation spanning millions of hectares. This practice also results in over 600,000 deaths annually due to household air pollution, and the emission of greenhouse gases on a scale comparable to the global aviation industry. Addressing this challenge necessitates a…
SAP, the German software company, has agreed to a settlement of approximately $222 million or R4 billion to conclude investigations into bribery schemes across seven countries, as announced by U.S. authorities on Wednesday. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, SAP has entered into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement to address criminal charges related to allegations of conspiring to bribe government officials in Indonesia and South Africa with the aim of securing business. SAP has additionally reached a correlated civil resolution with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, settling charges related to purported bribery schemes in Azerbaijan, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi,…
In a significant move, Pravin Gordhan, South Africa’s Minister of Public Enterprises, is set to introduce a groundbreaking bill in parliament. The proposed legislation aims to establish a government-owned entity, the State Asset Management SOC Ltd., tasked with overseeing and managing a portfolio comprising at least 13 key state-owned enterprises. Outlined in an explanatory note dated January 9, as published in the Government Gazette, the National State Enterprises Bill lays the groundwork for the creation of the State Asset Management SOC Ltd. The bill outlines a phased transfer mechanism for the incorporation of various state enterprises into this central holding…
Walmart has revealed its intentions to delve deeper into the realm of artificial intelligence and drones with the aim of enhancing customer shopping experiences. During a keynote presentation at the CES trade show in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Walmart’s President and CEO, Doug McMillon, along with other executives, provided insight into how the retail behemoth is leveraging emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), drones, generative AI, and other artificial intelligence tools to enhance the overall shopping experience for its customers. Specifically, Walmart revealed a new GenAI-powered search experience now available to iOS customers. The enhanced search experience allows customers to now search…
At CES today, Intel unveiled its strategy to extend its AI everywhere initiative into the automotive sector, marked by the acquisition of Silicon Mobility, a fabless silicon and software company renowned for its expertise in System-on-Chips (SoCs) designed for intelligent electric vehicle (EV) energy management. In addition, Intel introduced a novel family of AI-enhanced software-defined SoCs for vehicle systems, with Zeekr being the inaugural original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to embrace the cutting-edge SoC for delivering generative AI-powered living room experiences in next-generation vehicles. “Intel is taking a ‘whole vehicle’ approach to solving the industry’s biggest challenges. Driving innovative AI solutions…
Meta has announced that it will automatically restrict the content visible to teen Instagram and Facebook accounts. Starting today, these accounts will be limited from accessing harmful content, including posts related to self-harm, graphic violence, and eating disorders. Meta added that it will start to hide more types of content for teens on Instagram and Facebook, in line with expert guidance. Furthermore, the company will also start prompting teens to update their privacy settings on Instagram in a single tap with new notifications. “We want teens to have safe, age-appropriate experiences on our apps. We’ve developed more than 30 tools…
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a pioneering technology called MBUX SOUND DRIVE, aimed at redefining the driving experience by merging cutting-edge technology with artistic creativity. The German automaker has partnered with the multi-talented artist, innovator, and entrepreneur, will.i.am. The MBUX SOUND DRIVE employs advanced software to synchronise music with the car’s movements, establishing a seamless connection between driving dynamics and musical expression. By analysing various elements like recuperation, acceleration, steering, and braking through a sophisticated suite of sensors, MBUX SOUND DRIVE transforms the vehicle into a virtual musical instrument. “This revolutionary integration elevates the already exceptional Mercedes-AMG driving experience into a captivating…
Siemens and Amazon Web Services (AWS) are enhancing their collaboration, streamlining the development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications for businesses across diverse sectors and sizes. Professionals in engineering, manufacturing, logistics, insurance, and banking can now effortlessly create and enhance applications using state-of-the-art generative AI technology. “This is achieved through Siemens’ integration of Amazon Bedrock—a service providing access to high-performing foundation models from leading AI companies via a unified API, complete with security, privacy, and responsible AI features—with Mendix, the prominent low-code platform within the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio,” reads the statement. “By integrating Amazon Bedrock into our low-code platform, we…
The significance of artificial intelligence has become a focal point of discussion, particularly in the wake of the introduction of ChatGPT. This advanced technology prompts us to reflect on its potential impact across various industries. The question that arises is not just about the importance of artificial intelligence but also about the profound transformations it might bring to diverse sectors. As we navigate this era of rapid technological advancements, the implications of AI on industries are both intriguing and far-reaching. The deployment of AI, such as the capabilities exhibited by ChatGPT, raises fundamental questions about how businesses and sectors will…
Volkswagen, the German automaker, plans to integrate the artificial-intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT into its models equipped with the IDA voice assistant. The German automaker announced Monday in a statement that it will be the first volume manufacturer to offer Chat GPT as a standard feature from the second quarter of 2024 in many production vehicles. The AI-driven chatbot, utilising Cerence’s Chat Pro product, is set to launch in the second quarter, initially debuting in Europe. The new chatbot is offered in conjunction with the latest generation of infotainment in the following models: ID.703, ID.4, ID.5, ID.3, the all-new Tiguan and the…
Telkom today announced that an unidentified bidder for its mast and tower business housed in Swiftnet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, completes confirmatory due diligence. “Shareholders are herewith further informed that continued progress has been made on meeting certain agreed milestones under the exclusivity arrangement, including that the bidder has completed its confirmatory due diligence,” Telkom inform investors. “Shareholders are advised that the exclusive negotiations may or may not lead to a transaction, and therefore, are advised to exercise caution when dealing in the Company’s securities until a further announcement is made.” Two months ago, Telkom disclosed that it…
On Monday, BT Group, the largest telecommunications provider in the UK, announced the activation of its inaugural electric vehicle (EV) charging unit, repurposed from a street cabinet traditionally used for broadband and phone cabling. This marks the initial phase of technical trials aimed at evaluating the potential upgrade of up to 60,000 cabinets, aligning with government sustainability goals and the decarbonization of the UK’s transportation system. These trials, designed to address the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure by repurposing existing street furniture, will investigate the scalability of this solution to alleviate the shortage of charging stations on UK roads.…
The following speech was delivered by the DA Federal Leader, John Steenhuisen, during a Live Broadcast in Cape Town earlier today urged prompt action regarding suspected NSFAS corruption. Steenhusisen said: The tentacles of corruption that feed the ANC have now identified a new target: South African students. While the youth of this country struggle against the odds to build a better future, the ANC is stealing their dreams. Last week, a series of leaked recordings released by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse revealed the details of a criminal cartel operating inside the Department of Higher Education and the National Student…
The popularity of the Frame TV has led Samsung to introduce a speaker variant, aptly named the Music Frame. This has been revealed ahead of CES 2024. Samsung announced that the Music Frame is a customizable speaker compatible with SmartThings and provides surround sound when paired with Samsung TVs and soundbars. The company added that the Music Frame can either operate as a standalone wireless speaker or pair with a Samsung TV and soundbar via Q-Symphony to augment bass and surround sound. “Seamlessly blending into its environment by camouflaging itself inside modern picture frames, Music Frame provides high-quality sound without…
The City of Ekurhuleni has warned the public to be aware of job scam messages that are being sent through social media purporting to be from the city. The city said its job application process is not conducted through social media platforms or social media messaging. “Our positions are strictly advertised on our website: www.ekurhuleni.gov.za/vacancies where permanent, temporal and fixed-term vacancies are advertised. “The city strongly advises the public not to respond to unsolicited offers of employment or those who seek information claiming to work for or to be associated with the City of Ekurhuleni,” the city said in a…
Customs officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) have seized 23 kilogrammes of drugs cleverly disguised as molded artwork at the cargo sheds of OR Tambo International Airport this week. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is R37 million. During their routine inspection rounds, Customs officers discovered a box destined for New Zealand containing molded artwork that raised suspicions. Utilising a narcotics test kit, officers confirmed that some of the items were positive for crystal meth, with a weight of 10 kilogrammes. Subsequent tests conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) on other items in the…
The broadcasting rights for all 52 matches of the forthcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations tournament have been successfully acquired by the SABC. Originally slated for June and July of the previous year, the tournament, set to commence next week, was postponed due to apprehensions regarding the summer weather conditions in the Ivory Coast. The declaration, disclosed on Friday, comes in the wake of a Wednesday pronouncement by MultiChoice, where the pay-television provider revealed that its subsidiary SuperSport had been unsuccessful in obtaining the broadcasting rights for the tournament. “Total Energies AFCON 2023 is a highly anticipated sports spectacle that…
Volkswagen is preparing to unveil a refreshed version of the eighth-generation VW Golf. This facelift holds significant importance for both the brand and the car itself, especially as the model commemorates its 50th anniversary in 2024. The world premiere of the new Golf will take place already at the end of January – and like its predecessors, it will bring numerous innovations into series production, according to VW. In 1974, the Golf succeeded the Volkswagen Beetle It was an automotive revolution when Volkswagen presented the first Golf and thus the successor to the legendary Beetle in 1974: with front-wheel drive…
Intel and DigitalBridge Group have jointly established Articul8 AI, Inc. (Articul8), an independent firm dedicated to providing enterprise customers with a comprehensive, vertically-optimised, and secure generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) software platform. This platform ensures that AI capabilities, encompassing customer data, training, and inference, remain safeguarded within the confines of the enterprise security perimeter. Additionally, Articul8 offers customers the flexibility to choose between cloud, on-premises, or hybrid deployment options. Leveraging intellectual property (IP) and technology developed at Intel, Articul8 is the result of this collaboration. Both Intel and DigitalBridge will maintain strategic alignment on go-to-market initiatives and continue their collaboration to…
MTN Nigeria will cut off customers that have not complied with new national identity regulations, as part of an industry-wide order from the Nigerian government. In April 2022, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said all operators are required to restrict outgoing calls of subscribers whose SIMs are not yet linked with their national identity numbers (NINs). For wary investors, the registration programme could be a concern as previous clashes with Nigerian authorities have hammered MTN’s share price. MTN informed investors that it has “received a formal directive from the NCC to implement full network barring on all phone lines for…