Author: Gugu Lourie
The Shoprite Group has successfully completed its largest-ever point-of-sale (POS) system implementation in record time, enhancing transaction efficiency and speed at its 29,191 till points across South Africa. As part of its mission to become Africa’s most profitable omnichannel retailer, the Group introduced a new POS system designed to enable seamless integration between digital and in-store shopping channels. Powered by GK Software, the system allows faster adoption of new technologies, underscoring the retailer’s commitment to a customer-first experience. By unifying store processes into a single, efficient platform, the new system elevates customer service and improves the overall in-store experience. The…
In a significant move to promote financial inclusion and simplify banking for foreign nationals, Nedbank has launched a dedicated web page tailored for VISA holders, work or study permit holders, asylum seekers, and refugees in South Africa. The digital platform offers a one-stop solution, equipping foreign nationals with the information and tools they need to open a bank account and take control of their financial futures. “Foreign nationals in South Africa often face significant barriers when trying to open a bank account, including confusion around required documentation, a lack of clear guidance on which accounts they qualify for, and the…
Symrise South Africa announces 60th anniversary of operations in South Africa, marked by the grand opening of a new emulsions plant. This significant milestone underscores Symrise’s commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence in the region. “Today, we proudly celebrate 60 years of excellence at Symrise South Africa. This remarkable milestone is not just a reflection of our history, but a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering solid performance and building credibility within our industry. Over the past six decades, we have established ourselves as a trusted leader in our market, and this longevity speaks volumes about the quality of…
The University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), non-profit Empire Partner Foundation (EPF), and Sandton-based radio station 919FM have launched an initiative to encourage innovative, technology-driven solutions to South Africa’s challenges by bringing together industry, academia, and the government. The trio describes the “Unity in Action: Crafting Solutions for a Stronger South Africa” initiative as a collaborative approach to developing a problem-solving process in order to improve and strengthen the country. This comes as South Africa faces major challenges in water, electricity, healthcare, education, agriculture, housing, unemployment, safety and security, transportation, and rural development. This event series, launched…
October marked significant growth in the used car market, with the latest AutoTrader data showing a surge in sales. A total of 34,968 units were sold, reflecting a 22.2% month-on-month increase from September. While the vehicles occupying the top 10 spots remain unchanged, every used car and bakkie on the list enjoyed increased sales in October. The combined value of used cars sold totalled R14.09 billion, 21.59% higher than last month’s figure of R11.59 billion. The established brands remain at the top. Toyota remains the most popular, with 5,847 used cars sold, while Volkswagen and Ford followed at 5,237 and 3,660 units,…
Checkers has launched its revamped Sixty60 app to millions of shoppers nationwide, following months of rigorous testing. The updated app features an improved layout, user interface, and multi-factor authentication for enhanced security. Shoppers in eligible areas can now enjoy precision delivery of over 10,000 general merchandise products from selected Checkers Hyper stores, all within 60-minute time slots. This eliminates the need for lengthy waits typically associated with household item deliveries. “After intensive development, we’re confident that the next iteration of Sixty60 will again disrupt online retail in South Africa. Our precision delivery promise has been designed around our customers, which…
The protracted battle between Nkosana Makate, the inventor of the “Please Call Me” (PCM) service, and Vodacom, South Africa’s largest mobile network operator, has returned to the Constitutional Court. This marks the second time Makate will argue his case before the apex court as he seeks fair compensation for his groundbreaking invention. Makate’s journey for justice spans nearly two decades. The PCM service, which allows users to send a free call-back message, has reportedly generated billions in revenue for Vodacom. Despite the innovation’s success, Makate has yet to secure a payout he deems fair for his intellectual property. A landmark…
McDonald’s SA has enhanced its Mobile Order and Pay (MOP) feature, offering customers greater flexibility and convenience when ordering meals. Available through the McDonald’s app, the upgraded service allows users to place orders in advance and choose from various pickup options, including dine-in, curbside parking (Curbserve), or drive-thru. This upgrade builds on McDonald’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for faster and more personalised service. Whether driving through, grabbing a quick bite while running errands, or dining in, customers can enjoy a smoother, streamlined ordering process and reduced wait times. The MOP feature aligns with McDonald’s broader strategy to add…
Since the launch of South Africa’s two-pot retirement system on 1 September 2024, nearly R50 billion has been withdrawn. The system splits retirement savings into two portions: a savings pot, holding one-third of funds, accessible before retirement, and a preservation pot. To tap into the savings pot, individuals must withdraw at least R2,000 from a retirement, annuity, or preservation fund. As of 18 November 2024, 2,153,942 directive applications were received and a total of 1,914, 306 directives issued with a total gross value of R49 577, 355, 406.14. The difference between directive applications and directive issued is accounted for in the…
As Black Friday weekend approaches, Float, Africa’s first card-linked instalment platform, is poised for a record-breaking year. With over 1,000 new stores added to its platform in 2023, the company anticipates a 100% increase in the number of transactions processed compared to last year. In 2022, Black Friday weekend accounted for 21% of Float’s November transaction values, with a remarkable 140% increase compared to the preceding month. “We’re expecting similar performance this year in terms of the transaction uplift over Black Friday,” said Float CEO Alex Forsyth-Thompson. “However, the difference is that our platform now has a broader network of…