Author: Gugu Lourie
The global Covid-19 pandemic saw retailers respond to consumers’ demands for online shopping. This growth has translated into exponential growth for the courier industry. By 2019 Fastway Couriers, SA’s largest network of independently owned last-mile courier service providers, was growing by 9.2% year-on-year. In 2022, Post Covid-19 and amidst the local e-commerce boom, that catapulted to 35.7% year-on-year. Daniel Lombard, Fastway Couriers MD, says the company anticipates moving around 14 million parcels this year, as consumers recognise the convenience and cost-effectiveness of retaining home deliveries from retailers. Lombard says the growth in last mile courier deliveries have their roots in both traditional…
Discover unbeatable November deals before stocks run out! Vodacom is your gateway to massive savings on both sim-only data plans and smartphones this Black November. As part of this exclusive promotion, enjoy incredible discounts of up to 75% on SIM-only data deals. These offers are valid from November 16th to December 6th, 2023. Don’t miss out on the chance to seize a SIM-only 700GB data deal for just R349 per month on a 36-month contract, resulting in an impressive saving of R26,280. Alternatively, opt for the SIM-only 900GB data deal at R399 per month on a 36-month contract and pocket…
The festive season can often bring hefty price tags. Apart from the cost of living during this particularly social time of the year, there’s the price of Christmas presents for loved ones and long-awaited holiday destinations. There might even be a car on the festive shopping wishlist. But what if the budget only stretches to a car costing no more than R50,000? What budget-friendly and reliable options can consumers find on the used car market in this price bracket? Cars priced under R50,000 are expected to be somewhat long in the tooth, high on mileage and short on creature comforts. Yet,…
Toyota’s Kinto One car subscription, which was launched in July 2022, is gaining popularity in South Africa. The full-service and pay-for-use subscription provides individuals and businesses with the advantage of driving new cars without the need for ownership. The introductory offer was set at R2,999 per month for 12 months (18,000km) on a Toyota Vitz 1.0 manual. Kinto One has already seen explosive growth in the South African market, both from a consumer and trade perspective. In just over a year, hundreds of customers have subscribed to a new Toyota, with the subscriber base growing steadily month-on-month showing a great…
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has joined forces with DHL Express to conduct a pilot test featuring the ID.Buzz Cargo fleet in South Africa. Over the next six months, four ID.Buzz Cargo units will be stationed at DHL Express Service Centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. These units are earmarked for specialized last-mile delivery services as part of DHL’s local pilot initiative aimed at achieving global zero emissions logistics. This collaboration marks a significant step in realising Volkswagen Group South Africa’s electric vehicle strategy for the Volkswagen brand in the country. “Our partnership with DHL Express on the ID.Buzz Cargo test…
FedEx Express serves more than 100 markets across the AMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) region. This was contained in the FedEx’s annual economic impact report, analysing the company’s worldwide network and role in fueling innovation during its 2023 fiscal year. The study demonstrates the positive impact FedEx has on individuals and communities around the globe — otherwise known as the ‘FedEx Effect’. The study found that with its extensive network, FedEx Express contributed 0.3% of net economic output in the Transportation, Storage, and Communications sector in AMEA during FY 2023. Across all sectors of the AMEA economy, FedEx…
Volvo Car SA has recorded a significant year-on-year increase in sales of its plug-in hybrid models, demonstrating the local market’s growing appetite for electrified vehicles from the Swedish luxury brand. Over the first nine months of 2023, registrations of Volvo’s plug-in hybrid vehicles in South Africa grew by more than 33% compared with the same reporting period in 2022. This comes after the Gothenburg-based firm recently detailed its dominance of the fully electric premium C-SUV segment. The XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid – which is currently the flagship in the local Volvo line-up – was the key driver of this latest sales…
JSE-listed telecoms firm Telkom is requesting that Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) defer the second spectrum auction to 2025. Spectrum – the lifeblood of the telecoms industry – relates to the radio frequencies allocated to the mobile industry and other sectors for communication over the airwaves. In 2022, ICASA successfully completed an auction for spectrum, catering to both 4G and certain 5G requirements. In June, ICASA said it intends to issue a tender to appoint a consultant to assist it in the licencing of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) spectrum. ICASA said the consultant’s duties will include conducting an auction…
In a strategic move aimed at unlocking value and optimizing its business portfolio, telecommunications giant Telkom has embarked on discussions to sell its mast and tower business housed in Swiftnet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company. Shareholders were alerted to this decision through Telkom’s previous communication, highlighting the company’s commitment to a competitive disposal process in line with its value unlock strategy. In a recent update, Telkom disclosed that it is currently engaged in exclusive negotiations with a preferred bidder for the potential disposal of Swiftnet. The outcome of these negotiations, if successful, could have a substantial impact on the…
Microsoft said on Monday it remained committed to our partnership with OpenAI. The tech giant also announced that it has appointed ousted OpenAi CEO. “We remain committed to our partnership with OpenAI and have confidence in our product roadmap, our ability to continue to innovate with everything we announced at Microsoft Ignite, and in continuing to support our customers and partners,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, said. “We look forward to getting to know Emmett Shear and OAI’s new leadership team and working with them. And we’re extremely excited to share the news that Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, together with…
In its continuous commitment to expedite the widespread embrace of electric mobility, Audi South Africa has initiated a nationwide awareness initiative designed to inform the public about electric vehicle (EV) charging. As a key component of this initiative, Audi has substituted conventional charging stations with miniature versions of the brand’s electric vehicle chargers within Bidvest Premier Lounges at the domestic departure terminals of Cape Town and OR Tambo International Airports. Scheduled to run until the conclusion of January 2024, the campaign encourages individuals to replenish their mobile devices using Audi’s compact EV chargers while awaiting their flights. By enabling passengers…
On November 15, 2023, Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) made history as the first global market to introduce the Daimler Truck Parts Portal—an online eCommerce platform. This click-and-collect system allows customers to purchase over 400 parts online, including oil, batteries, service, and wear and tear components, for pick-up within 24 hours at their chosen dealership. Future plans involve expanding the product range to include maintenance and collision parts, as well as offering home delivery services. “The Daimler Truck Parts Portal is a game changer in the commercial vehicle market, and we are thrilled to be part of the development team,…
Momint, the Cape Town-headquartered blockchain firm specialising in real assets and legal contracts, achieved the prestigious title of Entrepreneur of the Year at the inaugural EPF Tech Awards. The awards ceremony, often likened to the Oscars for innovators, unfolded at the glamorous The Ballroom, Monte Casino in Johannesburg. Distinguished for its groundbreaking contributions, Momint showcased its innovative solutions at the EPF Tech Awards, where exceptional minds were recognized across diverse categories. The Momint platform stands out for streamlining transactions through its integrated digital wallet and leveraging decentralized finance to transform the landscape of solar investments. After hosting Africa’s largest Digital…
While October was the third consecutive month of decline in new vehicle sales in South Africa, used car sales remain resistant to economic pressures. According to the used car sales data supplied by AutoTrader, a total of 32,839 used cars moved through AutoTrader’s platform in October 2023, 14% more than the 28,902 cars for October 2022¹. In a stark contrast, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, 29,912 new passenger cars were sold in South Africa during October 2023 – a decline of 1,068 cars, or a reduction of 3.5% versus the 30,980 new cars sold in October 2022. A…
Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC) pours R68.5 Million into Pineapple, South Africa’s prominent Insurtech firm. The infusion of funds reflects MIC’s dedication to fortifying its primary portfolio with cutting-edge direct investments, focusing on enterprises exhibiting robust growth potential, scalability, and effective management, affirms Nchaupe Khaole, MIC’s Chief Investment Officer. This strategic move aligns with Pineapple’s larger R400 million series B funding round. “We have had a long-standing interest in the insurance industry, driven by the global trend integrating technology into financial services. Pineapple’s unique value proposition lies in its robust technology infrastructure, enabling seamless and rapid onboarding of new policyholders. MIC…
Today, rumours emerged that MTN Nigeria is in discussions with the owners of 9Mobile, signaling the potential acquisition of a significant stake in the country’s fourth-largest mobile operator, according to a report in Technology Times. The newspaper said according to reliable sources in the telecoms industry, MTN Nigeria, a subsidiary of South Africa’s MTN Group, and Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (EMTS), the owners of 9mobile (formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria), are in advanced stages of negotiations concerning a frequency trade arrangement. This spectrum-focused strategy is being explored as a means to revitalise struggling 9mobile, which has faced challenges following…
MTN Nigeria is reportedly in discussions with the owners of 9mobile, signaling the potential acquisition of a significant stake in the country’s fourth-largest mobile operator, according to a report in Technology Times. The newspaper said according to reliable sources in the telecoms industry, MTN Nigeria, a subsidiary of South Africa’s MTN Group, and Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (EMTS), the owners of 9mobile (formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria), are in advanced stages of negotiations concerning a frequency trade arrangement. This spectrum-focused strategy is being explored as a means to revitalise struggling 9mobile, which has faced challenges following the departure of…
Santam, South Africa’s short-term insurer, announced today that the momentum in new business generated through the MTN partnership in Santam Partner Solutions remains robust. Seven months ago, Santam forged an alliance with MTN South Africa, acquiring the mobile telecommunication company’s device insurance portfolio. The latest market update from Santam reveals that the partnership has successfully sold nearly 100,000 new policies to date. “The transfer of the in-force book of MTN device insurance is still subject to regulatory approval, which is expected towards the end of the year,” said Santam. MTN South Africa’s device insurance book currently has just over 400…
Pineapple, South Africa’s InsurTech, has revealed the successful completion of a funding round amounting to R400 million. This milestone establishes a new record as the continent’s largest Insurtech fundraising effort, underscoring investor faith in Pineapple’s innovative approach to insurance. New investors, namely Futuregrowth, Talent10, and MIC, spearheaded the investment round, with additional support from existing investors such as Old Mutual ESD, Lireas Holdings, ASISA ESD Fund, and E4E Africa. The successful funding round was driven by Pineapple’s impressive growth and sustainable claims ratios, surpassing industry standards for a relatively new insurance portfolio. “This funding round stands as a testament to…
CSquared is propelling the growth of its carrier-neutral, open-access broadband infrastructure through a recent infusion of equity investment from both new and existing shareholders. This funding, totaling $25 million or R467 million, includes contributions from Convergence Partners Digital Infrastructure Fund, IFC – International Finance Corporation, and the International Development Association’s (IDA) Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility. This initial tranche marks the beginning of a comprehensive $65 million or R1.2 billion investment program designed to fuel CSquared’s ambitious expansion and development goals. Concurrently, CPDIF has acquired the stake in CSquared previously held by Google LLC. “The opportunity to increase our…
The Vodacom Super App, VodaPay, continues to attract an increasing number of users, with 7.6 million downloads reported in the quarter ending September 2023, compared to 6.7 million in the previous quarter. During this timeframe, the super app garnered 4.1 million registered users. Serving as a comprehensive digital platform for shopping, lifestyle, and financial services, VodaPay caters to both consumers and businesses. In parallel, Vodacom Financial Services experienced significant growth, with revenue reaching R6.2 billion, marking a 39.9% increase in the quarter ending September 2023. Notably, the normalized M-Pesa revenue exhibited a growth of 13.2% over the period and 12.9%…
In anticipation of World Diabetes Day 2023, P&G Health, the creator of Neurobion, has initiated a groundbreaking #KnowTheSigns campaign. The objective is to enlighten both consumers and healthcare professionals about the correlation between the indicators and manifestations associated with diabetes and pre-diabetes. This innovative campaign vividly illustrates the experience of Vitamin B deficiency. The primary goal of the campaign is to empower healthcare professionals and individuals grappling with Vitamin B deficiency to recognise early symptoms. Early identification aims to facilitate prompt treatment, thereby enhancing overall quality of life. Vitamin B deficiency assumes a crucial role in nerve health, and it…
Mercedes-Benz SA is reinforcing its commitment to transforming the automotive industry and embracing electric mobility with a substantial investment in the local Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network. As the demand for EVs continues to surge, a robust infrastructure is imperative. Mercedes-Benz South Africa proudly offers the country’s most extensive range of electric vehicles, including the EQ and EQ AMG models, with a focus on the SUV category. In a proactive move to meet the growing demand, Mercedes-Benz South Africa is investing in the expansion of the local charging network, aiming to establish over 120 charging stations across South Africa. Collaborating…
In a thrilling initiative to encourage the adoption of MyMTN Prepaid Khava, MTN South Africa, in partnership with aYo Intermediaries and underwritten by Sanlam, is launching the MTN Free4U Funeral Khava during its Summer campaign, providing prepaid customers with complimentary R5000 coverage. Effective from October 27, 2023, to January 31, 2024, this promotion aims to empower customers with financial security. MyMTN Prepaid Funeral Khava stands out as a groundbreaking funeral cover, redefining affordability and convenience since its launch on August 24, 2023. Offering flexible 6 or 12-month terms starting at just R75 for a single premium, it eliminates waiting periods,…
Vodacom South Africa has reported commendable half-year results, revealing a 4% increase in service revenue to R30.7 billion for the six months ending on September 30. Despite persistent macroeconomic challenges, the company, a subsidiary of Vodafone, considers this growth a credible achievement. This positive outcome is attributed to the introduction of new services and the surge in mobile data usage. Financial and digital services, fixed solutions, and IoT experienced an impressive 18.1% rise, contributing R5.1 billion, equivalent to 16.6% of South Africa’s service revenue. Within its core connectivity business, Vodacom emphasized that the expansion of mobile data was supported by…