Author: Gugu Lourie

The National Consumer Commission has issued a recall for 372 Volvo EX30 vehicles in South Africa due to a potential battery fault. The recall affects certain 2024-2026 EX30 models sold in Gauteng from December 29, 2025. According to Volvo, the high-voltage battery in these cars may, in rare cases, overheat when charged above a certain level, posing a potential fire risk. As an immediate precaution, owners of the affected vehicles should limit their maximum charge level to 70% until repaired. Volvo urges owners to contact their nearest authorised dealership to arrange a free inspection and repair. All corrective work for…

Listen up, Mzansi motorists. Every month, we watch with trepidation as the fuel price climbs higher. Now and again, the price comes down by a tiny bit. All the while, we feel the cost of fuel in our shrinking pockets. However, there is relief from the dread of filling up the tank: It’s Volvo’s new EX60 electric car. Simply park and charge it, and it’s good to go without depleting your pockets. The good news for motorists, who feel the pain of fuel hikes, is that Volvo Car South Africa is launching the new EX60 in  fortnight on 21 January.…

An AI-powered property solution is bridging the wealth gap for millions. E-DEED grants financial identity to the “unbanked” by valuing informal homes. A dormant asset class worth between R2 and R3 trillion has been sitting in South Africa’s townships and rural areas, largely invisible to the formal economy. Without title deeds, pay slips, or formal jobs, an estimated 90% of South Africans have cash-built homes, a massive store of wealth that remains locked away, stifling national GDP growth. Now, a high-tech solution has arrived on dusty streets. Entrepreneurs Lance Chalwin-Milton, GG Alcock, and Senzo Tsabedze have launched E-DEED, a property…

A first-of-its-kind partnership is launching to build a complete, township-owned supply chain. SPAZA Supply+, an initiative by KasiKonnect, has teamed up with Soweto-based green logistics startup ShoveBike for a pioneering pilot programme. “Local product distribution and logistics is the critical link for a wholly owned kasi supply chain,” says Janice Scheckter, CEO of KasiKonnect. “We have partnered with ShoveBike because, alongside their efficient green logistics, they bring deep local knowledge and established relationships with Soweto-based supermarkets and traders. They understand the terrain, the retailers, and the community in a way that outside logistics providers simply cannot. This partnership keeps value…

IFA Hotels & Resorts unveils a R50 billion vision to transform KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast. Discover the marina and country estate set to redefine sustainable luxury living. In a bold move set to reshape South Africa’s coastline, IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFAHR) has unveiled its Zimbali Vision 2030. This transformative master plan is a long-term commitment to sustainable coastal living, introducing two pioneering projects: a world-class Marina Development and the expansive Zimbali Country Estate. Together, they expand the Zimbali footprint into a R50 billion, self-sustaining ecosystem integrating luxury living, tourism, and nature on an unprecedented scale. With a proven 20-year legacy and over R30 billion…

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is today conducting a coordinated search and seizure operation across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng as part of its ongoing investigation into a sophisticated syndicate that allegedly siphoned approximately R161 million from the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s (UIF) Covid-19 Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS). The operation is supported by specialised units of the South African Police Service (SAPS), including the National Intervention Unit (NIU), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, and the Tactical Response Team (TRT). The operation, authorised by a warrant issued by the Special Tribunal, targets multiple premises, including offices,…

South African fintech startup Tappy is launching a digital payments revolution from the ground up, targeting the millions of service workers left behind by the cashless shift. With 50,000 devices already distributed, its low-cost wearable platform enables instant tips and payments without the need for cards, apps, or even a bank account, beginning its national rollout in December 2025. The system directly addresses a growing economic rift, where consumers increasingly carry no cash, while workers like petrol attendants, car guards, and waiters remain dependent on physical notes and coins. Tappy’s solution is a simple NFC-enabled wearable linked to a digital…

A new mobile solution aims to bridge the digital divide for deskless employees. It promises enhanced productivity, security, and centralized management for enterprises. Vodacom Business has launched an enhanced Corporate Connect offering, a mobile solution engineered to provide South Africa’s frontline workers with secure, scalable, and reliable connectivity. This move directly targets the digital inclusion of millions of deskless employees who form the backbone of the country’s key industries. “At Vodacom, we believe that digital inclusion should extend to every employee, not just those behind a desk,” said Mncedisi Mayekiso, Managing Executive: Direct Sales Private and Public Sector at Vodacom Business. “Our Corporate…

In a significant enforcement action, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has imposed a R12.6 million administrative penalty and a 15-year industry debarment on a company and its director for running an unlicensed insurance operation and obstructing a regulatory investigation. The penalty has been levied jointly and severally against The Relocations Group (Pty) Ltd and its director, Mr Kyle Bary Tiltman. Tiltman has also been debarred for 15 years, effectively banning him from any role in the financial sector. The investigation was triggered by client complaints and uncovered that South African Relocations (Pty) Ltd and its successor, The Relocations Group, “offered marine insurance…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has come down hard on Bhaca Green (Pty) Ltd, issuing a massive R9 million fine and a 20-year industry debarment against its director for running an unauthorised forex trading scheme that misused investor money. The case has been escalated to the police for potential criminal prosecution. The regulatory action sees Mr Songeziwe Mbalo debarred for two decades and hit with an administrative penalty of R9 million, imposed jointly and severally on him and Bhaca Green. A further penalty of R50,000 was imposed on Mr Lungile Mgilane for rendering financial services on behalf of the unauthorised…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has made a decisive final move against Afrimarkets Capital (Pty) Ltd, permanently withdrawing its financial services provider (FSP) licence. This action concludes a regulatory process initiated in July 2025, stemming from an investigation that uncovered severe misconduct, including the misappropriation of client funds. The FSCA provisionally withdrew the licence on 4 July 2025 based on preliminary findings. After considering representations from Afrimarkets, the regulator has now finalized its decision. “The FSCA is of the view that Afrimarkets materially contravened various financial sector laws and no longer meets the fit and proper requirements to operate…

In a decisive crackdown on a complex financial fraud, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has slammed the Medbond Group with a massive R197 million administrative penalty and issued a 30-year industry debarment against its key figure. The landmark action, totaling over R212 million in fines, targets a scheme where clients were advised to invest in a completely fictitious financial product. The FSCA imposed the R197 million penalty jointly and severally on Medbond Insurance Brokers (Pty) Ltd and its director, Mr Jacobus Meyer. Three related entities – Medbond Markets, Medbond Fund Managers, and Masjamplan – were fined R5 million each. In…

In a landmark enforcement action that sends a shockwave through South Africa’s financial sector, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has levied a staggering R2 billion penalty against Banxso (Pty) Ltd and its directors. This unprecedented move, part of a total penalty package exceeding R2.16 billion, comes alongside the multi-decade debarment of key individuals for what the regulator describes as “serious and deliberate” misconduct. The investigation found that Banxso and its key persons, inter alia, misappropriated client funds, provided false and/or misleading information to clients and to the FSCA, promised clients unrealistic returns and failed to act in the best interests of its…

Sanlam’s new prepaid funeral cover works like buying airtime, offering flexible terms to tackle income uncertainty. The product aims to include millions previously locked out of traditional insurance. In a major shift for the industry, Sanlam has launched South Africa’s first prepaid funeral cover, directly confronting the problem of lapsed policies due to irregular incomes. Developed by its digital arm, Digisure Long-Term Insurance (LTI), the product allows clients to purchase cover upfront for 3, 6, or 12 months, mirroring the pay-as-you-go model used for airtime and electricity. “The concept mirrors the way many people already buy airtime, data or electricity…

Ezeebit, the FSCA-regulated stablecoin and cryptocurrency payment infrastructure company, has announced the close of a $2.05 million seed funding round. The capital will be used to accelerate product development and merchant adoption in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria and expand strategic partnerships with banks, PSPs, and telcos. Ezeebit enables merchants to accept cryptocurrency payments with instant stablecoin settlement and next-business-day local fiat payouts. Since launching in 2023, the company has already processed more than 30,000 transactions totalling millions of dollars in gross merchandise value. Clients include iStore, Le Creuset, Scoin, Tintswalo Lodges, Amiri and Diesel. The round was led by…

A pioneering investment model that embeds a new CEO directly into a business is making its debut in South Africa’s industrial sector. Secha Capital, alongside 27four and Shade Tree Capital, has announced a strategic investment in Barracuda Holdings Ltd, a leading local electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider. The deal introduces the Chief Executive Operator Investor (CEOI) model, designed to pair capital with hands-on operational leadership. The transaction sees Aengus Stanley, founder of Shade Tree Capital, originate the deal and become Barracuda’s new Chief Executive Officer and a significant shareholder. Founders Rob Steltman and Ryan Webb will remain actively involved, focusing…

Capitec has entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100% of fintech innovator Walletdoc. The deal, valued at up to R400 million, signals a fierce new chapter in the competition for the country’s online and in-app transaction flows. The bank announced  today its agreement to acquire Walletdoc Holdings, subject to regulatory approvals. Walletdoc, established in 2015, is a South African fintech providing scalable, innovative payment gateway solutions for merchants, including online and in-app payments, digital wallets, Instant EFT, payment links, and real-time payouts. The acquisition is a direct challenge to traditional payment processors and a masterstroke in capturing the fast-growing…

In a strategic move reshaping Africa’s digital landscape, Vodacom Group has announced a R36 billion deal to acquire a controlling 55% stake in Kenya’s pioneering telecom and fintech leader, Safaricom. The transaction, pending regulatory approvals, marks a strategic consolidation of Vodacom’s power in East Africa’s high-growth markets. Vodacom will purchase a 15% share from the Government of Kenya and an additional 5% from Vodafone, its parent company, valuing the total acquisition at $2.1 billion or R36 billion. This elevates Vodacom’s ownership from 35% and will see Safaricom’s financials fully consolidated into the group, boosting Vodacom’s revenue toward R220 billion. Safaricom…

HERMANUS, CAPE TOWN – The conversation around Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Africa is rapidly shifting from “if” to “how.” While the potential is universally acknowledged, the path to tangible, scalable, and locally relevant implementation remains the critical challenge. At the SATNAC 2025 conference, the focus was squarely on this practical execution, with industry leaders outlining a future where AI doesn’t just exist in research papers but actively solves everyday problems and drives economic growth. Amit Sharma, Executive: Product Manager Carrier Cloud & IT Southern Africa Region at Huawei, delivered a keynote titled “Accelerate Intelligence, Amplify Success,” weaving a compelling narrative…

HERMANUS, CAPE TOWN – In an address at the SATNAC 2025 conference, Openserve’s Chief Network Officer Robert Jorge laid out a critical imperative for the telecoms industry: the future belongs to networks that are not just bigger, but smarter, greener, and inherently more agile. The core message was clear: to meet explosive connectivity demands and power technologies like AI and 6G, the industry must accelerate its journey from human-managed systems to intelligent, self-governing autonomous networks. Speaking on the topic “Scaling Open-Access Fibre to Build a Connected Future,” Jorge grounded his presentation in the tangible reality of operating South Africa’s largest…

Against the backdrop of a continent at an inflection point, the message from the Southern Africa Telecommunications Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) 2025 was unequivocal: Africa’s future will not be imported. It will be built. Hosted by Telkom under the theme “Africa’s Ascent: Towards a Sustainable and Resilient Future,” the conference became a test  for a powerful new consensus. The continent’s digital destiny, leaders asserted, will be decisively shaped by three intrinsically African assets: its dynamic people, its sovereign data, and its unparalleled ability to collaborate across sectors and borders. The panel discussion, “Digital Sustainability – the African way,” moderated by Sello Mmakau,…

In an address at SATNAC 2025, Sandile Msimango, CEO of IHS Towers South Africa, issued a meaningfult call to action, defining the conference itself as essential or Africa’s digital future. His final message captured the essential spirit required for Africa’s ascent: “SATNAC is challenging us and continues to challenge us to think boldly, collaborate deeply, and innovate responsibly. And at IHS Towers, we are up for that challenge.” He concluded with a vision of the attainable future: “If we collaborate, if we innovate, and we commit to sustainability, then the digital future of South Africa and the continent will not…

HERMANUS, Western Cape – In a provocative and data-driven keynote that served as a critical reality check for the global tech community, Idit Duvdevany Aronsohn, Head of ESG & People Relations at global software giant Amdocs, delivered a key message at SATNAC 2025: the future of artificial intelligence is being authored today, and Africa must be a primary writer, not a footnote. Aronsohn based her argument around a single, powerful question: “Can AI be inclusive without Africa or without African data?” To a room of continent’s leading technologists, innovators and policymakers, her answer was unequivocal. “Not like my AI friend that…

HERMANUS, Western Cape – In a transformative keynote that challenged the very definition of digital progress, Gugu Mthembu, Chief Marketing Officer of Telkom, presented a compelling vision for a technology ecosystem built not for specs, but for the human spirit of Africa. Delivering a speech titled “Humanising technology beyond connectivity” at SATNAC 2025, Mthembu issued a clarion call to move beyond infrastructure metrics and place human dignity, opportunity, and agency at the core of every innovation. Mthembu began by acknowledging the rapid growth in African connectivity, where the number of connected individuals has more than doubled to over 400 million in…

HERMANUS, Western Cape – In a robust endorsement of its sustained impact, Raymond Crown, ICT Director at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), positioned the Southern Africa Telecommunications Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) as the critical engine ensuring the region transitions from a consumer to a contributor of global technological innovation. Speaking at the 2025 conference, Crown emphasised that SATNAC’s 27-year legacy provides the essential “discipline of continuity” needed to build South Africa’s digital future on a foundation of tangible research and proven partnerships, not abstract ideas. “SATNAC remains one of the few forums that consistently brings research, industry, and…