Author: Gugu Lourie

In a decisive State of the Nation Address on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa laid out an ambitious plan to digitise the South African state while simultaneously unleashing artificial intelligence and data analytics on criminal syndicates flooding the country with counterfeit goods. “We will harness digital transformation as a driver of growth, inclusion and effective service delivery,” Ramaphosa declared. “This year, Home Affairs will launch the Digital ID to enable safe and secure use of digital services for all South Africans.” The sweeping reforms will digitise driver’s licenses, matric certificates and Master’s Office services. Citizens will soon file police statements online…

 Vuma, the Maziv-owned high-speed fibre-to-the-home operator, has officially surpassed the one million subscriber milestone—a number that reflects not just growth, but a profound shift in how South Africa connects. What started as a grassroots project in the streets of Parkhurst has surged into a nationwide digital revolution. Today, Vuma stands as a titan of transformation, having successfully bridged the digital divide and turned a bold vision into a reality for a million households. This achievement is a resounding declaration: world-class connectivity is no longer a luxury—it is a fundamental right. It’s also a powerful testament to Vuma’s commitment to digital inclusion. “Reaching…

In a strategic move aligned with Egypt’s national digital transformation agenda, Vodacom Group has announced a significant intangible asset valuation stemming from its majority-owned subsidiary, Vodafone Egypt. Following an announcement by Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) on February 7, 2026, Vodafone Egypt has secured critical spectrum, leading Vodacom to report a $350 million (R5.5 billion) intangible asset. Background: Vodacom, Vodafone Egypt, and a Pro-Investment Landscape Vodacom Group is a leading African telecommunications company, operating in multiple countries across the continent. Its largest and most strategic asset is its majority stake…

Vodacom Group has released a strong trading update for the quarter ended 31 December 2025, showcasing sustained momentum across its diversified portfolio. Group revenue grew 11.0% to R43.9 billion, with service revenue up 12.7%. Strategic Milestones and Financial Performance The quarter was marked by significant strategic progress. Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO, commented: “We made significant strategic progress, marked by two milestones that strengthen our long-term growth profile.” He highlighted the final approval for the Maziv fibre acquisition in South Africa and the agreement to increase Vodacom’s effective stake in Safaricom to 55%, calling it a “landmark transaction.” From a financial perspective, Joosub noted: “The…

Haier, which has ranked No.1 in Euromonitor International’s Global Major Appliances Brand Retail Volume for 17 consecutive years, has officially launched in South Africa. This strategic move is driven by the nation’s ongoing urban development, increasing household electrification, and a rising demand for premium, energy-efficient home appliances. A Market of Strategic Potential South Africa represents a key opportunity within Haier’s global vision of “More Creation, More Possibilities”. The market is characterised by a clear consumer shift toward smarter living solutions and higher-quality home experiences. Haier’s entry reflects a long-term commitment to addressing these evolving needs by combining globally proven technologies…

Today marks the launch of ZAR Universal (ZARU), a new institutional-grade stablecoin pegged to the value of the South African Rand. ZARU is designed to modernise payment and financial infrastructure, enabling both retail and institutional users to transact at the speed of the internet while bolstering the local financial system. The initiative is a powerful collaboration between major South African financial players: A collaboration of Luno, Sanlam Specialised Asset Management (Pty) Ltd, EasyEquities and Lesaka are launching a Rand-backed stablecoin called ZARU. Every ZARU issued will be backed by high quality liquid assets denominated in Rand managed by Sanlam Specialised…

Growthpoint Properties has commenced a major R270 million redevelopment of Paarl Mall in the Western Cape, set to expand its gross lettable area to 44,474m². “Paarl Mall’s extensive upgrade and extension project is the result of a deliberate strategy to optimise its retail mix and elevate the shopper experience,” says Gavin Jones, Growthpoint Properties Head of Asset Management: Retail. “It will ensure Paarl Mall remains well positioned to anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of its growing, diverse customer base, well into the future.” The project targets the high-performing centre, which has consistently low vacancies and strong tenant demand.…

In a world described as fractured and fragile, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has chosen the path of unwavering caution, holding the repo rate steady at 6.75% in a high-stakes decision that pits resilient domestic progress against a tidal wave of global uncertainty. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in its first meeting of 2026, delivered a “hold” verdict, but the narrative from Governor Lesetja Kganyago was one of a nation navigating between a promising recovery and external chaos. The decision was not unanimous, with two members pushing for an immediate 25 basis point cut, highlighting the delicate balancing act…

The road to sustainable travel in Southern Africa just got a major power boost. City Lodge Hotel Group, one of the region’s largest and most established hospitality chains, has officially plugged into the electric future. The group now offers electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at eight strategically selected properties across South Africa, transforming them into essential hubs for the growing wave of eco-friendly road-trippers. This move directly addresses the most common anxiety for EV drivers: range anxiety. By installing Chargify stations at locations spanning from Kimberley to Gqeberha and Bloemfontein to Umhlanga, City Lodge is effectively creating a reliable network…

The Volvo ES90, an electric luxury sedan, arrives in Q1 2026 with Core, Plus, and Ultra specifications, expanding Volvo’s local EV lineup to six models. The wait is nearly over. Volvo’s latest creation, already celebrated globally for its contemporary design and cutting-edge electric powertrains, will debut in South Africa in Q1 2026. The meticulously crafted ES90 marks a significant expansion of Volvo Car South Africa’s (VCSA) all-electric portfolio to six models, strengthening the brand’s commitment to electrification and sustainable luxury. Designed to captivate, the elegant exterior conceals a cabin that masterfully blends comfort with intuitive technology. The local range will…

As both generations reach milestone anniversaries in 2026, the C70 stands out as Volvo’s most design-led two-door. A Swedish grand tourer that paired elegant styling with charismatic five-cylinder performance, and quietly rewrote the brand’s image. The Volvo C70 celebrates a major milestone in 2026, marking 30 years since the first generation and 20 years since the second. Across both generations, the C70 remains one of the brand’s most emotionally resonant vehicles – a car that fundamentally challenged expectations of what a Volvo could be. Its journey took it from a sporty coupe and convertible into a refined, all-season grand tourer…

Volvo Cars has officially pulled back the curtain on a new chapter in its storied legacy of adventure-ready vehicles. Alongside the global debut of the all-electric Volvo EX60, the company introduces the EX60 Cross Country — an SUV engineered not just for the road, but for the path less traveled. This model electrifies Volvo’s beloved Cross Country ethos, merging class-leading EV performance with the rugged versatility that defines the line. More Than a Trim: A Heritage Electrified First introduced in 1997, Volvo’s Cross Country models have always been a bold statement of freedom and exploration. They are vehicles designed to…

In a major development for South Africa’s automotive industry, Nissan and Chery SA have reached agreement on the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa. The deal secures the industrial site’s future and protects the livelihoods of the majority of its workforce. The Agreement in Detail Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings and associated assets of the Nissan facilities, including of its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026. A cornerstone of the agreement is the protection of employment. The majority of associated Nissan employees will be offered employment…

Volvo Cars redefines the relationship between driver and machine with the launch of the new, fully electric EX60. This mid-size SUV, set for global reveal tomorrow is the first Volvo capable of natural, conversational interaction, establishing it as the brand’s most intelligent and technologically advanced car to date. At its core is a revolutionary integration: the EX60 debuts as the first Volvo with Gemini, Google’s advanced AI assistant. This system transforms the in-car experience by enabling true, multi-turn dialogue. Drivers manage complex tasks through natural conversation, free from the need to remember specific commands. “The new EX60 is full of human-centric…

The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has turned a critical page with the announcement of its new Managing Director, Magatho Anthony Mello, commencing 1 April 2026. This appointment concludes an extensive executive search and ushers in a period of strategic stability for the Agency, which has operated under acting leadership for nearly two years. Mello’s mandate is clear and critical: to modernise the state’s digital backbone and secure it for the future. Bringing over two decades of high-stakes telecommunications and ICT leadership across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Mello’s resume reads as a perfect plan for the task ahead. His…

Luminance, the global leader in Legal-Grade™ AI for the enterprise, today announced the appointment of Jonty Koekemoer as VP, to lead the company’s new regional hub in South Africa and supercharge expansion across the continent amid growing demand. Luminance has selected South Africa as a regional hub due to the country’s mature and sophisticated legal ecosystem, with leading law firms and corporate legal teams increasingly adopting AI to manage complex transactions, regulatory pressure and unlock new opportunities. The move follows heightened local interest, continued global growth, and recent investment to support Luminance’s international scaling. Over the past year, Luminance has…

In a landmark outcome for medical scheme accountability, advocacy firm MediCheck has secured a full reversal of Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s attempt to recover an estimated R130-170 million from 16,500 members for an administration error they did not cause. The decision, announced by Discovery late Sunday, follows a week of intense pressure and formal dispute action led by MediCheck on behalf of over 1,500 affected members. Members had faced sudden recovery demands—some exceeding R80,000—for what Discovery later acknowledged was its own claims processing failure. MediCheck, an independent firm that holds medical schemes to regulatory standards, intervened immediately upon the scheme’s…

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…