Author: Gugu Lourie

During Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer Awareness Months, we’re reminded how important early detection and regular screenings are. But for healthcare providers, keeping patients on track with these critical check-ups can be challenging. EngageMX, powered by Altron HealthTech, is helping to solve this problem by connecting doctors and patients more effectively. EngageMX is a digital health tool developed in South Africa by Dr. Benji Ozynski, with input from cancer experts Professor Carol-Anne Benn and Professor Jeffrey Wing. Since launching, the platform has made a real difference, helping doctors increase screenings. Since its launch two years ago, it has proven a…

Bulelani Balabala is a name synonymous with empowerment and transformation within South Africa’s township economy. As CEO of the Township Entrepreneurs Agency and founder of the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA), he has dedicated his career to promoting growth in underserved communities, impacting over 80,000 small businesses across townships and rural areas. In conversation with TechFinancials, Balabala shares his vision for the township economy, focusing on innovation, mentorship, and community-driven change. The role of community-based mentorship Balabala champions the idea that effective mentorship must begin at the grassroots level. For him, mentorship extends beyond high-profile figures and includes tapping into local…

In South Africa’s township economy, few individuals have driven as much change and empowerment as Bulelani Balabala. As the Group CEO of IAF Brands and the visionary founder of the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA), Bulelani has devoted his career to reshaping perceptions, creating opportunities, and promoting resilience among township entrepreneurs. From his early struggles in Thembisa to becoming a prominent leader advocating for township businesses, Bulelani’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community-centred entrepreneurship. The making of a visionary: lessons from family and community Bulelani’s entrepreneurial story is deeply rooted in the values he absorbed from his…

As the festive season approaches, many South Africans are short on cash, and some may not be aware that they are owed millions in unpaid dividends from broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) schemes like Phuthuma Nathi and YeboYethu. For those who believe they are entitled to these dividends, here’s a guide on how to make a claim. Phuthuma Nathi Phuthuma Nathi, MultiChoice’s BBBEE share scheme, is actively seeking around 18,000 shareholders who have not claimed their dividends, amounting to over R240 million. Since 2020, Phuthuma Nathi has run a nationwide media campaign to locate shareholders who are owed dividends from…

JSE- and A2X-listed retailer Pepkor anticipates robust revenue growth for its FinTech division in its financial results for the year ending September 2024. Operating through its brands FLASH and Capfin, Pepkor has successfully expanded its presence in the financial services sector. In a recent trading update, Pepkor revealed that revenue in its FinTech segment surged by 26.8% to R12.7 billion for the year to September. The company attributes this strong performance to its ability to rapidly attract new customers through its extensive retail network, enabling growth in both financial services and mobile connectivity. Pepkor also highlighted its FLASH business, which…

Altron, a JSE-listed technology group, has reported a 10% increase in revenue for its Platforms Business, reaching R1.9 billion for the six months ending on 31 August 2024. The Platforms Business’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) grew by 37% to R776 million, while operating profit rose 47% to R415 million. Altron’s Platforms Business comprises Netstar, Altron FinTech, and Altron HealthTech. Valued at R7.6 billion on the JSE, Altron invested R359 million in capital expenditures during this period, dedicating R330 million to growth-focused initiatives. This investment includes R211 million allocated to Netstar’s capital rental devices and R65 million…

Phuthuma Nathi, MultiChoice’s broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) share scheme, is urging 18,000 shareholders to come forward and claim their uncollected dividends. With over R240 million in unclaimed dividends, Phuthuma Nathi is calling on eligible shareholders to secure their earnings and maximize the benefits of this empowerment initiative. Since 2020, Phuthuma Nathi has been running a nationwide media campaign to locate shareholders who are owed dividends from as far back as 2006. Despite significant progress, a large portion of these funds remains unclaimed. “We are determined to find these shareholders and ensure they receive what is rightfully theirs. We’ve been…

OM Bank will target customers earning between R5,000 and R80,000 per month, says CEO Ian Williamson, who described launching the bank as a “no-brainer” given Old Mutual’s extensive banking activities. “Our unsecured lending book is sitting at R16 billion. We have about 400,000 active transactional account users in our transactional banking solution, which we do under Bidvest,” Old Mutual CEO, Ian Williamson told Business Times. Old Mutual also offers a home loan product with SA Home Loans. “We have a lot of the components of banking… We have not brought those things together in one cohesive entity,” he added. The…

In a bid to grow its presence in South African townships, Takealot is recruiting 1,000 last-mile delivery drivers in Mpumalanga, with plans to expand nationwide, reports the Sunday Times Business Times. The initiative, launched in collaboration with the Mpumalanga provincial government, offers residents new opportunities in the ecommerce sector. “This is the second province where the project has been launched, [but] it will eventually reach the rest of the country,” says Tshepo Maramule, Takealot’s head of external affairs and public policy. “These drivers will not only work for Mr D, they will also deliver parcels to consumers from Takealot,” Maramule…

Payfast, a company owned by fintech operator Network International, is set to transform SA’s digital payment landscape by offering free Point of Sale (POS) devices to local merchants. Traditionally, small businesses owners or merchants had to purchase POS systems upfront or pay monthly rentals, plus transaction fees, to accept card and digital payments. Additionally, the POS device expands merchants’ revenue streams by enabling them to purchase airtime, data, lottery, and betting vouchers directly. Payfast is South Africa’s leading online and ecommerce payment service provider that enables digital payment solution for merchants, individuals, NPOs and businesses of all sizes . Its…