Author: Gugu Lourie

The Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team is bringing fans closer than ever to the thrill of F1 racing with the launch of cutting-edge motion simulators, created in collaboration with Memento Exclusives, a leading memorabilia specialist in Motorsport Valley. These high-tech simulators replicate the feeling of racing Aston Martin’s iconic cars around legendary circuits, utilizing advanced motion technology for an ultra-immersive experience. Designed with input from the race team at Silverstone, each simulator features haptic actuators, front pivot configuration, and haptic rumble feedback, allowing gamers and racing enthusiasts to feel every twist, turn, and rumble just like a real F1 car.…

Today, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, addressed the critical need for a dual approach that intertwines renewable energy with digital infrastructure to secure a prosperous digital future for South Africa and the African continent. Speaking at  One & Only Resort in Cape Town, the Ministerial Forum 2024, themed “Building a Prosperous, Inclusive, and Sustainable Digital & Intelligent Africa,” Malatsi emphasised that Africa’s digital progress hinges on sustainability, inclusivity, and the accessibility of resources. “We stand at a crossroads where the choices we make will either narrow or deepen divides,” Malatsi remarked. “Digital transformation must serve as a…

Vodacom Group announced on Monday that on 7 October 2024, Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), represented by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), awarded Vodafone Egypt a 5G licence at a cost of $150 million, or approximately R2.6 billion. Additionally, Vodafone Egypt extended its existing licences for five more years, now valid until 2039, for an additional $17 million or R264 million. The total amount of $167 million, or about R2.9 billion, is due for payment by 31 January 2025. This development follows Egypt’s recent economic challenges; as of May 2024, the country has been placed on…

JSE-listed retailer Woolworths announced on Monday that online sales rose 36.9%, contributing 6.2% of Food sales, driven largely by its on-demand service, Woolies Dash. For the 18 weeks ending 3 November 2024, Woolies Dash reported an impressive 54.4% sales growth. Woolworths highlighted that its Food segment continues to deliver market-leading turnover and concession sales growth, with a 12.1% increase and a comparable-store growth of 7.3%, reinforcing customer trust in the Woolies brand. “This was driven by positive underlying volume growth on improved availability, ongoing innovation, and our enhanced overall value proposition,” said Woolworths. “Excluding Absolute Pets, which was acquired in…

Vodacom Group reported on Monday that its headline earnings per share (HEPS) dropped by 19.4%, reaching 353 cents for the six months ending September 2024. HEPS is a key measure of profitability in South Africa. The decline in HEPS was largely attributed to the depreciation of the Ethiopian currency, which impacted earnings by 53 cents per share, as well as one-off costs in the company’s international operations. Despite the drop in profits, Vodacom maintained its strong dividend policy, declaring an interim dividend of 285 cents per share, which represents an 86% payout ratio. “The group’s dividend policy remains unchanged and…

On International Day of Radiology, Life Healthcare is spotlighting the critical role of PET-CT scans in cancer diagnosis and treatment, urging for their wider adoption across South Africa. PET-CT technology, which combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT), provides a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, offering precise imaging that can enhance treatment outcomes. Life Healthcare is advocating for the integration of PET-CT scans into standard clinical practice across South Africa, highlighting that broader access to this technology could greatly enhance patient outcomes. “This cutting-edge technology is revolutionising the way we detect and manage cancer, offering significant…

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…