Author: Gugu Lourie
McDonald’s South Africa recognises that a change as little as reading a book can change a lot about a child’s future. Starting in the month of September, which marks Literacy Month, McDonald’s South Africa will be on a quest to donate over a million books to disadvantaged schools and Early Childhood Development Centres across the country. According to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, which evaluated the reading ability of 400,000 students globally in 2021, South Africa ranked last out of 57 countries assessed, with eight out of 10 South African school children struggling to read by the age…
In celebration of Deaf Awareness Month, the Neema Foundation for the Deaf has launched a WhatsApp Chatbot (number 060 019 1981), a groundbreaking platform designed to provide the Deaf community with real-time access to essential information. This innovative tool was developed with the support of African Bank and the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund1. “As a Foundation, we are committed to ensuring that the Deaf community is fully supported in every aspect of their lives,” said Itumeleng Motaung, Chairperson of the Neema Foundation for the Deaf. “This platform will provide crucial assistance to Deaf victims of GBV, offering…
Airbus has officially opened a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, further solidifying its presence in the region and accelerating the growth of Africa’s aviation ecosystem. This strategic hub will offer dedicated, hands-on support to regional airlines, improving operational efficiency and access to key resources, including maintenance and training. By nurturing local capabilities, the new centre will help airlines become more self-sufficient while uplifting the entire aviation industry and creating opportunities for the local workforce. Airbus’ expansion signals its commitment to empowering African aviation and fostering long-term industry growth across the continent. “With the rapid expansion of the…
TymeBank, one of the fastest-growing digital banks globally, has reported an 11.8% increase in customers, bringing its total to 9.5 million as of 30 June. The bank, owned by African Rainbow Capital Investments, boasts the largest cash-in and cash-out network in South Africa, thanks to partnerships with major retailers like Pick n Pay, Boxer, and The Foschini Group (TFG). Additionally, TymeBank revealed a 59% surge in deposits, reaching R6.5 billion, while merchant credit advances climbed to R1.8 billion. The bank’s diverse range of banking products offers customers excellent value, creating multiple avenues for growth. With technology driving operational efficiency, TymeBank’s…
Microsoft has announced another wave of retrenchments, with 650 positions being cut from its gaming division, according to an internal memo from Xbox head Phil Spencer, obtained by IGN. The retrenchments primarily impact corporate and support roles within the division, with Spencer emphasizing that the decision was made to position the company for “long-term success.” In the memo, Spencer reassured staff that no games, devices, or experiences are being scrapped, and no studios are slated for closure as a result of these retrenchments. This latest round of cuts brings the total number of job losses in Microsoft’s gaming sector to…
Talk360, the international calling app, has raised $1.4 million or R25 million in a Pre-Series A funding round, led by long-term investor Havaic. The funds will support the company’s goal of connecting seven million people by 2025 and advancing toward profitability. “We’re incredibly proud of Talk360’s growth. Over the past two years, we’ve gone from connecting 2.3 million users to 4 million in 2023. This funding will help us continue our mission of connecting African migrant communities with their families back home,” says Hans Osnabrugge, co-founder and CEO of Talk360. Talk360, a South African and Dutch calling app, allows affordable…
FNB’s virtual cards are gaining popularity among customers. Virtual debit cards work like regular debit cards but are entirely digital and offer greater security and privacy. They allow for convenient payments anytime, anywhere, without the need for a physical card. FirstRand, which owns FNB, released its financial results for the year ending 30 June 2024. FNB continues to invest in its integrated financial services platform, enabling customers to handle most of their banking needs digitally. The platform offers both assisted (e.g. call centres and branches) and unassisted (mobile and online banking, FNB app, ATMs) interfaces. Key highlights for the year…
On Thursday, 19 September 2024, ICASA will host public hearings to review Cell C’s request to transfer control of its licences to The Prepaid Company (TPC). ICASA published this on a notice in the Government Gazette. In December 2023, Icasa announced Cell C’s request to transfer its I-ECS, I-ECNS, and spectrum licences to The Prepaid Company (TPC), a Blue Label Telecoms subsidiary and Cell C’s largest shareholder. On 6 December 2023, Icasa published a notice in Government Gazette No. 49831 regarding Cell C’s applications to transfer its licences. The notice invited written responses from interested parties within 14 working days.…
Omnisient, a leader in privacy-preserving data collaboration, has been awarded the globally recognised Finovate 2024 Excellence in Financial Inclusion Award. Omnisient was the only African fintech to be recognised as a leader in its category. The US-based award honours both established institutions and rising stars that have made significant strides in delivering innovative and impactful products and services to the financial services sector. Each winner was selected from a group of finalists that have each demonstrated exceptional contributions to society and developed groundbreaking solutions that have reshaped the fintech landscape. The Excellence in Financial Inclusion award specifically honours institutions that are…
JSE-listed South African casino and hotel group Sun International announced today that its online betting platform, Sunbet, continues its exceptional growth trajectory and is exceeding its targets. Sun International informed investors that Sunbet’s overall income was up 71.8% for the six months to 30 June 2024, reaching R512 million and delivering a record adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), pre-management fees, of R170 million, an increase of 88.9% compared to the prior period. Sunbet’s active players continued to grow, with additional games being offered and the overall player experience being enhanced. “While customer acquisition is key, retention…