Author: Gugu Lourie

HERMANUS, Western Cape – In a compelling address that balanced ambition with caution, Dr. Mmaki Jantjies, Telkom’s Group Executive for Innovation & Transformation and Chairperson of SATNAC 2025, issued an urgent call for responsible innovation, stressing that Africa’s digital progress must not come at the expense of its people or planet. Speaking at the Southern Africa Telecommunications Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC), Dr. Jantjies grounded the event’s high-tech theme, “Africa’s Ascent: Towards a Sustainable and Resilient Future,” in the continent’s stark realities of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. She argued that technology’s value is only realised when it directly addresses these foundational challenges. “As…

HERMANUS, Western Cape – In a keynote that reframed Africa’s position in the global tech space, Telkom Group CEO Serame Taukobong declared that the continent holds a crucial ethical compass for the development of artificial intelligence (AI). Speaking at the opening of the Southern Africa Telecommunications Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) 2025, which Telkom is hosting, Taukobong argued that Africa’s unique cultural richness and principle of Ubuntu must guide the future of intelligent systems. Taukobong’s address, delivered without the 25-page presentation prepared for him, struck a resonant chord with industry leaders, policymakers, and academics gathered under the theme “Africa’s Ascent: Towards…

In a dramatic reversal of fortune, Eskom has announced the successful conclusion of its 2022-2025 Board’s term, a period marked by a historic financial and operational turnaround. The board, appointed during the utility’s most challenging period, is credited with laying the foundation for a stable, profitable, and investable Eskom. Eskom Chairman of the Board, Mteto Nyati, reflected on a term defined by difficult decisions, steadfast governance and a recovery that has fundamentally reshaped Eskom. “Reviving Eskom was never a simple task, but one of national importance. The obstacles were significant, yet through the Board’s firm planning and governance and Exco’s…

Samsung becomes the official mobile and consumer electronics partner for SA Rugby’s national teams and the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC), aiming to fuse cutting-edge Galaxy technology with the passion of the game. In a major move for South African sports and tech, Samsung has officially joined forces with SA Rugby. The new partnership, effective from September for the Vodacom URC and October for the Springboks, designates Samsung as the official mobile and consumer electronics partner across all national teams and the prestigious league. The two-year agreement is positioned as a strategic alliance focused on enhancing performance and revolutionizing the…

In a move set to democratise mobile innovation, Huge TNS, a subsidiary of JSE-listed Huge Group Limited, has launched a new MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) capability designed to break the high-cost, high-complexity model that has long reserved the market for major banks and national retailers. This breakthrough means that, for the first time, South African organisations of any size can embed mobile connectivity directly into their services and customer activities. They can do this without the need for significant capital investment, lengthy implementation timelines, or the technical complexity ordinarily associated with building an MVNO from scratch. The proposition is…

In a bold move to reinvent itself, the South African Post Office (SAPO) is officially opening its doors to strategic partners, with plans to launch a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), a network of e-commerce pick-up points, and even lease its building rooftops for telecom towers. This initiative, driven by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), marks a fundamental shift for the embattled state-owned entity as it attempts to pivot from a traditional mail service to a modern, hybrid logistics and digital platform provider. The DCDT has published a Request for Information (RFI), inviting private and public sector…

Telkom Consumer has reported robust financial performance for the six months to end September 2025, revealing a clear winning formula: its prepaid segment and data-led strategy are the twin engines driving substantial growth. For the 11th consecutive quarter, the mobile business has achieved market-leading service revenue growth, with operating revenue climbing 6.4% to R14.25 billion. The numbers emphasises a successful penetration of the mass market. Total mobile subscribers grew by 7.7% to 24.5 million, fuelled by a 9% jump in prepaid subscribers to 21.6 million. More critically, the mobile data subscriber base exploded by 26.7% to 18.5 million, now representing…

In a clear demonstration of strategic execution, Telkom has published robust financial results for the six months ended 30 September 2025. The figures reveal a company successfully monetizing its extensive network infrastructure, transforming its data-led strategy into sustained profit growth and a remarkable surge in its mobile,. fibre and IT businesses. The Group’s commitment to delivering quality earnings is reflected across key metrics. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 7.4%, a key indicator of improved operational performance. The EBITDA margin strengthened by 1.0 percentage point to 27.2%, slightly above the top end of the group’s medium-term…

Vodacom Group has announced a key agreement with Starlink, the world’s largest satellite broadband provider, to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to millions of businesses across Africa and to expand rural network coverage. A key requirement for the service to launch in South Africa, and other markets, is the completion of individual regulatory approvals. Asked in which markets would this partnership apply, a  Vodacom spokesperson stated: “We aim to launch these services across our footprint once individual regulatory approvals are completed, including South Africa. “Individual market announcements will be made as and when the requisite approvals are obtained. “The master agreement…

While the world accelerates into an AI-driven future, a profound connectivity gap threatens to leave Africa behind. But looking closer, the blueprint for continental digital transformation isn’t found in foreign boardrooms. It was written right here, in South Africa, through Telkom’s decades-long journey to build the backbone of our digital economy. Africa faces a stark reality of only 38% of Africans being connected. The reasons are complex – prohibitive device costs, fragmented regulation, and infrastructural deserts. But the consequence is simple to understand. Without connectivity, Africa cannot compete. I believe Telkom’s transformation offers a great case study. It appears that…

In a landmark move set to redefine the nation’s financial landscape, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has officially become a 50% shareholder in PayInc, the company formerly known as BankservAfrica. This strategic investment, finalised on 11 November 2025, transforms PayInc into a national payments utility and marks a pivotal step in the country’s payments modernization journey. The transaction establishes a unique public-private partnership, jointly owned by the central bank and South Africa’s major commercial banks. This new structure is designed to build a more secure, efficient, and inclusive digital payments ecosystem, aiming to enable greater economic participation for all…

A2X Markets has welcomed the Competition Commission’s landmark decision to recommend referring allegations of anti-competitive behaviour by the JSE to the Competition Tribunal. This follows a comprehensive, three-year industry-wide investigation. For over a century, a single player has dominated South Africa’s equity market. Kevin Brady, CEO of A2X, states the consequences are clear: “fewer listings, stagnant liquidity, and rising costs that deter both issuers and investors.” Said Brady, “We believe this referral validates what we have been saying: that South Africa’s financial markets have been held back by the JSE’s anti-competitive practices that ultimately harm investors, listed companies and competitor…

The humming of a laptop fan was the only sound in the small bedroom on a farm in East London, South Africa. The farm was a world away from the famed innovation hub, Silicon Valley, but for a young Jadon Moerdyk, it was a launchpad. Fast forward to today, and that persistent laptop humming has become the underlying rhythm of RemodelBoom, a multi-national performance marketing agency driving tens of millions in revenue for nearly 300 US home-improvement brands. At 27, Moerdyk isn’t just selling home renovations; he’s selling a radical new blueprint for the modern company. His success story is…

Vodacom Group has announced resilient set of interim results, demonstrating robust financial health as headline earnings per share (HEPS) – South Africa’s main profit gauge – umped 32.3% to 467 cents. This impressive growth came even after the company absorbed a one-off cost related to settling the longstanding “Please Call Me” case. The telecom giant’s diversified portfolio, particularly its explosive growth in Egypt and its financial services arm, proved to be the primary engines for this performance. Vodacom’s strategic investments outside its home market of South Africa paid significant dividends. Its operation in Egypt was a standout performer, posting a…

In a move that closes one of the most protracted chapters in South African tech history, Vodacom Group has reached an out-of-court settlement with Nkosana Makate, the inventor of the “Please Call Me” service. Shareholders were notified that on 4 November 2025, the Vodacom Board approved a settlement agreement, finally drawing a line under the 25-year-old dispute. The announcement signals a strategic decision to avoid further legal appeals and secure closure for both parties. “The parties are glad that finality has been reached in this regard,” the statement read, marking a stark contrast to the years of litigation that saw…

In a strategic move, LLH Capital, the investment vehicle of veteran leaders Romeo Kumalo and Gil Oved, has significantly sold down its stake in AI fintech Optasia during its unicorn-status IPO on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The near-$1.3 billion listing, the largest in Africa this year, provides LLH Capital with a massive capital infusion to accelerate its high-impact investment strategy across the continent. This strategic exit from Optasia, a company providing financial inclusion in emerging markets, emphasises a proven track record of successful exits for the duo, following ventures like Smart Call, Ozow, and Bottles. With capital now unlocked and…

Cell C Holdings has announced its intention to list its shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The listing will be done through a private placement of existing shares by The Prepaid Company (TPC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blue Label Telecoms. The move is subject to JSE approval and market conditions. .”The decision to pursue a listing on the JSE marks a significant and exciting step in Cell C’s growth story,” Jorge Mendes, Chief Executive Officer of Cell C, stated: “While Cell C is already owned by a listed entity and has operated within that framework, the separate listing of the…

Optasia, a global leader in AI-powered fintech, has officially commenced trading on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in a landmark listing that underscores its mission to drive financial inclusion in emerging economies. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) was a resounding success, priced at the top of its range at R19 per share. The offering was several times oversubscribed by both South African and international institutional investors, raising R6.5 billion ($375 million). This implies a market capitalisation of R23.5 billion based on the 1,235,061,843 ordinary shares in issue. Optasia now trades on the JSE’s Main Board under the share code OPA.…

A historic climb proves electric vehicles can master the world’s toughest terrain. This landmark ascent was powered entirely by a solar-powered charger, setting a new standard for sustainable adventure. In a landmark moment for electric mobility, the all-electric Volvo EX30 Cross Country has become the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) to conquer South Africa’s legendary and brutal Sani Pass. This feat, achieved 56 years after the first Volvo completed the climb, shatters the myth that EVs lack the capability for extreme, rugged adventure. The milestone is amplified by the use of South Africa’s highest solar-powered EV charger, installed by CHARGE at…

In a major strategic move to dominate the Zambian financial sector, FirstRand has announced a definitive agreement to acquire the wealth and retail banking business of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia PLC. This landmark deal is a direct execution of FirstRand’s plan to aggressively scale its broader Africa portfolio. The acquisition will see FNB Zambia, which launched as a greenfield operation 16 years ago, absorb a massive ZMW 5.2bn in customer deposits, ZMW 1.6bn in loans, and a formidable ZMW 3.8bn in wealth assets under management. The transaction also includes a transfer of physical assets—from ATMs to branch properties—and key employees.…

Airtel Africa has reported robust financial results for the half year ended 30 September 2025, with its mobile money service, Airtel Money, emerging as an engine of growth and customer acquisition. The division’s annualised transaction value surged past $193 billion as its customer base accelerated towards the 50 million mark. The telecom and fintech group saw constant currency revenue growth of 24.5%, reaching $2,9  billion. This performance was significantly bolstered by Airtel Money, which delivered a 30.2% constant currency revenue increase. The service is now a core pillar of the company’s strategy, driving digital adoption and deepening financial inclusion across…

Balwin Properties has demonstrated the tangible financial benefits of its green building strategy, with its dedicated sustainable utilities arm, Balwin Green Living, delivering over R4.6 million in direct savings to homeowners through its solar energy installations. The initiative, which provides metering and sustainable utility solutions to body corporates, is a core component of Balwin’s commitment to environmentally conscious development. The JSE-listed company announced that the solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays deployed across its developments have generated 1.7 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable energy in the recent interim period. This significant energy production directly translates to lower electricity costs for residents, even while…

In a strategic move to solidify its high-growth technology segment, Balwin Properties has announced a major restructuring of its fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) business, Balwin Information and Communication Technology Proprietary Limited (Balwin ICT). Effective 1 March 2025, Balwin Annuity has entered into a subscription agreement that increases the shareholding of its non-controlling interest partner to 50%, valuing the transaction at R73.8 million. Crucially, Balwin Annuity will retain operational control of the subsidiary, ensuring strategic alignment with the wider group’s objectives while deepening the commercial partnership. The deal emphasises the immense value Balwin places on its fibre assets, which are a cornerstone of…

Telkom Group has been named the 2025 South African Winner for Best Corporate in Investor Relations (Small Cap) by the prestigious Extel surveys. The award was presented at the inaugural Investor Relations Society of South Africa (IRSSA) Awards at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, recognising Telkom’s superior transparency and strategic engagement with the investment community. The victory is significant, as Telkom was judged against other respected South African corporates, including Pick n Pay, Spar, AVI, and African Rainbow Minerals. The Extel Awards are a global benchmark for IR excellence, evaluating companies on rigorous criteria such as financial disclosure, ESG engagement, and…

Axiz has entered into a distribution agreement with Object First, the company behind the Ootbi (Out-of-the-Box Immutability) appliance, and founded by Veeam founders Ratmir Timashev and Andrei Baronov. The partnership will provide African organisations with enhanced data protection for Veeam backups. The agreement covers more than 25 countries across southern, eastern, and western Africa, including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia. Through this partnership, Veeam partners and customers in these regions can now procure Object First appliances via Axiz. Ootbi is designed to protect backup data against ransomware and other cyber threats. Its architecture prevents destructive…