Author: Gugu Lourie
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…