Author: Gugu Lourie
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a $6 million fine against Steve Kramer, who has confessed to orchestrating the fake call sent to thousands of people in New Hampshire on the eve of the state’s January primary. Kramer used used voice-cloning tech to impersonate President Biden in a series of illegal robocalls. According to NPR, Kramer has also been indicted on criminal charges in four New Hampshire counties, including 13 counts of voter suppression, a felony, and 13 counts of impersonating a candidate, a misdemeanour. In a statement, the FCC proposed a substantial fine for apparently illegal robocalls made using deepfake, AI-generated voice…
Tech giant Google has revealed plans to construct a new fibre optic cable called Umoja, aimed at enhancing internet connectivity by linking Africa to Australia. The ambitious project underscores Google’s commitment to bolstering digital infrastructure across the African continent. This is the first ever fibre optic route to directly connect Africa with Australia. Anchored in Kenya, the Umoja cable route will pass through Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, including the Google Cloud region, before crossing the Indian Ocean to Australia. Umoja’s terrestrial path was built in collaboration with Liquid Technologies to form a highly…
Kagiso Trust is set to broaden the reach of its highly successful coding and robotics pilot programme, extending its benefits to more schools across the Free State Province. Following the positive outcomes and enthusiastic reception of the initial pilot, Kagiso Trust aims to empower a larger number of students with essential digital skills, fostering innovation and enhancing educational outcomes in the region. This expansion represents a significant step forward in equipping young learners with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. On April 11, 2024, a graduation awards ceremony celebrated the success of a pilot programme…
For years, Africa has been the dumping ground for inferior used cars from abroad. South Africa outlaws the importation of used vehicles. But each year around 30,000 illegal used car imports (often referred to as ‘grey imports’) leak into South Africa, coming from countries that import second-hand vehicles like SA’s landlocked neighbours Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini (Swaziland), revealed Gary Scott: CEO of KIA South Africa. He was speaking at the AutoTrader Dealer Convention in April, where key industry players discussed illegal used car imports and their impact on South Africa. By circumventing official channels, these illegal used car imports evade taxes…
Driving through the streets of Johannesburg, the Volvo EX30 consistently impressed during a test drive. Quick Verdict The EX30 offers a delightful driving experience, and its minimalist interior exudes refinement and uniqueness. Reasonably priced, the EX30 comes with a comprehensive array of standard safety features and equipment, making it a compelling choice. With impressive performance and a competitive electric driving range, this battery-powered Volvo model truly stands out. Tailored for the modern urban lifestyle, the EX30 is a compact luxury car that ticks all the boxes. The Volvo EX30 – a discreet yet thrilling hot hatch alternative – caters to those who…
Used car sales grew 7% year-on-year in April 2024 with total sales amounting to R11.7 billion. While this looks to indicate a market that might be slowly recovering, the fewer public holidays in April this year does not perhaps reflect an accurate comparison. In the used car market, Volkswagen retained its second spot behind Toyota despite losing that position to Suzuki in the new vehicle market. Toyota led sales with 4,929 units ahead of Volkswagen’s sales of 3,903, and Ford sales of 2,943. Though still some way behind VW, Suzuki gained two positions in April, moving from ninth position to…
Curiosity often surrounds the compensation packages of top executives, particularly in publicly traded companies. In this context, Balwin Properties, a prominent player listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), is no exception. At the helm of this successful property group is Steve Brookes, the company’s CEO and founder. Understanding the financial remuneration of such a key figure can provide valuable insights into the company’s priorities and financial health. So, just how much is Balwin Properties paying Brookes? Today, the company published its 2024 annual report that disclosed the salaries of the company’s executives. The company revealed that Brrokes was paid…
Balwin, a national specialist in developing large-scale sectional title estates for South Africa’s growing low-to-middle income population, continues to equip its apartments with fibre connectivity. These apartments are designed to appeal to a diverse range of home buyers, including first-time buyers, young professionals, young families, older families, retirees, and buy-to-let investors. Each apartment features modern fitted kitchens, prepaid water and solar-assisted electricity, eco-friendly fittings and appliances, and is fibre-enabled. Balwin generates annuity income through its subsidiary, Balwin Fibre, which provides high-speed fibre connectivity to homeowners within its estates. Today, Balwin announced that continued growth of the Balwin Fibre annuity business…
Checkers Sixty60 is beta testing the new and improved version of its app, enabling customers to shop for over 10 000 larger Hyper products, with same day delivery scheduled within a 60-minute time slot. With a new fleet of eye-catching Hyper delivery vans, Checkers Sixty60’s product offering now extends beyond groceries to include larger items, ranging from camping and outdoor gear to small appliances, baby products, toys, kitchen and home electronics, gardening and pool equipment – all at supermarket prices. Delivery is free during beta testing and will remain free for Xtra Savings Plus subscribers. “We’re confident that the next…
Volkswagen is making significant strides in enhancing the technical learning experience at Kariega High School. By providing essential resources and support, the automotive giant is ensuring that students have access to cutting-edge technology and educational tools. The initiative not only aims to improve the quality of education but also prepares students for future careers in the ever-evolving technological landscape. The nature of work is evolving rapidly, with many traditional jobs being automated or augmented by technology. To equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age, it is imperative that technology and automation are…