Author: Gugu Lourie
Agri Business Network and FutureFarm today announced the launch of AgRetail on the FutureFarm platform. The AgRetail mission is to lower the cost of inputs for South African farmers. Using the FutureFarm web and mobile app, AgRetail farmer members enjoy the revolutionary convenience and transparency of comparing prices and buying commodity inputs at the push of a button. A range of Diesel, Crop Protection and Fertilizer inputs are available from launch. AgRetail is FREE and easy to join and a limited number of memberships are available during the startup phase of the venture. Gerhard Kriel, CEO of Agri Business Network…
Vodacom Group on Monday disclosed a 10.8% decline in full-year earnings, citing setbacks from Ethiopia start-up losses, increased finance and energy expenses, and inflationary forces. The company, majority-owned by Britain’s Vodafone Group, said headline earnings per share (HEPS) dropped to R8.46 in the year ended 31 March, versus R9.48 a year earlier. In 2022, Vodacom co-launched Safaricom Ethiopia in partnership with a consortium, banking on the potential growth of the populous nation. Vodacom holds a direct 5.7% stake in the venture. “A combination of start-up losses in Ethiopia, higher finance and energy costs, the impact of absorbing inflationary pressures, and…
Design is a dynamic discipline. Take, for instance, the humble automobile. Today’s vehicles look exceedingly different to those of years gone by, having evolved in dimensions, proportions, ergonomics and indeed overall styling. The global automotive market’s inevitable shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) has accelerated this usually fairly gradual change, since dedicated flat-floor platforms (as opposed to underpinnings created to accommodate internal combustion engines) have afforded designers far greater freedom. It’s a similar case inside, though perhaps for other reasons. Yes, the modern car’s uncluttered dashboard is a far cry from the button-festooned facias of vehicles from just a few short…
In a time where dedication to groundbreaking technological advancements that tackle local issues is central to the global business scene, it’s crucial to recognise the trailblazers who reshape entire industries. Joanna Govender, a South African executive serving as CEO of EPF Tech Fund and Empire Partner Foundation, has been recognised with a 2024 Global Recognition Award for her significant achievements in merging technology with social impact through her leadership at EPF and EPF Tech Fund. Global Recognition Awards is an international organisation that recognises exceptional companies and individuals who have significantly contributed to their industry. Their awards are highly regarded and sought…
South Africa’s sophisticated banking system has allowed consumers to opt into multiple payment methods, all suited to their lifestyles and personal choices. The Mastercard 2022 survey found that 95% of South African consumers used ‘at least one digital payment method, while the National Treasury announced that it was promoting cashless payment methods for low-value payments with tap and go cards. Woolworths announced it was going cashless in its WCcafé’s and FNB said cashless payments in 2023 accounted for 50% of its card payments. The ability to tap and go makes life easier and more convenient, but Richard Frost, Product Head…
Shoprite Group recently opened its 20th UNIQ clothing shop at Sandton City Shopping Centre and promises to open another 20 shops by 2024. Last month, Shoprite Group-owned clothing brand UNIQ by Checkers opened another shop at the brand new Linton’s Mall in Pretoria East – making it the 20th shop since the launch of UNIQ in 2023. The company intends to open new shops in regional malls, regional shopping centres and very select premium shopping centres. The new clothing shops under the UNIQ brand have been planned with RFID-based self-service checkouts instead of traditional checkouts. This will provide customers with…
French media group Canal+ announced today that it has acquired more shares in MultiChoice, the operator of Africa’s biggest pay-TV operator DStv. Canal+ has acquired in on/off market transactions, a further 3,868,391 MultiChoice shares, as follows: On Thursday, 25 April 2024, Canal+ acquired 1,001,970 MultiChoice Shares in on/off market transactions for an average consideration of ZAR 118.05 per MultiChoice Share On Friday, 26 April 2024, Canal+ acquired 630,132 MultiChoice Shares in on/off market transactions for an average consideration of ZAR 119.11 per MultiChoice Share On Monday, 29 April 2024, Canal+ acquired 1,287,091 MultiChoice Shares in on/off market transactions for an…
As we approach June 2024, we’re on the brink of commemorating three decades of fostering connections and driving meaningful value,” shares Mcebisi Jonas, Group Chairman. He wrote in the group’s latest annual report published today, stating: “As we continue to navigate the macro-challenges in our trading environment, we reflect with both pride and humility on the progress of the business over the past three decades. “This has been powered by the dedication and resilience of MTNers, as well as the support of so many different people and institutions, including customers, governments and regulators, investors, suppliers and civil society. This embodies…
In 2023, the salary of MTN CEO Ralph Mupita experienced a noteworthy surge, reaching a staggering R80.3 million. This increase amounted to an additional R11 million compared to previous earnings, marking a significant development in his compensation package. Mupita received dual salaries, one in US dollars and the other in rands, as explained by MTN. This arrangement stemmed from his dual contract split between MTN Dubai and MTN Group Management Services South Africa. The telecommunications group listed on the JSE disclosed in its integrated annual report, released today, that Mupita’s total “earned” remuneration, encompassing salaries, pension, short-term incentives, and vested…
In 2023, Sungrow – the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider – saw a remarkable surge in operating revenue, soaring by 79.5% to reach an impressive $10.2 billion. Simultaneously, its net profit attributable to shareholders surged significantly by 162.7% to $1.3 billion. These figures highlight Sungrow’s outstanding performance and substantial growth during the year. This robust growth was primarily attributed to the company’s expanding customer base and increasing market share in key regions. The company experienced a remarkable surge in PV inverter shipments, surpassing 130GW, signaling a widespread adoption of solar energy worldwide. Additionally, Sungrow’s sales of…