Author: Gugu Lourie

MTN Nigeria has seen strong growth in both FinTech subscribers and active data users for the year to end-December 2021. The company reported today that active FinTech subscribers rose by 4.8 million to 9.4 million, while active data users increased by 1.7 million to 34.3 million. FinTech revenue rose by 57.3% due to sustained growth in the use of Xtratime product and broader FinTech services by our customers. “Our FinTech business continued to gain traction with approximately 770k registered mobile money (MoMo) agents and active users more than doubling to 9.4 million,” MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, said. “This provides…

THEFinTech business of retailer Pepkor, previously Steinhoff Africa Retail, reported a decline in revenues for the three months ended December 2021. Pepkor informed investors today that its FinTech business saw a 9.9% drop in revenues to R2.1 billion for the quarter. The company attributed the decline to the FLASH business where a deliberate change in product composition resulted in income now being recognised as net commission versus full transaction value as determined by International Financial Reporting Standards. “This change forms an integral part of the FLASH strategy to increase profitability and grow its basket of products and options to improve trader and customer…

Transaction Capital, the owner of SA Taxi, on Tuesday, revealed plans to import some electric taxis to assess their viability as the first step in what will likely be a medium- to long-term project. SA Taxi is vertically integrated minibus taxi platform using specialist capabilities, enriched proprietary data and technology to provide developmental finance, insurance and other services to empower small- and medium-sized minibus taxi operators The JSE-listed group said while its direct impact on the natural environment is low, its indirect impacts in SA Taxi are significant in the sale and refurbishment of minibus taxis to service the minibus…

Global retailer Walmart appears to be getting serious about exploring metaverse with plans to create its own cryptocurrency and collection of NFTs. According to a report in CNBC, Walmart has filed several new trademarks late December 2021 indicating its plans to make and sell virtual goods, including electronics, home decorations, toys, sporting goods and personal care products. In a separate filing, CNBC said the company would offer users virtual currency, as well as NFTs. In a statement to CNBC, Walmart said it is “continuously exploring how emerging technologies may shape future shopping experiences.” It declined to comment on the specific…

BMW says more than one in ten MINI customers opted for the fully-electric MINI: the MINI Cooper SE, which sold 34,851 units in 2021. The MINI brand delivered 302,144 vehicles to customers last year – 3.3% more than in 2020. Around 17% of these vehicles had an electrified drive train. More than one in ten MINI customers opted for the fully-electric MINI: the MINI Cooper SE (34,851 units). The MINI Electric is the MINI family’s highest-volume model and was a driving force for the brand in 2021, delivering growth of 98.2% worldwide. “With a planned realignment of the model range,…

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is on a major recruitment drive, targeting to hire 250 new call centre service agents. On Monday (27 March), the revenue service announced that it was looking to hire vibrant, energetic and driven individuals to join its call centre team who makes customer happiness their mission in life and create awesome moments of their speciality. SARS is hiring for its offices in Bellville – Cape Town, Durban – KZN, Doringkloof – Centurion or Alberton – Johannesburg. “With your expertise, help ensure that each taxpayer who deals with us has an exceptional experience,” said SARS.…

MTN South Africa says Telecom Italia executive Michele Gamberini will become its new Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO). His appointment is effective 1 February 2022. Gamberini joins MTN from Telecom Italia (TIM Group) where he gained 25 years of experience across the business at TIM Italy and most recently in the position of Global Group CTIO. Having worked in Italy, Spain, Greece and supported Brazilian technological choices, Gamberini had the unique experience of preparing the network evolution ahead of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. He holds a master’s degree in electronics engineering. MTN SA’s Chief Executive Officer, Charles…

MTN South Africa announced today it has appointed insider Megan Nicholas as MD for Supersonic, the network provider’s fibre and broadband internet service provider. Her appointment is effective 01 January 2022. Currently, General Manager for Residential at MTN South Africa, Nicholas’s internal appointment is a strategic move from MTN to ensure continuous customer growth in the residential market, of which MTN aspires to own 30% market share across all technologies by 2025. “Residential broadband delivery is a critical strategic focus, as we work to bring our superior network and service into more of our customer’s homes. This battle for the…

JSE-listed niche business bank and asset manager Sasfin has announced that Angela Pillay has resigned as the company’s financial director. The financial services group said Pillay had tendered her resignation to pursue other endeavours. Pillay will serve a three-month notice period until 8 April 2022 and the board will commence with a process to find an appropriate successor immediately. Shareholders will be kept informed in this regard, said Sasfin Pillay has been the financial director of Sasfin since 2018. “The Board would like to thank Angela for her dedication, hard work and commitment over the past few years and wish her…

With BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink being presented at CES 2022, BMW is offering the prospect of a future technology that uses digitisation to also adapt the exterior of a vehicle to different situations and individual wishes. The surface of the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink can vary its shade at the driver’s prompting. The innovative E Ink technology opens completely new ways of changing the vehicle’s appearance in line with the driver’s aesthetic preferences, the environmental conditions or even functional requirements. The technology thus offers unprecedented potential for personalisation in the area of exterior design. The BMW…