Author: Gugu Lourie

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…

The heart of eMalahleni is poised for a dramatic transformation with the announcement of Jumbo Mall, a 37,000m² retail development designed to be a modern community hub. Developed by New Africa Developments (NAD) with funding from Investec, the project, scheduled for a March 2026 opening, represents one of the most significant commercial investments in the Blesboklaagte area. It aims to bring a tech-forward, sustainable, and comprehensive shopping experience to a region ripe for growth. A Strategic Partnership for a Landmark Project This milestone project signals a deepened collaboration between NAD, a specialist retail developer, and financial powerhouse Investec. While the…

In a recent alert, Sharenet has issued a critical warning to investors: scammers are impersonating Sharenet staff on Telegram. These fraudsters are using fake names and profile images to promote fraudulent investment opportunities and offer unauthorized financial advice. How the Scam Works The impersonators create fake accounts on Telegram, posing as Sharenet employees. They may reach out to unsuspecting individuals, promising high-return investment opportunities or offering financial guidance. Their goal is to steal money, personal information, or sensitive investment details. Sharenet emphasizes that these scammers have no affiliation with the company, its products, or its employees. In their official statement,…

In the heart of South Africa’s townships, a quiet revolution is brewing. The nation’s tavern sector, worth an estimated R40 billion to R60 billion a year and comprising more than 34,000 licensed tavern owners, is finally going digital. For decades, these vital community hubs have operated on a basis of cash and manual record-keeping. But now, fintech solutions are sweeping in, transforming these cash-only businesses into digitally-enabled engines of growth. Bridging the Digital Divide The scale of the opportunity is massive.  “Taverns play a central role in township life, offering social hubs to the community and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs,” says…

Zimbali Lakes is riding a wave of unprecedented momentum, shattering its own sales records while securing  R1.2 billion reinvestment from its master developer, IFA Hotels & Resorts (IFAHR). This vote of confidence is fuelling the rapid acceleration of the estate’s most ambitious components, from a members-only supercar vault to a signature Ernie Els golf course, cementing its status as KwaZulu-Natal’s premier luxury address. The figures speak to an unrivalled market surge: R280 million in sales recorded in the first nine months of 2025 alone, marking the highest sales period in the estate’s history. With only 161 land opportunities remaining, demand…

A massive R660-million infrastructure investment is set to transform connectivity across Southern Gauteng, with Vodacom launching new sites and expanding its 5G footprint to bridge the digital divide. Vodacom Southern Gauteng is reinforcing its commitment to the region with a massive financial injection of over R660 million this financial year. The investment is strategically targeted at accelerating 4G and 5G rollouts, expanding coverage to underserved communities, and future-proofing the network against growing data demands and power challenges. The ambitious plan includes the deployment of 67 new base stations across key areas including Springs, Brakpan, Germiston, Tembisa, Soweto, and Alexandra. Simultaneously,…

Enartis, a world leader in oenological products and technologies, has announced the signing of a preliminary agreement to acquire 100% of Parsec, an Italian centre of excellence renowned for its advanced, integrated control systems for the wine sector. The strategic agreement, which is pending Italian regulatory approval, is a great step towards creating a unified technology platform that manages the entire winemaking process, from grape reception to bottling. The integration of Enartis and Parsec will create a global player capable of offering wineries worldwide a complete and smart management of their production processes. This synergy combines Enartis’s cutting-edge oenological solutions…

South Africa’s cryptocurrency revolution is accelerating, with platform Luno signing up more than 530,000 new customers in the past year, pushing its local user base to over 6.3 million. New data from the exchange paints a picture of a market rapidly maturing beyond Bitcoin speculation into sophisticated investing, everyday payments, and passive income generation. xStocks and Luno Pay See Remarkable Traction A key driver of this sophistication is the successful launch of Luno’s tokenised stocks (xStocks). These digital representations of actual stocks have quickly captured the interest of South African investors seeking exposure to traditional markets through blockchain technology. “19,000…