Author: Gugu Lourie

In a significant milestone for telecommunications giant Vodacom Group, which includes Safaricom among its key subsidiaries, the company has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing 200 million customers. This remarkable feat, as announced by CEO Shameel Joosub, marks a doubling of its customer base since 2018 when it reached the notable 100 million mark. In this article, we delve into the factors driving Vodacom’s expansive growth and the implications of this achievement in the dynamic landscape of global telecommunications. “As a purpose-led company, the transformational impact we have on our customers and the economies in countries where we operate provides…

Telkom has introduced its February 2024 Big Deal, ensuring seamless surfing, streaming, and connectivity even into the late hours. Telkom’s exclusive NIGHTTIME data doesn’t stop until 7AM, ensuring you have data to binge-watch your favourite shows, catch up with friends, or work on those late-night projects without any worries. The LTE Data Plan offers 80GB data a month. The deal includes the following: 40GB Anytime data 40GB Night Surfer data A R99 Once-Off SIM and Connection fee Customer has an option to add a router for additional fee on the February big deal All the allocated Inclusive data are available…

MultiChoice and Comcast, the US-based parent of NBCUniversal and the UK’s Sky,) to  invest a combined total of $177 million (R3.3 billion) into Showmax during this financial year. MultiChoice is reintroducing its streaming platform, Showmax, which has been developed in collaboration with Comcast, a global broadcasting powerhouse and a direct competitor of Canal+, with its US-based parent company NBCUniversal and the UK’s Sky. Comcast has already acquired a 30% stake in Showmax, a video streaming service. MultiChoice belives that the new partnership brings some of the world’s best content and technology to streaming customers across its footprint in sub-Saharan Africa.…

Canal+ Group from France, having steadily acquired a notable stake in the JSE-listed MultiChoice Group over recent years, is currently advancing to assume control of the South African pay-television conglomerate. However, the deal must maneuver through stringent South African media ownership regulations to gain approval. Canal+ announced on Thursday that is expects to offer R105 per share for MultiChoice, or a 40% premium to the closing price on 31 January 2024. The French compamy already owns 31.7% of MultiChoice’s shares. Canal+ Group’s move to take control of MultiChoice Group in South Africa reflects its strategic expansion into the African pay-television…

KFC wants to take you into the world of virtual reality gaming at its new store in Braam. You might have seen stores like this before—they’re all about trying new things and bringing brands into the modern age. That’s exactly what KFC Africa is doing with its brand-new store in Joburg’s Play Braamfontein area. KFC Play Braam at 73 Juta Street is more than just a place to shop—it’s also a hub of creativity and innovation for the brand. It’s where new ideas come to life right before your eyes, covering everything from delicious food to trendy fashion, friendly service…

Checkers Sixty60, the leading grocery delivery app in South Africa, continues to capture the admiration of its online customers. The online shopping platform and rapid delivery service, operated by Shoprite, witnessed a remarkable surge of 63.1% in online sales during the initial half of the year. Since its launch in November 2019, Sixty60 has spearheaded on-demand grocery delivery in South Africa. Distinguished by its promise of delivering orders within 60 minutes for a nominal fee of R35, Checkers Sixty60 stands out as the nation’s preferred on-demand grocery delivery service. Boasting over 3.1 million downloads, the app now extends its services…

RMB has joined forces with the well-established South African-owned Independent Power Producer (IPP), SOLA Group (SOLA), to secure a substantial R2.8 billion debt and equity package. This financial endeavor aims to support the development of a pioneering 150MW multi-offtake Solar PV Project situated near Virginia in the Free State region. The initiative marks a pioneering step in South Africa’s energy landscape as it pioneers one of the country’s inaugural multi-buyer programmes. Anticipated to achieve commercial operations by mid-2025, the project operates under several power purchase agreements (PPAs). Notably, it stands as one of the largest Solar PV installations in the…

Telkom and SAPS have secured hundreds of convictions for cable theft, helping to turn the tide on infrastructure vandalism. As part of this joint effort, Telkom has helped to win convictions for cable theft and infrastructure vandalism at various operations across the country, in terms of its Telkom Group Security Strategy of effective security governance, and agile and responsive security risk management. The Telkom Security and Investigation Team has managed to significantly reduce infrastructure-related crime at Telkom facilities. The community has also played a significant role through tip-offs to police and Telkom reporting hotlines. “Our partnerships made it possible to achieve great results, helping to turn the tide against crime,” says…

JLR South Africa has officially announced the availability of the New Range Rover Velar and the New Range Rover Evoque for ordering. Representing the epitome of contemporary luxury, the New Range Rover Velar boasts cutting-edge technology, quintessential Range Rover elegance, and a strikingly sleek and minimalist design. Its updated grille harmonises with the iconic floating roof, seamless waistline, and sleek deployable door handles that distinguish the world’s most coveted luxury SUV range. Similarly, the New Range Rover Evoque exudes charm and sophistication with its minimalist design, enhanced by state-of-the-art technologies and opulent material selections tailored for discerning modern luxury enthusiasts.…

In response to the pressing needs of South Africa’s digital economy, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is currently deliberating a potential regulatory relief amidst the challenges of load shedding. This initiative holds particular significance for the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, a cornerstone of the nation’s digital infrastructure and economic progress. A plan to conduct a survey on the impact of load-shedding on the ICT sector has been met with enthusiasm by telecom giants who say they won’t hold back on their horror stories, reports Sunday Times. In recent years, mobile operators, notably MTN and Vodacom,…