Author: Gugu Lourie

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,…

Vodacom, with a market value of R208 billion on the JSE, operates as a purpose-driven African connectivity, digital, and FinTech provider, alongside Safaricom. With a customer base of 185.8 million spanning consumer and enterprise sectors, Vodacom, owned by the UK-based Vodafone, oversees several companies that may surprise you. Mezzanine Vodacom’s “tech for good” platforms help diversify its revenues and drive societal benefit. The company actively contribute to creating a digital society by developing solutions across critical verticals, including agriculture, education and healthcare. Mezzanine, a Vodacom subsidiary, is a key enabler of its “tech for good” solutions in these industries, partnering…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) commemorated this year’s National Police Day by rallying support for the children of fallen police officers, standing firm in their duty. “On National Police Day, we honor the sacrifices of our men and women in blue, who courageously safeguard South Africa,” said General Bheki Cele. Cabinet designated 27 January as National Police Day in 2005, a tribute to those who serve. In the past four years alone, SAPS mourns the loss of 140 officers who perished while serving, many of whom were the main providers for their families. On Thursday, 25 January 2024, over…

South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago has announced that the bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has unanimously agreed to keep repurchase rate (repo rate) at 8.25%. Kganyago announced this at a press briefing on Thursday afternoon. “At the current repurchase rate level, policy is restrictive, consistent with the inflation outlook and the need to address rising inflation expectations. Serious upside risks to the inflation trajectory from global and domestic sources are evident and… the economic outlook is highly uncertain. “The inflation and repo rate projections from the updated QPM [Quarterly Projection Model] remain a broad policy guide, changing…