Author: Gugu Lourie

Anushka Bogdanov, founder of ESG data science firm Risk Insights and former EOH director, has stepped down from her consultancy following a Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) ruling. The JSE imposed a R500,000 fine and a 10-year directorship ban after discovering she falsely claimed to hold a PhD from the London Business School. Bogdanov served as an independent non-executive director at EOH Holdings (now iOCO) from June 2019 until her resignation in July 2020. During her tenure, her CV and JSE declarations stated she held a PhD in International Financial Management and Mathematics from the London Business School. However, EOH later found she…

Vodacom today announced that it has received the go-ahead from South Africa’s Competition Appeal Court to proceed with its proposed acquisition of a 30% stake in Maziv, the entity that houses all the fibre assets owned by Community Investments Ventures Holdings (CIVH), including Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa. The acquisition is subject to a set of revised conditions, proposed by the merger parties and the Competition Commission ahead of the Competition Appeal Court hearing on 22 July 2025. This approval marks a significant milestone in Vodacom’s strategic efforts to expand its fibre footprint and enhance digital connectivity across South Africa.…

“Wait, who is this car actually for?” My wife’s WhatsApp video call froze mid-sentence as I proudly panned the camera across the Volvo EX30 Cross Country’s rugged silhouette against Bronkhorstspruit’s golden light. When the WhatsApp video call connection stabilised, I saw her eyes alight with that particular spark, half curiosity, half challenge. She wasn’t asking about the usual suspects, not the suburban adventurers or safety-conscious families who’ve long loved Volvo’s Cross Country lineage. Her question cut deeper: “Who’s the new dreamer this car is meant for?” The answer unfolded like a map to uncharted territory: South Africa’s burgeoning tribe of…

Nedbank Group, a top South African financial services provider, has announced a binding agreement to acquire 100% of fintech innovator iKhokha in an all-cash deal worth approximately R1.65 billion (subject to adjustments). This acquisition reinforces Nedbank’s strategy to enhance digital financial solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The transaction, pending regulatory approvals, is expected to finalize in the coming months. Founded in 2012, iKhokha has become a trusted partner for South African entrepreneurs, offering affordable payment solutions and business management tools. Post-acquisition, iKhokha will operate as a wholly owned Nedbank subsidiary while retaining its brand and leadership. Strategic Alignment…

Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have entered a strategic infrastructure-sharing agreement in key African markets, including Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), pending regulatory approvals. The collaboration, focused on fibre networks and tower sharing, aims to accelerate digital services, reduce costs, and enhance connectivity for millions. By pooling resources, the partnership will deliver faster internet, broader coverage, and more reliable services, particularly in underserved regions. This move supports both companies’ goals of closing Africa’s digital divide while driving economic growth through improved access to mobile, fixed, and financial services. Vodacom’s Vision: A Connected, Inclusive Africa Vodacom Group…

JSE-listed fintech group reports 48% profit surge for the six-month period ending 30 June 2025, fueled by rapid customer growth and AI-driven efficiency Weaver Fintech, formerly Homechoice International, continues its impressive growth trajectory, with its trading brands Finchoice and PayJustNow adding more than 110,000 new customers per month. This surge in user acquisition has contributed to a 48% increase in profit before tax, reaching R370 million for the six months ending June 2025, up from R250 million in the prior period. Strong Financial Performance Driven by Fintech Dominance The group’s latest interim results reveal a 29% revenue growth to R2.6 billion, up from R2 billion in H1 2024. The Fintech division, which now accounts for 98%…

As TechFinancials, we love testing innovative gadgets that simplify work for entrepreneurs and creatives. The GoPrinter 12.7mm Handheld Printer from AM.CO.ZA (Advanced Machinery) exceeded our expectations, so much so that we believe market vendors, crafters and artists will find it as game changing as we did. Why GoPrinter Stands Out This compact, battery-powered printer lets you print logos, barcodes, QR codes, and custom text on almost any surface, plastic, glass, wood, ceramic and even fabric with a simple swipe. No cables, no bulky setup. Just portable, high-quality printing wherever you need it. Our Hands-On Experience AM.CO.ZA sent us the Dry Adsorption cartridge (optimised for non-absorbent surfaces like…

Samsung Electronics has officially launched its highly anticipated Galaxy Z7 series, including the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, alongside the Galaxy Watch8 series. These cutting-edge devices redefine smartphone and wearable innovation, blending ultra-thin designs, AI-powered experiences, and unmatched performance. Galaxy Z7 Series: The Future of Foldables The Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers Samsung’s most advanced foldable yet—thinner, lighter, and packed with Ultra-level features. Its expansive screen enables seamless multitasking, gaming, and content creation. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Z Flip7 FE combine portability, style, and AI enhancements, offering a compact yet powerful smartphone experience. Galaxy Watch8 Series: Smarter Health & Connectivity Completing the…

Two leading Chinese engineering companies, East China Engineering Science and Technology Co. Ltd (ECEC) and Sinopec Ningbo, are competing head-to-head for the Basic Engineering contract to construct SUISO’s $1.7-billion (R31.5-billion) Hiryo coal-to-fertiliser complex in Kriel, Mpumalanga. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), serving as the project’s sole financial arranger, is set to announce the winning bidder this month. The bank is providing $1.2 billion in debt financing under a 70/30 debt-equity structure following the Final Investment Decision (FID). A Close Contest Between Industry Leaders SUISO founder Paul Erskine describes the competition between the two firms as “neck and neck,” with the initial field of five EPC bidders narrowed down to these two finalists. ECEC, a Shenzhen-listed subsidiary of China National Chemical Engineering…

Telkom is expanding fibre access into some of South Africa’s most underserved communities, turning a government infrastructure contract into a broader drive to close the country’s long-standing digital divide. Using the extensive infrastructure of its subsidiary, Openserve, which spans more than 180,000 kilometres throughout the country, Telkom is assisting the South African government in broadening connectivity at pre-determined sites that currently lack internet. This intervention will enable the government to extend critical services to citizens, improving public service delivery and fostering institutional trust. “Connectivity isn’t just a technological convenience – it’s a driving force behind South Africa’s economic growth. In…