Author: Gugu Lourie
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…
The Constitutional Court will issue a judgment on the high-stakes “Please Call Me” case between Nkosana Makate and Vodacom, a subsidiary of British telecom giant Vodafone. The matter was heard on 21 November 2024, but six months later, the ruling remains pending. Vodacom is appealing a Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) decision that overturned its initial R47 million compensation offer, rejected by Makate in 2019, and ordered a new offer. Makate is demanding R9.4 billion for his invention, which Vodacom has profited from since 2000. In a post on X, the Constitutional Court stated: “Judgment to be handed down on 31…
Chinese automakers have historically faced scepticism in South Africa, but OMODA & JAECOO are rapidly changing perceptions. In June alone, the brand sold over 1,000 vehicles, securing a spot in the top 10 passenger vehicle segment. Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO in South Africa, acknowledges the initial hurdles: “Initially, it was brand trust, along with uncertainty about Chinese brands, but this has changed as SA has started to welcome O&J with open arms.” The brand’s strong warranty offerings have played a key role in building confidence. *”All of our models come with a 10-year engine warranty…
As electric and hybrid vehicles gain traction in South Africa, OMODA & JAECOO are making strategic moves to capture this growing segment. The brand has already introduced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models like the J7 SHS and C9 SHS, with more electrified options on the way. Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO in South Africa, explains their approach: “Not necessarily to prioritise [one powertrain], but rather to add that as a powertrain option and emphasise the benefits of alternative powertrains, as well as how vehicles such as plug-in hybrids have strong strengths for South Africans. O&J will…
South Africa’s automotive market is evolving, and challenger brands like OMODA & JAECOO are making waves by offering premium vehicles at accessible prices. But how exactly are they competing with giants like Toyota and Volkswagen? According to Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO in South Africa, the key lies in understanding the emotional connection South Africans have with their cars. “The expected answer is to bring value and technology to our market; however, we are truly competing by being a brand that South Africans want to be part of, while also delivering on value and technology,” Gahagan…
Anushka Bogdanov responds to JSE’s R500K fine over fake PhD allegations, citing inaccuracies and lack of due process while reaffirming her commitment to governance and ESG leadership in Africa. On Friday, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) announced it has imposed a R500,000 fine and a 10-year directorship ban on Anushka Bogdanov, a former non-executive director of EOH Holdings (now iOCO), for falsely claiming to hold a PhD in International Finance from the London Business School. Bogdanov served as an independent non-executive director at EOH from June 2019 until her resignation in July 2020. During her tenure, her curriculum vitae and a…
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has imposed a R500,000 fine and a 10-year directorship ban on Anushka Bogdanov, a former non-executive director of EOH Holdings (now iOCO), for falsely claiming to hold a PhD in International Finance from the London Business School. Bogdanov served as an independent non-executive director at EOH from June 2019 until her resignation in July 2020. During her tenure, her curriculum vitae and a formal declaration to the JSE stated she held a PhD in International Financial Management and Mathematics from the London Business School. EOH subsequently discovered that Bogdanov never obtained the claimed degree, leading…
Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub has emphasised the company’s commitment to financial services as a key strategic priority, following an 18.1% (21.3%*) revenue increase to R3.9 billion for the quarter ended 30 June 2025. Speaking on the Group’s trading update, Joosub noted: *”Financial services remain a clear strategic priority for Vodacom and represent the largest component of our beyond-mobile offerings. Including Safaricom, we now process $460 billion in mobile wallet transaction value annually, a 14.9% increase over the past year, which solidifies our fintech leadership in Africa.”* The sustained growth in financial services aligns with Vodacom’s mission to drive financial…
A U.S. bill proposing a review of relations with South Africa and potential sanctions against ANC officials has passed its first legislative hurdle. On April 3, 2025, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) introduced the *U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025*, which mandates a full assessment of bilateral ties and empowers President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on South African officials accused of supporting U.S. adversaries like China, Russia and Iran. Representative John James (MI-10) is co-sponsoring the legislation. Today Jackson posted on X: “South Africa made its choice when they abandoned America and our allies and sided with communists…
South Africa’s political discourse remains fixated on squabbles in the Government of National Unity (GNU), while a far more consequential threat looms: one that could devastate the economy, cripple state functions, and isolate the country from global tech infrastructure. That threat is the impending United States–South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act (H.R. 2633), which, if passed, could trigger a chain reaction of sanctions, investment flight, and technological decoupling. The question is not if South Africa is prepared, it’s whether GNU, led by the African National Congress (ANC), even recognises the danger. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Trump v. CASA (2025) confirmed that…
Salesforce launched Agentforce on Help in October 2024 to set the standard for world-class, agentic service. This AI-powered assistant supports customers directly on the Salesforce Help site, answering questions in natural language with unified data: delivering fast, 24/7 service while freeing human support teams to focus on complex issues. Salesforce’s Customer Success approach has always been rooted in Easy and Expert, ensuring effortless interactions backed by trusted guidance. Today, Agentforce has handled over 1 million support requests, proving that AI can scale service without sacrificing trust or quality. The Impact of 1 Million AI-Powered Conversations Resolves 85% of support requests, reducing response times by 65% for 90% of…
Britehouse Mobility is entering a new phase of innovation and independence after finalizing a management buy-out from NTT DATA for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition represents a pivotal moment in Britehouse Mobility’s evolution. The collaboration with NTT DATA played a crucial role in Britehouse Mobility’s expansion and global presence. Now, this strategic shift underscores a renewed focus on agility, innovation, and delivering specialized digital solutions with greater autonomy. Post-transaction, Britehouse Mobility will operate as a fully independent entity under the simplified name Britehouse, signaling a fresh chapter in its 16-year history of providing cutting-edge solutions and AI integration to businesses across…
Shoppers in South Africa can now receive their Temu orders in as little as one day, thanks to the e-commerce giant’s new local warehouse dispatch option. This move is part of Temu’s global strategy to reduce delivery times and expand its product range, bringing faster and more reliable service to customers. Faster Delivery, Wider Selection Eligible products marked “Local Warehouse” are stocked within South Africa, allowing for quicker processing and shipping. This upgrade is especially beneficial during peak shopping seasons, ensuring smoother order fulfillment. The local warehouse model also enables Temu to offer new product categories, including furniture, home goods, and other bulkier items that were previously harder to…
Vodacom welcomes Competition Commission’s approval of its 30% Maziv stake, reviving the deal after key concessions. Vodacom has hailed the Competition Commission’s decision to drop its opposition to the telco’s proposed 30% acquisition in Maziv, owner of Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa (DFA). This marks a major step in Vodacom’s push to expand South Africa’s digital infrastructure. The breakthrough follows new concessions agreed to by Vodacom and Maziv’s current owner, CIVH. The Commission will now submit the revised terms to the Competition Appeal Court on 22 July 2025, explaining how they address earlier antitrust concerns that led to the deal’s blockage…
Vodacom’s acquisition of a 40% stake in Maziv (Vumatel’s parent) is back on the table after a major breakthrough in the case. The Competition Commission announced on Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with Vodacom and Maziv – owner of Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) – that could allow the deal to proceed. This comes despite earlier rulings by both the Commission and the Competition Tribunal blocking the merger over competition concerns. The revised conditions “substantially remedy the competition concerns” initially raised, the Commission said. The agreement follows negotiations to address flaws in previous proposals that led to the deal’s…
At the 2025 Huawei South Africa Connect event, Jonas Bogoshi, CEO of BCX, delivered a keynote on Africa’s urgent need to harness artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to secure its economic sovereignty. His message was clear: in today’s rapidly changing world, economic power has become the new diplomatic language and Africa must act decisively to claim its place in this new order. Bogoshi framed his address around what he termed the “second American Revolution” – not a war for independence, but a strategic realignment of global power dynamics under U.S. President Donald Trump. He emphasised that these geopolitical shifts have…
In a recorded address to Huawei South Africa Connect 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the company’s critical contributions to national development through technology. “We are living in a time of rapid technological change,” he noted, emphasizing how digital innovation is reshaping lives, work, and interactions across South Africa. The President emphasised Huawei’s longstanding partnership with the nation, particularly in expanding rural connectivity via its Digital Village Initiative and upskilling youth through the Huawei ICT Academy. “Huawei work is improving productivity and service delivery, while also helping to create jobs and to prepare our youth for the future,” he stated. Huawei’s…
A new ASUS survey reveals that 77% of South African business decision-makers are prepared to adopt AI tools immediately, with more than half already seeing measurable benefits. The findings highlight a tech-savvy market actively leveraging AI to boost productivity, refine decision-making, and enhance customer experiences. The data comes from the ASUS 2025 Future of SMBs report, which explores how small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are approaching digital transformation. The results reflect not only enthusiasm for innovation but also growing confidence in AI’s tangible impact. “There’s real momentum behind AI adoption in South Africa. Instead of holding back, businesses are embracing…
Lesaka Technologies has finalised the divestment of its entire equity interest in Indian digital payments platform One Mobikwik Systems Limited. The transaction, executed through Lesaka’s Netherlands-based subsidiary Net 1 Applied Technologies B.V., generated net proceeds of approximately R290 million or $16.3 million. The South African fintech company disclosed the completion of the sale in a June 30, 2025 Form 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The shares were disposed of on the Indian Stock Exchange on June 26, 2025, with the rand-dollar exchange rate pegged at ZAR 17.75 to USD 1.00 at the time of transaction. Strategic…
Former Transnet executives Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama, Anoj Singh, and ex-engineer Thamsanqa Jiyane were granted bail of R50,000 each today at the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court. The four were arrested earlier this morning on charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering linked to an ongoing investigation. Ex-Transnet Execs Brian Molefe, Siyabonga Gama To Appear In Palm Ridge Court The Hawks have arrested two former Transnet executives, Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, in connection with a controversial R93-million locomotive procurement deal. The two appeared in court to apply for bail following their arrest, which stems from corruption allegations detailed in the…
KFC taps into the modern conversation with a clever campaign that shows some will do ‘A.I.nything for the Taste’ of its Finger Lickin’ Good food. The past few weeks saw a mysterious South African AI launch making headlines and causing a stir on social media. The AI, known as KAIIA, reported to be fluent in 11 local languages, trained for local nuance and fine-tuned to Mzansi culture, was leaked via a network of tech enthusiasts. KAIIA, which stands for Kentucky AI Integrated Assistant, is the star of the brand’s latest TV and cinema commercial in which it goes to extraordinary lengths…
Lesaka Technologies (Nasdaq: LSAK; JSE: LSK) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Bank Zero, a South African digital bank co-founded by former FNB CEO Michael Jordaan. The deal, valued at R1.1 billion, will be settled through a combination of newly issued Lesaka shares (giving Bank Zero shareholders a 12% stake) and up to R91 million in cash. “Our partnership with Lesaka creates long-term value, combining digital banking innovation with fintech scale,” said Jordaan, Bank Zero Chairman. The transaction remains subject to standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including clearance from the South African Reserve Bank’s Prudential Authority,…