Author: Gugu Lourie
Telkom recently partnered with the University of the Witwatersrand to inaugurate the Telkom Industry Solutions Lab. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to foster collaboration between businesses and universities in the field of research and development (R&D). The establishment of this lab is a key strategic move by Telkom to strengthen innovation within the group. The partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand aims to create an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. This venture leverages the collective expertise and resources of both Telkom Group and the university. Ahead of the upcoming Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC), which…
Telkom’s AI system called Izwe.AI is changing the way customer service works. It takes spoken words in English and local languages and turns them into written text. Izwe.AI, which means ‘nation”, is special because it can understand how people with South African accents speak. According to Dr Mmaki Jantjies, Telkom’s Innovation and Transformation Officer, Izwe.AI was developed to celebrate African languages. Most language technologies are designed for different languages and not much effort has been put into supporting the specific languages of South Africa. “So from translation perspective, it’s so important for us because a simple example: In call centres,…
Black investors in Phuthuma Nathi, the broad-based black economic empowerment arm of pay-TV operator MultiChoice, will share more than R1.3 billion in dividends. An ordinary dividend of R20.37 per share before dividend tax (R16.30 after tax) will be paid to Phuthuma Nathi shareholders in the first week of September 2023. “Despite the challenging macro-economic environment, which is also having a severe impact on our Phthuma Nathi shareholders, the board declared a dividend again this year,” Imtiaz Patel, MultiChoice SA chair, said. “We want to lend a helping hand during these trying times to our 77 000 shareholders who come from all…
Empire Partner Foundation, a distinguished philanthropic entity committed to the advancement of education and technological progress, today announce its collaborative endeavor with Midesk Global in delivering 50 Smart Desks to Mayibuye Primary School in Soweto. This charitable contribution, undertaken to enrich educational prospects and broaden student access, stands as a momentous achievement in the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering marginalized communities through innovative solutions. The Smart Desks, thoughtfully equipped with a comprehensive ensemble including a school bag, desk, solar-powered light with charging port, and chair, are poised to redefine the learning experience for Mayibuye Primary School students. The seamless integration…
South Africa’s premier fintech focused on SMEs, Lulalend, has transformed into Lula, an encompassing cash-flow management and business banking solution. This rebranding signifies a pivotal shift from being solely a funding provider to an integrated cash flow management platform designed to streamline financial operations for SMEs. “Guided by our core belief that SMEs are the lifeblood of the South African economy, Lula aims to broaden our service offering to solve even more of the most common financial challenges small businesses face. To this end, we’re launching a business banking account tailor made for SMEs, complete with advanced financial management capabilities…
The Road Traffic Management Corporation, in collaboration with WeBuyCars, has unveiled a groundbreaking solution that enables the hassle-free online registration of motor vehicles and seamless transfer of ownership. This innovative initiative has been meticulously crafted to offer a streamlined and user-friendly approach for motor vehicle dealers and financial institutions. By facilitating direct online interactions with Natis, the system eliminates the need for cumbersome paperwork and visits to registration authorities. Months of meticulous development and rigorous testing alongside WeBuyCars have paved the way for this smooth and efficient introduction. This marks the latest stride in a series of technological enhancements within…
Solvyng is a Johannesburg based provider of information technology (IT) cloud services founded by Thulasizwe Mavuso. the company predominantly services the banking and asset management sectors and has recently focused its efforts and diversified to other sectors such as mining, retail, manufacturing and insurance. Solvyng is an amazon web service (AWS) advanced tier partner. its goal is to ensure that cloud services align with organisational objectives and business strategy, for seamless migration from legacy-to-cloud based systems. “We enable businesses to be more agile and resilient, reaching their bottom line quicker while saving cost and delivering more value to their customers.…
Bayobab, a subsidiary of the JSE-listed MTN Group, says it well on track to spend over $500 million or R10 billion investment in the expansion of its fibre business into an open-access network. CEO Frederic Schepens of Bayobab revealed to TechFinancials the company is in transition to separate MTN Group’s fibre business from the GSM network to unlock value within the business, attract strategic partners and comply with local regulation across our key markets. Schepens highlighted that the company is currently making significant strides in Zambia, where it has rolled out an impressive 4,000 kilometres of fibre. He added that…
BMW Group South Africa today unveil the newest addition to its leadership team. Effective from July 1, 2023, Thorsten Achenbach assumes the role of Director Digital and Global Solutions at the esteemed BMW IT Hub, situated in Menlyn Maine, Pretoria. This strategic appointment follows in the footsteps of Mr. Klaus von der Osten-Sacken. “I am pleased to welcome Mr Achenbach in his new role at the BMW IT Hub. Mr Achenbach brings a vast portfolio and proven track record of excellence, particularly in the IT field, and we look forward to the continued success of the BMW IT Hub,” said…
Cell C has officially announced the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer, Lerato Pule, who has decided to pursue a new opportunity. In the coming months, Pule will continue to fulfill her responsibilities, ensuring the seamless handling of crucial financial matters during the transition period. Pule has demonstrated exemplary leadership throughout her tenure, notably guiding the successful conclusion of the recapitalization process. Additionally, she has overseen the completion of historical audits spanning three years (2018-2020), with the finalization and sign-off of financial statements. The remaining stages of the 2021 and 2022 historic audits are underway, underscoring her commitment to delivering…