Author: Gugu Lourie
Blockchain technology will enable financial transactions to take place quicker and provide an undisputed version of the truth for all parties to a transaction, Darrel Orsmond, Financial Services Industry Head at SAP Africa, said in a statement on Tuesday. He said that this has fundamental consequences for the way the financial services industry operates. However, much like the internet in its early days, Orsmond argued that the true value of Blockchain – and its potential uses – remains largely undiscovered.” Blockchain will improve trust and provide transparency to business processes running across multiple participants. “All relevant information will be available…
By Staff Writer Cell C has slammed its black economic empowerment partner, CellSaf for threatening to go to court again if a planned restructuring of the mobile phone operator goes ahead. CellSAf holds a 25% debt-free and unencumbered stake in 3C Telecommunications, the owners of Cell C. In an e-mailed statement on Sunday to TechCentral, CellSAf said that it remains “resolutely opposed” to the recapitalisation plan for Cell C, in terms of which JSE-listed Blue Label Telecoms will acquire 45% of the business for R5,5bn. Other shareholders, including CellSAf, will be diluted in the process. However, Cell C’s chairman, Mohammed…
By Staff Writer Tech firm Blue Label Telecoms announced on Monday that it has entered into a binding umbrella agreement to restructure Cell C’s debt. The firm said it has entered into an agreement with Cell C, debt providers of Cell C, a third-party investor, and other relevant parties (which could be Net1). The agreement will facilitate the reduction of the maximum net borrowings of Cell C to R6 billion. As part of the agreement, the third-party investor is to subscribe for 15% of Cell C for R2 billion and Blue Label’s subscription for 45% of the share capital of…
Huawei Watch 2, which is a product for those who yearn for the freedom to explore while staying connected, without having to be glued to a smartphone, is set to be introduced in South Africa in April. The device has independent connectivity, allowing users to send messages or make calls independently of a mobile phone. With Huawei Watch 2 (4G supported version), users can leave their mobile phone at home and go running, cycling or just exploring while staying connected. Thanks to independent mobile connectivity and a built in GPS chip, users can respond to calls and text messages, use independent…
The iconic Nokia 3310, is reborn with a modern twist on design. The new phone is thin, light and incredibly durable, according to HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones. The manufacturer said in a statement that the Nokia 3310 is a head turning modern twist on one of the best-selling feature phones of all time. Boasting an incredible 22-hour talk-time and month long stand-by, the Nokia 3310’s fresh, colourful, modern design brings it bang up to date. “Nokia phones stir real emotions; people know them for their beautiful design and craftsmanship, together with a built-to-last quality that you can rely…
by Ujuh Correspondent Reports of ‘xenophobic attacks‘ in South Africa against Nigerians and other Africans have caused angry reactions across the continent and mainly in Nigeria. A strong statement issued by the Nigerian presidency condemning the ‘xenophobic attacks’ has been followed by widespread angry media statements and protests. Here follows how different Nigerian media has framed the story: The Nigerian Observer “Edo State Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki has condemn in strong term the Xenophobic attack on Nigerian citizens living in South Africa calling on the Federal Government, Foreign Affair Ministry and the South Africa government to protect Nigerians in that…
by Christopher Markou Get used to hearing a lot more about artificial intelligence. Even if you discount the utopian and dystopian hyperbole, the 21st century will broadly be defined not just by advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, computing and cognitive neuroscience, but how we manage them. For some, the question of whether or not the human race will live to see a 22nd century turns upon this latter consideration. While forecasting the imminence of an AI-centric future remains a matter of intense debate, we will need to come to terms with it. For now, there are many more questions than answers.…
by Joe Moran During the three years I’ve spent researching and writing about shyness, one of the most common questions people ask is about the relationship between shyness and technology. Are the internet and the cellphone causing our social skills to atrophy? I often hear this from parents of shy teenagers, who are worried that their children are spending more time with their devices than with their peers. This anxiety isn’t new. At the first international conference on shyness, organized in Wales in 1997 by the British Psychological Society, Stanford psychology professor Philip Zimbardo was the keynote speaker. He noted that…
by Staff Writer After a week of speculation that Telkom, South Africa’s incumbent fixed-line telephone group, may be interested in reviving talks to buy Cell C, which is in a process of being recapitalized by Blue Label Telecoms, the country’s third-biggest mobile phone operator is not going to be owned by Telkom. Within few days of being mum about the media speculation that Telkom has tabled an offer to buy Cell C, its chairman Mohammed Hariri said on Thursday that Cell C has rejected Telkom’s proposal. Media speculation suggested that Telkom has tabled a $1 billion offer to buy Cell…
by Elizabeth C. Tippett Uber has suffered a spate of bad publicity in recent days after allegations of harassment and discrimination from a former software engineer. In a blog post, Susan Fowler described being propositioned by her supervisor within weeks of starting her job. She complained to the human resources (HR) team. According to Fowler, the supervisor received a “warning and a stern talking-to” but no other discipline at the time because he was a strong performer and it was his “first offense.” Uber then offered her a choice: Transfer to another team or stay and risk a retaliatory performance review…