Author: Gugu Lourie
by Staff Writer South African-based IT group Business Connexion has been rebranded as “BCX” months after it was bought by telecoms giant Telkom. The acquisition was finalised in 2015. Founded in 1996, BCX emerged as one of the most innovative and profitable tech firms in South Africa with a massive footprint across the African continent, which is why Telkom came calling in an R2.7 billion deal. The company delisted on the JSE on 24 August 2015. “The launch of BCX is truly the beginning of a new chapter of digitalisation for Africa,” said Isaac Mophatlane, CEO of BCX. “This new…
By Shiona Blundell, head of banking, Africa, Wipro Limited and Gavin Holme, business head, Africa, Wipro Limited For most of us, banking is a ‘grudge purchase’. We don’t wake up in the morning and look forward to paying accounts, drawing cash from the ATM, or buying airtime. Our interactions with our bank’s call centres or branch staff generally relate to some type of problem that’s occurred. Since the collapse of the global economy in 2008, and the multibillion-dollar bailouts that ensued, our faith in banks has been shattered. Almost a decade later, they’re still struggling to regain lost trust.…
by Staff Writer Polish on-demand TV consumers are about to be flooded with a strong portfolio of local content catering for their needs. South Africa’s Naspers’ internet TV service ShowMax is launching in Poland. The new service will be branded ShowMax and utilise the current ShowMax platform and Polish language apps. This new service is closely tailored to local needs with a strong focus on Polish content including original productions commissioned by ShowMax. Poland has a vibrant TV and film production industry, and for launch ShowMax has acquired exclusive rights to a range of popular local shows including political satire Ucho…
by Scott Shackelford Having access to the internet is increasingly considered to be an emerging human right. International organizations and national governments have begun to formally recognize its importance to freedom of speech, expression and information exchange. The next step to help ensure some measure of cyber peace online may be for cybersecurity to be recognized as a human right, too. The United Nations has taken note of the crucial role of internet connectivity in “the struggle for human rights.” United Nations officials have decried the actions of governments cutting off internet access as denying their citizens’ rights to free expression.…
by Staff Writer South African mobile and fixed-line telephone customers seem to be generally doing well, thanks to the number portability regulation giving them more options: to choose when to stay or dump either Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom. But can you believe it, the average number of numbers ported every month is 45 521. This could indicate that consumers are happy with their network operator – Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom. Consumers may be happy with the packages, data and call rates provided by the big four operators or are frustrated by the porting process. Number Portability is the process…
by Rachel Grieve Love is a complex and powerful force, one that plays out in a number of emotional, cognitive and social ways. When we love a person, we feel emotional arousal in their presence. We will also have a set of thoughts (or cognitions) about that person, and our previous experiences can shape our ideas about what we expect in our relationships. For example, if you believe in love at first sight, then you are more likely to experience it. But we use love in many different contexts. You might say that you love your partner, or your family, or…
By Brian Timperley, the MD of Turrito Networks In 2017, South Africa is expected to spend $10.5bn on information, technology, and communications (ICT). This is according to the International Data Corporation (IDC), and the figure makes it the highest ICT spender across the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) regions. Without a doubt, as a country heavily reliant on small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), a large portion of this spend will be traceable back to SMEs. And given that Internet connectivity has now become the lifeblood of any functioning business entity, much of the spend will be funneled towards simply…
by Staff Writer The Mercedes-Maybach family has just launched its first SUV with an electric fabric top. The new SUV called the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet will will celebrate its world premiere and sales release at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017. The market launch of the special series of the open-top four-seater will be limited to 99 units and will start in the autumn. This extrovert G‑Class thus represents a unique combination of luxurious chauffeur saloon and off-roader. While the driver and front passenger are accommodated under the closed roof, the rear passengers can revel in a maximum of comfort:…
by Sekete Patrick Maphopha, NetApp Africa CTO and Technology Evangelist There are an estimated 1 000 dating sites currently operating in South Africa – some of them stating membership numbers of up to several million. There is no doubt that the modern world and social norms have shifted, such that online and in-app algorithms are now an acceptable – and often encouraged – way to meet a future partner. It is user data that drives the success of these matches, helping to find that ideal partner, and this data has driven a genuine shift in modern dating habits. How can…
by Staff Writer Vodacom finally joins the bandwagon for on-demand television. The Vodafone-owned mobile phone firm and ShowMax have teamed-up to provide a new TV service available on smartphones and tablets. The new service with a strong focus on local content is optimised for lower data consumption on smartphones and tablets and is billed directly to a Vodacom account with no need for a credit card. ShowMax Select is a new internet TV service designed for use on smartphones and tablets. ShowMax Select has more than 10 000 TV show episodes and movies including local hits like Isibaya, Shaka Zulu,…