Author: Staff Writer
The Vodacom Foundation, in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, today launched the Vodacom Schools of Excellence (SoE) model, at Lavelilanga Secondary School in Komani. The launch marks another significant milestone in the Vodacom Foundation’s commitment to using technology in order to foster a culture of academic excellence within the country’s schooling system, while also creating sustainable educational opportunities in underserved communities across South Africa. The SoE model is a key pillar of Vodacom’s Educational Ecosystem that was launched in March 2019 to bring about good quality education for previously disadvantaged communities. Vodacom unveiled the Education Ecosystem to…
Cape Town International Airport confirms that power has been fully restored following a fire incident earlier today in the Northern Service Yard (International inner lane, landside). The fire was reported at approximately 11h15 and was extinguished shortly thereafter. As a precaution, sections of the International Terminal affected by smoke were evacuated. We can confirm that all passengers and staff were evacuated safely and calmly. Operational Update While technical teams are currently stabilizing network and IT systems, services are progressively returning to normal. The current status is as follows: International Departures: Operations have resumed. However, due to the earlier suspension, passengers…
Salesforce, the #1 AI CRM, hosted its Annual Partner Awards at Gold Reef City, recognising the partners who have driven exceptional performance across the market over the past financial year, and setting the tone for the year ahead. More than a celebration, the awards signal Salesforce’s deep investment in its partner ecosystem and its ambition to accelerate momentum across the industry. The awards recognise how collaboration, strengthened by partners’ sustained investment in skills and expertise, along with a commitment to large-scale impact, drives real world solutions and meaningful success for customers. “Our Partner Awards are about more than recognition, they…
Kasi Tech Series is a township digital innovation platform. The series brings together township tech founders, digital service providers and small businesses looking to digitise, building technology ecosystem connections that help entrepreneurs move beyond hustle and build sustainable enterprises. The Kasi Tech Series focuses on a specific training aligned to real market opportunities and the evolving ICT (Information and Communication Technology) landscape. Who Should Attend: – App developers and coders – Founders building AI or software solutions – IT support and tech solution providers – Youth building digital products What Will Be Covered: – Practical AI tools for small businesses…
As South Africa prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections, the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and its use in hyper-local disinformation campaigns has emerged as a key concern for the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya warned that the 2026 polls are likely to see a shift from broad national misinformation to ward-specific deceptions driven by generative AI tools. “The primary challenge of 2026 is the rise of Generative AI and its application in ‘hyper-local’ contexts. We are seeing a shift from broad national untruths to ward-specific deceptions. As identified by the South African…
OMODA & JAECOO South Africa has reached 20,857 total sales since launching locally in 2023. January 2026 delivered 1,418 sales, marking the strongest month on record for the brand. Plug-in hybrid momentum is accelerating, with 590 SHS units sold to date, including strong performance from the J7 SHS and C9 SHS. OMODA & JAECOO South Africa is proud to announce a major milestone in its growth journey, having officially surpassed 20,000 total vehicle sales since launching in the local market in 2023. The brand has now achieved a cumulative sales figure of 20,857 units, underlining the rapid growth of…
Bluestream Technologies is a South African satellite uplink and broadcast services company operating in the sports and media sector. The company provides satellite and fibre-based connectivity for local and international content delivery, as well as teleport services and infrastructure support for other broadcasters. As live sports productions expand and costs rise, broadcasters are increasingly looking for hybrid satellite and fibre solutions that combine reliability with efficiency. Companies like Bluestream Technologies have positioned themselves to meet this demand, offering infrastructure that ensures consistent, high-quality transmissions even in high-pressure live environments. Since its first joint transmission with SuperSport in 2023, Bluestream Technologies…
South Africa’s leading crypto platform Luno has launched SA’s first bundle combining market-leading crypto and top tokenised US stocks in a single investment. This provides investors with diversified exposure to two established asset classes through a single purchase. Luno’s Blue Chip+ bundle offers a curated mix of 20% Bitcoin, 10% Ethereum, and 70% blue-chip US stocks, including Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Meta, Google, Tesla and Amazon. “The Blue Chip+ Bundle is designed to balance growth and resilience by spreading your investment across leading tech stocks and established crypto assets. Each asset is weighted to reflect its role in the portfolio, helping…
SE-listed Blu Label Unlimited group (Blu Label) today announces that its subsidiary, BluEnergy Trading, has been granted a multi-year energy trading licence by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). This marks a significant regulatory milestone that empowers BluEnergy to deliver innovative renewable energy solutions across the energy value chain by connecting municipalities, IPPs and energy users, ensuring a more resilient and cost-effective energy supply for local communities. BluEnergy’s execution and delivery capability is underpinned by its partnership with Cigicell – the leading provider of prepaid electricity vending and revenue assurance systems embedded in more than 95 municipalities across…
Sedna Africa has successfully delivered and commissioned the digital network infrastructure enabling autonomous drilling at First Quantum Minerals’ Sentinel Mine in Kalumbila, marking a major milestone in the advancement of smart mining in Zambia. The project forms part of First Quantum’s broader strategy to modernise operations, improve safety and increase productivity as the company works toward its long-term copper production targets. Sedna Africa was responsible for supplying, installing and commissioning the Rajant Corporation wireless network, which provides the resilient, high-performance connectivity required to support autonomous drilling operations. The network underpins the drill automation system deployed at Sentinel, enabling mobility, low…
South Africans are not permitted to gamble on online casinos and sports betting platforms that are not licensed locally, unregulated sites likely have the odds heavily stacked against the player, and banks are legally obligated to confiscate any winnings detected. “Given that there are regulated and licensed local online gambling options, anyone using an illegal, overseas site to play hard and fast with their finances, is at the very least being extremely reckless,” says Sasha Booth-Beharilal, chair of ISPA, SA’s official internet Industry Representative Body (IRB). Online gambling on the whole is a risky pursuit offering little upside as it…
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s worth asking an uncomfortable question: what happens when the feeling of being ‘seen and heard’ doesn’t come from a partner, but from a machine? Designed with distinct personalities and an affirming tone, artificial intelligence (AI) companion chatbots can blur emotional boundaries and foster romantic attachment. While this may seem harmless, it raises concerns both for individuals and organisations seeking to prevent emotional dependency, manipulation and data leakage. With loneliness an ever-present reality for many, there has been an exponential rise in recent years in companion AI chatbots. “Unlike general-purpose chatbots, AI companion apps…
Johannesburg, February 10, 2026 – Huawei South Africa and the National School of Government (NSG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen digital skills development within the public sector and accelerate government’s digital transformation journey. Under the two-year agreement, Huawei will support the NSG in integrating selected Huawei technology courses into the existing NSG U-Learning ecosystem. The collaboration will focus on priority areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, networking, storage, cloud and digital government, ensuring that public servants gain practical, future-focused skills that align with South Africa’s evolving digital landscape. “As the primary provider of training and educational…
The V27 offers a flexible, spacious cabin with up to 1,818 litres of cargo space,49 storage compartments (including a hidden 40-litre compartment under the boot floor), and class-leading second-row legroom. Advanced technology includes a 15.4-inch 3K central display and seven one-touch driving modes for various scenarios. Comfort features like a dual panoramic sunroof, premium 15-speaker audio system, ambient lighting, and a quiet cabin create a relaxing, adventure-ready experience. For many families and adventure seekers, space is what truly makes a car practical. Whether it’s a weekend getaway with children, a road trip with friends, or a spontaneous camping adventure, interior…
[Cape Town, South Africa | February 10, 2026] As global demand for transition and technology minerals surges, countries in the Global South must redefine their mineral assets not just through the lens of international supply chains, but through domestic development imperatives. The Linkage-Based Criticality Matrix (LBCM™), developed by the Centre for African Mineral Value Chains (CAMVaC)—the policy research arm of ESG Frontiers—provides policymakers with a robust tool to prioritise strategies and investments aligned with local realities and long-term resilience. “We’re seeing a pattern where criticality is defined by what’s scarce to others, not by what’s vital to us,” says Fulufhelo…
AlphaTON Capital Corp (ATON) has spent the early weeks of 2026 aggressively repositioning itself from a digital asset holding company into a vertically integrated infrastructure powerhouse. By leveraging its strategic ties to the Telegram and TON ecosystems, the company is carving out a niche in the high-stakes world of confidential AI compute. Key Financial Highlights (As of Jan 29, 2026) AlphaTON recently released a market update showcasing a significantly fortified balance sheet aimed at fueling its infrastructure ambitions. Metric Status/Value Total Assets $24.5 Million Cash on Hand $11 Million Debt Position Zero Debt Convertible Securities None Shares Outstanding 23.4 Million…
Audiobooks are now available to listen to on Spotify in South Africa, giving users more ways to get lost in great stories. With an extensive catalogue of audiobooks, Spotify’s selection spans bestsellers, new releases and genre favourites, including Shining Girls by South African author Lauren Beukes, as well as Heated Rivalry, Fourth Wing and You and Me on Vacation. It is one more way for audiences to discover, enjoy and share stories, all in one app. Whether you are commuting, exercising or winding down, modern life does not always leave time to sit down and read. Audiobooks make it easier…
TymeBank has officially transitioned to GoTyme Bank, marking the next chapter in the bank’s evolution as part of the global Tyme Group – a banking group operating across multiple markets and serving 20 million customers worldwide. This change also introduces a new digital experience through the new GoTyme app. The GoTyme Bank brand more clearly expresses the bank’s global alignment and focus on delivering a modern, digital-first banking experience that is simple, transparent, and affordable. This evolution of the bank’s brand reflects the scale, maturity, and ambition of the business, while maintaining full continuity for customers. “GoTyme Bank reflects who we…
Today, Disney+ debuted the official trailer for FX’s “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” a limited series that explores the undeniable chemistry, whirlwind courtship and high-profile marriage of one of the most iconic couples of the 20th century, John F. Kennedy Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly) and Carolyn Bessette (Sarah Pidgeon). It is the first installment in Ryan Murphy’s “Love Story” anthology and is inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The nine-episode series will premiere 12 February with the first three episodes, followed by new episodes weekly. It was a love story that…
South African SME funding platform Lula has secured R340 million in local currency funding from FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. This investment is set to significantly expand access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. The funding follows a period of robust growth for Lula. In 2023, the company successfully closed a $35 million Series B round led by Lightrock, which included participation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Quona Capital, DEG, and Triodos Investment Management. More recently, in late 2025, Lula further bolstered its lending capacity through a $10 million local-currency loan from…
Salesforce, the global leader in AI CRM, today announced the appointment of Nick Christodoulou as Area Vice President of Sales for Africa, a move that marks a significant expansion of Salesforce’s leadership team in the region and reinforces the company’s commitment to driving digital transformation and AI adoption across the continent. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for African enterprises, as organisations across sectors seek to modernise operations, unlock productivity, and remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven global economy. In his new role, Christodoulou will spearhead Salesforce’s sales strategy and revenue growth across Sub-Saharan Africa, working closely with customers…
capricorn GROUP (capricorn), the German-based industry leader in automotive and motorsport lightweight technology, presented two capricorn Zagato 01 hypercars at Salon Rétromobile, Paris, 27 Jan – 1 Feb 2026. The first customer deliveries will happen in 2026, following an intensive and rapid development process, borne out of capricorn’s extensive motorsport engineering experience. Both capricorn 01 Zagato hypercars are fully functional, drivable prototypes and a third example is currently under build at capricorn’s Mönchengladbach’s production facility. All three models will play a pivotal role in capricorn’s test and calibration program, as the brand rapidly accelerates towards a handbuilt production run strictly…
Expressive new energy vehicle (NEV) brand iCAUR – part of China’s cHERY GROUP – has announced key details of its dealership rollout strategy ahead of its official entry into the South African market. The brand will launch with an initial network of 20 dealerships, with further expansion planned as demand and market opportunities evolve over the next 12 to 24 months. The first phase of the rollout will prioritise establishing a strong national footprint, with dealerships planned across most of South Africa’s provinces. This approach underscores iCAUR’s commitment to accessibility and long-term growth, ensuring customers nationwide can engage with the…
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has officially extended the deadline for written submissions to its Inquiry on new Individual-Electronic Communications Network Services (I-ECNS) licences. Stakeholders now have until 16 February 2026 to submit their responses, following considered requests for additional time. I-ECNS Licence: An Individual Electronic Communications Network Service licence allows the holder to build and operate a physical network (e.g., fibre, wireless) for providing communications services to the public. The Inquiry, launched via Government Notice No. 53719 on 25 November 2025, represents a landmark review. It is the first comprehensive assessment since the pivotal 2008 Altech Autopage Cellular judgement and the…
Eskom and the Government of the Netherlands and key provincial partners will officially launch the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at Grootvlei Power Station in Mpumalanga. The Centre is a pilot initiative under Eskom’s Just Energy Transition (JET) Programme and marks an important step in linking South Africa’s energy transition with agriculture, climate-smart food production, skills development and new economic opportunities. The Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre demonstrates how the repurposing of energy-related infrastructure such as coal-fired power stations can support new, future-oriented economic activities beyond the energy sector. By combining clean energy solutions with…