Author: Staff Writer
SOFTSWISS, a global technology company with a growing presence in South Africa, has released its 2026 iGaming Trends Report, developed in partnership with NEXT.io. The study highlights a major shift in the digital entertainment and tech landscape, where operational AI, advanced cybersecurity, and brand reputation are becoming more critical than traditional performance marketing. The fourth edition of this annual study offers an in-depth look at the factors driving market transformation, with key findings relevant to South Africa’s entire digital economy: AI goes operational: The perceived importance of AI scored 8.41/10 in 2025, up from 8.15 the previous year, with 56%…
RoadMind AI, an innovative new startup, set to make waves in the African tech scene with its cutting-edge AI-driven solutions designed to transform the future of mobility across the continent. Co-founded by Tendai Joe and Athenkosi Nzala, the company aims to tackle some of Africa’s most pressing road safety and transportation challenges by leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology. A Vision to Revolutionize African Mobility At the core of RoadMind AI’s mission is a commitment to making African roads safer, smarter, and more efficient. With a focus on real-time hazard detection and predictive vehicle maintenance, the company is addressing critical…
Tracker’s vehicle crime statistics for January to June 2025 reveal that business-owned vehicles* are 48% more likely to be targeted than personally-owned vehicles. This trend is largely driven by hijackings, with notable shifts in both timing and location – Mpumalanga has emerged as a new hotspot, and incidents are increasingly occurring during the week rather than over weekends. The Tracker Vehicle Crime Index aggregates information from Tracker’s more than 1.1 million subscriptions. The data indicates that business-owned vehicles experience 32% more crime than their proportion within the Tracker base, highlighting a significantly higher risk compared to personally-owned vehicles. The majority…
FSCA issues public warning regarding impersonation of 27Four Investment Managers (Pty) Ltd and its Managing Director, Ms Fatima Vawda The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) warns members of the public to exercise caution when engaging in financial services-related activities with the administrators of a Telegram group operating under the name “LeaderFatima_Vawda.” The administrators of the “LeaderFatima_Vawda” Telegram group falsely claim to be affiliated with authorised financial services provider 27Four Investment Managers (Pty) Ltd (27Four Investment Managers), FSP number 31045, and its Managing Director, Ms Fatima Vawda. According to information received by the FSCA, the administrators of the “LeaderFatima_Vawda” Telegram group…
FSCA issues public warning regarding impersonation of Cuthman Capital (Pty) Ltd and its Chief Operating Officer. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) urges members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with individuals who falsely purport to represent Cuthman Capital (Pty) Ltd (Cuthman Capital) and its Chief Operating Officer. Ms Thandi Wille, the Chief Operating Officer of Cuthman Capital, submitted a complaint to the FSCA after discovering that impersonators were using Telegram accounts to pose as the company’s executives. These individuals are misleading the public by falsely claiming affiliation with Cuthman Capital. The Telegram usernames used by the impersonators…
The announcement of an ambitious plan by Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to invest R2.23 trillion to build 105 000MW of new generation capacity between now and 2039 is commendable. Commenting on South Africa’s bold plan, Nokwanele Qonde, Founder and Chairperson of WASAA Group, cautioned that the envisaged 11% contribution of gas to the country’s future energy mix by 2039 “seems unrealistic and unfeasible”. Minister Ramokgopa revealed the expected gas contribution to the mix while outlining South Africa’s energy roadmap in a policy blueprint dubbed the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which was approved by Cabinet last month. WASAA is an independent,…
Local software company, Netgen Custom Software, is proud to announce that it turns 25 years old this year. Since first being registered by co-founders Grant Scheffel and Hardy Esterhuizen in October 2000, Netgen has grown into an established organisation with offices in two South African cities and a global footprint. “We recently celebrated this milestone with our teams, taking a day out to reflect, build connections, and share in 25 years of achievements together,” says managing director and co-founder, Grant Scheffel. “It was a powerful reminder that Netgen’s strength lies not only in our technology, but in the people and…
South African technology distributor Axiz has entered into a partnership with MBCOM Technologies, Broadcom’s sole distributor in the region, to distribute the full Broadcom software portfolio, in a move aimed at expanding access to Broadcom’s enterprise solutions and strengthening support for local channel partners. The agreement brings together MBCOM’s structured regional channel programme and Axiz’s established distribution network in South Africa. Partners in the country will now be able to access Broadcom’s software suite, which includes Symantec, Carbon Black, Enterprise Software Solutions (former CA portfolio), Mainframe, and VMware solutions, under a more formalised and supportive framework. “Broadcom’s software portfolio plays a significant…
The highly anticipated Mushroom Farm Shopping Centre officially opened its doors on Thursday, 30 October 2025, redefining the local convenience retail landscape with over 50 curated retail and service offerings. Owned and developed by Century Property Developments, the R600-million centre sits at the corner of Allandale and President Roads, in the heart of the Kyalami–Waterfall node. Its name pays homage to its history as a working mushroom farm neighbouring the original Waterval Farm, now Waterfall Estates. Conceived with input from local residents, the centre has been designed as a social and lifestyle hub anchored by a central community piazza. Japie…
OPPO has announced the launch of the OPPO A6 Pro 5G in South Africa, bringing exceptional battery life, dependable durability and powerful performance to local consumers. The launch builds on OPPO’s commitment to making advanced and reliable technology accessible to all South Africans, from busy professionals and creators to outdoor adventurers who expect a device that keeps up with them. “South Africans lead dynamic lives and their smartphones should do the same,” says Bradley Young, Head of Retail at OPPO South Africa. “With the A6 Pro 5G, we are delivering a device that lasts longer, performs better and inspires confidence…
Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA) has announced that its life assurance subsidiary, Rand Mutual Life (RML), concluded a strategic agreement with B3 Insurance Brokers and B3 Funerals Soweto (which are registered Financial Service Providers) to underwrite B3 policies to RML. This landmark deal marks a significant step in strengthening the delivery of funeral assurance services to South African families. Since 1991, B3 Insurance Brokers and B3 Funerals Soweto have served South African families through their funeral parlours and related financial services, operating across five provinces with a network of 23 branches. The arrangement enables B3 to offer tailor-made life insurance solutions…
South Africa’s unemployment crisis remains one of the gravest in the world. The latest labour data shows joblessness at 33.2% overall and an alarming 62.2% among youth (ages 15–24). Yet thousands of digital roles remain unfilled. According to recent ICT sector data, more than 118,000 digital and tech jobs are open nationwide, 40,000 of them entry-level positions. While millions search for work, thousands of digital roles remain vacant. Tech-education leader HyperionDev is highlighting how accessible, outcomes-based training can close that gap, offering affordable, mentored bootcamps in coding, data, and software engineering designed to get learners career-ready within months, not years.…
The decision to remove South Africa from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist provides a timely confidence boost for the country’s residential property sector, and a strong signal that it is open for business. “After almost two years of intense scrutiny and rigorous monitoring, this delisting points to renewed confidence in our country’s financial systems and processes. This decision will have far-reaching positive implications for various sectors, including property,” says Bradd Bendall, BetterBond’s National Head of Sales. “Five repo rate cuts since November 2024 have already helped to reignite market activity, and this delisting is likely to attract fresh…
The appointment of Lloyd Mhlanga as Chief Executive Officer of Big Five Duty Free is more than a mere corporate promotion; it is the culmination of a journey defined by determination, resilience, and leadership. This new chapter, energised by the strategic entry of Maponya Investment Holdings as a significant shareholder, places Mhlanga at the helm of Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading travel retail operator at a pivotal moment. His story is not just one of ascending to the top, but of the seasoned expertise and purposeful vision he brings to guide a beloved South African brand into its ambitious future. Born in…
Big Five Duty Free, Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading travel retail operator, today announced a transformative strategic shift with the entry of Maponya Investment Holdings (MIH) as a significant new shareholder, and the appointment of industry veteran Lloyd Mhlanga as its new Chief Executive Officer. This strategic combination of aligned, purpose-driven South African capital and seasoned leadership marks the beginning of an ambitious new growth chapter for the company, which operates key retail locations at Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban airports. The investment by MIH, a leading family-run business with a legacy of decades of successful South African entrepreneurship, establishes a formidable…
DFA has announced the appointment of Paul Divall as Chief Commercial Officer, marking a pivotal step in its strategy to sharpen commercial execution and strengthen market engagement. Divall brings a unique perspective to the role, having served in multiple capacities within the telecommunications industry. His appointment underscores the company’s commitment to aligning its strategy, products, operations, and support with customer needs. “Delivering value and making it easy for our customers to do business with us is central to how we will win in this industry,” says Divall. “Some of my focus areas will include simplifying engagement, ensuring service commitments are…
The Southern Africa Telecommunica ons Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC), Africa’s leading ICT research and innovation event will take place in Hermanus, Western Cape from 30 November to 3 December 2025. Hosted by Telkom, SATNAC 2025 will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators under the theme: “Africa’s Ascent: Towards a Sustainable and Resilient Future enabled by secure Next-Genera on Infrastructure, Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence.” Now in its 28th year, SATNAC is recognised as the continent’s flagship platform for driving dialogue, collaborate on, and knowledge-sharing across the digital ecosystem. The 2025 programme features keynote addresses from industry experts,…
Prosus, a global technology investor, announced it will list Brazilian Depositary Receipts (BDRs) on the B3 stock exchange. The BDRs will trade under the ticker symbol “PRXB.” This move provides Brazilian investors with direct access to Prosus, a major backer of leading Latin American tech brands like iFood, Movile, and OLX Brasil. Two Prosus BDRs will represent one of its American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). The listing strengthens Prosus’s long-term commitment to Brazil and its regional ecosystem strategy, which focuses on high-frequency platforms in food delivery, fintech, and classifieds. “Prosus has supported local founders and technology platforms since the earliest days…
JSE-listed financial services group FirstRand announced an agreement to acquire 20.1% of Optasia, one of the world’s largest AI-powered fintech platforms providing financial access to people across emerging markets. The group is acquiring this strategic investment concurrent with Optasia’s IPO which is in progress. FirstRand believes that this investment in Optasia represents an exciting opportunity to leverage a proven fintech platform that has a successful track record of solving the lending needs of underbanked or unbanked consumers, practitioners and micro enterprises which have had difficulty accessing traditional credit products. Optasia’s ability to pre-score customers, process micro loans at scale and…
McDonald’s South Africa (MSA), in collaboration with the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), is proud to celebrate the graduation of 676 young South Africans who have successfully completed a Learnership Programme. This milestone forms part of a broader effort to address youth unemployment by equipping young people with valuable, job-ready skills. The learnership aligns with CATHSSETA’s High Impact Programme, which aims to empower unemployed individuals with industry-specific training, improving their chances of securing long-term employment within the hospitality and tourism sectors. “This initiative is a clear demonstration of how co-investment between the private…
South Africa’s higher-education sector doesn’t lack investment, says Dr Stan du Plessis, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of STADIO Higher Education. What it lacks are the outcomes that should follow. An economist by training and inclination, Du Plessis believes the private higher-education sector can help close that gap through designing for efficiency, aligning qualifications to the world of work, and offering scalable access without sacrificing quality. He believes STADIO’s new Durbanville campus, opening officially on 20 October 2025, embodies the group’s goal of quality at scale: a comprehensive campus built for efficiency, affordability and impact. “Instead of many small,…
Growthpoint Properties, South Africa’s leading Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), has acquired a 30% stake in the operational Boston Hydroelectric plant, a new R390 million development with an operational lifetime of over 40 years by leading independent power producer Serengeti Energy within the Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme near Clarens. South Africa’s newest hydroelectric plant was certified for commercial operations by Eskom on Friday (17 October 2025) and has already started adding renewable energy to the national grid. As early as 2023, Growthpoint secured exclusive access to all the approximately 30GWh of renewable electricity generated by the plant annually, through its…
The world-first multi-adaptive safety belt, set to debut in Volvo Cars’ soon-to-be-revealed fully electric EX60 SUV, has been recognised as one of the Best Inventions of 2025 by TIME. Today, TIME revealed its annual list of the Best Inventions, which features 300 extraordinary innovations changing our lives. For the second year in a row, Volvo Cars is honoured to be included on the list for its latest safety innovation. The new multi-adaptive safety belt is designed to even better protect occupants by adapting to the traffic conditions and the person wearing it. “We are proud to be recognised by TIME…
Phodisho Samuel Maganyela, a 15-year-old, Grade 10 learner from Lesedi Secondary School in the Tshwane District, in Bronkhorstspruit, has claimed top honours in the 2025 Bokamoso Creative Essay Competition, recently held in Klipspruit, Gauteng, where he impressed judges with his imaginative and practical solutions that empower youth-driven sustainability efforts. Maganyela’s standout essay explored how young minds can engineer sustainable solutions addressing South Africa’s pressing challenges. His visionary ideas, grounded in creativity and science, technology, education and mathematics (STEM) principles, underscore the vital role tomorrow’s engineers and thinkers will play in shaping a sustainable future. Hosted by Knight Piésold, on 13…
As cryptocurrency adoption accelerates across Africa, many South Africans still face a steep learning curve in understanding the fundamentals of blockchain, digital wallets, and decentralised finance. In response to this growing educational gap, Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem, has launched a new crypto-focused show to make digital finance accessible to all. Hosted by South Africa’s very own Financial Bunny, Nicolette Mashile, The Getting Crypto Show premiered on Saturday, 18 October at 15:00 on SABC’s S3 and will air for six limited and highly educational episodes. A first for Africa, the show will simplify cryptocurrency for everyday South Africans by…