Author: Staff Writer

Draft .ZA Registry and Registrar Licensing Regulations and Procedures proposed by the .ZA Domain Name Regulatory Authority (.ZADNA) place burdensome restrictions on domain name registrars and registrants which will lead to brand owners abandoning the .ZA Internet country code in favour of one of the multitude of generic domains (such as .COM or .BUSINESS) that are easier to register. “.ZADNA’s draft regulations and procedures as they stand threaten to undo 34 years of local and international goodwill towards domains ending in .ZA. The regulations are heavy-handed and cumbersome and as such will disincentivise adoption of .ZA registrations,” said William Stucke,…

JSE-listed technology company Altron has announced the appointment of Werner Kapp as Group Chief Executive from 1 October 2022. Altron Executive Chairman Stewart van Graan said: “After a rigorous search and recruitment process by the Board, we are very pleased to appoint a well-recognised leader with extensive expertise and sector experience. “Werner will drive our vision as Altron to become a preeminent technology services provider with ambitions to strengthen our local and global presence in the digital solutions market. This is a market where the opportunity is substantial.” Kapp was at Dimension Data where over a twenty-two-year period, he held…

South Africa’s Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) invites applications for its “ISPA Inspires Educational Sponsorship” for the 2023 academic year. Applications open today, Thursday, 1 September and close on Friday, 30 September 2022. Visit the ISPA Inspires website for more information and to register and submit your application. Sponsorship for the 2023 academic year will be awarded to one or more promising young candidates interested in pursuing a career in the ISP (Internet Service Provider) sector. Sponsorship is available not only for universities, TVET and technical colleges but also for any institution providing accredited ICT training or sector-specific courses where…

South African gym management software platform Octiv has reached a monumental milestone in closing their eight-figure Series A funding round from a leading venture capital firm, Knife Capital. The startup previously raised seed capital from prominent South African angel investors and this round also included an angel investment from an executive at BVNK. This investment will allow Octiv to fast-track its global expansion drive, add innovative product enhancements, and scale customer service levels to keep up with aggressive growth. Octiv started as a workout tracking app for CrossFit gyms in South Africa. Mark Fawzy, the CEO and founder of Octiv,…

MTN Group today announced the appointment of Christian Bombrun as CEO: Digital Platforms, effective 1 September 2022. Bombrun takes over from Minnie Harris, who has been acting in the role since April 2022. Harris, who has been double-hatting over the past four months, will now focus solely on her responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Digital Platforms. In his role, Bombrun will be responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining the long-term growth and commercial strategy for Digital in MTN. “Bombrun is a seasoned professional in the areas of entertainment, digital and technologies, and brings 25 years of experience to MTN,”…

Microsoft veteran and Africa expert Kunle Awosika assumes the position of Managing Director for the Africa Transformation Office as Wael Elkabbany steps into a new role heading up the Africa Regional Cluster. With more than 22 years’ experience working in multiple countries across the continent, Awosika has a deep understanding of, and passion for Africa. He was one of the three pioneer team members when Microsoft opened its Nigeria office, and has played various roles in the company, including Director of Enterprise Business, Country Manager: Microsoft Kenya and Director: Small and Medium Corporates, Emerging Markets. In these roles, he has…

Vodacom Financial Services has launched VodaLend Cash Advance, a product that gives customers quick and secure access to money when they need it most. VodaLend Cash Advance is the latest product to be added to the VodaLend financial services suite, which includes VodaLend Compare, Voucher Advance, and Airtime Advance. The new addition is geared towards underbanked consumers who need quick and barrier-free access to funds, whether it’s an emergency doctor’s visit or topping up pre-paid electricity just before payday. Available exclusively to Vodacom customers through the VodaPay super app, the financial services offering forms part of the telco’s purpose-led ambition…

Discussions about femicide and gender-based violence are often framed in cold statistics that are bereft of any human element, yet the survivors of this scourge are real people from all walks of life. In response to the unintended dehumanisation of gender-based violence, Avon Justine has sought to put a human face to the narrative of gender-based violence by hosting a Women’s Month high tea at the Palazzo Hotel in Johannesburg, where Josina Machel, one of the millions of survivors of this savagery, will gave a keynote address and shared her story of being brutalised by her former partner. Machel lost…

Social network platform Twitter announced that it is integrating podcasts into its platform as part of its newly designed Spaces Tab. “Starting Thursday, August 25, we’re integrating podcasts into Twitter as a part of our newly redesigned Spaces Tab,” Twitter said in a blog post. “We know that some discussions need more than 280 characters, and bringing people closer to the ideas, content, and creators they know and love is core to Twitter no matter where the conversations take place.” So how will it all work, and how can you check out Twitter’s new podcasts for yourself? Integrating podcasts into Twitter…

A mere 24 hours after Volvo Car South Africa’s second all-electric variant – the XC40 P6 Recharge – went on sale locally, the entire initial allocation was sold out. The order books for the XC40 P6 Recharge officially opened early on Tuesday 26 July and every one of the 25 units was snapped up by the following morning. The highly anticipated single-motor version of the electric XC40 was available exclusively online through Volvo’s www.myvolvo.co.za website from a starting price of R1 075 000. Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, believes the overwhelming customer response to the XC40…