Author: Staff Writer
Cryptocurrency market cap leader Bitcoin is approaching the R1.04 million all time high recorded during the 2021 bull market and is currently trading on Luno at R998,974. The milestone followed a week-long rally which saw Bitcoin up by around 20% over the week. In US dollar terms, however, Bitcoin is currently trading around $52,000 – still a way off from the dollar all-time high of $65,000. Christo de Wit, Luno’s country manager for South Africa, comments, “The difference is indicative of the rand’s devaluation against the US dollar over the last five years, and adds legitimacy to the argument by…
Boxwood Property Fund is proud to announce the appointment of Sarah Divaris as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). At the age of 29, Sarah stands as one of the youngest COOs in the sector however she brings an extraordinary depth of experience, expertise and an innovative approach. Holding a Business Science Degree in Finance and Economics along with a prestigious CFA Charterholder designation, Sarah’s combination of financial acumen, strategic mindset and creative flair have been instrumental in shaping Boxwood’s trajectory. Sarah’s journey with Boxwood began eight years ago. At the time, Boxwood was in its early stages, lacking assets…
The strategic partnership between TymeBank, Africa’s first digital bank to reach profitability, and leading retail giant, TFG (The Foschini Group), has made significant progress since its official launch in January 2023, acquiring 1 million bank account customers in just over a year. TymeBank’s record customer growth (8.7 million total customers since the launch in 2019) has benefitted significantly from TFG’s large-scale retail ecosystem. Through the TymeBank TFG Money bank account, which can be opened at a kiosk in more than 500 TFG stores nationwide, customers have direct and convenient access to highly affordable transactional banking and the most competitive savings…
When someone is ready to open their heart to love again, the search for a meaningful connection can lead them down unexpected paths. Living in a quiet town with limited romantic opportunities, the idea of finding love online seemed like a promising option for Talitha (not her real name). However, the safety concern loomed large. “I heard horror stories of people being attacked at their first meeting or being seen simply as a sugar mommy,” she shares. In pursuit of a genuine connection that aligned with her values, Talitha joined a Christian dating app. “It gave warnings not to give…
Technology has disrupted many aspects of traditional life. When you are sitting at dinner and seeing a couple going out on a “first date”, consider that this may be their first in-person date and that they have been interacting (dating) online for months. According to global data and business intelligence platform, Statista, the number of online dating users in South Africa is expected to reach 6.7 million users by 2028. The report adds that the current user penetration rate of dating websites is believed to be 8.0% and may increase to 10.4% by 2028. This is good news for nervous…
Online dating in South Africa is experiencing a surge in popularity, with a growing number of individuals seeking connections and companionship on digital platforms. As more people venture into the virtual realm, a surge of insidious scammers has also emerged, preying on the desire for connection and turning the quest for love into a dangerous game of financial deception. Valentine’s Day, one of the most popular days for love, brings with it not only the promise of love but also the threat of romance scams. Fraudsters use romance scams to exploit individuals emotionally and financially, often resulting in heartbreaking consequences.…
Customer experience has fundamentally changed. In fact, today it is in a state of constant evolution alongside the development of technologies such as generative AI, automation and personalised computing. Technology is shifting the way businesses facilitate the customer experience, be it through customer touchpoints such as built-in games, chatbots, personalised shopping experiences or otherwise. From insurance, to banking, retail and even public services, customers are becoming more expectant of digital and tech-enabled experiences that make their interactions with businesses more seamless, stress-free and pleasurable. Here are six ways businesses will leverage tech to ensure these experiences for consumers in 2024.…
Africa has emerged as a hub for fintech innovation as multiple factors converge to catalyse transformative change within the financial services sector, with South Africa serving as an entry point into the continent for numerous providers. “The absence of traditional banking infrastructure in many regions has paved the way for innovative fintech solutions to fill the gaps and meet the diverse financial needs of the population, with mobile penetration rates supporting a digital-first shift in how Africans transact and bank,” says Mia Pieterse, Partner and fintech specialist at Mazars in South Africa. Additional factors driving fintech growth on the continent…
Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), celebrates its five-year partnership between Sage Foundation and GirlCode. GirlCode, a registered non-profit organisation, is committed to empowering young girls and women in the technology field by equipping them with the skills they need to become proficient software developers, readying them for careers in the technology sector. Sage Foundation will support 1,000 aspiring young South African GirlCoders this year, enabling them to acquire coding and technology skills, which include education and mentorship focused on developing their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills. “It’s…
For more than a century, Rooibos has solely grown in the botanically diverse Cederberg region of the Western Cape, and nowhere else in the world. That is until now… A new action-packed survival game, called Enshrouded, has Rooibos growing in the virtual Nomad Highlands – an expanse of land located in the heart of the game that is filled with valuable resources. German-based gaming developer, Keen Games, recently launched Enshrouded via early access for Windows PC users on 24 January, which requires players to obtain resources, such as Rooibos to survive. According to Keen Games, Enshrouded, has already attracted more…