Author: Staff Writer

The Transactions Cleared on an Immediate Basis (TCIB) Cross-border Payments Scheme, operated by PayInc, has achieved a new milestone through its collaboration with First Capital Bank (FCB) Botswana, for activating payments into Botswana. With the Botswana corridor now live, this partnership is driven by the seamless integration of the TCIB multi-currency, cross-border digital platform into FCB Botswana’s systems. By leveraging the interoperable payments infrastructure, fast, secure, and cost-effective digital transactions between users in both markets are made possible. This initiative not only simplifies cross-border payments for peer-to-peer transactions but also empowers communities and drives deeper financial inclusion – broadening access…

Pick n Pay Clothing is now available to millions more customers nationwide following its launch on the Pick n Pay asap! app, making affordable, quality clothing easier to access through a platform customers already use every day for their daily grocery needs. This is another step in Pick n Pay asap’s evolution from an on-demand grocery platform into a ‘super app’, giving customers access to groceries, clothing, Smart Shopper and value-added services through a single, familiar digital interface. Customers can now browse and shop for clothing within the asap! app, switching easily between groceries and clothing. Orders are placed separately,…

Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT) is advancing its strategy of reinvesting in high‑performing South African retail assets with a R75 million redevelopment of the Edgars premises at Walmer Park Shopping Centre in Gqeberha. This investment will reinforce Walmer Park’s position as the city’s leading retail destination by introducing a new internal link mall and expanding the variety of retail offerings. The project aligns with Growthpoint’s broader retail strategy to increase exposure to assets and regions positioned for sustainable long‑term growth, particularly in key coastal metros such as KwaZulu‑Natal and the Western Cape. Across its retail portfolio, Growthpoint continues to prioritise capital…

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has successfully restored core operations following a fire in the Northern Service Yard on Tuesday, said the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA). “Thanks to a swift response from emergency teams, the fire was contained without injuries or fatalities,” said ACSA. Operational Status: Check-in & Customs: All domestic and international check-in systems, along with Border Management Authority and Customs services, are fully automated and functional. Arrivals: International arrivals will continue to use an alternate “Meeters & Greeters” route on the ground floor of the International Inner Lane while a final safety assessment of the terminal…

The intersection of ancestral tradition, community and technology took centre stage at the recent Investec Cape Town Art Fair, where LG Electronics South Africa partnered with multidisciplinary artist Chidiri Nwaubani to present the immersive installation, Mbari Memorial: What Cannot Be Returned Must Be Reconceived. Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the fair was guided by the theme “Listen,” a prompt that Nwaubani answered through a radical exploration of Nigerian Igbo culture and collective creativity. At the heart of the installation were reimagined ogene gongs – traditional instruments used to summon communities – transformed into electrically conductive sensors.…

Huawei introduced a new wearable diabetes risk assessment feature at World Health Expo Dubai 2026, reinforcing its commitment to proactive, wearable-driven health management. The feature leverages non-invasive Photoplethysmography (PPG) technology and advanced smartwatch sensors to analyse wellness patterns and provide early alerts that may indicate potential diabetes risk. Designed to raise awareness rather than diagnose, the function encourages users to seek timely medical advice where necessary. According to the 2024 report by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 589 million adults aged 20 to 79 are living with diabetes worldwide. Of these, 43% remain undiagnosed, and 81% live in low- and…

Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA) is widening its appeal in the competitive compact SUV segment with the launch of the new XC40 B3 Essential. This entry-level derivative brings the Swedish brand’s signature blend of safety, design, and technology to a broader audience, with pricing starting at a highly competitive R750,000. The B3 Essential proves that accessibility does not mean austerity. It retains the core premium DNA of the award-winning XC40, offering a sophisticated ownership experience without the premium price tag. This strategic launch underscores Volvo’s long-term commitment to the local market. “The reintroduction of this model, the continued focus on expanding…

As Minister Godongwana prepares to deliver another Budget in a constrained fiscal environment, the pressure to make hard choices is mounting. Vuyani Jarana, CEO of Ilitha Telecommunications, argues that repeating traditional investment patterns will lock South Africa into the same outcomes. Instead, he says, government must take a longer-term view and prioritise building intelligent digital infrastructure. This foundational investment will enable education, healthcare, public safety, and economic participation, while reducing the cost of service delivery over time. Jarana, who also serves on the boards of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Walter Sisulu University, believes the debate should shift from whether South Africa can afford to…

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…