Author: Staff Writer

In South Africa, funerals are not just family affairs – they’re collective moments that draw entire communities together. When someone passes away, it’s not unusual for neighbours, relatives and friends to contribute financially, cook for guests, or simply show up to offer support. It’s a lived expression of Ubuntu – the belief that our lives are intertwined. But as funeral costs increase, fewer people carry cash, and more families are separated by geography, this tradition is evolving. South Africans are finding new, digital-first ways to uphold it – not by replacing cultural values, but by adapting them. At the heart…

Visa, in partnership with Absa, is proud to announce the winners of the second annual She’s Next South Africa competition, a flagship initiative designed to empower women-owned small businesses with access to funding, training, and mentorship. This year’s finalists represented diverse businesses, including farming to furniture, recycling, manufacturing, and clothing. With her Avo processing factory on wheels, this year’s overall winner is Christine Masaiti from Grandstage Trading, who has been awarded the grand prize of a R450 000 monetary grant. Zimkhita Duze from Uuka Bricks secured second place, earning R270 000, while third place and R150 000 went to the…

NetApp, a data infrastructure company, has appointed Axiz as a distributor across Africa in a landmark agreement that reflects NetApp’s renewed commitment to scale its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. This strategic collaboration aims to empower a broader channel ecosystem, unlock new partner-led opportunities, and deliver world-class data and cloud solutions to enterprises across Sub-Saharan Africa. “Collaborating with Axiz represents a pivotal step in NetApp’s Africa strategy,” said Farid Najjar, Commercial Sales Manager – MEA at NetApp. “Axiz’s reach, technical expertise, and strong multi-vendor ecosystem uniquely position them to drive the next phase of our growth…

Investec has been awarded an energy trading licence by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), marking another significant milestone in the liberalisation and transformation of South Africa’s energy sector. “This licence is more than a regulatory milestone landmark – it’s about unlocking competitive advantage for our clients,” said Mpho Modise, Head of Renewable Energy Trading at Investec. “As South Africa navigates rising energy costs and ongoing supply challenges, we are focused on providing innovative, cost-effective solutions that not only future-proof businesses but also accelerate the shift to renewable energy.” The newly awarded licence enables Investec to broaden its…

Disney+ today announced that, from 02 October 2025, the ESPN Africa linear channels will be available to South African customers at no extra cost. Fans will have access to the two 24-hour linear ESPN channels that showcase the very best live and studio sports programming from the US and around the world, spanning major leagues and iconic competitions. “At Disney, we are committed to delivering world-class sports and entertainment to customers across the region. The launch of the ESPN Africa linear channels on Disney+ in South Africa reflects our strategy to reach sports fans across multiple platforms and connect with…

JSE listed Balwin Properties, a developer that cares about environmentally responsible building practices and the delivery of high-quality apartments to its valued clients, yesterday launched the first of several vocational training centres that will be rolled out nationally. The first training centre at Mooikloof Smart City, east of Pretoria, will train more than 300 candidates annually in bricklaying, tiling, plastering, plumbing, electrical, first aid, firefighting, and working from heights. Steve Brookes, CEO and founder of Balwin commented: “The construction sector has lost a considerable number of vocational skills in the aftermath of the Pandemic. This initiative is aimed at empowering…

[Shanghai, China, September 18, 2025] HUAWEI CONNECT 2025 kicks off today in Shanghai. Eric Xu, Huawei’s Deputy Chairman of the Board and Rotating Chairman, gave a keynote themed “Groundbreaking SuperPoD Interconnect: Leading a New Paradigm for AI Infrastructure”. During the event, Xu unveiled the world’s most powerful SuperPoDs and SuperClusters. Xu noted, “Computing power is – and will continue to be – key to AI. This is especially true in China.” He reiterated that Huawei’s goal is to sustainably meet long-term computing demand by building SuperPoDs and SuperClusters with the semiconductor manufacturing process nodes that are practically available to the…

Telkom recorded a pleasing 153,4% increase in its enterprise and supplier development investment during the 2025 financial year, with its flagship Telkom FutureMakers Programme supporting 459 youth- and women-led enterprises, driving R859 million in procurement opportunities. Telkom FutureMakers celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, having been launched in 2015 with a R250-million investment. The initiative aims to improve Telkom’s offerings and services by incubating ICT-based SMMEs through financial and non-financial programmes. To date, more than 2 600 black-owned SMMEs have gone through the programme. “Telkom FutureMakers has had a real impact on people’s lives for more than a decade,” says…

 Since its inception in 2017, Vodacom’s #CodeLikeAGirl (CLAG) programme has continued to break barriers and open doors for girls in South Africa, inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). What began with just twenty participants has grown into a national initiative, with over 10 000 girls having been trained in coding and digital literacy across all nine provinces in the country. #CLAG offers girls aged 14 to 18 from underprivileged communities access to both on-site and virtual coding bootcamps. These sessions introduce participants to programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and GitHub,…

Google today announced a new set of investments in Africa, reaffirming its nearly two-decade commitment to the continent’s digital transformation. The latest commitments focus on empowering Africa’s next generation through AI, unlocking opportunities and expanding on the innovation capacity of young Africans. They cover internet connectivity; youth-led learning and innovation; and skills training. Connectivity Google is announcing four strategic subsea cable connectivity hubs in the north, south, east and west regions of Africa. This investment creates new digital corridors within Africa and between Africa and the rest of the world – ultimately deepening international connectivity and resilience, as well as…

After more than 20 years on the menu, McDonald’s South Africa is putting the spotlight on a firm fan favourite, the Chicken Foldover. From today, a nationwide campaign kicks off, celebrating not only the Foldover’s loyal following but also its unique appeal and McDonald’s 30th year in the country. Crafted with 2 chicken patties, crisp fresh salad, and an option of McDonald’s signature garlic mayonnaise or spicy sauce, all wrapped in soft, warm flatbread, the Chicken Foldover strikes the perfect balance between flavour, freshness, and convenience. “The campaign’s tagline, ‘If You Know, You Know,’ reflects the Foldover’s growing reputation among…

Gobuddy, a homegrown South African technology start-up, is transforming the way e-commerce deliveries reach customers, while creating jobs in the most unexpected places. By tapping into the daily travel routes of ordinary people, Gobuddy empowers anyone commuting by foot, taxi, bus or bike to become part of a growing delivery network and earn income by helping businesses deliver goods faster and more cost-effectively than ever before. “At its core, Gobuddy is an inclusive, sustainable delivery network,” explains Leon Strumpher, Founder and CEO. “We use world-class route-matching technology to connect customer deliveries in the e-commerce sector to vetted transporters who are…

Institutional appetite for crypto exposure is swinging back strongly. According to data from Cointelegraph, spot Bitcoin ETFs pulled in $642 million in net inflows on Friday, with Ether ETFs adding another $405 million, as investors grow more confident. Fidelity’s FBTC led Bitcoin flows with about $315 million, while BlackRock’s IBIT contributed $264 million. These are signs that after weeks of uncertainty, market participants believe macro conditions might finally stabilize. BTC has recently risen past $115,000, reflecting that renewed demand.This shift isn’t limited to just Bitcoin – many traders expect altcoins to benefit as well, especially those with strong fundamentals and…

You’ve built a solid business. Now it’s time to get it ready for peak season. Black Friday, year-end sales, and other high-volume shopping periods can put even the most established operations under pressure. Orders start coming in faster, from further afield — through online platforms, national retailers, and new stockists. Growth is here, but without the proper logistics in place, it can quickly turn into growing pains. Many medium-sized businesses find themselves at this tipping point: successful regionally, but needing to scale nationally without overextending their teams or infrastructure. The solution? Smart logistics planning. “We work with many businesses that…

Sedna Africa, a leading systems integrator in industrial connectivity and digital infrastructure, has launched a first-of-its-kind Network Operations Centre (NOC) — a state-of-the-art facility in Johannesburg that enables centralised, real-time monitoring and management of industrial networks across Africa. This next-generation NOC sets a new benchmark for network visibility and operational control, combining advanced hardware trusted by the US military with Sedna’s proprietary integration capabilities and a strategic partnership with Digi Rock Innovations (DRi). The Beating Heart of Industrial Operations Positioned as the nerve centre of Sedna Africa’s operations, the NOC embodies the company’s end-to-end philosophy. From this central hub, engineers…

iStore, South Africa’s only Apple Premium Partner, today announced the arrival of the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, available from 19 September 2025, with pre-orders opening on 12 September 2025. This launch is more than just the latest innovation from Apple. It’s a celebration of 20 years of iStore, South Africa’s ultimate home of everything Apple, where customers don’t just get Apple Watch – they get Apple Watch and so much more. Chris Dodd, CEO of iStore South Africa, said: “Two decades ago, we set out to bring the very best of…

iStore, South Africa’s only Apple Premium Partner, is proud to bring the highly anticipated iPhone 17 range to customers this September. With more value, more peace of mind, more network choice, and more expert support than ever before. The iPhone 17 range, including the all-new iPhone Air, will launch on 19 September 2025, with pre-orders opening on 12 September 2025. This launch represents more than just the latest iPhone at iStore, it’s a testament to two decades of iStore being South Africa’s ultimate home of everything Apple, where customers don’t just get iPhone — they get iPhone and so much…

Four-year-old card-linked instalment platform Float has secured $2.6 million (R46 million) in funding co-led by Invenfin and SAAD Investment Holdings, with participation from all existing investors, including Platform Investment Partners. Lighthouse Venture Partners also participated and played an advisory role on the deal. The funding will be used to scale Float’s South African operations, enhance its proprietary technology platform and prepare for future market expansion as the company continues its triple-digit growth trajectory. Float is reimagining how consumers use credit by providing a budget-friendly, interest- and fee-free instalment solution that promotes responsible spending and greater affordability. In an economic environment…

Recent used car sales trends hint at which vehicles are capturing attention and setting the pace for South Africa’s eco-friendly motoring transition. Hybrid vehicles are leading South Africa’s shift to cleaner motoring, with New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales increasing 82% year-on-year (YoY). According to AutoTrader’s latest Mid-Year Industry Report, conventional hybrid vehicles are leading the transition to electric cars in South Africa. In fact, hybrids account for 84% of all NEVs sold between January and June, making them the actual driver behind eco-friendly transport in South Africa. At the forefront of this trend is the locally manufactured Toyota Corolla Cross…

Together with RMB Private Bank, medical scheme, Profmed launched a dual-benefit designed to help emerging professionals protect their health and manage their finances through one intelligent solution. This market first bundles upfront medical cover, smart credit features, and career-relevant lifestyle rewards into a single dual-benefit solution that is purpose built for young professionals who don’t want to lose pace in their upward trajectory. Craig Comrie, Profmed Principal Officer and Chief Executive says the aim is not to dictate what professionals should be doing to grow their careers. “We’ve listened to what they need to support their ambitions and dreams,” he…

On World EV Day, a recent survey of over 6,700 South African car owners highlights a significant shift in perception, with growing interest in Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and EVs. For many diesel owners, Volvo’s electrified lineup is proving to be the perfect bridge, offering the performance and flexibility they expect, but with greater efficiency and lower running costs. The data shows that 60% of diesel owners are likely to consider a hybrid within the next 3-5 years, viewing them as delivering the “best of both worlds.” Hybrids Hit the Sweet Spot for Performance Volvo PHEVs are designed to…

As the nature and complexity of cyber threats rapidly evolves, companies have realised that they must look beyond purely tech solutions and equip their employees with the skills to safeguard the business against attack. However, Mimecast has found that while 86% of organisations now train employees at least quarterly to identify and report threats, a significant 43% still cite lack of employee awareness as their top concern, indicating that traditional training is simply not up to the task. “Most organisations remain doggedly focused on protecting against external threats including cloud services, exposed email accounts, and domain risks. This is often…

A staggering 39% of South Africa’s domestic workers are paid below the National Minimum Wage, a new report reveals, forcing thousands into a desperate cycle of debt as the cost of living soars. The 2025 Sweepsouth Annual Report on Domestic Worker Pay and Working Conditions, which surveyed 5,039 workers, found median monthly earnings are just R3,635. This falls nearly R900 short of the R4,500 required for basic monthly expenses, creating an impossible gap for the 82% of workers who are the main breadwinners for their families. The Deepening Crisis The financial strain is widespread and devastating. One in three workers…

The annual Red Socks Golf Day, hosted in partnership with McDonald’s South Africa suppliers, took place recently, raising significant funds for the continued operation of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) South Africa. This long-standing event highlights the power of collaboration and shared purpose, ensuring that families can find comfort and support during their most difficult times. RMHC South Africa is an independent non-profit organisation governed by a Board of Directors and operated by dedicated staff and volunteers. Its mission is to create, find, and support programmes that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. This year’s…

The latest Cost of Living Report by the Competition Commission paints a sobering picture of the pressures South African households face. For township entrepreneurs, the crisis is even more acute because it affects both their homes and their businesses. Key findings from the report: Food and non-alcoholic beverages account for 40% of spending in the poorest households. Over the past five years, electricity prices rose 68% and water prices 50%, both far above inflation. Transport costs, driven by taxi fare increase, continue to erode disposable income. Education costs have risen 37-42%, while internet access- now a basic business tool -…