Author: Staff Writer

Vodacom Western Cape plans to invest R570 million this financial year into the region’s network as part of the company’s commitment to building an inclusive digital society. Of this investment, R470 million is allocated to improve the quality, capacity and reach of the broadband network infrastructure in urban and rural areas. This network investment will continue to focus on further expansion of the 5G footprint, ongoing modernisation of the existing network infrastructure, and upgrading of base station sites with more LTE capacity throughout the province. This will provide an improved data experience for our consumers and ideal connectivity for businesses…

Embarking on an innovation-fueled journey, the tech world stands at a crossroads: smashing barriers for diversity and gender equality isn’t just crucial, it’s the rocket fuel that is propelling us toward progress. While men have long held the spotlight, a dazzling surge reveals women claiming their stake in tech’s boundless domain. “In recent times, the tech industry is proving to be an enabler for greater gender equality,” says Bronwen Rohland, Retail and CPG Consulting Head at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) South Africa. “The sector is making strides to bridge the gender gap parity, create more inclusive opportunities and invest in…

In a resolute response to the challenges faced by Township communities, the Empire Partner Foundation (EPF), in collaboration with Township Distribution Model (TDM) and with generous sponsorship from the Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA), today announced the successful recruitment, selection and onboarding of 50 previously unemployed youth onto EPF’s self-employment initiative. This pivotal EPF initiative stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community-driven economic development, which as its foundation, creates a circular economy of nurturing local talent to provide direct services to the community, while creating self-employment opportunities in that community. The…

TechCrunch, American global online newspaper focusing on high tech and startup companies, have selected Omnisient, the South African data analytics fintech that is accelerating financial inclusion, as one of 200 early-stage tech start-ups that are most likely to have a positive impact on the world. TechCrunch reviewed close to 3,000 nominated early-stage startups from around the world to choose the final 200 to participate in their Startup Battlefield 200 competition at the annual TechCrunch Disrupt event in San Fransisco, USA. The Startup Battlefield 200, is the world’s preeminent startup competition where 200 startups are trained and invited to pitch in…

MTN SA’s business activities in 2021, which include capital infrastructure investments, operating expenses, and tax revenue contribution to the country, contributed to GDP and have been pivotal in driving economic growth. “These contributions resulted in the creation of approximately 146 487 direct, indirect, and induced jobs across the ICT value chain and other sectors,” according to KPMG study published last week. The recent True Value assessment, conducted by KPMG, underscores MTN’s commitment to our nation. According to the report, the measurable Social Value of Jobs stood at an encouraging R1.9 billion, which refers to quantified impact of jobs created beyond…

With ecommerce in South Africa breaching the R55 billion a year barrier, home delivery has become a way of life for the country’s consumers. Yet delivery isn’t the right fit for every retailer’s customer base or business model. Each merchant should balance the potential revenue gains against the costs and drawbacks of home delivery. That’s according to Gerhard Le Roux, head of capital growth at Capital Connect, a fintech that offers fast and flexible business funding to South African retailers. He says that fleets of delivery bakkies and scooters have changed the shape of fast-food and grocery retail since the pandemic, contributing…

Meltwater in partnership with Absa Bank, is delighted to announce the opening of applications for the highly anticipated MEST Africa Challenge Startup Pitch Competition. Early-stage technology startups operational in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa are invited to participate in this prestigious competition to showcase their innovative businesses and entrepreneurial prowess. The application period begins today and will close on 9th October 2023. The MEST Africa Challenge offers exceptional benefits to participating startups. The winner will receive a substantial equity investment of USD 50,000, providing crucial financial support to accelerate their business growth. In addition, the winner and other…

For a couple of remarkable young women, exposure to sought-after technological skills isn’t just a chance to improve their own career prospects – it also allows them to act as role models and bring about positive change in their communities. Two young women, Ntombifuthi Mwale and Samukelisiwe Dube, are both beneficiaries of Huawei’s bursary programme which offers students, from disadvantaged backgrounds, an opportunity to flourish and accomplish their aspirations and academic goals while also ensuring they are equipped to enter the workplace. The programme is open to second, third, and fourth-year students studying across a broad range of fields, including…

Members of the South African team which took a top spot in the 2022-2023 Huawei Global ICT Competition held in Shenzhen, China recently are still riding high following their success. The two University of KwaZulu Natal graduates, Lutho Sigidi and Nqubeko Asanda Shabalala and University of Johannesburg graduate Terry-Anne Fredericks have all been employed by Huawei and, recently were singled out for praise by South Africa’s president Cyril Ramaphosa when he visited the Huawei Campus. The remarks came during President Ramaphosa’s official opening of the Huawei Innovation Centre, which showcases Huawei’s latest and most innovative digital technologies and solutions such…

MTN SA has announced the expansion of its innovative eSIM functionality to prepaid customers, a game-changing feature that enhances the way customers connect and communicate. The eSIM, which is a digital version of the physical SIM card, is now available to all customers and will provide seamless connectivity and linkability to a range of devices.  With the expansion of the eSIM functionality, MTN is reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences and staying at the forefront of digital innovation in the telecommunications industry. This advanced technology eliminates the need for physical SIM cards and unlocks a host of benefits…