Author: Staff Writer
The Shoprite Group is launching a rewards programme for its Shopite branded stores on Monday 12 October 2020. The new Shoprite Xtra Savings card will benefit customers with immediate cash savings and launches a year after the Checkers Xtra Savings rewards programme, with more than 5 million customers signed up for and which put more than a R1 billion back in the pocket of consumers through savings and discounts in the last year. Xtra Savings will – in time – become the country’s biggest rewards programme reaching the Shoprite’s Group 19.3 million shoppers across South Africa. It comes at a…
MyBroadband Insights has released the Q3 2020 Mobile Network Quality Report, which shows that MTN has the best mobile network in South Africa. The report is based on 334,257-speed tests performed by thousands of MyBroadband Speed Test App users across South Africa between 1 July and 30 September 2020. The research shows that South Africa had an average mobile download speed of 29.16Mbps and an average upload speed of 11.46Mbps. MTN had the highest average download speed at 55.11Mbps, followed by Vodacom on 29.80Mbps, Telkom on 23.60Mbps, Cell C on 17.82Mbps and Rain on 10.02Mbps. Over the last quarter, the…
Vodacom customer *Mbaa Malolo’s life has changed overnight! The first lucky recipient of a R500,000 cash injection towards a Dream Home, Malolo didn’t quite believe it at first. As part of the VodaBucks Rewards Programme, Malolo says he would “Shake” his device every day, and continued to do so until he received a notification informing him he had won R500, 000 towards a Dream Home. ‘I didn’t believe it, until a representative from Vodacom called me to confirm my luck,’ he says. “I was struggling to complete my housing project, as I only qualified for a R10 000 loan from…
Beauty company Avon has launched a new brand movement, ‘Watch Me Now’ which embraces and celebrates those that have been underestimated and unexpected, reaffirming its positioning that Avon is more than just a Beauty company. Avon stands for beauty, innovation, optimism and, above all, women – and has been for over 135 years. Mafahle Mareletse, Managing Director of Avon Justine, says “WATCH ME NOW is a movement created to celebrate our consumers and Representatives rise. We are here to help you transform into the person you’re meant to be. When you beat the odds, defy expectations, and fulfil your potential, we’ll…
According to the World Bank, international remittances have declined by an estimated 20% worldwide. Compounded by job losses across sectors, reduced salaries and dwindling access to cash, South African residents have found it more difficult than ever to send money back home. The result is devastating, as those desperately dependent on receiving remittances are unable to buy basic goods and groceries, pay for school fees and cover household expenses. In the face of a stagnating economy and potentially irreparable damage done to the living standards of the population’s most vulnerable, SA’s largest international money transfer provider Hello Paisa has dropped…
Living immersed in the digital world has seen tasks we perform online become increasingly challenging from a security point of view. In the last few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many businesses, to adapt to a more digitalised way of getting through their day-to-day activities. According to the CEO of LAWtrust, Maeson Maherry, as South Africa moves towards the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), the ability to conclude agreements electronically and on the go is becoming more important. “To unlock the potential digital solutions offered in terms of improved efficiency and cost savings, businesses should consider using electronic signatures (eSignature) to…
MTN today unveiled YelloBucks, its exciting new loyalty points currency that is set to heap more benefits and value on MTN customers through the invigorated MyMTN Rewards programme. YelloBucks will unlock incredible value, discounts and rewards for customers, just for being on the MTN network. With competition fierce in the loyalty space, MTN is taking this step to drive value across its entire customer base – no matter which price plan or segment a customer is in – to brighten more lives in these demanding times. The new MyMTN Rewards programme will compete with the best-in-class loyalty programmes, with existing…
To assist in the transformation of South Africa’s smallholder agricultural segment and create a more inclusive agricultural economy for women, the Vodacom Foundation launched the Women Farmers Programme in August last year. The programme, in partnership with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and South African Women in Farming (SAWIF), introduces women farmers, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, to technology as an effective tool in agricultural business. A year later, the programme has gone from strength to strength. Since the successful pilot of the programme in Limpopo in 2018, Vodacom has invested over R6.3…
Rand Merchant Investments (RMI) startup incubator AlphaCode has taken another step to find the next unicorn in financial services when it chose Oyi Medical Card and awarded it R450 000 at its first virtual demo day. Oyi is one of seven startups that were awarded entrepreneurial packages valued at R2 million each in 2019 as part of AlphaCode’s Incubate programme. The Oyi Medical Card is a savings card that can only be used for medical expenses and is supported by secure payments technology. Holders use this card to save for medical expenses. It removes the temptation to use the money…
Vodacom announced on Thursday that it is now a member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest corporate citizenship initiative, joining over 12 000 companies from more than 160 countries on the world’s largest corporate sustainability platform. “We are pleased to announce that we have joined the UN Global Compact (UNGC). This sustainability milestone underpins our purpose to connect for a better future,” says Takalani Netshitenzhe, Chief Officer of External Affairs for Vodacom South Africa. “The UNGC principles on human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption not only complement our social contract but also our purpose-led journey…
For the fourth year in a row, the Avon Justine iThemba Walkathon will partner with Gauteng’s leading adult commercial radio station Kaya FM, to host the 15th edition of the annual biggest breast cancer awareness walkathon which takes place on Saturday, 31 October. “The partnership with Kaya FM represents the meeting of the minds and will unlock the inherent synergies that both brands share. Avon Justine is a very aspirational brand that unashamedly harnesses the power of beauty to champion the empowerment of women and supports the causes that resonate with them, while Kaya FM listener is an urbane, sophisticated,…
A feast for the palate is awaiting discerning wine lovers – Vuya Wines has launched to the market with an inaugural selection of two wine varieties, namely Sauvignon Blanc and Red Blend. The winemaker for both wines is the acclaimed Christiaan Groenewald. Groenewald, who is the founder of the New Cape Wines Company, won the prestigious Diner’s Club Winemaker of the Year Award in 2013 for Tannat Syrah 2011 and again in 2017 with Eagle’s Cliff Pinotage 2017. He is one of only five winemakers to have received this award twice. Nosithembele Bhengu, the entrepreneur behind Vuya Wines, explains that…
Global beauty and personal care company Avon Justine will kickstart the commemoration of breast cancer awareness month in October with a webinar where medical experts will share insights on the medical journey that breast cancer patients go through and how chronic disease impacts many aspects of the lives of those infected and affected by this chronic disease. Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death among women across the world. According to the National Cancer Register, apart from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races, with a lifetime risk of 1…
Applications are open for the next AlphaCode Incubate programme which aims to identify, partner and grow innovative financial services entrepreneurs. Successful applicants will receive funding, guidance from performance coaches and a panel of advisory experts, access to AlphaCode’s co-working space and opportunities to apply for further early-stage investment. The Incubate programme has disbursed R30 million in funding to 31 black-owned financial services businesses over the past five years and is viewed as South Africa’s most prestigious fintech startup initiative. “At AlphaCode Incubate we know how much determination is required to get an early-stage business or idea off the ground. Entrepreneurs…
In rural South Africa, a lack of access to healthcare is a daily reality for so many people. Even when a clinic is nearby, those in need of care still have to rely on an overburdened public healthcare sector – there is only one doctor per 4,500 people, and a single specialist for every 18,500 people. Access to medical specialists is virtually impossible if you live far from an urban centre. However, Vula Mobile, winner in the ‘Best Health App’ category of the 2019 MTN Business App of the Year Awards, has confirmed that where specialised expertise and technology combine,…
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the government has gazetted ministerial determinations that will enable the development of more than 11 800 megawatts (MW) of additional power generation. This follows commitments the government made to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February this year. South Africa currently has in the region over 30 000 MW of electricity available on the national grid each day. President Ramaphosa said reliable, secure and affordable energy supply is the lifeblood of any economy. “This new energy will be procured from diverse sources, including solar, wind, gas, coal and storage. While meeting our energy needs…
NTT, a global technology services provider, and Dimension Data, the South African systems integrator and managed services provider which represents the NTT business in the Middle East and Africa, today announced that construction works for their Johannesburg 1 Data Center has commenced. The data centre design is based on tier 3 standards and will be constructed in two phases. When fully built it will deliver a total of 6,000 sqm of IT space and 12 MW of IT load. The first phase of the site is scheduled to become operational beginning of 2022. Dimension Data already operates 11 data centres…
South Africa’s digitisation journey is gathering steam as Telkom’s wholesale division, Openserve announces moves to decommission its copper network on an area-by-area basis in favour of new access mediums such as optic fibre. While Openserve cannot currently provide a fixed date for any particular area, limited decommissioning of the copper-based POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) has already commenced in communities where POTS services are delivered over the affected copper. In practical terms, the decommissioning of Openserve’s copper network in an area will mean that residents will lose access to the home phone line that has faithfully served them for years as…
The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, to once and for all sort out the chaos that persists at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). “It is almost unbelievable that SASSA still has not managed to sort out the perpetual mess with the payment of the Special Covid-19 Social Relief of Distressed (SRD) grant of R350. They’ve had six months to work out the kinks,” said Bridget Masango, DA Shadow Minister of Social Development. The DA said it has again been inundated with complaints from SRD recipients who have yet to receive payment…
Huawei believes that no one should be left behind in the digital world, so the Chinese telecoms giant developed TECH4ALL. TECH4ALL is a long-term, digital inclusion initiative for using technology, applications and skills to empower people and organizations everywhere. At Huawei Connect 2020, which kicked off today, Kevin Zhang, Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei ICT Infrastructure, addressed the online summit “TECH4ALL: Powering Digital Inclusion with Technology”. He pointed out that Huawei is willing to work with global partners to promote digital inclusion in fields like education and environmental protection through technology, applications, and skills. Driving Inclusive Education with Technology The…
The term local is lekker always rings true in a country as diverse as South Africa, where one is always guaranteed a taste extravaganza. As citizens prepare to celebrate Heritage Day this week, Uber Eats has unveiled some of the most loved, tried and tested traditional tastes that Mzansi has come to love. Favourite flavours Here in the land of ama-piano, basic does not cut it. What does get cut (into 8), is a flame-grilled chicken, with the most requested being the thigh and breast piece, even if the wing still remains the most popular single-order on the Uber Eats…
MTN’s mobile money solution, MoMo, now features Play Lotto functionality, offering MoMo users a free-to-play, safe and convenient way to try their luck at the South African Lotto. The MoMo advantage is that customers do not need a bank account to play, unlike traditional banking apps – they merely need to be registered on the MoMo app and have a positive balance in their MoMo Wallet. There is no transaction fee for Play Lotto, but once confirmed, the ticket purchase cannot be cancelled or reversed. As in-store, tickets for both Lotto and Powerball games cost R5; if the Plus 1…
This Heritage Month, BMW South Africa celebrates the life of the iconic Gusheshe, the ‘Grootman’ of BMW that will always be a mark of inspiration in Mzansi. Back in the ’80s and ’90s South African, there was on particular BMW that won over the enthusiast fan-base — the E30 BMW 325is. It won over the hearts of South African enthusiasts, even gaining the nickname “Gusheshe”, and is still beloved today. This #HeritageMonth, we celebrate the life of the iconic #Gusheshe, the ‘Grootman’ of BMW that will always be a mark of inspiration in Mzansi. #TheLegacyLivesOn with the new #BMW330isEdition. Iyeza. #BMW325is…
In an industry plagued with mediocrity, Brooklyn House delivers a world-class living experience to a thriving university campus. It’s the first instalment of University Square, a holistic lifestyle development featuring student apartments, retail, restaurants, wellness and medical suites. Brooklyn House is located 350 meters from the gates of the University of Pretoria (Tuks) and offers fully-furnished 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments with high-end finishes and smartly designed space-optimised amenities. To provide parents and students with complete peace-of-mind, access to Brooklyn House will be controlled by Covid-19 proof facial recognition technology, 24/7 CCTV monitored security, covered basement parking, armed response…
Spring is one of the best seasons to buy a home. The weather is warming and the positive shift in weather is prompting people to come out of their winter hibernation and start the search for their next home. If you are on the hunt for a new house this spring, take a look at these six steps to guide you on your buying journey to the perfect home. Determine your budget and must-haves The first step before you begin the house hunt is to solidify your budget, what you can afford, and your must-haves for your next home. It’s…