Author: Staff Writer

As part of efforts to contribute to the development of an inclusive society and to bring women in underserved rural communities into the mainstream economy, Telkom is collaborating with the Embassy of Ireland and JP Morgan. The collaboration, through TelkomFutureMakers initiative, supports   students from universities and colleges in underserved areas with resources and mentorship that enable them to turn their ideas into real business solutions. The I’M IN Women Pre-Accelerated Programme recognises the importance of inclusivity in the economy. A diversity of voices and skills in dealing with real world challenges ultimately builds resilience. “With wealth and income inequality still drawn across…

A new chapter in South Africa’s tech space has been written with the imminent launch of Skhokho 2.0, an all-in-one business management platform designed by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs. The brainchild of Bertha Kgokong, a chemical engineer turned self-taught software developer, the platform aims to formalise and scale South African small businesses. The platform’s name, “Skhokho”, a powerful slang term for “a boss” or “a top dog”, is a deliberate choice by Kgokong, a black woman who has navigated and overcome significant barriers in the tech industry. “I wanted an authentic South African name that would be instantly recognisable but also…

Yellow Card, a leading stablecoin payments infrastructure provider, has announced its major global expansion into key markets including Argentina, Brazil, Bangladesh, India, Mexico, Pakistan, and Colombia. The move is supported by the release of the company’s latest report, “Stablecoin Adoption In Emerging Markets.” Yellow Card is the largest licensed stablecoin-based infrastructure provider operating in 20 African countries and the emerging markets. Since launching our first product in Nigeria in 2019, we have generated volumes of almost $6 billion, 99% of which is attributable to stablecoins. The company employs over 200 individuals from 24 countries and has completed $85 million in equity…

Following impressive H1 2025 sales figures, OMODA & JAECOO South Africa are celebrating yet another month of record-breaking performance, with the Brand O&J lineup achieving its best-ever sales results since the Chinese premium marques entered the South African market. In July 2025, the marques recorded combined sales of 1,069 cars — 60 more units than the previous month — highlighting steady growth and rising demand for OMODA & JAECOO’s expanding and diverse lineup. The C5 remains the top seller, with 813 units delivered last month, followed by the JAECOO J7 with 170 units. The popular J7 range expanded in June with the introduction of…

As part of Eskom’s strategic objective to facilitate a competitive future energy industry, the company is transitioning its generation mix from predominantly coal to a blended portfolio with an increasing proportion of clean energy sources as we approach 2040. In line with this strategy, Eskom has launched its first Renewable Energy Offtake Programme by issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP), inviting large power users to procure 291MW of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) capacity through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) from Eskom-owned renewable energy sites. “This is the next step in the focused execution of our strategy to integrate additional renewable energy into the grid, in…

In a country marked by stark economic disparities, South African women face unique challenges in achieving financial independence and security. The financial landscape, shaped by historical inequalities and ongoing societal barriers, often presents a complex maze for women to navigate.  Despite progress, a significant gap in financial inclusion persists, hindering women’s ability to save, invest, and build wealth. The intricacies surrounding women’s financial empowerment in South Africa is complex, but solutions are within reach. This Women’s Month presents an opportunity to look critically at the challenges, but also to highlight remedies and simply to ensure a dynamic dialogue persists as…

McDonald’s South Africa hosted a powerful and inspiring panel discussion titled “Women in Conversation: The Power of Mentorship” at Hamburger University, the company’s leadership and training centre in Johannesburg. The event formed part of the McDonald’s Women in Leadership Network’s Women’s Month activities and coincided with the company’s 30-year presence in South Africa. It brought together leading voices from business and industry, alongside McDonald’s internal leaders, to explore how mentorship empowers women and shapes leadership journeys. Max Oliva, Chief Executive Office at McDonald’s South Africa, highlighted that 61% of McDonald’s total employees are women, 64% of restaurant managers are women,…

Telkom has embraced artificial intelligence (AI) as a cornerstone of its digital transformation strategy, driving operational efficiency, enhancing customer experiences, and opening up new growth opportunities, the company announced today. In the 2025 financial year, Telkom invested R46 million in research and innovation, aligning its AI initiatives with business strategy. The company’s commitment to innovation is reshaping its business model while positioning it as a leader in South Africa’s AI ecosystem. “AI enables us to optimise operations, personalise customer interactions, and foster talent development,” says Dr Mmaki Jantjies, Group Executive: Innovation and Transformation. “Our investments are strategic, ensuring long-term value…

The South African used car industry is growing from strength to strength, with the latest July 2025 numbers showing year-on-year (YoY) and month-on-month growth (MoM), reflecting the continued trend of renewed consumer confidence and a resilient used vehicle market. The top five best-selling used vehicles remain unchallenged by new contenders. However, the bottom half of the top 10 has shown several minor shifts, indicating a change in the mindset of South African used car buyers. Based on the latest sales data from AutoTrader, 33,919 used vehicles were sold in July 2025, representing YoY and MoM increases of +7% and +9.4%, respectively.…

Park Village Auctions has realised approximately R34,500,000 for all three Saxonwold properties and their contents. That’s the word from PVA’s Clive Lazarus, who today announced that the Business Rescue Practitioners (BRP) have accepted and confirmed an offer. All three properties, namely numbers 3, 5, and 7 Saxonwold Drive, Sandton, Gauteng, and their contents (comprising furniture and appliances), fetched an estimated total of R34,500,000, inclusive of buyer’s commission and VAT. Incidentally, the buyer also purchased number 7A Saxonwold Drive for R6,500,00.00, including buyer’s commission and VAT separately. As all necessary securities have been received in good order, the assets formally belonging…

Ahead of the 2025 National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) Show, Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has called on the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, to urgently reduce the excessive tax duties on importing electric vehicles (EVs), into South Africa – a critical step to developing and strengthening a viable EV market. In a formal letter sent to Minister Tau this week, CHARGE stressed that South Africa’s automotive industry cannot afford to ignore the global movement towards EVs. Currently, imported electric vehicles are subject to a 25% import duty, plus an ad valorem tax that…

MicroFinance South Africa (MFSA) is calling on regulators to act swiftly on the unchecked and rapid rise of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) credit services. A stark warning that this current unregulated structure is exposing millions of consumers to unsustainable debt, hidden costs, and financial exploitation.  “Without urgent intervention, this growing shadow credit system could lead to devastating consequences,” says Leonie van Pletzen, Chief Executive Officer of MFSA. “This is especially concerning for low-income workers and young consumers, and an already over-indebted population.”  “BNPL is presented as a modern, interest-free payment solution, however in reality it functions as credit,” she states. “Unfortunately…

As the continent enters a new era of mineral opportunity, infrastructure remains a challenge. Only when the continent’s countries, resources, markets and people are fully connected, can Africa reach its potential.  A new report offers hope on how to finance these infrastructure needs. A confluence of dynamic developments in society and the global economy gives the African mining sector a number of exciting opportunities. However, a significant bottleneck remains in the continent’s infrastructure gap. Key players are working to unlock this brake on growth, finding ways to better connect Africa through its road, rail, energy and digital corridors, so that…

Truecaller, the leading global platform for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted communications, reached a significant milestone in August as the number of monthly active users (including both Android and iOS) crossed 100 million in the MEA-region, representing a 19% growth y-o-y. “With the Middle East and Africa experiencing significant growth in smartphone adoption and mobile data adoption, we’re really happy that we’re able to solve communication problems for individuals and businesses in that region,” said Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO, Truecaller. “MEA, like India and many other markets, are mobile first markets with your mobile number being the primary identifier and Truecaller has…

Almost 70% of all homeowners in South Africa are women – either buying property on their own or jointly with men – with more opting to do so alone than ever before. Furthermore, among those women applying for home loans, it is buyers under the age of 40 who are leading the charge, says Bradd Bendall, BetterBond’s National Head of Sales. “BetterBond’s data shows that the percentage of home loan applications submitted by women has climbed from 36% in 2016 to nearly 42% a decade later,” says Bendall. “What’s particularly noteworthy is that younger women lead the way when it…

e-Qwip, an innovative new equipment solution, is set to revolutionise the mining and construction sector, offering rebuilt Caterpillar 777 trucks at a fraction of the new price, with a 24-month CAT warranty. The new market player forms part of Barloworld and offers OEM-aligned lifecycle solutions aimed at Caterpillar fleet owners who are looking for value, reliability and peace-of-mind, with proven Caterpillar performance. The e-Qwip offering fills an enormous need in the construction-equipment market, initially focused on the iconic CAT 777 dump trucks. The company’s rebuild process involves the complete teardown of the pre-owned machine to its frame, followed by a…

The first-generation S60 debuted in 2000, introducing Volvo’s new design language, sportier driving dynamics, and cutting-edge safety features. With nearly 600,000 units produced, it became a global success, challenging perceptions of what a Volvo could be. The S60 R set a new benchmark for Volvo performance, a spirit that continues today in the T8 Recharge plug-in hybrids. 2025 is a significant year for the 60 series of the Volvo lineup, with the original S60 sedan celebrating its 25th anniversary. Unveiled in 2000, the svelte, Peter Horbury-designed executive sedan combined Volvo’s signature safety with a more driver-focused appeal, taking the fight…

High-potential tech startups supported by Telkom FutureMakers and Aions Creative Technology   are gaining the operational support, strategic insight and hands-on mentoring needed to move beyond survival mode and into scalable, investable growth. “This partnership is about cultivating a new generation of scalable, investable tech businesses,” says Tshepo Phetla, Head of Business Development at Telkom. “We’re seeing first-hand how the right interventions can fuel success, especially for young, black and women-led enterprises.” Unlike traditional investors, Aions embeds itself in the businesses it supports. From refining go-to-market strategies to strengthening back-end infrastructure, its approach is focused on long-term value creation, not quick…

Jacaranda FM is proud to announce the return of its award-winning women’s empowerment campaign, Her Perfect Pitch, for its fourth consecutive year. With a powerful new theme, Unlock the Next Level, this initiative continues to spotlight inspiring, women-led businesses across South Africa, offering them the exposure, mentorship, and support to achieve real business growth. Launched to coincide with Women’s Month, Her Perfect Pitch 2025 invites female entrepreneurs to enter for a chance to win R500 000 worth of advertising on Jacaranda FM, a comprehensive package that includes the conceptualisation, professional production, and creation of a dedicated radio advert, alongside extensive digital amplification across Jacaranda FM’s platforms.…

Huawei South Africa has opened applications for the highly anticipated 2025 edition of the Women in Tech Digital Skills Training Programme, set to take place from 27 to 29 August in Johannesburg. Now in its fourth year, this flagship programme is designed for women entrepreneurs and professionals who are building businesses and actively looking for ways to grow, adapt and lead in a digital world. As artificial intelligence and digital technology reshape industries, this three-day experience offers women the tools, insights and networks to stay competitive, and scale with confidence. This year’s theme, TechHERpreneur: Where Innovation Meets Ambition, highlights the…

South Africa’s new Digital News Transformation Fund has announced the appointment of its inaugural Board, comprised of a diverse group of respected media leaders. The Board is tasked with steering South Africa’s new R114 million initiative to strengthen the country’s qualifying independent publishers, including community and local-language outlets. The Fund is a partnership between Google and the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), independently administered by Tshikululu Social Investments. The inaugural Board will provide strategic direction, ensure transparent governance, and uphold the Fund’s public interest mandate as it prepares to launch its first call for proposals in August. The appointment of…

This year marks a major milestone for iStore, South Africa’s dedicated Apple Premium Partner, as it celebrates two decades of retail excellence. Since opening its doors in 2005, iStore has had a deep passion for bringing the very best of Apple to all South Africans in a way that Apple intended – the best possible customer experience and a “best in world” Apple environment. Customer experience is the DNA of Apple, and from Day 1, iStore has passionately endeavored to extend that Apple experience into our customers’ hands. As much as Apple products ensure customers can get the most out…

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the availability of its latest foldable smartphones, Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE (Galaxy Z7 series), and its new Galaxy Watch8 series. Galaxy Z Fold7 brings Galaxy advancements together and broadens their scope, delivering the Ultra experience in the thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet. It offers immersive, high-octane performance on an expansive screen, empowering you to game, stream, connect and create all at once. Galaxy’s true AI companion experience has also been optimised for the foldable format, enabling fluid interactions across more apps and the larger screen. And…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has uncovered that board members at the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA) were paid a staggering R6.29 million in the 2023/24 financial year, with the chairperson alone earning R924,000, making it one of the most expensive boards in the SETA system. Matlhodi Maseko MP, DA Spokesperson on Higher Education, stated: “This is a blatant misuse of public funds. While students struggle with NSFAS delays and unemployment, politically connected individuals are enriching themselves through inflated SETA salaries.” The DA can confirm that Gwede Mantashe’s son was set to be deployed to this board before the party intervened to expose the ANC’s cadre…

DFA is nearing the completion of the first phase of its national network upgrade and future-proofing project and has begun installing new services and migrating existing customer services onto this upgraded infrastructure from July 2025. This upgrade, which started in 2023 and has cost in excess of R800 million to date, comes at a time when South Africa is seeing a rapid evolution in technology adoption. This evolution is driving demand for faster, more robust and scalable fibre networks. “While we’ve experienced challenges as a result of increased service interruptions and some infrastructure fatigue in recent years, this ongoing investment…