Author: Staff Writer
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 -…
Vodacom Eastern Cape region is investing more than R400 million in network infrastructure this financial year, underscoring its commitment to expanding coverage, enhancing capacity, and empowering deep rural communities across the province. This investment will drive the rollout of advanced technologies, including 4G and 5G, and extend connectivity to underserved rural areas. Of the total spend, over R38 million is allocated to network modernisation to enable 4G and 5G technologies, with more than R87 million dedicated to network capacity expansion. Over R8 million will go towards core network upgrades to support network infrastructure needs. Transmission infrastructure investment for the 2025…
Huawei South Africa and Henley Business School Africa have completed the fourth edition of the Women in Tech Digital Skills Training Programme with 40 women entrepreneurs and government leaders, preparing them to scale in a rapidly digitising economy. Launched in 2021, Huawei Women in Tech has become a modern incubator for tech-curious women. More than 300 participants have now taken part in the programme, which combines practical leadership development with exposure to cutting-edge digital technologies. This year’s cohort included entrepreneurs and senior women managers from the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) and the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD),…
Following a highly successful registration season, Vodacom Business and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) are celebrating the positive outcomes delivered by the upgraded Online Admissions platform for the 2026 school year. The new system provided a smarter, simpler, and more transparent admissions experience for parents and department officials alike. “Vodacom Business has been a longstanding technology partner to the GDE,” says Videsha Proothveerajh, Vodacom Business Director. “The project gave us the opportunity to provide our digital expertise to enhance the country’s education system. For parents, applying to schools can be an incredibly stressful process. Our aim for the platform…
The new Volvo XC70 SUV is Volvo Cars’ first long-range plug-in hybrid, offering an all-electric driving range of over 200km under the CLTC testing cycle – the longest of any Volvo plug-in hybrid to date. Blending the latest technology, advanced safety and Scandinavian design, the new XC70 is a perfect choice for families seeking a more comfortable and relaxed lifestyle without compromising on performance or capability. Built on Volvo Cars’ new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA) platform for long-range plug-in hybrids, the new XC70 represents an important addition to the company’s product lineup. It is designed to meet growing demand for…
AutoTrader data shows sales of Chinese vehicles jumped 89% in the first half of 2025. Once the underdogs of the automotive world, Chinese automakers have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with, giving many established players in South Africa’s car market cause for concern. New car sales for Chinese brands have skyrocketed, and the same trends are evident in the used car market, with AutoTrader’s latest Mid-Year Report revealing sales of Chinese brands rose by 89% in the first half of 2025, led by BYD (+637%), Omoda (+99%), and Jaecoo (+168%). While these percentages are striking,…
If you do the maths, South Africans spend more than 16 days a year commuting, according to a study conducted by the University of Cape Town¹. That’s over two weeks of our lives stuck in traffic, rushing to school drop-offs, or inching towards the office. With that much time on the road, it’s no wonder our cars have quietly transformed into more than just a way of getting from A to B. They’re private stages, snack havens, and sometimes, the backdrop to life’s most unexpected moments. As part of AutoTrader’s ‘Find Your Happy Place’ campaign, AutoTrader surveyed 3,483 local drivers…
Following the success of its initial media literacy campaign, Legit.ng, a top Nigerian digital media outlet, has launched a free, edutainment-style fact-checking course. The initiative is a direct response to research conducted by the team earlier this year. It reveals a trend among Gen Z audiences across the continent (including South Africa): while their interest in politics and educational content can be unpredictable, they are consistently drawn to compelling human-interest stories and engaging entertainment. By framing the course in an engaging, creative way, Legit.ng aims to hold the attention of young Africans while reminding them to be sharp about…
S.MAB Group, a pioneering business that began with S.MAB Agency, founded in 1999 by a black female entrepreneur who was later joined by her daughter after completing her degree, is entering a new chapter of growth with the appointment of Glad Dibetso as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This marks an exciting phase of expansion across the Group’s diverse businesses, which span healthcare, training, property, and design. With over 26 years of impact across multiple sectors, S.MAB has built a reputation for empowerment, excellence, and innovation. The Group remains majority female-owned and female-led, with founder Snoekie Mabena-Saleh continuing as…
Huawei South Africa, in partnership with three government departments, Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT), Employment and Labour (DoEL), and Small Business Development (DSBD), has celebrated the fourth edition of the Women in Tech Digital Skills Training programme, bringing together 40 women from government and business for hands-on technology learning and practical leadership development. The goal is to equip women to lead with confidence in South Africa’s growing digital economy and to position them at the centre of the country’s economic transformation. The three-day programme combines technical training with Huawei specialists in 5G, Cloud and AI, along with leadership development from…
Yesterday, the City of Cape Town’s Fleet Management Department hosted a live demonstration of its new technology-driven fleet tracking solutions. This initiative represents a key milestone in strengthening fleet security, enhancing safety protocols and improving operational efficiency. Read more below: High resolution images are available here: https://bit.ly/3URlXU0 ‘We are proud to showcase the City’s latest innovation in fleet security, safety and operational efficiency. The live demonstration highlighted the installation process, tracking technology and new protocols designed to safeguard City assets and improve service delivery. The City of Cape Town manages a large and complex fleet that is central to service…
The 2025 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) has identified Mauritius as the leading government in Africa, followed by Rwanda and Botswana. The average score for countries in Africa was the lowest amongst all regions, although there has been modest improvement between 2024 and 2025. This is according to Dinesh Naidu, Director (Knowledge) at the Chandler Institute of Governance, who was speaking at a recent regional launch of the Index in Pretoria. The event brought together policymakers, academics, and practitioners to reflect on Africa’s governance journey and the lessons emerging from the latest findings. Now in its fifth year, the CGGI…
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments most people will ever make. Yet, while buyers often focus on location, interest rates, and monthly bond repayments, many overlook the fact that they need insurance cover as a condition of their bonds, says John Wessels, Executive for Product and Analytics at BetterSure. There are three main types of insurance every homeowner should consider: homeowner’s (building’s) cover, which is mandatory, life insurance, and home contents insurance. Building’s insurance “When you take out a home loan, homeowner’s cover – sometimes called building’s or home structure insurance – is mandatory,” says Wessels.…
: Plaud.ai, the world’s leading AI note-taking brand, proudly introduces the Plaud Note Pro—the latest device in its award-winning product lineup of AI powered productivity tools. Engineered for tech savvy workers, those seeking enhanced lifestyles, even healthcare & education professionals all who demand uncompromising performance. The Note Pro is the most advanced and versatile AI note-taking hardware ever created by Plaud and it comes wrapped in a luxurious rippled aluminum, ultra-thin lightweight package enhanced for every day useability. Featuring Plaud’s App 3.0, the Note Pro delivers smarter, more powerful onboard capabilities to capture, analyze, and transform what you say, hear,…
Vodacom Group today announced the appointment of Ayman Essam as Chief Officer: External Affairs, with effect from 1 October 2025. He succeeds Stephen Chege, who will return to Kenya at the end of September to take up the role of Group Chief External Affairs Officer at Safaricom. In his new role, Ayman will assume responsibility for Vodacom Group’s external affairs strategy across its footprint, including the DRC, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania. He will report directly to Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group Chief Executive Officer, and join the Vodacom Group Executive Committee. Commenting on the appointment, Shameel…