Author: Staff Writer
Many businesses have operations in South Africa and the UK; however, communication costs can quickly get out of hand and even become prohibitive if multinational businesses do not have a solution to comply with local, in-country call rates, explains Telviva Chief Commercial Officer Rob Lith. South African businesses face significant challenges when communicating in the UK, he says, especially in light of recent telecommunications regulatory changes in South Africa, which caused international call termination rates to increase 27-fold overnight. “As one can imagine, this made international communication prohibitively expensive for many businesses with teams sitting in multiple countries,” he says.…
The impact of non-compliance of relevant regulations can have a detrimental effect on all credit providers in South Africa. “The penalties and fines for non-compliance can ultimately cripple a business,” says Vaughn Hechter, Head of Customer Services: NuPay and Delter at Altron FinTech. “There is also the reputational risk, because nobody wants to do business with reputation of being a loan shark or a predatory lender.” Keeping up with complex local and global regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), PSD2 (Payment Services Directive 2) and FICA (Financial Intelligence Centre Act) is…
Durban entrepreneur Shaun Naidu is suing Nedbank for R40 billion after being listed as a suspected fraudster for eight years, severely damaging his business and personal life, according to the Sunday Times report. Fraud Listing Discovery Naidu told the Sunday Times he first discovered the listing in 2015 when he tried to open a bank account and was flagged on the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) database. “I was told I was flagged by Nedbank on the Shamwari database… Due to this listing, I couldn’t open a bank account at any banking institution,” Naidu said. Despite obtaining a police clearance certificate confirming no criminal record, Nedbank initially denied submitting the fraud indicator. Failed Resolutions & Legal…
Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane is under intense scrutiny amid suspicions that her Sector Education and Training Authorities (Seta) “panel” may be imaginary, plunging her deeper into controversy. According to a Sunday Times report, Nkabane—once hailed as one of the ANC’s rising stars—now faces a political firestorm over her aborted plan to appoint politically connected chairs to Setas. ANC Cronyism Allegations The scandal erupted when it was revealed that Nkabane’s proposed list was packed with ANC loyalists, including the son of Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy. The move sparked outrage, raising concerns about nepotism and lack of transparency in key government appointments. Defiant Stance in Parliament During a…
National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi has backtracked on her claim that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had been “infiltrated,” following an urgent meeting with Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi. According to the Sunday Times, Kubayi summoned Batohi after her infiltration remarks raised serious concerns. The minister revealed that Batohi admitted to using “the wrong word” and clarified that her concerns were about individual prosecutors allegedly sabotaging cases: not systemic infiltration. Minister Kubayi’s Intervention Kubayi told the Sunday Times: “After the interviews of the NDPP, I met her yesterday [Friday] urgently, because if somebody says the NPA is held from doing its work I need to understand. It’s my…
A senior SAPS Crime Intelligence official, sought by the NPA over a multi-million Rand property scandal, has reportedly gone missing. The unit allegedly spent R45 million on irregular property purchases without proper approvals, triggering an investigation by the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) – initiated after DA pressure. Major-General Philani Lushaba, Crime Intelligence’s CFO, failed to report for duty and is unreachable, just as the NPA’s Investigating Directorate sought to question him. The IGI’s probe focuses on two suspicious transactions: a R22.7m Pretoria boutique hotel and a R22.8m Durban commercial property, allegedly approved by Lushaba and Crime Intelligence head Maj-Gen Dumisani…
As the world faces a growing cancer burden, Life Healthcare continues to advance its treatment offering, with new technology constantly being introduced to diagnose, treat and manage cancer. The latest innovations offer patients renewed hope in treating brain tumours, enabling more precise removal, reducing the need for repeat surgeries, and increasing the chances of long-term survival and improved quality of life. “Life Healthcare is dedicated to providing cancer patients with the most advanced and compassionate care possible, placing patients at the centre of care,” said Life Healthcare Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karisha Quarrie. “Our investment in innovative oncology technology such…
OPPO has officially launched its most advanced smartwatch yet, the OPPO Watch X2, in South Africa. Combining precision health tracking, all-day battery life, and a sleek yet durable design, this premium wearable is built for those who balance work, fitness, and everyday life. Whether navigating boardrooms, gym sessions, or outdoor adventures, the Watch X2 keeps users connected, active, and in control. Elevated Design for Everyday Wear Encased in polished stainless steel with a premium titanium alloy bezel, the OPPO Watch X2 blends sophistication with rugged durability. Its 1.5-inch AMOLED display delivers crisp visuals with a 2200-nit peak brightness, ensuring clarity even in direct…
The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) has noted with concern the proliferation of fake news and misinformation surrounding the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act rollout. The Agency urges members of the public to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it, emphasising that official statements regarding the next phases of AARTO implementation will only be issued by the Department of Transport and or RTIA. The RTIA confirms that AARTO is currently operational only in the municipalities of Johannesburg and Tshwane. Any claims suggesting a wider national rollout at this stage are incorrect. Strengthening laws for road traffic compliance is paramount,…
Pineapple, the digital insurance provider known for its low-cost online car insurance and bold, unconventional campaigns, has welcomed the decision by the Advertising Appeals Committee (AAC) to overturn the Advertising Regulatory Board’s (ARB) initial ruling that one of its billboards was offensive and discriminatory. The ad at the centre of the ruling, which read “Battery go flat? Battery get jumped. Not a tsotsi. Pineapple!”, was part of a broader series using playful, minimalist messaging and pop culture references to show that car insurance doesn’t need to be complicated. A single consumer complaint triggered the ARB’s initial decision, which was later…