Author: Staff Writer
Rain has just changed the way South Africa connects. Introducing the Loop, a fusion of portable 5G WiFi, stereo sound, and smart connectivity, all wrapped into one sleek device. This isn’t just another router or Bluetooth speaker. It’s the Loop, the first of its kind, creating an entirely new category. Imagine carrying your WiFi in your bag, setting up instant hotspots, and streaming crisp stereo music anywhere—without the hassle of Bluetooth pairing. The loop is eclusive to rain. It’s your wifi. It’s your music. It’s a loop. With the loop, you can carry your wifi with you, and take stereo music everywhere. It’s not just…
President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning to DA leader and agriculture minister John Steenhuisen, stating that any withdrawal from the interministerial committee (IMC) on the national dialogue will be treated as insubordination, according to a report in the Sunday Times. This marks the first time Ramaphosa has directly threatened disciplinary action against Steenhuisen. Firing him could destabilize the already fragile government of national unity (GNU). Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told the Sunday Times that Ramaphosa hopes the DA will not turn the national dialogue into a political battleground. “It will be important for the sake of the DA’s continued participation…
Huawei held its highly anticipated Huawei South Africa Connect 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing together over 2,900 leaders from government, business, and the technology sector to explore how intelligent technologies can power the country’s advance from digital adoption to intelligent transformation. Themed Accelerate Industrial Digital Intelligence for South Africa, the event focused on how artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and smart platforms are reshaping industries — moving beyond connectivity to build a truly intelligent and sustainable future, enabling industry growth, unlocking inclusion, and driving long-term national development. At the event, Hon. Minister of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies,…
Vodacom Business has deployed a Mobile Private Network (MPN) at Sasol’s synthetic fuel facility in Secunda, Mpumalanga. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in leveraging advanced technology to enhance operational efficiency and connectivity in the industrial sector. “As part of Sasol’s digitalisation journey, there is a focus on utilising technology to improve processes that impact safety and efficiency across our facilities,” says Victor Bester, Sasol Executive Vice President of Operations and Projects. “This initiative allows us to accelerate these efforts through improved connectivity and control of the mobile network deployed at our Secunda production facility. Our collaboration with Vodacom Business…
At the 2025 Huawei South Africa Connect Event, Gene Zhang, CEO of Huawei South Africa Enterprise Business, emphasised the company’s commitment to driving intelligent transformation across industries. “Huawei is confident in its role as a trusted partner for South Africa’s AI-powered future,” he stated. “With 26 years of local innovation, we are dedicated to building a smarter, more connected South Africa.” A Legacy of Digital Leadership Huawei has been instrumental in South Africa’s ICT evolution, achieving milestones such as: Becoming the first hyperscale cloud provider with a local availability zone. Deploying the country’s first 5G network. Spearheading AI-driven solutions across mining, finance, and urban management. Throughout this journey, we…
Platō, one of the fastest-growing local coffee brands, is the first company in South Africa to roll out Yoyo’s bank card-linked loyalty system. Customers can now automatically earn rewards every time they tap to pay. With over 98 locations already pouring coffee across the country, and a goal of reaching 150 by the end of 2025, Platō joined forces with Yoyo to introduce a loyalty system as smart and seamless as its in-store experience. Effective from 1 June, every time a customer taps their bank card to pay at a Platō café, a 5% cashback is reflected in their Platō…
Credeq Africa today announced its official launch as an independent Underwriting Management Agency (UMA) in the local market, marking a strategic evolution from its roots within Lombard Insurance’s Guarantee and Trade Credit division. This milestone positions the company to deliver faster, more flexible specialist guarantees and credit insurance to the construction, mining, trade, and other bespoke risk sectors. Led by Managing Director Helgaard Müller, Credeq Africa is more than a structural shift – it is the local cornerstone of a global group of underwriting specialists operating under the Credeq brand in the UK, Europe, Australia, and beyond. Donny Gouveia, Credeq…
Wise Move, the local logistics-tech platform simplifying how South Africans move goods, has partnered with Gumtree to provide seamless, on-platform access to professional moving services for buyers and sellers on one of the country’s most-used classifieds platforms. The integration, launched nationwide on 1 June 2025, allows Gumtree users to access Wise Move’s network of vetted transport providers, enabling real-time quoting, booking, and delivery of goods. “At Wise Move, we’re building a new kind of solution for large online purchases – one that’s digital-first, trust-driven, and user-centric,” says Chante Venter, Co-founder and CEO of Wise Move. “This partnership brings that engine to the heart…
Vodacom has taken a significant step toward digital inclusion with the launch of the Blindshell Classic 2, a specialised button smartphone designed for the visually impaired. Announced at its second Disability and Accessibility Conference, this initiative addresses affordability and accessibility challenges, making advanced mobile technology available on both prepaid and contract plans. The move reinforces Vodacom’s commitment to creating an inclusive digital future in Africa. “At Vodacom Group, true inclusion begins with understanding the daily realities of persons with disabilities and co-creating solutions that respond to their needs” said Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO. “We are proud as a leading mobile network…
The Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) has called for urgent national cooperation to stop the rapid growth of the illegal alcohol trade, now worth an estimated R25.1 billion and responsible for R16.5 billion in lost tax revenue. This call to action was made at the United for Good Panel Discussion, hosted by DF-SA at GIBS Business School. Leaders from across the alcohol-value-chain came together to discuss findings from the Understanding the Illicit Alcohol Market in South Africa study by Euromonitor International. To build momentum, all participants signed a Pledge of Commitment, a shared promise to: Increase public awareness about…
Axiz, an African technology distributor, today announced a new partnership with global cybersecurity leader Kaspersky. Effective immediately, Axiz will distribute Kaspersky’s complete portfolio of cybersecurity solutions and services to partners and customers across South Africa and the broader SADC (Southern African Development Community) region. The partnership expands Axiz’s cybersecurity offering and provides organisations of all sizes and industries access to cutting-edge tools for detection, response, and protection against cyber threats. This includes endpoint and mobile security, as well as advanced protection for operational technology (OT), Internet of Things (IoT), KVM environments, containerised workloads, and cloud infrastructure. “Our goal is always…
Telkom has recently identified and contained a phishing incident involving a compromised employee email account. Between 06 and 12 June 2025, unauthorised emails were sent externally from a Telkom address with subjects referencing “TELKOM GROUP” or “TELKOM SA.” Telkom’s cybersecurity team acted swiftly to mitigate risks, enhance security measures, and launch a forensic investigation with external experts. “We are committed to safeguarding customer and stakeholder data and will provide updates as needed.” Telkom statement below: Security Notice: Phishing email incident contained Telkom wishes to inform our customers and stakeholders of a recently identified phishing incident. Between 06 and 12 June 2025, a Telkom employee’s…
The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) today announced the appointment of Andre Wentzel as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Wentzel is a highly respected industry leader and regulatory compliance specialist with more than two decades of extensive experience in the banking and financial services sector. Throughout his career, Andre has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the development and implementation of Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Financial Sanctions Control, and Fraud Risk Management programmes. Wentzel’s most recent role was as Senior Specialist Advisor: Group Anti-Financial Crime at Standard Bank, where he provided strategic advisory services until January…
While the President continues to take no action against ANC corruption in the National Executive, the DA will use every means we can to fight it. Tomorrow, Tuesday 1 July 2025, ahead of the Higher Education Minister’s budget debate in the NCOP, the DA will be laying criminal charges against Minister Nobuhle Nkabane for lying to Parliament. The charge-laying will be led by DA Federal Council Chairperson, Helen Zille, DA Deputy Chief Whip, Baxolile Nodada MP, and DA National Spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau MP. Details of the event are as follows: Date: 01 July 2025 Time: 09:30 AM Location: Cape Town Central Police Station, Buitenkant Street. The…
In a defining moment for South African innovation, homegrown health-tech pioneer Khoi Tech has captured international attention after representing the nation at London Tech Week 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious technology gatherings. The Soweto-based company joined fellow South African innovators Smartee and XDOY in demonstrating Africa’s burgeoning tech potential to global investors and industry leaders, including during a high-profile engagement with London Mayor Sadiq Khan. From Local Roots to Global Recognition The South African delegation’s participation was made possible through a strategic collaboration between the British High Commission and South Africa’s Department of Telecommunications and Digital Technologies via…
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has condemned the wasteful expenditure of R100,143.68 in public funds on a personal protection order for Magistrate Ezra Morrison, demanding immediate repayment and accountability. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has failed to justify why taxpayer money was used to cover legal fees for Morrison’s private case against journalists an administrative task she could have handled herself. Misuse of Public Funds Last year, Magistrate Morrison sought a protection order against journalists who exposed her failure to refer a minor, now accused of murdering Deveney Nel, to the Children’s Court. The boy, previously accused of raping an 11-year-old girl…
Viu, PCCW’s pan-regional OTT video streaming service, is introducing Korean dramas dubbed in isiZulu to South Africa, in a move that enhances cross-cultural entertainment and language inclusion. Elouise Kelly, Country Manager, Viu South Africa said, “K-dramas have captured global audiences with their vivid storytelling and heartfelt themes. By dubbing popular Korean content into isiZulu, a first in South Africa, we’re bringing international stories closer to home while affirming the cultural and commercial relevance of indigenous languages in mainstream entertainment.” Available this winter on both the free and premium tiers of the platform, the first wave of K-Zulu titles – each…
The Hawks have arrested two former Transnet executives, Brian Molefe and Siyabonga Gama, in connection with a controversial R93-million locomotive procurement deal. The two appeared in court to apply for bail following their arrest, which stems from corruption allegations detailed in the State Capture Inquiry reports. The case revolves around suspected irregularities in the procurement process, where the two former executives allegedly played key roles in fraudulent activities. Molefe, who previously served as Transnet CEO and later as Eskom CEO, and Gama, another high-ranking Transnet official, were processed at a police station before their court appearance. Notably, both Molefe and…
City Lodge Hotels (CLH), in collaboration with Sigma International and the SATSA Tourism Business Incubator, proudly launches Year 4 of its transformative Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme, a journey defined by meaningful impact, innovation and inclusivity. This milestone is not just about sustaining a programme but celebrating its intentional influence on lives, businesses, and communities. City Lodge Hotels is a proudly South African hospitality group with 58 hotels across Southern Africa. Its four brands, Courtyard Hotel, City Lodge Hotel, Town Lodge, and Road Lodge, cater to diverse travel needs. To date, the initiative has empowered 47 tourism-focused SMMEs across South Africa,…
Naspers has directed its executive team to identify new investment opportunities in South Africa by the end of its 2026 financial year as part of its next strategic investment cycle, according to a report in the Sunday Times. The global technology investor, which owns major South African platforms including Takealot, Mr D, Media24, AutoTrader and Property24, continues to prioritize building Takealot into the country’s dominant e-commerce player despite intensifying competition. According to Naspers’ latest annual report, South Africa CEO Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa has been tasked with finalizing the local investment strategy by FY2026 while ensuring all potential deals receive proper evaluation.…
South African financial institutions are currently holding more than R90 billion in unclaimed benefits that rightfully belong to members of the public, according to a report in the Sunday Times. This staggering amount includes R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends alone, according to a recent report. Banks, retirement fund administrators, insurance companies and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) are all actively trying to locate millions of beneficiaries who may be unaware they are entitled to these funds. R4.5 Billion Waiting To Be Claimed! Is Yours? JSE Launches Campaign For Unclaimed Dividends The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) revealed that the total…
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has rejected calls to leave South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), despite tensions with the ANC over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s firing of DA deputy minister Andrew Whitfield, according to a report in the Sunday Times. At a heated two-hour federal executive meeting, some senior DA members pushed for the party to exit the GNU but were overruled by leader John Steenhuisen and his allies, including cabinet ministers. The party instead resolved to vote against the budgets of two ANC ministers implicated in corruption. The crisis escalated after Ramaphosa dismissed Whitfield for “insubordination” when he traveled…
Embattled Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO Collins Letsoalo allegedly spent over R10 million in public funds on his security detail, including a R4 million armoured BMW X5, over three years, according to a Sunday Times report. Law enforcement sources revealed that Letsoalo’s security detail, comprising nine bodyguards, makes him the most protected state-owned entity (SOE) CEO, surpassing even ministers, who typically receive four guards. Only the president and deputy president have larger security teams (15-20 bodyguards). However, the Transport Department and State Security Agency (SSA) confirmed they have no record of Letsoalo reporting threats or requesting a risk assessment. A whistleblower disclosed…
JSE-listed 4Sight Holdings has delivered another set of strong financial results and positive operational performance for the year ended 28 February 2025. Operating profit rose 49.3%, supported by 28.4% Cash Balance growth, delivering 75.7% Earnings per Share for shareholders for the two-year year-on-year comparison. “Our latest set of results reflect the continued success of our dual go-to-market strategy – Direct and Indirect, and our steadfast dedication to innovation, for our partners: both Customers and Vendors,” explained Tertius Zitzke, Group CEO at 4Sight Holdings. “Our sharpened focus on delivering 4Sight Automated Intelligence (4AI), driving Agentic AI in business solutions, enabled real-time…
Salesforce’s latest Slack Workforce Index revealed a significant increase in AI adoption and excitement among desk workers, with daily AI usage higher by an astounding 233% in just six months. The survey of 5,000 global desk workers also found that AI has emerged as a clear competitive advantage, as workers who use AI daily prove to be 64% more productive and 81% more satisfied with their job than colleagues not using AI. The Index reveals that workers are using AI to level up, going beyond just automating tasks. 96% of workers have used AI to perform tasks they previously didn’t have the skills to do themselves, and today’s workers are 154% more likely to turn to AI agents to help them perform tasks better and more creatively, rather than to just simply automate their work. “AI adoption is accelerating rapidly, and it’s changing the way the world works for the better,” said Peter Doolan, EVP & Chief…