Author: Staff Writer
Canada-based neobank Be Mobile has announced its official launch in South Africa to target the unbanked and underbanked in South Africa and offers ‘low to no-fee’ banking products through its app. According to Oxford Business School, an estimated 23.5% of the population is unbanked, and R12 billion or $1.04 billion, in cash is believed to be held outside of banks. The company aims to accelerate financial inclusion throughout Africa by delivering innovative digital banking solutions to serve these users. By opening a Be Mobile Africa account, customers can hold, send and receive funds in multiple currencies including USD and EUR,…
Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, has announced that it is eliminating fees on South African Rand (ZAR) deposits for a time period as it continues to establish itself as the global leader in pricing. Just recently, Binance launched its fiat gateway, enabling users to instantly deposit South African Rands (ZAR) into their Binance wallet and buy crypto. From September 7, users can enjoy zero fees when making those deposits. Binance continues to drive financial accessibility through safe, secure and affordable payments across the industry. “Binance is, at its core, an inclusive platform designed with accessibility…
In an increasingly online world, digital literacy is key to communicating, connecting, finding employment and accessing services. In South Africa, where the skills gap and the digital divide converge, developing basic literacy skills and digital literacy go hand in hand in ensuring that young people are able to access opportunities and grow their potential. This World Literacy Day, businesses delve into why digital literacy is key and how investment into tools and infrastructure can help tackle inequality. Digital literacy to tackle the skills gap: If South Africa is to address high youth unemployment rates, it is imperative that the public…
Anthropics Technology presents Zyler – AI-powered virtual fitting technology for shoppers and retailers that allows customers to try on hundreds of outfits quickly and easily on a smartphone, desktop or in store. A selfie and a few measurements are all that is needed. Simple and fun, Zyler transforms customers’ shopping experience, creating a virtual fitting room. Customers can discover their style and fit remotely. Zyler’s patented technology uniquely produces personal results. Shoppers can use technology on their phone, desktop and in-store try on clothes from hundreds of brands or a certain brand find the best fit and style save time…
Eskom announced today that Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 – 22:00 tonight. The energy provider added that thereafter Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented daily at 05:00 – 22:00 until Saturday night. The loadshedding has been caused by a shortage of generation capacity owing to breakdowns and delays in returning some generating units to service, said Eskom. “We therefore urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly. Eskom will promptly communicate should there be any significant changes,” said Eskom in a statement. “The breakdown of a generation unit at Arnot, Duvha, Kendal, Medupi and Tutuka power…
LG Electronics (LG) announced today it had launched its very own non-fungible token (NFT) platform, LG Art Lab. Now available in the U.S. on the company’s TVs running webOS 5.0 or later, and accessible directly from the Home Screen, the new platform enables users to buy, sell and enjoy high-quality digital artwork. Delivering outstanding picture quality and offering several, large screen sizes to choose from, LG’s state-of-the-art TVs are the perfect medium for displaying one’s NFT collection. A convenient, one-stop solution for viewing and trading NFTs at home, the platform includes the LG Art Lab Drops feature, which profiles artists…
MTN Group today announces the further deleveraging of the balance sheet with the early settlement of $300 million or R5.2 billion in eurobonds with a 2024 maturity date. This brings MTN’s dollar-denominated debt down to 35% of total holding company (Holdco) debt on a H1 2022 proforma basis. In late August, MTN invited eligible holders of the US$750 million eurobond – due to mature in November 2024 – to tender their notes for purchase by the company for cash. The offer attracted tenders of more than US$482 million. This was significantly more than the $250 million originally intended for early…
Huawei Digital Power recently launched its talent development programme in Southern Africa. The programme aims to upskill 1 000 practitioners and tertiary students within the region with technical knowledge and skills in the digital power space. Announced at Solar Show Africa 2022, the programme is part of the tech giant’s commitment to work with stakeholders to drive growth and ecosystem building of Africa’s solar sector. “Africa has immense potential when it comes to renewables and solar energy in particular,” said Mr. Xia Hesheng: President of Huawei Southern Africa Digital Power Business. “In fact, African countries have more than 40% of…
FIFA is excited to announce ‘FIFA+ Collect,’ launching on FIFA+ later this month that will provide football fans around the world with the chance to affordably own unique digital collectibles – from the greatest game moments to the most iconic FIFA World Cup™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup™ art and imagery. “Fandom is changing and football fans around the world engage with the game in new and exciting ways,” said FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai. “This exciting announcement makes FIFA collectibles available to any football fan, democratising the ability to own a part of the FIFA World Cup. Just…
Draft .ZA Registry and Registrar Licensing Regulations and Procedures proposed by the .ZA Domain Name Regulatory Authority (.ZADNA) place burdensome restrictions on domain name registrars and registrants which will lead to brand owners abandoning the .ZA Internet country code in favour of one of the multitude of generic domains (such as .COM or .BUSINESS) that are easier to register. “.ZADNA’s draft regulations and procedures as they stand threaten to undo 34 years of local and international goodwill towards domains ending in .ZA. The regulations are heavy-handed and cumbersome and as such will disincentivise adoption of .ZA registrations,” said William Stucke,…