Author: Staff Writer
SwapVend has announced the official launch of its Minimum Viable Product (MVP) on Saturday, 23 August 2025. SwapVend is a South African built digital platform connecting informal traders to opportunity and support by making them visible. By combining grassroots insight with bold technology, SwapVend aims to rewrite the story of economic access – one person at a time. Already described as a “digital taxi” for its ability to transport township traders into the digital economy, SwapVend is reimagining inclusion by creating a platform that requires no startup capital, and no digital fluency to participate, only ambition. This MVP marks the…
MortgageMarket, South Africa’s first independent online home loan marketplace, has partnered with Takealot, the country’s largest online retailer, to launch the Takealot Home Loan Hub – a fully digital platform that empowers South Africans to access the best home loan offers from the country’s top banks. Powered by MortgageMarket’s cutting-edge technology and strong relationships with leading banks, the Takealot Home Loan Hub allows customers to apply for financing as seamlessly as shopping online. MortgageMarket is digital home loan marketplace, empowering consumers with tools and technology that make getting a home loan easier, faster, and more transparent. Since 2020, MortgageMarket has…
The University of Pretoria (UP) has achieved the top position in South Africa for artificial intelligence (AI) research, according to the latest rankings of higher education institutions published by EduRank. The analysis, based on over 61 200 academic papers and 969 000 citations from 24 South African universities, places UP No. 1 in South Africa, No. 2 in Africa, and No. 532 globally for research output and impact in AI. The ranking reflects the University’s growing influence in AI scholarship and its commitment to advancing knowledge that addresses both local and global challenges. UP’s success is built on years of…
The much-anticipated Groot Phesantekraal View in Durbanville officially opened its doors, bringing an exciting new shopping and lifestyle destination to the area. Spanning 30,000sqm and developed by Abland Property Developers in collaboration with Sasol Pension Fund, Groot Phesantekraal View promises to become a cornerstone of convenience, offering a diverse range of retail, dining and entertainment options for the rapidly growing community of Durbanville and beyond. The modern convenience shopping centre is located just northeast of Durbanville on the corner of Okavango Road and the R312, Klipheuwel Road. It functions as a vital part of the dynamic Groot Phesantekraal precinct, which…
A new chapter in South Africa’s entrepreneurial story opened today with the launch of the Regenesys School of Entrepreneurship in Sandton. Positioned as a hub for innovation and growth, the school aims to bring entrepreneurs, corporates, funders and mentors under one roof to strengthen Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By equipping entrepreneurs with the practical skills, networks, and access to capital required to thrive, the School ensures that success is not just about starting a business, but about achieving scale and sustainability. In doing so, it aims to build resilient enterprises that drive economic growth, job creation and long-term impact across the…
Investec and Visa have renewed their strategic partnership for a further five years, reaffirming a relationship that has spanned more than 28 years and significantly contributed to payment innovation and premium client offerings in South Africa. This renewal, formalised at a recent signing ceremony in Johannesburg, aims to accelerate the development of best-in-class digital banking solutions and continue driving innovation in the affluent segment. By combining Investec’s deep expertise in Private Banking with Visa’s global leadership in digital payments, the partnership will deliver secure, seamless, and personalised financial experiences for clients. “Investec’s long-standing partnership with Visa is grounded in a…
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…