Author: Staff Writer
[Cape Town, South Africa | February 10, 2026] As global demand for transition and technology minerals surges, countries in the Global South must redefine their mineral assets not just through the lens of international supply chains, but through domestic development imperatives. The Linkage-Based Criticality Matrix (LBCM™), developed by the Centre for African Mineral Value Chains (CAMVaC)—the policy research arm of ESG Frontiers—provides policymakers with a robust tool to prioritise strategies and investments aligned with local realities and long-term resilience. “We’re seeing a pattern where criticality is defined by what’s scarce to others, not by what’s vital to us,” says Fulufhelo…
AlphaTON Capital Corp (ATON) has spent the early weeks of 2026 aggressively repositioning itself from a digital asset holding company into a vertically integrated infrastructure powerhouse. By leveraging its strategic ties to the Telegram and TON ecosystems, the company is carving out a niche in the high-stakes world of confidential AI compute. Key Financial Highlights (As of Jan 29, 2026) AlphaTON recently released a market update showcasing a significantly fortified balance sheet aimed at fueling its infrastructure ambitions. Metric Status/Value Total Assets $24.5 Million Cash on Hand $11 Million Debt Position Zero Debt Convertible Securities None Shares Outstanding 23.4 Million…
Audiobooks are now available to listen to on Spotify in South Africa, giving users more ways to get lost in great stories. With an extensive catalogue of audiobooks, Spotify’s selection spans bestsellers, new releases and genre favourites, including Shining Girls by South African author Lauren Beukes, as well as Heated Rivalry, Fourth Wing and You and Me on Vacation. It is one more way for audiences to discover, enjoy and share stories, all in one app. Whether you are commuting, exercising or winding down, modern life does not always leave time to sit down and read. Audiobooks make it easier…
TymeBank has officially transitioned to GoTyme Bank, marking the next chapter in the bank’s evolution as part of the global Tyme Group – a banking group operating across multiple markets and serving 20 million customers worldwide. This change also introduces a new digital experience through the new GoTyme app. The GoTyme Bank brand more clearly expresses the bank’s global alignment and focus on delivering a modern, digital-first banking experience that is simple, transparent, and affordable. This evolution of the bank’s brand reflects the scale, maturity, and ambition of the business, while maintaining full continuity for customers. “GoTyme Bank reflects who we…
Today, Disney+ debuted the official trailer for FX’s “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” a limited series that explores the undeniable chemistry, whirlwind courtship and high-profile marriage of one of the most iconic couples of the 20th century, John F. Kennedy Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly) and Carolyn Bessette (Sarah Pidgeon). It is the first installment in Ryan Murphy’s “Love Story” anthology and is inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The nine-episode series will premiere 12 February with the first three episodes, followed by new episodes weekly. It was a love story that…
South African SME funding platform Lula has secured R340 million in local currency funding from FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. This investment is set to significantly expand access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. The funding follows a period of robust growth for Lula. In 2023, the company successfully closed a $35 million Series B round led by Lightrock, which included participation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Quona Capital, DEG, and Triodos Investment Management. More recently, in late 2025, Lula further bolstered its lending capacity through a $10 million local-currency loan from…
Salesforce, the global leader in AI CRM, today announced the appointment of Nick Christodoulou as Area Vice President of Sales for Africa, a move that marks a significant expansion of Salesforce’s leadership team in the region and reinforces the company’s commitment to driving digital transformation and AI adoption across the continent. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for African enterprises, as organisations across sectors seek to modernise operations, unlock productivity, and remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven global economy. In his new role, Christodoulou will spearhead Salesforce’s sales strategy and revenue growth across Sub-Saharan Africa, working closely with customers…
capricorn GROUP (capricorn), the German-based industry leader in automotive and motorsport lightweight technology, presented two capricorn Zagato 01 hypercars at Salon Rétromobile, Paris, 27 Jan – 1 Feb 2026. The first customer deliveries will happen in 2026, following an intensive and rapid development process, borne out of capricorn’s extensive motorsport engineering experience. Both capricorn 01 Zagato hypercars are fully functional, drivable prototypes and a third example is currently under build at capricorn’s Mönchengladbach’s production facility. All three models will play a pivotal role in capricorn’s test and calibration program, as the brand rapidly accelerates towards a handbuilt production run strictly…
Expressive new energy vehicle (NEV) brand iCAUR – part of China’s cHERY GROUP – has announced key details of its dealership rollout strategy ahead of its official entry into the South African market. The brand will launch with an initial network of 20 dealerships, with further expansion planned as demand and market opportunities evolve over the next 12 to 24 months. The first phase of the rollout will prioritise establishing a strong national footprint, with dealerships planned across most of South Africa’s provinces. This approach underscores iCAUR’s commitment to accessibility and long-term growth, ensuring customers nationwide can engage with the…
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has officially extended the deadline for written submissions to its Inquiry on new Individual-Electronic Communications Network Services (I-ECNS) licences. Stakeholders now have until 16 February 2026 to submit their responses, following considered requests for additional time. I-ECNS Licence: An Individual Electronic Communications Network Service licence allows the holder to build and operate a physical network (e.g., fibre, wireless) for providing communications services to the public. The Inquiry, launched via Government Notice No. 53719 on 25 November 2025, represents a landmark review. It is the first comprehensive assessment since the pivotal 2008 Altech Autopage Cellular judgement and the…