Author: Staff Writer

The recent 2025 Africa CEO Forum marked a turning point in digital finance discussions, as business and policy leaders highlighted the growing role of stablecoins and digital assets in shaping monetary sovereignty, cross-border trade and financial inclusion across the continent. This is according to Gillian Darko, Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy at Yellow Card, who notes that while discussions at last year’s Africa CEO Forum largely revolved around the speculative potential of blockchain, this year’s event marked a decisive shift – from theoretical discourse to strategy-driven implementation. “In previous years, conversations focused on blockchain’s possibilities, but in 2025,…

A coordinated operation between police and private security firm Vision Tactical led to the tracking and fatal shooting of Philangenkosi Makhanya, one of the suspects in the kidnapping and murder of Olorato Mongale, according to the Sunday Times report. The four-day manhunt ended in a bloody shootout on the KZN coast. The Kidnapping and Initial Investigation Olorato Mongale was kidnapped in Athol, Johannesburg, at 2:45 PM on Sunday and found dead just hours later in Lombardy East. By Monday night, police contacted Vision Tactical, a security firm working closely with the SAPS anti-kidnapping unit, to assist in tracing the suspects. Tracking the Suspects’ Movements Vision Tactical’s director, Yaseen Theba, revealed that the suspects…

Renowned South African health and skincare education provider, Isa Carstens Academy (ISA), is set to join the NetEd private higher education group in terms of a recent transaction between the ISA founders and NetEd Group. This acquisition will enable this iconic wellness education brand to move further into higher education with an expanded reach and new offerings. South Africa’s beauty and personal care sector is experiencing unprecedented growth with an expected compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2025 to 2030. ISA, a leader in health and skincare education for over 45 years, is aligning with the industry’s evolution. The…

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) said today it has taken note with serious concern, recent reports alleging that Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, may be offering its services within South Africa without the requisite authorisation. To this end, ICASA has published a general notice under Government Gazette no 49777 reiterating that all entities offering electronic communications services within South Africa are required to comply fully with the applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks. ICASA added that it has also formally engaged SpaceX to seek clarity on the reported activities and is currently awaiting a response.…

The Association of Comms and Technology (ACT) has noted with great interest the Minister’s Policy Directive on aligning ICASA’s empowerment regulations with the B-BBEE ICT Sector Code, and the proposed inquiry into the need for I-ECNS licence applications. These developments will shape competition, transformation, and the regulatory framework and provided it is implemented transparently, consistently, and with an equal application of the law, could usher in a new era for the sector. ACT recognises the Minister’s call for ICASA to formally recognise Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) and will make submissions accordingly. While we support efforts to resolve regulatory ambiguity…

Late on Friday the 23rd of May, Fitch Ratings announced its decision to affirm Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.’s Long-Term Local-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B’, with a stable outlook. In addition, Fitch Ratings revised Eskom’s Standalone Credit Profile (SCP) to ‘ccc+’ from ‘ccc-‘. Fitch Ratings stated the revision of Eskom’s SCP is a reflection of the improvement in the operational performance of the Group and the material increase in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) that the ratings agency has evaluated as likely in Eskom’s Financial Years (FY) 2025 to FY 2029. “The affirmation and positive revision on our credit rating profile by…

Cell C, South Africa’s customer-focused challenger in the mobile telecommunications space, today announced the appointment of PHD South Africa as its official media agency partner, effective 1 July 2025. This strategic partnership marks an exciting new chapter in Cell C’s journey to deepen engagement with customers and bring its purpose, to empower South Africans through accessible, human-centred connectivity, to life. As Cell C continues to drive its business transformation and momentum following its brand revitalisation, the choice of PHD was driven by a shared commitment to customer insights, innovation, and leveraging technology for impact. PHD’s globally recognised approach to audience…

A high-stakes legal battle is brewing over the sale of Shell’s downstream business in South Africa, valued at $1 billion (R18 billion), according to Sunday Times. The dispute centers on Swiss energy giant Gunvor’s last-minute decision to replace Afrifund Investments, led by businessman Sipho Maseko, with Matasis Investment Holdings—a Johannesburg-based firm headed by former Northern Cape premier Manne Dipico. Maseko and Afrifund are reportedly considering legal action, alleging they were sidelined in favor of a politically connected entity. Shell announced its exit from South Africa’s downstream sector—including 600 service stations—last year, aiming to shift focus to global upstream operations. Gunvor,…

This year’s G20 and B20 meetings present a crucial opportunity to advance financial inclusion and cross-border digital payments across Africa, transforming the continent into a more integrated trade region, reported the Sunday Times. This is the view of Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo, who spoke at the B20’s Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion plenary in Skukuza this week. Financial inclusion is expected to spur competition, innovation, and cost efficiency. Masondo highlighted the National Treasury’s financial sector reforms, including investments in infrastructure to boost economic participation. The Treasury and South African Reserve Bank’s inclusive payments digitalisation programme aligns with Vision 2025,…

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has rejected criticism of his policy directive easing BEE rules in the ICT sector, dismissing claims it was designed to benefit Elon Musk’s Starlink, according to the Sunday Times. The directive gazetted a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s White House meeting – attended by Musk – has sparked speculation, but Malatsi insists the timing was coincidental. “The policy direction is given under the Electronic Communications Act [ECA] … the minister of communications & digital technologies has the power to give policy directions under the ECA, which is what I have done,” Malatsi told the Sunday Times. “There was…