Author: Staff Writer

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,…

JSE-listed technology company Altron has announced the appointment of Werner Kapp as Group Chief Executive from 1 October 2022. Altron Executive Chairman Stewart van Graan said: “After a rigorous search and recruitment process by the Board, we are very pleased to appoint a well-recognised leader with extensive expertise and sector experience. “Werner will drive our vision as Altron to become a preeminent technology services provider with ambitions to strengthen our local and global presence in the digital solutions market. This is a market where the opportunity is substantial.” Kapp was at Dimension Data where over a twenty-two-year period, he held…

South Africa’s Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) invites applications for its “ISPA Inspires Educational Sponsorship” for the 2023 academic year. Applications open today, Thursday, 1 September and close on Friday, 30 September 2022. Visit the ISPA Inspires website for more information and to register and submit your application. Sponsorship for the 2023 academic year will be awarded to one or more promising young candidates interested in pursuing a career in the ISP (Internet Service Provider) sector. Sponsorship is available not only for universities, TVET and technical colleges but also for any institution providing accredited ICT training or sector-specific courses where…

South African gym management software platform Octiv has reached a monumental milestone in closing their eight-figure Series A funding round from a leading venture capital firm, Knife Capital. The startup previously raised seed capital from prominent South African angel investors and this round also included an angel investment from an executive at BVNK. This investment will allow Octiv to fast-track its global expansion drive, add innovative product enhancements, and scale customer service levels to keep up with aggressive growth. Octiv started as a workout tracking app for CrossFit gyms in South Africa. Mark Fawzy, the CEO and founder of Octiv,…

MTN Group today announced the appointment of Christian Bombrun as CEO: Digital Platforms, effective 1 September 2022. Bombrun takes over from Minnie Harris, who has been acting in the role since April 2022. Harris, who has been double-hatting over the past four months, will now focus solely on her responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Digital Platforms. In his role, Bombrun will be responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining the long-term growth and commercial strategy for Digital in MTN. “Bombrun is a seasoned professional in the areas of entertainment, digital and technologies, and brings 25 years of experience to MTN,”…