Author: Staff Writer

Broadbrand, a new digital advertising initiative from the Digital Solutions Group (DSG), has officially launched to provide South African advertisers and publishers with a credible, local alternative to global ad platforms. With Vincent Maher appointed as CEO, Broadbrand enters the market with a mission of restoring value to independent publishers while giving advertisers efficient reach and performance across verified local media. The launch comes amid renewed scrutiny of how global tech platforms shape news media economics. In February, the Competition Commission’s provisional findings concluded that global ad technology players had engaged in anti-competitive practices against South African news outlets. Broadbrand…

Vodacom today announced that its flagship rewards programme, VodaBucks, has been awarded with the “Best Gamification Worldwide for Loyalty Enhancement” accolade at the prestigious 2025 International Loyalty Awards event, held in Dubai.  This award highlights VodaBucks’ commitment to delivering engaging and value-driven rewards to customers on the Vodacom network through imaginative gamified solutions. “This is an epic moment for Vodacom South Africa, and I am beyond excited to be recognised on a global stage for our VodaBucks rewards programme. This global recognition affirms our long-term strategy of placing customers at the centre of everything we do.  VodaBucks is more than just…

Stellenbosch University (SU) and HyperionDev, Southern Africa’s leading technology education provider, expanded their partnership with launching a Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) mini-bootcamp, with an AI for Business Strategy programme to follow soon. AI is rapidly transforming how we create, innovate, and interact with technology, and harnessing its potential has never been more important. Similarly, the demand for trained AI specialists has never been greater. According to Forbes, the demand for AI-trained professionals has increased by 323% over the last eight years and continues to grow rapidly. Anita Nel, SU’s Chief Director Innovation and Commercialisation, said SU’s partnership with HyperionDev aims to broaden access…

The South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) has appointed Jacques Rikhotso, Managing Director of Bridgestone Southern Africa, as its new chairperson. The move is aligned with a renewed focus on defending local manufacturing against the growing influx of imported tyres. Rikhotso’s appointment comes as the domestic industry contends with mounting pressure from Chinese imports. “Our top priorities are advancing regulatory alignment, promoting the use of locally manufactured tyres, and ensuring fair competition in the domestic market,” Rikhotso says. “We’re focused on three key levers: ensuring regulatory parity for all players, enhancing local manufacturing competitiveness, and driving consumer awareness around quality, safety and sustainability.” A…

In recent years, buying second-hand goods and thrifting have gained significant momentum in South Africa, not just as budget-friendly options, but as conscious lifestyle choices. More South Africans are embracing pre-loved fashion, furniture and electronics as sustainable alternatives to fast consumerism. Whether driven by economic necessity, environmental awareness, or a love for unique finds, thrifting has become a cultural movement that reflects both creativity and resilience. In March 2024, infoQuest, a leading South African online research company conducted a survey to assess second-hand buying/thrifting behaviour among 300 South African consumers of all demographics. This article examines the prevalence of second-hand…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a warning to the public against engaging with fraudulent WhatsApp accounts impersonating STANLIB. The scammers, operating under the name “Stanlib WhatsApp Investment Group” and an individual named Mzwandile Ngcobo (WhatsApp: 069 162 7744), falsely claim association with the financial institution. STANLIB has confirmed to the FSCA that these accounts are not affiliated with the company. The FSCA urges consumers to always verify whether a financial service provider is authorised before conducting any transactions. To check legitimacy, use one of these methods: Call the FSCA toll-free: 0800 110 443 Search for regulated entities online: FSCA Regulated Entities List Verify authorised FSPs under FAIS…

As global tax regulations tighten and cross-border tax compliance becomes a focal point for governments worldwide, Cape Town is rapidly emerging as an attractive destination for foreign professionals and investors. South Africa’s well-respected tax framework enriched by robust international treaties, creates a transparent and secure environment ripe with opportunities for growth and prosperity in the region. According to 2022 data from Statistics South Africa, the country is home to approximately 2.4 million expatriates. The majority – over 80%- originate from other African nations, with the remainder coming from Europe and the United States. Smaller communities also exist from Asia, including…

The Cape Town Municipality reminds all residents to switch to emailed municipal accounts before 31 December 2025. Submit your email and account number via email or SMS, after the deadline, printed bills will stop, so act now! Over 452,000 residents have already switched to e-billing, don’t get left behind! Enjoy instant billing, better record-keeping, and help reduce paper waste. How to Register: Email: Send account number & email to [email protected] SMS: Text details to 31223 Need Help? No email? Contact: Call Centre: 0860 103 089 Visit a Customer Interaction Centre “Switch now to avoid last-minute delays and support a greener Cape Town!” – Councillor Siseko Mbandezi, Finance Mayco Member Why Switch to E-Billing? Get bills…

Outgoing Absa chair Sello Moloko has dismissed suggestions that the bank’s reputation suffered from the leadership scandal surrounding former CEO Arrie Rautenbach’s abrupt departure, according to a Sunday Times report. Speaking publicly for the first time since announcing his exit, Moloko maintained that Absa’s brand remains robust, pointing to the appointment of Kenny Fihla as the new group CEO as evidence of the institution’s strength. New Leadership as Confidence Vote Fihla, currently deputy group CEO at Standard Bank, will take the helm at Absa on June 17, becoming the bank’s second black group CEO. Moloko argued that attracting an executive…

Transnet is on the brink of a devastating strike after wage negotiations between the state-owned logistics company and the United National Transport Union (Untu) reached a deadlock this week. Efforts by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to mediate failed, raising the specter of nationwide industrial action, reported the Sunday Times. Strike Threat Looms Untu, which represents 26,500 Transnet workers, has warned it will issue a 48-hour strike notice if no revised wage offer is presented by Monday. Untu spokesperson Atenkosi Plaatjie told the Sunday Times: “Should no revised offer be forthcoming, Untu will issue Transnet with a…

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is in a frantic last-minute effort to secure R500 million in funding to prevent the collapse of struggling poultry producer Daybreak Foods, reported the Sunday Times. Without the cash injection by Friday, the company faces liquidation, putting 3,400 jobs at risk. Failed Funding Plea The PIC sought emergency funding from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Compensation Fund (CF) but was unsuccessful, reported the newspaper. A liquidation application, brought by creditors including Lakat Chicken, is set to be heard in the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday. In a letter seen by the Sunday Times, PIC…

President Cyril Ramaphosa is preparing for a potentially contentious meeting with US President Donald Trump, with high-stakes discussions expected on trade, race policies, and allegations of “genocide” against white Afrikaners, according to the Sunday Times. Despite the possibility of a hostile reception, Ramaphosa remains focused on protecting South Africa’s economic interests. High-Stakes Diplomatic Encounter The meeting marks one of Ramaphosa’s most critical diplomatic engagements, with the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) trade deal at risk. Agoa enables duty-free exports worth R66bn in sectors like automotive, citrus, and wine. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa was losing no sleep over…

With the 2025 Grain SA NAMPO Harvest Day in full swing, Bridgestone Southern Africa is drawing attention to a vital but often overlooked input cost in farming operations: tyres.  As farmers face mounting input costs, the company is calling for greater recognition of the role premium-quality tyres play in sustaining agricultural productivity and stability. Recent estimates indicate that farmers collectively maintain an inventory of tyres valued at over R1.2 billion* annually across their agricultural vehicles, including tractors, harvesters, bakkies, motorcycles, and other equipment. This figure reflects the tyres used across an estimated two to five vehicles per farm, underlining the significant role tyres play…

AURA, a life-saving technology platform making emergency response services more accessible and affordable, has secured €13.5 million (R273 million) in a Series B funding round co-led by the Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund (CAIF) and Partech. This latest investment brings AURA’s total funding to €21 million (R423 million), fueling its expansion into the United States and the development of a global emergency dispatch “clearing house”—eliminating borders in crisis response. Founded in 2017 by Warren Myers, Ryan Green, and Adam Pantanowitz in South Africa, AURA has revolutionized emergency response through its smart auto-dispatch and routing platform. The technology connects individuals in distress with the nearest vetted private security and medical responders, ensuring rapid assistance anywhere, anytime. Transforming Security Response…

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Sihle Lonzi was forcibly removed from a parliamentary committee meeting after questioning the Director-General about the appointment of ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe’s son to the SETA board. The incident follows the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s revelation of a leaked list of Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board appointments, exposing widespread political patronage. The list includes ANC loyalists, such as Mantashe’s son and a former KZN Premier, in key positions. DA Demands Accountability Karabo Khakhau MP, DA Member of the Committee on Higher Education and Training, stated: “These appointments confirm the ANC’s blatant abuse of SETA…

President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump are set for a pivotal diplomatic meeting next week, with negotiations expected to unlock new trade agreements in agriculture, energy, and transport sectors., Business Day reports. A high-level ministerial team, including Trade Minister Parks Tau, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, has been tasked with crafting a trade deal to mend strained relations, according to three officials familiar with the Washington preparations. Will a Formal Deal Emerge? While it’s unclear if binding agreements will be signed, diplomatic sources suggest groundwork is being laid for either a full trade…

The Trialogue Business in Society Conference 2025 is set to be a battleground for ideas, and Telkom SA SOC Limited is bringing its A-game to tackle South Africa’s stubbornly persistent youth unemployment crisis. The numbers are brutal. With 34.2% of young South Africans (18-34 years) currently not in employment, education, or training, the need for targeted interventions is critical. And as the latest data confirms, the burden falls disproportionately on Black African youth, with an unemployment rate of 35.8%, exceeding the national average. Telkom recognises that bridging the gap between learning and career opportunities is paramount. The organisation’s multi-pronged approach involves the…

The Ford Ranger maintains the top spot, but a surge in sales for fuel-efficient hatchbacks signals a continued shift towards affordability.  Following a strong showing last month, the South African used car market remained relatively stable in April despite experiencing a minor sales decrease on a month-on-month (MoM) and year-on-year basis (YoY). Despite this, the sales figures highlight strong interest in used cars, with a mix of vehicles—from bakkies to affordable hatchbacks and luxury sedans—dominating the top 10 list.  According to the latest AutoTrader data, 28,675 used vehicles were sold in April 2025, representing YoY and MoM decreases of -0.2% and -4.1%,…

A training initiative by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) is transforming South Africa’s construction industry by equipping female entrepreneurs with global project management skills to lead, build, and inspire. A Programme Built for Success The programme, which began with five highly accomplished women, focuses on promoting excellence and leadership in a male-dominated sector. Bongani Dladla, cidb CEO, emphasised its purpose: “We’re not just offering training for the sake of it. This is about creating a culture of excellence. These women have already proven they have the skills, strength, and commitment to succeed.” One participant, Lulu Ngomane, a seasoned professional in…

Metrofile Cloud is changing website and application hosting for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with its new Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting solution. Designed to deliver enterprise-grade reliability at an “affordable price”, this service provides SMBs with dedicated resources in a shared environment, helping them compete online without a hefty investment. “Metrofile Cloud’s new VPS offering represents a pivotal shift in the landscape of virtual hosting solutions for SMBs,” said Steve Porter, Managing Director of Metrofile Cloud.  “By combining the power of dedicated resources with the affordability of a shared hardware environment, we’re empowering smaller businesses to have access to the cloud…

As Daybreak Farms faced a catastrophic week with starving chickens and unpaid staff, chairperson Bojane Segooa secured a R625,000 payout before resigning abruptly, reports the Sunday Times. The taxpayer-funded poultry producer, already reliant on billions in state support, had recently been denied a R1.5bn bailout by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). A Board in Chaos Segooa demanded immediate payment of R1.2 million in board fees before stepping down CFO Aubrey Dali resigned after Segooa stripped his payment authority Three other board members refused their fees “out of good conscience” PIC released R74m emergency funds for salaries and bird feed “Have…

Fintech company Lesaka (formerly Net1 UEPS) reported adding 89,000 new EasyPay Everywhere (EPE) users in Q3 2025, increasing its market share among social grant recipients to 13%. The company now serves 1.7 million grant beneficiaries and aims for 20% market penetration within 3-5 years. Post Bank Challenges Drive Growth CEO Lincoln Mali credits Lesaka’s growth to competitors’ struggles, particularly Post Bank’s Sassa card expiration issues. “Operational challenges at Post Bank, particularly around expiring Sassa [South African Social Security Agency] cards, led many of their customers to seek alternative banking providers,” Mali told the Sunday Times. “Our strong brand and extensive…

Gauteng’s public hospitals are in chaos as doctors go unpaid and food shortages leave patients hungry. A doctor at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital was told to prove she wasn’t a “ghost worker” after her April salary was withheld, according to the Sunday Times report. The newspaper reported that many medics haven’t been paid for three months, with some also at risk of missing May salaries. Salary Crisis Deepens The Gauteng health department blamed “administrative and financial challenges” for the delays. Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba admitted and told the Sunday Times that some doctors may not receive May salaries due to…

On 8 May2025, Disney+ — in collaboration with Quiz Nights SA — hosted an unforgettable Quiz Night Challenge at Prison Break Market. Hosted by the always-hilarious Mpho Popps, the night welcomed a star-studded guest list, including familiar faces like Lasizwe Dambuza, Bheki Ndamase, Zamani Mbatha and Mo Setumo. The evening saw fierce but fun competition as guests battled it out to prove who really knew it best — putting their Disney+ knowledge to the test across trivia rounds inspired by the platform’s incredible range of entertainment. From laugh-out-loud moments to surprise twists, it was a celebration of fandom, nostalgia, and…

AI can be transformative for Africa, but the continent must move quickly to empower its youth to optimise the technology’s potential. This is according to Prof. Abejide Ade-Abjola, Professor of AI and Applications at the Johannesburg Business School at the University of Johannesburg and founder and chairman of GRIT Lab Africa, who was addressing the Huawei Cloud Tech Wave DeepSeek workshop in Johannesburg this week. Prof. Abejide Ade-Abjola, Professor of AI and Applications at the Johannesburg Business School at the University of Johannesburg and founder and chairman of GRIT Lab Africa Prof. Ade-Abjola said: “In the African context, AI offers…