Author: Staff Writer

As South Africa looks to modernise its public services and close digital gaps in health, education, governance, and safety, Huawei used the platform of the 2025 Public Service Forum – held during Huawei South Africa Connect in Johannesburg – to highlight how intelligent technologies are reshaping service delivery and improving lives. Held under the theme “Accelerating Public Service Intelligence”, the forum brought together government officials, public sector representatives, and technology experts to explore how digital platforms, AI, and data-driven tools can solve entrenched service challenges and build more inclusive, responsive institutions. “South Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its…

Parks Tau, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, has welcomed the agreement reached between the merging parties and the Competition Commission in the Vodacom-Maziv merger deal. The Competition Commission announced on Tuesday that it has reached an agreement with Vodacom and Maziv – owner of Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) – that could allow the deal to proceed. This comes despite earlier rulings by both the Commission and the Competition Tribunal blocking the merger over competition concerns. “The substantial public interest commitments made by the merging parties will significantly improve access to affordable internet for underserved communities, thus enabling easier…

Huawei held the Huawei South Africa Connect 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Themed Accelerate Industrial Digital Intelligence for South Africa, this event attracted over 2,900 participants, including South African government representatives, industry customers, and partners organizations. At the event, Huawei Cloud experts presented the company’s AI strategy and product innovations to South African industry customers, while also sharing globally leading AI practices across various sectors. Building an AI-Native Cloud to Accelerate South Africa’s Intelligent Transformation Cloud and AI are a key driving force for industry innovation and economic growth. Joy Huang, Vice President of Huawei Cloud, delivered a keynote speech…

Some stories don’t end when the credits roll. Shaka iLembe is one of them. Season 2 has captivated audiences with its sweeping drama about the origin story of King Shaka and the rise of the Zulu nation. Now, fans have a new way to stay connected with the Match Challenge, launching in the MyDStv App and free for DStv subscribers.  Match Challenge is a casual match-three puzzle game that brings the Shaka iLembe universe to life through fast rounds, strategic combos, and visual storytelling. Players match symbols like spears, drums and shields to score points, unlock power-ups and earn Rewards…

In response to rising demand and the accelerated adoption of Agentic AI across multiple industry verticals, 4Sight Holdings Limited is investing R20 million over the next two years to develop relevant industry solutions.  Generative AI focuses on creating new content (text, images, code, etc.) based on learned patterns, while agentic AI acts as an autonomous agent, making decisions and taking actions to achieve specific goals without constant human oversight. The company’s advisory panel, led by CEO Tertius Zitzke, evaluates ideas to determine which to focus on. It has already identified six key projects from a pipeline of 150 concepts, with…

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) is escalating its opposition to the City of Johannesburg’s contentious new by-law requiring residents to register CCTV cameras monitoring public spaces. The group has now taken the matter to court, challenging the regulation introduced in February. Outa said the legality of the City of Johannesburg new by-law on privately owned CCTV, which sets up convoluted rules requiring registration and City access to private data. OUTA’s case is against the City of Johannesburg, and the City’s municipal manager and mayor, and was filed in the Johannesburg High Court on 18 June. Currently the acting municipal…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) can confirm that the criminal complaint it lodged against ANC Minister Nobuhle Nkabane is now under investigation by the Priority Crimes Investigation Unit, the Hawks. This development marks a critical step in holding the ANC accountable for systemic corruption. Karabo Khakhau MP, DA National Spokesperson and Member of the Committee on Higher Education and Training, stated: “The DA welcomes the Hawks’ decision to investigate Nkabane’s alleged fraud and statutory offences. While President Ramaphosa turns a blind eye to ANC corruption, the DA is ensuring that no one is above the law. This investigation is a victory…

The chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio committee on police integrity, Ian Cameron, has called for an urgent investigation into systemic corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). This follows damning allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, exposing deep-rooted rot in the police force. Cameron stated, “The allegations are not only damning to a few individuals but allege a systematic weakening of the police to enable corruption and undermining of the rule of law. The revelations paint a picture of a weak system, corruption-riddled institution, and a system that can be manipulated at the whims of a connected…

The Public Protector has found that former SASSA CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula was irregularly appointed in 2019 by then-Minister of Social Development Susan Shabangu, who approved an inflated salary of R2.65 million per year, far above the prescribed R1.88 million. DA Deputy Spokesperson on Social Development, Alexandra Abrahams, stated: “This is a blatant abuse of power and a betrayal of South Africa’s poor. The DA will demand that the Portfolio Committee urgently table this report to ensure accountability.” The Public Protector’s report, dated 30 June 2025, revealed that Shabangu ignored directives from then-Finance Minister Tito Mboweni and Public Service Minister Senzo Mchunu, who had warned against excessive…

Rain has just changed the way South Africa connects. Introducing the Loop, a fusion of portable 5G WiFi, stereo sound, and smart connectivity, all wrapped into one sleek device. This isn’t just another router or Bluetooth speaker. It’s the Loop, the first of its kind, creating an entirely new category. Imagine carrying your WiFi in your bag, setting up instant hotspots, and streaming crisp stereo music anywhere—without the hassle of Bluetooth pairing. The loop is eclusive to rain. It’s your wifi. It’s your music. It’s a loop. With the loop, you can carry your wifi with you, and take stereo music everywhere. It’s not just…

President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning to DA leader and agriculture minister John Steenhuisen, stating that any withdrawal from the interministerial committee (IMC) on the national dialogue will be treated as insubordination, according to a report in the Sunday Times. This marks the first time Ramaphosa has directly threatened disciplinary action against Steenhuisen. Firing him could destabilize the already fragile government of national unity (GNU). Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya told the Sunday Times that Ramaphosa hopes the DA will not turn the national dialogue into a political battleground. “It will be important for the sake of the DA’s continued participation…

Huawei held its highly anticipated Huawei South Africa Connect 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing together over 2,900 leaders from government, business, and the technology sector to explore how intelligent technologies can power the country’s advance from digital adoption to intelligent transformation. Themed Accelerate Industrial Digital Intelligence for South Africa, the event focused on how artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and smart platforms are reshaping industries — moving beyond connectivity to build a truly intelligent and sustainable future, enabling industry growth, unlocking inclusion, and driving long-term national development. At the event, Hon. Minister of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies,…

Vodacom Business has deployed a Mobile Private Network (MPN) at Sasol’s synthetic fuel facility in Secunda, Mpumalanga. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in leveraging advanced technology to enhance operational efficiency and connectivity in the industrial sector. “As part of Sasol’s digitalisation journey, there is a focus on utilising technology to improve processes that impact safety and efficiency across our facilities,” says Victor Bester, Sasol Executive Vice President of Operations and Projects. “This initiative allows us to accelerate these efforts through improved connectivity and control of the mobile network deployed at our Secunda production facility.  Our collaboration with Vodacom Business…

At the 2025 Huawei South Africa Connect Event, Gene Zhang, CEO of Huawei South Africa Enterprise Business, emphasised the company’s commitment to driving intelligent transformation across industries. “Huawei is confident in its role as a trusted partner for South Africa’s AI-powered future,” he stated. “With 26 years of local innovation, we are dedicated to building a smarter, more connected South Africa.” A Legacy of Digital Leadership Huawei has been instrumental in South Africa’s ICT evolution, achieving milestones such as: Becoming the first hyperscale cloud provider with a local availability zone. Deploying the country’s first 5G network. Spearheading AI-driven solutions across mining, finance, and urban management. Throughout this journey, we…

Platō, one of the fastest-growing local coffee brands, is the first company in South Africa to roll out Yoyo’s bank card-linked loyalty system. Customers can now automatically earn rewards every time they tap to pay. With over 98 locations already pouring coffee across the country, and a goal of reaching 150 by the end of 2025, Platō joined forces with Yoyo to introduce a loyalty system as smart and seamless as its in-store experience. Effective from 1 June, every time a customer taps their bank card to pay at a Platō café, a 5% cashback is reflected in their Platō…

Credeq Africa today announced its official launch as an independent Underwriting Management Agency (UMA) in the local market, marking a strategic evolution from its roots within Lombard Insurance’s Guarantee and Trade Credit division. This milestone positions the company to deliver faster, more flexible specialist guarantees and credit insurance to the construction, mining, trade, and other bespoke risk sectors. Led by Managing Director Helgaard Müller, Credeq Africa is more than a structural shift – it is the local cornerstone of a global group of underwriting specialists operating under the Credeq brand in the UK, Europe, Australia, and beyond. Donny Gouveia, Credeq…

Wise Move, the local logistics-tech platform simplifying how South Africans move goods, has partnered with Gumtree to provide seamless, on-platform access to professional moving services for buyers and sellers on one of the country’s most-used classifieds platforms. The integration, launched nationwide on 1 June 2025, allows Gumtree users to access Wise Move’s network of vetted transport providers, enabling real-time quoting, booking, and delivery of goods. “At Wise Move, we’re building a new kind of solution for large online purchases – one that’s digital-first, trust-driven, and user-centric,” says Chante Venter, Co-founder and CEO of Wise Move. “This partnership brings that engine to the heart…

Vodacom has taken a significant step toward digital inclusion with the launch of the Blindshell Classic 2, a specialised button smartphone designed for the visually impaired. Announced at its second Disability and Accessibility Conference, this initiative addresses affordability and accessibility challenges, making advanced mobile technology available on both prepaid and contract plans. The move reinforces Vodacom’s commitment to creating an inclusive digital future in Africa. “At Vodacom Group, true inclusion begins with understanding the daily realities of persons with disabilities and co-creating solutions that respond to their needs” said Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO. “We are proud as a leading mobile network…

The Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) has called for urgent national cooperation to stop the rapid growth of the illegal alcohol trade, now worth an estimated R25.1 billion and responsible for R16.5 billion in lost tax revenue. This call to action was made at the United for Good Panel Discussion, hosted by DF-SA at GIBS Business School. Leaders from across the alcohol-value-chain came together to discuss findings from the Understanding the Illicit Alcohol Market in South Africa study by Euromonitor International. To build momentum, all participants signed a Pledge of Commitment, a shared promise to: Increase public awareness about…

Axiz, an African technology distributor, today announced a new partnership with global cybersecurity leader Kaspersky. Effective immediately, Axiz will distribute Kaspersky’s complete portfolio of cybersecurity solutions and services to partners and customers across South Africa and the broader SADC (Southern African Development Community) region. The partnership expands Axiz’s cybersecurity offering and provides organisations of all sizes and industries access to cutting-edge tools for detection, response, and protection against cyber threats. This includes endpoint and mobile security, as well as advanced protection for operational technology (OT), Internet of Things (IoT), KVM environments, containerised workloads, and cloud infrastructure. “Our goal is always…

Telkom has recently identified and contained a phishing incident involving a compromised employee email account. Between 06 and 12 June 2025, unauthorised emails were sent externally from a Telkom address with subjects referencing “TELKOM GROUP” or “TELKOM SA.” Telkom’s cybersecurity team acted swiftly to mitigate risks, enhance security measures, and launch a forensic investigation with external experts. “We are committed to safeguarding customer and stakeholder data and will provide updates as needed.” Telkom statement below: Security Notice: Phishing email incident contained Telkom wishes to inform our customers and stakeholders of a recently identified phishing incident. Between 06 and 12 June 2025, a Telkom employee’s…

The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) today announced the appointment of Andre Wentzel as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Wentzel is a highly respected industry leader and regulatory compliance specialist with more than two decades of extensive experience in the banking and financial services sector. Throughout his career, Andre has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the development and implementation of Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Financial Sanctions Control, and Fraud Risk Management programmes. Wentzel’s most recent role was as Senior Specialist Advisor: Group Anti-Financial Crime at Standard Bank, where he provided strategic advisory services until January…

While the President continues to take no action against ANC corruption in the National Executive, the DA will use every means we can to fight it. Tomorrow, Tuesday 1 July 2025, ahead of the Higher Education Minister’s budget debate in the NCOP, the DA will be laying criminal charges against Minister Nobuhle Nkabane for lying to Parliament. The charge-laying will be led by DA Federal Council Chairperson, Helen Zille, DA Deputy Chief Whip, Baxolile Nodada MP, and DA National Spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau MP. Details of the event are as follows: Date: 01 July 2025 Time: 09:30 AM Location: Cape Town Central Police Station, Buitenkant Street. The…

In a defining moment for South African innovation, homegrown health-tech pioneer Khoi Tech has captured international attention after representing the nation at London Tech Week 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious technology gatherings. The Soweto-based company joined fellow South African innovators Smartee and XDOY in demonstrating Africa’s burgeoning tech potential to global investors and industry leaders, including during a high-profile engagement with London Mayor Sadiq Khan. From Local Roots to Global Recognition The South African delegation’s participation was made possible through a strategic collaboration between the British High Commission and South Africa’s Department of Telecommunications and Digital Technologies via…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has condemned the wasteful expenditure of R100,143.68 in public funds on a personal protection order for Magistrate Ezra Morrison, demanding immediate repayment and accountability. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has failed to justify why taxpayer money was used to cover legal fees for Morrison’s private case against journalists an administrative task she could have handled herself. Misuse of Public Funds Last year, Magistrate Morrison sought a protection order against journalists who exposed her failure to refer a minor, now accused of murdering Deveney Nel, to the Children’s Court. The boy, previously accused of raping an 11-year-old girl…