Author: Staff Writer

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is appalled by Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau’s failure to provide clear answers in Parliament regarding alleged conflicts of interest in the appointment of the new National Lottery operator, Sizekhaya Holdings. Toby Chance MP, DA Spokesperson on Trade, Industry, and Competition, stated: “Minister Tau’s lack of awareness regarding potential links between Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s family and shareholders in Bellamont Gaming is unacceptable. His duty was to ensure a fair, transparent process free from conflicts of interest.” The Minister’s evasive responses during the committee hearing raise serious concerns about the legitimacy of the adjudication process.…

South Africans have spent over R20 million through Luno Pay since its launch in November 2024. The leading crypto app* now processes approximately R2 million in transactions monthly, signalling adoption across diverse merchant categories. The data reveals purchases ranging from as little as R1 at Pick n Pay to high-value transactions of tens of thousands of rands, showcasing crypto’s versatility across different spending patterns. Christo de Wit, South Africa country manager at Luno, says, “Appetite for digital currency transactions in everyday commerce is growing. The wide transaction spectrum indicates that cryptocurrency payments are becoming more common for both everyday purchases and…

New legal filings reveal details about OpenAI and Jony Ive’s io team collaborating on a consumer AI device, according to a report by The Verge. According to court documents, the first product – slated for release no earlier than 2026 – will not be an “in-ear device” or a wearable. “The prototype Sam Altman referenced in the video is at least a year away from being offered for sale,” said Tang Tan, io’s chief hardware officer and a former Apple design leader, in a June 16th declaration. “Its design is not yet finalized, but it is not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device.”…

South Africa just got a look at the new HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro. Judging by the immediate reaction, it did not disappoint. The series was launched at the Kyalami Racecourse in Midrand, last week Thursday. Here, the unveiling of the HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro brings together tech, creativity and speed in a way that hits home for local users. But behind the fanfare and flashbulbs, one feature stands out, AI SuperZoom. It’s the kind of innovation that quietly shifts how we take photos. More than just digital zoom, it’s a smart system that brings detail forward without the…

 Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical is now streaming exclusively on Disney+. Captured live onstage at the world-famous Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London’s legendary West End, this spectacular stage production features Samantha Barks as Elsa, Laura Dawkes as Anna and the cast of the smash London production who bring the beloved tale of sisterhood, bravery, and self-discovery to life in a new breathtaking way.  In Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical, Queen Elsa’s hidden powers plunge Arendelle into an eternal winter and her sister Anna sets out to find her and save the kingdom. As the storm rages on, both sisters must learn…

Two unsuccessful bidders for South Africa’s lucrative national lottery licence have demanded answers from Trade, Industry & Competition Minister Parks Tau, while another has launched a legal challenge to overturn the decision, according to a report in the Sunday Times. The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) and Tau have faced five consecutive court defeats in recent months over the R100bn tender. The NLC withdrew an appeal application last Friday, anticipating another loss. Legal Challenges Mount Losing bidders Ringeta and Ithuba have formally requested reasons from Tau for selecting Sizekhaya Holdings, while Lekalinga has filed a court review to set aside the decision. Lekalinga’s founder, Vladimir Vukovic, alleges in court…

President Cyril Ramaphosa is under increasing pressure to dismiss Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane amid allegations of corruption at the Construction Sector Education and Training Authority (Ceta) and claims that she misled Parliament, according to a report in the Sunday Times. Nkabane is already under scrutiny for allegedly lying about an “independent panel” that approved politically connected Seta board appointments. This week, fresh revelations emerged that she ignored whistleblower reports detailing tender fraud and governance irregularities at Ceta, which has a budget exceeding R20bn. Prominent academic Prof Malegapuru Makgoba has joined calls for her resignation, labelling her “a disgrace to…

 The power system remains stable and continues to demonstrate resilience in response to increased electricity demand., says Eskom. While occasional system constraints are experienced and managed, sufficient emergency reserves are in place and are strategically deployed to support demand during morning and evening peak periods. To further enhance grid stability, Eskom plans to return a total of 2 730MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 23 June 2025. During the week of 13 to 19 June, planned maintenance averaged at 3 659MW, resulting in a decline in planned outages. During the same period, the…

A cold and steady rain fell over Stellenbosch on Friday morning, but rays of sunshine appeared over lunch as Stellenbosch University (SU) celebrated a momentous occasion: the formal installation of the institution’s 16th Chancellor – Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. The ceremony, held in the Endler Hall, unfolded with stately precision, resounding music performances by SU’s top musicians and an academic procession in full ceremonial regalia – a visual reminder of the University’s rich past and vibrant future. In an impassioned inaugural address in front of dignitaries, senior management and community leaders, Kganyago said he considered…

Telkom today announced the continued success and graduation of its inaugural cohort from the Telkom FutureMakers Township Innovation Incubator. This groundbreaking initiative is empowering Black-owned, township-based tech businesses, transforming innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises and creating vital job opportunities in South Africa’s burgeoning ICT sector.  “The Telkom FutureMakers programme is more than just an incubator; it’s a commitment to fostering a self-sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystem within our communities,” says Tshepo Petla, Head of Business Development at Telkom. “We are investing in the talent and vision of South African entrepreneurs, providing them with the technical expertise, business acumen, and ongoing support needed…

The official unemployment rate in South Africa rose to 32,9% in the first quarter of 2025, with the number of unemployment people increasing by 237 000 compared to the previous three-month period. Youth unemployment (15–24-year-old job seekers), climbed to 62.4% in Q1 2025, the highest level since Q1 2022. This does not even account for young people who have given up on looking for work in the formal economy. Despite this hunger for work, certain sectors of the economy are persistently unable to fill certain jobs, particularly high skilled fields, especially in the rapidly expanding digital economy, estimated to have a skills shortage of around…

Amazon Web Services (AWS) today opened applications for the third cohort of the AWS Generative AI Accelerator (GAIA), an eight-week global program designed to scale early-stage startups building foundational generative AI technologies. Forty promising startups from around the world will be selected for this year’s program, which kicks off on October 13, 2025, at Amazon HQ1 in Seattle. Applications are open from June 10 through July 10, and the selected cohort will be announced September 24, 2025. Startups can apply here. With generative AI tools now widely available, AWS is focusing efforts in 2025 to support those startups who are…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has raised serious concerns over the Public Investment Corporation’s (PIC) failure to act against company secretary Bongani Mathebula, despite disciplinary and commission recommendations. Outgoing PIC CEO Abel Sithole admitted that the asset manager ignored its own disciplinary committee’s recommendation to dismiss Mathebula. Additionally, the PIC provided unclear responses on whether it followed the Mphati Commission’s directive to review Mathebula’s reinstatement. Earlier, the PIC may have misled Parliament by claiming all Mphati Commission recommendations had been implemented. The DA is demanding access to board meeting minutes that confirm whether the PIC formally reviewed Mathebula’s reinstatement, as advised…

South Africa faces a significant challenge of high youth unemployment coupled with a digital skills gap. The disconnect between the skills graduates possess and the demands of the modern job market necessitates innovative training programmes to bridge the divide. Recent statistics paint a stark picture. The nation’s unemployment rate climbed to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025, with young people aged 15-34 disproportionately affected. According to Stats SA,  experienced a notable increase in unemployment figures. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights similar concerns, revealing that over 60% of African companies identify skills shortages as a…

The way we spend our leisure time is rapidly evolving. As mobile devices become more powerful and ubiquitous, they’re not just changing how we communicate or shop—they’re reshaping how we relax. More than ever, users are moving away from passive entertainment, like watching TV, and turning to interactive formats such as mobile games. Whether it’s a quick 10-minute play session or an immersive feature experience, mobile games are now leading the digital entertainment revolution. One of the fastest-growing categories in this space is feature-rich, slot-style mobile games, which combine vibrant visuals, themed experiences, and interactive elements designed purely for fun.…

Wetility. South Africa’s fastest-growing solar-as-a-service provider, has successfully secured a R500 million structured capital partnership with Jaltech, a leading funder of solar energy projects in South Africa. The transaction marks a milestone in Wetility’s mission to provide clean, reliable, and cost-effective solar energy to over one million homes and businesses across the country. The capital provided by Jaltech will be utilised to fund solar and battery systems, enabling Wetility to add over 16 MW of solar capacity to the national distributed energy footprint, as well as avoid over 250,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions. “This funding unlocks the next phase of our growth, empowering thousands of homeowners…

The Gauteng Health Department has paid more than R3 million to four suspended Tembisa Hospital officials implicated in corrupt contracts, the same contracts whistleblower Babita Deokaran tried to stop before her assassination. This revelation came to light in a written response by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to questions posed by DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, in the provincial legislature. Disciplinary Outcomes and Suspension Payouts Of the nine officials implicated in the scandal, three were dismissed following disciplinary processes, three resigned before their hearings concluded, two retired, and one’s contract expired. The officials faced charges of gross misconduct, including failure to comply with supply…

The adventurous new derivative of Volvo’s award-winning electric crossover is coming soon, bringing rugged design, all-wheel drive and zero emissions. Following the local release of the range-topping EX90, the brand’s all-electric seven-seater, Volvo Car South Africa is pleased to announce the imminent arrival of the new EX30 Cross Country, the rugged derivative of the award-winning EX30. With a spirit of adventure, the EX30 Cross Country brings an iconic name back to the Volvo lineup. First introduced in 1997 on the V70, the Cross Country treatment adds rugged and adventurous styling, along with updates to the marque’s refined vehicles. With an increased ride…

As global demand for green hydrogen grows, South Africa is equipping its youth with cutting-edge skills to lead the clean energy revolution. The Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA) made history at the African Green Hydrogen Summit 2025 by unveiling the country’s first-ever NQF-aligned green hydrogen qualifications, a critical step in aligning education with emerging energy opportunities. During a high-level panel on “Jobs & Skills of the Green Hydrogen Economy,” Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, officially launched the groundbreaking qualifications. “These qualifications are more than a policy milestone, they’re a youth development breakthrough,” said the…

Once the domain of elite spies and con artists, social engineering is now in the hands of anyone with an internet connection – and AI is the accomplice. Supercharged by generative tools and deepfake technology, today’s social engineering attacks are no longer sloppy phishing attempts. They’re targeted, psychologically precise, and frighteningly scalable. Welcome to Social Engineering 2.0, where the manipulators don’t need to know you personally. Their AI already does. Deception at machine levels Social engineering works because it bypasses firewalls and technical defences. It attacks human trust. From fake bank alerts to long-lost Nigerian princes, these scams have traditionally…

As South Africa weighs the promise of satellite internet, telecommunications experts are warning that it could widen, instead of close, the digital divide. Despite global praise for services like Starlink, critics say the technology is too expensive, too limited, and too disconnected from the realities of rural life in South Africa. Among them is Sean Shipalana, a leading voice in infrastructure development, who warns that the excitement around satellite risks overshadowing real, workable solutions. “Satellite internet is not a solution for the rural poor. It’s a solution for the wealthy, for remote tourist lodges, and for niche cases. We cannot…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has exposed shocking revelations that the South African Police Service (SAPS) spent R131.5 million on salaries for 618 officers on paid sick leave for over six months during the 2023/2024 financial year. The party is demanding immediate action from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to investigate this misuse of public funds. In response to a parliamentary question, Minister Mchunu confirmed the staggering costs of extended sick leave within SAPS. The DA warns this irresponsible expenditure comes at a time when the police service faces severe operational challenges and rising crime rates, diverting critical resources from frontline policing.…

Diversified financial services group Alexforbes has established a R5 billion fund to invest in critical South African infrastructure projects, aiming to generate strong returns while supporting economic growth, reports the Sunday Times. The initiative comes as the government plans to spend over R1 trillion on infrastructure over the next three years to revitalize key sectors. Gyongyi King, Chief Investment Officer at Alexforbes Investments, told the Sunday Times that the fund will target renewable energy, affordable housing, water, transport, and ICT infrastructure. “Without good ports, stable electricity, water, housing, and roads, we cannot grow,” she said. The company has already committed…

South Africa’s newly approved National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP), which proposes quotas limiting foreign workers in certain sectors, is likely to face legal challenges, with experts warning that similar measures have previously been ruled unconstitutional, reports the Sunday Times. The policy, approved by Cabinet last month, aims to enforce stricter controls on foreign employment but may clash with existing constitutional protections. Labour law specialists argue that imposing employment quotas has already been deemed unlawful by the Constitutional Court. Imraan Mohamed, Director of Employment Law at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH), noted that while the government avoids calling them “quotas” under employment…

MultiChoice is testing weekly subscription plans in Uganda, aiming to ease financial pressure on customers struggling with monthly payments. If successful, the pay-TV giant may expand the model to other African markets as it fights to retain subscribers amid economic challenges, according to the Sunday Times. The company, which operates in 16 African countries, has seen its subscriber base shrink by 1.2 million in the past year, dropping to 14.5 million. Half of those losses came from South Africa, where high unemployment and rising living costs have forced households to cut discretionary spending, including DStv subscriptions. MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo…