Author: Staff Writer

South African mobile operators have told Parliament they would welcome Elon Musk’s Starlink as a competitor if the satellite internet provider enters the local market. However, they emphasized the need for regulatory fairness and highlighted ongoing industry challenges such as load-shedding, vandalism, and policy uncertainty, according to the Sunday Times. During a briefing with Parliament’s portfolio committee on communications and digital technologies, major players including Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, and Rain discussed the state of the telecommunications sector. MTN SA CEO Charles Molapisi confirmed that the company already partners with Starlink in other African markets and sees satellite providers…

Huawei Digital Power Sub-Saharan Africa has been selected as the exclusive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partner for the Palabora Mining Company (PMC) solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project, a flagship initiative led by the Mzansi Energy Consortium and Journey 2 Green (J2G). The agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony at the 2025 SNEC Expo in Shanghai. The Mzansi Energy Consortium, led by Journey 2 Green, is the project development entity established to design, finance, and deliver the PMC renewable energy project with key technology and infrastructure partners. This landmark energy initiative will deliver South Africa’s first utility-scale…

Groblersdal Mall in Limpopo is undergoing a significant redevelopment, poised to become a modern, shopper-friendly destination that grows alongside its community. The project, led by Twin City in partnership with Patricio & Sons, will see the 37,000sqm mall fully refurbished by November 2025. Key upgrades include a redesigned food court, an enhanced tenant mix, and a refreshed brand identity that honors the region’s agricultural roots. This redevelopment marks a major investment in the area, creating new permanent jobs while sustaining over 1,000 existing positions. Construction began in February 2025. “Our investment builds on the excellent foundation of an extremely popular…

Huawei’s sixth annual Editors Xchange in Johannesburg brought delegates together under the theme “Ecosystems That Scale the Future” to explore how intelligent, integrated platforms are advancing South Africa’s digital development. Speakers from Huawei, government and business unpacked the shift from infrastructure as hardware to infrastructure as an enabler, where cloud, AI and collaborative platforms become the backbone of inclusive growth. In his opening address, Huawei South Africa Deputy CEO Charles Cheng emphasised the human purpose behind technology. “Digital ecosystems matter insofar as they enable a better, more fulfilling life,” he said. “They must be interconnected, adaptive and built to scale.”…

The Middle East & Africa’s air transport sector kept pace with global passenger surges in 2024, achieving remarkable baggage results despite increasing system demands. According to the newly released SITA Baggage IT Insights 2025, the region maintained one of the world’s strongest performances, reporting 6.02 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers, slightly up from 4.5 in 2023, but still among the best worldwide. The global picture also tells a story of progress. Despite an 8.2% increase in worldwide traffic in 2024, the overall mishandling rate dropped to 6.3 bags per 1,000 passengers, down from 6.9 the previous year and 67% lower…

Young drivers are most at risk on South African roads—Volvo encourages smarter, safer decisions this Youth Day. Young drivers face the highest risk on South African roads, with high fatality rates and low seatbelt use, especially close to home.  Volvo continues to prioritise safety, from pioneering the three-point seatbelt to advanced driver-assist technologies.  This Youth Day, Volvo reminds new drivers that their choices matter most, because no safety feature is more powerful than a responsible driver.  Youth Day in South Africa is a time to reflect, but also to look forward—a day that honours the bravery of the past while…

To commemorate Youth Month under the 2025 theme, ‘Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation’, Vodacom has launched a new data bundle for customers on the NXT LVL (pronounced next level) programme. Dubbed ‘Super Content’ and targeted especially for content creators, the new 25GB Super Content Bundle gives customers 5GB TikTok data; 5GB All Access data; 5GB YouTube data as well as 10GB of Night Owl data – all at R69 with a seven-day validity period. “This year, we saw it fitting to design and launch a bundle that not only aligns with the 2025…

The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), in partnership with the Karoo Hoogland Municipality, officially launched the Fraserburg Smart Skills Centre on 6 June 2025. This marks a significant step in bringing accessible, future-focused skills development to rural and underprivileged communities. The launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in January 2025, laying the foundation for a high-impact initiative aimed at closing the digital divide and equipping residents for opportunities in the digital and green economies. A Future-Ready Facility in the Heart of the Karoo The Fraserburg Smart Skills Centre is now fully operational, offering accredited digital…

 WeThinkCode_, a leading South African tech academy, has been awarded $2 million in funding from Google.org. This grant will enable WeThinkCode_ to dramatically expand its Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programs, empowering 12,000 learners in South Africa and Kenya with critical AI skills for the rapidly evolving job market. Africa faces a significant digital skills gap; a recent SAP report highlights that 90% of companies in Africa are negatively impacted by a lack of AI skills, experiencing project delays, failed innovation, and an inability to take on new work. WeThinkCode_ has long been dedicated to bridging this gap by training unemployed youth from…

Telkom Group today announced the appointment of Beauty Apleni as Chief Executive Officer of Openserve, South Africa’s leading provider of wholesale infrastructure connectivity, effective 1 July 2025. She will drive the continuing growth and adoption of Openserve’s fibre network in pursuit of Telkom’s data-led strategy. She has over 25 years of experience in the ICT industry with 15 years of that in executive leadership specializing in formulating strategy, driving execution and operational excellence.  Apleni held various roles at Telkom Group such as Telkom Consumer: Chief of Sales and Technology; Telkom Consumer: Chief Technology & Information Officer; Cybernest: Executive Service Delivery…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued an alert regarding individuals impersonating Brokstock SA (Pty) Ltd, an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP No. 51404). Fraudulent Activity Details Scammers: Zibu Masotobe Sibiya (WhatsApp: +27717684632) and Mike Mabuyakhulu (WhatsApp: +27794293027) Platforms: Operating via Telegram and WhatsApp groups named “Brokstock Beginner/s” Fake Banking Details: Account Name: Brockstockshares Bank: FNB Account Number: 62871907790 Email: [email protected] These fraudsters are luring victims to deposit funds into their fraudulent account under false pretenses. “Brokstock SA has confirmed these individuals are NOT associated with them, and any claims otherwise are entirely false,” the FSCA stated. How to Protect Yourself The FSCA urges the public to: Verify FSP authorization before investing—check the FSCA database. Confirm the FSP…

Many businesses have operations in South Africa and the UK; however, communication costs can quickly get out of hand and even become prohibitive if multinational businesses do not have a solution to comply with local, in-country call rates, explains Telviva Chief Commercial Officer Rob Lith. South African businesses face significant challenges when communicating in the UK, he says, especially in light of recent telecommunications regulatory changes in South Africa, which caused international call termination rates to increase 27-fold overnight. “As one can imagine, this made international communication prohibitively expensive for many businesses with teams sitting in multiple countries,” he says.…

The impact of non-compliance of relevant regulations can have a detrimental effect on all credit providers in South Africa. “The penalties and fines for non-compliance can ultimately cripple a business,” says Vaughn Hechter, Head of Customer Services: NuPay and Delter at Altron FinTech. “There is also the reputational risk, because nobody wants to do business with reputation of being a loan shark or a predatory lender.” Keeping up with complex local and global regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), PSD2 (Payment Services Directive 2) and FICA (Financial Intelligence Centre Act) is…

Durban entrepreneur Shaun Naidu is suing Nedbank for R40 billion after being listed as a suspected fraudster for eight years, severely damaging his business and personal life, according to the Sunday Times report. Fraud Listing Discovery Naidu told the Sunday Times he first discovered the listing in 2015 when he tried to open a bank account and was flagged on the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) database. “I was told I was flagged by Nedbank on the Shamwari database… Due to this listing, I couldn’t open a bank account at any banking institution,” Naidu said. Despite obtaining a police clearance certificate confirming no criminal record, Nedbank initially denied submitting the fraud indicator. Failed Resolutions & Legal…

Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane is under intense scrutiny amid suspicions that her Sector Education and Training Authorities (Seta) “panel” may be imaginary, plunging her deeper into controversy. According to a Sunday Times report, Nkabane—once hailed as one of the ANC’s rising stars—now faces a political firestorm over her aborted plan to appoint politically connected chairs to Setas. ANC Cronyism Allegations The scandal erupted when it was revealed that Nkabane’s proposed list was packed with ANC loyalists, including the son of Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy. The move sparked outrage, raising concerns about nepotism and lack of transparency in key government appointments. Defiant Stance in Parliament During a…

National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi has backtracked on her claim that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had been “infiltrated,” following an urgent meeting with Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi. According to the Sunday Times, Kubayi summoned Batohi after her infiltration remarks raised serious concerns. The minister revealed that Batohi admitted to using “the wrong word” and clarified that her concerns were about individual prosecutors allegedly sabotaging cases: not systemic infiltration. Minister Kubayi’s Intervention Kubayi told the Sunday Times: “After the interviews of the NDPP, I met her yesterday [Friday] urgently, because if somebody says the NPA is held from doing its work I need to understand. It’s my…

A senior SAPS Crime Intelligence official, sought by the NPA over a multi-million Rand property scandal, has reportedly gone missing. The unit allegedly spent R45 million on irregular property purchases without proper approvals, triggering an investigation by the Inspector-General of Intelligence (IGI) – initiated after DA pressure. Major-General Philani Lushaba, Crime Intelligence’s CFO, failed to report for duty and is unreachable, just as the NPA’s Investigating Directorate sought to question him. The IGI’s probe focuses on two suspicious transactions: a R22.7m Pretoria boutique hotel and a R22.8m Durban commercial property, allegedly approved by Lushaba and Crime Intelligence head Maj-Gen Dumisani…

As the world faces a growing cancer burden, Life Healthcare continues to advance its treatment offering, with new technology constantly being introduced to diagnose, treat and manage cancer. The latest innovations offer patients renewed hope in treating brain tumours, enabling more precise removal, reducing the need for repeat surgeries, and increasing the chances of long-term survival and improved quality of life. “Life Healthcare is dedicated to providing cancer patients with the most advanced and compassionate care possible, placing patients at the centre of care,” said Life Healthcare Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karisha Quarrie. “Our investment in innovative oncology technology such…

OPPO has officially launched its most advanced smartwatch yet, the OPPO Watch X2, in South Africa. Combining precision health tracking, all-day battery life, and a sleek yet durable design, this premium wearable is built for those who balance work, fitness, and everyday life. Whether navigating boardrooms, gym sessions, or outdoor adventures, the Watch X2 keeps users connected, active, and in control. Elevated Design for Everyday Wear Encased in polished stainless steel with a premium titanium alloy bezel, the OPPO Watch X2 blends sophistication with rugged durability. Its 1.5-inch AMOLED display delivers crisp visuals with a 2200-nit peak brightness, ensuring clarity even in direct…

The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) has noted with concern the proliferation of fake news and misinformation surrounding the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act rollout. The Agency urges members of the public to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it, emphasising that official statements regarding the next phases of AARTO implementation will only be issued by the Department of Transport and or RTIA. The RTIA confirms that AARTO is currently operational only in the municipalities of Johannesburg and Tshwane. Any claims suggesting a wider national rollout at this stage are incorrect. Strengthening laws for road traffic compliance is paramount,…

Pineapple, the digital insurance provider known for its low-cost online car insurance and bold, unconventional campaigns, has welcomed the decision by the Advertising Appeals Committee (AAC) to overturn the Advertising Regulatory Board’s (ARB) initial ruling that one of its billboards was offensive and discriminatory. The ad at the centre of the ruling, which read “Battery go flat? Battery get jumped. Not a tsotsi. Pineapple!”, was part of a broader series using playful, minimalist messaging and pop culture references to show that car insurance doesn’t need to be complicated. A single consumer complaint triggered the ARB’s initial decision, which was later…

Vodacom Group now procures 100% of its purchased electricity from renewable sources, making it the first multi-national telecoms operator on the continent to reach this goal. This major milestone reflects Vodacom’s efforts to decarbonise, as part of its purpose-led commitment to protect the planet. To meet this target, Vodacom has several on-site renewable power installations, procures electricity through renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs), and purchases *renewable energy certificates (RECs). Vodacom’s total energy consumption reached 2 076 GWh in the past financial year, of which 1 275 GWh was purchased electricity. Of this, 906 GWh came from grid electricity, not own…

Whether from the comfort of their living room or an enchanted forest, audiences of all ages can experience the magic and music of Disney’s Snow White when the film streams exclusively on Disney+ from 11 June. The live-action retelling of Disney’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs invites families and friends on a thrilling new cinematic adventure, one that also offers a charming stroll down memory lane. Just as audiences in 1937 were captivated by the magic of animation, today’s viewers can marvel at stunning visual effects that bring nature and fantasy vividly to life. Set to a soundtrack that blends original songs with fresh takes…

The Investing in African Mining Indaba (MI26), Africa’s most influential and transformative platform for mining leadership, investment, and innovation, has announced its 2026 theme, “Stronger together: Progress through partnerships.” This bold direction reflects the urgent need for collaboration across the continent to fast-track untapped growth opportunities across the entire mining value chain and unlock downstream industrialisation industries. With the world’s transition to clean energy accelerating, Africa stands at a crossroads. The continent holds approximately 55% of global cobalt reserves, with the DRC producing 70% of the world’s supply, nearly half of global manganese reserves, and an estimated 90% of platinum group metals,…

McDonald’s South Africa today announced the appointment of Max Oliva as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 July 2025.  Oliva brings more than three decades of executive experience in retail and supply chain management, with a strong track record of delivering operational excellence, building high-performing teams, and driving sustainable growth. He was selected following a rigorous executive search process aimed at identifying a leader with the vision, discipline, and commercial acumen to guide the business into its next phase of transformation.  His appointment comes at a pivotal time for McDonald’s South Africa, as the brand continues to evolve in…