Author: Staff Writer

A high-stakes legal battle is brewing over the sale of Shell’s downstream business in South Africa, valued at $1 billion (R18 billion), according to Sunday Times. The dispute centers on Swiss energy giant Gunvor’s last-minute decision to replace Afrifund Investments, led by businessman Sipho Maseko, with Matasis Investment Holdings—a Johannesburg-based firm headed by former Northern Cape premier Manne Dipico. Maseko and Afrifund are reportedly considering legal action, alleging they were sidelined in favor of a politically connected entity. Shell announced its exit from South Africa’s downstream sector—including 600 service stations—last year, aiming to shift focus to global upstream operations. Gunvor,…

This year’s G20 and B20 meetings present a crucial opportunity to advance financial inclusion and cross-border digital payments across Africa, transforming the continent into a more integrated trade region, reported the Sunday Times. This is the view of Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo, who spoke at the B20’s Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion plenary in Skukuza this week. Financial inclusion is expected to spur competition, innovation, and cost efficiency. Masondo highlighted the National Treasury’s financial sector reforms, including investments in infrastructure to boost economic participation. The Treasury and South African Reserve Bank’s inclusive payments digitalisation programme aligns with Vision 2025,…

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has rejected criticism of his policy directive easing BEE rules in the ICT sector, dismissing claims it was designed to benefit Elon Musk’s Starlink, according to the Sunday Times. The directive gazetted a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s White House meeting – attended by Musk – has sparked speculation, but Malatsi insists the timing was coincidental. “The policy direction is given under the Electronic Communications Act [ECA] … the minister of communications & digital technologies has the power to give policy directions under the ECA, which is what I have done,” Malatsi told the Sunday Times. “There was…

Huawei has significantly deepened its partnership with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), elevating the institution to an ICT Academy Support Center (IASC). This pivotal step, formalised through a new memorandum of understanding, not only enhances the existing bond established in 2019 but also promises to accelerate the development of local ICT talent, expand resources, and empower students with industry-leading skills crucial for the digital economy. Beyond uplifting individual careers, these partnerships help to bridge the digital divide by providing access to relevant skills and technologies, especially in underserved communities. In doing so, such initiatives bring more people into…

Eskom has issued an Invitation To Tender for the construction of a pilot renewable green hydrogen facility (RHF) at its Research, Testing and Development (RT&D) unit in Johannesburg.  Renewable green hydrogen production is a key priority to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in South Africa. This pilot will directly contribute to informing Eskom’s decarbonisation strategy and potentially enable renewable energy deployment as it presents an excellent medium to long-term energy storage solution.  Developing a pilot Renewable Hydrogen Facility (RHF) will present Eskom with an informed pathway to plan for the potential adoption of green hydrogen, as well as provide an opportunity…

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…