Author: Staff Writer
Eskom has announced the suspension of loadshedding effective today at 10:00, following the recovery of over 3,000MW of generation capacity and the replenishment of sufficient emergency reserves over the past 44 hours. In a statement, Eskom confirmed that coal operations at Kusile Power Station have reached optimal levels, with all units that were offline as of Friday now back in service. Additionally, progress on the recovery of Koeberg Unit 2 is well underway, with Eskom reassuring the public that the unit remains safe. The utility emphasized that planned maintenance outages, aimed at preparing for winter and meeting regulatory and environmental…
Eskom has announced that Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from today at 14:00 until Monday, 10 March 2025 at 05:00. This decision comes after a loss of 2700MW in the past 14 hours. This includes Koeberg Unit 2, which was taken offline after being brought back on Wednesday, and two Kusile Units whose coal operations went sub-optimal following adverse weather in the area. Higher levels of planned maintenance outages, aimed at winter preparation and meeting regulatory and environmental licensing requirements are still underway. The constrained capacity resulted in the increased reliance on emergency reserves during this week, which makes…
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector, demanding an urgent investigation into the Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) questionable payment of over R1.8 billion to the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance (MGSLG). The DA’s call for action follows revelations uncovered in a response from Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, which detailed that the GDE paid a staggering R1,868,760,369.50 to MGSLG between 2019 and 2024. These funds were allegedly allocated for “cutting-edge” capacity-building programmes for school management and leadership, as well as teacher development initiatives. Shockingly, these payments continued even during…
South African startup Sensor Networks has secured a strategic partnership with Ariston, the world’s largest geyser manufacturer based in Italy. This collaboration will bring cutting-edge smart water heating solutions to South African households in 2025, marking a significant milestone for homegrown technology on the global stage. The partnership follows months of rigorous product development, refinement, and certification, culminating in the rollout of Ariston geysers integrated with Sensor Networks’ smart geyser devices across leading plumbing retailers in South Africa. This marks the first time that a locally developed smart-geyser technology has been adopted at such a scale by a global heating…
The Huawei Cloud Summit, with the theme “Accelerate Intelligence, Amplify Success”, concluded today in Barcelona, bringing together hundreds of industry leaders and experts from sectors including carrier, finance, Internet, and government. Huawei Cloud unveiled a series of cutting-edge services and solutions, solidifying its commitment to driving intelligent transformation across diverse industries. Today, AI is changing everything. Countries and companies are putting AI as a core strategy, and have the chance to build their own models. AI is not a game of heavy costs. AI models can be optimized by leveraging the achievements from the open source community. Data, especially high-quality…
At the Huawei Product & Solution Launch during MWC Barcelona 2025, Yang Chaobin, Huawei’s Director of the Board and CEO of the ICT Business Group, launched the company’s AI-Centric Network solution. According to Yang, the emergence of high-quality, low-cost, and open-source AI models will give rise to a wide range of new innovation in applications and accelerate the advent of an intelligent world. Advancements in AI will transform society at three levels. It will enable a truly individualised experience for consumers, drive intelligent collaboration in organisations, and lay the groundwork for more inclusive intelligence for everyone. As for the ICT…
NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and technology services, today announced the appointment of Amantha Naidoo as Managing Executive for South Africa, effective 1 May, 2025. In this strategic role, Naidoo will be responsible for driving NTT DATA’s growth and strategy execution in the South African market, while supporting the company’s broader mid-term plan for fiscal years 2025-2027 and beyond. “We are delighted to welcome Amantha to NTT DATA,” said Alan Turnley-Jones, CEO of NTT DATA for Middle East and Africa (MEA). “Her exceptional track record in business transformation, strategic leadership, and deep expertise across multiple industries aligns…
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is facing backlash from fellow ANC government ministers for supporting Communications Minister Solly Malatsi’s decision to withdraw the SABC Bill. According to the Sunday Times, tensions ran high during a cabinet meeting this week, where ANC ministers confronted Mashatile over his endorsement of Malatsi’s reasoning for pulling the bill. As the leader of government business in parliament, Mashatile presented Malatsi’s rationale for the withdrawal on Wednesday, which did not sit well with several ANC members. The SABC Bill was drafted to replace the outdated Broadcasting Act of 1999, which predates the rise of the Internet and…
Hybrids sales continue to outpace other new energy vehicles, with prices dropping and demand rising. Meanwhile, more affordable electric cars are gaining traction in South Africa’s used car market. South African car buyers have traditionally been slow to adopt new-energy vehicles (NEVs), but that’s starting to change. According to the recently released AutoTrader 2024 Annual Car Industry Report, interest in hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise as more consumers explore efficient and eco-friendly alternatives. While manufacturers are working towards a fully electric future, hybrids and PHEVs remain important stepping stones to emissions-free mobility. Electric vehicle and…
The City of Cape Town has secured R2.8 billion in development finance to support major electricity grid upgrades. This agreement, made with the German Development Bank (KfW) on behalf of the German Government, forms part of the metro’s transition towards a more dynamic and decentralised energy future. Largest Infrastructure Investment by a Metropolitan Municipality Cape Town is set to invest R39.5 billion in infrastructure from July 2024 to June 2027 under the City’s ‘Building For Jobs’ Budget. This represents the largest three-year infrastructure investment ever made by a South African metropolitan municipality. Within this, more than R4 billion will be…
iStore South Africa has announced that the iPhone 16e is available online and in-store, starting today at 8am. Customers can choose to purchase the latest iPhone 16e for cash, or upgrade their Vodacom, MTN, or Telkom cellular contracts through iStore, with a range of trade-in offers making this upgrade to iPhone 16e more affordable than ever. Up to R22 000 cash back when you trade in — As Apple’s only Premium Partner in Africa iStore is also setting a new standard for trade-in values, offering up to R22,000 cash back when you trade in your current phone. Customers can get their trade-in value as cash back into their…
A UK-based group called Everyone Hates Elon has seemingly taken credit for a controversial anti-Elon Musk poster that has been spotted in London and is rapidly gaining attention online, according to Euro News. The poster, which appeared in Bethnal Green, depicts a Tesla rebranded as the “Swasticar” and features an image of Musk performing a Nazi-like salute at Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration rally. The message beneath the image reads: “Goes from 0 to 1939 in 3 seconds,” a reference to the outbreak of World War II. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Everyone Hates Elon…
What do South Africans want in a car? AutoTrader reveals a clear shift: value for money and efficiency are driving car-buying decisions like never before. 2024 was a turbulent year for the South African automotive industry, shaped by various external factors. Shifting market conditions, evolving consumer needs, and changing car shopping behaviours played a role, while interest rate fluctuations, inflation, and unstable fuel prices impacted sales and buyer sentiment. While 2025 shows positive signs of increased consumer sentiment, the annual AutoTrader Car Industry Report reveals how things have changed in the automotive industry, with buyers changing their car-buying priorities and focusing on…
OPPO today officially announced the launch of its new Reno13 series, ushering in a new era in mobile photography for South Africans. Designed to capture life’s most vibrant moments, even beneath the surface, the Reno13 series sets a new benchmark for smartphone imaging. It combines OPPO’s industry-leading AI enhancements with cutting-edge water-resistant technology. The Reno13 series features a sleek and durable design. Featuring a customised MediaTek Dimensity 8350 platform, the Reno13 series delivers smooth performance and energy efficiency. The Reno13 5G has a 5,600mAh battery and 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge, allowing for extended usage and rapid recharging. The 1.5K 120Hz…
Private equity fund manager Clearwater Capital has announced the purchase of Etlin International (Pty) Ltd’s temperature-controlled storage and logistics arm through a business rescue deal. This division, SnoLink Logistics, will continue to serve its existing customer base, which includes several Blue Chip retailers. “This acquisition reflects South Africa’s evolving supply chain, offering a reliable and trustworthy route to market,” commented Clearwater Capital Executive Chairman, Harish Mehta. “Clearwater has had an interest in this sector for several years – this acquisition was a strategic one. Furthermore, It creates new opportunities for importers of temperature-sensitive products, like ice cream and mechanically deboned meat, to access the…
Huawei South Africa’s position as a top employer, as certified by the Top Employers Institute for the eighth year running in 2025, reflects the company’s substantial impact on the local employment landscape. This sustained recognition highlights Huawei’s deep dedication to its employees and the company’s significant investment in creating a positive work environment. As a leading force in the country’s growing ICT sector, Huawei strives to work in ways that contribute positively to local economies and empower communities with skills and access to the latest digital technologies. The institute has certified over 2,400 companies from 125 global companies based on…
McDonald’s South Africa has donated Mi Desks to two primary schools in Cape Town to improve learning conditions for young students. This donation addresses the lack of proper school furniture, with Grade 1 learners currently writing on the floor. The Mi Desk, an innovative and mobile learning solution, has been endorsed by the Department of Science and Innovation and UNESCO as a practical tool to enhance classroom experiences in underprivileged communities. At the donation handover, Daniel Padiachy, Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s South Africa, emphasised the company’s commitment to education and community support: “Today’s initiative is not just about desks,…
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has intensified its call for President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, following revelations that the criminal investigation into her alleged misconduct has expanded to encompass unauthorized expenditures totaling R80 million. “The fact that President Ramaphosa has dilly-dallied for so long on this most serious matter of a corruption-accused and investigated minister in his Cabinet underscores how urgent it is that Parliament have a Portfolio Committee overseeing the Presidency,” stated Dianne Kohler Barnard, DA Spokesperson on State Security. The DA emphasises the necessity of establishing this oversight committee to ensure accountability within…
Tracker’s vehicle crime statistics for July to December 2024 reveal that nationally, hijackings comprise 56% of all vehicle crime incidents, while theft accounts for 44%. However, hijacking becomes more pronounced when evaluating business-owned vehicles and specific provinces in South Africa. The Tracker Vehicle Crime Index aggregates information from Tracker’s more than 1.1 million subscriptions. The data indicates that across the country business-owned vehicles are twice as likely to be hijacked than stolen, with just over half of these vehicles hijacked in Gauteng. In the Western Cape, business-owned vehicles are four times more likely to be hijacked than stolen, and this…
Netstar, a vehicle tracking, fleet management, and stolen vehicle recovery solutions company, today announced a significant achievement, reaching 2 million subscribers. This milestone reflects not just the growth of the company but also the trust and confidence that our individual customers and businesses have placed in Netstar’s innovative solutions. Since its inception, Netstar has been committed to providing cutting-edge technology that enhances vehicle security, optimises fleet operations, and supports driver safety. This dedication has positioned Netstar as a preferred partner for both private vehicle owners and commercial enterprises across the country. Reaching 2 million subscribers is a testament to Netstar’s…
Eskom announced today that loadshedding remains suspended, supported by a stable power system and adequate emergency reserves. This progress emphasises the success of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan in improving generation capacity and maintaining a reliable electricity supply. From 1 April 2024 to 20 February 2025, loadshedding was suspended for 323 days (7 787 hours), compared to 32 days (2 087 hours) in the same period last year. Electricity supply was available 99% of the time, compared to just 9.8% last year. Year-to-date diesel savings have reached R17.25 billion, representing a 58.9% reduction compared to the R29.27 billion spent during…
Disney+ has officially renewed its Original drama series Paradise for a second season. Produced by 20th Television, the gripping political thriller comes from creator Dan Fogelman (Only Murders in the Building, This Is Us) and stars Emmy winner Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us, American Fiction) as Agent Xavier Collins. Set in an elite, picture-perfect community home to some of the world’s most influential figures, Paradise takes a dark turn when a shocking murder shatters its peaceful facade, triggering a high-stakes investigation. The first season boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom,…
Automation is revolutionising logistics and last-mile delivery, offering myriad advantages in efficiency, productivity, and precision. The adoption of automation will become widespread, especially as the last-mile delivery segment is expected to grow from around $108.1 billion in 2020 to $200 billion in 20271. Given the expected increase in demand from e-commerce users and retailers, last-mile companies must implement additional automation technology to keep up with demand and keep customers happy. Automation streamlines processes and enables last-mile companies to deliver parcels promptly. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a widely recognized form of automation in the logistics and last-mile delivery industries. It…
It’s not just technology that is changing at breakneck speed, how different groups of customers engage with new technology is also shifting. While banks have spent fortunes on protecting their customers against fraud, this has slowed down spending in other areas. And the cracks are beginning to show. Currently, banks release a single app for their entire customer base, ignoring the opportunity to adapt it for different market segments that each have their own unique preferences, technology inclinations, and financial priorities. A good example of this is the one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to catering for the shifting preferences of…
Get ready for a wild ride! Disney+ has unveiled the trailer and key art for Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip, an all-new family comedy packed with adventure, laughs, and unexpected detours. Set to premiere exclusively on Disney+ on 28 March 2025, this fresh take on the beloved Alexander series promises a road trip filled with mishaps, mayhem, and plenty of heart. “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip” follows 11-year-old Alexander and his family as they embark on a dream Spring Break vacation to Mexico City only to have all…