Author: Staff Writer
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and GFA Consulting Group, has unveiled two key environmental planning tools in Pretoria. These include the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guideline for green hydrogen projects and the South African Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas, an interactive geospatial tool mapping the country’s most suitable regions for green hydrogen development. CSIR experts in environmental impact assessment played a pivotal role in creating these tools, which aim to ensure the responsible planning and sustainable growth of South…
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has announced the appointment of Lungile Binza as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective 01 March 2025. Binza has been serving as the Acting COO since February 2024, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the SABC’s mission. Prior to this acting role, he was the Group Executive: Technology, where he led significant advancements in the organization’s digital transformation initiatives. A software engineer by profession, Binza holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Mathematical Statistics. He has furthered his education with a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) from…
Strive Masiyiwa’s Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a global technology powerhouse of African heritage, has announced key leadership appointments as it enters a new phase of accelerated growth and competitiveness. Following the successful conclusion of its equity round and the strategic reorganisation of its business into a fully integrated digital solutions platform, Cassava is reinforcing its executive team. The newly appointed leaders bring extensive expertise to bolster the company’s offerings in Broadband Connectivity, Co-location (data centres), Cloud, Cyber Security, Compute (AI), and Payment services across more than 30 markets spanning Africa, the Middle East, India, and Latin America. Established in 2021, Cassava…
The City of Cape Town’s premier accelerator programme for start-up entrepreneurs, #YouthStartCT, is back for its ninth year! This dynamic initiative is designed to drive skills development, spark innovation, and create job opportunities in the Mother City. Applications close March 16, 2025 – entrepreneurs with existing businesses or groundbreaking ideas are encouraged to apply now! This year’s competition will support entrepreneurs in Agriculture & Farming, Information Technology, Finance & Business Services, Tourism, and Manufacturing—offering coaching, mentoring, and seed funding for top performers. ‘#YouthStartCT has helped hundreds of young business owners turn their ideas into reality. Thriving businesses create jobs, boost…
McDonald’s South Africa has announced a leadership change as Greg Solomon steps down as CEO after nearly three decades with the company, including 15 years at the helm. Leadership changes are natural for any organisation and while Greg has built a strong foundation that has been established, now is the time to welcome new leadership. “Greg has guided the company through both its most successful milestones and its greatest challenges,”said Daniel Padiachy, Chief Marketing Officer. McDonald’s South Africa. “Over the past 15 years as CEO, he has spearheaded the addition of 230 new restaurants resulting in a total portfolio of…
As South Africa continues to grapple with unemployment, businesses must embrace data-driven hiring practices to make informed decisions and secure top talent. The country’s official unemployment rate stood at 32.1% in the third quarter of 2024, marking a decline from 33.5% in the previous quarter1. However, unemployment remains a major challenge despite this improvement, making it crucial for businesses to implement data-backed hiring processes. Concerningly, about 27% of South Africans have considered emigrating, with higher consideration among the wealthiest (42%), the most educated (38%), those holding full-time jobs (36%), and the youth (32%)2. This potential talent drain exacerbates the challenge…
Melio AI, a leading AI startup, today announced the launch of Highwind, Africa’s first AI marketplace, offering businesses quick, affordable, and scalable AI solutions. Traditional AI projects require months of development, large budgets, and specialised teams. Starting at just $50 (R900), Highwind changes that by offering ready-to-use AI solutions through flexible subscription plans, pay-as-you-go pricing, and enterprise licensing options. This allows businesses to integrate expert-built models in minutes—without hiring a data science team. Highwind simplifies AI adoption by packaging data, models, and features into ready-to-use APIs and a simple user interface, covering use cases from document processing and fraud detection…
TikTok has been reinstated on U.S. app stores, with Apple and Google restoring the short-form video platform nearly a month after its removal, reported TechCrunch. The app, along with ByteDance-owned CapCut and Lemon8, was initially taken down in compliance with a national security law banning TikTok in the U.S. The law, signed by former President Joe Biden, required ByteDance to divest TikTok’s U.S. operations to a non-Chinese entity by January 19, 2025, or face a ban. Failure to comply would have resulted in severe financial penalties for app store operators. ByteDance challenged the decision, but the Supreme Court upheld the…
Small businesses are the driving force behind the South African economy, and they will be eagerly listening to next week’s Budget Speech. They want to hear how they will be meaningfully empowered to succeed this year. Looking at the turnover data and cashflow insights that Lula has access to, this sector is clearly under immense pressure. “Our latest data shows that South African SMEs are facing immense pressure with a 50% drop in turnover year-on-year. The highest interest rates in more than 15 years have restricted consumers’ ability to spend and this has had a massive impact on turnover across…
Securi-Tech Pty Ltd is concerned over the lack of enforcement of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA). This concern is heightened even further by the new revelation that unregistered SIM cards are used in almost two-thirds of extortion attempts. This alarming statistic was disclosed recently in a parliamentary response by the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu to Democratic Alliance MP Kabelo Kgobisa-Ngcaba. The RICA Act was established to ensure that all SIM cards are registered to their users, making it easier for law enforcement to trace criminal activity and protect law-abiding citizens. However,…
Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Kaspersky privacy experts are shedding light on the fine line between care and control in digital relationships. Kaspersky’s global research shows that nearly half of respondents (47%) expressed concerns about their partners violating their digital privacy. By helping individuals recognise these red flags, set healthy online boundaries, and foster trust without invasion, we can empower couples to build relationships rooted in respect, security, and true digital freedom. In modern relationships, the line between care and control in digital spaces can be subtle. Stalking, particularly online stalking, is often misunderstood as an expression of intense interest or concern. However,…
DKMS Africa made history with the Marketing Achievement Awards qualifier status for 2025. The nonprofit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders is the first nonprofit organisation to achieve the qualifier status as an independent entrant. In addition, the qualifier status marks the first time the organizations’ marketing campaigns receive recognition by the marketing community at an award level. DKMS Africa achieved qualifier status in three categories, namely, Excellence in Integrated Marketing, Excellence in Purpose-led Marketing, and Excellence in Resourceful Marketing. The qualifier status emphasises the powerful impact of marketing in raising awareness, fostering education, and…
Sergeant Morekwana Monyela, a dedicated and accomplished member of the South African Police Service (SAPS), has built a career marked by passion, determination and an unwavering commitment to serving his community. Currently deployed at the SAPS Limpopo Airwing, he serves as Airborne Law Enforcement Officer and a Drone Pilot in the high-stakes Vala Umgodi operation, where his skills are essential in combating crime, gathering intelligence and ensuring public safety. Sergeant Morekwana Monyela’s journey with SAPS began in 2008-07-14, when he completed Basic Training at the Tshwane Police Academy. His early years as a uniformed officer exposed him to the realities…
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has kicked off its groundbreaking Claim It campaign, calling on South Africans to check if they are among the thousands owed a share of a staggering R4.5 billion in unclaimed dividends. This bold initiative aims to reconnect rightful owners with funds they never knew were theirs. In a powerful collaboration with some of the JSE’s largest listed companies, the Claim It campaign is set to tackle the growing issue of unclaimed dividends head-on. With access to 19 issuer share registries, the JSE is on a mission to reunite nearly 375,000 former employees, shareholders, and beneficiaries of deceased estates with…
Rode Publications & Media, a provider of real estate market research and insights in South Africa, has entered into a strategic investment agreement with REdimension Capital. This partnership marks a key step in the company’s evolution, focusing on digital transformation and expansion in the real estate intelligence sector. Gavin Commins, Director of Rode Publications & Media, commented, “This investment is a major milestone for us. With REdimension’s expertise, networks, and resources, we are well-positioned to accelerate growth and develop an innovative intelligence platform. Our team is committed to transforming how real estate stakeholders access and use data and insights.” The…
In a surprising Super Bowl pregame interview that aired Sunday, former President Donald Trump doubled down on his controversial stance about Canada, declaring he’s serious about making it the 51st state, reported AP News. “Yeah, it is,” Trump told Fox News’ Bret Baier when asked if his comments about annexing Canada were more than just talk. The remarks come after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently raised concerns about Trump’s intentions. “Canada would be much better off as the 51st state,” Trump asserted. “We lose 200 billion a year with Canada, and I’m not going to let that happen. Why…
NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and IT services, has successfully closed its previously announced acquisition of Niveus Solutions, a premier cloud engineering company specializing in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) services. The acquisition accelerates NTT DATA’s position as a leading provider of GCP solutions and strengthens its capabilities to deliver transformative cloud services to global clients. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Niveus Solutions supports NTT DATA’s commitment to expanding its global Google Cloud Business Unit and enhances its Cloud and AI portfolio to help clients achieve their vision of an AI-led enterprise. The acquisition builds on NTT DATA’s recently…
Showmax has just released the trailer for Tiek Tok Boem!, an explosive Showmax Original documentary set to premiere on 18 February 2025. This eye-opening 90-minute documentary takes a deep dive into the world of Afrikaans TikTokers who are pushing the platform to new – and often disturbing – levels. When most people think of TikTok, they picture fun dance challenges, viral memes, and endless laughs. But those days are over. A new wave of Afrikaans TikTokers is now dominating the local scene with their so-called “Drama Lives.” Some say ruling it, while others argue they’re ruining it. These live streams are…
Volvo Car SA has claimed the title of South Africa’s favourite electric vehicle manufacturer. In 2024, it topped the charts for overall EV sales and the best-selling nameplate. Leading the charge was the Volvo EX30, the compact electric crossover that dominated the market. With 406 units sold during the year, it earned the title of South Africa’s best-selling battery-electric vehicle for 2024. The best-selling EX30 was recently announced as a finalist in the 2025 Car of the Year (COTY) competition sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. It is the only electric contender among 17 finalists. The EX30’s larger siblings, the XC40…
In a surprising declaration during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the United States should “take over” Gaza and assume control of the war-torn territory. Trump’s remarks, which effectively implied U.S. ownership of Gaza, drew immediate scrutiny, with critics warning that such a move would amount to an endorsement of the displacement of Palestinians. Expanding on his vision, Trump likened Gaza’s potential to that of a luxury coastal destination, calling it the “Riviera of the Middle East.” He also declined to rule out the possibility of deploying U.S. troops…
Since the first proposal was made in 2022, discussions about decreasing speed limits have repeatedly arisen as a means to reduce the high road fatality rate in South Africa. Would decreasing current speed limits by 10km/h reduced the 414 arrests for speeding made over the festive season or stopped one driver from clocking 245km/h? Unfortunately, this is highly unlikely. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says this is not because a reduction of 10km/h will not reduce the severity of crashes but because of the nature of speedsters in South Africa. “If 120km/h speed limit provided little deterrence to the 245km/h driver, the…
Just past midnight on February 3, Elon Musk took to X to justify his sweeping overhaul of the federal government. Speaking over the chatter of his four-year-old son—also named X—Musk declared that the U.S. bureaucracy had become a rogue “fourth branch of government,” one he described as “arguably the most powerful.” Turning his attention to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Musk branded it a tool for funneling taxpayer money to “Marxists and criminals.” Despite its existence being mandated by Congress, he boasted of his plans to shut it down, claiming full support from President Donald Trump. Hours later,…
Billionaire Elon Musk is rapidly consolidating power over key sectors of the U.S. government, fueling alarm among Democrats and constitutional experts who warn of a looming crisis. In the two weeks since President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Musk—who heads the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—has aggressively reshaped federal operations with little to no oversight from Congress. His rapid moves have halted the work of the country’s main foreign aid agency, flagged millions of federal employees as redundant, gained access to classified intelligence, and seized control of the system that manages trillions in government spending. Despite wielding unprecedented authority, Musk…
Paycorp, an international payments provider has acquired Pilot Software, a provider of cutting-edge point-of-sale software and hardware solutions for the restaurant and hospitality industry. This strategic move strengthens Paycorp’s market presence and enhances its product offering, enabling businesses to benefit from a diverse range of payment solutions. Wayne Abramson of Paycorp, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Pilot Software to the Paycorp family. Their expertise in point-of-sale technology, combined with our deep-rooted presence in global payments, creates an exciting synergy. “By combining forces, we will offer restaurant and hospitality businesses seamless, efficient, and value-driven solutions that simplify operations and enhance customer experience. “This acquisition reaffirms…
A coalition of civil society organisations has strongly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump over his unsubstantiated claims about South Africa. Trump alleged, without evidence, that the South African government is seizing land and mistreating certain groups of people. He further threatened to withdraw future U.S. funding to the country. Among the organisations condemning his remarks are the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, the Desmond Tutu Foundation, and Defend Our Democracy. They described Trump’s statements as “absurd and dangerous.” His comments prompted a swift response from the South African government and led to a significant drop in the value of the rand.