Author: Staff Writer

The Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) has released new research revealing a sharp increase in the illicit alcohol market, which has grown by 55% in volume since 2017. The study, conducted by independent research firm Euromonitor International, highlights the escalating impact of illegal alcohol on public health, consumer safety, and national tax revenue. “This study is a wake-up call,” said Dr. Shamal Ramesar, Head of Research at DF-SA. “Communities are being exposed to harmful, unregulated alcohol, and the country is losing billions in revenue. It is urgent that government, industry, and civil society work together to tackle this issue…

Salesforce, the #1 AI CRM, has announced the return of its Agentforce World Tour to Johannesburg. Today, the Kyalami International Convention Centre will host this premier event, featuring Agentforce, Data Cloud and Customer 360. Attendees will explore how businesses can deploy autonomous AI agents to enhance customer success and operational efficiency. Unlocking the Future with Agentic AI The event’s central theme, “Agentic AI: Unlock Your Digital Workforce with Agentforce,” highlights the transformative potential of AI in business. With $6 trillion in global tasks potentially automatable, Agentforce represents a new era of enterprise productivity. Built on the Salesforce Platform, Agentforce enables businesses to: Deploy AI agents across departments Automate repetitive tasks Drive cost savings…

By 2050, the global market for non-military drones is expected to grow significantly, transforming how goods and people move across cities and rural landscapes. In South Africa, where road access remains limited in many regions and urban congestion chokes daily logistics, drones present an opportunity to leapfrog legacy infrastructure and reimagine mobility from the sky down in both scenarios. That’s the vision of Professor Filippo Tomasello, a leading global expert on drone regulation and safety, who will deliver a plenary address titled “Unleashing the Growth Potential of Drones” at the 43rd Annual Southern African Transport Conference (SATC). With decades of…

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is facing challenges in stopping unauthorised Starlink services in the country, despite declaring the satellite internet provider illegal. Starlink Operating Without Approval ICASA Chairperson Mothibi Ramusi confirmed that Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has been operating unlawfully in South Africa. Authorities recently confiscated equipment from ICASAsePush, a company in the Eastern Cape that was distributing Starlink technology. Ramusi stated: “Starlink has been operating illegally in SA. We have recently confiscated equipment belonging to SpaceX from a company called ICASAsePush.” Thousands of Illegal Starlink Kits in Circulation Although ICASA has not released 2025 data, estimates from November 2023 suggest: Over 14,000 Starlink kits are…

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) faces mounting uncertainty following the suspension of its CEO, Collins Letsoalo, amid a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into a controversial R79 million office lease deal in Johannesburg. Letsoalo was placed on special leave with immediate effect, raising questions about governance and financial management at the embattled state entity. Letsoalo Breaks Silence In an exclusive interview with #Newzroom405’s Xoli Mngambi, Letsoalo addressed his suspension and the allegations against him. He maintains his innocence, claiming that certain parties are attempting to portray him as “corrupt and incompetent.” Why Was the RAF CEO Suspended? The RAF Board suspended Letsoalo on 27 May 2025 following a preliminary SIU report implicating…

Following a successful first round in October 2024, Collective X has committed an additional R50 million to invest in digital jobs across South Africa – co-investing with employers to create structured, outcomes-based work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities that connect digital skills training with real employment. This commitment comes on the heels of new Collective X research revealing the scale of South Africa’s digital skills crunch: an estimated 118,000 ICT roles are currently unfilled, with more than 41,000 of those suited to junior talent. With over 30,000 different ICT jobs currently advertised, employers are struggling to find work-ready candidates—despite high youth unemployment.…

The recent 2025 Africa CEO Forum marked a turning point in digital finance discussions, as business and policy leaders highlighted the growing role of stablecoins and digital assets in shaping monetary sovereignty, cross-border trade and financial inclusion across the continent. This is according to Gillian Darko, Chief of Staff and Director of Strategy at Yellow Card, who notes that while discussions at last year’s Africa CEO Forum largely revolved around the speculative potential of blockchain, this year’s event marked a decisive shift – from theoretical discourse to strategy-driven implementation. “In previous years, conversations focused on blockchain’s possibilities, but in 2025,…

A coordinated operation between police and private security firm Vision Tactical led to the tracking and fatal shooting of Philangenkosi Makhanya, one of the suspects in the kidnapping and murder of Olorato Mongale, according to the Sunday Times report. The four-day manhunt ended in a bloody shootout on the KZN coast. The Kidnapping and Initial Investigation Olorato Mongale was kidnapped in Athol, Johannesburg, at 2:45 PM on Sunday and found dead just hours later in Lombardy East. By Monday night, police contacted Vision Tactical, a security firm working closely with the SAPS anti-kidnapping unit, to assist in tracing the suspects. Tracking the Suspects’ Movements Vision Tactical’s director, Yaseen Theba, revealed that the suspects…

Renowned South African health and skincare education provider, Isa Carstens Academy (ISA), is set to join the NetEd private higher education group in terms of a recent transaction between the ISA founders and NetEd Group. This acquisition will enable this iconic wellness education brand to move further into higher education with an expanded reach and new offerings. South Africa’s beauty and personal care sector is experiencing unprecedented growth with an expected compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2025 to 2030. ISA, a leader in health and skincare education for over 45 years, is aligning with the industry’s evolution. The…

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) said today it has taken note with serious concern, recent reports alleging that Starlink, a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, may be offering its services within South Africa without the requisite authorisation. To this end, ICASA has published a general notice under Government Gazette no 49777 reiterating that all entities offering electronic communications services within South Africa are required to comply fully with the applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks. ICASA added that it has also formally engaged SpaceX to seek clarity on the reported activities and is currently awaiting a response.…

The Association of Comms and Technology (ACT) has noted with great interest the Minister’s Policy Directive on aligning ICASA’s empowerment regulations with the B-BBEE ICT Sector Code, and the proposed inquiry into the need for I-ECNS licence applications. These developments will shape competition, transformation, and the regulatory framework and provided it is implemented transparently, consistently, and with an equal application of the law, could usher in a new era for the sector. ACT recognises the Minister’s call for ICASA to formally recognise Equity Equivalent Investment Programmes (EEIPs) and will make submissions accordingly. While we support efforts to resolve regulatory ambiguity…

Late on Friday the 23rd of May, Fitch Ratings announced its decision to affirm Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd.’s Long-Term Local-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B’, with a stable outlook. In addition, Fitch Ratings revised Eskom’s Standalone Credit Profile (SCP) to ‘ccc+’ from ‘ccc-‘. Fitch Ratings stated the revision of Eskom’s SCP is a reflection of the improvement in the operational performance of the Group and the material increase in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) that the ratings agency has evaluated as likely in Eskom’s Financial Years (FY) 2025 to FY 2029. “The affirmation and positive revision on our credit rating profile by…

Cell C, South Africa’s customer-focused challenger in the mobile telecommunications space, today announced the appointment of PHD South Africa as its official media agency partner, effective 1 July 2025. This strategic partnership marks an exciting new chapter in Cell C’s journey to deepen engagement with customers and bring its purpose, to empower South Africans through accessible, human-centred connectivity, to life. As Cell C continues to drive its business transformation and momentum following its brand revitalisation, the choice of PHD was driven by a shared commitment to customer insights, innovation, and leveraging technology for impact. PHD’s globally recognised approach to audience…

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…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a warning to the public against engaging with fraudulent WhatsApp accounts impersonating STANLIB. The scammers, operating under the name “Stanlib WhatsApp Investment Group” and an individual named Mzwandile Ngcobo (WhatsApp: 069 162 7744), falsely claim association with the financial institution. STANLIB has confirmed to the FSCA that these accounts are not affiliated with the company. The FSCA urges consumers to always verify whether a financial service provider is authorised before conducting any transactions. To check legitimacy, use one of these methods: Call the FSCA toll-free: 0800 110 443 Search for regulated entities online: FSCA Regulated Entities List Verify authorised FSPs under FAIS…

As global tax regulations tighten and cross-border tax compliance becomes a focal point for governments worldwide, Cape Town is rapidly emerging as an attractive destination for foreign professionals and investors. South Africa’s well-respected tax framework enriched by robust international treaties, creates a transparent and secure environment ripe with opportunities for growth and prosperity in the region. According to 2022 data from Statistics South Africa, the country is home to approximately 2.4 million expatriates. The majority – over 80%- originate from other African nations, with the remainder coming from Europe and the United States. Smaller communities also exist from Asia, including…