Author: Staff Writer

Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC) today announced the launch of MIC Khulisani Ventures, a R150 million early-stage investment vehicle targeting black-owned innovative, high growth businesses in South Africa. MIC Khulisani Ventures will invest in promising high-growth potential companies across all sectors, with the exception of primary agriculture and primary extractive industries. The focus is innovation, namely innovative products or services that disrupt traditional markets, improve efficiencies or respond creatively to existing problems in South Africa. “We are thrilled to be introducing a unique offering to a broad-set of black-owned innovative ventures with exponential growth potential,” MIC CEO, Mary Bomela said. “MIC…

Cape Town-based data collaboration startup that specialises in secure data sharing for businesses Omnisient has secured $1.4 million or R20 million in funding for global expansion. Omnisient has created secure data exchange platform that ensures companies can protect personal information and intellectual property while sharing data internally or externally. Since its launch, the platform has gained major traction amongst SA businesses, including leading banks, insurers and retailers. The startup said the R20 million investment will be used to expand its team, accelerate product development, and drive international expansion. “We have brought in visionary international investors – Technova, Grand Bay Ventures, Tahseen Consulting,…

In an effort to make sure leading South African registered international cycling Team Qhubeka NextHash are protected during the upcoming Tour de France and beyond, Biodx has signed a partnership agreement to supply the team with disinfectants for hands, surfaces and spaces (vehicles, hotel rooms..) based on its active ingredient b bioactive. As one of the world’s top 20 ranked pro cycling teams the demand to meet their fans as well as the media and guests on the Tour de France means a lot of personal interaction. With proven 99.987% efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, b bioactive is a South African biotechnology…

At the end of a very long, very expensive five years of testing and following a rigorous, strict application process, Biodx has finally achieved EU registration for their b bioactive (DECONT-X) disinfectant technology. Biodx is on a journey to reduce society’s dependence on synthetic chemicals. “It’s been a daunting road but one where the end was only possible with the help of a dedicated team, whose assistance made this dream a reality,” says Burt Rodrigues, proud CEO of Biodx. Rodrigues added that Dr Mark Kelly, Biodx’s Chief Scientist who has been with me every step of the way, scientist Dr…

Huawei RuralStar Pro Solution was named the winner of the Global Mobile (GLOMO) Award for ‘For Best Mobile Innovation for Emerging Markets’, presented Wednesday at MWC Barcelona 2021. The GLOMOs showcase and celebrate the latest and best mobile and digital products, apps, devices, services, and initiatives to the world.  They are the connectivity industry’s most prestigious accolade, judged by the sector’s most prominent subject matter experts. The award confirms that Huawei’s contribution to the digital lives of those in emerging markets is highly recognized by the industry. The judges agreed: “A great example of how different technologies are combined and…

Huawei today announced it has reached a license agreement with a supplier of Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen). The agreement includes a license under Huawei’s 4G standard-essential patents (SEPs), which covers Volkswagen vehicles equipped with wireless connectivity. This agreement marks Huawei’s largest licensing deal in the automotive industry. Song Liuping, Chief Legal Officer of Huawei, says: “As an innovative company, we own a leading patent portfolio for wireless technologies, which creates great value for the automotive industry. We are pleased that key players from the automotive industry recognize that value. We believe this license will benefit worldwide consumers with our advanced…

The South African Police Services (SAPS) are exploring the deployment of drones to fight crime in the City of Johannesburg. The Johannesburg Forum on Integrated Risk Management (FIRM), which came into existence in February 2019, is working on a proof of concept with the SAPS, which could see unmanned aerial vehicles providing all-round support to ground troops in patrolling the city of Johannesburg and stay on the lookout for potential criminal activities. “We did a proof of Concept with the SAPS, to show them how drone patrols in the city of Johannesburg can add value to reducing crime and attacks…

Claudio Oliveira, owner of the Bitcoin Bank in Brazil and known as the ‘King of Bitcoin,’ was arrested yesterday for his alleged participation in a fraud scheme involving $300 million or R4.3 billion. Bitcoin.com reported that Oliveira, who owned the Bitcoin Bank, reported a crypto hack on his company back in 2019. But according to police investigations, this was a staged crime to cover the withdrawal of these cryptocurrencies. Brazilian police also seized eight luxury cars and jewels. Operation Daemon, which cracked down on the Bank scheme, resulted in the arrest of four more individuals. The police searched 22 locations in one of the…

The United States’ (US) Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) enforcement division are joining forces to fight tax and economic crimes affecting the two countries. The two agencies on Tuesday said they are working together to identify, investigate and bring to justice criminals with a nexus to both countries. “Some of the crimes under investigation include international public corruption, cyber fraud, and money laundering. The newly formed partnership has already uncovered emerging schemes perpetrated by promoters, professional enablers, and financial institutions. “The global fight against financial crimes is not one that can…

NEDBANK’Ssuper app Avo, launched during the national lockdown height, is now reaching more than 250 000 South African users and thousands of businesses. Nedbank first launched the Avo ‘super app’ in June 2020, offering customers and broader South African consumers access to online shopping, essential services, and financial products. The Avo Super App is a combined marketplace app that integrates a bunch of shopping options into one app. This includes the ability to order essential goods and food with OneCart, home entertainment shopping, and access to home service providers. However, as the nation was already in hard lockdown, the platform had to…