Author: Staff Writer

The South African economy has suffered tremendously due to the global and national COVID-19 epidemic. As we gradually move back to ‘normal’, many consumers are taking advantage of incredibly low-interest rates to secure new vehicle purchases. Discovery Insure CEO, Anton Ossip, announced the launch of a new product in their offering, providing vehicle warranty cover to its clients. The new product, available exclusively to Discovery Insure clients, comprises comprehensive and market-leading mechanical breakdown and electrical failure cover for 36 critical vehicle components, with no cover limits. According to Ossip, “Our driving behaviour technology allows us to collect telematics data for…

In South Africa, manufacturers experience significant challenges. From the stuttering economy to the lack of skills development, there are obstacles that prevent industries from pushing forward into a new era of automation and robotic solutions. Due to the effects of COVID-19, many businesses might not have a choice but to rapidly adopt this technology – especially if they wish to survive in this new contactless society. Automation is no longer a subpoint in a five-year roadmap, but an item of critical importance. Stringent health and safety measures have always been a massive concern for manufacturers, but many organisations will need…

As the number of COVID-19 infection cases in the country continues to rise, with the national death toll now at 1080, President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the families of COVID-19 victims, who have succumbed to the virus. “Each one of these deaths is a tragedy. Each one represents a unique life: a parent, a child, a sibling or a friend. Each one leaves behind a family and a community in mourning. “I would like to offer my condolences to all South Africans who have lost someone they love, and wish them strength, courage and hope in the…

With the coronavirus pandemic lockdown easing, South Africans are being warned to expect a spike in crime. “Since the lockdown has eased, petty crime like theft of garden tools, plants and fruit from trees began to increase. This, however, has escalated to more serious crimes such as house break-ins, house robberies, and theft of motor vehicles.” Says Shaun Rademeyer, CEO of Multinet Home Loans. Protecting your humble abode from unwanted guests is easier than you might think. To help, we’ve put together the following list of protection tips for your new home. Use this list to ensure that your home protection…

Cape-based Flyt Property Investment has recently announced an inventive means for South Africans to take advantage of Government’s Section 12J tax incentive when the chips are down. Flyt Partnership Fund, which is restricted to R300 million, allows investors to take part in the fund on a 100% loan basis. The R300 million has been made available as loan capital to investors to participate as partners in the fund. A minimum investment of R1million is required; however, an investor need only contribute 35% (i.e. R350 000 per R1 million), with Flyt Property Investment contributing the remaining 65% on the investor’s behalf. To…

Naked, the artificial intelligence-driven insurance provider, has announced that its customers will continue to pay just 10% or so of their usual premium on the days that they ‘pause’ their accident insurance cover until 30 September this year. This follows Naked’s decision when the lockdown was announced to offer this higher premium saving until 30 June for customers who use its CoverPause feature. The average customer would usually pay roughly 50% of their comprehensive cover rate when CoverPause is active. Customers simply activate the CoverPause feature on the Naked app to freeze their accident cover on the days that they…

Over the past few months, South Africans have been inspired by the unrelenting and fearless work of those facing the worst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, from the healthcare and essential workers doing dangerous but crucial work every day, to the journalists bringing us the news from frontlines of this issue. But there are also unsung heroes, closer to home, who have reached out to those in need to make a difference, no matter how small, during this challenging time. It is these stories that MTN wants to hear as it calls on all South Africans to “shout-out” their COVID-19…

COVID-19 has accelerated the inevitable. Before the pandemic, the world had been moving on an unavoidable path toward a new digital age, despite many businesses failing to invest in the requisite technologies. However, as the COVID-19 meteor hit global markets, companies in sectors like retail that failed to recognise the encroaching new virtual age were brutally impacted in the market sell-off. What is undeniably clear in the post-COVID-19 age is that companies that do not leverage on new technologies might not remain competitive relative to new entrants. The sheer pervasive reach of tech across industries is challenging traditional valuation frameworks.…

Global beauty and personal care brand company Avon Justine has joined nationwide relief efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus by pledging 1.5 tons of hand sanitisers to the South African Police Services (SAPS). The hand sanitizers will be handed over to senior officials of the SAPS and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation for distribution among law enforcement officials. “We are delighted for this kind gesture which will go a long way to help in bolstering our defences against this pandemic. Our members are exposed to this pandemic daily, risking life and limb in the exercise of their duties.…

In an effort to weed out corruption in its ranks, the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Wednesday nabbed eight of its own in a pre-dawn operation across the country. Eight were among the 14 arrested by the Anti-Corruption Task Team during the operation. Among those arrested were senior police officers and six company owners and directors. In a statement, police spokesperson Vish Naidoo said among the arrested senior officers was a former SAPS Lieutenant General. “[They were arrested] on warrants of arrest issued on multiple charges, including fraud, corruption, theft and money laundering,” he said. The Special Anti-Corruption Task…