Author: Staff Writer

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…

Mastercard has launched a Priceless Cause that enables consumers to be a force for good, make a difference, and give back to those who need it most amidst the pandemic. Each time a Mastercard cardholder “Taps to Pay” with their Mastercard contactless card or “Scans to Pay” with their Masterpass app or any other Masterpass-enabled Scan to Pay banking app when they pay at the till point at any Shoprite, USave or Checkers stores, Mastercard will donate to Gift of the Givers Foundation. The initiative, which runs until 15 August 2021, gives South Africans the opportunity to support humanitarian relief efforts…

Bentley is expanding its offering of electrified cars by introducing the Flying Spur Hybrid, a plug-in hybrid version of its luxury saloon.  The introduction of the Flying Spur Hybrid establishes a family of Bentley hybrids for the first time, emphasising Bentley’s commitment to its Beyond100 strategy to become an end-to-end carbon neutral organisation and the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company. The new Flying Spur becomes the most efficient Bentley ever having the capability to cover over 700 km when fully fuelled. With high power reserves, superior torque and quick throttle response the latest hybrid model gives little away to…

The Gauteng Department of Treasury negligently paid Microsoft $20 million or R287 million instead of R20 million, the Democratic Alliance said on Tuesday. In a statement on Tuesday, the DA’s Gauteng shadow MEC for finance and e-government, Adriana Randall, said the Gauteng Department of Treasury has lost R6.8 million of taxpayers’ money, which could have bought the country 48 000 Johnson and Johnson vaccines and protected many innocent lives from COVID-19. “Provincial Treasury erroneously processed an amount of $20 913 793.81 instead of the rand value of R20 913 793.81 as per e-Government payment advice, for the cost of Microsoft…