Author: Staff Writer

Picture this scenario: a perpetrator is holding a gun to your head, trying to coerce you to unlock your banking app using facial recognition. In a situation like this, it is almost impossible to open a manual panic button on your phone, let alone remember the manual pin code for your banking and phone apps. Enter Valor – the only voice-activated panic Super App, brought to you by BYY Strategic Services.   “Valor is the next level of personal security,” notes Amanda Rogaly, CEO of BYY Strategic Services. “This is the first patented voice activated panic Super App not just in…

At the start of the cloud era, there was anxiety about whether the cloud was more secure. Today, there is this extreme confidence in cloud security. Companies think being in the cloud means their security risks are mitigated. However, the reality is more nuanced. Cloud technologies determine how digital systems function and how users can access those systems. Whether it’s through email and SharePoint, running server infrastructure, or using AI models, it’s all cloud. So are the many software management services, backup providers, and data intelligence platforms that companies rely on. Is the cloud better for security? Cloud services fall…

Vodacom Business has partnered with the Strategic Water Partners Network (SWPN) to tackle Gauteng’s worsening water security challenges. The collaboration will leverage digital solutions to improve water management and ensure sustainable supply in the region. A central feature of this initiative is the Digital Water Tower, an innovative platform developed with Mezzanine to support water suppliers, municipalities, and consumers. By integrating geospatial consumption data, network topology maps, and demand reports, the solution aims to cut water losses and optimise supply efficiency. “Our commitment to digital transformation extends beyond connectivity – we believe in using our technology capabilities to drive sustainable impact,” says Videsha…

South Africa’s job market is transforming—fast. With unemployment high and the gig economy rising, workers are racing to future-proof their careers through digital upskilling. Leading this charge is TelkomLearn, where registrations have skyrocketed as thousands embrace free, accredited courses to stay competitive. Why TelkomLearn?  What makes TelkomLearn stand out? Powerhouse collaborations with Google, IBM, HP, Alibaba Cloud, and Duke Corporate Education. These alliances deliver nearly 100 NQF and globally accredited courses, many completely free, democratising access to world-class digital education. “The courses equip learners with in-demand skills while sparking creative and critical thinking. We’re thrilled by the uptake and completion rates,” says Dr. Mmaki Jantjies, Telkom’s Group Executive…

Volvo’s flagship all-electric SUV, the EX90, has been shortlisted for the 2025 World Luxury Car of the Year award, ahead of its South African launch in Q2. The seven-seater luxury EV is one of three finalists vying for the prestigious title, having also been nominated in the 2025 World Electric Vehicle category. To qualify, vehicles must be priced as luxury models in key markets, available on at least two continents between January 2024 and March 2025, and exceed 5,000 annual productions. “As we prepare to launch the EX90 in South Africa, we are thrilled to see our most advanced vehicle yet named a finalist,” said Felipe Yagi, Head…

 “We’ve always believed that South Africa deserves world-class retail experiences,” says Anthony Thunström, TFG’s Group CEO. “The opportunity to build Bash has been about more than just launching a successful platform. It’s about proving that innovation at scale is possible, that we can lead in technology, and service, while creating meaningful impact in the economy.” This bold vision sparked the birth of Bash, TFG’s digitally native business designed to reimagine how South Africans shop. Led by seasoned e-commerce entrepreneurs Luke Jedeikin and Claude Hanan, Bash has grown from an ambitious idea into South Africa’s largest omnichannel fashion and lifestyle platform…

Robert Gordon University (RGU) is spearheading a research initiative to promote gender equality in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and entrepreneurship through an inclusive program for women in South Africa. Her-AI-Path: Innovating Women through AI-preneurship aims to help women overcome key barriers in accessing vital business resources, including technical knowledge and skills, which often deter them from STEM fields. With nearly £25,000 in funding from The British Council, the project seeks to empower women from diverse backgrounds to launch successful businesses. The initiative is a collaboration with the Gordon Institute of Business and Science at the University of Pretoria, Mobile Applications Laboratory, and…

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) plans to invest $331 million in key strategic sectors in Lesotho as part of its proposed Country Strategy Paper for 2025-2030 to boost economic growth and industrial competitiveness. During an official visit to Lesotho — the first by an African Development Bank President — Dr. Akinwumi Adesina met with His Majesty King Letsie III to discuss strengthening development partnerships and expanding the Bank’s investments in the country. His Majesty expressed delight at the Bank President’s visit, viewing the mission as a reflection of the Bank and Adesina’s appreciation for Lesotho’s progress in improving people’s…

Huawei Digital Power Sub-Saharan Africa FusionSolar gathered industry partners and key stakeholders from across Sub-Saharan Africa’s Commercial & Industrial (C&I) energy sector as they released an innovative product for the market, LUNA2000-215 Series, the World’s First hybrid air & liquid cooling C&I energy storage solution (ESS). In his keynote address, Mr Xia Hesheng, President of Huawei Digital Power Sub-Saharan Africa Region, delivered a keynote focusing on the theme of “Growing and Thriving Together in the New Era of C&I”. He told delegates that this new era requires a mindset shift in how they assess the quality of the original equipment…

The rise of digital transformation, cloud adoption, and remote work has made employee cybersecurity awareness a critical priority. However, 70% of South African businesses lack even basic cybersecurity awareness, leaving them exposed to growing threats, according to Fortinet’s 2024 Security Awareness and Training Global Research Report. Doros Hadjizenonos, Regional Director at Fortinet, emphasises that awareness must go beyond simply recognizing the existence of cyber threats. “Almost everyone knows, to some degree, that cyberthreats have become pervasive. However, we need to move from a position of vague awareness to making more material gains that can help businesses,” he warns. “Cybersecurity awareness…