Author: Staff Writer
In an exciting announcement, Lesaka is thrilled to extend the deadline for submitting innovative proposals for its BEE, CSI, Enterprise, or Supplier Development initiatives to 31 January 2025. This is your golden opportunity to access a share of R10 million in funding that could breathe new life into your business or community project. “As Lesaka embarks on its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) journey, we are committed to raising awareness and supporting initiatives that align with these principles. Many of you may already be engaging in activities that fall under the ESG umbrella, even if you use different terminology. We…
Small businesses are key contributors to the South African economy – driving innovation as well as job creation. These organisations are fertile ground for skills development initiatives to take root, giving career-advancing opportunities to a diverse range of workers. Huawei works hand in hand with over 50 South African Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) suppliers and is a committed partner that empowers these organisations by providing access to everything from materials to training opportunities. Last year Huawei’s Supplier Development programme delivered over R13 million in support to selected partners. Thozama Matlhapa, Senior BEE Manager at Huawei South Africa says,…
As momentum grows in the shift towards e-invoicing, it’s clear that the benefits of adopting this technology extend far beyond simply achieving compliance with SARS’ planned rollout of its VAT modernisation programme by 2028. The growth of the e-invoicing industry itself is evidence of this, with the global sector anticipated to grow to $45.44 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.3, according to The Business Research Company E-invoicing is the process of digitally exchanging documents with a strictly structured or machine-readable data format, which means that they can be sent, received, and processed without any manual…
Vodacom and Orange have joined hands to form, a first of its kind, rural towerco partnership in Africa. Through this partnership, the companies will collaborate to build, own, and operate solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The initiative will extend network coverage and enable access to telecommunications and mobile financial services to up to 19 million people in less densely populated rural communities, reinforcing their commitment to bridging the digital divide and driving inclusive growth. “With a footprint serving over 210 million customers across Africa, we have the opportunity to significantly contribute…
As TikTok faces a potential shutdown in the U.S. on January 19 due to ownership concerns, pending a Supreme Court decision, another Chinese app has started gaining significant traction. According to TechCrunch, American users are flocking to Xiaohongshu, known in English as RedNote. The app recently climbed to the No. 1 spot on the U.S. App Store’s free apps chart and also ranks as the top Social Networking app among free iPhone downloads. The surge in popularity is being driven in part by TikTok creators promoting Xiaohongshu on their accounts, encouraging their audiences to consider it as a viable alternative.…
Life Healthcare Group, through its wholly owned UK subsidiary, Life Medical Group Limited (LMGL), has signed binding agreements to sell 100% of the issued share capital of LMI Limited and its subsidiaries, collectively known as Life Molecular Imaging (LMI). The buyer, Lantheus Neurology UK Limited, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lantheus Holdings Inc. This strategic transaction marks a significant milestone for Life Healthcare Group. The total purchase consideration for the transaction is $750 million (R13.9 billion), which includes an upfront payment of $350 million and additional earnouts totaling $400 million, contingent on achieving future sales milestones for LMI products…
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) warns the public to be cautious when conducting financial services business with CMFX Trading. It has come to the attention of the FSCA that CMFX Trading is soliciting funds from members of the public for investment purposes, while promising unrealistic returns. CMFX offers to trade in Bitcoin on behalf of members of the public and promises guaranteed profits. CMFX Trading is promising investors returns of up to R23 000 from an initial investment of R6 000 within three days. The Authority points out that trading profits cannot be guaranteed and an offer of unrealistic…
Maziv has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Phila Dube as Group Chief Commercial Officer. This appointment continues the group’s momentum of strategic appointments made over the past year. Dube brings a wealth of experience from his 26-year-long career with the Telkom group where he held various senior roles, culminating in his position as Chief Commercial Officer at Openserve. “Phila’s extensive experience in the sector and deep understanding of customer needs align perfectly with our vision for the future. Phila is the ideal candidate to drive our commercial strategies forward across our consumer, enterprise and carrier brands,” says…
Navigating the Forex Market in South Africa Exploring the Basics of Forex Trading If you’re starting your journey in the Forex market in South Africa, you’re tapping into a dynamic arena where currencies are traded in pairs, 24 hours a day. At its core, Forex trading involves buying one currency while simultaneously selling another, aiming to profit from fluctuations in their exchange rates. It’s a dance of supply and demand, steered by global economic events, where timing and strategy are key to your success. The Legal Landscape of Forex Trading In South Africa, you’re fortunate as the legal environment for…
Huawei has been ranked first in IDC’s Global Wearable Device Market Quarterly Tracking report for global shipments in the first three quarters of 2024. Renowned for its cutting-edge products that blend innovative health and fitness features with trendy designs, being ranked top in the market consistently across three quarters is a testament to Huawei’s leadership in the industry. This recognition underscores Huawei’s influential success and dedication to revolutionising the wearables technology market. HUAWEI Leads Global Wearable Device Market The latest IDC’s Global Wearable Device Market Quarterly Tracking Report shows that despite a global decline in wrist-worn device shipments in 2024, the Chinese…
It’s .a mixed bag of results for the South African automotive industry. While used car sales slipped slightly compared to October, it’s worth noting that November was the second most successful month for used car sales and the most successful for the new passenger car segment. New car sales enjoyed notable growth, suggesting renewed consumer confidence in the market, spurred by falling interest rates and a strengthening Rand. AutoTrader’s latest industry data shows a slight decline in used car sales but strong overall performance. Last month, 32,158 used vehicles were sold, just shy of November 2023, when 32,300 used cars were…
As global e-commerce expands rapidly, the logistics industry faces rising demand for bespoke, high-end services. To stay competitive in such dynamic markets, logistics companies are increasingly adapting to meet evolving customer expectations, with a strong focus on service excellence. One significant trend emerging from this shift is the rise of white glove services—premium, tailored logistics solutions that provide meticulous attention to detail and extra care for clients. In 2022, the U.S. market for white glove services was valued at $7.84 billion, with projections indicating growth to $20.25 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7%¹. This…
Anglo American has noted an increase in online share trading scams circulating on various social media and digital platforms, bearing fictitious company brand identity and names of some of its executives to lure unsuspecting victims. Scammers are taking advantage of unsuspecting people by promoting fake trading platforms and offering unrealistic returns on investments. Such platforms tend to be well designed Apps and websites that are extremely sophisticated. However, no company will ever trade in shares directly with the public.in this way. Nevashnee Naicker, the Executive Head of External Relations at Anglo American in South Africa has called on members of…
The Volvo EX30 has added another prestigious accolade to its growing list of achievements, being named EV of the Year at the TopGear South Africa Awards 2024. The latest addition to the brand’s electric lineup was recognised for several factors, including its exceptional value for money. “EVs may have had a slow uptake in Mzansi, but the introduction of Volvo’s EX30 seems to have resonated with a slightly wider audience,” commented Lerato Matebese, Publishing Editor at TopGear SA Magazine. In the first ten months of 2024, Volvo sold 348 units of the EX30, making it one of the most successful…
Altron has appointed new Group Executives for Legal and Investor Relations to support the Group’s accelerated growth plan. Effective from 1 March 2025 Lauren Wilson has been appointed to the role of Group Executive of Altron’s Legal Department, with Zanele Salman taking over as Group Executive of Investor Relations effective 17 February 2025. Altron Group CEO Werner Kapp says the appointments underscore Altron’s commitment to driving its growth plans and creating enhanced value for shareholders from its portfolio of platform and IT services businesses. “Both Lauren and Zanele bring extensive industry experience to the Group, and their appointments will augment our…
The three-point seatbelt stands out as one of the most important innovations in automotive safety. Invented by Volvo in 1959, the Swedish automaker chose to share this life-saving device with the world instead of patenting it. As a result, the three-point seatbelt is estimated to have saved over one million lives since its introduction. A recent Volvo Car South Africa survey sheds light on seatbelt-wearing habits among local motorists and passengers. The findings revealed a concerning trend among younger individuals, many of whom avoid using their seatbelts. Additionally, the survey highlights notable differences in buckling up between genders. Cool factor: men care more…
McDonald’s beloved purple character, Grimace, wrapped up his South African adventure with a memorable appearance as he brought his signature magic to the Blitzboks, who secured their first home victory in nine years at the HSBC SVNS Cape Town tournament. In a thrilling final at the DHL Stadium, the Blitzboks defeated France 26-14, giving fans a historic and unforgettable moment. Grimace has a reputation for spreading luck to global sporting teams. From inspiring basketball and baseball triumphs in the USA to now uplifting South African rugby, his presence seems to be the charm that teams need to succeed. The Blitzboks’…
African law firm Bowmans has announced a new partnership with generative AI platform Harvey, a tool designed specifically for the legal industry. Bowmans is the first African law firm to integrate Harvey into its operations, a move expected to set a new standard for law firm innovation on the continent. Harvey offers a range of functionalities, including first-level contract analysis, legal research assistance, and due diligence and regulatory compliance checks. The platform has an intuitive interface and uses advanced AI algorithms to assist lawyers to efficiently and accurately review contracts, summarise and translate documents, and perform redline reviews. Bowmans’ decision…
Google has appointed experienced business leader, Kabelo Makwane, as its new Country Director for South Africa. Makwane will take up his new role early in the new year. The well respected leader has 20+ years of experience in the technology sector and joins Google from Vodacom Business where he currently serves as Managing Executive for the Cloud, Hosting, and Security business. Prior to Vodacom, he was Managing Director for the Africa Global Unit at Accenture Operations, and also held the role of Managing Director for Cloud and Technology Consulting. He also spent eight years at Microsoft in various roles including as Country…
Nedgroup Securities (Nedgroup) will now be able to transact across markets for the 174 companies and exchange traded funds listed on A2X across all key sectors, including media, property, mining, banking, retail, FMCG, financial services, insurance, healthcare and telecommunications. Kevin Brady, CEO of A2X Markets, said, “We are delighted to be welcoming Nedgroup as the latest broker authorised to trade on our market. The A2X team has been working closely with the team at Nedgroup and we are pleased that they will now be able to trade across markets and offer their clients best execution when they transact.” Brady added,…
The Western Cape is gearing up for what appears to be yet another record-setting festive season in 2024 as more domestic and international visitors flock to the province to enjoy its beautiful beaches, wine farms and nature reserves. Vodacom Western Cape region has implemented significant network upgrades to meet the rising traffic demands, ensuring that visitors to the province remain connected during the busy festive season. “We have pledged to invest R350 million this financial year to enhance the quality, capacity, and reach of our broadband network infrastructure across the Western Cape. As we approach the busy festive season, we…
The Shoprite Group has introduced GetPaid, an innovative new platform that enables small business owners to invoice and receive payments seamlessly, anytime, anywhere. With GetPaid there is no need for smaller enterprises to face the challenges of long delays between service delivery and payment, or the added expense of costly card machines and additional hardware. Leveraging the Group’s established in-store payment technology backbone that enables big business to receive bill payments, the new GetPaid self-service platform now gives small businesses the ability to generate digital invoices, payment links or unique scan-to-pay QR codes on their phone or computer, as well…
South Africa’s retail sector has been grappling with weak economic conditions, characterised by stagnant inflation-adjusted GDP over the past five years, persistently high unemployment, and elevated inflation. While consumer spending on essentials like groceries has seen a minor uptick in recent years, discretionary spending on items such as apparel, home goods, and electronics has decreased significantly. Over the next five years, South African consumers’ resilience will continue to be tested, with economists predicting a modest 2% annual real GDP growth. According to a survey released by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) titled Foreign e-tailers are here! Is South African e-commerce ready? around 20%…
Telkom is supporting the effort to fight the food poisoning outbreak in South Africa by zero-rating fixed and mobile calls on the Telkom network to the National Consumer Commission for three months starting 01 December 2024. The zero-rating of calls to the National Consumer Commission’s helpline will assist the Commission and other organisations in receiving complaints and investigating the source of the problem. “Telkom’s mission is to connect South Africans to a better life. We believe there can be no better example of this than making it easier for citizens to protect themselves and their loved ones during an emergency,”…
In collaboration with the JMPD, GPG, and private security companies, Vumacam continues to lead in combating crime and responding to emergencies. Heroic intervention following shocking double murder A shocking crime: On 22 November 2024, at 9:00 AM, a horrifying incident occurred at the corner of Goud and Pritchard Streets in central Johannesburg. Two people were tragically shot and killed, and one person was critically injured. The suspects fled the scene in a silver Audi, which was immediately flagged and loaded into Vumacam’s surveillance system. The dramatic turn of events: On 25 November 2024, at 12:08 PM, the flagged Audi was…