Author: Staff Writer

As part of Eskom’s strategic objective to facilitate a competitive future energy industry, the company is transitioning its generation mix from predominantly coal to a blended portfolio with an increasing proportion of clean energy sources as we approach 2040. In line with this strategy, Eskom has launched its first Renewable Energy Offtake Programme by issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP), inviting large power users to procure 291MW of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) capacity through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) from Eskom-owned renewable energy sites. “This is the next step in the focused execution of our strategy to integrate additional renewable energy into the grid, in…

In a country marked by stark economic disparities, South African women face unique challenges in achieving financial independence and security. The financial landscape, shaped by historical inequalities and ongoing societal barriers, often presents a complex maze for women to navigate.  Despite progress, a significant gap in financial inclusion persists, hindering women’s ability to save, invest, and build wealth. The intricacies surrounding women’s financial empowerment in South Africa is complex, but solutions are within reach. This Women’s Month presents an opportunity to look critically at the challenges, but also to highlight remedies and simply to ensure a dynamic dialogue persists as…

McDonald’s South Africa hosted a powerful and inspiring panel discussion titled “Women in Conversation: The Power of Mentorship” at Hamburger University, the company’s leadership and training centre in Johannesburg. The event formed part of the McDonald’s Women in Leadership Network’s Women’s Month activities and coincided with the company’s 30-year presence in South Africa. It brought together leading voices from business and industry, alongside McDonald’s internal leaders, to explore how mentorship empowers women and shapes leadership journeys. Max Oliva, Chief Executive Office at McDonald’s South Africa, highlighted that 61% of McDonald’s total employees are women, 64% of restaurant managers are women,…

Telkom has embraced artificial intelligence (AI) as a cornerstone of its digital transformation strategy, driving operational efficiency, enhancing customer experiences, and opening up new growth opportunities, the company announced today. In the 2025 financial year, Telkom invested R46 million in research and innovation, aligning its AI initiatives with business strategy. The company’s commitment to innovation is reshaping its business model while positioning it as a leader in South Africa’s AI ecosystem. “AI enables us to optimise operations, personalise customer interactions, and foster talent development,” says Dr Mmaki Jantjies, Group Executive: Innovation and Transformation. “Our investments are strategic, ensuring long-term value…

The South African used car industry is growing from strength to strength, with the latest July 2025 numbers showing year-on-year (YoY) and month-on-month growth (MoM), reflecting the continued trend of renewed consumer confidence and a resilient used vehicle market. The top five best-selling used vehicles remain unchallenged by new contenders. However, the bottom half of the top 10 has shown several minor shifts, indicating a change in the mindset of South African used car buyers. Based on the latest sales data from AutoTrader, 33,919 used vehicles were sold in July 2025, representing YoY and MoM increases of +7% and +9.4%, respectively.…

Park Village Auctions has realised approximately R34,500,000 for all three Saxonwold properties and their contents. That’s the word from PVA’s Clive Lazarus, who today announced that the Business Rescue Practitioners (BRP) have accepted and confirmed an offer. All three properties, namely numbers 3, 5, and 7 Saxonwold Drive, Sandton, Gauteng, and their contents (comprising furniture and appliances), fetched an estimated total of R34,500,000, inclusive of buyer’s commission and VAT. Incidentally, the buyer also purchased number 7A Saxonwold Drive for R6,500,00.00, including buyer’s commission and VAT separately. As all necessary securities have been received in good order, the assets formally belonging…

Ahead of the 2025 National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) Show, Zero Carbon Charge (CHARGE) has called on the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, to urgently reduce the excessive tax duties on importing electric vehicles (EVs), into South Africa – a critical step to developing and strengthening a viable EV market. In a formal letter sent to Minister Tau this week, CHARGE stressed that South Africa’s automotive industry cannot afford to ignore the global movement towards EVs. Currently, imported electric vehicles are subject to a 25% import duty, plus an ad valorem tax that…

MicroFinance South Africa (MFSA) is calling on regulators to act swiftly on the unchecked and rapid rise of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) credit services. A stark warning that this current unregulated structure is exposing millions of consumers to unsustainable debt, hidden costs, and financial exploitation.  “Without urgent intervention, this growing shadow credit system could lead to devastating consequences,” says Leonie van Pletzen, Chief Executive Officer of MFSA. “This is especially concerning for low-income workers and young consumers, and an already over-indebted population.”  “BNPL is presented as a modern, interest-free payment solution, however in reality it functions as credit,” she states. “Unfortunately…

As the continent enters a new era of mineral opportunity, infrastructure remains a challenge. Only when the continent’s countries, resources, markets and people are fully connected, can Africa reach its potential.  A new report offers hope on how to finance these infrastructure needs. A confluence of dynamic developments in society and the global economy gives the African mining sector a number of exciting opportunities. However, a significant bottleneck remains in the continent’s infrastructure gap. Key players are working to unlock this brake on growth, finding ways to better connect Africa through its road, rail, energy and digital corridors, so that…

Truecaller, the leading global platform for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted communications, reached a significant milestone in August as the number of monthly active users (including both Android and iOS) crossed 100 million in the MEA-region, representing a 19% growth y-o-y. “With the Middle East and Africa experiencing significant growth in smartphone adoption and mobile data adoption, we’re really happy that we’re able to solve communication problems for individuals and businesses in that region,” said Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO, Truecaller. “MEA, like India and many other markets, are mobile first markets with your mobile number being the primary identifier and Truecaller has…