Author: Staff Writer

Qatar Airways, the operator of the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet, has become the first airline to operate Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9 aircraft, globally. The carrier has also completed Starlink rollout across its Boeing 787-8 sub-fleet in seven months, bringing the total number of its Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft to 150. Qatar Airways remains on track to complete the Starlink rollout across its Boeing 787 fleet by the end of 2026.. The latest achievement builds on Qatar Airways’ record-breaking completion of the Boeing 777 programme in nine months and the Airbus A350 programme in eight months. The airline now operates the world’s…

Humanz, the pioneering AI-powered creator marketing and creator commerce platform, has announced the appointment of Mpumelelo (Mpumi) Zondi as its new Country Manager for South Africa. Zondi joins the global martech platform at a defining moment, as the marketing ecosystem undergoes a massive structural shift towards AI-driven automation. In his new role, Zondi will spearhead local operations from the Johannesburg office, scale brand partnerships, and drive Humanz’s next phase of African market expansion. His appointment coincides with a series of major upcoming AI releases from Humanz set to redefine how marketers deploy budgets, how creators commercialise their work, and how…

Nedbank’ introduces a Client Connect Zone pilot, a new retail banking concept, as customer expectations reshape the future of banking.. Although South Africans have embraced digital banking at an unprecedented pace, new customer insights suggest convenience is no longer defined solely by mobile apps or online platforms. Increasingly, customers want banking to fit naturally into their daily lives allowing them to access financial services while shopping, meeting friends or running errands rather than making a dedicated trip to a traditional branch. For banks, this represents a significant shift in customer expectations. Rather than choosing between digital and physical banking, customers…

The clock is ticking for South Africa’s major mobile network operators to fulfil their legal obligation of zero-rating information and services that carry social value. Companies like MTN, Vodacom and Cell C have been given until 15 January 2027 to make the digital content of public benefit organisations (PBOs) data-free for users. The zero-rating requirement is not a corporate social responsibility initiative; it’s a condition attached to the multi-billion-rand spectrum auction held by Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) in 2022. The expected revenues foregone were factored into the bid prices by the network operators. But ICASA has yet…

Disney+ released the key art and details on the cast and schedule for FX’s “American Horror Story: 13.” Giving fans their closest look yet at the latest chapter in the legendary anthology series, today’s revelations include the return of fan-favorite characters including Constance Langdon, Cordelia Goode, Madison Montgomery, Marie Laveau, Rubber Man, Twisty the Clown, Kai Anderson among other surprises. All previous seasons of FX’s “American Horror Story” are currently streaming on Disney+ in South Africa. “AHS: 13,” featuring 13 half-hour episodes, will premiere Friday, 25 September exclusively on Disney+. Premiere week and week two will each feature three episodes, followed by a pair of episodes each following Friday leading up to the 13th and final episode…

Volkswagen has officially opened pre-orders for the all-new Volkswagen T-Roc, giving customers the opportunity to secure one of the brand’s most exciting new SUVs ahead of its official market launch early in September 2026. Positioned between the Taigo and Tiguan, the second-generation T-Roc strengthens Volkswagen’s growing T-SUV family alongside the T-Cross, Taigo, Tiguan, Tayron and Touareg. Combining expressive design, premium craftsmanship and advanced technology, the new T-Roc raises the benchmark in the compact SUV segment while delivering the quality, innovation and driving experience synonymous with Volkswagen. Bold design with unmistakable Volkswagen character The all-new T-Roc introduces a more confident and…

Today, it is believed around 70% of the mining majors use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), while 37% is the last comparable figure provided for junior miners by analytics firm GlobalData*. From security-based applications initially; now exploration, surveying and mapping represent the lion’s share of operational tasks undertaken by drones in mining. “UAV uptake by juniors remains relatively low and yet, it is the early-stage mining activities that are the main focus of juniors where drones really shine with their cost savings and safety enhancements,” notes Phil Smerkovitz, MD of enterprise-class UAV consultants, GoUAV. The popularity of UAVs across the mining…

SARS aspires for a future in which tax just happens for most of taxpayers by leveraging data and technology. To this end, and pursuant to the VAT Modernisation Discussion Paper of 2023, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is pleased to release the VAT Modernisation Consultation Paper for public consultation and comment, calling on all impacted and interested stakeholders to contribute to a modern, transparent and efficient VAT administration system in South Africa. The feedback from the 2023 Discussion Paper on Modernisation has greatly enriched the direction for VAT modernisation and we are thankful to all stakeholders for their valuable…

JSE-listed fintech Lesaka Technologies is rebranding Kazang Insights as Lesaka Data & Insights as part of the consolidation of its merchant-based businesses under the name of Lesaka Merchant Division. Formed through Lesaka’s 2024 acquisition of Touchsides from Heineken International, Lesaka Data & Insights now operates as a neutral data and insights partner to FMCG brands, wholesalers, financiers and other organisations serving South Africa’s informal market. Lesaka Data & Insights has access to data from a point-of-sale (POS) network comprising over 90,000 spaza shops and taverns and 10,500 checkouts. The company captures millions of transactions each month, giving its clients near…

Leapmotor is expanding its South African line-up with the launch of the B10 Hybrid EV, broadening its offering beyond the C10 Hybrid EV. This compact SUV ushers in a new generation of intelligent vehicles designed to make electrified mobility more accessible, simpler, and fully aligned with everyday needs, delivering true “Peace of Drive.” Built on the LEAP 3.5 technological platform, already recognized in several international markets, the B10 combines the performance and driving enjoyment of an electric vehicle with exceptional range, meeting the expectations of motorists looking to transition to electrification with complete confidence. The model also offers a seamless…

Disney+ has today confirmed a one-year exclusive agreement with The Overlap as the headline sponsor of both its hugely popular and multi-award-winning original show “Stick to Football” and brand-new original format “Stick to United with Wayne Rooney” covering the upcoming 2026/2027 football season. “Stick to Football”, hosted by Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane, features an incredible lineup of special guests discussing all things football. “Stick to United with Wayne Rooney”, a brand-new show hosted by Wayne Rooney and Mark Goldbridge, will analyse Manchester United’s latest results and performances, providing fans with expert insight, honest opinion and in-depth discussion on the biggest talking points surrounding the club. 40 brand-new episodes of “Stick to Football” will be available to stream on Disney+, alongside existing streaming platforms and The Overlap’s YouTube channel, with…

About 52.8% of South Africans surveyed now prefer contactless payments over traditional methods, while more than 90% have tried or have used a payment method beyond cash and cards in the past year – making it clear that the future of payments is becoming increasingly wearable, as South Africans are rapidly embracing digital wallets, smart devices and wearable technology to make everyday purchases. In fact, as consumers prioritise convenience, speed and security, physical bank cards are becoming less visible, serving as the credential behind the payment rather than the payment itself. “With over half of South African consumers surveyed now preferring…

A consortium including the Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, is close to completing a deal for a 30% stake in Liverpool after months of talks with Fenway Sports Group. The development signals a major shift for the billionaire, who has long been rumored to be eyeing sports investments but has yet to commit to a team until now. If finalised, the transaction would inject substantial new capital into the Premier League giants and place Bezos alongside a high-profile group of global investors. Who Is Behind the Bid? The investors are led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of the Indian billionaire Lakshmi…

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has officially opened applications for its 2027 Graduate Training Programme, a flagship two-year initiative designed to equip young professionals with the practical experience, technical knowledge and leadership skills needed to build successful careers in the automotive industry. For more than four decades, Toyota has played a significant role in South Africa’s industrial and economic development through investment, skills transfer, manufacturing excellence and job creation. As a recognised Top Employer, the company remains committed to creating opportunities that support both individual growth and the broader development of the country’s workforce. The Toyota Graduate Training Programme offers…

As South African small businesses accelerate AI adoption faster than many developed economies, Huawei South Africa has opened applications for the 2026 Women in Tech Digital Skills Training Programme. The programme will take place from 26 to 28 August in Johannesburg. Now in its sixth year, held during Women’s Month, this flagship initiative helps women build the digital skills to compete, adapt, and lead in an AI-driven economy. This year’s theme, HERabytes: Small Business. Big Intelligence, captures a simple but powerful idea: growth in the AI economy isn’t one giant leap. It is built one byte, one skill, and one…

CANAL+, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have confirmed the broadcast rights agreement for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR) to be shown live in South Africa and the Rest of Africa market on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. The agreement will see SuperSport, Africa’s leading sports broadcaster, showcase all four Test matches between South Africa’s Springboks and New Zealand’s All Blacks, who will embark on a full tour of SA for the first time since 1996. Three Tests starting 22 August 2026 will take place in South Africa (two in Johannesburg and one in Cape Town),…

As news breaks of South Africa’s newly secured $1,5-billion World Bank infrastructure loan – of which a portion will go towards electricity infrastructure – and Eskom continues to celebrate 400+ days without load shedding, a crisis is slowly brewing in the homes and at the businesses of South Africans who were forced to build their own power backup systems. While huge capital injections promise long-term macroeconomic reforms and much-vaunted grid upgrades over the coming years, this, alongside celebrations about the absence of load shedding need to be tempered and read against ongoing load reduction and repeated power failures around the…

Disney+ unveiled first look images from season two of the Hulu Original comedy series “Chad Powers,” starring Glen Powell. The second season will premiere on Thursday, 3 September with all 6 episodes on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally. Check out the first look photos of your South Georgia Catfish now! Chad Powers is a superstar on the field but his odd behavior off it has everyone suspicious – especially Coach Hudson and Gerry. The walls are closing in on Russ’s lie, and if he and Danny want Chad to survive the regular season and lead the Catfish to the…

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has partnered with Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science & Technology NPC to strengthen STEM education in KuGompo, Eastern Cape. R6 million invested to expand the Promaths Programme, benefiting selected Grade 10 and 11 learners from 18 feeder schools. The initiative combines academic support, teacher development, career guidance and industry exposure to improve educational outcomes and create pathways into STEM related fields. Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) today announced a new collaboration with Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science & Technology NPC. MBSA has invested R6 million to expand Kutlwanong NPC’s Promaths Programme in kuGompo, Eastern Cape. The Promaths programme…

Moment, a pan-African fintech, today announced the close of its $22 million (around R364 million) Series A funding round, led by AlphaCode Venture Partners, with continued investment from General Catalyst, MultiChoice, and fresh investment from Canal+. Since inception, Moment has raised $55 million (more than R900 million) to develop one of the continent’s most advanced payment infrastructure businesses, offering a comprehensive suite of payment collection and revenue retention solutions to corporate and enterprise merchants. The company will use the additional funding from this Series A round to deepen its network, enhance its platform and accelerate expansion across Africa. Dominique Collett,…

Airlink, Southern Africa’s premier airline will launch three times weekly flights between Johannesburg Lanseria and Harare from 15 November 2026. Bookings are now open for flights on the route, which will be the first ever scheduled airline / service between the privately-owned airport north-west of Johannesburg and Zimbabwe’s capital. The new service will provide an alternative convenient point-to-point connection for people wanting to travel from Lanseria International Airport.  This world-class, modern facility is ideally located to serve communities and businesses on the western side of Gauteng and the North-West Province. This new route will also be Airlink’s first scheduled Lanseria service…

The first eight Wabtec C28 locomotives have arrived at the Port of Durban from New Zealand, marking the first shipment under Traxtion’s R1.8 billion rolling stock investment programme and an important milestone in expanding freight rail capacity across Southern Africa. Following their arrival in Durban, the eight locomotives will be transported to Traxtion Rail Services Hub in Pretoria, where refurbishment and upgrades are scheduled to commence in September 2026 before entering commercial service. The arrival marks the first of four planned shipments that will see 46 locomotives introduced over the next two years. The program includes the planned acquisition of…

TurnStay, the South African fintech that helps African travel businesses get paid by international guests, has processed more than R1 billion in transactions so far this year – a milestone reached in just six months, and only three years after the company was founded. Having raised a $300,000 pre-seed round in 2024 and a $2 million seed round in 2025, TurnStay says it is now preparing for a Series A raise to fund its continued expansion across the continent. The company, which builds payment infrastructure for hotels, safari lodges, tour operators and villa agencies across the continent, says the growth…

Vodacom Business has launched its Huawei Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solution, offering Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) a cost-effective and flexible way to manage, secure, and optimise their networks. Designed for rapid deployment and simplified management, the Vodacom managed carrier-grade SD-WAN solution enables businesses to modernise their connectivity infrastructure, enhance network performance, and seamlessly support cloud-based operations. “We continue to innovate to deliver integrated solutions that support enterprises on their digital transformation journeys. Our partnership with Huawei now enables us to provide SMMEs with an affordable, efficient solution to extend and optimise their network reach,” said Ismail Gani,…

South Africa’s startup ecosystem is vibrant, but global recognition remains the exception rather than the rule. That is why the recent inclusion of Teach Me 2 in TIME’s World’s Top EdTech Companies 2026 is about more than one business’s success. It demonstrates that a technology company built in South Africa can compete alongside some of the world’s leading education platforms. Designed to help families find high-quality tutors, Teach Me 2 has delivered over a million tutoring lessons. Tutoring for Grade 1 through to university is available in a wide range of subjects and can be accessed either online or in-person.…