Author: Staff Writer

South Africans have spent over R20 million through Luno Pay since its launch in November 2024. The leading crypto app* now processes approximately R2 million in transactions monthly, signalling adoption across diverse merchant categories. The data reveals purchases ranging from as little as R1 at Pick n Pay to high-value transactions of tens of thousands of rands, showcasing crypto’s versatility across different spending patterns. Christo de Wit, South Africa country manager at Luno, says, “Appetite for digital currency transactions in everyday commerce is growing. The wide transaction spectrum indicates that cryptocurrency payments are becoming more common for both everyday purchases and…

New legal filings reveal details about OpenAI and Jony Ive’s io team collaborating on a consumer AI device, according to a report by The Verge. According to court documents, the first product – slated for release no earlier than 2026 – will not be an “in-ear device” or a wearable. “The prototype Sam Altman referenced in the video is at least a year away from being offered for sale,” said Tang Tan, io’s chief hardware officer and a former Apple design leader, in a June 16th declaration. “Its design is not yet finalized, but it is not an in-ear device, nor a wearable device.”…

South Africa just got a look at the new HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro. Judging by the immediate reaction, it did not disappoint. The series was launched at the Kyalami Racecourse in Midrand, last week Thursday. Here, the unveiling of the HONOR 400 and HONOR 400 Pro brings together tech, creativity and speed in a way that hits home for local users. But behind the fanfare and flashbulbs, one feature stands out, AI SuperZoom. It’s the kind of innovation that quietly shifts how we take photos. More than just digital zoom, it’s a smart system that brings detail forward without the…

 Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical is now streaming exclusively on Disney+. Captured live onstage at the world-famous Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London’s legendary West End, this spectacular stage production features Samantha Barks as Elsa, Laura Dawkes as Anna and the cast of the smash London production who bring the beloved tale of sisterhood, bravery, and self-discovery to life in a new breathtaking way.  In Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical, Queen Elsa’s hidden powers plunge Arendelle into an eternal winter and her sister Anna sets out to find her and save the kingdom. As the storm rages on, both sisters must learn…

Two unsuccessful bidders for South Africa’s lucrative national lottery licence have demanded answers from Trade, Industry & Competition Minister Parks Tau, while another has launched a legal challenge to overturn the decision, according to a report in the Sunday Times. The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) and Tau have faced five consecutive court defeats in recent months over the R100bn tender. The NLC withdrew an appeal application last Friday, anticipating another loss. Legal Challenges Mount Losing bidders Ringeta and Ithuba have formally requested reasons from Tau for selecting Sizekhaya Holdings, while Lekalinga has filed a court review to set aside the decision. Lekalinga’s founder, Vladimir Vukovic, alleges in court…

President Cyril Ramaphosa is under increasing pressure to dismiss Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane amid allegations of corruption at the Construction Sector Education and Training Authority (Ceta) and claims that she misled Parliament, according to a report in the Sunday Times. Nkabane is already under scrutiny for allegedly lying about an “independent panel” that approved politically connected Seta board appointments. This week, fresh revelations emerged that she ignored whistleblower reports detailing tender fraud and governance irregularities at Ceta, which has a budget exceeding R20bn. Prominent academic Prof Malegapuru Makgoba has joined calls for her resignation, labelling her “a disgrace to…

 The power system remains stable and continues to demonstrate resilience in response to increased electricity demand., says Eskom. While occasional system constraints are experienced and managed, sufficient emergency reserves are in place and are strategically deployed to support demand during morning and evening peak periods. To further enhance grid stability, Eskom plans to return a total of 2 730MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday, 23 June 2025. During the week of 13 to 19 June, planned maintenance averaged at 3 659MW, resulting in a decline in planned outages. During the same period, the…

A cold and steady rain fell over Stellenbosch on Friday morning, but rays of sunshine appeared over lunch as Stellenbosch University (SU) celebrated a momentous occasion: the formal installation of the institution’s 16th Chancellor – Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. The ceremony, held in the Endler Hall, unfolded with stately precision, resounding music performances by SU’s top musicians and an academic procession in full ceremonial regalia – a visual reminder of the University’s rich past and vibrant future. In an impassioned inaugural address in front of dignitaries, senior management and community leaders, Kganyago said he considered…

Telkom today announced the continued success and graduation of its inaugural cohort from the Telkom FutureMakers Township Innovation Incubator. This groundbreaking initiative is empowering Black-owned, township-based tech businesses, transforming innovative ideas into sustainable enterprises and creating vital job opportunities in South Africa’s burgeoning ICT sector.  “The Telkom FutureMakers programme is more than just an incubator; it’s a commitment to fostering a self-sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystem within our communities,” says Tshepo Petla, Head of Business Development at Telkom. “We are investing in the talent and vision of South African entrepreneurs, providing them with the technical expertise, business acumen, and ongoing support needed…

The official unemployment rate in South Africa rose to 32,9% in the first quarter of 2025, with the number of unemployment people increasing by 237 000 compared to the previous three-month period. Youth unemployment (15–24-year-old job seekers), climbed to 62.4% in Q1 2025, the highest level since Q1 2022. This does not even account for young people who have given up on looking for work in the formal economy. Despite this hunger for work, certain sectors of the economy are persistently unable to fill certain jobs, particularly high skilled fields, especially in the rapidly expanding digital economy, estimated to have a skills shortage of around…