Author: Staff Writer
ASI Financial Services, a Financial Services and Private Equity Investment company, announced a strategic equity partnership with Converged Group, a forward-thinking telecommunications and connectivity service provider. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for the ASI Group of companies, enhancing technological and connectivity capabilities while broadening business-to-business service offerings. Converged Group will seamlessly integrate with ASI Connect’s mission of connecting clients to their purpose and their customers. “We are excited to welcome Converged Group into the ASI Group of companies. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our vision of building a holistic business services group of companies and a world-class connectivity…
iStore today announced that the highly anticipated MacBook Pro lineup, featuring the M4 family of chips — M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max — alongside the Mac mini and iMac will be available for pre-orders from today. The new MacBook Pro is designed to revolutionise productivity and creativity Offering faster performance and improved power efficiency, the new MacBook Pro comes with built-in Apple Intelligence, a personal AI assistant that maintains user privacy, transforms the MacBook Pro experience, simplifying tasks like text rewriting, creative expression, and data analysis. Incredible performance and speed The M4 chip lineup is built using state-of-the-art 3-nanometer technology,…
In a highly anticipated visit, Grimace, the adored purple McDonald’s character, has arrived in South Africa! This is yet another exciting milestone for our fans and customers in our nearly 30 years in South Africa. Grimace will be landing at OR Tambo International Airport to kick off a nationwide tour that promises to blend fun with a uniquely South African flavour. Grimace has been at the heart of popular culture for decades, inspiring plenty of “Grimace lore” as fans speculated about his mysterious origins. His warm and quirky charm has made him a favourite across the globe, and he’s ready…
As the sun rises over South Africa, the hum of engines fills the air, signalling the start of another bustling day on the roads. Trucks roll out, laden with goods essential for the nation’s economy, while personal vehicles join the fray. The trucking industry, a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy, contributes an impressive 20% to the nation’s GDP, as reported by Fleetwatch magazine. With thousands of truck drivers on the road, their efforts underpin logistics, transporting over 80% of the country’s goods—far outpacing rail and air transport. In this dynamic landscape, technology is transforming the way we travel and do…
Vodacom World, South Africa’s largest and only technology and telecommunications mall, has just unveiled an exciting, next-level refresh. This Midrand-based hub has been transformed into an immersive tech haven, empowering customers to dive into Vodacom’s cutting-edge products, services, and support. Originally launched in 1998 and remodeled into a streamlined single-store format in 2018, Vodacom World’s latest redesign for 2024 raises the bar even further. Now, it showcases emerging tech trends, smart life solutions, and an impressive ecosystem of top global brands, including Samsung, Apple, Honor, Huawei, Oppo, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi. A Mugg & Bean café also awaits visitors, creating…
Telkom and the National Research Foundation (NRF) have announced the launch of the Future Technologies (FutureTech) programme, a new initiative to co-fund technology research grants and the studies of postgraduate students and postdoctoral Fellows, to help drive innovation. ‘’Through the Futuretech programme we are investing in the future of South Africa’s ICT sector and equipping our students to be skilled, competent professionals,’’ CEO of Openserve, Althon Beukes, said. The FutureTech programme will support local universities in the research and development of future innovations, solutions and technologies. This will improve competitiveness in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector and other related…
FNB and Pick n Pay are teaming up to deliver exciting new rewards for South African shoppers, aiming to help customers save more on groceries, clothing, and everyday essentials. Starting 1 November, FNB Private Clients, Private Wealth, and RMB Private Bank eBucks members can earn up to 30% back in eBucks on purchases made through Pick n Pay’s asap! delivery app – the highest earn rate for on-demand services. Additionally, members can get up to 20% back on all in-store purchases at Pick n Pay. For the first time, Pick n Pay Clothing is also included, with Aspire members earning…
Huawei South Africa and its growing network of channel partners are gearing up to accelerate local small and medium enterprise (SMEs) digital transformation with the Huawei eKit portfolio. This emerged during Huawei’s first eKit Annual Summit for South African partners, staged at The Forum in Bryanston recently. Huawei eKit, first launched in South Africa earlier this year, encompasses a broad variety of cutting-edge enterprise-grade products for SMEs. Designed to support SME trends such as digitalisation and growing adoption of cloud services, the eKit portfolio includes streamlined and cost-effective networking solutions, optical products and storage products such as Wi-Fi APs, diversified…
Standard Bank has made it easier for clients to access previously unclaimed dividends, pension, and insurance benefits. In collaboration with the unclaimed benefits tracing company, Robin Hood, Standard Bank has made the process of claiming these benefits seamless through its Banking App. “Some clients are owed a few thousand rands, while others have large amounts of unclaimed benefits. This is money that could change lives and boost the economy. By removing the requirement for clients to individually approach funds to submit claims, we are making it easier for clients to be reunited with their unclaimed benefits,” says Dr Belinda Rathogwa,…
Get ready for an unparalleled adventure filled with smiles and surprise experiences across Mzansi (South Africa). This iconic character, known for their vibrant purple hue and playful spirit, is here to spread happiness and create magical moments everywhere they go. Expect exciting new menu additions inspired by this much-loved figure, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Immerse yourself in the festivities! Follow us for more details as we reveal tour dates and exclusive appearances at locations around the country. It’s going to be an epic, and you won’t want to miss it.
Civil society groups are renewing demands for the introduction of a basic income grant just days before Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presents the government of national unity’s first midterm budget, according to the report in the Sunday Times’ Business Times. On Wednesday, Godongwana is expected to hold firm on fiscal consolidation, focusing on reducing government debt, limiting public spending, and controlling the growth of the public sector wage bill. In an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, coordinated by the Institute for Economic Justice, civil groups accuse the National Treasury of attempting to block the implementation of a basic income…
Eskom has successfully suspended loadshedding for 212 consecutive days since 26 March 2024. This significant achievement is attributed to the ongoing success of its Generation Recovery Plan, which has been instrumental in maintaining a stable power supply across South Africa. Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has maintained a steady average of 62 % over the past week and 63% year to date, with top-performing stations — including Kusile, Grootvlei, Majuba, Camden, and peaking facilities — achieving over 70% EAF. Four other power stations recorded EAFs above 60%, sustaining system reliability. Operational efficiency over the past seven days has improved compared…
In a South African grocery retail first, Checkers has taken to the skies in a specially branded aeroplane. Emblazoned with “Sixty60” on its sides and “Checkers” on its belly, the plane was first spotted at the OR Tambo International airport on Thursday, 24 October. In collaboration with award-winning airline LIFT, the teal Airbus A320 conducted its maiden flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town at 10am on Thursday, 24 October. It will continue to operate on regularly scheduled flights between Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town this summer. Aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters can track the aircraft, operated by LIFT, online via…
Huawei Cloud, a top three cloud vendor in South Africa, today pledged to accelerate the digital transformation for local industries over the next five years to support the implementation of South Africa’s National Digital and Cloud Policy, thus driving the growth of the country’s digital economy. The inaugural Huawei Cloud Summit brought together public and private sector stakeholders with Huawei executives and Huawei Cloud ecosystem partners to align on strategies for better cloud infrastructure and digitisation in South Africa. Huawei Cloud has been in South Africa since 2019 and in this time its public cloud business has grown more than…
South Africa’s new Transport Safety Lab was unveiled by the Hon. Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande at CSIR in Pretoria on 24 October 2024. The lab features a stationary driving simulator housed on the CSIR’s Scientia campus in Pretoria, as well as a vehicle equipped with sensors to collect data on driver behaviour and the environment on the road. Dr Sandile Malinga, CSIR Smart Society Group Executive, says the lab will collect and analyse road safety data from the real-world and simulations, which can be used to improve transport safety policies and products. “This dual approach gives the CSIR Transport Safety…
The Media Information Communication and Technologies Sector Education Training Authority (MICT SETA) and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) are set to host the inaugural 4IR Research Symposium and Expo, marking a pivotal moment for South Africa’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) research landscape. Scheduled for 25-26 October 2024 at VUT’s Vanderbijlpark Campus, the event will also launch the MICT SETA-VUT 4IR Research Chair. The two-day symposium, under the theme “Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Future Skills,” aims to significantly enhance South Africa’s 4IR scientific research and innovation capacity. It will bring together leading scholars, industry professionals, and government representatives…
Telkom and the National Research Foundation (NRF) have announced the launch of the Future Technologies (FutureTech) programme, a new initiative to co-fund technology research grants and the studies of postgraduate students and postdoctoral Fellows, to help drive innovation. The FutureTech programme will support local universities in the research and development of future innovations, solutions and technologies. This will improve competitiveness in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector and other related fields. Commenting on the partnership, CEO of Openserve, Althon Beukes, said the company was pleased to contribute. ‘’Through the Futuretech programme we are investing in the future of South Africa’s…
VisionAI, an artificial intelligence and computer vision solutions provider, has announced an investment from Kalon Venture Partners. This funding will fuel VisionAI’s growth as it continues to transform not only the manufacturing and supply chain sectors but also a wide array of industries through its innovative AI-driven technology. VisionAI has been making waves by helping manufacturing and supply chain operations leverage their existing CCTV camera feeds with visual AI to track business critical metrics that lead to increased productivity, cost savings and reduced operational risk. The partnership with Kalon Venture Partners will further empower VisionAI to redefine the use of…
Huge Group, an investment entity listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, announces that Douglas (Doug) Reed has recently joined the team to take on the company’s growth and innovation portfolio, and that he will be working closely with the investment companies in its investment portfolio. With over 30 years of experience in the telecoms sector, Doug is recognised for, amongst his many accomplishments, his leadership in transforming Vox Telecom from a small ISP into a major industry player. His industry knowledge and hands-on approach will support Huge Group’s portfolio investment companies with their growth aspirations, with an immediate focus on…
The Johannesburg Interbank Average Rate (JIBAR) – one of the most widely used interest rate benchmarks by banks in South Africa – will be replaced by an Alternative Reference Rate (ARR). The Market Practitioner’s Group (MPG) has designated the South African Rand Overnight Index Average interest rate benchmark or ZARONIA as the successor rate to replace Jibar. RMB is actively involved in the industry working groups which include the regulator, the central bank, industry bodies and forums. RMB supports the transition to ARRs and has launched a South African Rates Reform Programme to help clients navigate the many challenges resulting…
Proudly South African fuel brand, Sasol, is rolling out Tipped, a digital tipping solution, to make it easy and convenient for customers at its fuel stations nationwide to tip petrol attendants straight from their smartphones. The move reflects Sasol’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and empowering customers to show gratitude for good service by tipping forecourt staff. “Partnering with Tipped aligns with our strategy at a time when our customers are embracing digital payments. We are pleased to be supporting an innovative, local female owned technology startup, following successful pilots of the solution at selected sites, said Zanele Hadebe,…
Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies, a leading pan-African technology group, has announced the opening of a fully equipped, state-of-the-art computer centre, kitted with high-speed connectivity and a full-time assistant, at Sempapa Secondary School in the Makapanstad region of the North-West Province. With the additional sponsorship of 50 computers, learners from four schools in the community will now have access to basic digital and computer literacy skills and courses. “The launch of the first digital centre in the North-West Province not only reaffirms Liquid South Africa’s commitment to the province and the region; it reflects our commitment to…
A novel sensor system has been developed to help datacentres optimise the energy efficiency and sustainability of their operations. In the following article, Anu Kätkä from the measurement technology company Vaisala describes the development of a modular daisy-chain temperature/humidity sensor configuration, which has dramatically reduced cabling requirements and lowered the carbon footprint of building management systems (BMS). Background The global demand for datacentres is being driven by cloud-based services, AI, automation and digitisation. These data handling facilities house large amounts of IT infrastructure and require high levels of power to run the equipment and to cool it. The latest servers…
After years of restricted movement, the conversation around travel has regained momentum, particularly for South Africans who are increasingly seeking ways to balance work, life, and mental well-being. For millennials and Gen Z, incorporating travel into a sustainable lifestyle rhythm has emerged as a key priority. However, the challenge for many remains how to make travel more affordable, especially in the face of rising living costs and constrained budgets. It’s the Journey, Not Just the Destination One of the primary hurdles in realising a dream holiday is determining how to afford it. For many South Africans, this is where aspirations often lose momentum. Everyday spending typically does little to help build a travel fund, which is why loyalty programmes are proving to…
In recognition of the invaluable work being done by non-profits and small businesses to shape a better South Africa, local digital transformation business Obami is launching a Tech in Kind initiative. As a token of appreciation for their efforts, Obami is offering up to R1 million in pro bono digital transformation services to selected organisations. With close on 75% of South Africans now online, the opportunity for digital engagement is too big to ignore. Yet only 42% of our SMEs have a website or social media presence, with countless more lacking the appropriate digital infrastructure needed for their teams to operate efficiently. Similarly, nonprofits struggle…