Author: Staff Writer

Hollard International will extend its footprint in Africa through the finalisation, on 31 October 2023, of an agreement to acquire a significant interest in Apollo Investments Limited, the holding company of Kenya-headquartered insurer APA Insurance. This strategic investment, subject to regulatory approvals, gives Hollard International a presence in the East African market, supplementing its existing operations in Southern and West Africa. Hollard becomes the second international investor in the Kenyan group, following Swiss Re, which acquired a stake in 2014. For APA, the partnership gives Kenya’s second-largest insurer access to a larger market and expanded opportunities for growth, says Ashok…

Read More

Volvo Car South Africa is pleased to announce that a new Polestar Engineered Optimisation performance package – which has long been offered on various other Volvo nameplates – is now also available for all plug-in hybrid T8 derivatives in the local line-up. “South Africa is the only market on the African continent currently offering this latest Polestar Engineered Optimisation package for the renowned plug-in hybrid T8 powertrains,” said Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa. Every XC60 and XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid derivative using the T8 Twin Engine AWD powertrain is eligible for this latest optional software-based upgrade, which enhances…

Read More

Huawei and the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the purpose of creating a non-exclusive framework of cooperation for the transformation of the SADC region’s railway transport and corridor logistics to enable seamless, efficient, smooth, cost-effective and quality railway corridor services on all SARA Corridors. The signing took place during SARA’s annual exhibition and conference in a ceremony witnessed by Eng. Agostinho Francisco Langa Júnior, President of SARA and Guo Guoqing, President of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa Enterprise Business and all SARA members. The MOU is designed to help address an urgent need in the railway…

Read More

For a discounted fee of only R185 – the lowest offered by a South African retailer – motorists can renew their vehicle licence online and pay either online or in-person at the Money Market counter in any of the 1 350 Shoprite, Checkers and Usave stores nationwide.    This special offer is available from 1 November 2023 until 31 January 2024 and is in response to the millions of South African vehicle licenses that expired in September and October 2023.  “With soaring living costs, times are tough for consumers. We hope to provide some relief by reducing the cost of car licence renewals and providing a hassle-free process that can be completed in just a few easy steps,” said Jean Olivier, General Manager: Financial Services at the Shoprite…

Read More

Vivica Group, which was established by bringing powerhouse local brands such as Vox, Frogfoot, Everlytic and Braintree into the same group , has unveiled its latest venture: Stage Zero, a home solar provider. This significant development marks the culmination of extensive research and innovation, reflecting Vivica Group’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. With Stage Zero, the company aims to revolutionise the way households harness solar power, promising a brighter, eco-friendly future for all. Stage Zero is not just another provider of solar or battery backup systems attempting to position a new product, says Stage Zero CEO, Abraham van der Merwe.…

Read More

Microsoft South Africa and the Youth Employment Service (YES) have teamed up to offer innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) training to empower 300,000 young South Africans with essential digital skills, paving the way for future innovation, employability, and economic growth. This collaboration has resulted in the creation of the AI Youth Training Platform, an initiative celebrated at Microsoft South Africa’s A New Era with AI event in Sandton. Attended by over 1,000 IT professionals and developers driving AI transformation in the country, this platform is a crucial step towards bridging the gap in AI knowledge among the youth. Together, YES and…

Read More

The South African Revenue Service (SARS), strives to always clarify and remind taxpayers of their obligation in law, as well as the potential consequences should they not comply. Notwithstanding the legal mandate of SARS to act against taxpayers who fail to comply, it is generally expected that we first remind, and give the taxpayers the opportunity to comply, ahead of SARS commencing legal action. Tax season for non-provisional taxpayers drew to a close on Monday, 23 October 2023. The SMS message that was sent out earlier this week, in relation to outstanding returns, fell short of the high professional standard…

Read More

The Greenery, the much-anticipated convenience shopping centre in Polokwane, Limpopo, celebrated its grand opening today. Co-owned and developed by the Moolman Group and Networth Group, the 11,000sqm centre will bring a fresh, upmarket and vibrant neighbourhood shopping experience right to the doorsteps of Polokwane’s residents. Named in tribute to the old municipal nursery that used to be situated on the site, The Greenery opened with 23 handpicked retailers comprising well-known favourites plus a variety of local stores and speciality services. Jannie Moolman, Chairman of Moolman Group, says, “Moolman Group is a family business from Polokwane, and this development is a testament…

Read More

AuthentifyIT, a new platform that empowers digital ownership and verification of physical objects and digital assets, announced today its exclusive collaboration with Gilbert, the world’s premier manufacturer of Rugby balls, and distribution partner Legends International, where the company will authenticate 150 replicas of the Rugby World Cup 2023 Final Ball. This collaboration between AuthentifyIT, Gilbert, and Legends preserves the authenticity of the Rugby World Cup 2023 (RWC 2023) Final Ball and also elevates fan engagement to unprecedented levels. By creating a unique digital identity for each product, fans will enjoy a new immersive experience, changing the nature and economics of…

Read More

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) expanded its partnership with the Standard Bank Group (SBG), the largest custodian in Africa, to centralize and standardize its custody and securities settlement operations in over 15 markets with the TCS BaNCS Global Securities Processing Platform. SBG operates the largest custody network in sub-Saharan Africa with USD 635 billion in assets under custody and administration, standing at the forefront of capital market development in the continent. The bank  sought  to upgrade its existing platform and leverage next-generation technologies to further streamline its custody and settlement processes and build greater resilience in its operations by having all…

Read More