Author: Staff Writer
The ANC appears ready to abandon its proposed 0.5% VAT increase following fierce opposition from its Government of National Unity (GNU) partners, including the DA, The Sunday Times can reveal. Budget U-Turn: Key Details Original Plan: Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana initially proposed a 2% VAT hike in February, later reduced to two 0.5% increases over two years. GNU Resistance: The DA and other parties refused to support any VAT rise, forcing the ANC to reconsider. May 1 Deadline: Businesses had already begun invoicing at the new 15.5% rate, but the hike may now be scrapped entirely. R13.5bn Budget Gap: Dropping the tax increase leaves a major revenue shortfall, pushing Treasury to find alternatives. Why This…
A preliminary report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has implicated Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO Collins Letsoalo in alleged wrongdoing involving a R79 million lease deal for the fund’s Johannesburg offices. The investigation, initiated under a 2021 presidential proclamation, follows a whistleblower’s complaint to the Public Protector, accusing Letsoalo of overturning bid committee decisions to favor Mowana Properties, a losing bidder that ultimately secured the five-year contract. Key Findings from the SIU Report Whistleblower’s Claims Confirmed: The SIU’s preliminary findings support allegations of tender manipulation in leasing, cleaning, security, and legal services. Letsoalo’s Defense: The RAF CEO claims Mowana Properties—a Government Employees Pension Fund…
The Huawei Intelligent Finance Summit (HiFS) Sub-Saharan Africa 2025 has paved a new path for the digital transformation of Africa’s financial services industries (FSI). Huawei shared how its “Mobile First, Resilience Empowers AI-infused Finance” strategies would strengthen service resilience and promote digital innovation for the FSIs on the continent. In his opening address titled “In Africa, for Africa, Technology Inclusion Booming Financial Inclusion”, Victor Guo, President of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa Enterprise Business, said that greater technology integration is driving financial inclusion on the continent. He observed that increased economic activity and smartphone adoption have enhanced banking services in Africa. Through…
In a dramatic trade policy shift, former President Donald Trump declared economic war on China while extending an olive branch to other nations. The Guardian reported that effective immediately, Chinese imports will face a crushing 125% tariff, a fivefold increase from previous levels, while most other countries get a 90-day reprieve with reduced 10% duties. “When China punches America, we punch back harder—125% harder,” declared White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, framing the move as retaliation for Beijing’s “disrespect of global markets.” The announcement sent stocks skyrocketing, with the S&P 500 up 5.6% and the Nasdaq leaping 8% as investors cheered…
Cell C today announced that it wass aware that data compromised in the recent cybersecurity incident has been unlawfully disclosed by RansomHouse, the threat actor claiming responsibility. This follows a previously reported incident involving unauthorised access to unstructured data in some parts of our IT environment. “We deeply regret this development and the concern it may cause among our employees, customers, partners, and stakeholders at large,” Cell C said in a statement. “As part of our commitment to safeguarding the interests of our stakeholders and full transparency, Cell C has set up an Information Hub, www.worldofcellc.co.za/information-hub, where stakeholders can access…
Huawei recently hosted the prestigious Regional Finals of its 2024/2025 ICT Competition and Summit at Huawei Office Park in Johannesburg, bringing together outstanding technology talent, educators, and policy makers from across Sub-Saharan Africa in a celebration of digital innovation excellence. The event was attended by the winning student teams, their instructors, stakeholders from academic institutions across the region, and key government partners, including Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, South African Minister of Higher Education and Training, who delivered the keynote address. “Digital skills are one of the most critical skills that are desperately required in Africa and governments cannot achieve this without…
Altron, a JSE listed, proudly South African, technology company, is celebrating 60 years of innovation by showcasing the story of Johannesburg through a new lens. In collaboration with historian Michael Charton, author of “My Father’s Coat” and other historic narratives, Altron will bring to life Johannesburg’s story, highlighting its role in South Africa’s industrialisation and paying tribute to the business leaders and organisations who helped shape its growth. This powerful narrative that will be performed to audiences throughout April, is set to inspire optimism around the city’s revival. Altron’s Chief Executive Officer, Werner Kapp says: “Commemorating our 60th anniversary by…
Disney+ has unveiled an exciting lineup of titles set to premiere in South Africa in 2025. Titles include FX’s highly anticipated “Alien: Earth,” the new limited series FX’s “Dying for Sex” starring Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate, star-studded UK Original “The Stolen Girl”- a five-part psychological drama starring Denise Gough, Holliday Grainger and Ambika Mod, alongside Lucasfilm’s “Andor” season 2 returning for its long-awaited conclusion, and Searchlight Pictures’ Award-winning “A Real Pain”. Not to mention critically acclaimed and multiple Emmy® award-winning series returning including FX’s “The Bear”, “Only Murders in the Building” and the latest season of “The Simpsons” now streaming exclusively on Disney+ in South Africa. Disney+…
The FNB App Academy, a transformative nine-week online tech programme, kicks off on 22 April 2025, offering young South Africans free access to coding skills, industry mentorship, and career-building opportunities. With classes held twice a week, the academy equips participants with hands-on experience to thrive in the digital economy. Bridging the skills pap in South Africa In a country where youth unemployment remains a critical challenge, the FNB App Academy provides a lifeline by delivering cutting-edge digital training at no cost. Since its launch, the initiative has empowered over 17,000 young people across South Africa and the continent, helping them secure jobs or start their own tech ventures.…
Africa’s gaming industry is poised for a breakthrough. As one of the fastest-growing creative sectors on the continent, game development has the power to drive innovation, create jobs, and bring African storytelling to the global stage. But to fully unlock this potential, developers need resources, mentorship, and international connections. That’s where GamesConnect AFRICA steps in. What Is GamesConnect AFRICA? More than just an initiative, GamesConnect AFRICA is a movement shaping the future of gaming in Africa. It empowers mid-sized studios with the tools to scale, improve game quality, and compete globally. The programme also fosters international collaborations, co-productions, and knowledge-sharing – ensuring African…