Author: Staff Writer

Toyota South Africa has teamed up with Altron and Vodacom Business, to roll-out connectivity features and in-car Wi-Fi on all new Toyota and Lexus models. Known as Toyota Connect, the new connectivity hub will be housed within the MyToyota App which was launched in 2014. The technology allows Toyota owners access to a myriad of convenience, connectivity and safety benefits. “As of 01 September 2019, all-new Toyota and Lexus models sold in South Africa will come standard with in-car Wi-Fi including 15GB free data (which you can top up) as well as a host of connectivity features and benefits…

Mozambique needs to create more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to take advantage of extractive sector megaprojects. This is according to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), which believes that this sector is still 70% characterised by informal micro-enterprises. Mega-projects such as coal mines or gas liquefaction are often forced to import equipment, consumables and services from overseas because of the lack of local companies able to guarantee their supply. However, petrochemical group Sasol is seeking to change this and enable SMEs to grow by diversifying its supplier base. In South Africa [it’s home market], Sasol focuses specifically on…

The new Audi Q3 is a family SUV with great all-round talents. Just like the Audi top-of-the-line models, it features a digital cockpit and a large MMI screen with touch response. Numerous infotainment solutions from the full-size segment connect the compact SUV with its environment. New assist systems support the driver when parking, in town and on long journeys. These features also enhance comfort, as does the further developed suspension. The Audi Q3 range is priced as follows, along with the standard Audi Freeway plan (5 year / 100 000 km) and inclusive of all taxes: Audi Q3 35 TFSI…

Fuel and petrochemicals company Sasol released its plan to bolster connectivity in Mozambique to enable its workers well-equipped and ready for the digital world. Mozambique has become a hotbed of investor activity after one of the largest gas finds in the world’s recent history located offshore in the Rovuma basin, near the Tanzanian border. About 20% of the gas Sasol produces in Mozambique is used for power generation there. The balance mainly feeds into an 860km pipeline to the company’s Secunda plant in SA, to be used in its production processes. As part of its connectivity strategy, Sasol announced on…

Volvo’s best-selling XC90 has been recharged to offer South Africa’s growing families a new six-seater configuration. The refreshed premium quality SUV boasts new wheels, more colour options, and some subtle styling enhancements. Pricing for the recharged Volvo XC90 for 2019 starts at R1 023 700 (T5 Geartronic AWD Momentum) The latest XC90 follows in the esteemed footsteps of the all-new XC90, which was launched globally in 2015. At the time, it was the first of Volvo’s cars to feature the company’s new more prominent iron mark, which has the iconic arrow elegantly aligned with the diagonal slash across the grille.…

MTN has announced the launch of new-and-improved premium MTN Sky plans – MTN Sky, MTN Sky VIP and MTN Sky Black – offering unlimited calls, unlimited SMSs and a significantly higher inclusive-data value from R999 PMx24. As part of the plan, customers will receive exclusive access to Priority VIP Help Desk and travel discounts on flights and accommodation in partnership with Travelstart. “Tailored for customers who spend a lot of time on their phones, the revamped proposition is underpinned by our commitment to give value back to our high-spend customers by developing plans that are innovative and offer premium benefits,”…

JSE Limited has agreed to acquire Link Market Services South Africa (Pty) Ltd (Link SA). The operator of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) – Africa’s largest, multi-asset class stock exchange – is buying the second-largest share registry business in South Africa for a cash amount of R224,5 million. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals. JSE Limited will acquire a 74.85% shareholding in Link SA with Link SA’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) shareholder retaining the remaining 25.15% and the Link SA CEO, Iqbal Haniff, remaining as CEO of the company. The acquisition will see Link SA being merged into the…

South Africa’s Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) remains concerned about the lack of transparency and ongoing delays in the introduction of full number portability. Consumers have received no word from ICASA (the Independent Communications Authority of SA) on why, 13 years after the launch of mobile number portability in 2006, we still cannot port non-geographic numbers used for toll-free, shared-cost, premium rate and general voice services (i.e. 0800, 0860, 0861, 0862 and 087). “ISPA members receive daily requests from consumers looking to port non-geographic numbers but are not able to accommodate these requests due to the delay in implementing the…

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) calls FinTech firms to submit their innovative and sustainable solutions to challenges identified within the financial services industry. Today SARB launched the 2019 Global Fintech Hackcelerator Southern Africa competition. The Global Fintech Hackcelerator, powered by KPMG Matchi, is a FinTech acceleration programme that creates a platform for FinTech firms to demonstrate their innovative solutions to complex financial challenges in the Southern African region. FinTech firms from anywhere in the world can apply to participate in the programme, to address problem statements constructed by the SARB. The SARB views such global FinTech acceleration programmes as…

Uprise.Africa, an equity crowdfunding platform, will facilitate fundraising for Reeva Steenkamp documentary. The company aims to raise R40 million. The documentary series dubbed ‘My Name is Reeva’, set to be produced by Director and Co-Producer Warren Batchelor and Co-Producer Tony Miguel. Reeva’s dreams were short-lived after she was brutally murdered on the 14th February 2013 by celebrity athlete Oscar Pistorius. As we commemorate Reeva Steenkamp’s birthday today, a law graduate, aspiring model and reality show contestant who was a household name in South Africa, let us remember her as an individual who had a voice, said Uprise.Africa. The documentary delves…