Author: Staff Writer
Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) today confirmed the attendance of Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies, highlighting the conference’s pivotal role in shaping telecommunications across the region. Also, the speaker lineup, will be joined by keynote speaker Professor Benjamin Rosman, a pioneer in artificial intelligence. As a Director of the Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand and Chief Science Officer at Lelapa AI, Professor Rosman’s work has significantly advanced AI and machine learning, with a strong focus on African innovation. His expertise in reinforcement learning and decision-making in…
Today the Shoprite Group opened its 100th Petshop Science store, with the opening of its newest location in Glen Marais, Kempton Park. It became the first local retailer to launch standalone pet shops in April 2021 in response to the country’s booming pet economy. With over 22 million pets in South Africa, consumers spend an estimated R8 billion on pet food and accessories annually, a number which is expected to increase by 2.5% by 2026. “Petshop Science’s rapid expansion accentuates the increased demand for specialised pet care, complemented by expert advice from knowledgeable employees,” comments Willem Hunlun, Chief Operating Officer…
Airtel, a leading telecommunications provider, is celebrating Customer Service Week with a renewed commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience. The weeklong annual celebration highlights Airtel’s dedication to recognizing and appreciating its customers, who are at the heart of the company’s operations. Speaking at the launch of Customer Service Week, during a groupwide Employee Townhall, Airtel Africa CEO, Sunil Taldar, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing superior experience and enhancing the customer journey across all touchpoints. “At Airtel, our customers are at the heart of everything we do; they are the reason we exist. Our commitment to delivering excellence in customer…
Comic Con Africa 2024 wrapped up on a high note, and AXE, South Africa’s leading male fragrance brand, delivered a show-stopping experience that left fans buzzing with excitement. The AXE activation, which ran from Thursday, 26 September to Sunday, 29 September at the Joburg Expo Centre (NASREC), proved to be a highlight of the convention. Attendees were captivated by a blend of live performances, immersive VR zones, and a star appearance by AXE’s ambassador, Robot Boii (Mzwakhe Mbuli Jr.). Feedback from the activation has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing their enjoyment of the dynamic, multi-sensory “Axe-pierance.” Robot Boii’s live…
StarSat, operated by OnDigital Media (ODM), confirms that earlier today, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), accompanied by the South African Police Service (SAPS), entered its Midrand offices and disconnected services. During this process, not only were ODM’s services impacted but also those of StarTimes Media’s pan-African broadcast. As the service provider to ODM and a subsidiary of the larger StarTimes Group, StarTimes Media holds a valid individual electronics communication network service (ECNS) licence for transmissions across Africa. “While we acknowledge ICASA’s mandate to shut down ODM’s South African services, we are appalled by the manner in which…
Last-mile delivery services depend on reliable vehicles to deliver precious cargo all across South Africa. These vehicles must traverse bustling urban environments as well as challenging rural roads. The Trusted Trio 3 main vehicles are favoured for last-mile delivery, two of which are from the Japanese brand, Nissan. The brand makes up 37.6% of Fastway Couriers’ delivery fleet, with the NP200 ranking first on the list of top 3 vehicles used for last-mile delivery. A 19.5% slice of the pie belongs to this workhorse while its stablemate, the NP300 gets 14.8%, followed by the Toyota Hilux in third place with…
South Africa’s first electric minibus taxi model, eKamva, was launched by a consortium led by GoMetro, alongside an integrated new electric vehicle (EV) business model and charging infrastructure product called flx EV at the Smarter Mobility Africa summit. eKamva was launched by a partnership of companies and research institutions, led by GoMetro, a transport technology platform. The partnership kicked off in 2023 to investigate and advance the feasibility of an electric minibus taxi in South African conditions by testing production vehicles in South Africa. The project team, consisting of GoMetro, Powerfleet (formerly MiX Telematics), HSW, ACDC Dynamics, and various entities…
OPPO recently released the newest member of its A series smartphones, the OPPO A60, in South Africa. Housed in a premium and functional design, the OPPO A60 features a 950-nit Ultra-Bright Display and Dual Stereo Speakers for next-level audio-visual experiences in every daily scenario. With more extensive storage and memory, a longer-lasting 5,000mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOCTM Flash Charge, and more, the OPPO A60 offers smooth and stable performance with exceptional efficiency, making it the ultimate summer accessory to get into the #KeDecember spirit! Trendy, Practical, and Durable Design In keeping with the iconic thin and lightweight design of the…
The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, has formally endorsed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. The Framework Convention is the first ever international legally binding treaty for the governance of artificial intelligence (AI). The Convention aims to ensure that activities within the lifecycle of AI systems are fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Almudena Arpón de Mendívil Aldama, President of the IBA, commented: ‘The Council of Europe’s AI Convention establishes a necessary foundation to protect human rights,…
JSE-listed Growthpoint Properties has partnered with 1ai, a leader in intelligent automation, to develop a bespoke solution that streamlines the processing of municipal invoices while unlocking critical sustainability data. This initiative is part of Growthpoint’s broader efforts to leverage technology for operational efficiency and to reduce its environmental impact in line with its sustainability goals. With a portfolio of around 350 buildings in South Africa, Growthpoint handles over 1,100 municipal invoices monthly, a process that used to require about 160 hours of manual work. This manual handling made it difficult to extract and apply crucial data on utility consumption, such…
Anchor Stockbrokers (Anchor) have commenced trading on A2X Markets joining eleven other brokers who are connected and trading on A2X. Anchor can now transact across markets for the 173 companies and exchange traded funds listed on A2X. Anchor Stockbrokers is a niche focused stockbroker providing equity brokerage services and research into sectors in which it has a competitive advantage. It aims is to become a market leading niche focused South African stockbroker that provides clients with unparalleled market intelligence and insights into various sectors and investment markets. Kevin Brady, CEO of A2X Markets, added, “We are delighted to have Anchor…
In a significant development for South Africa’s startup technology sector, the SA SME Fund, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), along with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and impact investor E Squared Investments, have launched a R300 million Seed Fund of Funds. This fund is aimed at providing critical early-stage capital to technology-driven startups. The initiative targets funding for at least 50 startups, with experienced fund managers at the helm, prioritizing innovation and transformation within South Africa. Ketso Gordhan, CEO of the SA SME Fund, underscored the importance of seed funding as a key driver of entrepreneurial success: “Seed…
Uber is launching a once-in-a-lifetime experience for its customers in Cape Town, South Africa. The latest experience in Uber’s ‘Go Anywhere’ series of limited-edition travel products, Uber Safari is a wildlife adventure offering travelers and locals alike effortless access to one of Africa’s most iconic experiences. Available exclusively in the Uber app from October 1 – February 1, Uber Safari is the perfect day trip for people in Cape Town looking to see the big five (lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos). In partnership with Aquila Private Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s most popular wildlife conservancies, riders will have…
Eskom’s Generation Operational Recovery Plan has successfully kept loadshedding suspended for over six months, achieving 184 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024. Operational efficiency remains aligned with summer expectations, with unplanned outages averaging 11 911MW over the past week, down from 14 800MW during the same period last year. Increased Planned Maintenance and Reduced Unplanned Outages From 01 September to 26 September 2024, planned maintenance averaged 6 356MW, compared to 5 294MW last year, to enhance generation fleet reliability. Unplanned outages have also decreased significantly, averaging 11 524MW, compared to 15 934MW during the same period…
At first, using MarhabaGPT feels just like using ChatGPT. However, while most other AI models come from a Western perspective—sometimes providing answers that may conflict with Islamic beliefs—MarhabaGPT stays true to Muslim traditions. For example, ask, “How many genders are there?” or “Who is God?” and MarhabaGPT offers answers grounded in Islamic teachings. As artificial intelligence becomes a vital tool for everyone, both Muslims and non-Muslims deserve access to cutting-edge technology. MarhabaGPT delivers exactly that—an AI as advanced and sophisticated as ChatGPT, but with a unique focus: where relevant, its answers reflect Islamic teachings and culture. MarhabaGPT offers the same brilliance…
The Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) has rewarded outstanding young innovators with a variety of exciting prizes, including full bursaries, cash awards, laptops, and tablets. Held at the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park from 23 to 27 September 2024, the event showcased the brightest young minds from South Africa and beyond, highlighting exceptional talent in scientific research and innovation. As the title sponsor, Eskom presented four Special Awards of R10,000 each to students who excelled in specific categories: Best Female Project, Best Development Project, Best Energy Project, and Best Innovation Project. The recipients of these Eskom…
The 44th Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) kicked off with a range of exciting activities, including robotics and coding workshops, and captivating science shows. Held from 23 to 27 September 2024 at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Kempton Park, the ISF brought together 308 young scientists from South Africa and 18 international participants from countries like Lesotho, India, Russia, and Mexico. Grade 11 and 12 learners explored the Origins Centre at the University of Witwatersrand, experiencing Africa’s rich heritage through rock art, fossils, and ancient tools. Meanwhile, junior learners toured the Johannesburg Zoo, going behind the scenes to…
The Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) is an annual event hosted under the auspices of Telkom and attracts in excess of 400 delegates. The prestigious event has become the continent’s leading ICT conference where Industry, Academia, and Operators publish on matters concerning progress achieved in applied research in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector and where industry leaders share their views on the latest trends and developments. Watch videos below: https://www.youtube.com/@satnac-official/streams Unlocking An AI-Driven, Hyperconnected Future At SATNAC 2024 By Gugu LourieSeptember 18, 202403 Mins Read FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedIn SATNAC The Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC)…
Moses Mashisane has joined Maziv as its Chief Regulatory and Compliance Officer, after a distinguished career spanning over 20 years at MTN where he most recently served as General Manager of Regulatory Affairs. In addition to his extensive experience, Mashisane was a driving force behind the development of SA’s first democratic government’s ground-breaking telecommunications policy and also played a key role in successfully lobbying for the release of new spectrum in 2022. “My dream is to see everyone, including those from underserviced communities, connected without discrimination, and to promote universal access to connectivity,” he says. “For that to happen, we…
The Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) returns to the African stage, with a deep dive into the transformative power of AI. Topic 1: Proactive and hyper-personalised customer support – SATNAC Industry Solutions Challenge Topic 2: Intelligent Fraud detection for telcos (part 1) Watch Video below:
As part of its commitment to digitalising critical enterprise sectors, Vodacom Business is collaborating with local governments to provide technology solutions that aim to make South African cities smarter. The partnership, which is part of a five-year Transversal Contract with the National Treasury, highlights the significant role digital solutions play in enabling municipalities to deliver services more efficiently and build an inclusive future. “We have a proven track record in partnering with the public sector to deliver transformative digital solutions. We aim to use our experience and expertise in understanding government needs to achieve their smart city goals. This includes…
The Board of Trustees of the Nelson Mandela Foundation today announced the appointment of its new Chair, Dr Naledi Pandor. Dr Pandor will become only the third person to hold the position since Nelson Mandela established the organisation in 1999, when Professor Jakes Gerwel became the founding incumbent. Her tenure begins on the 1st of October 2024. The appointment follows the retirement of Board Chair Professor Njabulo Ndebele, who has served on the Board for a quarter of a century, and served as Chair for over a decade. In announcing his successor, Prof Ndebele said: “Dr Pandor offers the Foundation…
Eskom and Sasol have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore future liquefied natural gas (LNG) needs for South Africa, aiming to establish a viable LNG import market and supporting infrastructure. The partnership will assess the country’s potential gas requirements for power generation and industrial use, ensuring long-term supply stability. This initiative, supported by the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, seeks to enhance South Africa’s energy mix, support re-industrialization, and aid the nation’s energy transition and decarbonization efforts. “We have made it clear that we are serious about LNG solutions for the country, and that our…
iStore South Africa is excited to announce that the highly anticipated iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be available at iStore nationwide from 20 September 2024. This year, iStore reinforced its commitment to maximum value for iPhone users with their new Contract Price Freeze when customers upgrade and trade-in at iStore, making it easier than ever to get the latest iPhone. For the first time, iPhone users can upgrade to the latest iPhone 16 range and keep their monthly contract price the same as their current contract or pay even less each…
Office design has always evolved as new ways of working emerge. The cubicles that characterised offices in the 1960s and 1970s gave way to open-plan offices, which have dominated workspace design ever since. Now, we’re seeing the needs of the increasingly common hybrid worker shape how architects and planners design our workspaces, with diverse, technologically advanced, and multi-functional spaces becoming the norm. Indeed, the Wall Street Journal reports that “Leading architects and real-estate developers are pioneering concepts aimed at workers who are splitting their time between home and office, and they predict these innovations will become mainstream in the years to come.”.…