Author: Staff Writer
Much of the current hype in the telecommunications space focuses on the roll-out of 5G technology, the new mobile networks that will power the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). But it is, in fact, 4G technology – LTE – that is providing lifesaving connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic right now when communities need it most. Called Long Term Evolution to give it its full name, LTE is the network technology used by 52 per cent of the world’s mobile devices. As such, it is this 4G tech that has underpinned the innovative digital initiatives supporting communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. The…
A recent High Court judgement set a significant precedent and sent the hospitality industry reaching for champagne bottles. Judge Andre le Grange ordered insurer Guardrisk to pay out a Cape Town restaurant’s business interruption claim to the applicants, Café Chameleon. The High Court ruled that Café Chameleon’s loss due to the Covid-19 outbreak is legal cause for the insurer to pay out the claim. According to attorney PJ Veldhuizen, Managing Director of Gillan & Veldhuizen Incorporated, who represent a number of major SA restaurant and hospitality groups, it’s “too soon to pop the champagne, but its definitely first blood for…
As South Africans embrace digital and mobile payments, Visa introduced Click to Pay, a payments solution with an online checkout that eliminates passwords, protects data with smart security. On retail websites or mobile apps displaying the click to pay icon, consumers that have enabled their card will not have to enter a 16-digit primary account number, look up passwords or complete forms to make a purchase. Consumers can pay with confidence with their Visa card where they see a Click to Pay icon where Visa is accepted. Click to Pay uses advanced technology and authentication methods, including device binding and…
Canon announces EOS R5 and EOS R6, two advanced full-frame mirrorless camera additions to the EOS R System built on the future-proof RF Mount. The pro-level EOS R5 delivers 45-megapixel stills at up to 20fps and is the first full-frame mirrorless ever to record 8K RAW up to 29.97fps internally and 4K to 120p. EOS R6 is perfect for enthusiasts and professionals moving to mirrorless and looking for greater capabilities, capturing 20.1-megapixel stills at 20fps, stunning 4K video up to 60p and Full HD at up to 120p. Nothing comes close to the speed and resolution of EOS R5 and…
Gauteng Premier David Makhura announced on Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. “On Wednesday 08 July 2020, I experienced some mild symptoms. On Thursday 09 July 2020, I decided to self-quarantine and test for COVID-19 as a precautionary measure,” Makhura said in a statement. “Today, Friday 10 July 2020, I received my test results confirming that I have tested positive for COVID-19.” Gauteng Premier is now in self-isolation and will work from home over the next 14 days whilst monitoring my health. “Given the fact that I only have mild symptoms, I will continue to ensure that the…
The recent launch of 5G technology in South African presents several highly attractive opportunities for consumers, carriers and the ICT industry at large. Three South African mobile service providers – MTN, Vodacom and rain – recently announced the beginning of the 5G roll-out on their networks. The transformative impact of the technology will immediately begin to be felt across sectors, but as the roll-out expands, it will begin to fundamental influence on the way we live, work and interact. Faster, more affordable connectivity A key advantage of 5G technology is that it is a more cost-effective way to serve more…
MTN today announced the introduction of three offerings to its mobile device insurance range aimed at offering consumers more affordable options for protecting their devices in these tough economic times. Customers can now opt for the exclusive cover of screen repair only, from as little as R17 pm, or accident only cover, starting at R21 pm, or theft and loss cover only, starting at R24 pm. “South Africans are facing financial hardship and while this is not a revolutionary offer it does offer our customers the flexibility to choose the cover that best suits their needs at a far…
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) engineering team designed and developed portable 3D printed mechanical ventilators that have a customisable base plate to treat multiple patients. South Africa faces a looming ventilator shortage as the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases increases, daily. As of yesterday, a cumulative total of 224 665 confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Africa have been reported. Gauteng Province has now overtaken Western Cape as the province with the highest number of cases cumulatively. The ventilator, named AURA IMPRIMERE, meaning ‘A Breeze of Air provided by printing’ is portable and allows off-grid operations for up to one and…
More than one million gravesites are being prepped in Pretoria as the province braces for an increase in COVID-19 deaths. Gauteng’s health department is feeling the effects of the growing COVID-19 numbers, according to ENCA. Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku says the province has approximately 1.5-million burial sites that can be easily accessed should the need arise. Watch ENCA video below:
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with a number of local partners – has completed work on a local ventilator to be rolled out nationwide to patients showing respiratory distress in the early phase of COVID-19 infection. The first batch of ventilators will be provided to state hospitals around the country that are currently experiencing pressure due to the unavailability of equipment to deal with the pandemic. The CSIR solution is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device that uses an innovative design to provide a mild level of oxygenated air pressure to keep the airways…