Author: Staff Writer
Discovery Bank announced today that it has reached the milestone of one million clients, following its earlier achievement this year of surpassing two million active accounts. “This milestone of our first million clients is a special one. While it’s only the beginning for us, we are incredibly proud because it reflects the impact of our unique shared-value model that creates value as clients manage their money well and engage with our products and rewards, the ease of use and scalability of our digital banking app and platforms, and ultimately the trust that people are placing in the Bank,” Hylton Kallner,…
Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), has launched Sage Intacct in Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini, helping transform the way organisations operate by providing real-time financial visibility, advanced automation and data-driven insights. Sage Intacct helps to empower financial teams from repetitive tasks, enabling them to concentrate on higher-value, high-impact strategic activities. For example, instead of spending hours manually inputting data, financial professionals can analyse market trends and create strategic financial plans, as well as implement innovative solutions like predictive analytics. This helps to continuously improve a business’s financial health and competitive…
In the dynamic world of digital education, collaboration is emerging as a key part of innovation and success. There are many innovators in the online education space, but strategic partnerships between leading educational providers can build a higher level of education opportunities, and deliver the kind of rich, diverse learning experiences that can really change lives. It has become clear that education is more than a marketplace of competing offerings, a zero-sum game where some platforms or institutions can succeed, at the expense of others. There is room for multiple offerings, each with a focus on a particular area. Given…
Ask any patient what the most pressing need is in hospitals, and they’ll probably say that the food could be better. Ask hospital managers, administrators, and IT teams though, and they’ll most likely talk about the need to protect patient privacy while at the same time effectively monitoring them to ensure patient and their data security. In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the delicate balance between privacy rights, security measures, and the delivery of quality healthcare services is crucial. With the advent of legislation like the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA; which includes the global Health Insurance Portability and…
First National Bank (FNB) has resolved the internal network connectivity issue that arose earlier today. In a post on X, FNB provided a downtime update, stating: “We can confirm that all functionality has been fully restored. We appreciate your patience and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.” Also read: Angry Customers Take To X Over FNB App Being Down Angry FNB customers took to the social media platform X on Friday to express their frustration over the banking mobile app being down and inaccessible. “We are aware that there are issues being experienced across our channels. Our IT teams are…
Under Armour might have been the sportswear underdog due to its narrow focus on training compression tops and shorts, but the tides have certainly changed. With their recent launch of UNSTOPPABLE gear (born on the pitch and made for the streets) the brand is hoping to gain market share ahead of some big streetwear players in the market. Unstoppable allows the brand to show up in a fierce new category, firmly positioning their product offering to a Gen Z target market. “We embrace the underdog mentality” says Under Armour. “Understandably, there is a pre-conceived notion that with our niche offering,…
Standard Chartered, in partnership with WomHub, announced the launch of the second Women in Tech (WiT) Incubator Programme in South Africa. Building on the success of the inaugural 2023 programme, this initiative aims to empower more women entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and investment opportunities. Originally launched in the Americas in 2014 by Standard Chartered, the WiT Incubator Programme has significantly expanded over the past decade, uplifting female entrepreneurs across Africa and supporting women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Manufacturing). The programme’s core mission is to advance gender equality and foster innovation through mentorship, education, networking, funding, and community support.…
“Huawei is excited to celebrate Women’s Month by offering this rewarding opportunity for women to use newly gained tech skills as a springboard for their participation in the digital economy,” said Vanashree Govender, Huawei South Africa’s senior Media and Communications Manager. Speaking to a crowd of business and government leaders, as well as media professionals, Govender kicked off Huawei’s first in person Women in Tech Digital Skills Training Programme for 2024. Women in tech “will not only bridge the gap in the digital landscape but promote gender equity and give women a competitive edge in their industries and the broader…
As technology skills become more democratised, and the ICT sector sees greater gender transformation, a new breed of tech engineer is emerging: a skilled, highly intelligent woman determined to use technology for the good of humanity. As the UN Women agency states, “Innovation and technology provide unprecedented opportunities to break trends and reach those who are the most likely to be left behind”. Telkom executive for research and innovation Dr Maletsabisa (Tsabi) Molapo has made it her life’s work to put human needs at the centre of technology development. She has done it in the field of natural language processing (NLP),…
July was a positive month for the automotive sector in South Africa, with new car passenger sales increasing by 6.8% year on year. It was also an upbeat month for the used sector – while sales were down -1.2% year on year, they increased by a substantial 14% month on month. According to AutoTrader, 31,707 used cars were sold in July 2024 – a marginal decline of 383 over the 32,090 vehicles sold in July 2023. According to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, 29,934 new passenger cars were sold during July 2024 – an increase of 1,894 cars compared…
Taboola, a global leader in powering recommendations for the open web, today announced an expansion of its operations to serve advertisers and publishers in Africa. Partnering with Aleph Holdings, Taboola’s advanced AI-powered technologies and consumer reach will now be accessible to advertisers and publishers in countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and Ghana. Advertisers in Africa can now leverage Taboola’s immense reach to find quality consumers at scale, using Taboola’s advanced AI-powered offerings. Aleph is giving these advertisers exclusive access to work with Taboola in Africa, allowing them to tap into exclusive, brand-safe environments on trusted editorial destinations and grow…
Standard Bank today introduced Reach, a digital platform set to transform syndicated loan management. The banking group said Reach offers unmatched simplicity, transparency, and convenience for managing syndicated loans. Developed by Standard Bank Investment Banking, Reach automates numerous tasks, enhances communication, and provides step-by-step guidance throughout the syndicated loan process. This cloud-based platform delivers a comprehensive 360-degree view of loan information, including portfolio summaries, loan types, commitments, drawdown history, facility details, interest rates, and more. “With Reach, we are setting a new standard in the syndicated loan market,” said Kelly-Ann Myles, Head of Agency at Standard Bank. “Our platform’s ability…
Huawei welcomed instructors from some of South Africa’s top tertiary institutions, leaders from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), as well as its own executives to the company’s Johannesburg campus for the Huawei ICT Academy Instructors’ Summit 2024. The Summit is hosted annually to bring together instructors to share their experiences, knowledge, and successes as they navigate a rapidly developing industry, which is being reshaped by modern technologies. Will Meng, CEO of Huawei South Africa delivered the welcoming address for the day, and highlighted the significant role ICT instructors play as the company continues to invest in initiatives…
The SABC has secured the rights to broadcast 33 live matches from the 2024/2025 English Premier League (EPL) season, bringing top-tier soccer action to South African screens. The public broadcaster announced this major acquisition on Friday, confirming that fans will be able to watch the matches for free. Through this partnership, the SABC will air one live Premier League match every Saturday at 15:00. The 2024/2025 Premier League season kicks off today, and the SABC will begin its coverage on 17 August 2024 with the Arsenal vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers match. A total of 33 live matches will be broadcast across…
Tech-savvy women entrepreneurs are invited to apply for Huawei’s Women in Tech, Digital Skills Training Programme. The 2024 edition of this annual event offers women free training in the rapidly developing fields of Cloud Computing, 5G, AI as well as Leadership Development. The programme not only seeks to upskill attendees but encourages them to build networks that will advance their careers in the ICT sector. “This year we are taking Women in Tech to new heights by partnering with the prestigious Henley Business School Africa to develop a dynamic leadership programme,” says Vanashree Govender, Media Relations and Communications Manager at…
Today, Cell C ushered in a new era with the unveiling of a bold brand identity, marking a significant evolution in the South African telco’s connection with its customers. The launch event, held at Cell C’s headquarters in Buccleuch, Johannesburg, was a vibrant celebration of this transformation. The rebrand emphasises Cell C’s unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges and driving forward with an unstoppable spirit, all while remaining dedicated to its purpose of being an ally to its customers and communities. The company emphasised that this brand refresh goes beyond a mere visual update; it is a reaffirmation of their mission…
Nasdaq-listed Mattel, AirConsole, and BMW Group announced today that Mattel’s classic card game UNO™ will debut next week for in-car gaming at gamescom 2024 in Cologne, Germany, the world’s largest video game event. Visitors to the AirConsole booth will be the first to experience UNO Car Party! in the new BMW X3, specially adapted for in-car gaming. The game will be available via the AirConsole platform in over 500,000 BMW and MINI vehicles starting August 21st through an over-the-air update. “We continue to increase the value of the overall digital experience for our customers,” said Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President…
Capitec’s 12 million app users can now purchase Showmax streaming vouchers for as little as R22 per month—less than R1 per day—exclusively through the Capitec banking app. Showmax, which is aiming to become Africa’s leading streaming service, and Capitec, the biggest digital bank in South Africa, have joined forces to make entertainment and sport more affordable. 50% discount on Showmax streaming vouchers for 12 million Capitec app users Showmax Entertainment Mobile priced at R22, Showmax Entertainment all devices at R49 and Showmax Premier League mobile at R34 per month Less than R1 a day for entertainment on mobile Capitec clients can…
African payment solution provider Peach Payments has appointed Uways Kureeman as its new country head and director for Mauritius. He reports to outgoing country head and director Sandeep Chagger, who took up the role of Group Chief Operating Officer in February. Chagger says: “We are committed to driving growth and innovation in the digital payments ecosystem of Mauritius. I am confident that Uways, with his substantial experience in technology implementations, strong business network, and passion for digitisation, will accelerate Peach Payments’ growth and innovation in Mauritius and the region. His successful leadership tenure as the General Manager of ICL in…
Cape Town-based startup Open Access Energy (OAE) has secured R13.6 million in funding from investment firm Factor E Ventures. This funding represents the first tranche of a $1.5 million seed round, supporting OAE’s mission to develop software solutions that address South Africa’s energy crisis. OAE has successfully created two software solutions that optimize transactions between Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Energy Traders, and consumers, including large offtakers like factories. The startup aims to revolutionize South Africa’s energy sector by enabling wheeling, enhancing grid reliability, reducing emissions, and generating new revenue streams for IPPs. “Open Access Energy has quickly become a major…
Vodacom is investing over R800 million this financial year to build new network sites, upgrade mobile networks, expand full fibre broadband, and launch energy projects, all aimed at enhancing broadband connectivity and delivering exceptional service. Importantly, to bridge the digital divide, new sites will be deployed in remote areas of KwaZulu-Natal that have never had connectivity before. “We are making a significant investment in the network in KwaZulu-Natal in order to achieve our goal of building an inclusive digital society,” Imran Khan, Managing Executive, Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal region, said. “Our goal is to give our customers an excellent network experience by…
McDonald’s South Africa (MSA) is collaborating with the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) to train 1,400 unemployed youth through a Hospitality Learnership Programme. This initiative aligns with CATHSSETA’s recently adopted High Impact Programme, which aims to empower unemployed individuals with skills that could lead to employment within McDonald’s and the broader hospitality sector. This initiative comes at a critical time, as continuous skills development is essential in countries with high youth unemployment rates. CATHSSETA is one of the 21 Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) established under the Skills Development Act (No. 97…
According to a recent report, 1,514 incidents of attempted murder involving female victims were recorded between July and September 2023. Furthermore, females were victims in 14,401 grievous bodily harm (GBH) incidents reported to the police during the same period. In response to alarming statistics like these, the University of Johannesburg hosted an event focusing on the nightlife economy as a means to tackle critical issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), sexual harassment, human trafficking, and drink spiking. “The University of Johannesburg’s new project on the role of the nightlife economy in addressing gender-based violence brings together nightlife establishments, regulatory bodies,…
Eastgate in Johannesburg is set to become the home of Africa’s largest officially registered rooftop solar installation, according to an announcement made by the shopping centre’s owner on Monday. The ambitious solar project, which began with its first panel installation in 2020, is approaching its final stages and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Investing in solar power was a strategic decision taken by Liberty Two Degrees (L2D), as it provides a cost-effective, efficient and environmentally friendly means of generating electricity. L2D’s sustainability strategy includes the reduction of its reliance on the grid, which has improved operating…
A new study by the IBM Institute for Business Value found that surveyed CEOs are facing workforce, culture and regulation challenges as they act quickly to implement and scale generative AI across their organisations. The annual global study of 3,000 CEOs from over 30 countries and 26 industries, including South Africa, found that 64% of those surveyed say succeeding with generative AI will depend more on people’s adoption than the technology itself. However, 57% of local respondents say they are pushing their organisation adopt generative AI more quickly than some people are comfortable with. The findings also revealed that nearly two-thirds (65%)…