Author: Staff Writer
: The highly anticipated launch of the Apple iPhone 16 series, which is expected to launch in South Africa on 20 September is just around the corner. Given its projected price tag in the region of R20 000 and up, depending on the storage you choose, consumers are reminded that high-ticket items do come with their fair share of risk. This is according to Siyakha Masiye, Spokesperson at MiWay Insurance, who explains that in an increasingly digitised world, smartphones are the indispensable pocket companions that many South Africans rely on to stay connected on the go. As smartphones are considered portable…
A year after its launch, the online motor vehicle registration and Notice of Change of Ownership (NCO) initiative, developed by WeBuyCars and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), has reached significant milestones. Launched on August 22, 2023, this system is revolutionising vehicle registration and ownership transfers across South Africa. Following extensive testing from September to December 2023, WeBuyCars began a strategic roll-out in January 2024, supported by a comprehensive change management plan tailored to both public and private sectors. The new system grants approved entities, such as dealerships, financial institutions, and insurers, direct access to the National Traffic Information System…
Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets, has been recognised as one of Time Magazine’s World’s Best Companies and Newsweek’s World’s Most Trustworthy Companies. TIME and Newsweek are esteemed media organisations that have maintained a reputation for exceptional journalism for nearly a century. “These accolades from two iconic global news magazines demonstrate that our determined focus on delivering excellent services for our clients in, across and beyond Africa is being recognised worldwide,” says Sim Tshabalala, Group Chief Executive for Standard Bank Group. Time Magazine’s World’s Best Companies, now in its second iteration, is a comprehensive analysis of the top…
Collective X today announced the opening of applications for its co-funded digital skills initiative on Thursday, 19 September 2024. With R50 million available for co-funding digital skills programmes, this initiative offers a valuable opportunity for employers to shape South Africa’s future digital workforce. South Africa is facing a severe digital skills shortage, with 40,000 entry-level digital jobs needed annually, yet only 20,000 skilled individuals entering the workforce each year. Collective X aims to bridge this gap by aligning quality entry-level skills with business needs, helping businesses stay competitive while creating sustainable employment for the nation’s youth. As a not-for-profit organisation,…
A new IBM study reveals that the complexity of generative AI is pushing tech executives to reassess their technology infrastructure. Of the 2,500 tech leaders surveyed globally, 43% expressed increased concern about their infrastructure, with many focusing on hybrid cloud and AI investments. Over the next two years, they expect to spend 50% of their budgets on these areas. The study also highlights a gap in collaboration between tech and finance leaders, with only 39% of tech executives embedding tech metrics into business cases. High-performing organizations that link technology investments to measurable outcomes report 12% higher revenue growth. In South…
The Generation Operational Recovery Plan continues to deliver a constant energy supply and efficiencies with loadshedding remaining suspended and Eskom achieving 170 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024. In the past seven days, Eskom’s use of its Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) resulted in diesel expenditure of R4.16 billion from 01 April to 12 September 2024. This is a 75% reduction compared to the R16.7 billion spent during the same period last year. Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) averaged 63% over the past week, with top-performing stations such as Kusile, Lethabo, Grootvlei, Camden and the peaking stations…
Aliko Dangote, founder of Dangote Group, has called on African business leaders to take the lead in transforming the continent. Speaking at the just concluded African Renaissance Retreat held in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote pointed out that despite significant challenges besetting Africa, its youthful population and abundant resources, including about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves and the largest reserves of gold, cobalt, uranium, platinum, and diamonds, offer opportunities for substantial and inclusive growth. “Additionally, we have 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of the planet’s internal renewable freshwater sources. Together these present a myriad of opportunities for robust,…
The City of Cape Town’s Health Department has piloted an online appointment portal, where clinic clients can schedule clinic visits to suit their needs and schedule. The portal is a step up from the existing appointment system, which until now has allowed clinic staff to make appointments on behalf of clients. However, by accessing the portal, clients can now decide when exactly they want to visit the clinic, and where. The portal also allows them to cancel and reschedule bookings – all from their cellphone. ‘This pilot project aims to put clients in control – they can choose their preferred…
Following a notice issued on 2 July 2024 to the National Treasury and Emfuleni Municipality, Emfuleni has been removed as a beneficiary of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) 124 Debt Relief program due to multiple breaches. As a result, the Sheriff of the Court has attached Emfuleni’s four bank accounts, ensuring that funds collected for electricity are paid directly to Eskom. The municipality failed to comply with the debt relief program’s requirements, prompting this action. The account attachment guarantees Eskom receives payment for the electricity it supplies, ensuring uninterrupted service to Emfuleni’s customers. Eskom said in a statement today…
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has received a total 161,607 tax directive applications for in two-pot system. This includes the directives which have been cancelled. 159, 853 relates to Savings Withdrawal Benefits, which is 98.9% of the total number of applications received from Sunday 1 to 10 September 2024, which means SARS received an average of 17,964 tax directive applications a day. Gross amount of the lumpsums for the applications received totals R4.1 billion. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said contributions made to a pension or retirement fund were not taxed at the time of payment to the fund but…
The uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) has taken centre stage as the most viable means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions around the world. In South Africa, the race to shrink the transport industry’s carbon footprint is no different. However, the local automotive ecosystem’s sluggish transition to low-emission alternatives means its sizable contribution to GDP hangs in the balance, says GoMetro CEO, Justin Coetzee. His view is that commercial players and government bodies can both do more to safeguard the industry. In 2023, 75.5% of vehicles produced in SA were exported to the UK and EU, according to the Automotive Business…
With the festive season fast approaching, road safety concerns are on the rise. This year, the Department of Transport reported a staggering 1,184 fatalities over the 2023/24 festive period. Aligned with its mission to challenge injustice, inDrive announced today the introduction of a new in-app call feature, alongside other innovative safety measures, aimed at ensuring a safer e-hailing experience this festive season. Expanding its reach, inDrive recently launched in seven additional cities across South Africa, bringing the total to 16, with new operations in Bloemfontein, Mahikeng, Emalahleni (Witbank), Kimberley, George, Vereeniging, and Potchefstroom. These safety upgrades come at the perfect…
During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Huawei and Standard Bank South Africa (SBSA) signed a strategic cooperation agreement, to accelerate digital transformation of the financial sector and enhance South Africa’s ability to continue growing its digital industries. Jason Cao, CEO of Huawei Digital Finance BU, gave the welcoming address which set the scene for the day’s discussions. He spoke about the established relationship between Huawei and SBSA, Africa’s largest bank, in several countries. He said, “We are signing an agreement for the future because we share a common goal of achieving excellence. Huawei’s cutting-edge technologies and…
As Apple prepares to launch the iPhone 16, cybercriminals are already exploiting the hype with scams targeting eager fans. Widely regarded as the most anticipated tech event of the year, the release has fans poised to acquire the latest high-tech gadget. However, Kaspersky researchers have discovered that threat actors are luring users with fake pre-orders, early-adopter offers, and bogus technical support — all packaged in convincing websites that lead only to financial losses and disappointment. The new iPhone 16 is set to be unveiled during the “Glowtime” event on Monday, September 9, 2024, with official invites for the event sent…
South Africa faces a stark reality: a significant literacy gap hinders the nation’s progress. With eight out of ten children unable to read proficiently by age ten, the path forward demands innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to learning. Literacy is more than just the ability to decipher words on a page; it is the bedrock upon which individuals, communities, and nations are built. It is the key that unlocks a world of opportunity, empowering people to pursue their dreams, engage critically with the world around them, and contribute meaningfully to society. The consequences of illiteracy are far-reaching and devastating. Without…
Under Armour is all in on running, pushing the limits with cutting-edge tech and athlete-driven designs to fuel performance. Firm believers in getting in the trenches with athletes, this year is no different as Under Armour is announced as 2024’s OUTsurance Gun Run technical sponsor, with the official OUTsurance Gun Run shoe being the Under Armour Infinite Elite. An athletes aim for victory depends on more than just preparation and determination, it also relies on the technology on the soles of their feet. Over the last decade, there’s been a technological revolution in running, powered by shoe technology that can…
Nasdaq-listed Align Technology has partnered with the University of Pretoria’s School of Dentistry to introduce South Africa’s first university academic programme focused on clear aligners and digital dentistry. This collaboration aims to advance dental education and equip future professionals with cutting-edge skills in orthodontic treatment and digital technology. For over 25 years, Align Technology has been at the forefront of supporting universities, students, and doctors worldwide in the orthodontics and dental fields. Align supports the development of educational resources, including dedicated events and research grants. “This collaboration with the University of Pretoria represents a major milestone for dental education in…
Telkom’s enterprise and supplier development initiative, FutureMakers, as well as the Telkom Consumer and Small Business (CSB) Retail, announced today that they have strengthened their relationship with Delivery Ka Speed. Delivery Ka Speed is a 100% black youth-owned and township-based delivery service SME, by donating bikes to 10 drivers and investing further in the SME. It is an innovative township delivery platform that connects customers with local restaurants and merchants, is a strategic partner to bolstering Telkom’s job creation mandate. Initially, Delivery Ka Speed operated the 10 delivery bikes provided by Telkom in the Hammanskraal and Pretoria areas. The bikes,…
Herbert Theledi, a property development entrepreneur with over two decades of experience, has launched a new venture called Jeqe Management, where he will serve as Group CEO. Announcing the new entity, Theledi described Jeqe Management as a significant step towards innovation and growth in the South African property sector. “I believe the time is right to establish a new structure to pursue property asset management opportunities. This is a natural move to diversify our property interests,” said Theledi. Jeqe Management provides property management services for Nthoese Development and Shenge Property Group, with plans to expand and explore additional opportunities. Currently,…
In South Africa, it’s estimated 70% of travel sales revenue will come from online purchases by 2028. In this growing and competitive market, online travel agents (OTAs) that innovate to offer people new ways to book and pay for their holidays will come out on top, says Rahul Jain, CEO of Peach Payments. He believes new payment trends provide insight into what OTAs should consider when it comes to the path-to-purchase in their sector. Trend #1: Upfront payments It wasn’t until a few years ago that many OTAs and travel aggregators started managing prepayments. “It used to be that a…
Changa Energy is thrilled to announce the launch of its cutting-edge 1MW solar plant system which went live at the BT Industrial Group site in Benoni recently. This innovative project, which marks a significant milestone in Changa Energy’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions has been developed in collaboration with client, BT Industrial Group, partners Nuvo Africa and Candi Solar. The project not only underscores the dedication to environmental stewardship by BT Industrial but also aims to ensure energy security that cushions the client against the increasing cost of energy supply which ultimately impacts the increase in cost of production. In…
Huawei Cloud has moved to help South African businesses overcome soaring costs and licensing challenges in the virtualisation space, offering secure, seamless and highly cost-effective alternatives to legacy virtualisation solutions. A roadshow staged in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban recently highlighted Huawei Cloud’s compelling offerings for local businesses caught in a virtualisation ‘dead end’, beset with high costs and inflexible infrastructure. Steven Chen, Managing Director of Huawei Cloud South Africa, said: “Unlike service providers that focus primarily on virtualisation, Huawei Cloud offers freedom and flexibility with a wider range of services, including container orchestration and serverless computing.” Chen noted that…
The fully electric Volvo EX90 is ready and on the road in initial markets. The first batch of our flagship SUV is being shipped to retailers in the United States and Europe right now, and the first customers in these markets will receive their cars before the end of September 2024. We will ramp up deliveries, including to more markets, between the fourth quarter of this year and the first quarter of 2025. On that note, Volvo Car South Africa expects the new EX90 to launch locally early 2025, with the first customer vehicles scheduled to arrive in South Africa…
Daniel Mtimkulu, a former engineer at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of fraud and forging his qualifications. Mtimkulu, who held a prominent position within the agency, was exposed for fabricating his engineering credentials, leading to his conviction and the severe sentence. His case highlights significant issues within PRASA and raises concerns about the vetting processes for key positions within the organisation. Mtimkulu (49) was sentenced today in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, following his conviction on January 31, 2022. The court found Mtimkulu guilty…
30 women entrepreneurs and government leaders have now completed a course in advanced technologies, as part of the Huawei Women in Tech Digital Skills Training Programme. Not only did these tech-curious women get to upgrade their technical knowledge and work on their leadership skills, but they also built strong networks and camaraderie at the first in-person edition of the programme. Huawei Women in Tech, now in its fourth year, has established itself as a modern incubator that accelerates the progress of tech curious women entrepreneurs, over 300 of whom have participated in the programme since its launch in 2021. This…