Author: Staff Writer

Vodacom today announced that its flagship rewards programme, VodaBucks, has been awarded with the “Best Gamification Worldwide for Loyalty Enhancement” accolade at the prestigious 2025 International Loyalty Awards event, held in Dubai.  This award highlights VodaBucks’ commitment to delivering engaging and value-driven rewards to customers on the Vodacom network through imaginative gamified solutions. “This is an epic moment for Vodacom South Africa, and I am beyond excited to be recognised on a global stage for our VodaBucks rewards programme. This global recognition affirms our long-term strategy of placing customers at the centre of everything we do.  VodaBucks is more than just…

Stellenbosch University (SU) and HyperionDev, Southern Africa’s leading technology education provider, expanded their partnership with launching a Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) mini-bootcamp, with an AI for Business Strategy programme to follow soon. AI is rapidly transforming how we create, innovate, and interact with technology, and harnessing its potential has never been more important. Similarly, the demand for trained AI specialists has never been greater. According to Forbes, the demand for AI-trained professionals has increased by 323% over the last eight years and continues to grow rapidly. Anita Nel, SU’s Chief Director Innovation and Commercialisation, said SU’s partnership with HyperionDev aims to broaden access…

The South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) has appointed Jacques Rikhotso, Managing Director of Bridgestone Southern Africa, as its new chairperson. The move is aligned with a renewed focus on defending local manufacturing against the growing influx of imported tyres. Rikhotso’s appointment comes as the domestic industry contends with mounting pressure from Chinese imports. “Our top priorities are advancing regulatory alignment, promoting the use of locally manufactured tyres, and ensuring fair competition in the domestic market,” Rikhotso says. “We’re focused on three key levers: ensuring regulatory parity for all players, enhancing local manufacturing competitiveness, and driving consumer awareness around quality, safety and sustainability.” A…

In recent years, buying second-hand goods and thrifting have gained significant momentum in South Africa, not just as budget-friendly options, but as conscious lifestyle choices. More South Africans are embracing pre-loved fashion, furniture and electronics as sustainable alternatives to fast consumerism. Whether driven by economic necessity, environmental awareness, or a love for unique finds, thrifting has become a cultural movement that reflects both creativity and resilience. In March 2024, infoQuest, a leading South African online research company conducted a survey to assess second-hand buying/thrifting behaviour among 300 South African consumers of all demographics. This article examines the prevalence of second-hand…

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a warning to the public against engaging with fraudulent WhatsApp accounts impersonating STANLIB. The scammers, operating under the name “Stanlib WhatsApp Investment Group” and an individual named Mzwandile Ngcobo (WhatsApp: 069 162 7744), falsely claim association with the financial institution. STANLIB has confirmed to the FSCA that these accounts are not affiliated with the company. The FSCA urges consumers to always verify whether a financial service provider is authorised before conducting any transactions. To check legitimacy, use one of these methods: Call the FSCA toll-free: 0800 110 443 Search for regulated entities online: FSCA Regulated Entities List Verify authorised FSPs under FAIS…

As global tax regulations tighten and cross-border tax compliance becomes a focal point for governments worldwide, Cape Town is rapidly emerging as an attractive destination for foreign professionals and investors. South Africa’s well-respected tax framework enriched by robust international treaties, creates a transparent and secure environment ripe with opportunities for growth and prosperity in the region. According to 2022 data from Statistics South Africa, the country is home to approximately 2.4 million expatriates. The majority – over 80%- originate from other African nations, with the remainder coming from Europe and the United States. Smaller communities also exist from Asia, including…

The Cape Town Municipality reminds all residents to switch to emailed municipal accounts before 31 December 2025. Submit your email and account number via email or SMS, after the deadline, printed bills will stop, so act now! Over 452,000 residents have already switched to e-billing, don’t get left behind! Enjoy instant billing, better record-keeping, and help reduce paper waste. How to Register: Email: Send account number & email to [email protected] SMS: Text details to 31223 Need Help? No email? Contact: Call Centre: 0860 103 089 Visit a Customer Interaction Centre “Switch now to avoid last-minute delays and support a greener Cape Town!” – Councillor Siseko Mbandezi, Finance Mayco Member Why Switch to E-Billing? Get bills…

Outgoing Absa chair Sello Moloko has dismissed suggestions that the bank’s reputation suffered from the leadership scandal surrounding former CEO Arrie Rautenbach’s abrupt departure, according to a Sunday Times report. Speaking publicly for the first time since announcing his exit, Moloko maintained that Absa’s brand remains robust, pointing to the appointment of Kenny Fihla as the new group CEO as evidence of the institution’s strength. New Leadership as Confidence Vote Fihla, currently deputy group CEO at Standard Bank, will take the helm at Absa on June 17, becoming the bank’s second black group CEO. Moloko argued that attracting an executive…

Transnet is on the brink of a devastating strike after wage negotiations between the state-owned logistics company and the United National Transport Union (Untu) reached a deadlock this week. Efforts by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to mediate failed, raising the specter of nationwide industrial action, reported the Sunday Times. Strike Threat Looms Untu, which represents 26,500 Transnet workers, has warned it will issue a 48-hour strike notice if no revised wage offer is presented by Monday. Untu spokesperson Atenkosi Plaatjie told the Sunday Times: “Should no revised offer be forthcoming, Untu will issue Transnet with a…

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is in a frantic last-minute effort to secure R500 million in funding to prevent the collapse of struggling poultry producer Daybreak Foods, reported the Sunday Times. Without the cash injection by Friday, the company faces liquidation, putting 3,400 jobs at risk. Failed Funding Plea The PIC sought emergency funding from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and the Compensation Fund (CF) but was unsuccessful, reported the newspaper. A liquidation application, brought by creditors including Lakat Chicken, is set to be heard in the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday. In a letter seen by the Sunday Times, PIC…