Author: Staff Writer

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has urged taxpayers to remain compliant and make use of its online services as the country battles an ailing economy compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. “If there was ever a time where delivering on our mandate matters, it is now. During this time, it remains extremely important for all taxpayers to remain compliant,” said SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter. This, Kieswetter said, means taxpayers must register when they are legally required to; submit tax and customs declarations, returns, and relevant submissions when it is required and make the necessary payments when they become due unless…

As the country has lifted the lid on some of the economic activity and people are starting to move around, South Africa must brace itself for the increase of COVID-19 infections. This was the key message delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa during a visit to KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday to assess the province’s COVID-19 response. The President was engaging with the provincial government and stakeholders on the province’s response strategies and progress being made to flatten the curve of the Coronavirus pandemic. He said Level 5 lockdown had done a great deal to put the brakes on the wave of infections…

To assist the local and provincial governments in providing much-needed care to COVID-19 patients in Nelson Mandela Bay, Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) has made its Port Elizabeth plant available as a temporary medical facility. The plant in Neave (Korsten, Port Elizabeth), which is currently not in use, will be converted and used as an overflow medical facility. Once fully operational, the facility could accommodate up to 4 000 beds for patients diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. This would also include high-acuity patients who require oxygenation. The planned conversion of the 66 000m² building is the result of a collaboration…

South Africa’s National Department of Health (NDoH) has launched a COVID-19 digital self-assessment tool called HealthCheck. The tool will allow for early detection, mapping and management of COVID-19 cases using USSD and the official COVID-19 WhatsApp Service (COVID-19 CONNECT). The tool comes at a crucial moment in the South African government’s COVID-19 response – when certain aspects of the country’s lockdown are being relaxed and more responsibility is being placed on individuals to ensure their own health when engaging in outdoor activity and other areas of public life. Members of the public will be able to use HealthCheck to self-assess…

The financial well-being of a whopping 65% of vehicle-buying consumers in South Africa has been negatively impacted by the nationwide lockdown. Many (30% to be precise) are under pressure to replace their vehicle within the next four weeks. This is compelling evidence in favour of allowing all vehicle dealerships – both independent and franchised – to trade under Level Four of lockdown restrictions. This is according to George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader, who points out that, as consumers lose their jobs and/or receive salary cuts, they are demonstrating an urgent need to free up cash or reduce monthly household costs.…

In light of the COVID-19 epidemic, Volkswagen South Africa has made the decision to extend new vehicle warranties. “As the passenger-car market leader in South Africa, we want to release some of the burden that COVID-19 has placed on Volkswagen customers. As a result of this pandemic, Volkswagen dealerships were closed during the 5-week lockdown meaning that for many of our customers, it was impossible to make claims under their warranties in good time, that is why we are offering this free-of-charge benefit to our customers,” says Mike Glendinning, Sales and Marketing Director for Volkswagen Group South Africa. In the…

Mountain climbers scaling Everest from the Chinese side can now enjoy 5G connectivity. China Mobile and Huawei have literally taken 5G connectivity to new heights by bringing the network to the summit of Mount Everest upon the completion of the world’s highest 5G base station at an altitude of 6500 meters. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the first successful arrival at Mount Everest from the northern slope, and the 45th anniversary of China’s first official accurate measurement and announcement of Mount Everest, the 5G network on Mount Everest will provide communication services for this 2020 Mount Everest…

Last week JOOX announced the launch of the ‘#Gig2Earn’ initiative to support local musicians currently experiencing financial hardship through an inability to perform live. ‘#Gig2Earn’ invites them to stream directly to their fans via the JOOX live video streaming feature – and get paid to do so. JOOX now presents the ‘Big Live’ music-streaming concert series, as part of the same initiative, bringing big names in the music game to the JOOX app in aid of up-and-coming artists by creating awareness of the ‘#Gig2Earn’ initiative. The first ‘Big Live’ concert will feature none other than Cassper Nyovest, this Friday 8th…

Open-access fibre-connectivity provider DFA has become the first telecommunications provider in 10 years to be granted an operating licence by the Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ). The awarding of the Internet Access Provider Class B licence follows a successful launch and proof of concept phase for DFA’s Zimbabwe operations. The licence paves the way for fully-fledged operations in the country and will allow DFA to build a nationwide network for the provision of licensed telecommunications services. DFA Group CEO, Thinus Mulder, said he was pleased with DFA Zimbabwe’s progress. “From the beginning, we have favoured a measured…

Netflix today announced the introduction of a Made in Africa collection – a curated list of African series, films and documentaries – to celebrate Africa Month and demonstrate its commitment to Africa and its creative community. The collection is available globally at netflix.com/madeinafrica (or can be found on Netflix by searching ‘Made in Africa’ or ‘Africa Month’ or ‘Africa Day’) and will make it easier for members who love African stories to find something great to watch. It includes over 100 titles – including older licensed films and shows as well as Netflix Originals like Queen Sono, which debuted on…