Author: Staff Writer

Hybrids sales continue to outpace other new energy vehicles, with prices dropping and demand rising. Meanwhile, more affordable electric cars are gaining traction in South Africa’s used car market. South African car buyers have traditionally been slow to adopt new-energy vehicles (NEVs), but that’s starting to change. According to the recently released AutoTrader 2024 Annual Car Industry Report, interest in hybrids, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise as more consumers explore efficient and eco-friendly alternatives. While manufacturers are working towards a fully electric future, hybrids and PHEVs remain important stepping stones to emissions-free mobility. Electric vehicle and…

The City of Cape Town has secured R2.8 billion in development finance to support major electricity grid upgrades. This agreement, made with the German Development Bank (KfW) on behalf of the German Government, forms part of the metro’s transition towards a more dynamic and decentralised energy future. Largest Infrastructure Investment by a Metropolitan Municipality Cape Town is set to invest R39.5 billion in infrastructure from July 2024 to June 2027 under the City’s ‘Building For Jobs’ Budget. This represents the largest three-year infrastructure investment ever made by a South African metropolitan municipality. Within this, more than R4 billion will be…

iStore South Africa has announced that the iPhone 16e is available online and in-store, starting today at 8am. Customers can choose to purchase the latest iPhone 16e for cash, or upgrade their Vodacom, MTN, or Telkom cellular contracts through iStore, with a range of trade-in offers making this upgrade to iPhone 16e more affordable than ever. Up to R22 000 cash back when you trade in — As Apple’s only Premium Partner in Africa iStore is also setting a new standard for trade-in values, offering up to R22,000 cash back when you trade in your current phone. Customers can get their trade-in value as cash back into their…

A UK-based group called Everyone Hates Elon has seemingly taken credit for a controversial anti-Elon Musk poster that has been spotted in London and is rapidly gaining attention online, according to Euro News. The poster, which appeared in Bethnal Green, depicts a Tesla rebranded as the “Swasticar” and features an image of Musk performing a Nazi-like salute at Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration rally. The message beneath the image reads: “Goes from 0 to 1939 in 3 seconds,” a reference to the outbreak of World War II. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Everyone Hates Elon…

What do South Africans want in a car? AutoTrader reveals a clear shift: value for money and efficiency are driving car-buying decisions like never before. 2024 was a turbulent year for the South African automotive industry, shaped by various external factors. Shifting market conditions, evolving consumer needs, and changing car shopping behaviours played a role, while interest rate fluctuations, inflation, and unstable fuel prices impacted sales and buyer sentiment. While 2025 shows positive signs of increased consumer sentiment, the annual AutoTrader Car Industry Report reveals  how things have changed in the automotive industry, with buyers changing their car-buying priorities and focusing on…

OPPO  today officially announced the launch of its new Reno13 series, ushering in a new era in mobile photography for South Africans. Designed to capture life’s most vibrant moments, even beneath the surface, the Reno13 series sets a new benchmark for smartphone imaging. It combines OPPO’s industry-leading AI enhancements with cutting-edge water-resistant technology. The Reno13 series features a sleek and durable design. Featuring a customised MediaTek Dimensity 8350 platform, the Reno13 series delivers smooth performance and energy efficiency. The Reno13 5G has a 5,600mAh battery and 80W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge, allowing for extended usage and rapid recharging. The 1.5K 120Hz…

Private equity fund manager Clearwater Capital has announced the purchase of Etlin International (Pty) Ltd’s temperature-controlled storage and logistics arm through a business rescue deal. This division, SnoLink Logistics, will continue to serve its existing customer base, which includes several Blue Chip retailers.  “This acquisition reflects South Africa’s evolving supply chain, offering a reliable and trustworthy route to market,” commented Clearwater Capital Executive Chairman, Harish Mehta. “Clearwater has had an interest in this sector for several years – this acquisition was a strategic one. Furthermore, It creates new opportunities for importers of temperature-sensitive products, like ice cream and mechanically deboned meat, to access the…

Huawei South Africa’s position as a top employer, as certified by the Top Employers Institute for the eighth year running in 2025, reflects the company’s substantial impact on the local employment landscape.  This sustained recognition highlights Huawei’s deep dedication to its employees and the company’s significant investment in creating a positive work environment. As a leading force in the country’s growing ICT sector, Huawei strives to work in ways that contribute positively to local economies and empower communities with skills and access to the latest digital technologies. The institute has certified over 2,400 companies from 125 global companies based on…

 McDonald’s South Africa has donated Mi Desks to two primary schools in Cape Town to improve learning conditions for young students. This donation addresses the lack of proper school furniture, with Grade 1 learners currently writing on the floor. The Mi Desk, an innovative and mobile learning solution, has been endorsed by the Department of Science and Innovation and UNESCO as a practical tool to enhance classroom experiences in underprivileged communities. At the donation handover, Daniel Padiachy, Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald’s South Africa, emphasised the company’s commitment to education and community support: “Today’s initiative is not just about desks,…

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has intensified its call for President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, following revelations that the criminal investigation into her alleged misconduct has expanded to encompass unauthorized expenditures totaling R80 million. “The fact that President Ramaphosa has dilly-dallied for so long on this most serious matter of a corruption-accused and investigated minister in his Cabinet underscores how urgent it is that Parliament have a Portfolio Committee overseeing the Presidency,” stated Dianne Kohler Barnard, DA Spokesperson on State Security. The DA emphasises the necessity of establishing this oversight committee to ensure accountability within…