Author: Staff Writer

The Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has presented President Cyril Ramaphosa with its draft diagnostic report towards the country’s 4IR plan and opportunities available to harness it. The report was presented to President Ramaphosa during a meeting on Thursday. The Commission, which was established earlier this year and chaired by the President with Professor Tshilidzi Marwala as his Deputy chairperson, is tasked with advising the President and government as a whole on relevant policies, strategies and action plan to position South Africa as a smart, connected and competitive global player. The Presidency in a statement said President…

Hlayisani Capital, which is chaired by former Nedbank chair Reuel Khoza and a majority shareholder, continues to invest millions in growing South African startups. The company, which also includes former FNB head Michael Jordaan as its investment committee chair, said in a statement it has so far invested R200 million to a number of enterprises in Southern Africa. The firm started operating early this year and is majority-owned by the Khoza family. The funds have been invested through Hlayisani Growth Fund which offers high-growth private equity investments in South Africa and Africa. The fund specialises in growing SMEs into large,…

The Post Office has warned the public about a parcel delivery scam designed to defraud them of their hard-earned money. “Members of the public receive SMS messages informing them that a parcel could not be delivered to them because VAT needs to be paid on the parcel.  A link on the SMS leads them to a web page where they are requested to deposit money into a bank account,” it said on Wednesday. The SA Post Office does not require customers to make any bank deposit before parcels are released. If VAT or any other fees are payable on a…

Volvo Cars will become the first carmaker to implement global traceability of cobalt used in its batteries by applying blockchain technology. The announcement follows the reveal last month of the company’s first fully electric car, the XC40 Recharge. Traceability of raw materials used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, such as cobalt, is one of the main sustainability challenges faced by carmakers. Volvo Cars is committed to full traceability, ensuring that customers can drive electrified Volvos knowing the material for the batteries has been sourced responsibly. According to Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa, cobalt has long…

“Disruptive digital and e-commerce businesses, from scale-ups through to big giants like Amazon or Google, are growing at such unprecedented rates that the gap between the staff they need and the talent available in the marketplace is widening,” says Matt Putman, CEO of iKhokha, one of SA’s fastest-growing FinTech companies after returning from Paris where he attended Unleash World, the world’s top HR tech event. “This is particularly true in South Africa.” He adds: “To challenge entrenched market players, digital businesses need to innovate, but at times battle to find the technical expertise to do so. It’s ironic that in South Africa,…

Airports Company South Africa and BMW South Africa today announced the launch of BMW ChargeNow electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport. EVs accessing the BMW ChargeNow stations will now enjoy exclusive parking bays at three airports. O.R. Tambo International and Cape Town International Airport will each have two ChargeNow stations that accommodate up to four cars at a time, while King Shaka International Airport has one ChargeNow station able to charge two cars at a time. The BMW ChargeNow stations are located at prominent areas with maximum…

In its continued effort to fight against the exploitation of children on the internet, MTN announced the launch of its Child Online Protection initiative by signing a partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). MTN claims to be the first Africa-wide telecommunications company to partner with the IWF. MTN said that everyone deserves the benefits of modern connected life and that all users of its products and services have the right to freely and safely enjoy the digital solutions it offers. “We’re good together” initiative that was launched in October aimed at demonstrating how through partnerships we can help to…

Sun Exchange, a global solar micro-leasing marketplace, which last month kickstarted a R7 million ($460,000) Uprise.Africa equity crowdfunding campaign, for about 5.2% equity stake in the company is extending the campaign. To date, 216 individuals have invested R3,454 million ($230 000). Seeing the investments surpass the R3 million tipping point this week was exciting and encouraging, as having achieved this milestone means the campaign is officially a success and, pending FICA Compliance checks (identity verification) and a prospectus review process, shares will be issued to all verified participants. “We want to build on this momentum and continue pursuing our ultimate…

MTN is turning 25 and we are making this year’s Summer more special for our Prepaid customers. This year, new and existing MTN prepaid customers will experience that “Winning Feeling” during MTN’s Summer campaign by playing MTN CakeCrush. With over a R100 million in prizes including 12 Polo Vivos, shopping vouchers, devices, data, social and voice and discounted bundles up for grabs, plus a number of recharge promotions, it’s set to be a very special summer.  MTN customers can access the CakeCrush app by downloading the new MTNApp on Android and iOS stores. This Summer will also see the price…

Despite being the most valuable asset class in the World[1], the technology underlying the real estate investment market has remained largely unchanged for decades. Max Property Group, a real estate investment company in the Netherlands, having suffered antiquated practices and outdated technology first hand, has developed a platform with the potential to rock a US $228 trillion market.  The World’s Most Valuable Asset Class In 2016, the Savills World Research team calculated the value of all global property at US $217 trillion total.  In 2017, their research showed that global asset price inflation had grown by 5 percent to US…