Author: Staff Writer
April in South Africa is a month filled with public holidays, extended weekends, and social gatherings—creating a prime opportunity for illicit alcohol to enter the market. The Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) is urging retailers and traders to prioritize responsibility, protect consumers, and uphold the integrity of the alcohol industry. A Time for Celebration and Responsibility “April’s public holidays and long weekends are not only a time of celebration, but also a time to reflect on the role we play in safeguarding our communities,” says the DF-SA. With festivities on the rise, retailers and traders must ensure only legitimate, safe products reach consumers to maintain trust…
South Africa faces a last-minute legal showdown over the controversial VAT hike, with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s attempt to scrap the increase now in doubt just days before its implementation. The Sunday Times reports that confusion reigns as the Democratic Alliance (DA) argues only Parliament—not the minister—can reverse the tax change. In a dramatic move, Godongwana announced Wednesday that the 0.5% VAT increase set for this week would be canceled. However, the DA challenged this in court, filing an affidavit stating: “The DA and Parliament support that position. It is the only plausible reading of section 7(4) of the VAT Act.” The dispute…
President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump have taken steps to mend strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States. According to The Sunday Times, the two leaders agreed during a recent phone call to meet in person within the next three months, possibly on the sidelines of an upcoming US-Africa summit. The diplomatic rift began after Trump criticized South Africa’s land reform policies, particularly the Expropriation Act, claiming “terrible things” were happening in the country. He also offered Afrikaner farmers refuge in the US, alleging they were being forced off their land. Tensions escalated further when the…
Huawei hosted an inspiring celebration for young women and future leaders in ICT at the Huawei Campus in Johannesburg. The event was held in support of the International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) global campaign for International Girls in ICT Day 2025 and the UN Women’s African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI). It brought together high-level women executives, industry leaders, and top-performing students from AGCCI and the Huawei Graduate Programme. Under the theme “Shaping the future, one connection at a time”, the event aims to create a supportive community for young women in STEM by connecting them with inspiring role models and…
NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and technology services, today announced Hani Nofal’s appointment as Regional Head for Technology Solutions, Middle East and Africa (MEA), effective May 1, 2025. In this strategic leadership role, Nofal will drive NTT DATA’s Technology Solutions growth in the MEA region, collaborating with local teams to define and implement a growth strategy aligned with global objectives. “We are thrilled to welcome Hani to the NTT DATA family,” said Alan Turnley-Jones, CEO of NTT DATA for Middle East and Africa. “His exceptional leadership in building high-performance teams, extensive expertise in digital, security, cloud, and…
Global artificial intelligence (AI) technology group 4Sight Holdings today announced its acquisition of XFour, a fast-growing human resource (HR) and payroll technology services provider, in a deal worth over R40 million. Founded in 2017 by Clark Fourie, Jaco Smit and Shaun O’Reilly, XFour is a South African business specialising in integrating and optimising HR and payroll systems in 20 countries across Africa. XFour is a Sage Platinum HR & Payroll Business Partner, recognised in the market for its deep expertise in business process automation and digital transformation. “XFour brings a wealth of young and dynamic talent, innovation, and proven specialisation…
For over 30 years, McDonald’s South Africa has been more than just a restaurant business it has been a consistent force for good, creating thousands of employment opportunities and investing in the growth of its people. The brand’s long-standing legacy is anchored in job creation, empowerment, and developing future leaders. This commitment was recently brought to life through a ground-breaking initiative in partnership with Hamburger University (HU) and UCT’s Graduate School of Business. In 2024, McDonald’s introduced the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, opening the door for corporate employees to access two accredited qualifications: the Postgraduate Diploma in Management…
Flutterwave, Africa’s payments technology company, recently unveiled the Flutterwave Accelerate Workshop, a two-day virtual coaching programme designed to equip young Africans with practical skills for success in the tech industry. The workshop targets university students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals, providing direct access to industry expertise in four high-demand career paths: Data privacy and Cybersecurity, Design, Marketing, and Product Management. Sessions will be led by accomplished tech professionals from within and beyond Flutterwave, including Ted Oladele, CEO of Mira and former VP of Design & Product at Flutterwave; Noel Ozoemena, Senior Manager of Branding and Storytelling; Nujinim Egwegbete-Odukwu, Head of…
A legal battle is brewing between Trade, Industry & Competition Minister Parks Tau and bidders vying for South Africa’s lucrative R180bn national lottery licence, after Tau rejected a proposed court order to fast-track the process. The dispute stems from Tau’s decision to pause awarding the permanent eight-year licence, opting instead for a 12-month temporary licence, a move critics claim unfairly benefits the current operator, Ithuba Holdings. Eighteen bidders initially competed, with eight shortlisted after presenting to the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). Minister’s Controversial Move Sparks Outrage Bidders were stunned when Tau halted the permanent licence process, extending bid validity and issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for…
A flying trapeze, a Big Five game reserve, Zulu-inspired décor, and a surf school will dazzle guests at South Africa’s first Club Med, opening in July 2026, The Sunday Times reported. The R2bn luxury beach resort, rising on a former sugar-cane plantation in Tinley Manor (KZN’s north coast), is now a hive of construction. After years of searching, French-owned Club Med chose this prime location for its debut upmarket SA resort. While exact prices remain undisclosed, bookings will open in October. Globally, a week’s stay for a family of four at Club Med averages between R75,000 and R380,000. Olivier Perillat-Piratoine, Club Med…