Author: Staff Writer

TelCables Southern Africa, a subsidiary of Angola Cables, a global ICT solutions and services provider has upgraded its backbone network infrastructure to accommodate the rapidly growing data traffic across its network and to provide faster, more secure connectivity. Mahen Naidu, Head of Business Solutions at TelCables South Africa said that the improvements to the network will give local internet service providers, content delivery networks as well as African and international operators increased flexibility, scalability, and capacity to better manage their individual needs and requirements in terms of IP connectivity and services. “We have experienced double-digit growth in traffic over our…

Huawei is attending MWC Shanghai 2024 under the banner of “Advancing the Intelligent World” and offering “Commercial 5G-A Experience Tours”. At its booth in SNIEC Hall N1, Huawei is showcasing its latest products and solutions that support both commercial 5G-A deployment and AI devices required for the mobile AI era. Huawei has also announced that it has successfully reached six separate consensuses with pioneering 5G-A operators from around the world, and launched a joint initiative for high-quality mobile video development in the AI era alongside global operators, industry customers, and other relevant organizations. Over the next three days, Huawei is…

Only 10% of South Africans are reported to have life insurance in the FSCA’s 2022 Financial Sector Outlook Study. This is a concerning drop from the 12% reported in 2019, likely due to SA’s tough economy, challenging life cover application processes and continued complexity of life cover products. Capitec, South Africa’s digital bank, has launched Capitec Life Cover, a life cover solution that is “more affordable, transparent and simple, offering a quick and easy application process, three different payout types, and premiums that don’t increase annually”. Gerrie Fourie, CEO of Capitec, says Capitec wants to break the barriers, enabling more…

Global technology brand HONOR is known for being at the forefront of smartphone innovation. It is days away from launching the latest addition to the N series – the HONOR 200 Lite 5G. But, when it comes to the launch of a new device – while it is met with excitement and enthusiasm, it is also met with scepticism from a few consumers. The main questions that get asked are: “What makes this different from the previous generation?” “Is there really a difference, or are we just paying more for the same device?” “Are there even any new features?” Multiple…

Volvo Car South Africa is pleased to report that the new Volvo EX30 is already proving exceptionally popular with local buyers, having accounted for almost a third of total electric vehicle (EV) sales in the country over the first four months of 2024, while also claiming the title of SA’s best-selling electric car. Over the same period, the Volvo brand boasted a remarkable 46% share of the overall EV market in South Africa, thanks to the astonishing sales performance of the EX30 – which, starting at just R775 900, is one of the country’s most accessible fully electric cars – as…

Today at MWC Shanghai, Frore Systems introduced the latest innovation in thermal management technology: the waterproof AirJetMini Sport. Building on the success of its pioneering AirJet Mini, the World’s first solid-state active cooling chip, Frore Systems has enhanced the capabilities of its innovative solid-state active cooling chip to support devices with industry’s highest IP68 waterproof rating. In addition to its waterproof capabilities, AirJet Mini Sport retains all the intelligent features of the AirJet Mini Slim including dust resilience with self-cleaning, and thermoception. The AirJetMini Sport weighs only 7 grams, is just 2.5mm thick with a tiny 27.5mm x 41.5mm footprint,…

Mpilo Technologies today announced its new status as an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Select Partner, marking a significant milestone in the company’s mission to transform Africa’s technological landscape. This partnership comes as a pivotal moment in Africa’s journey towards becoming a major player in the global digital economy. The global perception of Africa often underscores the continent’s challenges, portraying it as a late entrant in the international economic arena. However, Mpilo Technologies’ executive team is steadfast in their commitment to changing this narrative. They see the advent of public cloud technologies like AWS as a unique opportunity to redefine Africa’s…

Breakthrough developments in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have sparked conversations about how it will impact society. There is optimism about what can soon be unlocked with AI: from image and data analysis that enables self-driving vehicles, to helping doctors speed up diagnosis and treatment for their patients. AI holds boundless potential for positive change. This sentiment was reflected and distilled by speakers at the fifth edition of Huawei’s ICT Editors Exchange. Stakeholders from the media came together with leading Huawei experts and youth advocates within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, under the theme of AI for Humanity: Innovating…

With the HONOR 200 Lite 5G just days away from being available in South African stores, there has never been a better time to consider a smartphone upgrade than now. HONOR’s latest smartphone offers some truly intelligent features that are designed to make your smartphone experience more immersive, especially for budget conscious technology enthusiasts. From stunning photography capabilities, AI features, display and durable design, the HONOR 200 Lite 5G ticks all the right boxes when it comes to a stellar smartphone upgrade. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider it. Durable Yet Beautiful Design to Always Stand Out No…

As South Africa braces for winter, Sungrow renews its dedication to delivering reliable and sustainable energy solutions along with top-notch aftersales services. With a well-established product lineup trusted by the market, Sungrow is prepared to help households across the country achieve energy independence. Sungrow’s residential solutions are designed to meet backup needs at every stage of load shedding, ensuring a continuous power supply when it’s needed most. These solutions are optimised to enhance PV investments, offering seamless transitions and noise-free operation, thereby providing a superior power usage experience for South African homes. “Our mission at Sungrow is to empower every…

The Media Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) today announced the opening of the Discretionary Grant application window for the 2025/26 financial year. “We invite all eligible stakeholders within the Media, Information and Communication Technologies sub-sectors to apply for funding aimed at addressing sectoral skills needs as outlined in the Sector Skills Plan (SSP), Strategic Plan, and the National Skills Development Plan,” MICT SETA said in a statement. The Discretionary Grant is designed to fund programmes and projects that enhance the supply of qualified individuals for scarce and critical skills, support enterprise development, and provide…

Transnet SOC Limited (Transnet), through its division Transnet Pipelines, is responsible for transporting crude oil from Durban to the Natref refinery in Sasolburg. This refinery is co-owned by Sasol Oil (Pty) Ltd (Sasol Oil) and TotalEnergies Marketing (Pty) Ltd (TotalEnergies), holding 63.64% and 36.36% shares respectively. In 2017, Sasol Oil initiated legal action against Transnet, following TotalEnergies’ lead, due to Transnet’s failure to set pipeline tariffs in accordance with a 1991 agreement. This breach resulted in Transnet overcharging Sasol Oil for crude oil transportation over several years. The legal battle has spanned multiple courts, including the High Court, Supreme Court…

The highly anticipated fourth-generation BMW X3 manufactured in South Africa affirms the BMW Group’s commitment to electrification. Delivered also with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the global best-seller embarks on a new era. The BMW X3 30e xDrive will be produced at the iconic BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for worldwide export. Last year, BMW Group South Africa announced the BMW Group’s R4.2 investment in the electrification and digitalisation of the plant. The infrastructural upgrade represents the largest in the plant’s history. It secures BMW Group Plant Rosslyn’s future as well as the livelihoods of over 20,000 direct and indirect employees, reflecting…

Each July, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) hosts Wimbledon, the premier tournament in tennis. For over three decades, IBM has collaborated with the Club to enhance The Championships’ coverage and engage fans through detailed data-driven insights. This year, IBM’S watsonx, an enterprise-ready generative AI platform, will help tell some of the tournament’s most compelling stories. IBM and the AELTC have announced a new digital feature for Wimbledon that leverages match data and generative AI from IBM’s watsonx platform to keep fans updated on top players as they progress through The Championships. The new ‘Catch Me Up’ feature offers…

May 2024 wasn’t the best month for new or used car sales in South Africa, with both markets declining by over -10%. According to used car sales data released by AutoTrader, the used car market – at 27,729 units in May 2024 – declined by -10.5% versus the 30,977 used cars sold in May 2023. On the other hand, naamsa | The Automotive Business Council revealed that the new passenger car market – at 24,367 in May 2024 – registered a decrease of 3,212 cars, or a decline of -11.7%, compared to the 27,579 new cars sold in May 2023.…

Seeds for the Future, Huawei’s globally-recognised CSR flagship programme is now open for 2024 applications in South Africa. The annual programme provides training opportunities for outstanding students, including a cross-cultural exchange and advanced training in technologies such as 5G, Cloud, AI and IoT. This year 15 South African students will be chosen and will be welcomed back to China for the first time since the Covid 19 pandemic. “We are excited to once again be hosting outstanding tertiary students studying ICT-related subjects back in China this year,” says Charles Cheng, Huawei South Africa’s deputy CEO. “This is a unique opportunity…

Huawei opened the doors of its state-of-the-art innovation centre in Johannesburg recently to its interns looking to learn and network in a career development workshop. This workshop is a key component of Huawei’s 12-month partnership programme with the Department of Labour and Employment (DOEL), now in its second year of implementation. Employment-seeking matriculants and higher education graduates are recruited from the DOEL’s online database. Once selected, interns receive rigorous on the job training on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). They are assigned a mentor who works closely with them, with the aim of upskilling and gaining formal employment within the…

Eskom today announced that loadshedding continues to remain suspended until further notice, due to the continued improvement in the reliability and stability of the generation coal fleet. Loadshedding has currently been suspended for 79 consecutive days. The last time South Africa experienced such an extended suspension of loadshedding was the period between 23 July 2021 and 06 October 2021. Our generation performance continues to surpass the winter forecast for this year. The current unplanned outages average is at 12 000MW. Managing morning and evening peaks With the ongoing colder weather, Eskom will strategically utilise, as planned in its winter outlook, its…

Both the new car market and used car market hit the skids in May. New car passenger sales fell by -11.7% year-on-year while used car sales were not that far behind, falling by -10.5% year-on-year and -3% month-on-month. “While the drop in sales is indicative of a market that is coming under pressure, one must be cognizant of consumer uncertainty surrounding the elections, which impacted May car sales,” states George Mienie, AutoTrader CEO. In May, sales in the used car market contracted by -996 units resulting in 27,729 used cars sold. The cumulative value of used cars sold amounted to…

Mining companies, along with other businesses, need to make the fundamental shift towards realising that corporate sustainability is dependent on the ecosystems in which they operate. So says Thabisile Phumo, Executive vice president: Stakeholder Relations at Sibanye-Stillwater. Phumo was part of a panel discussing the topic of “Successful integration of the S into ESG in the South African Context” at a hybrid webinar event hosted by Tshikululu Social Investments in Johannesburg last week. “Our view is that we are not separate from the issues and the context of the environments in which we operate. If there is no South Africa,…

Cilo Cybin Holdings has made history by becoming the first cannabis company to receive approval for a listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). This milestone marks a significant step forward for the cannabis industry in South Africa, opening new opportunities for growth and investment in the burgeoning sector. The JSE’s approval signals growing acceptance and recognition of the potential of cannabis businesses in mainstream financial markets. Cilo Cybin Holdings is to be listed on the AltX market of the JSE on Tuesday, 25 June 2024. Earlier, the company achieved a significant milestone with its Initial Public Offering (IPO), raising…

This Youth Month, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) is cautioning young people about the dangers of gambling, which can lead to addiction and have devastating financial consequences for families. The South African betting industry, which includes sports betting and online casinos, has seen its revenue soar from R8.8 billion in the 2019/20 financial year to R23.7 billion in 2022/23. This surge in profits comes amidst rising unemployment rates—50% of which affect the youth—and an increasing cost of living for South Africans. Although gambling can be a legitimate form of entertainment, its rapid growth and the potential negative impacts on South…

Competition amongst local couriers has increased dramatically with the emergence of e-commerce giants, like Amazon, Temu and Shein into the South African market impacting both the micro and macro environments and leading to a greater demand and delivery volume. South Africa’s e-commerce market is expected to reach US$16.3 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 15%, according to a RationalStat report.[1] Another factor contributing to this exponential growth of online shopping is the surge in Gen Z’s shopping habits: with a whopping 98%[2] of tech-savvy Gen Z owning smartphones, 32% of them shop online at least once daily…

Under Armour proudly unveils its latest campaign, “To the greatest team the world has never seen,” a stirring tribute to the unsung heroes of sport – the teams and individuals whose grit and determination often go unnoticed. This campaign paints a vivid picture of the extraordinary journey of those who defy the odds, echoing the spirit of resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From its inception, Under Armour has been driven by a commitment to innovation and a deep understanding of athletes’ needs. The brand’s pioneering product, the HeatGear Baselayer, revolutionised athletic wear by providing a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric…

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has appointed Yolanda Cuba as a non-executive director on their Board of Management. Effective from June 1, 2024, Cuba also serves as the Vice President for the Southern and East Africa regions at the MTN Group. With over 20 years of experience in various African markets and across multiple industries, including telecommunications, manufacturing, and investment, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. A chartered accountant by profession, Cuba holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Statistics from the University of Cape Town, a Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree in Accounting from the University of…