Author: Staff Writer

MTN South Africa and Huawei co-hosted the IP Day Summit themed “Net5.5G Network Development.” The summit brought together top experts from MTN’s network planning and Huawei’s data communications teams. They discussed global network construction concepts, latest innovative technologies, and business insights in the IP field, aiming to further improve MTN’s network resilience and service experience. At the summit, MTN and Huawei signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for strategic cooperation on Net5.5G. Through this MoU, they will jointly promote the large-scale application of key capabilities of Net5.5G, such as 400GE, SRv6, slicing, and the Network Digital Map, to continuously improve…

South African retail has experienced profound transformation over the past few years, with digital platforms and ecommerce reshaping consumer expectations. However, we are just in the earliest phases of digital transformation and SME retailers will need to be agile to keep up with emerging customer demands and new competitors. Steven Heilbron, CEO of Capital Connect, a fintech that offers fast and flexible business funding to South African retailers, outlines five trends that are shifting the retail landscape:   Ecommerce giants enter the market Ecommerce continues to reshape retail in South Africa, with a study from World Wide Worx showing that online…

Building on its commitment to fostering a global community passionate about using #TikTokforGood, TikTok has officially launched the TikTok Change Makers Programme. This initiative marks the platform’s first-ever global social impact creator elevation initiative, spotlighting creators and non-profits who drive meaningful change in their communities through TikTok. The program aims to showcase its global community’s diverse voices and strengths as it educates, advocates, and inspires communities to drive meaningful, positive, and lasting change. The six-month program will support selected creators worldwide in building engaged communities, reaching new audiences, and unlocking real-world opportunities. This will be achieved through dedicated tools, resources, and…

iStore has launched free “RightNow” One Hour and Scheduled deliveries in Sandton and Cape Town CBD on Apple products and other technology accessories purchased from www.istore.co.za. iStore’s “RightNow” One Hour deliveries allows you to get your new Apple products and favourite accessories delivered to you within one hour. What’s more, there is no minimum spend or minimum cart value that applies. Free delivery actually means Free delivery, no matter the delivery option chosen. For iStore, customer service excellence has always been the most important part of the Apple shopping experience, and for customers convenience has become more important, particularly when it comes to online orders. It…

Eskom today announced that loadshedding continues to remain suspended until further notice, due to further incremental improvement in the reliability of the generation fleet. Loadshedding has currently been suspended for 72 consecutive days. The last time South Africa experienced such an extended suspension of loadshedding was the period between 05 December 2021 and 02 February 2022. The strategic move as part of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan to improve the reliability of our generation fleet for winter 2024 through increased planned maintenance during the summer months of 2023/24 to an average of 8 000MW and between December 2023 and January…

The 19th Annual Security Summit on Security Strategies Against Advanced Cyber Threats in a Hyper Convergence Infrastructure Environment concluded this week, leaving attendees equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and actionable strategies for navigating the complex world of cloud security. Over two information-packed days, the summit brought together leading cybersecurity experts, industry pioneers, and IT professionals to delve into the evolving threat landscape and explore best practises for securing cloud-based infrastructure, with a particular focus on hyperconverged environments. The summit featured a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers, each offering unique perspectives and insights on the theme of “Managing Security in a Rapidly…

Liquid C2, a business of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a leading pan-African technology group, is pleased to announce that it has become the first Google Cloud Interconnect provider on the continent. This strategic partnership with global hyperscaler Google Cloud adds significant capacity to the cloud solutions that Liquid C2 already offers its customers across Africa through its Cloud Connect portfolio. “Being the first Google Cloud Interconnect provider on the continent is a significant milestone on our journey to becoming the leading provider of cloud solutions in Africa. By partnering with Google Cloud, we can leverage the strengths of both organisations to…

Westcon-Comstor, a global technology provider and specialist distributor, today announced the promotion of Callum McGregor to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) as the company targets continued growth. Originally from South Africa and now based in the New York area in the US, Callum joined Westcon-Comstor in 2015 and became CFO in 2021 – a position he retains following his promotion. Callum’s new, expanded role of COO and CFO sees him assume leadership for IT, supply chain operations and ESG globally, in addition to his existing responsibilities for finance, legal and data & analytics.…

At its annual SAP Sapphire conference, SAP unveiled generative AI innovations and strategic partnerships, demonstrating how the company is advancing business to new heights in the AI era by integrating Business AI across its enterprise cloud portfolio and collaborating with leading-edge AI companies to ignite a new wave of global business insight and ingenuity. “The Business AI innovations we’re announcing at SAP Sapphire in 2024 will redefine the way businesses run,” says Christian Klein, CEO and member of the Executive Board of SAP SE. “Today’s AI announcements and partnerships build on our commitment to deliver revolutionary technology that drives real-world…

“With our relentless efforts and commitment, OPPO aims to make AI phones accessible to everyone, ” said Billy Zhang, President of Overseas MKT, Sales and Service at OPPO. “For the first time in the industry, OPPO is bringing generative AI to all product lines. By the end of this year, we expect to bring generative AI features to about 50 million users.” With its large global reach, advanced connectivity, and multimodal capabilities, smartphones are well-positioned as the most important personal AI device. Despite the ubiquity of smartphones, however, OPPO believes that AI should not remain exclusive to just flagship phones…

SAP and WalkMe announced today that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement under which the German software firm will acquire the digital adoption platforms (DAPs). WalkMe’s solutions help organisations navigate constant technology change by providing users with advanced guidance and automation features that enable them to execute workflows seamlessly across any number of applications. This results in higher adoption of the underlying application and as such drives value realisation. The Executive and Supervisory Boards of SAP SE and the board of directors of WalkMe have approved the transaction for $14.00 per share in an all-cash transaction, representing an…

Canada has committed C$269 million (R3.7 billion) over eight years to support the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, a collaborative effort between South Africa and Australia. The National Research Council of Canada’s (NRC) Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre will oversee this investment and work with Canadian industrial partners to deliver key observatory systems. The NRC will represent Canada in the SKAO Council. “Canada has been a long-standing leader in astronomy and the exploration of the universe, and Canada’s membership in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory will give Canadian researchers access to the world’s most powerful radio-telescope,” said François-Phillipe Champagne,…

Since 2007, Vodacom Foundation has proudly partnered with the Smile Foundation to support Smile Week, an initiative that provides life-changing reconstructive surgery to children with treatable facial anomalies. Smile Week not only addresses the physical challenges faced by these young people but also alleviates the emotional distress associated with feeling different, enabling them to embrace their lives to the fullest. “As we mark Vodacom’s 30th anniversary this year, it’s a good time to reflect on the dramatic change in the countries in which we operate, in terms of bringing connectivity to people. What we are also particularly proud of is…

In line with the EX30’s futuristic design and focus on disrupting the electric car market, Thea and Lasizwe proved to be the perfect fit as EX30 Champions. Volvo Car South Africa is excited to welcome Lasizwe Dambuza and Thea Booysen to the Volvo family as EX30 Champions in celebration of Volvo’s most affordable electric car, the EX30. Multi-award-winning YouTuber and reality TV star Lasizwe Dambuza has over recent years seen his star rise in the South African social media landscape. At the same time, his hit show Awkward Dates has proven popular among his fans. Currently studying towards her Masters…

Vodacom has opened applications to its Early Careers programmes for the 2025 intake. The initiative is part of Vodacom’s commitment to supporting youth development in South Africa, whilst creating an inclusive digital society by nurturing emerging talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through employment and education opportunities. “As Vodacom celebrates connecting South Africans over the past three decades, we are also looking towards the future and how we can continue to use our capabilities in building an inclusive digital society. Supporting digital skills development and diversity in STEM is critical to this ambition, especially among our youth, who…

After weeks of anticipation the Huawei Pura 70 Series is finally in South Africa. Ranked by DXOMark, the No 1 Smartphone Camera, this bold new flagship series, packs a punch in design, photography and performance, showcasing that Huawei is clearly aiming high with the new range of smartphones. The Huawei Pura 70 Series is now available starting from R19 999.00 with promotional gifts valued at R7 796.00 on the HUAWEI online store, (Ts & Cs apply) or at any Huawei Authorised Experience Stores. The Series is also available in mobile phone operator stores starting from R699 PM on 36 months…

CIM Financial Services Ltd (Cim Finance), a leading Mauritian consumer and SME non-banking financial institution, has implemented insurtech Root Platform’s digital insurance policy management system. Classified as a Small Island Developing State by the United Nations, Mauritius has an online community in excess of 800,000 users, who are connected through a fibre optic network, widespread availability of 5G connectivity, and mobile penetration of 160%. Mauritius is currently ranked first in Africa and 17th in the world on the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 2020 Global Cybersecurity Index. Cim Finance offers financial solutions to consumers, SMEs and large corporates. For over a…

Telkom has unveiled the June-July Big Deal, which is data-packed and keeps you connected for next to nothing. The big deal starts from 01st June 2024 and end 31st July 2024. The big deal is a Post-paid or TopUp contract on 22.5GB LTE data plan, which includes 22.5GB anytime data per month, 22.5GB night surfer data per month. The 22.5GB LTE Data offers shall be available as a Sim-Only on a 24-month contract. The 22.5GB LTE Data also offers shall be available on a 24-month contract, which includes LTE MiFi pocket router (at an extra fee), which connect up-to 16 devices.…

Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, today announced plans to demo a new data centre solution, using NVIDIA technology, for security-conscious business and government customers harnessing the power of AI. This is just one of multiple AI security solutions being shown for the first time at COMPUTEX 2024. Trend Vision One – Sovereign and Private Cloud (SPC) integrates with NVIDIA NIM, a set of easy-to-use inference microservices, part of the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, which is designed to accelerate the deployment of generative AI across the cloud, data centre, and workstations. Eva Chen, CEO at Trend: “While many in…

Two leading professional services firms, Mazars, an international partnership operating in over 100 countries and territories, and FORVIS, a top ranked firm in the United States, today mark the official launch of their new global network, Forvis Mazars. Forvis Mazars, a top 10 global network* is the largest new entrant into the global rankings in decades. As a two-firm network, Forvis Mazars is unique in the market and provides the agility, capacity and coverage to support clients wherever in the world they operate. This move brings increased choice in the market, serving the public interest. Key leadership positions revealed The…

Tarsus Distribution, a leading technology distributor in Southern Africa, has partnered with Zerto, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, to deliver advanced disaster recovery and data protection solutions to businesses across the region. This collaboration addresses the increasing need for robust disaster recovery capabilities amidst growing cyber threats and operational disruptions. The partnership will enable Tarsus Distribution to offer Zerto’s comprehensive Disaster Recovery solutions. This includes real-time protection, near-zero data loss, and low recovery point objectives (RPOs), providing businesses with a secure and reliable way to safeguard their data and maintain continuity during unforeseen events such as ransomware attacks or natural…

MMS Africa, a provider of media management software solutions to broadcasters across Africa, has partnered with inq., a Convergence Partners company, to host its infrastructure, support its IT requirements, and assist it with the software customisation on its broadcast solution. “Since we opened our doors in 2017, the focus has always been on enabling the integration of multiple back-end software solutions for broadcasters who relied on these complex environments to fulfil their mandates,” says Abdul Mathee, the Founder of MMS Africa. “At the time, we partnered with international software vendors to deliver a solution, but it was still price prohibitive…

HP today announced a strategic multi-year global partnership with Canva, the world’s only all-in-one visual communication platform, to empower millions of Canva users worldwide to seamlessly design online, create visual content, and print locally. The collaboration between HP and Canva aims to benefit both HP Print Service Providers (PSPs) and the Canva community worldwide, enabling anyone creating visual content on the Canva platform to seamlessly design and print within a fully integrated system. This multi-year deal will enable Canva users to design anything and print anywhere without compromising quality and authenticity. “This partnership will deliver huge strategic value and fuel customer…

Amazon Web Services (AWS), a subsidiary of Amazon, and SAP have announced an expanded strategic collaboration to enhance modern cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) experiences. This partnership aims to help enterprises drive new capabilities and efficiencies through generative artificial intelligence (AI). The collaboration focuses on simplifying the adoption of the RISE with SAP solution on AWS, improving the performance and efficiency of SAP workloads in the cloud, and integrating generative AI across an enterprise’s business-critical applications. “AWS was the first cloud provider certified to support the SAP portfolio and today, thousands of enterprise companies run SAP solutions on AWS to…

AfriGIS is among the first geospatial solutions companies to offer verified and validated geospatial data on administrative boundaries linked to postal codes throughout Africa. Expanding the company’s geospatial datasets to cover the continent, AfriGIS has developed a polygon dataset (a collection of shapes defined by closed lines that represent geographical areas) for 21,600 localities (towns), including 475,000 sub-localities (suburbs), over the past three years. There are numerous attributable data overlays that can be used to enrich the dataset  via API, including points of interest, administrative political boundaries, cadastral, deeds, and census data, street centrelines, postal code regions, sectional schemes, gated…