Author: Staff Writer

Today, Volkswagen Group Africa announced a R4 billion investment in its manufacturing plant in Kariega, Eastern Cape Province. The investment will be used to upgrade facilities in various areas in preparation for the addition of a third model to its production line-up from 2027. Most of the R4 billion investment will be allocated to capital expenditure for production facilities, manufacturing tooling, local content tooling and quality assurance. Nearly R877 million will be spent to enhance automation in the Body Shop. In the Press Shop, an estimated R418 million will be utilised to procure new press tooling. The first phase of…

Lexus has launched the All-New Lexus RX 450h+ Plug-In Hybrid. Touted as the best of both worlds, the plug-in hybrid has truly come into its own in recent times. Driven carefully by maximising the range permissible on a single full charge, the new Lexus RX 450h+ should be viewed as a bona fide electric SUV in its own right. For example, if you have the ability to plug in overnight after returning home from work, you’ll find that most of your daily commute can be dispatched in complete electric silence. The Lexus RX 450h+ retails for R1,629,300 and as with…

Metrofile, the leading provider of document management and digital solutions in East Africa, is proud to announce the launch of its new cloud services. This offering marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to deliver unparalleled data security, accessibility, and compliance with regulatory standards. The Metrofile cloud services are designed to cater specifically to the dynamic needs of Kenyan businesses, addressing the challenges of data volume growth, security threats, and the increasing demand for compliance with the Data Protection Act. “Our cloud services are not just about storage; they’re about empowering businesses to thrive in the digital era with…

VALR, the Pantera-backed crypto exchange headquartered in Johannesburg, announced that it has been granted both a Category I and Category II license by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa as a Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP). This milestone makes VALR one of the first crypto asset platforms to receive regulatory approval in both categories in South Africa. The FSCA opened CASP license applications in June 2023, giving crypto asset providers six months within which to apply for a license to be compliant with South African regulations. The South African regulatory authority has established a regulatory framework for…

BDO Cyber Lab, a top-tier global network providing advisory services, and Darktrace, a leader in autonomous cyber defence, have today reaffirmed their strategic partnership. This collaboration is built on a shared commitment to combat the evolving landscape of cyber threats using cutting-edge AI technology and expert risk mitigation strategies. Together, they offer a robust value proposition to organisations seeking to fortify their defences against sophisticated cyber-attacks. The synergy between Darktrace’s AI-driven cyber defence solutions and BDO Cyber Lab’s comprehensive risk management expertise creates a formidable barrier against cyber threats, ensuring clients are well-equipped to identify, prevent, and respond to malicious…

SEACOM, Africa’s telecommunications and managed services provider, today announced the launch of its all-new low earth orbit (LEO) satellite service. Now available to SEACOM enterprise clients, the service marks an evolutionary shift in connectivity in South Africa and complements existing terrestrial broadband infrastructure and technologies. The launch comes after a two-year process of consultation with industry partners. During that time, SEACOM was part of the purchase order of the first shipment of LEO satellite equipment into South Africa. Upon delivery, the company proceeded to complete all necessary installations and test trials. LEO satellites orbit the Earth at an altitude of…

According to a research project conducted by the Elvey Group (a company in the Hudaco group of companies)[1], the current value of the South Africa security technology market is R5.84 billion, with a constant growth indicated prior to COVID-19, and then again from 2021. Confidence in the sector is apparent in the record number of visitors who attended Securex South Africa in June 2023. This year, the award-winning Securex South Africa 2024 will build on its reputation as Africa’s largest and most comprehensive showcase of security products and services from 11 to 13 June at Gallagher Convention Centre. “Taking place…

Digital healthcare provider Unu Health is revolutionising the South African healthcare landscape with the launch of its As-You-Go private healthcare app, designed to make quality healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone. Amidst a national landscape where many face challenges in accessing healthcare due to cost and convenience, Unu Health’s new digital platform emerges as a timely solution, offering services from as low as R179. The app caters to the modern South African consumer, providing flexible and on-demand healthcare services that align with today’s fast-paced lifestyle. By harnessing the power of digital technology, Unu Health aims to bridge the significant gaps…

Volvo Cars’ Taizhou manufacturing plant has switched to biogas, making it our first plant in China to achieve climate-neutral status. The plant’s switch from natural gas will result in a reduction of more than 7,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. Despite being a small share of our total Scope 1-3 emissions of 43 million tons, securing climate-neutral energy for our Taizhou plant is an important step towards our goal of having climate-neutral manufacturing operations by 2025 and reducing emissions across our global operations. This ambition is also part of our broader aim to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by…

Flowgear, South Africa’s premier Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) vendor will host the country’s first conference dedicated to Integration and automation. Scheduled for April 16, 2024, at the Microsoft Office Park in Bryanston, Sandton, Flowgear Sync will explore the transformative potential of integration PaaS in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. In the dynamic landscape of digital transformation, the significance of iPaaS cannot be overstated. As businesses navigate the complexities of the digital era, iPaaS emerges as a crucial technology, with its market value projected to soar to $13.9 billion by 2026. Despite its prominence, iPaaS solutions have primarily been…

Construction has commenced on the redevelopment of Parkdene Boulevard, a retail centre in the burgeoning suburb of Parkdene in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni. It is set to open in October 2024. The 32,000sqm centre is being upgraded by Abland Property Developers and Retail Africa, which are both known for their innovative development approach, and is a collaboration with partners Nedbank CIB and the Ellerine Group. With a striking new design and a refreshed retail offering, Parkdene Boulevard will be a landmark centre in this part of the East Rand. The centre has long served Parkdene and the surrounding suburbs, being well located…

On April 9, 2024, Veronica Motloutsi, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg and SmartDigital Solutions, proudly launched the groundbreaking book, “Africa Lead with Digital: Unlocking the Continent’s Leapfrogging Potential.” The book, “Africa Lead with Digital,” delves into the continent’s rich tapestry of natural resources and vibrant cultures, highlighting the pivotal role of digital technology in propelling Africa towards development and growth. Through insightful analysis and practical guidance, the book explores how digital innovation can unlock unprecedented opportunities, drive inclusive economic growth, and position Africa as a global leader in the digital age. Attendees at the event included esteemed business…

In a bold move to accelerate Africa’s entrepreneurial trajectory and empower a new generation of agile startups with 21st-century digital capabilities, ALX an award winning tech training and career acceleration provider, announces the rollout of ALX Ventures in South Africa (SA). Already launched in two other African markets, Lagos and Rwanda, the first cohort in SA starts this month, with over 1300 applications. ALX Ventures programmes support top young SA tech talent and early-stage startups, to launch, accelerate and fund promising disruptive ventures that tackle the world’s greatest challenges and opportunities through business. Available to young Africans between the ages…

Today WeBuyCars has listed on the Main Board of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Established in 2001, WeBuyCars provides a quick, easy and trusted solution to selling pre-owned vehicles – remedying a once difficult and lengthy process. As of today, WeBuyCars has 2,800 employees across South Africa, buys and sells vehicles from 15 supermarkets, has 74 buying pods and over 340 buyers nationwide. “It has been an amazing journey that culminated in a listing on the JSE. We are excited about the road ahead as the listing opens up many opportunities such as enhancing our brand, creating liquidity for shareholders…

The landscape of work has transformed dramatically since the global COVID-19 pandemic, with remote work becoming increasingly prevalent across most industries. However, along with the benefits of remote work come significant cybersecurity challenges. Here’s how you and your business can address these issues and safeguard your sensitive data. Trevor Cooke, the online privacy expert at EarthWeb, discusses how to keep yourself safe from the growing cybersecurity risks associated with remote working. Trevor’s Four Essential Remote Cybersecurity Strategies Secure Your Network With Location-Aware VPNs Instead of relying solely on traditional VPNs, consider implementing location-aware VPNs that dynamically adjust security protocols based…

As South Africa continues its digital transformation journey, Ehlanzeni TVET College is emerging as a pivotal player in shaping the future by equipping youth in Mpumalanga with essential Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills. To empower the next generation for future employment, the College has partnered with 4IR skills development institution Forge Academy & Labs and the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT Seta). Under the visionary leadership of Principal Elias Mbuyane, Ehlanzeni TVET College has become a beacon of hope, offering cutting-edge 4IR education in the Ehlanzeni region. The College’s partnership with Forge has sparked…

MiWay Blink today introduced the newest member of its team. The new team member won’t be arriving at MiWay Blink HQ in a shiny new car and a fresh outfit but on the phone screens of its customers. That’s because it’s not a person, but a WhatsApp Chatbot. “Our WhatsApp bot, Blinky looks to connect with users who may prefer chatting to a bot to get a quote for their car insurance, further extending our position as the brand that lets you have your car insurance in your pocket,” says Keletso Mpisane, Head of MiWay Blink. The digitally-based motor insurer…

The City of Johannesburg warns thousands of defaulting residential property owners and businesses that, it intends to soon blacklist them to recoup more than R40 billion in municipal debt. The City has a growing municipal debt of more than R52 billion, which it intends to curb with its aggressive credit control campaigns. The City also intends to invoke its Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy by reporting defaulting payers to appropriate Credit Bureaus. Tebogo Moraka, Group Chief Financial Officer, says the City has set up a Specialised Revenue Collection Team which will specifically target these defaulting payers across the City,…

In an age where your personal information is readily accessible with a few clicks, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of erasing unnecessary data about yourself from the internet. All too often, we overlook the significance of minimizing our digital footprint, and in doing so we expose ourselves to potential privacy and security risks. Trevor Cooke, the online privacy expert at EarthWeb, shows you how you can easily reduce the amount of information about you that’s available on the web. Why Minimize Your Digital Footprint? Your digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind while using online platforms,…

When you tired of seeing your electricity bills skyrocket with each passing month it might be the right time to exploring an alternative energy solution that can give you security and save you money. Power for Every Home: No matter the size of your home, Sungrow’s solutions ensure uninterrupted electricity, even during grid outages. From cozy cottages to spacious estates, Sungrow keeps the lights on when you need them most. Safety First, always: Your family’s safety is our priority. Sungrow’s advanced technology and rigorous certifications ensure reliable performance and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Flexibility for…

In recent years, ransomware attacks have surged, posing a significant threat to businesses and individuals alike. These malicious attacks encrypt valuable data, demanding hefty ransom payments for its release. But you can learn how to fight back and protect your data. Trevor Cooke, the online privacy expert at EarthWeb, offers top tips on how to protect yourself from ransomware attacks. Prevention: How To Build Your Defenses Protect Your Data With Regular Backups Implement a robust backup strategy, ensuring that critical data is regularly backed up to secure, offline storage. Trevor says, ‘You can utilize cloud-based backup solutions like Google Drive…

Being stalked online is not only creepy but can lead to dangerous and terrifying outcomes. Stalkers are often after more than just your photographs and could uncover private information and use it to blackmail or scam you. Trevor Cooke, an online privacy expert at EarthWeb, shares the four most common signs of online stalking to look out for. Excessive Messaging And Commenting If you notice that a specific user is sending you messages constantly and commenting on all of your posts, this may be a red flag. ‘If it’s not a distant Aunt who doesn’t quite understand social media, then…

Cybercrime is expected to cost the world $9.5 trillion in 2024, according to predictions in a report by Cybercrime Ventures. If that were measured as a country, it would be the third biggest economy in the world. Yet in the face of this dire cybersecurity threat, more than 20 countries on the African continent have not yet developed a national strategy to deal with cybersecurity (basing on the latest Global Cybersecurity Index published by the International Telecommunication Union). Wadi Mseddi, Lead Partner – Mazars Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, notes that the research reports a shortfall of roughly four million cybersecurity…

Intel and its subsidiary Altera today announced new edge-optimised processors, FPGAs and programmable market-ready solutions extending powerful AI capabilities into edge computing. These products will power AI-enabled edge devices applicable to industries across retail, healthcare, industrial, automotive, defense and aerospace. “This next generation of Intel edge-optimised processors and discrete GPUs unleashes powerful AI capabilities to help businesses more seamlessly incorporate AI alongside compute, media and graphics workloads. From manufacturing to healthcare, Intel’s extensive edge AI experience and breadth and depth of edge-ready silicon and software help our customers deliver AI where they need it most for better business outcomes.” said…

Spotify, renowned for its innovative AI DJ feature, is extending its technological prowess to revolutionise playlist creation. Recently launched into beta, the platform introduces AI-driven playlists, a groundbreaking feature empowering users to curate personalised music compilations simply through written prompts. This advancement marks a significant step forward in enhancing user experience and underscores Spotify’s commitment to harnessing AI for tailored music enjoyment. Launching initially for users on Android and iOS devices in the United Kingdom and Australia, utilising AI Playlist to craft a new playlist is effortless. It only requires typing a distinctive prompt into the chat. Whether seeking “an…