Author: Staff Writer

Telkom and the National Research Foundation (NRF) have announced the launch of the Future Technologies (FutureTech) programme, a new initiative to co-fund technology research grants and the studies of postgraduate students and postdoctoral Fellows, to help drive innovation. ‘’Through the Futuretech programme we are investing in the future of South Africa’s ICT sector and equipping our students to be skilled, competent professionals,’’ CEO of Openserve, Althon Beukes, said. The FutureTech programme will support local universities in the research and development of future innovations, solutions and technologies. This will improve competitiveness in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector and other related…

FNB and Pick n Pay are teaming up to deliver exciting new rewards for South African shoppers, aiming to help customers save more on groceries, clothing, and everyday essentials. Starting 1 November, FNB Private Clients, Private Wealth, and RMB Private Bank eBucks members can earn up to 30% back in eBucks on purchases made through Pick n Pay’s asap! delivery app – the highest earn rate for on-demand services. Additionally, members can get up to 20% back on all in-store purchases at Pick n Pay. For the first time, Pick n Pay Clothing is also included, with Aspire members earning…

Huawei South Africa and its growing network of channel partners are gearing up to accelerate local small and medium enterprise (SMEs) digital transformation with the Huawei eKit portfolio. This emerged during Huawei’s first eKit Annual Summit for South African partners, staged at The Forum in Bryanston recently. Huawei eKit, first launched in South Africa earlier this year, encompasses a broad variety of cutting-edge enterprise-grade products for SMEs. Designed to support SME trends such as digitalisation and growing adoption of cloud services, the eKit portfolio includes streamlined and cost-effective networking solutions, optical products and storage products such as Wi-Fi APs, diversified…

Standard Bank has made it easier for clients to access previously unclaimed dividends, pension, and insurance benefits. In collaboration with the unclaimed benefits tracing company, Robin Hood, Standard Bank has made the process of claiming these benefits seamless through its Banking App.   “Some clients are owed a few thousand rands, while others have large amounts of unclaimed benefits. This is money that could change lives and boost the economy. By removing the requirement for clients to individually approach funds to submit claims, we are making it easier for clients to be reunited with their unclaimed benefits,” says Dr Belinda Rathogwa,…

Get ready for an unparalleled adventure filled with smiles and surprise experiences across Mzansi (South Africa). This iconic character, known for their vibrant purple hue and playful spirit, is here to spread happiness and create magical moments everywhere they go. Expect exciting new menu additions inspired by this much-loved figure, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Immerse yourself in the festivities! Follow us for more details as we reveal tour dates and exclusive appearances at locations around the country. It’s going to be an epic, and you won’t want to miss it.

Civil society groups are renewing demands for the introduction of a basic income grant just days before Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presents the government of national unity’s first midterm budget, according to the report in the Sunday Times’ Business Times. On Wednesday, Godongwana is expected to hold firm on fiscal consolidation, focusing on reducing government debt, limiting public spending, and controlling the growth of the public sector wage bill. In an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, coordinated by the Institute for Economic Justice, civil groups accuse the National Treasury of attempting to block the implementation of a basic income…

Eskom has successfully suspended loadshedding for 212 consecutive days since 26 March 2024. This significant achievement is attributed to the ongoing success of its Generation Recovery Plan, which has been instrumental in maintaining a stable power supply across South Africa. Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has maintained a steady average of 62 % over the past week and 63% year to date, with top-performing stations — including Kusile, Grootvlei, Majuba, Camden, and peaking facilities — achieving over 70% EAF. Four other power stations recorded EAFs above 60%, sustaining system reliability. Operational efficiency over the past seven days has improved compared…

In a South African grocery retail first, Checkers has taken to the skies in a specially branded aeroplane. Emblazoned with “Sixty60” on its sides and “Checkers” on its belly, the plane was first spotted at the OR Tambo International airport on Thursday, 24 October. In collaboration with award-winning airline LIFT, the teal Airbus A320 conducted its maiden flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town at 10am on Thursday, 24 October. It will continue to operate on regularly scheduled flights between Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town this summer. Aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters can track the aircraft, operated by LIFT, online via…

Huawei Cloud, a top three cloud vendor in South Africa, today pledged to accelerate the digital transformation for local industries over the next five years to support the implementation of South Africa’s National Digital and Cloud Policy, thus driving the growth of the country’s digital economy. The inaugural Huawei Cloud Summit brought together public and private sector stakeholders with Huawei executives and Huawei Cloud ecosystem partners to align on strategies for better cloud infrastructure and digitisation in South Africa. Huawei Cloud has been in South Africa since 2019 and in this time its public cloud business has grown more than…

South Africa’s new Transport Safety Lab was unveiled by the Hon. Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande at CSIR in Pretoria on 24 October 2024. The lab features a stationary driving simulator housed on the CSIR’s Scientia campus in Pretoria, as well as a vehicle equipped with sensors to collect data on driver behaviour and the environment on the road. Dr Sandile Malinga, CSIR Smart Society Group Executive, says the lab will collect and analyse road safety data from the real-world and simulations, which can be used to improve transport safety policies and products. “This dual approach gives the CSIR Transport Safety…