Author: Staff Writer
The Media Information Communication and Technologies Sector Education Training Authority (MICT SETA) and the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) are set to host the inaugural 4IR Research Symposium and Expo, marking a pivotal moment for South Africa’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) research landscape. Scheduled for 25-26 October 2024 at VUT’s Vanderbijlpark Campus, the event will also launch the MICT SETA-VUT 4IR Research Chair. The two-day symposium, under the theme “Impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on Future Skills,” aims to significantly enhance South Africa’s 4IR scientific research and innovation capacity. It will bring together leading scholars, industry professionals, and government representatives…
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. 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 fields. Commenting on the partnership, CEO of Openserve, Althon Beukes, said the company was pleased to contribute. ‘’Through the Futuretech programme we are investing in the future of South Africa’s…
VisionAI, an artificial intelligence and computer vision solutions provider, has announced an investment from Kalon Venture Partners. This funding will fuel VisionAI’s growth as it continues to transform not only the manufacturing and supply chain sectors but also a wide array of industries through its innovative AI-driven technology. VisionAI has been making waves by helping manufacturing and supply chain operations leverage their existing CCTV camera feeds with visual AI to track business critical metrics that lead to increased productivity, cost savings and reduced operational risk. The partnership with Kalon Venture Partners will further empower VisionAI to redefine the use of…
Huge Group, an investment entity listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, announces that Douglas (Doug) Reed has recently joined the team to take on the company’s growth and innovation portfolio, and that he will be working closely with the investment companies in its investment portfolio. With over 30 years of experience in the telecoms sector, Doug is recognised for, amongst his many accomplishments, his leadership in transforming Vox Telecom from a small ISP into a major industry player. His industry knowledge and hands-on approach will support Huge Group’s portfolio investment companies with their growth aspirations, with an immediate focus on…
The Johannesburg Interbank Average Rate (JIBAR) – one of the most widely used interest rate benchmarks by banks in South Africa – will be replaced by an Alternative Reference Rate (ARR). The Market Practitioner’s Group (MPG) has designated the South African Rand Overnight Index Average interest rate benchmark or ZARONIA as the successor rate to replace Jibar. RMB is actively involved in the industry working groups which include the regulator, the central bank, industry bodies and forums. RMB supports the transition to ARRs and has launched a South African Rates Reform Programme to help clients navigate the many challenges resulting…
Proudly South African fuel brand, Sasol, is rolling out Tipped, a digital tipping solution, to make it easy and convenient for customers at its fuel stations nationwide to tip petrol attendants straight from their smartphones. The move reflects Sasol’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and empowering customers to show gratitude for good service by tipping forecourt staff. “Partnering with Tipped aligns with our strategy at a time when our customers are embracing digital payments. We are pleased to be supporting an innovative, local female owned technology startup, following successful pilots of the solution at selected sites, said Zanele Hadebe,…
Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies, a leading pan-African technology group, has announced the opening of a fully equipped, state-of-the-art computer centre, kitted with high-speed connectivity and a full-time assistant, at Sempapa Secondary School in the Makapanstad region of the North-West Province. With the additional sponsorship of 50 computers, learners from four schools in the community will now have access to basic digital and computer literacy skills and courses. “The launch of the first digital centre in the North-West Province not only reaffirms Liquid South Africa’s commitment to the province and the region; it reflects our commitment to…
A novel sensor system has been developed to help datacentres optimise the energy efficiency and sustainability of their operations. In the following article, Anu Kätkä from the measurement technology company Vaisala describes the development of a modular daisy-chain temperature/humidity sensor configuration, which has dramatically reduced cabling requirements and lowered the carbon footprint of building management systems (BMS). Background The global demand for datacentres is being driven by cloud-based services, AI, automation and digitisation. These data handling facilities house large amounts of IT infrastructure and require high levels of power to run the equipment and to cool it. The latest servers…
After years of restricted movement, the conversation around travel has regained momentum, particularly for South Africans who are increasingly seeking ways to balance work, life, and mental well-being. For millennials and Gen Z, incorporating travel into a sustainable lifestyle rhythm has emerged as a key priority. However, the challenge for many remains how to make travel more affordable, especially in the face of rising living costs and constrained budgets. It’s the Journey, Not Just the Destination One of the primary hurdles in realising a dream holiday is determining how to afford it. For many South Africans, this is where aspirations often lose momentum. Everyday spending typically does little to help build a travel fund, which is why loyalty programmes are proving to…
In recognition of the invaluable work being done by non-profits and small businesses to shape a better South Africa, local digital transformation business Obami is launching a Tech in Kind initiative. As a token of appreciation for their efforts, Obami is offering up to R1 million in pro bono digital transformation services to selected organisations. With close on 75% of South Africans now online, the opportunity for digital engagement is too big to ignore. Yet only 42% of our SMEs have a website or social media presence, with countless more lacking the appropriate digital infrastructure needed for their teams to operate efficiently. Similarly, nonprofits struggle…