Author: Staff Writer
Most nascent entrepreneurs raise funding from a combination of savings, goodwill of family and friends and angel investors to convert their idea into a prototype or a minimum viable product (MVP). For entrepreneurs from historically disadvantaged backgrounds (HDPs) in South Africa, pre seed funding is a bigger struggle as many don’t have familial wealth or assets accumulated and lack access to angel investment networks. According to the 2022 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report, banks and venture capital funds are still the most likely sources of funding for most businesses in South Africa. But getting this capital is fiercely competitive for early-stage…
Kaspersky experts share insights on distinguishing voice deepfakes. Deepfake (“deep learning” + “fake”) artificial intelligence has been growing at a rapid rate over the past few years. Machine learning can be used to create compelling fakes of images, video, or audio content. To determine whether some audio piece is a fake or a speech of a real human, there are several characteristics to consider: the timbre, manner and intonation of speech. For example, a voice deepfake will give out an unnatural monotony of speech. Another feature that should be considered is the sound quality. So, illegible speech and strange noises…
Women gamers around the globe experience high rates of gender-based harassment, keeping many from participating in gaming. Independent research recently conducted in Argentina and the UK has revealed how females are treated in competitive multiplayer games, with verbal abuse, death threats and gender-based frustration very much the order of the day. Participants in both research studies even claimed that they could not compete with an open microphone as games often become impossible to play if the other players hear a female voice. “With the number of South African girls and women in the video gaming community growing at a rapid…
The effects of South Africa’s power cuts, inflation, cost of living and brain drain disproportionately affect domestic workers – 94% of whom are women. The average domestic worker in South Africa is their family’s sole breadwinner and sole caregiver, supporting an average of four dependents at home. This is apparent in the data gleaned from SweepSouth’s 2023 Report on Domestic Workers Pay and Work Conditions, released today. Distilling the survey responses of more than 5,500 participants, the sixth edition of the annual report reveals that the average domestic worker in South Africa is 37 years old and earns about R2,989…
The QR code payment industry has seen a surge in adoption in recent years, with estimates suggesting a global market value of USD$9.98 billion in 2022. QR codes are seeing a marked increase in popularity in South Africa as well, says Pieter Roux, President Payment Strategy at Ukheshe. From the brand evolution of Masterpass to Scan to Pay, Powered by Ukheshe, our Scan to Pay data shows a growing demand for mobile payments as more consumers use their mobile devices – from entry-level devices to high-end smartphones – for payments with an average of 12 million transactions per month. QR…
Sanlam Private Equity (SPE), the private equity division of Sanlam Investments, today announces that it has acquired a majority stake in Danny’s Auto Body Parts (Danny’s Auto), a provider of a wide range of high quality aftermarket automotive parts and accessories for various vehicle types and models in South Africa and other sub-Saharan countries. SPE made the acquisition through its private equity fund, SPE Mid-Market Fund I, and aims to make a significant impact on job creation and support the democratisation of vehicle repairs and maintenance. Based in Springfield, Gauteng, Danny’s Auto has a 76-year track record as a successful…
Solar power and alternative energy specialist Metrowatt is redefining the concept of customer service in the energy sector with the opening of its first walk-in Solar Centre in Parkhurst, Johannesburg. Reflecting Metrowatt’s commitment to resolving domestic energy challenges, the Solar Centre allows consumers to interact directly with energy experts, derive optimal savings, and access customised alternative energy solutions suited to their unique needs. Metrowatt is part of the Myriad Capital Group, which was founded 23 years ago by Chairman Greg Wilson. “Over the years, we have committed ourselves to overcoming many of the connectivity challenges facing South African businesses and…
South Africa’s Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) invites applications for its “ISPA Inspires Educational Sponsorship” for the 2024 academic year. Visit the ISPA Inspires website for more information and to register and submit your application. Sponsorship for the 2024 academic year will be awarded to one or more promising young candidates interested in pursuing a career in the ISP (Internet Service Provider) sector. Sponsorship is available for not only universities, TVET and technical colleges, but also any institution providing any type of accredited ICT training or sector specific courses where there is an identified shortage of skills in South Africa.…
The future of work in South Africa is evolving as remote work has become a prevailing trend. Recent studies indicate that remote work has witnessed a remarkable surge in South Africa after Pandemic, with over 70% of companies now incorporating remote work policies. The shift has been accelerated by technological advancements, changing employee preferences, cost effectiveness and the flexibility it offers to businesses and organizations during unforeseen disruptions as experienced in South Africa and indeed across the world during the COVID19 Pandemic. The success of remote work A leading research firm in South Africa, PwC in its latest survey, revealed…
As the second day of the SAPHILA 2023 conference – the African SAP User Group’s (AFSUG) official biennial conference for SAP users – opened, delegates were able to find out more on how SAP has addressed its own digital transformation to most powerful effect. SAPHILA 2023 took place at Sun City, North West Province, on 10 and 11 July 2023. Over the past 10 years, cloud technology has redefined entire industries and changed how companies run their day-to-day businesses. SAP has made a long-term commitment to become a fully-cloud company itself, and adopt SAP standard solutions. In this regard, Dr…