Author: Staff Writer
Cape Town’s Township internet service provider, TooMuchWifi, has announced that it has expanded its operations in the Western Cape province, bringing affordable and reliable internet connectivity to Mbekweni, a settlement between the towns of Wellington and Paarl, where there is a growing demand. In addition, the company is extending its operational reach to better serve the communities of Atlantis on the West Coast and Delft near Blue Downs, where it already has a footprint. This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth, in line with its mission to bridge the digital divide that prohibits so many communities from…
Santam, South Africa’s largest general insurer, has announced the rebranding of its app-based digital client solution from JaSure to Santam Switch, following the 100% acquisition of the insure tech company a year ago. As part of its multi-channel strategy, Santam is accelerating its growth through a variety of distribution channels and business models to reach new market segments through “new age” digital insurance solutions. According to Atang Matebesi, the CEO of Santam’s Client Solutions business, the rebrand accelerates a fully digital solution for Santam and positions the brand for growth within a younger market segment, while leveraging Santam’s established brand,…
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.…