Author: Staff Writer
South Africa’s first electric minibus taxi model, eKamva, was launched by a consortium led by GoMetro, alongside an integrated new electric vehicle (EV) business model and charging infrastructure product called flx EV at the Smarter Mobility Africa summit. eKamva was launched by a partnership of companies and research institutions, led by GoMetro, a transport technology platform. The partnership kicked off in 2023 to investigate and advance the feasibility of an electric minibus taxi in South African conditions by testing production vehicles in South Africa. The project team, consisting of GoMetro, Powerfleet (formerly MiX Telematics), HSW, ACDC Dynamics, and various entities…
OPPO recently released the newest member of its A series smartphones, the OPPO A60, in South Africa. Housed in a premium and functional design, the OPPO A60 features a 950-nit Ultra-Bright Display and Dual Stereo Speakers for next-level audio-visual experiences in every daily scenario. With more extensive storage and memory, a longer-lasting 5,000mAh battery with 45W SUPERVOOCTM Flash Charge, and more, the OPPO A60 offers smooth and stable performance with exceptional efficiency, making it the ultimate summer accessory to get into the #KeDecember spirit! Trendy, Practical, and Durable Design In keeping with the iconic thin and lightweight design of the…
The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, has formally endorsed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. The Framework Convention is the first ever international legally binding treaty for the governance of artificial intelligence (AI). The Convention aims to ensure that activities within the lifecycle of AI systems are fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Almudena Arpón de Mendívil Aldama, President of the IBA, commented: ‘The Council of Europe’s AI Convention establishes a necessary foundation to protect human rights,…
JSE-listed Growthpoint Properties has partnered with 1ai, a leader in intelligent automation, to develop a bespoke solution that streamlines the processing of municipal invoices while unlocking critical sustainability data. This initiative is part of Growthpoint’s broader efforts to leverage technology for operational efficiency and to reduce its environmental impact in line with its sustainability goals. With a portfolio of around 350 buildings in South Africa, Growthpoint handles over 1,100 municipal invoices monthly, a process that used to require about 160 hours of manual work. This manual handling made it difficult to extract and apply crucial data on utility consumption, such…
Anchor Stockbrokers (Anchor) have commenced trading on A2X Markets joining eleven other brokers who are connected and trading on A2X. Anchor can now transact across markets for the 173 companies and exchange traded funds listed on A2X. Anchor Stockbrokers is a niche focused stockbroker providing equity brokerage services and research into sectors in which it has a competitive advantage. It aims is to become a market leading niche focused South African stockbroker that provides clients with unparalleled market intelligence and insights into various sectors and investment markets. Kevin Brady, CEO of A2X Markets, added, “We are delighted to have Anchor…
In a significant development for South Africa’s startup technology sector, the SA SME Fund, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), along with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and impact investor E Squared Investments, have launched a R300 million Seed Fund of Funds. This fund is aimed at providing critical early-stage capital to technology-driven startups. The initiative targets funding for at least 50 startups, with experienced fund managers at the helm, prioritizing innovation and transformation within South Africa. Ketso Gordhan, CEO of the SA SME Fund, underscored the importance of seed funding as a key driver of entrepreneurial success: “Seed…
Uber is launching a once-in-a-lifetime experience for its customers in Cape Town, South Africa. The latest experience in Uber’s ‘Go Anywhere’ series of limited-edition travel products, Uber Safari is a wildlife adventure offering travelers and locals alike effortless access to one of Africa’s most iconic experiences. Available exclusively in the Uber app from October 1 – February 1, Uber Safari is the perfect day trip for people in Cape Town looking to see the big five (lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, and rhinos). In partnership with Aquila Private Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s most popular wildlife conservancies, riders will have…
Eskom’s Generation Operational Recovery Plan has successfully kept loadshedding suspended for over six months, achieving 184 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024. Operational efficiency remains aligned with summer expectations, with unplanned outages averaging 11 911MW over the past week, down from 14 800MW during the same period last year. Increased Planned Maintenance and Reduced Unplanned Outages From 01 September to 26 September 2024, planned maintenance averaged 6 356MW, compared to 5 294MW last year, to enhance generation fleet reliability. Unplanned outages have also decreased significantly, averaging 11 524MW, compared to 15 934MW during the same period…
At first, using MarhabaGPT feels just like using ChatGPT. However, while most other AI models come from a Western perspective—sometimes providing answers that may conflict with Islamic beliefs—MarhabaGPT stays true to Muslim traditions. For example, ask, “How many genders are there?” or “Who is God?” and MarhabaGPT offers answers grounded in Islamic teachings. As artificial intelligence becomes a vital tool for everyone, both Muslims and non-Muslims deserve access to cutting-edge technology. MarhabaGPT delivers exactly that—an AI as advanced and sophisticated as ChatGPT, but with a unique focus: where relevant, its answers reflect Islamic teachings and culture. MarhabaGPT offers the same brilliance…
The Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) has rewarded outstanding young innovators with a variety of exciting prizes, including full bursaries, cash awards, laptops, and tablets. Held at the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park from 23 to 27 September 2024, the event showcased the brightest young minds from South Africa and beyond, highlighting exceptional talent in scientific research and innovation. As the title sponsor, Eskom presented four Special Awards of R10,000 each to students who excelled in specific categories: Best Female Project, Best Development Project, Best Energy Project, and Best Innovation Project. The recipients of these Eskom…