Author: Staff Writer

Collective X today announced the opening of applications for its co-funded digital skills initiative on Thursday, 19 September 2024. With R50 million available for co-funding digital skills programmes, this initiative offers a valuable opportunity for employers to shape South Africa’s future digital workforce. South Africa is facing a severe digital skills shortage, with 40,000 entry-level digital jobs needed annually, yet only 20,000 skilled individuals entering the workforce each year. Collective X aims to bridge this gap by aligning quality entry-level skills with business needs, helping businesses stay competitive while creating sustainable employment for the nation’s youth. As a not-for-profit organisation,…

A new IBM study reveals that the complexity of generative AI is pushing tech executives to reassess their technology infrastructure. Of the 2,500 tech leaders surveyed globally, 43% expressed increased concern about their infrastructure, with many focusing on hybrid cloud and AI investments. Over the next two years, they expect to spend 50% of their budgets on these areas. The study also highlights a gap in collaboration between tech and finance leaders, with only 39% of tech executives embedding tech metrics into business cases. High-performing organizations that link technology investments to measurable outcomes report 12% higher revenue growth. In South…

The Generation Operational Recovery Plan continues to deliver a constant energy supply and efficiencies with loadshedding remaining suspended and Eskom achieving 170 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024. In the past seven days, Eskom’s use of its Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) resulted in diesel expenditure of R4.16 billion from 01 April to 12 September 2024. This is a 75% reduction compared to the R16.7 billion spent during the same period last year. Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) averaged 63% over the past week, with top-performing stations such as Kusile, Lethabo, Grootvlei, Camden and the peaking stations…

Aliko Dangote, founder of Dangote Group, has called on African business leaders to take the lead in transforming the continent. Speaking at the just concluded African Renaissance Retreat held in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote pointed out that despite significant challenges besetting Africa, its youthful population and abundant resources, including about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves and the largest reserves of gold, cobalt, uranium, platinum, and diamonds, offer opportunities for substantial and inclusive growth. “Additionally, we have 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of the planet’s internal renewable freshwater sources. Together these present a myriad of opportunities for robust,…

The City of Cape Town’s Health Department has piloted an online appointment portal, where clinic clients can schedule clinic visits to suit their needs and schedule. The portal is a step up from the existing appointment system, which until now has allowed clinic staff to make appointments on behalf of clients. However, by accessing the portal, clients can now decide when exactly they want to visit the clinic, and where. The portal also allows them to cancel and reschedule bookings – all from their cellphone. ‘This pilot project aims to put clients in control – they can choose their preferred…

Following a notice issued on 2 July 2024 to the National Treasury and Emfuleni Municipality, Emfuleni has been removed as a beneficiary of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) 124 Debt Relief program due to multiple breaches. As a result, the Sheriff of the Court has attached Emfuleni’s four bank accounts, ensuring that funds collected for electricity are paid directly to Eskom. The municipality failed to comply with the debt relief program’s requirements, prompting this action. The account attachment guarantees Eskom receives payment for the electricity it supplies, ensuring uninterrupted service to Emfuleni’s customers. Eskom said in a statement today…

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has received a total 161,607 tax directive applications for in two-pot system. This includes the directives which have been cancelled.  159, 853 relates to Savings Withdrawal Benefits, which is 98.9% of the total number of applications received from Sunday 1 to 10 September 2024, which means SARS received an average of 17,964 tax directive applications a day. Gross amount of the lumpsums for the applications received totals R4.1 billion. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said contributions made to a pension or retirement fund were not taxed at the time of payment to the fund but…

The uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) has taken centre stage as the most viable means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions around the world. In South Africa, the race to shrink the transport industry’s carbon footprint is no different. However, the local automotive ecosystem’s sluggish transition to low-emission alternatives means its sizable contribution to GDP hangs in the balance, says GoMetro CEO, Justin Coetzee. His view is that commercial players and government bodies can both do more to safeguard the industry. In 2023, 75.5% of vehicles produced in SA were exported to the UK and EU, according to the Automotive Business…

With the festive season fast approaching, road safety concerns are on the rise. This year, the Department of Transport reported a staggering 1,184 fatalities over the 2023/24 festive period.  Aligned with its mission to challenge injustice, inDrive announced today the introduction of a new in-app call feature, alongside other innovative safety measures, aimed at ensuring a safer e-hailing experience this festive season. Expanding its reach, inDrive recently launched in seven additional cities across South Africa, bringing the total to 16, with new operations in Bloemfontein, Mahikeng, Emalahleni (Witbank), Kimberley, George, Vereeniging, and Potchefstroom. These safety upgrades come at the perfect…

During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Huawei and Standard Bank South Africa (SBSA) signed a strategic cooperation agreement, to accelerate digital transformation of the financial sector and enhance South Africa’s ability to continue growing its digital industries. Jason Cao, CEO of Huawei Digital Finance BU, gave the welcoming address which set the scene for the day’s discussions. He spoke about the established relationship between Huawei and SBSA, Africa’s largest bank, in several countries. He said, “We are signing an agreement for the future because we share a common goal of achieving excellence. Huawei’s cutting-edge technologies and…