Author: Staff Writer
August presented a mixed picture for used car sales. According to AutoTrader data, used car sales contracted by -8.2% year-on-year. However, there was a small positive, with monthly sales rising marginally by 1%. The month brought sales of 31,877 used cars that generated a value of just over R13 billion, a -6.8% year-on-year value reduction. Predictably, Japanese brand Toyota maintained its position as the top-selling used car brand, ahead of Volkswagen and Ford. However, Suzuki and Kia were the only brands in the top ten to show year-on-year growth, with sales increases of 40% and 11%, respectively, and monthly growth…
: The highly anticipated launch of the Apple iPhone 16 series, which is expected to launch in South Africa on 20 September is just around the corner. Given its projected price tag in the region of R20 000 and up, depending on the storage you choose, consumers are reminded that high-ticket items do come with their fair share of risk. This is according to Siyakha Masiye, Spokesperson at MiWay Insurance, who explains that in an increasingly digitised world, smartphones are the indispensable pocket companions that many South Africans rely on to stay connected on the go. As smartphones are considered portable…
A year after its launch, the online motor vehicle registration and Notice of Change of Ownership (NCO) initiative, developed by WeBuyCars and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), has reached significant milestones. Launched on August 22, 2023, this system is revolutionising vehicle registration and ownership transfers across South Africa. Following extensive testing from September to December 2023, WeBuyCars began a strategic roll-out in January 2024, supported by a comprehensive change management plan tailored to both public and private sectors. The new system grants approved entities, such as dealerships, financial institutions, and insurers, direct access to the National Traffic Information System…
Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets, has been recognised as one of Time Magazine’s World’s Best Companies and Newsweek’s World’s Most Trustworthy Companies. TIME and Newsweek are esteemed media organisations that have maintained a reputation for exceptional journalism for nearly a century. “These accolades from two iconic global news magazines demonstrate that our determined focus on delivering excellent services for our clients in, across and beyond Africa is being recognised worldwide,” says Sim Tshabalala, Group Chief Executive for Standard Bank Group. Time Magazine’s World’s Best Companies, now in its second iteration, is a comprehensive analysis of the top…
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…