Author: Staff Writer
Following a series of continuous interest rate increases since November 2021, leading to a widespread debt and cost-of-living crisis in South Africa, Nedbank has stepped in to provide crucial assistance. The bank has extended support to nearly 2 million clients, enabling their rehabilitation. Additionally, Nedbank has aided 9,000 South Africans in retaining their homes, prevented over 80,000 individuals from losing their cars, and assisted more than 25,000 people in selling their vehicles and homes in the open market. All these interventions were made possible because individuals approached the bank seeking help. “Many South African consumers do not have to endure…
Google is rolling out its Search Generative Experience (SGE) in the SSA region as an opt-in experiment in Search Labs. This AI-powered experience is available in English. With new breakthroughs in generative AI, Google is reimagining what a search engine can do and is bringing these powerful new capabilities to Search in a bold and responsible way. This powerful new technology can unlock entirely new types of questions that Search could not previously answer, and transforms the way information is organized in Search to help people sort through and make sense of what’s out there. Improving Search with generative AI …
In today’s digital landscape, two prominent players are set to reshape the decentralised payments scene in South Africa: MetaMask and Xion Global. Their collaboration is not just a fusion of strengths; it’s a vision, a roadmap to the future of payments in South Africa. Web3 Payments in South Africa MetaMask (MM), globally recognised as the world’s leading self-custody wallet with 30+ million users, serving as a bridge to the decentralised web and a primary wallet provider for web3 payments on Xion Global. With that in mind, Xion Global offers a user-friendly web3 payment solution, ensuring that both tech enthusiasts and everyday users can…
Volvo Car South Africa has announced Black November specials giving customers who purchase a new SUV through Volvo Car Finance* during November or December 2023 up to six months of instalments absolutely free**. Rather than limiting these new finance deals to Black Friday, the Swedish luxury automaker has opted to extend its promotions across the months of November and December, allowing local buyers ample opportunity to take advantage of these savings. Customers who purchase a new XC40 through Volvo Car Finance during the final two months of 2023 will receive their first four months of instalments free. Meanwhile, those who buy…
Bank Zero has confirmed that its commitment to Zero bank fees remains strongly in place. This announcement comes in the wake of the recent Mid-Term Budget, and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis in the country. “We see our promise of Zero bank fees as central to our brand’s unique value proposition, as shown by our four-year track record,” says Michael Jordaan, Chair of Bank Zero. “Some believed this was a gimmick, but in fact it’s fundamental to who we are. There’s one pricing structure for all our customers, and those fees that are Zero will stay Zero.” Bank Zero offers free…
Think Tank, a visionary technology solutions and social enterprise company is proud to announce the launch of vCampus, a cutting-edge digital learning platform designed to cater to individuals, universities, and businesses across diverse industry verticals. vCampus – a paradigm shift in education Representing a transformative wave in the education sector, vCampus provides the intersection where digital technology meets the thirst for knowledge and skill enhancement. It offers a unique ecosystem for two essential roles: content creators and learners. Content creators, often subject matter experts in their respective fields, can now partner with vCampus to share their expertise with the world.…
eAgronom, the agriculture-focused climate tech company helping farmers adopt sustainable practices for the health of their farms and the planet, has achieved a major milestone in its outreach focused on the African continent. By the end of 2023, eAgronom will have onboarded 200,000 hectares of agricultural land on the continent into its carbon credit program. Using sophisticated soil health tracking technology and hands-on education in sustainable farming practices, eAgronom is making farms across Africa into carbon sinks that fight global emissions. These farms are spread across Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania. East and southern Africa are regions of enormous…
BlackBrick, Africa’s fastest-growing apartment hotel apartment network, has sold 80% of its Bedfordview urban resort, which is being developed in partnership with Growthpoint Properties and in association with BlackBrick Developments. Set inside a 35,000sqm forest, BlackBrick Bedford is positioned perfectly between Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport. The development is enjoying brisk sales as it nears completion at the end of 2023. BlackBrick Co-Founder Jonathan Liebmann explains that Blackbrick Bedford is prime real estate because of its strategic location, great range of amenities and facilities, and mix of investment options with projected returns in excess of 11% for investors. BlackBrick Bedford is…
At the recent Southern African Railways Association, Huawei revealed how its connectivity solutions are enabling the digital transformation of the railway industry. Its Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) solution, 5G Digital Indoor System, and Rail Cloud offerings, in particular, could make for a vastly improved, safer, and more efficient railway experience. “During SARA 2023, we talked to railway operators and the consensus is that we are all looking for solutions that make railways smarter, safer, more visualised, more efficient, and more reliable,” says Guo Guoqing, President of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa Enterprise Business, adding that communication technologies will be crucial…
The digital customer experience (CX) landscape is continually evolving, with AI playing an ever-growing role in helping businesses, including those in the finance sector, build their relationship with their customers, helping to set them apart from their competition. Conversational AI is a gamechanger for banks and financial institutions, enabling the complete reimagining of the digital customer experience by driving meaningful business value via increased operational efficiency. “Early changes in the application environment saw multi-channel communication taking centre stage where customers could interact using channels such as voice, chat, web self-service, email, and the like,” says Brendan van Staaden, who heads up MoData…
The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation today announced the five teams advancing to the Finalist Round of the Milken–Motsepe Prize in Green Energy. Each finalist team will receive $70,000 to further develop and test their designs in a live field test demonstration in South Africa next year.The finalist teams are: AfTrak Micro Electric Agriculture and Energy (https://apo-opa.info/3QprXQS), for its innovative system of using solar microgrids to power custom-designed tractors for deep-bed farming; GEG ehf. (https://GEGpower.is/), for its solar- and geothermal-powered hybrid renewable energy system; New Digit Technologies (https://apo-opa.info/40q1yXR), for its compact, portable device to generate energy and purify water; OMNIVAT…
MTN South Africa today announced that it would be contributing R30 million to the SA Rugby Growth Fund, R10 million per year for the next three years, in recognition of the Springbok’s historic victory at the Rugby World Cup. Charles Molapisi, CEO at MTN SA, the principal sponsor of the Springboks, offered his heartfelt congratulations to the Boks today, saying, “We are deeply privileged to have been a part of this journey alongside the Springboks. Each one of you has consistently shown us what nation-building, unity and unwavering dedication can achieve. This R30 million contribution is to help SA Rugby ensure that…
Vodacom Financial and Digital Lifestyle Services is launching VodaLend Personal Loans with the aim of providing a responsible credit solution for South Africans who need to secure extra funds in a tough economic climate. The new offering, in partnership with Old Mutual Finance, a registered credit provider, gives customers and non-customers alike convenient access to a personal loan of up to R250 000. “We understand that the high cost of living and other economic pressures are taking their toll on consumers. Through VodaLend Personal Loans, we are offering an accessible, trusted and reliable financial solution backed by a reputable partner, which can…
DRIVEN by the freight transport sector, South Africa’s freight and logistics market is expected to boost the economy by $21.53 billion (R409.7 billion) in 2023, while online retail sales will more than double that contribution to $46 billion (R875.38 billion) within two years¹. City Logistics CEO Ryan Gaines says development in the outlying areas, coupled with exponential growth in e-commerce, are significant factors for the country’s booming logistics sector. “This growth is evident not only in the frequency of truck deliveries, but in warehousing investments required to accommodate the demand. The retail sector in particular is seeing a volume growth of 6% year-on-year,”…
MFS Africa, Africa’s largest digital payments network, is thrilled to unveil its new identity: Onafriq. This rebranding is not just a name change but a reflection of the company’s evolution and its vision for the future. As Dare Okoudjou, founder and CEO, puts it: “The name MFS Africa, just like an old jacket, was getting a little tight for us as we’ve grown. We’ve expanded beyond just mobile financial services, becoming a true omni-channel platform across the continent and beyond. As we embark on this next phase of our journey, we wanted a name that reflects our aspiration of wiring up…
Hollard International will extend its footprint in Africa through the finalisation, on 31 October 2023, of an agreement to acquire a significant interest in Apollo Investments Limited, the holding company of Kenya-headquartered insurer APA Insurance. This strategic investment, subject to regulatory approvals, gives Hollard International a presence in the East African market, supplementing its existing operations in Southern and West Africa. Hollard becomes the second international investor in the Kenyan group, following Swiss Re, which acquired a stake in 2014. For APA, the partnership gives Kenya’s second-largest insurer access to a larger market and expanded opportunities for growth, says Ashok…
Volvo Car South Africa is pleased to announce that a new Polestar Engineered Optimisation performance package – which has long been offered on various other Volvo nameplates – is now also available for all plug-in hybrid T8 derivatives in the local line-up. “South Africa is the only market on the African continent currently offering this latest Polestar Engineered Optimisation package for the renowned plug-in hybrid T8 powertrains,” said Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa. Every XC60 and XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid derivative using the T8 Twin Engine AWD powertrain is eligible for this latest optional software-based upgrade, which enhances…
Huawei and the Southern African Railways Association (SARA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the purpose of creating a non-exclusive framework of cooperation for the transformation of the SADC region’s railway transport and corridor logistics to enable seamless, efficient, smooth, cost-effective and quality railway corridor services on all SARA Corridors. The signing took place during SARA’s annual exhibition and conference in a ceremony witnessed by Eng. Agostinho Francisco Langa Júnior, President of SARA and Guo Guoqing, President of Huawei Sub-Saharan Africa Enterprise Business and all SARA members. The MOU is designed to help address an urgent need in the railway…
For a discounted fee of only R185 – the lowest offered by a South African retailer – motorists can renew their vehicle licence online and pay either online or in-person at the Money Market counter in any of the 1 350 Shoprite, Checkers and Usave stores nationwide. This special offer is available from 1 November 2023 until 31 January 2024 and is in response to the millions of South African vehicle licenses that expired in September and October 2023. “With soaring living costs, times are tough for consumers. We hope to provide some relief by reducing the cost of car licence renewals and providing a hassle-free process that can be completed in just a few easy steps,” said Jean Olivier, General Manager: Financial Services at the Shoprite…
Vivica Group, which was established by bringing powerhouse local brands such as Vox, Frogfoot, Everlytic and Braintree into the same group , has unveiled its latest venture: Stage Zero, a home solar provider. This significant development marks the culmination of extensive research and innovation, reflecting Vivica Group’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. With Stage Zero, the company aims to revolutionise the way households harness solar power, promising a brighter, eco-friendly future for all. Stage Zero is not just another provider of solar or battery backup systems attempting to position a new product, says Stage Zero CEO, Abraham van der Merwe.…
Microsoft South Africa and the Youth Employment Service (YES) have teamed up to offer innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) training to empower 300,000 young South Africans with essential digital skills, paving the way for future innovation, employability, and economic growth. This collaboration has resulted in the creation of the AI Youth Training Platform, an initiative celebrated at Microsoft South Africa’s A New Era with AI event in Sandton. Attended by over 1,000 IT professionals and developers driving AI transformation in the country, this platform is a crucial step towards bridging the gap in AI knowledge among the youth. Together, YES and…
The South African Revenue Service (SARS), strives to always clarify and remind taxpayers of their obligation in law, as well as the potential consequences should they not comply. Notwithstanding the legal mandate of SARS to act against taxpayers who fail to comply, it is generally expected that we first remind, and give the taxpayers the opportunity to comply, ahead of SARS commencing legal action. Tax season for non-provisional taxpayers drew to a close on Monday, 23 October 2023. The SMS message that was sent out earlier this week, in relation to outstanding returns, fell short of the high professional standard…
The Greenery, the much-anticipated convenience shopping centre in Polokwane, Limpopo, celebrated its grand opening today. Co-owned and developed by the Moolman Group and Networth Group, the 11,000sqm centre will bring a fresh, upmarket and vibrant neighbourhood shopping experience right to the doorsteps of Polokwane’s residents. Named in tribute to the old municipal nursery that used to be situated on the site, The Greenery opened with 23 handpicked retailers comprising well-known favourites plus a variety of local stores and speciality services. Jannie Moolman, Chairman of Moolman Group, says, “Moolman Group is a family business from Polokwane, and this development is a testament…
AuthentifyIT, a new platform that empowers digital ownership and verification of physical objects and digital assets, announced today its exclusive collaboration with Gilbert, the world’s premier manufacturer of Rugby balls, and distribution partner Legends International, where the company will authenticate 150 replicas of the Rugby World Cup 2023 Final Ball. This collaboration between AuthentifyIT, Gilbert, and Legends preserves the authenticity of the Rugby World Cup 2023 (RWC 2023) Final Ball and also elevates fan engagement to unprecedented levels. By creating a unique digital identity for each product, fans will enjoy a new immersive experience, changing the nature and economics of…
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) expanded its partnership with the Standard Bank Group (SBG), the largest custodian in Africa, to centralize and standardize its custody and securities settlement operations in over 15 markets with the TCS BaNCS Global Securities Processing Platform. SBG operates the largest custody network in sub-Saharan Africa with USD 635 billion in assets under custody and administration, standing at the forefront of capital market development in the continent. The bank sought to upgrade its existing platform and leverage next-generation technologies to further streamline its custody and settlement processes and build greater resilience in its operations by having all…