Author: Staff Writer

It was good news all round for the South African motor industry in April this year, with both new and used car sales showing growth. According to used car sales data released by AutoTrader, used car sales rose by 7% year-on-year last month, while month-on-month growth was 5%. The accumulated value of used cars sold last month – at R11.7 billion – increased by 4.01% month-on-month and 9.8% year-on-year. A total of 28,725 used cars (average price R407,849, average mileage 75,015km and average age of 6 years-old) were sold last month. This compares to 26,751 sales in April 2023 and…

Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) and the Gift of the Givers Foundation have joined forces to restore and enhance Gqala Primary School in Tsholomnqa, Eastern Cape. The school, home to over 150 learners, faced displacement and educational disruptions following the aftermath of gale-force winds in 2023. The collaboration, valued at R2.5 million saw the reconstruction and refurbishment of the school premises, alongside the provision of essential learning materials and uniforms for the students. “We are honoured to have been a part of this project and see it come to life beyond a concept. For Mercedes-Benz, it is about more than building…

On a seemingly ordinary Thursday, actress KB Motsilanyane sparked intrigue and speculation as she proudly showcased her academic achievements from Regenesys Business School. Motsilanye proudly attained her Bachelor of Business Administration from Regenesys Business School, igniting a flurry of skepticism among netizens. Doubts emerged regarding the legitimacy of the institution she graduated from, prompting a closer examination of its credibility. Known for her excellent work on the former eTV show Backstage, she shared on her Instagram page that she has bagged a degree in Business Administration from Regenesys Business School. Briefly reported that the controversial blogger and gossipmonger Musa Khwula…

Paratus Group, a leading pan-African telecommunications provider, has signed with BSO – the global pioneering infrastructure and connectivity provider serving the world’s largest financial institutions – as its first customer for the recently launched Paratus Express Route. This ground-breaking fiber route provides the fastest connectivity between Johannesburg and Europe, with an impressive latency of just 123 milliseconds. BSO, known for its low-latency connectivity solutions for businesses operating in time-sensitive industries, is now able to enhance its service offering by using Paratus Express Route. Michael Ourabah, CEO at BSO, said: “We are excited – not only to be the first customer…

RMB takes a $100 million or R1.8 billion bet on Powerfleet, a global telematics business listed on the Nasdaq, with a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The entity was created from a merger between Powerfleet and Mix Telematics (Mix). The combined business aims to become a top-tier global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) and Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions that optimise the performance of mobile assets. The debt facility from RMB was tailored to cater for significant complexity in this multi-jurisdictional business. It will enable the merged Powerfleet entity to leverage the strengths of each…

South African entrepreneurs Eldrid Jordaan and Goitse Konopi have successfully listed their new technology venture, Suppple, on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The company has a market capitalisation of £200 million (about R4.6 billion) and its shares are priced at £2 each. This strategic move aims to bolster Suppple’s financial stability and enhance its attractiveness to investors, which is expected to support the company’s plans for expansion into new markets and sectors. The founders, Prof. Eldrid Jordaan and Goitse Konopi, coupled with their visionary leadership in GovChat laid the groundwork for Suppple. Under their stewardship, GovChat launched as South Africa’s official…

Based on recent research, here are the top 10 cheapest wireless fibre providers in South Africa, including their pricing, speeds, and an evaluation of their reliability. This table can help you compare the options and make an informed decision: Provider Speed Price/Month (ZAR) Reliability Reasons for Top 10 Zoom Fibre 15 Mbps R345 High Affordable, reliable, good entry-level options​ ​ Openserve 20 Mbps R299 High Very affordable, wide coverage​ ​ Vox Telecom 10 Mbps (Frogfoot Air) R289 High Low price, good for light usage​ ​ Clear Access 8 Mbps R325 Medium Low-cost, moderate reliability​ ​ ITNT 25 Mbps R425 High…

As the digital landscape in South Africa evolves, online scams have become increasingly sophisticated, posing significant risks to individuals and businesses alike. Here are ten prevalent scams to watch out for in 2024: Deepfake Impersonation Scams: Scammers use AI to create realistic fake videos or audio clips, often impersonating CEOs or family members to trick victims into transferring money. Investment Scams: Fraudulent investment schemes promise high returns. Always verify the legitimacy of the investment platform. Charity Scams: Fake charities solicit donations, especially during crises. Verify charities through reputable databases. Coronavirus Scams: Scammers exploit COVID-19 fears with fake testing kits, vaccines,…

First Battery, a long-standing name synonymous with automotive batteries, has announced the appointment of Shane Petersen as the company’s Director of Sales and Marketing. With an illustrious 93-year history deeply rooted in automotive batteries, First Battery has been a trusted provider of powering vehicles across South Africa’s varied terrain. Petersen brings to First Battery a wealth of experience from his extensive career spanning mobility, energy, and multinational enterprises. With a profound understanding of market dynamics and a track record of strategic foresight, he is poised to lead First Battery into a future where energy liberation is not just a mission…

Sungrow, the global PV inverter and energy storage system provider, has solidified its presence in South Africa’s renewable energy sector with two significant agreements recently inked. The company has forged partnerships with Herholdt’s and ARB, both prestigious distributors in South Africa. The signing ceremony marked the commencement of an official distribution agreement, whereby Sungrow is committed to providing a comprehensive range of products and services to these esteemed partners. This diverse offering comprises inverter and storage solutions tailored for residential and commercial & industrial applications. Additionally, Sungrow will offer extended support and comprehensive after-sales services to ensure smooth operations and…