Author: Staff Writer
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s worth asking an uncomfortable question: what happens when the feeling of being ‘seen and heard’ doesn’t come from a partner, but from a machine? Designed with distinct personalities and an affirming tone, artificial intelligence (AI) companion chatbots can blur emotional boundaries and foster romantic attachment. While this may seem harmless, it raises concerns both for individuals and organisations seeking to prevent emotional dependency, manipulation and data leakage. With loneliness an ever-present reality for many, there has been an exponential rise in recent years in companion AI chatbots. “Unlike general-purpose chatbots, AI companion apps…
Johannesburg, February 10, 2026 – Huawei South Africa and the National School of Government (NSG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen digital skills development within the public sector and accelerate government’s digital transformation journey. Under the two-year agreement, Huawei will support the NSG in integrating selected Huawei technology courses into the existing NSG U-Learning ecosystem. The collaboration will focus on priority areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, networking, storage, cloud and digital government, ensuring that public servants gain practical, future-focused skills that align with South Africa’s evolving digital landscape. “As the primary provider of training and educational…
The V27 offers a flexible, spacious cabin with up to 1,818 litres of cargo space,49 storage compartments (including a hidden 40-litre compartment under the boot floor), and class-leading second-row legroom. Advanced technology includes a 15.4-inch 3K central display and seven one-touch driving modes for various scenarios. Comfort features like a dual panoramic sunroof, premium 15-speaker audio system, ambient lighting, and a quiet cabin create a relaxing, adventure-ready experience. For many families and adventure seekers, space is what truly makes a car practical. Whether it’s a weekend getaway with children, a road trip with friends, or a spontaneous camping adventure, interior…
[Cape Town, South Africa | February 10, 2026] As global demand for transition and technology minerals surges, countries in the Global South must redefine their mineral assets not just through the lens of international supply chains, but through domestic development imperatives. The Linkage-Based Criticality Matrix (LBCM™), developed by the Centre for African Mineral Value Chains (CAMVaC)—the policy research arm of ESG Frontiers—provides policymakers with a robust tool to prioritise strategies and investments aligned with local realities and long-term resilience. “We’re seeing a pattern where criticality is defined by what’s scarce to others, not by what’s vital to us,” says Fulufhelo…
AlphaTON Capital Corp (ATON) has spent the early weeks of 2026 aggressively repositioning itself from a digital asset holding company into a vertically integrated infrastructure powerhouse. By leveraging its strategic ties to the Telegram and TON ecosystems, the company is carving out a niche in the high-stakes world of confidential AI compute. Key Financial Highlights (As of Jan 29, 2026) AlphaTON recently released a market update showcasing a significantly fortified balance sheet aimed at fueling its infrastructure ambitions. Metric Status/Value Total Assets $24.5 Million Cash on Hand $11 Million Debt Position Zero Debt Convertible Securities None Shares Outstanding 23.4 Million…
Audiobooks are now available to listen to on Spotify in South Africa, giving users more ways to get lost in great stories. With an extensive catalogue of audiobooks, Spotify’s selection spans bestsellers, new releases and genre favourites, including Shining Girls by South African author Lauren Beukes, as well as Heated Rivalry, Fourth Wing and You and Me on Vacation. It is one more way for audiences to discover, enjoy and share stories, all in one app. Whether you are commuting, exercising or winding down, modern life does not always leave time to sit down and read. Audiobooks make it easier…
TymeBank has officially transitioned to GoTyme Bank, marking the next chapter in the bank’s evolution as part of the global Tyme Group – a banking group operating across multiple markets and serving 20 million customers worldwide. This change also introduces a new digital experience through the new GoTyme app. The GoTyme Bank brand more clearly expresses the bank’s global alignment and focus on delivering a modern, digital-first banking experience that is simple, transparent, and affordable. This evolution of the bank’s brand reflects the scale, maturity, and ambition of the business, while maintaining full continuity for customers. “GoTyme Bank reflects who we…
Today, Disney+ debuted the official trailer for FX’s “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” a limited series that explores the undeniable chemistry, whirlwind courtship and high-profile marriage of one of the most iconic couples of the 20th century, John F. Kennedy Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly) and Carolyn Bessette (Sarah Pidgeon). It is the first installment in Ryan Murphy’s “Love Story” anthology and is inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. The nine-episode series will premiere 12 February with the first three episodes, followed by new episodes weekly. It was a love story that…
South African SME funding platform Lula has secured R340 million in local currency funding from FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. This investment is set to significantly expand access to finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. The funding follows a period of robust growth for Lula. In 2023, the company successfully closed a $35 million Series B round led by Lightrock, which included participation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Quona Capital, DEG, and Triodos Investment Management. More recently, in late 2025, Lula further bolstered its lending capacity through a $10 million local-currency loan from…
Salesforce, the global leader in AI CRM, today announced the appointment of Nick Christodoulou as Area Vice President of Sales for Africa, a move that marks a significant expansion of Salesforce’s leadership team in the region and reinforces the company’s commitment to driving digital transformation and AI adoption across the continent. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for African enterprises, as organisations across sectors seek to modernise operations, unlock productivity, and remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven global economy. In his new role, Christodoulou will spearhead Salesforce’s sales strategy and revenue growth across Sub-Saharan Africa, working closely with customers…
capricorn GROUP (capricorn), the German-based industry leader in automotive and motorsport lightweight technology, presented two capricorn Zagato 01 hypercars at Salon Rétromobile, Paris, 27 Jan – 1 Feb 2026. The first customer deliveries will happen in 2026, following an intensive and rapid development process, borne out of capricorn’s extensive motorsport engineering experience. Both capricorn 01 Zagato hypercars are fully functional, drivable prototypes and a third example is currently under build at capricorn’s Mönchengladbach’s production facility. All three models will play a pivotal role in capricorn’s test and calibration program, as the brand rapidly accelerates towards a handbuilt production run strictly…
Expressive new energy vehicle (NEV) brand iCAUR – part of China’s cHERY GROUP – has announced key details of its dealership rollout strategy ahead of its official entry into the South African market. The brand will launch with an initial network of 20 dealerships, with further expansion planned as demand and market opportunities evolve over the next 12 to 24 months. The first phase of the rollout will prioritise establishing a strong national footprint, with dealerships planned across most of South Africa’s provinces. This approach underscores iCAUR’s commitment to accessibility and long-term growth, ensuring customers nationwide can engage with the…
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has officially extended the deadline for written submissions to its Inquiry on new Individual-Electronic Communications Network Services (I-ECNS) licences. Stakeholders now have until 16 February 2026 to submit their responses, following considered requests for additional time. I-ECNS Licence: An Individual Electronic Communications Network Service licence allows the holder to build and operate a physical network (e.g., fibre, wireless) for providing communications services to the public. The Inquiry, launched via Government Notice No. 53719 on 25 November 2025, represents a landmark review. It is the first comprehensive assessment since the pivotal 2008 Altech Autopage Cellular judgement and the…
Eskom and the Government of the Netherlands and key provincial partners will officially launch the Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at Grootvlei Power Station in Mpumalanga. The Centre is a pilot initiative under Eskom’s Just Energy Transition (JET) Programme and marks an important step in linking South Africa’s energy transition with agriculture, climate-smart food production, skills development and new economic opportunities. The Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre demonstrates how the repurposing of energy-related infrastructure such as coal-fired power stations can support new, future-oriented economic activities beyond the energy sector. By combining clean energy solutions with…
Taking place on Saturday, March 21, 2026 (Human Rights Day), at Coronation Park in Krugersdorp, the DIVAS INTERNATIONAL Music Festival presents an unforgettable celebration of music, unity, and empowerment under the theme “Voices That Heal”. Timed to resonate with South Africa’s Human Rights Month, the festival is an international celebration of women’s rights, dignity, and creative power. This ground-breaking festival brings together an all-star female lineup, spotlighting some of South Africa’s most powerful and globally recognised voices whose influence spans across generations. The bill includes Zee Nxumalo, Makhadzi, Mafikizolo, Nkosazana Daughter, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Abigail Kubeka, Zenzi Makeba Lee with the…
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, today released its annual Retail Spend Monitor from Visa Consulting & Analytics (VCA), providing a detailed view of South Africa’s 2025/26 holiday retail performance. Preliminary findings show that total holiday retail spend across all payment methods, including cash — grew 7.9% year‑on‑year. This year’s edition features expanded insights, incorporating business travel–related spending during the G20/B20 Summit, offering a more comprehensive view of the drivers influencing national economic activity. “Whether shoppers were upgrading their tech, refreshing their closets, or stocking up at one‑stop shops, retailers delivered seamless shopping experiences both in stores and online,”…
As countries push ahead with digital transformation, infrastructure planning is evolving. It is no longer only about connectivity and platforms; it is also about building the skills pipeline that allows citizens and businesses to use technology effectively and securely at scale. In South Africa, the skills-and-infrastructure link is especially real for young people entering the next phase after matric. The question is increasingly practical: what skills translate into opportunity, and how quickly? Micro-credentials and industry certifications are gaining momentum as shorter, stackable routes to build job-relevant capability, prove competence, and access entry points into the digital economy. Digital transformation is also…
OPPO is launching the Reno15 Series in South Africa this month, bringing refined design and next-gen imaging to a range built for everyday creativity. The latest Reno line-up continues OPPO’s momentum in the local market, with innovation, design, and camera performance at its core, supporting how users live, work, and create every day. Building on the success of the Reno14, the Reno15 Series strengthens what has made the Reno stand out in the premium mid-tier segment. It introduces a sharper design and refined camera features while keeping the reliability and accessibility that South African users have come to expect. Over…
Today, Cartesian Capital, a boutique South African asset management firm, has announced the listing of an Actively Managed Exchange Traded Fund (AMETF) and an Actively Managed Certificate (AMC)on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), offering wealth managers, financial planners and retail investors access to flexible, outcome-driven building blocks designed for today’s evolving portfolio needs. An auspicious day for the asset management industry as Cartesian is 100% black female owned and managed. Cartesian also manages a range of products across the risk return spectrum, from a Money Market Unit Trust to a Fixed Income Hedge Fund. The AMC listing is supported by the technical expertise…
Global home appliance leader Haier confirms the official launch of its appliance and product range in South Africa, to deliver a premium range of smart, energy-efficient home appliances to local households. As electricity costs continue to increase, with the threat of load shedding ever present, and water scarcity rising as a serious concern, Haier offers a smart alternative that combines innovation, efficiency and everyday practicality. With a strong global reputation and 17 consecutive years as the number one major appliances brand by retail sales volume, Haier enters the South African market with a clear focus on energy-saving technology, intelligent design…
AI has changed our personal lives, answering any question, unleashing our creativity, and delivering tailored insights with a simple prompt. But in the workplace, AI hasn’t yet been so transformative — bogged down by unintuitive interfaces, fragmented across multiple teams and tools, beset by hallucinations and inconsistency, and lacking the context that the workplace demands. At Dreamforce, Salesforce unveiled its vision for closing this gap: Agentforce 360 with Slack as the conversational interface where people and agents work together, connecting knowledge, actions, and data in real time. The idea is simple: Use Slack’s intuitive, familiar UI to connect every employee…
Nissan is proud to announce that the all-new Nissan LEAF has been awarded the prestigious title of World’s Best Compact Car by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) jury – the only automotive awards panel in the world comprised exclusively of women motoring journalists. The all-new LEAF is the third generation of the pioneering mass-market electric vehicle and the accolade recognises its sleek design, impressive powertrain performance and intuitive technology, as well its historic role in the consumer shift to electric vehicles. A Global Recognition for Innovation and Accessibility The WWCOTY award celebrates vehicles that excel in areas…
South Africa returns to work with a significantly more stable and predictable electricity supply, marking a turning point after years of severe load-shedding. This improvement is a direct result of Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan, launched in April 2023, which has delivered a structurally stronger power system. Compared to January 2025, an additional 4,400 MW of capacity is now reliably available. System stability is now evident not only in enhanced physical infrastructure but also in fewer emergency interventions and significantly improved maintenance discipline. Key outcomes of the Generation Recovery Plan (April 2023 – present) include: Improved Fleet Reliability: The Energy Availability Factor…
With the ability to go up to a best-in-class 810 kilometres on a single charge* in an all-wheel drive configuration, beating even its most recently revealed competitors, the EX60 doesn’t just go further than any electric car that Volvo Cars has ever created. It turns range anxiety into range comfort, demonstrating that going electric is no longer a compromise. Volvo Cars engineers have optimised the car’s range for real-life driving and what customers experience in their daily drive. “The EX60 is designed to be a gamechanger,” says Anders Bell, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo Cars.“With our new electric vehicle architecture, we directly address the main worries that customers have when considering a switch to a fully electric car. The result is class-leading range and fast charging speeds, marking the end of range anxiety.” The EX60 does not…
WeThinkCode_ today announced the next evolution in its leadership structure as it enters its second decade. Nyari Samushonga, CEO since 2019, will transition to Executive Chairperson of the Board effective 1 January 2026. Ashmita Singh, a versatile executive with extensive experience in corporate leadership and the development of mission-driven social enterprises, will succeed her. Nyari Samushonga’s Tenure: Broadening Access and Deepening Impact Since 2019, Nyari Samushonga has led WeThinkCode_ through a period of intentional growth – expanding its footprint, broadening access, and strengthening the systems and partnerships that underpin its impact. Under her leadership, the academy now trains 600 learners…