Author: Staff Writer

Huawei South Africa won the prestigious Digital Innovator Award at The State IT Agency’s (SITA) Digital Public Service Awards ceremony which took place this week in Durban. The event was attended by Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Deputy Minister Philly Mapulane of South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, as well as industry CEOs, government ministers from four African countries, and officials from the International Telecommunications Union. The 14th Annual GovTech Conference, themed ‘Reshaping the citizen experience through enhanced service delivery’, is the leading South African ICT event focusing on public sector ICT service delivery. The Conference brings the Government…

South African youth have affirmed their affinity to the Avon brand by choosing Avon as the Coolest Make-up Brand for the 12th consecutive year. The beauty and skincare company was bestowed the honours at the 2022 edition of the Sunday Times GenNext Awards. The Sunday Times GenNext Awards, now in their 18th year running, is the leading annual youth brand preference and consumer behaviour event. The Sunday Times GenNext survey remains the leading barometer of what South Africa’s youth find on-trend and aspirational, and delivers insights that are valued by brand management, advertising, and marketing professionals. Young people are among…

inq., a Convergence Partner company, today announced its official launch in Cameroon. The global Edge solutions provider said the expansion is the next step in the company’s overarching strategy to provide cutting-edge technological solutions globally and connect African economies to the rest of the world. “As a leading global Edge solutions provider, this milestone allows us to deepen our footprint in West and Central Africa and drive edge services within one of the fastest-growing ICT markets on the continent,” says Dr. Andile Ngcaba, Executive Chairman of inq.. “It also allows us to connect the growing Cameroonian market with businesses all…

ISPA, in partnership with WAPA and WASPA, announces the launch of phase 1 of the ICT Skills Registry, a searchable database that contains the profiles and skill sets of candidates seeking a career path in the ICT industry. The Skills Registry is an ICT sector-based initiative aligned with the National Skills Development Programme, as it is primarily designed to provide an entry point for younger job seekers to obtain skills development through internship or learnership programmes. “It is a critical priority for South African ICT companies to nurture nascent talent in the sector now or risk a chronic lack of…

With a goal to curb carbon emissions, South African startup Curbon, will make carbon-neutral online shopping possible through the launch of the country’s very first plugin created to help fight climate change. Curbon’s unique offering gives shoppers the opportunity to take direct, meaningful climate action with every online purchase. Using data from the world’s leading climate science institutions, the startup’s flagship product estimates the emissions of customers’ carts at checkout and empowers shoppers to neutralise the carbon footprint of their purchases on e-commerce stores in real-time. Dedicated to minimising the environmental impact of the entire e-commerce value chain, Curbon’s API…

A recent study focused on executives and knowledge professionals commissioned by Cisco and conducted by Dimensional Research showed that more than half (56%) of employees spend most of their time in meetings when working remotely with 33% saying that it takes up half of their workday. This has resulted in 95% of employees experiencing video meeting fatigue. The overall fatigue is attributed mainly to technological issues, which comprise of background noise, poor sound, and video quality. These elements have actively contributed to physical ailments with 81% of employees reporting headaches, neck and shoulder strains and eye strains over time. In…

Google Cloud announced a collaboration with Pepkor Group, one of the largest retailers in Southern Africa. The new collaboration involves Pepkor IT, a division of the  Pepkor Group leveraging Google Cloud’s data analytics solutions to transform its in-house logistical processes, enabling the company to help more households across Africa access value-for-money products. With a consumer base of more than 28 million in-store customers and a footprint of 5,400 retail stores, Pepkor IT’s processes generate massive volumes of data every day. For a retailer that operates at such scale, a deep understanding of the data Pepkor IT generates is critical for…

The municipalities of Ekurhuleni and Emfuleni have entrusted Vodacom to help them streamline service delivery by keeping staff reliably connected. Vodacom has begun rolling out its world-class solutions for both municipalities as part of a three-year contract. “Vodacom is proud to be helping the Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality and Emfuleni local municipality deliver on their purpose to grow and support their local economies,” says Poppy Tshabalala, Managing Executive of Public Enterprise for Vodacom Business. “To honour their purpose, it’s crucial for these municipalities to stay connected to the communities they serve, and to ensure that service delivery is not interrupted by…

When was the last time you didn’t have cash on hand to pay for the minibus taxi or were a few rands short on your taxi money? Never mind having to make sure you have enough cash on you. These days, cash isn’t always the best way to pay. Fortunately, Standard Bank is working on a way to help simplify minibus taxi payments for commuters and drivers. Carrying cash comes with risks. And it isn’t as convenient as we might think. From waiting in line at the ATM to having a wallet filled with coins, cash presents its fair share…

Ride-hailing platform Bolt has introduced driver scores and driver trip-sharing features in South Africa, which will improve the quality and safety of drivers on the platform. The launch features further enforce Bolt’s commitment to drivers’ well-being, giving them more control over their ride performance. The driver score feature is a transparent metric that allows drivers to understand their in-app performance better better, encourages improvements in driver habits and helps them offer the best possible rider experience. The feature is designed to increase the quality of service, thus being at the core of positive driver and rider experience. The driver trip-sharing…

Mercedes‑Benz Vans, full range provider of electric private and commercial vans, and electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, have today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to initiate a strategic partnership. The partnership will enable the companies to cooperate on the production of electric vans. Subject to the parties entering into final binding agreements and to obtaining the relevant regulatory clearances, the companies intend to establish a new joint venture manufacturing company with the purpose of investing in, and operating, a factory in Europe to produce large electric vans for both Mercedes-Benz Vans and Rivian, starting in a few years.…

MTN SA today announced a review of its executive structure as the company gears up to deliver on its Ambition 2025 strategy to transform from a Telco to a TechCo. In line with this strategic shift, the company has appointed Ernst Fonternel into the role of Chief Consumer Officer and Divyesh Joshi into the role of Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. Both appointments were recruited internally and are effective 1 October. The new executive structure also sees the introduction of two new roles including that of Chief Commercial Operations Officer and Chief Risk Officer. Active recruiting for these positions is…

Canada-based neobank Be Mobile has announced its official launch in South Africa to target the unbanked and underbanked in South Africa and offers ‘low to no-fee’ banking products through its app. According to Oxford Business School, an estimated 23.5% of the population is unbanked, and R12 billion or $1.04 billion, in cash is believed to be held outside of banks. The company aims to accelerate financial inclusion throughout Africa by delivering innovative digital banking solutions to serve these users. By opening a Be Mobile Africa account, customers can hold, send and receive funds in multiple currencies including USD and EUR,…

Binance, the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, has announced that it is eliminating fees on South African Rand (ZAR) deposits for a time period as it continues to establish itself as the global leader in pricing. Just recently, Binance launched its fiat gateway, enabling users to instantly deposit South African Rands (ZAR) into their Binance wallet and buy crypto. From September 7, users can enjoy zero fees when making those deposits. Binance continues to drive financial accessibility through safe, secure and affordable payments across the industry. “Binance is, at its core, an inclusive platform designed with accessibility…

In an increasingly online world, digital literacy is key to communicating, connecting, finding employment and accessing services. In South Africa, where the skills gap and the digital divide converge, developing basic literacy skills and digital literacy go hand in hand in ensuring that young people are able to access opportunities and grow their potential. This World Literacy Day, businesses delve into why digital literacy is key and how investment into tools and infrastructure can help tackle inequality. Digital literacy to tackle the skills gap:  If South Africa is to address high youth unemployment rates, it is imperative that the public…

Anthropics Technology presents Zyler – AI-powered virtual fitting technology for shoppers and retailers that allows customers to try on hundreds of outfits quickly and easily on a smartphone, desktop or in store. A selfie and a few measurements are all that is needed. Simple and fun, Zyler transforms customers’ shopping experience, creating a virtual fitting room. Customers can discover their style and fit remotely. Zyler’s patented technology uniquely produces personal results. Shoppers can use technology on their phone, desktop and in-store try on clothes from hundreds of brands or a certain brand find the best fit and style save time…

Eskom announced today that Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 – 22:00 tonight. The energy provider added that thereafter Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented daily at 05:00 – 22:00 until Saturday night. The loadshedding has been caused by a shortage of generation capacity owing to breakdowns and delays in returning some generating units to service, said Eskom. “We therefore urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly. Eskom will promptly communicate should there be any significant changes,” said Eskom in a statement. “The breakdown of a generation unit at Arnot, Duvha, Kendal, Medupi and Tutuka power…

LG Electronics (LG) announced today it had launched its very own non-fungible token (NFT) platform, LG Art Lab. Now available in the U.S. on the company’s TVs running webOS 5.0 or later, and accessible directly from the Home Screen, the new platform enables users to buy, sell and enjoy high-quality digital artwork. Delivering outstanding picture quality and offering several, large screen sizes to choose from, LG’s state-of-the-art TVs are the perfect medium for displaying one’s NFT collection. A convenient, one-stop solution for viewing and trading NFTs at home, the platform includes the LG Art Lab Drops feature, which profiles artists…

MTN Group today announces the further deleveraging of the balance sheet with the early settlement of $300 million or R5.2 billion in eurobonds with a 2024 maturity date. This brings MTN’s dollar-denominated debt down to 35% of total holding company (Holdco) debt on a H1 2022 proforma basis. In late August, MTN invited eligible holders of the US$750 million eurobond – due to mature in November 2024 – to tender their notes for purchase by the company for cash. The offer attracted tenders of more than US$482 million. This was significantly more than the $250 million originally intended for early…

Huawei Digital Power recently launched its talent development programme in Southern Africa. The programme aims to upskill 1 000 practitioners and tertiary students within the region with technical knowledge and skills in the digital power space. Announced at Solar Show Africa 2022, the programme is part of the tech giant’s commitment to work with stakeholders to drive growth and ecosystem building of Africa’s solar sector. “Africa has immense potential when it comes to renewables and solar energy in particular,” said Mr. Xia Hesheng: President of Huawei Southern Africa Digital Power Business. “In fact, African countries have more than 40% of…

FIFA is excited to announce ‘FIFA+ Collect,’ launching on FIFA+ later this month that will provide football fans around the world with the chance to affordably own unique digital collectibles – from the greatest game moments to the most iconic FIFA World Cup™ and FIFA Women’s World Cup™ art and imagery. “Fandom is changing and football fans around the world engage with the game in new and exciting ways,” said FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai. “This exciting announcement makes FIFA collectibles available to any football fan, democratising the ability to own a part of the FIFA World Cup. Just…

Draft .ZA Registry and Registrar Licensing Regulations and Procedures proposed by the .ZA Domain Name Regulatory Authority (.ZADNA) place burdensome restrictions on domain name registrars and registrants which will lead to brand owners abandoning the .ZA Internet country code in favour of one of the multitude of generic domains (such as .COM or .BUSINESS) that are easier to register. “.ZADNA’s draft regulations and procedures as they stand threaten to undo 34 years of local and international goodwill towards domains ending in .ZA. The regulations are heavy-handed and cumbersome and as such will disincentivise adoption of .ZA registrations,” said William Stucke,…

JSE-listed technology company Altron has announced the appointment of Werner Kapp as Group Chief Executive from 1 October 2022. Altron Executive Chairman Stewart van Graan said: “After a rigorous search and recruitment process by the Board, we are very pleased to appoint a well-recognised leader with extensive expertise and sector experience. “Werner will drive our vision as Altron to become a preeminent technology services provider with ambitions to strengthen our local and global presence in the digital solutions market. This is a market where the opportunity is substantial.” Kapp was at Dimension Data where over a twenty-two-year period, he held…

South Africa’s Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) invites applications for its “ISPA Inspires Educational Sponsorship” for the 2023 academic year. Applications open today, Thursday, 1 September and close on Friday, 30 September 2022. Visit the ISPA Inspires website for more information and to register and submit your application. Sponsorship for the 2023 academic year will be awarded to one or more promising young candidates interested in pursuing a career in the ISP (Internet Service Provider) sector. Sponsorship is available not only for universities, TVET and technical colleges but also for any institution providing accredited ICT training or sector-specific courses where…

South African gym management software platform Octiv has reached a monumental milestone in closing their eight-figure Series A funding round from a leading venture capital firm, Knife Capital. The startup previously raised seed capital from prominent South African angel investors and this round also included an angel investment from an executive at BVNK. This investment will allow Octiv to fast-track its global expansion drive, add innovative product enhancements, and scale customer service levels to keep up with aggressive growth. Octiv started as a workout tracking app for CrossFit gyms in South Africa. Mark Fawzy, the CEO and founder of Octiv,…