Digital platforms could boost South Africa’s economy by R91.4bn over next ten years

Digital platforms could provide transformative growth for South Africa’s economy, with projections indicating the addition of R91.4-billion into the country’s economy over the next ten years. A new... 

Harmony refurbishes three municipal wastewater treatment plants

Harmony Gold has refurbished three municipal wastewater treatment plants on behalf of the Matjhabeng, Matlosana and Merafong municipalities and has implemented its own water treatment plants at... 

GSMA spotlights role of AI in South Africa’s socioeconomic growth

South Africa has emerged as a major player in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for socioeconomic development and climate impact. However, unlocking the full potential of AI will require... 

Polihali tunnel completion marks LHWP milestone

After seven months of tunnelling on the Polihali transfer tunnel construction site, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) has achieved the successful breakthrough of the upper intake... 

Vodacom to invest over R500m to expand connectivity in the Eastern Cape

Telecommunications group Vodacom is continuing its plans to modernise its network and accelerate broadband coverage, particularly in townships and deep rural areas, as part of its long-term vision... 

Triple-digit growth projected for global GenAI smartphone shipments

Generative AI (GenAI) smartphone shipments worldwide in 2024 are expected to surge 363.6% to 234.2-million units as the future of the smartphone industry transforms. According to a new forecast by... 

Call centre launched to bridge gap between Unisa and its students

Vodacom Business, in partnership with Anani Technologies and the University of South Africa (Unisa), has launched a call centre to bridge the gap between the university and its students. Since... 

Inquiry into licensing framework for satellite services opens

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has launched an inquiry into the licensing framework for satellite services in South Africa. Interested stakeholders have until... 

Telcos invest billions to protect networks from theft, power cuts and climate risks

South Africa’s telecommunications groups have struggled to maintain seamless communications amid challenges such as loadshedding and power outages, as well as theft and vandalism. They have had to... 

PPPs to be at core of strategic water management in South Africa

While there is no quick, one-size-fits-all solution for South Africa’s complex, ongoing water challenges, public-private partnerships (PPPs) can serve as a strategic model to address water... 

Seacom celebrates 15th anniversary

Telecommunications and managed services provider Seacom is celebrating 15 years since inception, reflecting back on the evolution of its, and Africa’s, information and communication technology and... 

Department pledges to support municipalities, not interfere in their water provision responsibilities

While several municipalities across South Africa have battled to maintain consistent water services for citizens, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has said it will not “overtake and... 

Department close to clearing water-use licence applications pile

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) aims to ensure that all water-use licence applications will be processed within a 90-day period by the end of the current financial year. The... 

Renewables a top priority for Gauteng provincial govt

One of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development’s key strategies for the next year is to “reform the energy sector through a focus on alternative energy to support the growth of a new sector... 

Big solar installation epitomises Sun City’s ongoing efforts to remain relevant

Sun International’s Sun City, in the North West, is continuing its drive to remain relevant as it progresses several successful initiatives to revamp the premier leisure and entertainment... 

Water infrastructure investment to be prioritised over duration of seventh administration

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) will prioritise much-needed investment into water infrastructure over the duration of South Africa’s seventh administration. As the department works... 

New partnership aims to tackle growing e-waste challenge through education, raising awareness among children

In an effort to mitigate growing electronic waste (e-waste) across South Africa, Cartoon Network Africa and registered producer responsibility organisation E-Waste Recycling Authority (ERA) have... 

Construction materials group looks forward as it reaches 90-year legacy

As construction materials group AfriSam celebrates a legacy of 90 years, the group plans to continue innovating, reduce its carbon emissions and improve sustainability, boost skills, and drive... 

Condra subsidiary clinches six-crane order from steel distributor

Crane manufacturer BB Cranes is preparing to manufacture six overhead cranes for steel distributor D&E Group for installation in new warehouses in Cape Town and George. The warehouses are being... 

Steady integration of AI into business operations ongoing in South Africa

As artificial intelligence in its various forms becomes increasingly integrated into business operations in many sectors across South Africa, there is a need for companies not already embracing the... 

New Minister commits to continuing water-sector reforms initiated by predecessor

Newly appointed Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has affirmed that the various reforms and improvements initiated by her predecessor Senzo Mchunu, who is now Police Minister, will be... 

Huawei to train additional 150 000 people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2027

Information and communication technology (ICT) group Huawei aims to train another 150 000 people in sub-Saharan Africa in ICT skills over the next three years. This followed the company’s training... 

DWS promises minimal disruption as six-month maintenance closure of Lesotho Highlands tunnel nears

As the imminent six-month closure for scheduled maintenance of the Lesotho Highlands tunnel draws closer, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) assures that it is ready and that all... 

Invasive plant purge at Vaal pays off

The volume of water lettuce and water hyacinth across the Vaal River Barrage reservoir has reduced markedly over the past few months as removal efforts continue. According to Rand Water, water... 

Joburg water challenges indicative of broader issues

The recent water challenges experienced in Johannesburg are indicative of the broader issues that many cities could face if infrastructure remains unmaintained, says Frost & Sullivan consultant Yaa... 

Three-way company cooperation wins crane order

South African agricultural machinery manufacturer Rovic is modifying its shopfloor workflow to reduce component assembly times, improve staff safety and increase the rate of production. As the... 

MTN South Africa, Huawei sign MoU on Net5.5G

Telecommunications company MTN South Africa and information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices provider Huawei are joining forces to promote the large-scale... 

Vodacom deploys mobile radio equipment to bolster network resilience in Egypt

Vodacom Group has deployed a triple-band mobile radio unit that will enable Vodafone Egypt to reduce the cost and speed of its 4G and 5G network deployment, energy consumption and tower load. The... 

LHWP II’s Senqu Bridge progressing steadily

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II passed a significant milestone in May, following the casting of the first deck segment on the Northern abutment of the Senqu bridge. Work on the... 

MTN Business to digitise 257 municipalities

Telecommunications firm MTN Business has secured a three-year contract to implement smart electricity and water technology across South Africa’s 257 municipalities. The RT29 transversal contract,... 

Mastercard, AfDB launch new alliance to accelerate digital transformation in Africa

Global technology company Mastercard and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have launched a new alliance to extend digital access to critical services for 100-million individuals and businesses in... 

Tunnel-boring machines for Polihali transfer tunnel inspected ahead of delivery to Lesotho

The tunnel-boring machines specifically designed and manufactured to excavate the Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s (LHWP’s) 38 km transfer tunnel from Polihali to Katse will soon be making their... 

Rosond inks JV with Saudi Arabia’s Bin Harkil

South African exploration and drilling solutions provider Rosond and Bin Harkil Saudi Arabia have established a new joint venture (JV) company, Rosond Arabia, poised to become a leader in the... 

More South African households getting connected to the Internet

As access to mobile phones continue to surge, many more South Africans are becoming connected to the Internet, according to the latest statistics released by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA). The... 

New spectrum policy aims to sunset 2G and 3G networks by end of 2027

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) is aiming to start the sunsetting of older-generation telecommunications networks from next year. In accordance with the... 

Water access improves since 2002, but latest data shows regression over the past two years

While access to drinking water has improved over the past two decades, recent Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) data shows that there has been a regression over the past two years. In its annual... 

Microsoft commits R1.3bn investment to support small businesses, black industrialists

Technology company Microsoft and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) have entered into an empowerment agreement to unlock programmes to support skills and capability... 

MTN Group calls for harmonised regulations in Africa to accelerate digital investment

The acceleration of digital investment across Africa could be boosted by harmonising regulations, and MTN Group president and CEO Ralph Mupita is urging governments to consider this. Harmonised and... 

Bill creating water infrastructure agency heads for President’s desk

Following the adoption of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) Bill, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is preparing to submit it to President Cyril Ramaphosa for... 

AI-powered fintech solutions changing the way people in Africa transact

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to propel the financial technology (fintech) industry into a new era of financial inclusion, and Africa is already developing innovative solutions...