SoftwareOne’s climate targets successfully validated by the Science Based Targets initiative

SoftwareOne, a global software and cloud solutions provider, has had its near-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This validation confirms that SoftwareOne’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 targets align with the latest climate science to limit global warming in accordance with the Paris Agreement. The company commits to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and select Scope 3 emissions by 25% by FY2030 from a 2024 base year. Additionally, 75% of its suppliers by emissions will be required to have science-based targets by the same year. Following its recent merger with Crayon, SoftwareOne will maintain separate climate targets during the integration phase. The move underscores SoftwareOne’s commitment to corporate climate responsibility and science-based sustainability leadership.

Finance with Purpose: Unlocking Homes for South African Women

“Finance with Purpose: Unlocking Homes for South African Women” explores the transformative power of finance in bridging the gender wealth gap in South Africa, with a focus on homeownership. The article highlights the challenges women face in accessing housing due to unequal pay, limited collateral, and cultural norms, compounded by a national housing backlog. Alex Area, a Development Finance Specialist at the African Development Bank, outlines how sustainability-linked loans (SLLs) and gender-focused bonds are opening new doors for women to secure property, build wealth, and strengthen their financial independence. By tying financing to measurable social outcomes, these financial innovations not only tackle housing inequalities but also promote inclusive growth. The piece argues that gender-responsive finance, supported by institutional frameworks and rigorous monitoring, is essential to ensuring sustainable, long-term impact in closing the gender wealth gap.

“African banks and institutions must lead on urbanisation finance – or risk being sidelined by foreign investors”, says pan-African banker

African banks and institutional investors must take the lead in financing urban development across the continent or risk being sidelined by foreign capital, warns pan-African banker Sepo Haihambo. Highlighting rapid urbanisation and growing foreign investment in infrastructure, Haihambo calls for domestic financial institutions to step up, offering local leadership, financial structuring, and project assessments to ensure sustainable, inclusive growth. While international finance remains important, she argues African banks are uniquely positioned to anchor long-term development strategies and ensure economic benefits stay within local economies.

5 Ways to support mental health in the workplace

As World Mental Health Day approaches, South African businesses are called to prioritise employee well-being as a driver of productivity and retention. This article outlines five practical ways to support mental health in the workplace, from fostering psychological safety and flexible work arrangements to improving access to care, raising awareness, and tracking progress. A mentally healthy workforce isn’t just ethical — it’s a business imperative.

Global Climate-Livestock Conference Comes to Africa for the First Time

For the first time, the International Greenhouse Gas & Animal Agriculture Conference (GGAA) is being hosted in Africa, spotlighting the continent’s vital role in global efforts to reduce livestock-related emissions. Held in Nairobi, Kenya, GGAA2025 brings together scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore climate-smart, locally tailored solutions that support both emissions reduction and food security. The conference highlights actionable innovations and champions the inclusion of the Global South in climate-livestock policy and research.

Urban2063 Launches The Unstoppable Force Report: A Rallying Call for Africa’s Urban Future 

Urban2063, a coalition of 13 leading African and global institutions led by the African Centre for Cities at the University of Cape Town, has launched “The Unstoppable Force” — a groundbreaking Cityscapes Magazine Special Report that reimagines Africa’s urban future. Anchored in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the report delivers a bold call to action for transforming African cities into engines of inclusive growth, resilience, and justice. Featuring insights from top policymakers, activists, and scholars, it charts a roadmap to harness urbanisation as a powerful force for the continent’s sustainable development.

The trust gap in energy transitions

As South Africa accelerates its transition to renewable energy, a growing trust gap is emerging in the solar energy sector. Many businesses have fallen victim to poorly executed installations, unreliable providers, and unclear financing models. Brandon Horn, Head of Commercial at SolarAfrica, argues that the issue lies not just in the technology but in the people behind it. Successful energy partnerships require in-house expertise, consistent quality, and accountability throughout the project lifecycle. SolarAfrica’s integrated approach, managing everything from design to asset management, offers a trustworthy solution, ensuring long-term performance and customer confidence.

Consumer technology trends: AI is set to fundamentally change how we live

Consumer technology trends at IFA 2025 reveal the profound impact of AI on everyday life. As AI shifts from a buzzword to a backbone of modern appliances, devices are evolving into personalized, intuitive companions that help us manage our homes more efficiently. Meanwhile, the focus has shifted from revolutionary products to incremental innovations that refine user experiences. The emergence of Chinese brands further shapes the tech landscape, highlighting a transition from manufacturing hub to global tech leader. For South African consumers, these trends promise smarter, more personalized solutions, while trust and after-sales service will become crucial to successful tech adoption.

Phishing Evolving with AI and Stealth: Kaspersky Highlights Biometric and Signature Risks

Kaspersky reports a sharp rise in phishing attacks, with over 142 million phishing link clicks blocked in Q2 2025. Cybercriminals are leveraging AI-driven tactics such as deepfakes, voice cloning, and trusted platforms like Telegram and Google Translate to steal sensitive data, including biometric and signature information. This evolution in phishing is making attacks more sophisticated, bypassing traditional security measures and posing unprecedented risks to individuals and businesses. Kaspersky highlights the importance of vigilance and proactive security measures to combat these advanced threats.