Category Archives: South Africa News

South Africa News

Bridging the gap: Using a multi-faceted approach to combatting financial inequality

To address the rampant inequality in many African economies today, companies are demonstrating a customer-centric approach that drives formal financial and economic inclusion. In this article, Mukuru CEO, Andy Jury, shares a multi-faceted approach to addressing barriers to formalisation and how to create a more inclusive and equitable landscape in South Africa – offering accessible, low cost remittance services and digital solutions while maintaining a physical presence.

Leveraging unified commerce solutions for customer-centric retail success

In the dynamic world of retail, understanding the evolving nature of the consumer journey is paramount. With increasing technological advancements and rising customer expectations, retailers need to be agile and responsive, ensuring their customers can seamlessly navigate an unlimited array of shopping experiences. To cater to this demand, unified commerce platforms are stepping up, offering […]

Central bank digital currencies: What they mean for financial inclusion and private sector banks

Three pilots, one fully launched digital currency in Africa The world’s central banks understand that the future of money is digital. As payments shift online, the use of cash declines and the fortunes of crypto assets rise and fall, central bankers realise that their ability to command the use of money in their economies could […]

South Africans can now Scan to Pay with Crypto

Scan to Pay, powered by Ukheshe, is the largest QR ecosystem in South Africa and is used by more than 600,000 vendors, 14 banks and fintech companies and 94 payment service providers. Now, this new partnership will seamlessly introduce more crypto payment options to mainstream South Africa through the Scan to Pay app.

Unlocking Socio-Economic Progress: Early-Stage VC in South Africa

The following article sheds light on the critical role that early-stage VC plays in unlocking South Africa’s socio-economic potential. It discusses the challenges, opportunities, and promising changes in the South African startup landscape. As the 2023 South African Innovation Summit approaches, this topic takes center stage, making it a timely and relevant discussion for your readers.

South Africa, as Africa’s third-largest and most diversified economy, holds tremendous potential for economic growth and social development. However, to fully harness this potential, we must address critical challenges such as power shortages and unemployment. The article discusses how a thriving startup ecosystem, as advocated by the South African Startup Act, can accelerate socio-economic development, competitiveness, and economic transformation.

SA’s property sector bets on proptech to weather economic headwinds

There’s no doubt that the South African property sector, like most industries, is currently facing some challenges. One major bank saw credit impairments rise 57% in the first half of 2023 – a result of the impact of higher interest rates, higher levels of inflation and record levels of load shedding. Another bank said its total net […]

Club Med Tinley – first Club Med resort in South Africa, representing an investment of over R2 billion

The hospitality landscape in South Africa is about to be redefined with the upcoming launch of Club Med Tinley, the first Club Med resort in the country, with a distinctive combination of beach and safari experiences.

Omnichannel strategies: One size does not fit all in South African retail

Given the diversity of the market — with varying levels of digital maturity, lifestyle and income — it’s important to understand the evolving needs and key purchase drivers of diverse consumer segments as one size doesn’t fit all.

Local knowledge is a value differentiator in the PR world

The recently held BRICS Summit caused waves in the West when Chinese President Xi Jinping encouraged Summit participants to increase trade in their own currencies and to move away from the US Dollar. The USA downplayed this as a non-event. However, with no first-hand knowledge of the political will within the BRICS block, this stance […]

What South Africans need to know about smart devices – from cars to cots

We live in a world surrounded by smart devices – from our pockets to our driveways and living rooms. These advancements offer convenience, and in many cases, extra security. But when gadgets are fitted with computing power and internet connectivity, they also become a target for remote hackers, says Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET South Africa. Smart […]

Dynamic conversations propel the future of work and real estate at Envision forum in Cape Town

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa at the V&A Waterfront was the centre point for discussions around the intersection of work, real estate, and technology on 30 August as JLL, the international real estate advisory company and leading design and build company, Tétris Design x Build hosted the landmark Envision, High Performance Real Estate and Workplaces forum. The event […]

The insurance industry comes under fire as the cost-of-living crisis increases

The world is currently facing one of the harshest economic climates experienced since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, one of the worst financial crises in modern history. This raises concerns that more people may turn to fraud to address the financial pressure they are experiencing.

Why South African businesses should leverage trustworthy data for better procurement choices

Mitigating the risk of procurement fraud and other irregularities is possible by equipping organisations with the tools necessary to improve transparency, decision-making, and cost-effectiveness in procurement, says Sameer Kumandan, Managing Director at  SearchWorks – South Africa’s largest online data aggregation platform.

How effective budgeting can help you save and improve your financial health

With the cost of living increasing often, financial education tools such as budgeting tips can greatly assist with navigating financial health. Experian shares a budgeting plan and tips that South Africans can use to better their saving habits!

Unlocking the Future: South Africa – Swiss Blockchain Innovation Challenge

Embrace the transformative power of innovation with the SA Innovation Summit’s groundbreaking Blockchain Innovation Challenge. South Africa is on the brink of a monumental shift, as digital innovation paves the way for new horizons and blockchain technology reshapes frontiers.

SA Innovation Summit 2023: Igniting Africa’s Innovation Frontier Over 3000 innovators are expected to gather in Cape Town on 27 – 28th of September

With a mission to boost startup success and ignite economic innovation, SAIS’23 aims to gather 3 000 participants, featuring top-notch speakers, innovative exhibitors, and thrilling side events. Over 120 speakers will delve into the realities of building ecosystems, while startups can engage in pitch battles and seize numerous growth opportunities.