South Africa News Archives - Page 7 of 72

29Apr

By Africa BusinessNo Comments

South Africa News

Local businesses must invest in AI infrastructure to secure market share amid arrival of multinationals in SA

Like any tool or technological advancement, AI can be both destructive or transformative; but generally, the success or failure of technological advancements relies on a susceptible user base and an enabling environment in which it is to be deployed. “Planes are great, but they become borderline useless without airports, control towers, and regulatory foresight. With that in mind, can we say that the South African economy is ready for AI? Have we built a foundation for local businesses to leverage or successfully adopt AI technologies? In short, we have not. Upsettingly, as an economy, South Africa is not yet fully ready for AI’s presence,” comments Jacques Jordaan, CEO and Co-Founder at Specno. “Foreign companies and countries have already begun to lay solid foundations for the successf...

29Apr

By Africa BusinessNo Comments

South Africa News

A Steep Climb Ahead as South Africa Races to Delist from FATF Greylisting

An article by: Dr.Rufaro Nyakatawa, Business Development Consultant at Jersey Finance and contributions from, Milton Osborn, Director Funds and Corporate at Osborn Wellsted Paulsen (OWP) and the Provenance compliance team. It has been a year since South Africa (“SA”) was grey listed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and under a year shy of having to demonstrate its improvements in bolstering anti-money laundering and financial crimes measures. And for a country widely considered to be the most advanced African economy, the changes made between now and then could spell an opportunity not only to improve its tainted public perception but crucially, enhance its already world-class financial systems. However, achieving that will be a steep climb. According to Co-Founder of a Globa...

29Apr

By Africa BusinessNo Comments

South Africa News

South African retailers have arrived at an e-commerce crossroads

By Zak Haeri, MD for NIQ and GfK – an NIQ Company – in South Africa South Africa’s e-commerce landscape has arrived at an important juncture. The explosive growth observed during the pandemic years has slowed down somewhat and consumer spending power has faltered amid low economic growth and a global cost of living crisis. At the same time, competition is heating up. Asian retailers such as Shein and Temu are upending segments of the e-commerce market, rapidly grabbing market share and increasing pricing pressure on traditional retailers. Amazon’s much anticipated entrance into the South African market is expected to further turn up the heat — potentially creating a new benchmark for customer experience. Yet if we look at the experiences of other emerging markets, the disruption may onl...

23Apr

By Africa BusinessNo Comments

Real Estate, South Africa News

Increased competition and bond switching set to shake up the SA property market

As interest rates remain stable against the backdrop of a challenging economic climate, banks are being pushed to innovate and offer more competitive home loan terms to attract customers. This environment has given rise to a practice widely adopted in the UK but is yet to reach a tipping point in South Africa: bond switching. Clive Bredenkamp, IT Executive at Proptech specialist e4, explains the potential shifts: “The property market is inherently sensitive to interest rate changes. While the rates are currently only marginally higher than in 2019, the market’s response to the current interest rate has been disproportionately severe due to the very low rates we experienced during the pandemic. However, with new players entering the market and offering up to a 1% discount on interest rates...

World Earth Day 2024 Matters in South Africa

22Apr

By Africa BusinessNo Comments

South Africa News

World Earth Day 2024 Matters in South Africa

The first Earth Day on 22 April 1970 mobilised millions of Americans from all walks of life to birth the modern environmental movement. 120 million Americans - 10% of the U.S. population at the time — took to the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance and demand a new way forward. Since then, Earth Day has evolved into the largest civic event on Earth, activating billions of people across 192 countries to safeguard our planet and fight for a brighter future. Southern Africa is home to myriad conservation projects working hard to raise environmental awareness and make a positive impact on our planet. The Cape Town Environmental Education Trust (CEET) has made it their mission to reconnect children and youth to the wonders of nature and expose t...

29Mar

By Africa BusinessNo Comments

Main, South Africa News

The rise of Gen Z means a rethink of permanent employment is on the horizon

By Gary Silbermann, Co-Founder and Innovation Director at One Degree Workers had barely adapted to a remote and hybrid workplace before businesses demanded more time in the office without exception. Tech big hitters such as Dell and Tata Consultancy Services have warned workers to return or face consequences. Remote working advocate Zoom has demanded that all those who live within 80km of the office need to work in-person twice a week. The reasons put forward by businesses who want employees in the office may vary but there are common themes, such as lower productivity and a struggling or absent company culture. While these concerns are valid and most certainly the lived experiences of C-suites trying to drive the bottom line, as the workforce demographics shift to younger generations it...

27Mar

By Africa BusinessNo Comments

Business, South Africa News

How Effective Rebranding Can Redefine and Elevate Your Business

In an era where change is the only constant, businesses must adapt and evolve to stay ahead. Penquin, the brand and communication agency based in Johannesburg, is leading by example, embracing transformation with open arms. The agency recently made headlines with the unveiling of its brand-new logo and refreshed corporate identity (CI), marking a significant milestone in its journey. This bold move is not just a change in visual aesthetics but a profound statement of Penquin's commitment to innovation, growth, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in the ever-changing landscape of brand communication. Veronica Moleele, CEO of Penquin, unpacks the importance of rebranding and how it can breathe new life into a business. "Rebranding is more than just revamping your logo or updating yo...

22Mar

By Africa BusinessNo Comments

South Africa News

South African consumers feel the big squeeze: 99% have changed their FMCG shopping habits to save money

44% of South African consumers say they are worse off financially now than a year ago 65% say they would purchase a product that has innovated to make it as affordable as possible According to NIQ, 44% of South African consumers feel they are in a worse financial position this year compared to a year ago. Of those respondents, 82% say that increased costs of living are to blame for their recent financial struggles, up from 76% a year ago. Nearly two-thirds (62%) state they are worse off due to the economic slowdown, up from 57% a year ago. Half (50%) of respondents report concerns about job security, up from 43% a year. Some 27% blame ongoing Covid-19 disruptions and setbacks for their financial situation, down from 45% a year back. These findings appeared in “Consumer Outlook 2024...

17Mar

By Africa BusinessNo Comments

Kenya News, South Africa News

Termite protection: a homeowner’s guide to successful termite control

Link: No Termite In this essential guide for homeowners, we explore in depth the strategies and preventive measures crucial to effectively protecting your home from termites. With their fearsome destructive capacity, termites can cause considerable and costly damage to your property, but with the right knowledge and action, you can minimize the risk of infestation and keep your home safe. From identifying early warning signs to adopting sustainable prevention methods and selecting the best professionals for termite control, this guide offers a comprehensive overview to ensure robust protection against these insidious pests. What are the warning signs of termites in the home? The warning signs of termites in the home can be subtle but should be taken seriously to prevent serious damage...

That EV Hypercar with a Tailpipe… Sounds Alright!

4Mar

By Africa BusinessNo Comments

South Africa News, Tech

That EV Hypercar with a Tailpipe… Sounds Alright!

The Ararkis Sandstorm, a rare edition electric Hypercar with South African roots, blew through an online cloud of controversy last week when the internet erupted over the ‘tailpipes' found on the car’s rear end. The Ararkis Automobili team was quick to point out that it is external speakers not exhaust pipes. “The design elements resembling exhaust pipes serve as sound exits for our Quantum Harmonix system,” said Emily Parker, head of PR. “This goes beyond basic sound replication, using acoustic technology to authentically reproduce the dynamic experience of a V12 engine within an electric powertrain.” The company claims that the innovation of the Quantum Harmonix system was a potential game-changer for EV enthusiasts who miss the roar of a gas-powered engine. Ararkis Automobili, hel...