Tag Archives: South Africa

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

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. These findings appeared in “Consumer Outlook 2024″, the latest NIQ Thought Leadership report capturing the mindset and sentiment of consumers around the world.

France number one destination for SA travellers wanting snow holidays

Club Med Southern Africa have just released their South African Ski Report for the 2023/2024 season. The report was compiled following a comprehensive survey capturing insights to discern key trends in South Africa’s snow holiday preferences, expectations, and booking profiles.

Retail is in the midst of the biggest technology paradigm shift yet: Insights from NRF 2024 New York

The piece focuses on the key takeaways from NRF 24: Retail’s Big Show, which took place earlier this month in New York, USA. In the article, Peter examines the main themes covered at the event and how they could impact the South African retail sector. Some of the key points he covers include:
Expected improvements in the South African retail environment
The increasing importance of AI and automation for retailers
The need for South African retailers to adopt omnichannel strategies
The role of technology in reducing the risk of product returns

International ocean economy stakeholders to meet in SA for innovation summit

There are big opportunities for Africa in the Blue Economy. At the Ocean Innovation Africa Summit, you’ll discover what they are, and hear great ideas from innovative startups preparing to catch the next wave of business.

INNOVATIONS IN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

It is without a doubt that smart cities extend beyond infrastructure and urban planning. For a smart city to work, it requires smart citizens and technology plays a pivotal role in enabling civic engagement. If a city wants to empower those who live in it, it requires initiatives that improve service delivery and technology is the solution to making e-government platforms a reality.

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 […]

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.

The NHI Bill has just been passed – what does that mean for medical aid members?

The passing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill by the National Assembly on 13 June has sparked widespread debate among everyone from private medical scheme members to healthcare providers to the general public.

Innovation and investment: Key to the growth of the African transport and logistics sectors

Transport Evolution Africa Forum & Expo to address key challenges, opportunities and solutions for the improvement of ports, rails and roads in Africa

Convergence of cyber and physical security presents new challenges: New approaches needed to tackle cyber and physical security holistically

By Richard Frost, Head of Product: Cybersecurity at Armata With South Africa being the sixth most targeted country worldwide regarding cyber attacks, it’s no surprise that organisations have to put numerous steps in place to protect their networks and data. This is all the more crucial in a world where we have legislation such as […]

Air France Unveils New Business Class Cabin On Flights Between Paris and Johannesburg

Air France has unveiled its new long-haul Business cabin, elegantly reasserting the French-style art of travel. Constantly striving to offer the highest level of comfort, the airline’s completely redesigned iconic seat features even more enveloping curves and extra comfort. Air France is introducing a new standard dedicated to this travel cabin. Progressively rolled out on 12 Boeing 777-300s, the new cabin will serve […]

Strategies for water efficiency and continuity in South Africa

Loadshedding in South Africa has become the norm and will continue for at least two more years but another problem has arisen due to these prolonged blackouts and that is an interruption in water supply. When the stages of loadshedding are higher (stage 6 and 8) and there is no electricity for four hours or […]

New outlook on skills development can solve CTO headaches and fast-track coding careers in 2023

By Jessica Hawkey, Managing Director at redAcademy As 2023 begins in full swing, we can all be forgiven for feeling as though we have been on a seemingly endless roller coaster during the past year. However, despite the surprises and shocks, one thing remained consistent throughout 2022 and is predicted to be one of the […]

Tough times ahead as South Africans face financial crisis

Central Cape Town from Lions Head. January 2007. Author Andrew Massyn

Many South Africans face the prospect of a tough 2023. Inflation is the highest it has ever been, and the repo rate has steadily risen with more increases expected in the near future. Further stress is applied to the majority of consumers through (regular) significant increases in both petrol and diesel prices which not only […]

South African proptech leaders Flow secure $4.5 million in funding to enable the global property industry

South African proptech innovators Flow have secured $4.5million (+-R78 million) in funding at the conclusion of their pre-Series A investment round – the single largest investment in the country’s proptech sector at that stage and amongst the highest in African proptech funding history. The investment will see co-founders and co-CEOs Gil Sperling and Daniel Levy drive the […]