Tag: South Africa

AutoTrader reports robust July sales growth as practical used cars rise in popularity

South Africa’s used car market continues its strong performance, with AutoTrader reporting robust July 2025 sales. A total of 33,919 vehicles were sold, reflecting YoY growth of +7% and MoM growth of +9.4%. Toyota remained the top-selling brand, while Ford Ranger led as the most popular model. Notable growth was seen in affordable, practical hatchbacks and crossovers, including the Hyundai Grand i10 (+116.7% YoY) and Suzuki Swift (+34.5% YoY), indicating evolving buyer preferences toward reliability, fuel efficiency, and economic practicality. The cumulative market value reached R14.10 billion, with average vehicle prices and mileage reflecting stable, resilient demand.

Powering the future: Unlocking Africa’s renewable energy potential

Africa holds vast renewable energy resources, yet over half a billion people on the continent still lack electricity access. This article by Izaak Coetzee, Head of Strategic Insights & Analytics at Absa Group, outlines the strategic actions required to bridge Africa’s energy gap—ranging from modernising infrastructure and regulatory reform to unlocking blended finance solutions. With coordinated investment and policy, Africa can emerge as a global leader in the clean energy transition.

Microplastics and the South African health crisis no one’s talking about

South Africa is facing an escalating health and environmental crisis driven by microplastic pollution, with over 80% of freshwater sources contaminated. As plastic waste continues to outpace recycling infrastructure, microplastics are entering the food chain and human body, posing serious long-term health risks. Fortis X offers a solution with Africa’s first 100% plant-based, biodegradable packaging—helping reduce exposure to toxic plastic particles and protect ecosystems and public health.

Durban’s uMhlanga Booms with R1.4 Billion Oceans North Tower Launch and R1.3 Billion Leisure Development Plan

Durban’s uMhlanga continues its rise as a top real estate investment hub with the launch of the R1.4 billion Oceans North Tower—featuring 258 luxury ocean-facing apartments—and a planned R1.3 billion leisure development in the South Tower. The mixed-use precinct, which includes Oceans Mall and Radisson Blu Hotel, has already created over 25,000 jobs and champions inclusive, Black-owned economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal.

Trapped by tech? Avoid the CRM that costs more than money

Many South African companies find themselves trapped in a digital quicksand due to poorly executed CRM implementations that lead to costly, underperforming systems. Eldon Bothma and Hayley Blane from Braintree discuss the risks of choosing complex, feature-heavy CRM solutions without aligning them with business needs, leading to frustration and lost growth opportunities. Instead of focusing solely on technology, businesses should consider a strategic approach that prioritizes long-term scalability, clear objectives, and a phased implementation. By doing so, companies can unlock the true value of CRM systems, drive growth, and better position themselves for future advancements like AI and automation.

French and South African creative industries in the spotlight at ICC Forum 2025

The ICC Forum 2025, hosted in Pretoria, brought together French and South African leaders in the creative economy for a high-level platform designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange. The event, part of the France 2030 initiative, saw discussions on a wide range of topics including green design, digital innovation, and the role of creative industries in urban development. The Forum also featured dynamic panel discussions on sustainable fashion, digital arts, and heritage, showcasing the potential for long-term partnerships between French and South African creative industries.

Cerebrium Raises $8.5M Led by Gradient to Scale the Leading High-Performance Serverless AI Platform

Cerebrium, a serverless AI infrastructure platform founded in Cape Town, has raised $8.5 million in a seed funding round led by Gradient, Google’s AI venture fund. The platform enables teams to build and scale multimodal AI applications without traditional complexity or cost. This funding will support Cerebrium’s growth and expansion, with the aim of meeting increasing demand in enterprise AI. Backed by Y Combinator and other investors, Cerebrium is already powering companies like Tavus and Deepgram, providing high-performance solutions for real-time voice, video, and data analytics applications.

French cultural and creative industry leaders embark on ICC Immersion 2025 in South Africa

The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Business France South Africa proudly launch ICC Immersion South Africa 2025, a flagship initiative connecting France’s leading cultural and creative industry (CCI) companies with South African counterparts. Running from 23 June to 2 July 2025 across Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town, the programme aims to foster cultural diplomacy, innovation, and economic collaboration in sectors like fashion, heritage, architecture, and digital media. Featuring French firms such as Culturespaces, Jakob + MacFarlane, and France Muséums Développement, ICC Immersion showcases bilateral creativity, dialogue, and long-term partnership potential.

Tsheto and GreatWell to Host Leadership Workshop – A Call for Action: Agitating for Stewardship and a Better Tomorrow

In celebration of Mandela Month, Tsheto Leadership and Coaching Academy, in partnership with GreatWell, will host a high-impact Leadership Workshop on 17 July 2025 at The Maslow, Sandton. Centered on the theme “Agitating for Stewardship and a Better Tomorrow,” the workshop aims to equip C-suite executives, transformation leaders, and decision-makers with the tools to lead with intention, accountability, and social consciousness. Featuring keynote speaker Prof. Saths Cooper and expert facilitators Tantaswa Fubu and Rehema Isa, the event is a call to action for values-based leadership that leaves a lasting, positive legacy.