Visa has announced the selection of 22 innovative fintech startups from across Africa for the fourth edition of its highly regarded Africa Fintech Accelerator. Launched in 2023, this 12-week intensive programme aims to accelerate the growth and impact of promising fintech ventures on the continent. Since its inception, the programme has supported 64 startups, with nearly 20 active partnerships currently in place. Notably, four startups from the first cohort have recently secured strategic funding from Visa, and the company has invested in two ventures from the third cohort. The selected startups represent a diverse range of countries and sectors. From…
Author: Staff Writer
State-owned signal distributor Sentech has announced several high-level leadership appointments as part of its ongoing efforts to transform and modernise. The company, focused on providing digital infrastructure and platform services to support government’s goal of universal connectivity, is shifting toward a more customer-centric operating model. Clarinda Simpson has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), replacing Rudzani Rasikhinya. Her arrival marks a key step in strengthening Sentech’s financial leadership. In addition to the CFO role, Sentech has reorganised its leadership structure to bolster its commercial focus and operational efficiency. The company has appointed four new Chief Commercial Officers…
BMW South Africa has announced the pricing for the highly anticipated M5 Touring, the latest addition to their performance estate lineup. Following the success of the BMW M3 Touring—whose full allocation was snapped up last year—the M5 Touring arrives with a bang, though it’s not a limited model for the local market. Still, due to global demand, only a limited number of units will be available at launch. Priced at R2,795,000, the M5 Touring is R30,000 more than its sedan counterpart. Currently, the M3 Touring retails at R2,218,506. Despite the higher price, South Africans are eager to get behind the…
South Africa’s e-commerce industry is struggling to keep pace, as international online retailers like Shein and Temu swiftly expand within the country. This surge is displacing thousands of local jobs in retail, textiles, footwear, and manufacturing, raising urgent calls for digital transformation and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). A recent report by the Localisation Support Fund (LSF) revealed that from 2020 to 2024, the presence of Shein and Temu in South Africa led to millions of rand in lost local sales and more than 8,000 direct and indirect jobs being wiped out. If their sales continue growing at an estimated…
African startups have been given an exciting opportunity to join the MTN Cloud Accelerator Programme, a 12-week initiative designed to help growth-stage ventures expand quickly. The programme offers funding, technical integration, and access to MTN’s extensive infrastructure to accelerate development. Participants will benefit from US$65,000 in grants per cohort, along with full API integration with MTN Cloud, MoMo, Chenosis, and other essential tools. The programme also provides personalised mentorship from industry experts, cloud credits, and technical advice to improve operations. In addition, startups will receive sales and go-to-market (GTM) support from MTN teams, coaching for investor pitches, and introductions to…
Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) has been crowned the most recommended brand in South Africa, according to a recent study by consumer insights agency KLA. The ranking, based on data from YouGov’s daily BrandIndex tracking tool, reflects which brands current South African customers are most likely to suggest to friends or colleagues — a key sign of trust and advocacy. RMB scored an impressive 90.1%, making it the top choice among consumers. Samsung secured second place with a recommendation score of 88.9%, while Woolworths Food followed closely with 88.1%. Woolworths Clothing also made the top 10, with a score of 86.7%.…
Mpho Mofikoe, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro), was suspended earlier this week amid allegations that she revealed a large-scale fraud. Sources say Mofikoe uncovered a troubling R30 million spent on board members and a further R60 million in suspected fraudulent claims. Rather than being praised for her honesty, she received a suspension notice. A source close to the situation claimed Mofikoe’s only “crime” was telling the truth and challenging corruption within the organisation. Her revelations reportedly prompted the Fundudzi forensic investigation, which looked into suspicious royalties and questionable transactions at Samro. According…
Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT), South Africa’s leading listed property company, is revolutionising what tenants can expect from their offices in a pioneering partnership with FlySafair that quite literally helps business take off. In an unprecedented move for the property sector, Growthpoint has teamed up with leading low-cost passenger airline FlySafair to launch a first-of-its-kind office tenant travel benefit – Growthpoint SmartFlight. Businesses signing new leases of three years or more in Growthpoint’s Johannesburg office portfolio can now convert up to 30% of their tenant installation allowance into FlySafair flight vouchers. The vouchers, redeemable through a central digital wallet using the…
Following its highly anticipated debut at the Volkswagen Indaba earlier this year, Volkswagen is proud to announce the official opening of pre-orders for the all-new Volkswagen Tayron in South Africa. The Volkswagen Tayron is a modern premium 7-seater SUV positioned between the Tiguan and flagship Touareg. The Tayron sets a new benchmark in its class in comfort, digital innovation, and safety. All-terrain design and premium interior. With a length of 4.79m, the Tayron is characterised by a clean, striking SUV design. At the front, LED headlights and the standard illuminated Volkswagen badge create an unmistakeable light signature. The same applies to…
The Odd Number, Loeries 2024 Independent Agency of the Year and recent recipient of a globally recognised D&AD Award, has announced two major senior appointments as it continues to shape the narrative of what African creative excellence looks like – and who leads it. Sinqobile Mjali has been appointed Managing Director, while Thabang ‘Tipi’ Manyelo steps into the role of Executive Creative Director. Both leaders rise from within the agency’s own ranks, a deliberate move that reinforces The Odd Number’s long-term commitment to growing its own timber and ensuring continuity of its distinctive voice, values, and delivery standards. The appointments come as…