Nigerian invest-tech platform Bamboo has officially launched in South Africa, unlocking new opportunities for local investors to participate in the global stock market. Founded in 2019 and backed by Y Combinator, Bamboo offers Africans seamless access to international markets—particularly the US stock exchange—with a mission to democratise wealth-building across the continent. The app allows South Africans to invest in US-listed stocks through fractional shares, starting from as little as ZAR150, a move that breaks down long-standing barriers that kept everyday investors out of foreign markets. “This is a pivotal time for wealth creation in Africa, and South Africa is a key market for expanding financial inclusion,” said Yanmo Omorogbe, Bamboo’s…
Author: Staff Writer
MultiChoice, a leading pay-TV operator across the African continent, is encountering significant hurdles in Ghana following a government directive to slash DSTV subscription prices by 30%. The decision stems from growing public frustration over the cost of services, which many feel no longer match the value offered. The Ghanaian authorities have pointed out that the local currency, the cedi, has appreciated by 30% over the past five months, yet DSTV prices have failed to reflect this positive economic shift. This mismatch has fuelled calls for a price adjustment to ensure consumers reap the benefits of the improved financial climate. The…
A heated dispute has erupted between MTN and Cell C over advertising claims about network superiority, with MTN lodging a formal complaint with South Africa’s Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB). The conflict centers on Cell C’s “Now on SA’s Best Network” campaign, which MTN argues is deliberately misleading since Cell C – which doesn’t operate its own infrastructure – relies entirely on roaming agreements with MTN and Vodacom. MTN presented 13 examples of the contested claims across digital, print and outdoor media, insisting the messaging falsely implies Cell C possesses independent network capabilities rather than piggybacking on competitors’ infrastructure. Cell C…
South Africa’s automotive market is set to welcome another Chinese contender as premium brand Lepas confirms its 2026 launch. Operating under the Chery umbrella, Lepas aims to capture the growing demand for upscale vehicles among style-conscious drivers. The brand will debut with its flagship L8 SUV, unveiled at Chery’s 2025 Business Conference in China, followed by smaller L6 and L4 models. With plans to expand to five vehicles globally, Lepas targets annual sales exceeding 500,000 units, positioning itself as a key player in the competitive premium segment. The L8 will offer petrol, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric variants, catering to…
When Sthembiso Maseko first came across the JSE Investment Challenge, it was not the promise of prizes that drew him in, it was the promise of perspective. For him, the Challenge represented a rare opportunity to step beyond the lecture hall and into the living, breathing world of the financial markets. So, alongside his teammate Wongeka Mbongwa, the two first-year accountancy students from the University of Zululand formed RB-BLACK, a team driven by curiosity, ambition, and a desire to decode the complexities of South Africa’s financial engine. Just a few weeks later, RB-BLACK has emerged as the May winners of the JSE Investment Challenge,…
Tongaat Hulett’s three South African sugar mills – Maidstone, Amatikulu, and Felixton – have emerged as the country’s top performers in sugar recovery this season, marking a dramatic turnaround for the once-struggling agribusiness. The achievement follows a R1.45 billion capital injection over three years, funded by the Industrial Development Corporation, which addressed years of neglected infrastructure. Upgrades to milling equipment, refinery operations, and animal feed plants have boosted efficiency, with growers and industry benchmarks confirming the improvements. CEO Gavin Dalgleish credits the revival to strategic investments in both machinery and workforce training, shifting the company’s focus from reactive maintenance to…
South African motorists will soon have fresh options as Chinese automaker Changan prepares to relaunch locally with four new models arriving before year-end. The first shipment has docked, featuring the Hunter bakkie, Alsvin sedan and Deepal S07 electric SUV, while the CS75 Pro compact SUV is en route for a fourth-quarter debut. Distributed by Jameel Motors, the brand marks its return after previously selling budget models, now targeting more premium segments. The lineup includes the Peugeot Landtrek-based Hunter bakkie with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, plus the 135kW CS75 Pro SUV rivaling Nissan’s X-Trail. Budget-conscious buyers can consider the 78kW Alsvin…
This year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, themed ‘Marvels of Mzansi’, is projected to inject R700 million into eThekwini’s GDP while attracting over 50,000 visitors to the city on July 5. The prestigious horse racing event at Greyville Racecourse will showcase South Africa’s cultural heritage alongside its traditional blend of high fashion and competitive sport. Mayor Cyril Xaba confirmed comprehensive safety plans are in place, with heightened police visibility throughout the city to ensure visitor security during the festivities. Beyond the racetrack, the event promises significant economic benefits, including R278 million in direct spending and the creation of 4,000 temporary jobs. The…
Mr Price CEO Mark Blair’s remuneration surged to R60 million in 2025, up from R45 million the previous year, as the retailer celebrated a milestone of 3,000 stores. The group’s aggressive expansion, including acquisitions like Yuppiechef and Studio 88, saw it open 184 new outlets in the past year alone—doubling its footprint since 2021. Financially, the company reported a 7.9% revenue increase to R40.9 billion, with operating profit hitting a record R5.8 billion. Shareholders also benefited, with dividends jumping 127% to 593.5 cents per share. Blair’s pay boost was driven by performance-linked incentives. His short-term incentives rose to R14.9 million…
The South African government has committed R410.9 billion to local governance and service delivery programmes over the next three years, with 96.7% of funds directed to intergovernmental transfers. Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa announced the budget, emphasising its focus on underserved communities and tangible service improvements. A further R195.5 million was allocated to traditional affairs, including R46.9 million specifically for cultural and linguistic rights commissions, recognising traditional leaders’ role in social cohesion. Key reforms include a comprehensive review of the 1998 Local Government White Paper to modernise municipal structures amid urbanisation and youth unemployment challenges. The review’s public consultation period…