AI Diagnostics, a South African medtech company, has raised R85 million in a pre-Series A funding round to accelerate deployment of its AI-powered Ostium digital stethoscope, enabling early tuberculosis (TB) screening without specialist equipment or infrastructure. The round was led by The Steele Foundation for Hope, with participation from the iFSP Group, and Global Innovation Fund, and follow-on from key early angel investors. Previous rounds included industry leaders, Africa Health Ventures and Savant. Funding supports clinical research and validation, continued development of the product and AI model, and the operational infrastructure required to scale a medical device business in South…
Author: Staff Writer
South Africa’s residential property market is navigating a paradox. After posting the first real-term house price growth since 2021, the sector now faces fresh headwinds: geopolitical conflict, rising energy costs and increasingly selective buyers. Within this cautious environment, new asset classes are emerging as clear growth stories, from multifamily rentals to purpose-built student housing. The 4th Annual Reside Summit, taking place 20-21 May 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre, is a comprehensive, high-level gathering for residential property expertise featuring the Reside Conference, Expo, Visitor Open Day and Awards Gala, as well as the Absa Investor Breakfast. Insights from key confirmed summit…
South Africans’ lives have moved decisively into digital environments. From online shopping to banking and even how news is consumed, everyday behaviours are now shaped by platforms that prioritise immediacy, convenience and personalisation. It is no surprise, then, that expectations of financial advice are being reshaped in the same vein. Clients increasingly expect financial services to mirror the best digital experiences they have elsewhere. If they can transact, learn, compare and act at the touch of a button in other parts of life, they naturally question why financial decisions should still feel slow or fragmented. Yet, at the same time,…
Schroders, a global leader in active management, is enhancing its focus on meeting the increasingly complex needs of major global clients with the appointment of a Head of Cross Border, Financial Institutions. Guillaume Lendormy will oversee and drive the global client strategy for large institutions which operate across multiple markets, navigating jurisdictional and regulatory complexity. In this newly-created role, Guillaume will focus on strengthening strategic relationships, ensuring consistent engagement with the key decision-makers across relevant jurisdictions. He will dovetail with Schroders’ investment teams to ensure market insights and product capabilities are aligned with clients’ evolving needs and are responsive to emerging…
Standard Bank Namibia has been named Best Investment Bank in Namibia at the 2026 Global Banking and Finance Awards. The award recognises the bank’s role in structuring transactions, mobilising capital and providing advisory services to support business growth and investment across key sectors of the economy. Namibia has seen increasing activity in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, mining and logistics, with the bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking division involved in financing and advisory mandates linked to these developments. Nelson Lucas, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank Namibia, said the recognition reflects the contribution of the bank’s team.…
Government has launched a new strategic plan to align education and skills development with the demands of a technology-driven economy and tackle high unemployment. Deputy President Paul Mashatile said rapid changes in how people learn and work, driven by technology, shifting demographics and economic pressures require a renewed focus on skills and human development. Speaking at the 5th Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) summit in Johannesburg on Thursday, he said South Africa must rethink both job skills and broader human development to respond to a changing world. The strategy identifies four catalytic goals with the potential to unlock system-wide impact:…
Changan has officially launched its UNI-S mid-size SUV in South Africa, positioning the vehicle as a deliberate shift away from what the brand describes as a predictable segment. The arrival of the model was marked by a multi-day national launch event held at the Radisson Blu at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, where Changan introduced the UNI-S to dealers and media from across the country. The rollout began with a dealer launch on 30 March, welcoming 50 guests including dealers representing the expanding national network. This was followed by two dedicated media launch days on 31 March and…
The embattled sugar producer Tongaat Hulett has secured a temporary reprieve after the KwaZulu-Natal High Court adjourned its provisional liquidation hearing, following a last-minute agreement to extend and increase a critical funding facility. The adjournment came on the morning of 16 April, the day the hearing was set to begin, after the Industrial Development Corporation confirmed an extension of its Post-Commencement Funding facility to 30 June 2026, alongside an increase from R2.3 billion to R2.5 billion. The R200 million boost provides the necessary liquidity to support the company’s ongoing operations pending the finalisation of a broader rescue transaction . The…
In a South African grocery retail first, Checkers has brought a limited quantity of the award-winning, Spanish-grown ONIX™ citrus to local shoppers. The distinctive black‑skinned blood orange – known for its deep ruby interior, distinctive external striping, and complex flavour that precisely balances sweetness and acidity – is now exclusively available, while stocks last, in selected Checkers stores in the Western Cape and Gauteng. Naturally high in anthocyanins, this “super natural” fruit combines visual intensity with nutritional value. ONIX™ also offers great versatility, fitting naturally into snacking, juicing, baking and everyday cooking. Checkers partnered with global fresh food company AMFRESH to source this new generation citrus for the local market. Developed by AMFRESH’s varietal innovation platform, GENESIS FRESH, ONIX™ has already captured international attention, having won the esteemed 2025 Fruit Logistica Innovation Award and earning recognition from the International Taste Institute with the Superior Taste…
Energy major TotalEnergies has announced a new hydrocarbon discovery on the Moho license offshore the Republic of Congo, marking a strategic milestone for a country rapidly pursuing 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) in oil production. Led by TotalEnergies as operator (63.5%) alongside Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) – which is led by Managing Director Raoul Ominga– and Trident Energy, the discovery targeted the Moho G structure at the broader Moho complex, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading mature producer with untapped upside. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) commends TotalEnergies for this latest achievement, recognizing the company’s long-term…