Introducing Tech Talk Premium
Get access to exclusive breaking news, tech and sports updates for only R150p/m
BREAKING NEWS
Breaking News updated 25 February 2021
- Over 41 000 health care workers inoculated
- NSFAS finalising checks on funding applications
- Post-school education ready to receive first time entrants
- SARS sets up new unit for wealthy taxpayers
- Failure to spend budgets to come under the spotlight
- Over R200 billion allocated to criminal justice system
OPINION
- Digital disruption and its impact on traditional business models – By Suraya Hamdulay
- Digital tech trends in Africa for 2021 – By Vodacom Group’s Chief Officer of International Markets Diego Gutierrez
- Tech predictions and advisory for decision makers across MEA in 2021
- Women’s economic justice critical in realising AU’s Agenda 2063
- How online mobilisation and advocacy groups can advance the narrative on GBV
- In a post covid-19 world it’s important to Investing in a Smarter Way Forward – by Jim Holland, General Manager, Africa, Lenovo Data Centre Group
- The positive power of Tiktok – By Suraya Hamdulay, Executive Partner at Tsa Rona Insight & Analytics
- How SMEs can ensure their employees have it all in the new normal world of work – By Amir Sohrabi
- The Digital Diaspora: An African Artists Guide to Survival
- Can Africa do it?
- New technology powered by flexible work models will cause companies to rethink workforce strategies
- Citrix Rethinks Employee Experience to Advance New World of Work – Tim Minahan, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Citrix
SPORTS NEWS
- MOTSEPE REVEALS CAF 10-POINT ACTION PLAN – 25 Feb 2021
- ZUNGU BREAKS SILENCE… AS HE RETURNS TO TRAINING – 25 Feb 2021
- SAFA HITS BACK AT CAF – 22 Feb 2021
- Sundowns and Stellenbosch to appear for PSL DC – 16 Feb 2021
- Cricket SA interim board’s tenure extended – 16 Feb 2021
- KOLISI TO BE UNVEILED BY SHARKS – 16 Feb 2021
APPOINTMENTS
Liquid Telecom raises R12.4-billion in bond sale
26/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Some schools to start piloting coding, robotics curriculum
26/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
R3-billion for SARS to spend on technology upgrades
26/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Vodacom and Google SA empower rural communities with free smartphones
26/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Google added Password Checkup and new features to Android devices
26/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Uber to face class action over driver rights in South Africa
25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Australia to force Facebook and Google to pay for content: New Law
25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Convergence Partners buys Middle East operations – Ctrack’s Africa
25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
The investment vehicle created by businessman Andile Ngcaba, Convergence Partners, has acquired Ctrack’s operations in Africa and the Middle East from Nasdaq-listed Inseego.
Fake news hurting vaccination rollout: Nzimande
25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Name change shakeup for the Eastern Cape
25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Treasury projects the economy to grow by 3.3%
25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
R9 billion cash injection for COVID-19 vaccine programme
25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Education to remain a priority in 2021
25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Social grants to increase by below inflation
25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Social grants will from April increase by below inflation rates of between 1.0 and 3.4 percent, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni has announced. Coupled by this will be the ending of the social relief of distress grant in the same month, seeing expenditure on grants decreasing by 2.2 percent over the next three years.
Service term changes clarified by WhatsApp
24/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Unemployment rises to 32.5%
24/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Microsoft to give employees extra paid days off to ease pandemic stress
24/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
MTN SA Foundation rewards matric top achievers with laptops
24/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Technology is the game changer for health sector in Africa
24/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Toll tariffs to increase by 3.39%
23/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has approved the 2021 toll tariffs as recommended by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL). Toll tariffs on South Africa’s national roads will be adjusted on 1 March 2021 by 3.39%. “The toll tariff amounts are adjusted by the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate and therefore remain the same in real terms and are effectively not increased above the base date toll tariff from when the toll was initially implemented.
Safaricom’s network ranked best for data calls in Kenya
23/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
MTN Uganda Announces the MTN Foundation Youth Empowerment Program Winners
23/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Digital Material appoints Nomakhosi Skosana as Managing Director
23/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
The 2020 matric pass rate is 76.2%
23/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Learners with special needs score over 600 distinctions
23/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
This might happen to you if you don’t accept WhatsApp’s privacy policy
22/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Following backlash from users over new privacy policy, WhatsApp has come up with a list of details of changes that a user could face after ignoring its terms by the May 15 deadline. WhatsApp has now detailed what will happen to users who won’t agree to new privacy changes through a mail which…
ICASA provides an update on spectrum auction process
22/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Founder of Smile Telecoms Holdings retire
22/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
MTN SA Foundation to host Matric results
22/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
SA critical technology skills
22/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Youth urged to comment on Lanseria Smart City draft framework
19/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
SA moves to manufacture, commercialise hydrogen cell technology
19/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Copper thieves sentenced to combined 1 250 years
19/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
WhatsApp forges ahead with privacy update for users
19/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
It vowed it will allow users to read it at “their own pace”. The messaging platform released fresh terms in January, with its main goal of increasing business transactions on the platform. The policy update would…
Twitter launches voice direct messages feature
19/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Ndabeni-Abrahams commits to speed up digital migration project
18/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has committed to speed up the digital migration project, which will lead to a complete analogue switch-off in March 2022. This is in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the State of the Nation Address that the long-awaited national switch-off process of analogue…
Government revising guidelines on broadband connectivity
18/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Rain executive director steps down
18/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
“Phumlani will continue to sit on Rain’s board as a non-executive director and remains a shareholder,” Rain said.
Facebook Blocks News in Australia, Diverging With Google on Proposed Law
18/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
For months, Facebook and Google have been locked in a stare-down with news publishers and lawmakers in Australia.
At the heart of the fight is whether the tech giants should pay news organizations for the news articles that are shared on…
Google Maps adds ability to pay for parking
18/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
More than 80% of enterprises are choosing to take a hybrid strategy in adopting cloud technology, making use of multi-cloud deployment
18/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
SA Parliament to invite Facebook to account
17/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has confirmed that Facebook will be invited by the South African Parliament’s Committee of Communications and Digital Technologies to respond to questions about misinformation on its platforms. The move to summon the world’s largest social media platform to SA’s legislature comes after DA MP and spokesperson on communications, Phumzile van Damme,
Mastercard collaborates with MTN MoMo for global e-commerce
17/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Mastercard and MTN Group have formed a partnership that will allow millions of MTN Mobile Money customers to pay for goods and services on global e-commerce platforms. The Mastercard virtual payment solution will be available…
SA ranks 56th in Global Connectivity Index 2020
17/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Electricity prices to increase by 15%
17/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
ICASA appoints new members to complaints and compliance committee
16/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
ICASA has appointed Judge Thokozile Masipa as chairperson of the new five-member Complaints and Compliance Committee (CCC). Masipa was presiding judge in the 2014 trial of Oscar Pistorius for the killing of Reeva Steenkamp. In her new role at ICASA, she will head a committee that is responsible for investigating, adjudicating, hearing and recommending appropriate sanctions on complaints from…
MTN targets net zero carbon emissions by 2040
16/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile operator by subscribers, has committed itself to achieving net zero emissions by 2040. That’s a big target given that MTN burns millions of litres of diesel every year to keep its base stations running in markets where there…
BlackBerry phones with classic keyboards and 5G to launch later this year
16/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
In a recent interview…
SASSA urges use of online channels
16/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
R207 million in Phuthuma Nathi dividends unclaimed
15/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Phutuma Nathi is looking for 22 000 shareholders who owned shares and did not receive dividends between 2006 and 2020. There is R207 million in unclaimed dividends, waiting for their rightful owners.
Stanford report says Clubhouse may be leaking data to Chinese government
15/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
As invite-only audio chat app Clubhouse becomes popular globally including in India, researchers at Stanford University in the US have warned that the app may be leaking users’ audio data to the Chinese government.
Joe Biden asks for pause in Donald Trump’s effort to ban WeChat
15/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
South Africa’s newspaper industry in trouble
15/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
SA to start analogue TV switch-off in March
12/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
The long-awaited national switch-off process of analogue television transmitters will get underway next month. The analogue switch-off will see the country move away from analogue to digital broadcasting. “It is anticipated that this process, which will be done province-by-province, will…
Ramaphosa says high-speed spectrum is at an advanced stage
12/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Twitter complies with Indian government orders to block hundreds of accounts
12/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
The platform said it is currently exploring options to circumvent the blocking orders as it believes the company’s fundamental right to free expression under Indian law has been violated. Twitter has permanently banned or hidden over 500 accounts in response to…
Top 100 subscription apps earned $13bn in 2020 as YouTube takes lead
12/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Vodacom Business on disaster recovery through cloud computing
12/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Hawks make yet another arrest at Cell C
11/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Another arrest related to a fraud and corruption investigation at Cell C was made by the Hawks, the elite police crime-fighting unit said. A police team in Germiston arrested Adriraan Pillay, 39, for alleged fraud and corruption involving a tender scam amounting to R130-million…
SABC wants TV licence fees for laptops, DStv decoders, and Netflix
11/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Twitter expects revenue to grow faster than expenses this year
11/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Despite what has been described as an extraordinary year with unusual circumstances by tech mogul Jack Dorsey, his microblogging and social network platform Twitter still saw growth in its fourth quarter earnings of 2020.
Apple iPhone 12 mini sales slow
11/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Apple Inc’s iPhone 12 mini U.S. sales were just 5% of overall sales of its new phones during the first half of January, industry data provider Counterpoint said on Tuesday, adding to signs of muted demand for the new smaller version of its flagship device.
Bracelets to turn humans into batteries
11/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Clubhouse app blocked in China and added to ’Great Firewall’
10/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Access to audio app Clubhouse was blocked in China on Monday, users and an anti-censorship watchdog said, ending a brief window that allowed thousands of mainland users to join in discussions often censored in China.
Altron to sell more subsidiaries
10/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Altron to sell its Altron Document Solutions, Arrow and People Solutions subsidiaries, which it has identified as non-core. The group has already identified a range of parties that are interested in participating in a sale of these companies, CEO Mteto Nyati says.
Information Regulator supports electoral law amendments
10/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
MTN Group to exit BICS stake
10/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Novel AI tool promises to thwart Covid-19 mutations
09/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Researchers have developed a new method to counter emergent mutations of Covid-19 and hasten vaccine development to stop the pathogen responsible for killing thousands of people and ruining economies. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), the research team at the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of Engineering developed a method to speed the analysis of vaccines and zero in on the best potential preventive…
What is GameStop actually worth?
09/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Shares of video game retailer GameStop Corp have been on a wild ride. Analysts who cover the company, however, remain unmoved from their conviction that the stock still has much further to fall before it meets reality. The company’s shares soared more than 1,600% in January as retail investors, urged on by…
Huawei hopes Biden will have ‘open policy’
09/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
TikTok takes on Facebook with US e-commerce
09/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Telkom revenue up
08/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Telkom, South Africa’s leading landline operator, said on Monday group revenue for the nine months ending December 31 climbed 0.9%, driven by a 40.7% rise in mobile service revenue. The news sent shares up 7.6% to R39.74 rand at the open. Group revenue rose to R32.4 billion ($2.18 billion) from R32.1 billion in the same period a year earlier, said the partly…
Google first tech company to comply with new South Korean Internet law
08/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Chinese users evade censors by flocking to private social app Clubhouse
08/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Vodacom contributes R10 million to new Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Response Fund 1
08/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Vodacom offers 5G on iPhone 12
08/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Vodacom has announced* owners of Apple’s latest iPhone 12 smartphones can finally connect to the company 5G network. “Vodacom is pleased to share that we’re now offering 5G cellular support for the powerful new iPhone 12 line-up,” the company said in a brief statement. The launch of 5G support on Apple’s new iPhones comes nearly two months after rival MTN South Africa was able to offer it.
Call to make COVID-19 info available in all languages
05/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Correctional Services warns of scam
05/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Department of Correctional Services has urged the public not to fall prey to fake recruitment scams bearing its name and logo.
This comes after the department has noted an increase in circulation of such scams on various social media sites in recent months. The scams include bogus advertisements for Correctional Services learnerships, calling…
Spotify reports triple net loss for in 2020
05/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
At the end of 2020, the number of monthly active users was 345 million, a 27-percent increase compared with a year earlier. Paying subscribers, the main source of revenue for…
TikTok introduces warnings to unverified videos information
05/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Gijima gets a nod for T-Systems acquisition
05/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Gijima on Thursday announced it has been given the green light by the Competition Commission to acquire rival T-Systems South Africa. The approval will make Gijima the biggest black-owned ICT company in Southern Africa when 500 T-Systems employees join the company next month, Gijima said in a statement on Thursday.
COVID-19 online vaccination registration now open for medics
04/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Clinicians can now self-register to get their COVID-19 inoculation, as government prepares for its historic vaccination rollout in the next coming weeks. Launching the Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS) on Wednesday, Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said more than 34 000 frontline workers have already registered.
No reason to pull Huawei from blacklist says Biden commerce secretary
04/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Instagram adds ‘Recently Deleted’ feature
04/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
You can now control Zoom meeting rooms from your phone
04/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Zoom users can now control their meeting room experienced from their mobile devices, eliminating the need for users to touch the shared in-room controller. The video chat app has announced the general availability of new Zoom Rooms innovations that will help organisations safely re-enter the office and sustain an…
Uber to buy leading alcohol delivery service Drizly in $1.1bn deal
04/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Vodacom says delay in spectrum auction will negative impact on consumers
04/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Elon Musk makes debut on buzzy social app Clubhouse
03/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
All you need to know about Apple’s tracking prompt
03/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Signal introduces animated stickers
03/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
The increasingly popular messaging app Signal has added a number of mainstream features such as chat wallpapers, animated stickers and an “About” section in your profile. Ever since WhatsApp announced its controversial privacy policy update, both Signal and Telegram have seen a surge in growth as users around the world started migrating to the two platforms.
MTN appoints Citi, Standard Bank for local towers sale
03/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
MTN Group has appointed Citigroup and Standard Bank Group to advise on a sale and leaseback of some of the carrier’s South African telecommunications towers, according to people familiar with the matter. MTN is looking to raise between R5-billion and R10-billion from the deal, said the people, who asked not to be identified as the process…
Vodacom Group Limited trading update for the quarter ended 31 December 2020
02/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Group service revenue grew by 3.9% (4.2%*), driven by strong growth in South Africa and improved growth from our International operations. Group revenue growth of 6.4% (6.7%*) in the quarter was ahead of Group service revenue growth and supported by equipment and non-service revenue in South Africa.
Unlock your iPhone via Apple
02/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Soon you will be able to unlock your iPhone with Face ID even when with a Covid-19 mask on, but only if you are wearing an Apple Watch. In the next iOS 14 update, Apple Watch will give you haptic feedback to let you know your iPhone has been unlocked, reports Pocket-lint. The new iPhone iOS version 14.5, now available as developer Beta, has the functionality to unlock your iPhone via Apple Watch as you travel…
Google Chrome starts rolling out tab groupings for Android
02/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Google has started rolling out a new update that features a new interface for switching tabs, and a new tab grouping feature to help organise open web pages for Android app. According to 9to5Google, Chrome’s new grid layout replaces the vertically arranged list of cards that nearly spanned the entire width of your screen.
Samsung Pay is the safest way to pay
02/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Fresh from reaching the three million transactions milestone this year, Samsung Pay, South Africa’s widely used mobile wallet payment solution has been enthusiastically embraced by the nation. It is a safe, simple and secure way to pay using over 40 Galaxy devices and watches.
Spotify to suggest music based on your ’emotional state’
02/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Spotify wants to suggest music based on your mood. The music streaming service is planning to launch new patented technology that will analyze users voice to track their emotions and environment to play tracks that are best suited to their “emotional state, gender, age, or accent”.
Telegram lets users import chat history from WhatsApp on iOS and Android
01/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Telegram has added a new feature which allows users to import their chat history from WhatsApp, the company announced on their blog post. The new feature will also allow users to move their individual and group chats from apps like Line and KakaoTalk to Telegram. The new update comes after Telegram saw a great increase in downloads, as users started migrating to the platform.
Xiaomi may launch a smartphone with 200W fast charging
01/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Xiaomi is reportedly working on a new smartphone with 200W fast charging technology. According to a Weibo post, a Chinese microblogging website a 200W flagship device will be launching soon. The Weibo post added that the 200W fast…
Smartphone sales by Huawei plunge as US sanctions bite
01/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Sales of smartphones made by Chinese telecom giant Huawei plunged in the latest quarter of 2020 as they were hit by US sanctions on its suppliers, research firm Canalys says. Domestic sales fell 44 percent to 18.8 million units in October-December, according to data released by research…
President promotes platform for safety of journalists
01/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
African Union (AU) chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has endorsed the Digital Platform for the Safety of Journalists in Africa. “We support and endorse this initiative to give practical support to the right of all Africans to freely receive information, and to express…
Government to use online platform for COVID-19 vaccination
01/02/2021 | By Tech Talk
Government will use an electronic system to keep track of everyone who gets the COVID-19 vaccine as South Africa gears up for its historical mass vaccination. The Department of Health’s Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO), Milani Wolmarans, said the Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS), will allow the department to capture all relevant data associated with…
Apple 1 billion iPhones now active on Earth
29/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The active installed base of iPhones has reached a new all-time high, surpassing 1 billion devices globally, the company announced on Thursday. iPhone revenue was a record $65.6 billion in the December quarter, growing 17 per cent…
WhatsApp gets new security feature
29/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Popular messaging app WhatsApp is adding a new layer of security for users wanting to link their accounts to their computers via WhatsApp Web or desktop. WhatsApp has recently been under intense scrutiny over its updated…
Instagram launches improved ‘Stories’ layout for desktop
29/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Instagram has rolled out a new layout for “Stories” feature for the desktop users. The company is updating its “Stories” feature so that it opens up to show a carousel of videos, which previews what’s cued up next and the content that just played.
Google Play Points rewards in SA
29/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Google has on Wednesday launched the much-loved Google Play Points in South Africa, allowing users to redeem hard-earned points for in-app items or Google Play Credit. It was launched this week in South Africa and 12 other countries – Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and…
ICASA to oppose the court application filed by MTN at the High Court
29/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“ICASA/the Authority”) received an urgent court application on Wednesday, 27 January 2021, filed by MTN (Pty) Ltd (“MTN”) in respect of the Invitation To Apply (“ITA”) for high demand spectrum or International Mobile Telecommunications (“IMT”) spectrum licensing process.
WhatsApp reiterates commitment to user privacy through Status platform
28/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Following the WhatsApp privacy policy saga, the company has launched an official account on its status platform. On Wednesday, users woke up to four new status messages that were displayed on WhatsApp.
MTN takes Icasa to court over 5G spectrum auction
28/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
MTN SA has become the third company after Telkom and E-TV to take the industry regulator, Icasa, to court over the upcoming spectrum auction. Vuyani Jarana’s Mafadi Consortium has also criticised the process being championed by ICASA…
IBM sales dip as pandemic hits tech firm
28/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Although the tech giant may have seen a slight growth in revenue, it was not enough to convince investors as the company’s shares dropped 6.7 percent to $122.98 in extended trading after IBM’s fourth consecutive quarter of sales decline, while sales from cloud and cognitive…
MTN partners with African Union on COVID-19 vaccinations
28/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
In a unique public/private partnership, MTN, Africa’s leading mobile network, has announced a donation of US$25 million to support the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccination programme. The donation will help secure up to seven million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for health workers across the continent, which will contribute to the vaccination initiative of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Liquid Telecom buys QBS Group’s MEA operations
28/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Liquid Telecom has announced a strategic acquisition of the Middle East & African (MEA) operations of Quattro Business Solutions (QBS). The company says the acquisition will allow the company to innovate and enhance its digital services offerings.
Clicks to close Music Retailer’s Stores
28/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Musica is no more. We’ve known is coming for some time. Clicks Group informed investors on Wednesday that it will close the music retailer’s stores countrywide. The music retailer was founded 29 years ago. The JSE-listed company informed investors that its board has…
MultiChoice to develop next generation of scriptwriters
28/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Twelve young South Africans have been selected by MultiChoice to participate in a continental first Scriptwriting Incubator to find the next generation of storytellers. Starting in February, the full-time MultiChoice Talent Factory South Africa (MTFza) Scriptwriting Incubator…
Revamp for Google mobile search
27/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Google has redesigned how search results will look like on mobile, the company announced in a blog post. The company said it hopes the new change will simplify things for users. Though the changes might be minor, the new redesign promises to bring information into focus, making text easier to read, creating more breathing room, using colour to highlight what’s important, and leaning into that “Googley” feeling.
TikTok rival in China Kuaishou aims to be the biggest IPO since pandemic began
27/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Chinese tech giant that has created video sharing app Kuaishou has set its financial standards high as it looks to raise over $4.95 billion in an initial public offering (IPO). This is believed to be the largest in Hong Kong for more than a year. Kuaishou is an app where users can film short-form videos and live stream…
Vodafone to sell Ghana operation to Vodacom
27/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Vodafone Group is considering options for its Ghana business as it focuses on reorganising the group and paying down debt, according to people familiar with the matter. The British telecommunications giant could sell its majority stake in the unit to Johannesburg-listed Vodacom Group, in which Vodafone is the biggest shareholder…
Apple iOS 14.4 fixes 3 bugs that were ‘actively exploited’ by hackers
27/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Two of the bugs were found in WebKit, the browser engine that powers the Safari browser, and the Kernel, the core of the operating system. Apple said additional details would be available soon on the three bugs so the iPhone and iPad users should update to iOS 14.4 as soon as possible.
Scrutiny mounts over audio-only social app Clubhouse
27/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
When Clubhouse, a private social app, debuted in March of last year, it was hard for most people to score an invitation. Over the summer, that sense of exclusivity fueled intrigue and chatter, especially as big names in music, entertainment and tech created accounts.
Authorities wants TikTok to block users if the age is unverified
26/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The video-sharing social media platform TikTok has been ordered by data privacy authority to temporarily block the accounts of users whose age cannot be verified. This comes after the death of a 10-year-old girl who had been using the platform.
Developer slams Apple and Google after COVID game gets rejected
26/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
German app developer has filed a complaint with European Union antitrust authorities against Google and Apple which he said last year rejected a game aimed at encouraging compliance with government COVID-19 rules.
Vodacom and Cell C agreement
26/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
From screaming headlines of privacy invasion to the reality of the new WhatsApp terms of service. It didn’t take long for the first scandal to hit 2021. WhatsApp announced that users must accept the new terms of service by February 2021 or lose use of the application, and the terms were cause for global concern.
New eFiling browser for SARS
26/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has launched a new eFiling browser in response to users complaining that they were having issues with Flash forms not loading on the eFiling website.
Twitter launches program for users to fact-check tweets
26/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Twitter has launched a new community-based pilot program called Birdwatch that allows people to identify information in Tweets they believe is misleading, and write notes that provide informative context.
Tribunal issues order for interim arrangement in GovChat and WhatsApp saga
25/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Competition Tribunal has released an order for an interim arrangement between GovChat, WhatsApp and Facebook until it issues its decision in GovChat’s interim relief application against WhatsApp and Facebook.
iPhone 13 models to come with sensor-shift camera stabilisation
25/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Apple is reportedly planning to bring sensor-shift optical image stabilisation to the entire iPhone 13 lineup. According to industry sources, next-generation iPhones slated for launch in the second half of 2021 would all come with sensor-shift stabilisation technology, reports DigiTimes.
Vodacom and Cell C agreement
25/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Vodacom and Cell C reached an agreement which is behind the recent migration of Cell C’s contract and broadband user base to Vodacom’s network. Two weeks ago, Cell C announced that the migration process has started with contract and broadband customers. This a month after the migration actually started.
Alphabet shuts Loon
25/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Google parent Alphabet is shutting down its Internet balloon business, Loon, which aimed to provide a less expensive alternative to cellphone towers, saying on Thursday that it was not commercially viable. Founded in 2011, Loon aimed to bring connectivity to areas of the world where building cell towers is too expensive…
Cellular Handsets Strategic Driver for Mr Price Stores
25/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
South African retailer Mr Price uses cellular handsets and accessories to drive footfall traffic into its stores and online platforms. Driving in-store traffic is the daily mission for every brick-and-mortar retail business. Catching the customer’s eyes and attracting them to a store and the cash register has always been a challenge for retailers.
African messaging app Ayoba assures users of privacy and security protection
25/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
As people everywhere ramp up their usage of instant messaging, more and more are choosing Ayoba. MTN Group is proud to partner with this unique instant messaging platform localised for the needs of consumers across Africa. Launched in 2019 to improve access to affordable communications, ayoba is active in 17 MTN markets…
Facebook urged to withdraw WhatsApp privacy policy update
22/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
India’s technology ministry has asked WhatsApp to withdraw changes to its privacy policy the messenger announced this month, saying the new terms take away choice from Indian users.
Twitter, Periscope and Pinterest slapped with new ad ban
22/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Ankara has imposed advertising bans on Twitter, Periscope and Pinterest after they failed to appoint local representatives in Turkey under a new social media law, according to decisions published on Tuesday. Under the law, which critics say…
SABC blackout
22/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
SABC unions are threatening a blackout of all services this morning if restructuring and retrenchment processes are not halted. Aubrey Tshabalala, general secretary of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), said a go-slow at the SABC started yesterday which already resulted in a few glitches.
SANEF pays tribute to Jackson Mthembu, the ally and defender of media freedom
22/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The South African National Editors’ Forum has paid tribute to the late Minister Jackson Mthembu who died on Thursday, describing him as an ally and defender of media freedom and freedom of expression.
Arts dept working on third phase relief funding
22/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture says it is fast tracking a third phase of relief funding for the industry to alleviate pressure on those hard hit by the ongoing lockdown. To date, the department has implemented the first and second phases of the COVID-19 Relief Fund. Nearly 5 000 practitioners were recommended for the first phase and over R80 million was paid out to the sector.
Apple could be planning a podcast subscription service
22/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Apple is reportedly planning to launch a new subscription service that would be focused on podcasts. The tech giant is currently in talks with production companies about the service which would charge people to listen to podcasts, reports The Information. By charging for individual podcasts, Apple could give creators a new way to make more money, which may convince them to…
President Ramaphosa extends condolences to Mthembu family
21/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his deepest sympathy to the family of Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, who passed away earlier today from COVID-19 related complications. “Minister Mthembu was an exemplary leader, an activist and life-long champion of freedom and democracy.
Repo rate remains unchanged at 3.5%
21/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Monetary Policy Committee has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 3.5% per annum, Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago, has announced. Speaking during a virtual media briefing on Thursday, Kganyago said during the MPC meeting, two members of the committee preferred a 25 basis point cut and three preferred to hold rates at the current level.
Need for internet regulation increases as pandemic highlights digital divide
21/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Biden administration’s agenda, already focused on the coronavirus, will face immediate pressure to address a related tech issue: access to home broadband that has become essential to continuing work, school and other important activities…
Major changes at Liquid Telecoms
21/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Liquid Telecom is undergoing major changes – including a rebranding and a revised strategy for the next financial year. Last year, the company announced a rebranding to “Liquid Intelligent Technologies”, as well as restructuring which saw it retrench a number…
Bright Sky SA gender-based violence awareness app has been zero-rated
21/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
To prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Vodacom announced that it has zero-rated its Bright Sky SA app, which was launched in November last year. This in order to ensure that Vodacom users will not incur any data costs when downloading the app or…
Communications Ministry accuses eNCA of dragging its feet over body-shaming comment
21/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Ministry of Communications has accused eNCA of dragging its feet to deal with the comments made by its news anchor relating to the body-shaming of Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.
FNB launched Virtual Card all customers
21/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
First National Bank has launched its Virtual Card offering to all customers after a period of beta testing. Virtual Card is a digital card solution built into its smartphone app on Android and iOS that FNB believes will make both online and physical payments significantly safer and more convenient. Virtual Card is activated and stored in FNB customers’ profiles on the FNB app. Only they have access to it and the CVV…
MultiChoice invests R26 million to grow SA’s skills pipeline
21/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
MultiChoice South Africa today announced that two hundred and thirty-six students will benefit from bursaries worth R26 million in 2021. The company is making tertiary education a reality for students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, Broadcasting, Media, Film & Television, Human Resources, Finance, Economics, Law, Communications, UI/UX/CX Design, Consumer Insights and Advertising.
Public servants to get training on digital transformation
20/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Public servants are set to receive training on innovation and management in the digital and data era, as well as leadership in a time of crisis. The training, which is part of improving the capacity of the State to better deliver services to the public, is a result of a partnership between South Africa and France.
Netflix subscribers pass 200 million
20/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Netflix Inc. ended its biggest year in company history with a bang, adding more customers than expected and saying it no longer needs to borrow money to build its entertainment empire.
MTN to pay R11.4-million damages
20/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Supreme Court of appeal has dismissed MTN South Africa’s appeal against a judgment ordering it to pay R11.4-million in damages, plus interest, to a dealer whose business was shut down…
Microsoft Invests R29 Billion in GM’s Driverless Vehicle Company Cruise
20/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Microsoft has invested in Cruise, General Motors (GM) driverless car unit, pushing the company’s valuation to $30 billion (R447 billion). The global tech company…
5G and other COVID-19 myth stories are nonsense
19/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande says 5G and other COVID-19 myths are false and rubbish stories. “This thing about people questioning vaccines now has a danger of misleading people,” he stressed. “All of us when we are born we’re vaccinated, even children who are born now as we’re speaking they’re being vaccinated against…
MTN dismisses 5G link to COVID-19
19/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
MTN has poured cold water on any link between 5G and COVID-19, stating the myth has been discredited globally by scientists. The company says it will continue to work to raise awareness and direct its efforts to combat the pandemic and support customers and society.
Cell C to rent out its head office
19/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Parts of Cell C’s head office in Midrand, which boasts a customer walk-in centre, an IT centre, warehouse facilities and office space, is for rent. The Cell C campus was developed by Atterbury, with construction starting in July 2012 after an official sod-turning ceremony with former Cell C CEO Alan…
Students to receive more data
19/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande says the government is working with mobile networks for the long-term provision of data to students. Nzimande says while networks had provided data to students as part of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government was tired…
TransUnion and Fincheck join forces
19/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
TransUnion has linked up with South African financial marketplace Fincheck, to make the credit application process easier for consumers. Announcing the partnership today, the companies say consumers are able to access a free TransUnion credit report on Fincheck, which helps them understand their financial position to make better, more responsible financial decisions.
SA must embrace innovation to rebuild economy: President Ramaphosa
19/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
With the COVID-19 pandemic having battered the South African fiscus in 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned that the country will have to embrace innovative interventions to rebuild the economy in the New Year.
SA must embrace innovation to rebuild economy: President Ramaphosa
19/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
South Africa has technical capabilities to produce vaccines as the country battles with the COVID-19 resurgence. The President said this on Monday in his first weekly newsletter of 2021.
Trump administration to revoke licences to sell to Huawei
18/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Trump administration has notified Huawei suppliers, including chip maker Intel, that it is revoking certain licences to sell to the Chinese company and intends to reject dozens of other applications to supply the telecommunications firm, people familiar with the matter said.
ABT Telecoms attacks R265-million tender report
18/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
ABT Telecoms has responded to a City Press report that it was responsible for a telecommunications shutdown in Mpumalanga provincial government offices, calling it unsubstantiated and slanderous.
WhatsApp delays new privacy policy
18/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
WhatsApp has delayed the introduction of a new privacy policy announced earlier this month after confusion and user backlash forced the messaging service to better explain what data it collects and how it shares that information with parent company, Facebook Inc.
New management at Seacom
18/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Seacom recently announced that Prenesh Padayachee has been appointed as the company’s new Group Chief Digital Officer (CDO). Padayachee is a South African telecoms veteran who has previously served as Internet Solutions’ CTO and Telkom Openserve’s chief sales and marketing officer.
Samsung billionaire to return to jail
18/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Samsung’s heir Jay Y Lee has been sentenced to two years and six months in prison over bribery charges, a dramatic conclusion to a years-long graft trial that had inflamed outrage in the country over the cosy relationships between government and business.
Information Regulator engages Facebook SA over privacy policy
15/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
South Africa’s Information Regulator has announced that it met Facebook South Africa on Wednesday to discuss its revised WhatsApp privacy policy. South Africa’s Information Regulator has announced that it met Facebook South Africa on Wednesday to discuss its revised WhatsApp privacy policy.
WhatsApp Private Policy
15/01/2021 | By Suraya Hamdulay
2021 has kicked-off with a few strange events, leaving us wondering whether the year ahead is going to get worse before it gets better. Being an eternal optimist, I believe that we have to cling to hope, or it is the one thing that will keep us anchored as a collective and take us all over the finish line intact.
ICASA to conducts virtual workshops in respect of the draft Municipal Elections Regulations
15/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
As the country prepares for the 2021 municipal elections, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA/the Authority) is also reviewing the Municipal Elections Regulations of 2011.
US blacklists Xiaomi
15/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Trump administration blacklisted Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi and 10 other companies as it broadened efforts to undercut the expansion of the country’s technology sector. Xiaomi shares plunged.
BCX website hacked
15/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
BCX is investigating an incident that resulted in adult content being displayed on its Website description page on Thursday. Upon trying to visit the ICT services company Web site, he was automatically redirected to a home page that advertises sex dolls. BCX spokesperson says that preliminary investigations have revealed that the BCX network was not hacked nor did it suffer a security breach.
Post office urged to observe COVID-19 protocols
15/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Professor Hlengiwe Mkhize, has called on managers at the South African Post Office (Sapo) to ensure that COVID-19 protocols are adhered to. This call comes after the Deputy Minister observed images circulating on social media of queues at Post Offices in which there is no social distancing…
11 IT trends that will drive CIO success in 2021
14/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
2020 has been a demanding year for organizations and those in charge of business operations. For CIO’s, it’s been a year of testing their IT infrastructure and reviewing the efficacy of the business’ digital transformation efforts to date. For 2021, the biggest task will be transforming business operations to align with post-pandemic disruptions, and for CIO’s…
LG Electronics collaborates with Magna International to manufacture e-vehicle components
14/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
LG Electronics has entered into a joint venture with mobility technology company Magna International to develop e-vehicle parts. The joint venture will result in the creation of a new company that will manufacture e-motors, inverters and on board chargers and, for certain…
TSMC ramps up capex to protect growing market lead
14/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co expects to boost capital spending to as much as US$28-billion this year in order to safeguard its lead in advanced technologies that made it chip maker of choice to the world’s technology and car giants. Capital spending for 2021 is targeted at $25-billion to $28-billion, compared to $17.2-billion…
Cell C contract and broadband user migrate to Vodacom
14/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Cell C has started to migrate its contract and broadband customers off its network in a process which is expected to be completed in the next two months. The mobile operator says this move forms part of its network strategy where it will switch off its own radio network and partner with the “best-of-breed on both infrastructure and services”.
Government’s plan to make smartphone users to pay a TV licence
12/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has doubled down on the government’s plan to charge people with computers, smartphones, and tablets TV licence fees. Ndabeni-Abrahams cited sections of the recently published “Draft White Paper on Audio and Audio-Visual Content Services Policy…
Telkom withdraws some parts of spectrum court application
12/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced that Telkom has withdrawn part of its court application against it. Following the recent media reports about Telkom launching a court application in respect of the Invitation To Apply (ITA) for high demand spectrum or International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)…
MTN to give users 1GB for downloading COVID-19 app
13/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
MTN says it will reward customers who download the COVID-19 Alert SA application with 1GB of free data valid for one hour. “In an effort to rally South Africans to download and use the COVID-19 Alert app, MTN has not only zero-rated its use but will reward customers with 1GB…
E-TV joins in on legal spectrum auction against ICASA
13/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Free-to-air broadcaster e.tv has filed an application to join Telkom’s lawsuit seeking an urgent interim interdict preventing communications regulator Icasa from proceeding with its planned broadband spectrum auction.
Government’s plan to make smartphone users to pay a TV licence
12/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has doubled down on the government’s plan to charge people with computers, smartphones, and tablets TV licence fees. Ndabeni-Abrahams cited sections of the recently published “Draft White Paper on Audio and Audio-Visual Content Services Policy…
Telkom withdraws some parts of spectrum court application
12/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has announced that Telkom has withdrawn part of its court application against it. Following the recent media reports about Telkom launching a court application in respect of the Invitation To Apply (ITA) for high demand spectrum or International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)…
Facebook’s WhatsApp privacy policy update gone wrong
12/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Facebook’s WhatsApp has started informing its users of an update to its privacy policy also stating that if users want to keep using the popular messaging app, they have to accept the updated privacy policy. The new terms, delivered in early 2021, have caused an outcry among technology experts, privacy advocates…
Intel server chip to be available in the first quarter
12/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Intel Corp. said a server chip built with its best production technique will be available in large volumes in the first quarter, an attempt to convince customers that its manufacturing operations are recovering from long delays. The third generation of Xeon Scalable processors, codenamed Ice Lake, is undergoing…
Prof Marwala dispels the 5G myths
12/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Fifth-generation (5G) technology is not something sinister as some conspiracy theorists may have people believe, but is the progression of current technologies as societies increasingly go mobile and consume more data. This is word from Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, vice-chancellor (VC) and principal of the University of Johannesburg…
Samsung, TSMC to make Intel high-end chips
11/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
Samsung Electronics rose the most in almost 10 months after Intel was said to be considering asking the South Korean giant and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to make some of its most sophisticated chips, a major departure for the Silicon Valley pioneer.
The 5G myths vis-à-vis COVID-19
11/01/2021 | By Tech Talk
The Authority continues to note media reports with regards to the deployment of the Fifth-Generation (5G) technologies and infrastructure and its purported relation to the spread of the novel coronavirus. The Authority would like to urge all South Africans not to be swayed by these…