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BREAKING NEWS

Breaking News updated 19 April 2021

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One Day to go for 450KM run for school shoes and sanitary towels challenge

Government launches the Discipline Management Complaints Hotline

19/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has launched the Discipline Management Complaints Hotline. This is a platform which will enable public servants on prolonged suspension to report incidents of bullying and victimisation by their supervisors, pending finalisation of their disciplinary cases.

Nigeria lifts ban on new mobile subscriptions

19/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Nigeria will restart issuing new mobile subscriptions from next week, the government said, four months after it halted the process in an attempt to curb growing insecurity in the country. Africa’s most populous nation…

Is home fitness the future?

19/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

More than a year into the pandemic, indoor fitness classes remain risky. While vaccine adoption, capacity limits, mask requirements and enhanced cleaning may make the activity safer, you can’t get around the fact that people are exhaling rapidly in enclosed spaces, potentially spewing…

Facebook to take on Clubhouse and Zoom

19/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Facebook is all set to announce a bouquet of social audio products to take on invite-only audio meet app Clubhouse and video conferencing platform Zoom. The likely products, to be unveiled on Monday (US time), are an audio-only…

Handbook on safety and security for teachers launched

19/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The South African Council for Educators (SACE) has officially launched its Handbook on Teachers’ Safety and Security in South African Schools. The handbook will serve as a toolkit for teachers on matters affecting them daily in the classroom/school environment, and focuses on their safety and security.

Mark Zuckerberg urged to ditch kids’ version of Instagram

19/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Advocates for children from around the world urged Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday to ditch plans for a version of Instagram geared toward pre-teens. Campaign for a Commercial-free Childhood and the Electronic Privacy Information Center…

AYO and FNB in court over discrimination

16/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

AYO Technology Solutions has launched a court application on constitutional grounds against First National Bank (FNB) after the bank gave the technology firm notice to close its transactional banking facility from May 3, according to a Sens statement on Thursday.

Workers hit their Work From Home stride

16/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

One year after the global remote work revolution, the shift to work from home (WFH) and work from anywhere (WFA) is already resulting in profound effects on businesses’ digital transformation as well as data security concerns.

Online apps – silver lining for SMBs

16/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

One in two small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in South Africa has yet to see revenues recover to pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest edition of Facebook’s Global State of Small Business Report, which examines the effects of Covid-19 on SMBs in 27 countries and territories.

Clubhouse coming to Android in May

16/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Currently, Clubhouse is only available for iOS (Apple) users, however, the social audio app could be coming to Android users soon. In recent months the co-founder and CEO of Clubhouse Paul Davison has also been hinting that the audio app will soon make its way to Android…

Video game seeks to fight racism

16/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

With calls for police reform and protests across the United States, software engineer Bryant Young is hoping to use virtual reality (VR) to fight racism. “Our America” puts the viewer in the driver’s seat as a Black father takes his son to school. Along the way, they are pulled over by the police, leading…

Facebook has reached net-zero emissions, signs renewable energy deal in India

16/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Facebook has signed a deal to buy renewable energy in India from a local firm’s wind power project, the social media giant’s first such deal in the South Asian nation, the companies said on Thursday. Facebook also said that as of 2020…

Basic Education disputes report about shortage of teachers

16/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Department of Basic Education has disputed a media report about the shortage of 24 000 teachers in the country. Responding to an article published by Businesstech.co.za, which incorrectly reported that there was a shortage of 24 000 teachers, the department said that the…

Upsurge spending on home delivery, video and music streaming apps

16/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The number of consumers spending on home delivery, video, and music streaming apps for convenient access to services has increased, a year since the country went into lockdown. This is according to Financial services First National Bank (FNB).

NSFAS funded students urged to order laptops online

15/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has called on all NSFAS funded students, who are registered at a public university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, to order laptops online.

Guard filmed in sex romp with prisoner has been fired

15/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The female prison warden filmed in a sex romp with a male prisoner at a KwaZulu-Natal prison has been fired. Department of Correctional Services spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, said the official was dismissed from the Ncome Correctional…

MEC condemns bullying video in Limpopo

15/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Limpopo Education MEC Polly Boshielo has expressed concern at the increasing number of reported bullying incidents in schools involving learners. This comes after a viral video of a Grade 10 learner who was attacked in full view of her peers at…

SA Post Office commercially insolvent

15/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke has found that the South African Post Office is commercially insolvent. According to the report, Maluleke’s audit review of the Post Office Group’s annual results noted it had incurred losses of over R1.7 billion…

Shop now and pay later with VodaLend | Voucher Advance

15/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

From craving a quick meal from a restaurant to needing new appliances, VodaLend | Voucher Advance now offers Vodacom customers the ability to get it now or pay for it later. Vodacom customers can now access vouchers from two leading brands thanks to the introduction of…

IPhones to feature 48MP camera but no mini models

15/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Apple is reportedly planning a major camera upgrade for its 2022 iPhone lineup as the devices may sport a 48MP lens and the mini models are likely to be axed, a media report said on Wednesday. According to AppleInsider, citing famed analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s top-tier “iPhone 14” models will adopt a 1/1.3-inch 48MP CMOS image sensor for…

Chip shortage could last beyond 2022

15/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The global semiconductor shortage hammering the auto industry and other manufacturers is going to take “a couple of years” to abate, as demand soars alongside limited manufacturing capacity, the chief executive of chip-making giant Intel said.

Vodacom Business on a new era of digital buildings

15/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

With the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in all aspects of our lives, it is no surprise that buildings are getting a lot ‘smarter’ too. The impact of the COVID 19 pandemic has accelerated the need for digitally integrated buildings…

Ford set to offer ‘hands-free’ highway driving function

15/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Ford says it will start putting its hands-free highway driving technology into some of its US models from later this year. The carmaker said its BlueCruise technology will be offered on its 2021 model year F-150 pick-up trucks as well as the Mustang

Call for entries for Mbewu entrepreneurial programme

15/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The programme was launched in 2019 to provide support to social enterprises and start-ups that work innovatively to solve challenges in society through their entrepreneurial activities. Barloworld’s Mbewu flagship entrepreneurial…

Correctional Services acts swiftly on videos on social media

14/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Minister of Public Service and Administration, Senzo Mchunu, has commended the Department of Correctional Services for acting swiftly in dealing with those implicated or involved in recent viral videos.

Intel set on developing chips for car companies

14/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

As more car companies are powered by technology, Intel is planning to supply the industry with chips. The world-renowned chip manufacturer is set to start making in-demand semiconductors for car companies within six to nine months.

Fake Netflix app hacks Netflix fans

14/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Disguised as a Netflix content enabler, an app named ’FlixOnline has been distributing Android malware via malicious auto-replies to incoming WhatsApp messages.

Facebook will label user content to reduce misinformation

14/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Social media giant Facebook has announced that it will start labelling posts from certain Pages on people’s News Feeds. Facebook is trying to reduce and help its users from separating satire from real news.

Ransomware attacks increase on SA companies

14/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

South Africa is firmly in the sights of international cybercrime syndicates who have been ramping up their attacks on local companies in the past six months, according to security specialist Nclose. Martin Potgieter, co-founder & technical director at ‎Nclose, says the Nview MDR…

Special Economic Zones continue to perform well

14/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

South Africa’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) continue to thrive despite the challenges brought on by COVID-19, says Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Nomalungelo Gina. In a statement on Tuesday, Gina said the SEZ programme continues to attract investors.

Why SA is suspending its J&J vaccine roll-out

14/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine roll-out in South Africa has been temporarily suspended. This comes after six women in the US, between the ages of 18 and 48, developed a rare blood-clotting disorder after getting the vaccine. One case was fatal and one remains in critical care.

Eerste River learners to be placed in a school

14/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says it has found a school for all the learners that have been learning in an open field in Forest Village, Cape Town. “The WCED has been contacting parents over the past week to make offers of placement. Half of the learners have already been placed at schools,” said Education MEC Debbie Schäfer.

Local tutoring app to employ young tutors

13/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The past year has been a challenging year for all pupils and teachers, with school closures disrupting learning, the uncertainty of the pandemic and lockdown – it was a stressful time.

Siya Kolisi partners with lifestyle brand to launch a shoe to fund sport projects in Zwide

13/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi has partnered with local lifestyle brand Freedom of Movement (FOM) to launch a new limited-edition black shoe to uplift communities by supporting sport infrastructure projects.

TikTok for business launches in Mzansi

13/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

TikTok For Business has finally launched in South Africa after TikTok South Africa signed an exclusive partnership agreement with 365 Digital. TikTok For Business will allow brands to tell more immersive stories and will also provide a more dynamic consumer experience while tapping…

Samsung opens doors for students

13/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

For the third consecutive year, Samsung has awarded bursaries to the Gauteng Department of Education which, this year, will see 30 students benefit to the tune of R2,7-million. Since inception, a total of R21-million has been donated by Samsung though this programme to various…

PayPal payment volume to triple

13/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

PayPal is expecting to maintain an upward trajectory in 2021 and beyond following an epic 2020. Based on its projections, the total payment volume for 2021 is set to increase by a high 20% range. Earnings per share (EPS) during the year are expected to rise at a 22% CAGR.

Cyberattacks pose main risk to US economy – Fed chair

13/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell said he was more worried about the risk of a large-scale cyberattack than another financial crisis like that of 2008.The risks of a 2008-like crisis with a need for government bailouts of banks were…

Update on banking channel partners’ dispute and expansion of channel network

13/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Following the temporary suspension of sales of MTN products through our banking channel partners on April 2, 2021, services were restored on Sunday, April 4, 2021 with customers able to access all…

Vodacom partners with AUDA-NEPAD for major vaccine roll-out

13/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Vodacom Group and the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) will offer the mVacciNation digital toolbox – a mobile technology platform that manages vaccination appointments and stock…

Dlodlo vows to rid State Security of corruption

13/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

State Security Minister Ayanda Dlodlo has reiterated the State Security Agency’s determination to fight corruption from within its ranks. Dlodlo made the commitment in a statement in which she also expressed encouragement at the prosecution of staff who allegedly defrauded the…

R160m paid to arts sector beneficiaries

13/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

A total of 979 beneficiaries of the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package (PESP) programme, which is administered by the National Arts Council (NAC), have been paid R160 million. In a media statement on Monday, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa…

Apple to testify before US Senate over app store antitrust concerns

12/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

A senior Apple Inc executive has agreed to testify before the U.S. Senate on competition issues related to mobile app stores, days after panel leaders criticized the company for refusing to appear.

Workers demand tough action on harassment from Google parent

12/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

A letter calling for Google’s parent company Alphabet to better protect people who report sexual harassment on the job was signed by more than 1,000 workers soon after being posted online Friday. The open letter contended the tech giant had a pattern of safeguarding or even…

Online publishers with large readership revealed

12/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The latest Narratiive website traffic report revealed that 24.com, Arena Holdings, Independent Online, Broad Media, and Caxton are the most powerful online publishers in South Africa. Narratiive is the official traffic measurement partner of the IAB South Africa and provides accurate…

ICASA to reopen licence applications for community sound broadcasting services in 2021

12/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) will reopen applications, later in the year, for Class Community Sound Broadcasting Services and related Radio Frequency Spectrum Licences for purposes of…

Laptops snatched from Limpopo Government Departmental office

12/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Thoko Didiza, Rural Development Minister says she is appalled at the “thuggery” that took place at the department’s Limpopo office. This after the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in Limpopo became the victim of theft this week.

Absa, AWS partner on cloud computing skills incubator

12/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Absa Group has launched a cloud incubator initiative in collaboration with Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS), to enhance its cloud computing skills across its operations in Africa. As one of the largest cloud adopters in Africa, Absa is promoting cloud fluency as part of its broader efforts…

Spectrum Improves Lives for Matatiele Residents

09/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The release of temporary spectrum is changing the lives of the community of Matatiele, which straddles the border between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Sister Mofokeng of the Matatiele Community Clinic is among those who have seen an improvement in her internet connectivity.

National Treasury Resolving e-Tender Portal Crash

09/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

National Treasury says its technicians are working around the clock to solve a technical problem that saw its e-Tender portal experience technical difficulties. In a statement, the department on Wednesday said the ICT server infrastructure that hosts the e-Tender portal suffered a crash caused by a technical failure.

ICASA and the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sign an international agreement for collaboration

09/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see both regulators collaborating…

Apple’s Find My app can now track other phones

09/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Apple’s popular Find My app can now help you track other gadgets. The app – which current allows Apple users to locate their Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads and Mac laptops – is set to be used by third-party devices such as those from Belkin, Chipolo and VanMoof. Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president…

LinkedIn Faces Massive 500 Million Users’ Data Leak

09/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

While people are yet to digest the huge Facebook data leak of 533 million users, Microsoft-owned professional networking platform LinkedIn is now facing a massive data leak of 500 million users that is allegedly being sold online. An archive with data purportedly scraped from 500 million LinkedIn profiles has been put for sale on a popular hacker forum, with another…

Vodacom Group and Vodafone Foundation Donate to Secure COVID-19 Vaccine Supply in its Africa Markets

08/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Vodacom Group and Vodafone Foundation will donate €4.2 million (R74 million) to support the vaccine roll-out to vulnerable and hard to reach communities across its markets in Africa. The contribution will buy cold-chain technology and provide logistics support to help to ensure the safe delivery of Covid-19 vaccines that need to be stored at extremely…

MultiChoice Innovation Fund gives Innovators a break

08/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

What does an online delivery service, a payment solutions provider, an online publication and a film and television production company have in common? Young and passionate entrepreneurs funded by the MultiChoice Innovation Fund.

Will.i.am Launches Smart Mask

08/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Black Eyed Peas rapper has joined forces with Honeywell and costume designer Jose Fernandez on a XUPERMASK, which protects you from coronavirus as well as featuring noise-cancelling headphones, a charging port and LED lights. He told the New York Times newspaper…

Clubhouse Introduces Payments Option for Creators

08/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The social audio app Clubhouse is introducing a new feature to its platform that allows users to tip their favorite creators. The invitation-only audio chat iPhone app which is said to be valued at 1 billion dollars announced that the new feature will allow users to get paid directly on Clubhouse, saying this will be the first of many features.

LG Collaborates with Top Teleco to Develop AI Services

08/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

LG Electronics said on Tuesday that it plans to develop cross-platform artificial intelligence (AI)-powered services with KT Corp, South Korea’s major telecom operator, to expand use of its human-like algorithm.

TikTok Introduces Resource for Sexual Assault Survivors

08/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

TikTok has thrown its weight behind Sexual Assault Awareness Month with a support resource on the platform to educate users on this important topic and most importantly to give support to survivors of sexual assault.

Rectron Expands Point of Sale Offering with Newland ID

08/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Rectron (PTY) Ltd, one of South Africa’s leading distributors of IT products, continues to strengthen its enterprise offering with the addition of Newland ID, a manufacturer of barcode scanners, to its portfolio.

LG Stops Producing Phones

07/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

LG is set to exit the smartphone business as it struggles to compete in a market which is dominated by smartphone giants such Apple, Samsung and booming Chinese brands. In a statement issued by the company, the tech giant said it will shut down its mobile business unit by the end of July as it looks to focus on smart home products, an area where it…

US Court vacates ruling barring Trump from blocking Twitter critics

07/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Supreme Court on Monday vacated a lower court opinion that said President Donald Trump could not block critics from his Twitter feed, which since has been suspended by the company. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit in New York…

Most In-Demand ‘Scarce’ Skills

07/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

A critical skills survey conducted by Xpatweb highlights the most in-demand ‘scarce’ skills in the country, which has led to businesses seeking talent recruitment from abroad.
The survey was conducted across a wide range of multi-national and corporate firms to assess the level of difficulty organisations face when sourcing scarce skilled individuals and the role of foreign nationals in addressing these shortages.

Applications Open For AWS Equity Equivalent Investment Program in SA

07/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has opened applications for its Equity Equivalent Investment Program (EEIP) in South Africa. EEIPs are South African Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) approved initiatives, aimed at providing multinational companies an opportunity…

Further Together: Vodacom Celebrates the Collaborative Power of Technology and Human Ambition

07/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

As the world transitions to recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Vodacom is celebrating what the human spirit can achieve when combined with technology. With the announcement of a new brand tagline, ‘Further Together’ it places the emphasis on how…

Intel Introduces New 10nm Xeon Server Chips

07/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Intel Corp., the world’s largest chipmaker, said it’s offering a revamped version of its Xeon range in time for what it sees as the “biggest build-out of technology infrastructure in human history.” The company has struggled with updating its manufacturing – a key part of improving the ability of processors – and is now…

Local manufacturer becomes preferred brand for government mobile

07/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The country’s only manufacturer of mobile devices has praised the South African government’s massive vote of confidence in its decision to recognise Mara Phones as its preferred device brand in all procurements for the next five years. In an official statement, the company says that…

Kanye West documentary series sold to Netflix for R435m

07/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

A documentary series about Kanye West’s life and career is reportedly set to land on Netflix this year.According to Billboard, the streaming giant spent “upwards of $30 million (R435 million)” on the series, though this has not been confirmed.Coodie and Chike’s Creative Control have joined forces with TIME Studios on the series…

State-owned Cloud Computing Mega-Network on the Cards

06/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has published a proposed National Data and Cloud Policy, setting out government’s plan to consolidate its disparate network assets and cloud computing capabilities.

South Africa ready for 5G revolution?

06/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

South Africa is ready to harness the benefits of 5G technology, but there’s much work to be done to urgently resolve outstanding regulatory and other matters. Aimed at unpacking the myths, dispelling misinformation and showing how the technology can benefit South Africa in creating a more just and equal…

Vodacom says it Dropped Data Rates Further to Drive Digital Inclusion

06/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Vodacom says it has reduced pricing on certain 30-day data bundles by up to 14% as part of its ongoing commitment to reduce the cost to communicate and connect more people to the digital economy. The latest price reduction includes the frequently purchased 1GB bundle…

Microsoft shuts down Cortana on Android and iOS devices

06/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Microsoft has announced to end support for its visual assistant Cortana on both Android and iOS devices. Microsoft has also removed the Cortana app from both the App Store and Google’s Play Store, beginning this month.

4IR Programme for SA Tertiary Students

06/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

More than 2 000 South African tertiary students have been trained as part of an ICT skills programme delivered by Huawei and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.

Over 146 Young People Graduate with ICT Certificates

06/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Vodacom is celebrating the achievement of 146 youth, including 89 women who graduated with certified ICT certificates from the mobile operator’s Youth Academy programme at a virtual graduation ceremony.

Cutting down electricity usage can help save costs for school – study reveals

06/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Despite financial constraints, high costs and the best efforts of principals, electricity usage in South Africa’s schools remains largely unchecked, as schools focus on educational outcomes. The country’s 23,471 public schools use an estimated 3.5 TWh of energy a year. This is about a quarter of Koeberg nuclear power station’s production and it costs…

83.4% SMEs survived lockdown – survey

06/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

A year after South Africa’s hard lockdown some SMEs have reported that they have not only survived but thrived according to a Retail Capital survey which was conducted in February. The survey was based on 500 respondents – of which majority were aged between 36 and 45 – 60 percent are male and 33.1 percent live in Gauteng.Collectively, 83.4 percent of the SMEs surveyed reported that they managed to make…

Vodacom RT15 contract with government extended for another five years as part of RT15-2021

01/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Four years after the Mobile Communication Services contract was established and awarded to Vodacom Business in 2016, National Treasury has chosen to retain the services of Vodacom, awarding the company with a new mobile communication services contract.

Audio visual content services policy hearings to start in April

01/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies will conduct public hearings into the Draft White Paper on Audio Visual Content Services Policy Framework. Last year, the department gazetted the Draft White Paper on Audio Visual Content Services for public…

Kusile Unit 3 achieves commercial operation

01/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Eskom has announced that Unit 3 of the Kusile Power Station has achieved commercial operation status. This brings to three the number of generation units that have achieved commercial status at the project, generating a maximum 2 400MW to support the South African power…

Government gazettes amended COVID-19 regulations

01/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Government has gazetted amendments to directions relating to COVID-19 Alert Level 1. Communities, industries, businesses and entities, both private and in the public sector, must operate within the Alert Level 1 regulations as amended and gazetted.

Covid-19 cements virtual learning in the hearts of many South Africans – expert

01/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

Just last year, the notion of online learning was considered taboo by most parents as pupils relied primarily on traditional physical classes before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Work from anywhere double tax headache

01/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

As the new workforce continues to work “anytime and anywhere” during the current Covid-19 pandemic, organisations and employees are faced with unexpected challenges in relation to tax, legal and compliance considerations.

Fuel, electricity hike on the cards

01/04/2021 | By Tech Talk

South African consumers should brace themselves for petrol and electricity price hikes in April. The Automobile Association (AA) said it expected a further hefty hike in fuel prices in April when the department of mineral resources and energy makes…

National Treasury appoints MTN as new mobile communication provider to Government

31/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

MTN is proud to announce that National Treasury RT15 bid evaluation committee has appointed MTN SA as a service provider to government, through its new mobile communication services contract, known as RT15-2021. The RT15 2021 Transversal contract allows for all entities of state to utilise the contract for mobile communication services…

SABC LETS GO OF 621 EMPLOYEES AS IT CONCLUDES SECTION 189 PROCESS

31/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

It’s been a battle for the SABC to conclude the process as it faced resistance from employees and worker unions since it initially announced the process in June last year. As of 1 April, a total of 621 SABC employees will have bee let go via the public broadcaster’s drawn-out…

Ramaphosa announced 4-day alcohol ban

31/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

President Cyril Ramaphosa last night announced new lockdown rules for the Easter period, which include restrictions on the sale of alcohol for off-site consumption. Ramaphosa was addressing the nation on developments in the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Departments failing to pay suppliers on time

31/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Government departments continue to experience challenges with paying suppliers on time, says Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Michael Seloane. Addressing a virtual media briefing on the Quarterly Bulletin titled: The Pulse of the Public Service, he said the most noteworthy were the departments of Public Works…

Joy as Zikalala opens state of the art school

31/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Ululation and tears of joy were the order of the day, when KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala, cut off the red ribbon to mark the official opening of the state of the art Pholela Special School at Bulwer in the Harry Gwala District Municipality.

SABC VETERAN NEWS ANCHOR, NOXOLO GROOTBOOM, RETIRES

31/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The South African Broadcasting Corporation is delighted as it bids farewell to a revered and celebrated broadcaster in the country, Ms Noxolo Grootboom. The veteran IsiXhosa news anchor has…

5G FOR DEVELOPMENT

31/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

What does 5G mean from a business leadership perspective and will society at large benefit in real and tangible ways? Can the rollout of 5G technology contribute to the deepening of the developmental state in South Africa?

TikTok launches project to upskill local content creators

30/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

TikTok has announced the launch of the Rising Voices incubator project aimed at upskilling black South African content creators. Rising Voices is an incubator-based initiative that is expected to run for six weeks and focuses on supporting local black creators through digital skills development and content amplification.

Netflix partners with SA Tourism to showcasing South Africa

30/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Netflix and SA Tourism have met and agreed to explore “joint opportunities” that will “benefit both organisations to showcase stories made in South Africa” to the rest of the world.

ICASA reviews Customer Care Regulations for Postal Services

30/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) invites all interested stakeholders to make their written submissions in respect of the draft Amendment Customer Care Standards Regulations…

Body cameras to strengthen law enforcement

30/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

South African traffic officers will be issued with body cameras to help gather evidence and improve the conviction rate for traffic law violators.

Spotify launches new design for desktop

30/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Spotify has announced that it will be rolling out the much-awaited new design for its desktop app and web player. The company said the redesign of the desktop app…

Up Money fined R1 million for conducting pyramid scheme

30/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) has fined Up Money (PTY) Ltd an administrative fine of R1 million for conducting a pyramid scheme and contravening Section 43 (2)…

Mteto Nyathi honoured with World Entrepreneur Award

29/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Allied Electronics Corporation (Altron) chief executive, Mteto Nyati was among the biggest winners in the EY World Entrepreneur Award in the Southern Africa region on Friday. Nyati was nominated in the “Influence” category alongside Oceana Group chief executive Imraan Soomra and Pierre Spies, the chief executive of Alviva Holdings.

New jobs to emerge

29/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

There’s no doubt that Covid-19 has killed some jobs. The good news, however, is that technology will create new ones. Individuals and companies had no choice but to come up with new ways of working that forced everyone to use technology.

Minister calls for boost in manufacturing, and better use of country’s BRICS ties

29/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Trade and Industry Minister Ibrahim Patel has called for South Africa to rebuild its manufacturing strength to be able to fully benefit from the opportunities in the…

Facebook needs more humans to police content

29/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Facebook Inc. Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg pushed his idea this weekthat Big Tech can self-police content by publishing reports and data on how well the industry removes objectionable posts.

African Bank completes digital push for omni-channel

29/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

African Bank has completed the full implementation of its omni-channel digital strategy. The bank says the custom-built IT platform enables customers to access African Bank’s products and services, and switch seamlessly across complementary channels, including Web, banking app, cellphone banking, contact centre and the branch network.

Setting regional TV stations up for success

29/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

MultiChoice, in partnership with the University of Stellenbosch, is offering employees from the six regional TV stations on DStv a chance to upskill themselves in key business practices.

Global Sourcing and Supply Chain recognizes suppliers for demonstrating commitment and excellence

29/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Global Sourcing and Supply Chain (GSSC) division of MTN Group has hosted its second Supplier Awards event to recognise suppliers and partners for their…

The public to comment on data, cloud blueprint

29/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Cabinet has approved the gazetting of the draft data and cloud policy for public comment, acting minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced yesterday. Ntshavheni was briefing media…

ICASA extends temporary radio frequency spectrum assignments issued to licensees

26/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Council of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has resolved to review the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) COVID-19 National Disaster Regulations (The Regulations) and extend the temporary radio frequency spectrum assignments issued to licensees for another two months…

Faster Affordable and Quality Housing Technology

26/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

A faster and affordable form of housing technology is forging ahead as the construction industry is revolutionising. To date, in the country, there’s about 177 Agrèment South Africa (SA), approved Building and Walling Systems. Agrément SA is a Technical Assessment Organisation which is mandated to provide…

Taking advantage of digital economy opportunities

26/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Cabinet has approved the gazetting of the Draft National Data and Cloud Policy for public comment. “The policy seeks to align existing policies and legislation to ensure that the country takes full advantage of developments in the digital economy,” acting Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said.

SABC to launch Openview sports channels

26/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The SABC and eMedia Holdings have announced a new broadcasting carriage agreement that will see the latter’s Openview service broadcast existing and new SABC channels and radio stations. The agreement is intended to make the SABC’s content accessible to a wider audience, executives from the two companies said during an event in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.

Vodacom Business on the future of mining: Digging deep with IoT

26/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Managing Executive for Vodacom Business IoT, Peter Malebye writes that the pace at which digital transformation has swept across industries continues to increase rapidly in response to Covid-19. There is no doubt that many businesses across all sectors have leapfrogged several years of progress within a matter of months. In the early years of the digital…

Liquid appoints CFO for South Africa

26/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Liquid Intelligent Technologies has appointed Sandile Ntsele as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for its South Africa operations, effective from 15 April 2021. Ntsele has extensive experience working in senior finance roles, most recently as the CFO for MTN South Africa.

Women are key to Africa’s digital transformation

26/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

According to the World Economic Forum, Group’s Chief Officer of International Markets, Diego Gutierrez shares that the digital gender divide in Sub-Saharan Africa means only around 25% of women have access to connectivity. Diego points out that connecting these women to the…

Dimension Data has appointed Nompumelelo Mokou as the MD for Southern Africa business

26/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Dimension Data has appointed Nompumelelo Mokou as the Managing Director for its Southern Africa business. Her appointment is effective 1 April 2021. Mokou joined Dimension Data in 2016…

South African Telecoms Index – MTN comes top, rain finishes last

25/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Best and worst SA network providers according to customers. In a tumultuous year for the South African telecommunications sector, 2020 saw network providers grapple with calls for data price cuts in the face of a pandemic-driven demand for connectivity and digital customer service. From the perspective of consumers, however, the performance of local…

ICASA welcomes the facilities leasing ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal against Telkom

25/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) welcomes the ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) against Telkom on a matter relating to the leasing of facilities between licensed operators. In this matter, Telkom sought to review ICASA’s decision that directed Telkom…

South Africa’s most common scams

25/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

We all know someone who has been scammed. Many times we think “I would never be so gullible”, but believe us when we say scammers have upped their game. Here we give you a list of South Africa’s…

Xiaomi to expand presence with new phones

25/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Xiaomi said it will launch new mid range smartphones in South Korea as the Chinese tech giant tries to beef up its presence amid rumors that the country’s homegrown brand LG Electronics Inc…

Calls for tighter lockdown restrictions over Easter

25/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Covid-19 has recommended that government impose tighter lockdown restrictions for the upcoming long Easter weekend.

Facebook fails in bid to derail privacy suit

24/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The US Supreme Court on Monday declined to consider an appeal by Facebook that would have derailed a $15 billion lawsuit over whether it illegally tracked users about a decade ago. The nation’s top court issued an order denying a request by the leading social network to review a California federal court’s decision to allow the litigation accusing Facebook…

Supreme court blocks Telkom

24/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein has refused to entertain an application from Telkom seeking leave to appeal a high court judgment that handed victory to rival Vodacom over the use of Telkom’s ducts used to carry broadband cables.

Apple fined R29.8 million

24/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Apple has been fined $2 million (R29.8 million) for selling its iPhone smartphones without chargers in Brazil. The penalty was issued by Sao Paulo-based consumer protection agency Procon-SP Foundation, who said the company had used “misleading advertising” when selling its…

Trump is starting his social media platform

24/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Donald Trump, who has been banned from Twitter and other major social-media platforms, said he’s working on his own platform to reach his followers that could be announced soon.

Tencent CEO meets China antitrust officials as scrutiny widens

24/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Pony Ma, the low-profile founder of Naspers affiliate Tencent Holdings, China’s biggest social media and videogames company, met with antitrust watchdog officials this month to discuss compliance at his group, three people with direct knowledge of the matter said.

Vodacom Group Reduces Water Usage by 63%, Commits to halving Environmental Impact

24/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Following National Water Week, which ran from 15 to 22 March in South Africa, Vodacom would like to reiterate its call to all South Africans to join them in protecting and conserving the country’s water resources by using water sparingly.

Japan hands over water training centre to SA

24/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation (DWS) Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has received the multi-million rand Roodeplaat Training Centre to train artisans to deal with water losses in communities. The centre was officially handed over by the Ambassador of Japan to South Africa, Maruyama Norio…

No need for cash to tip car guards

23/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

A new digital tipping solution – TiPPED – makes it possible for South Africans to tip car guards, petrol attendants, and hotel staff using your smartphone. Developed by mobile wallet solution provider My-iMali, TiPPED aims to provide people with a cashless and contact-free tipping environment.

Municipalities need to have efficient billing system

23/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

A smooth and efficient billing system is important for the delivery of services such as electricity, water, refuse and waste disposal. Failure to implement an efficient system can result in trouble for municipalities and disarray as they are unable to generate accurate customer statements.

Twitter wants public input on approach to world leaders

23/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

On Friday, Twitter is releasing a survey to seek public input on whether or not they believe world leaders should be subject to the same rules as others on the platform. The questionnaire will be available in the coming days in 14 languages including in Hindi, Arabic, English and Urdu, Twitter said.

Openview’s set-top box brings wi-fi connectivity home

23/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Openview, the free satellite television service and part of the eMedia Investments Group, is pleased to announce the launch of its very own wi-fi enabler (dongle) Openview Connect, in partnership with Vodacom as the prepaid mobile data provider.

Mini line-up is going all-electric

23/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

BMW is about to gain further momentum, with the German luxury vehicle manufacturer announcing it will release the last Mini model with a combustion engine variant in 2025 and Mini will be exclusively fully electric in the early 2030s. “We are electrifying BMW and picking…

LG may shut down its smartphone operation

23/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

LG Electronics may shut down its mobile communication business rather than sell it, DongA Ilbo reports, citing an unidentified person in the electronics industry. Negotiations with Germany’s Volkswagen and Vietnam’s Vingroup JSC on possible…

Netflix invests R14 million to fund South African movies

19/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Netflix and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) have announced a R28-million partnership to fund the production of South African “micro-budget” feature films. The agreement will see both partners contributing R14 million each in support of the production…

Sandton City and Nedbank’s Avo App Launch Digital Mall

19/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a digital mall? Well, thanks to the collaboration between Sandton City and Nedbank’s Avo app users will now get to experience digital shopping in one click. “Avo by Nedbank is bringing digital malls to the South African market…

Rain Mobile is now valued at R17.1 billion

19/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

African Rainbow Capital (ARC) released its interim financial results for the six months ended 31 December 2020, which revealed that it values Rain at R17.1 billion.

Vodacom’s ShakeOff 2020 Summer Campaign sets an impressive new record

19/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Vodacom’s recent ShakeOff 2020 summer campaign has been a smash hit, with more than 23 million customers joining in the fun, setting the record as the most successful summer campaign…

Over 10% healthcare workers vaccinated in SA

19/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

South Africa has successfully inoculated more than 10% of its healthcare workers through the Sisonke Study, as more vaccine vials are expected to arrive this weekend.

Dogs Trained to Sniff out Covid-19

19/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Researchers in Thailand have successfully trained six sniffer Labrador retrievers as part of a six-month pilot project to identify the coronavirus in just two seconds. According to Channel NewsAsia (CNA), researchers from Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University led by Professor Kaywalee Chatdarong…

Instagram will no longer allow adults to DM teens who don’t follow them

18/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Instagram has introduced new policies to protect its young users from interacting with adults on the platform. The Facebook-owned app Instagram has banned adults from sending direct messages to teenagers who do not follow them. This will be done by introducing a new feature that will prevent adults from sending messages to people under…

Microsoft rolls out Surface Book 3 in SA, vows to expand Surface range

18/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

South Africans can now make their purchase of the newly introduced Microsoft Surface Book 3. The tech giant rolled out its Surface Book 3 in South Africa and looks to expand its Surface device range. As described by the company, Surface Book 3 is a robust laptop, a powerful tablet with detachable touch screen and portable studio that adapts to all the…

Eskom ups maintenance plan

18/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Public Enterprises Deputy Minister, Phumulo Masualle, says Eskom is working tirelessly to ensure that it addresses power plant defects. The Deputy Minister said this when the department appeared before the National Council of Provinces to respond to oral questions.

Dtic urges companies to develop employees

18/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister, Fikile Majola, says companies must take seriously the role of building staff capacity and formal training. “The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Commission…

Special Economic Zones critical to SA’s economic recovery

18/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister, Fikile Majola says the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) programme will play a critical role in supporting the implementation of South Africa’s economic reconstruction and recovery plan.

ICASA reaffirms its position to appeal the judgement on the licensing of spectrum

17/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has considered the detailed reasons for judgement in respect of the interdict granted to Telkom and e.tv, as it relates to the Invitation To Apply (“ITA”) for high- demand International Mobile Telecommunications (“IMT”) spectrum, as well as the ITA for the Wireless Open Access Network (“WOAN”).

Facebook to pay News Corp for content

17/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Facebook will pay News Corp Australia for journalism from local mastheads. The social networking site has reached a three-year deal for an undisclosed amount weeks after the country passed a law making tech platforms pay to display news content.

Analogue TV switch-off kicks-off

17/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Broadcasters, working with the ministry of communications & digital technologies, have begun switching off analogue terrestrial television transmitters in the Free State. This process, which will be done province by province, will be completed…

Encrypted messaging app Signal stoped in China

17/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Encrypted messaging app Signal appeared to no longer be working in China without the use of a virtual private network (VPN) on Tuesday morning, users in the country said. China’s cyber authorities have become increasingly strict in recent years…

Students seeking university placement urged to use CACH

17/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has appealed to students who applied on time for a place at all public institutions but not offered a place to study, to contact the Central Application Clearing House (CACH) for help.

New standard for hand sanitisers issued by SABS

17/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has banned hand sanitisers containing acetone, methanol and methylated spirits. “Hand sanitisers with no ‘active’ ingredients must have a minimum 70% alcohol content. Hand sanitisers with…

Get reading, SA!

17/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The fourth session of the President’s Virtual Reading Club will be hosted on 25 March 2021 from 4.30pm – 6.30pm. Since launching in 2019, the National Reading Coalition has supported the Read to Lead Campaign and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to improve reading nationally…

Pay-as-you-go gas retailer opens station in Soweto

17/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Pay-as-you-go gas provider PayGas has opened its first station in South Africa’s sprawling Soweto township to reach thousands of beneficiaries previously without access to affordable, clean cooking energy.

Strengthening security to protect rail infrastructure

17/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

In an effort to protect the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) rail infrastructure, government has introduced interventions to strengthen security for these public assets.

NERSA electricity division calls for input on strategic planning

17/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has called on stakeholders to attend a public consultation workshop on the Strategic Planning Programme being rolled out by the Electricity Division.

Long way to go to improve accessibility for deaf people on Social media

16/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Chrissy Marshall has spent hours and hours scrolling through TikTok videos, deliberately liking and commenting on videos from other deaf creators and clips with small text bubbles. The 21-year-old is trying to train the app to only show her videos with captions or that use American Sign Language.

Russia is tightening its grip on social media

16/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Russia is not likely to build its own version of China’s Great Firewall to control the internet. The reasons are social (Russians like foreign social media and would hate to lose access) and technical (China’s internet developed differently to Russia’s, making it easier to cordon off.)

IoT.nxt CEO Nico Steyn steps down

16/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Nico Steyn, co-founder and CEO of IoT.nxt, the Internet of things technology specialist acquired by Vodacom in 2019, has stepped down with immediate effect. Steyn is the second CEO of a company acquired by Vodacom to resign. Early last year, Nexio CEO, Chris Volschenk also reigned…

Eskom improves performance despite challenges

16/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

While great strides have been made, Eskom believes there is more that still needs to be done as the power utility works tirelessly towards reducing the risk of load shedding. “Regrettably, we’re in load shedding today and of course, we don’t take this lightly. This is something…

Higher Education unable to clear all student debt

16/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the department is not in a financial position to be able to support institutions to clear all the debt of fee-paying students. Responding to the South African Union of Students (SAUS) letter of demands, Nzimande…

Vodacom Business Enables Businesses to Digitise their Supply Chain Network

16/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create significant challenges for the manufacturing and retail industry globally, the need for a resilient and agile supply chain network has never been greater. Vodacom Business has developed various digital solutions to help businesses…

Data is the new gold

15/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Australia’s top four banks have removed 2,150 ATM terminals and closed 175 bank branches since June 2020. In India, the local real-time payment system, United Payments Interface (UPI), saw an increase in spending by roughly 70 percent over the first seven months of 2020, while in the UK…

New R2 coin in circulation

15/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The South African Mint, an agency of the South African Reserve Bank, has announced the circulation of a new R2 coin. “The wait is over! We are happy to announce there is a new R2 circulation coin you will soon be seeing in your change. The final edition in the SA25 Celebrating 25…

SARS urges taxpayers to declare rental income

15/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has advised property owners that all forms of rental income must be declared in their income tax returns. In a statement, SARS said property owners, whose properties are located in South Africa and who host…

Load shedding to continue until Wednesday

15/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Stage 2 load shedding is set to continue until 5am on Wednesday, Eskom has announced. “Over the past two days, Eskom teams successfully returned a generation unit each at the Matimba…

Government confirms Eskom’s headcount reduction plan

15/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Deputy President David Mabuza has confirmed that Eskom has communicated its headcount reduction plan to government. The Deputy President said this when he responded to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces.

Committee adopts Electoral Laws Amendment Bill

15/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has adopted the Electoral Laws Amendment Bill (B22B-2020) with amendments proposed by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). The committee received a report on the proposed amendments to the bill on Friday, which had…

Spectrum wrangles to drag on further

12/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Internet Service Providers’ Association of South Africa (ISPA) is suggesting mediation to resolve the spectrum wrangling. The deadlock is threatening to drag on for another year with litigation having begun. This is a setback to South African consumers that are anticipating a post-coronavirus future with a much lower cost to communicate, thanks to mobile network operators getting access to the spectrum.

Vodacom and MTN caught in crossfire of Internet shutdowns in Africa

12/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Uganda’s shutdown of social-media sites in January, right before a disputed election handed President Yoweri Museveni a sixth term, dealt a devastating blow to rice trader Elizabeth Nagunda: Her sales slowed to a near-halt.

Huawei and MTN South Africa Launch a New Secure Payment Solution

12/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Huawei has joined forces with MTN South Africa to launch Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) – a ‘seamless and secure’ payment method that allows users to make purchases using their airtime. For contract customers, the amount will be added to their monthly…

Post Office to pay out R350 grants

12/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The South African Post Office (SAPO) has confirmed that the R350 Social Relief of Distress grant recipients will be paid all monies owed to them. In a statement, the Post Office said beneficiaries should also know that there is no deadline for them to collect their grant from its outlets.

NSFAS to release funds for new qualifying students

12/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Cabinet has agreed that funding should be reprioritised from the Department of Higher Education and Training budget, in order to ensure that all deserving National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) students receive funding support for the 2021 academic year.

Setting regional TV stations up for success

12/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

MultiChoice, in partnership with the University of Stellenbosch, is offering employees from the six regional TV stations on DStv a chance to upskill themselves in key business practices. “These stations play a vital role in bringing local stories to life. Our partnership focuses on uplifting their…

National State of Disaster extended to April

12/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has gazetted the extension of the National State of Disaster. In a statement, the Ministry of CoGTA said this means that the current measures contained in the regulations to save lives and preserve livelihoods within the context of the risk-adjusted strategy is required…

R74 million for Rob Shuter

11/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Former MTN CEO Rob Shuter received a salary package of R73.8 million in the last financial year, the company’s latest financial results revealed.
Shuter joined MTN as the new group president and CEO in April 2017. Before joining MTN he served as CEO of the European Cluster at Vodafone Group. He also held senior management roles at Vodacom, Standard Bank, and Nedbank prior to joining Vodafone Group.

MTN reports strong growth and announces revised strategy

11/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

MTN reported strong service revenue growth up 19.9% for the year ended December 2020, while subscribers increased by 28.8 million across all operations to 279.6 million.
The mobile operator reported growth of 14.6% in MTN Nigeria, but only 1.6% in MTN SA, while MTN Ghana soared 16.6%.

Western Cape online learner application deadline looms

11/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Time is running out for parents and caregivers who wish to enrol their children for the 2022 school year in the Western Cape. Only 16 days are left before the closing of the online application for admission into public schools. Western Cape Education spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said that as of 26 March 2021 midnight, the 2022 admissions application system will close. The applications in the Western Cape opened on 26 February 2021 for learners who will attend public schools on the province.

Curve tracker keeping customers connected

11/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Vodacom has launched a smart GPS tracker as the first product under its new ‘Designed & Connected by Vodacom’ range, which features multipurpose consumer smart tech solutions. The new GPS tracker, Curve, is an invaluable device for those who want to keep an eye on their prized possessions such as car keys, laptops, and even school kit bags. Curve can also help you stay connected to the people you love the most, and can even be used to monitor the whereabouts of your beloved fur baby. The small and lightweight…

Azure training initiative in search of 3 000 developers in Gauteng

11/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Microsoft is inviting 3 000 software engineers and developers in Gauteng to apply for its skills development programme. Applications for the digital transformation and skills development programme are set to close on Friday, 12 March. Microsoft is running the Gauteng Azure training programme in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of e-Government, software start-up Andela and Geekulcha. The software technology company says it aims to upskill developers in the province…

Ndabeni-Abrahams notes judgement on auctioning of spectrum

10/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has noted the judgment handed down by the High Court on the auctioning of spectrum. The High Court in Pretoria on Monday ordered the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) to halt the planned auction of radio frequency spectrum licences, pending a hearing of contentions raised by broadcaster e.tv and Telkom.

Android users can now use Twitter Spaces

10/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Twitter has made its audio chat room, Spaces available to Android users. Twitter Spaces is a voice-based platform where users can talk or listen to discussions where two or more people are talking live. The company introduced a limited version of the Clubhouse competitor on iOS back in January. While Twitter’s iOS app users could join and listen to Spaces, only a selected few can host them at the moment. Twitter said it was giving Spaces to “a very small feedback group” to begin with…

ICASA confirms councillor resignation

10/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has confirmed the resignation of councillor Zolani Matthews. Spokesperson Paseka Maleka says Matthews left the employ of ICASA with immediate effect at the end of February 2021, to join the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa as group CEO. Matthews’s resignation comes less than six months after he was sworn in as the sixth councillor to round up…

GDP shrinks by 7%

10/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The South African economy contracted by 7% in 2020, Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleke, has revealed. Maluleke briefed the media on the results of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the fourth quarter of 2020. The decrease was despite the economy growing by 1.5% in the last three months of the year, giving an annualised growth rate of 6.3%. However, Maluleke said, the positive growth recorded in the third and fourth quarters was not enough to offset the devastating…

Business support crucial to save jobs: President Ramaphosa

10/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

President Cyril Ramaphosa says every effort must be made to support local businesses that were severely affected by COVID-19 in a bid to save jobs and create new ones. “We have to save existing jobs and stimulate the economy for new ones to be created,” President Ramaphosa at the 9th annual Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo. Held virtually under the theme, ‘Localisation as a driver…

Telkom welcomes court interdict over spectrum auction against ICASA

09/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Telkom welcomed the court order that halted the spectrum auction process, urging telecoms regulator the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) to act “rationally, and expeditiously”. The North Gauteng High Court has ordered ICASA to suspend the auctioning radio frequency spectrum licences pending a hearing of the issues raised opposing the process by operator Telkom.

Home Affairs signs agreement to deal with backlog of asylum seekers

09/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Over 153 000 asylum seekers who have been waiting for many years for a decision on their applications for asylum will have their cases heard and decided, thanks to a new agreement signed yesterday by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the Department of Home Affairs.

MTN Appoints New Chief of Strategy

09/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

MTN Group has appointed former McKinsey & Company executive Chika Ekeji to the newly created role of executive: strategy and transformation. Ekeji, a Nigerian-American national who was educated in the US, is being appointed to the role to “bolster management capacity to accelerate the group’s strategic…

ICASA notes the court interdict issued in respect of the licensing of spectrum- pursues an appeal process

09/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA/the Authority) notes the outcome of Telkom’s application to interdict ICASA from proceeding with the auction process in terms of the Invitation To Apply (“ITA”)…

WhatsApp adds voice and video calls to desktop

08/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

WhatsApp has added voice and video calls to its desktop app. The Facebook-owned messaging platform has announced the feature – which will initially be limited to one on one calls – is coming to its desktop version in both portrait and landscape mode. The app confirmed: “You can make free voice and video calls to your contacts on WhatsApp Desktop if you have the app installed on your computer.”

Nintendo plans switch model with bigger Samsung OLED display

08/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Nintendo plans to unveil a model of its Switch gaming console equipped with a bigger Samsung OLED display this year, hoping the larger touchscreen can prop up demand in time for the holidays, people familiar with the plan said.

Employers urged to prepare for filing season

08/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is calling on employers to prepare data for the annual employers filing season. “SARS calls on employers to ensure that they are ready to submit their annual reconciliation declarations with the latest…

COVID-19 crowned Newsmaker of 2020

08/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The National Press Club (NPC) has named COVID-19 as the Newsmaker of the Year for 2020. This comes a year since the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, confirmed the first case of Coronavirus in South Africa on 5 March 2020. The annual award, made possible by the NPC since 1980, honours a newsmaker in a calendar year based on the amount of media coverage received as well as the impact thereof.

Information Regulator seeks clarity on WhatsApp policy

05/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

South Africa’s Information Regulator (IR) has written to WhatsApp regarding concerns it has over changes over the messaging service’s privacy policy. In a statement, the regulator expressed concern at the statement released by…

Apple investigated over alleged anti-competitive behaviour

05/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Britain’s competition regulator says it has opened an investigation into Apple Inc after complaints that the iPhone maker’s terms and conditions for app developers are unfair and anti-competitive. The probe will consider if Apple…

Facebook resumes with political ads

05/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Facebook said Wednesday it would resume accepting US political ads, ending a ban imposed after the November presidential election to stem misinformation. The leading social network said “political, electoral and social issue ads…

Standard Bank experiencing technical glitches

05/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Standard Bank seems to have rectified its system glitches after the bank experienced problems. Standard Bank reportedly deducted its customer’s bank accounts more than once for the same transactions. In a statement, the bank claimed that it had reversed the transactions. “A small percentage of cheque card Point of Sale and E-Commerce transactions were impacted. For the frustration caused, we sincerely…

Extra maths on a mobile device: a South African study shows it’s not that simple

05/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

International assessments have established that South Africa’s performance in maths and science among grade 5 and grade 9 learners has consistently been rated among the lowest worldwide. The South African Department of Basic Education and schools are therefore under pressure to improve mathematics results.

WhatsApp may not share user data with Facebook

04/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Facebook cannot share any contact information it collects from WhatsApp users with its other properties without first obtaining authorisation from South Africa’s Information Regulator, the agency said on Wednesday. In January, the Facebook-owned messaging platform WhatsApp informed users it was preparing a new privacy policy, under which it could share some data, including location and phone numbers…

Post Office cuts long queues for R350 grant beneficiaries

04/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The South African Post Office has introduced a system to reduce the waiting time for beneficiaries collecting the R350 social relief of distress grant. The system, which has been introduced in the Free State, North West, Mpumalanga…

Vodacom and Mondia launch maternal health service in DRC

04/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Vodacom DRC and Mondia, a private mobile technology company driven by innovation, have announced the rollout of the Mum and Baby maternal health service across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Gauteng government reiterates its position to reject e-tolls

04/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Public Transport and Roads Infrastructure MEC Jacob Mamabolo has reiterated Gauteng’s standpoint to reject e-tolls. According to Mamabolo, the province reaffirms its long-standing position of the…

Home Affairs resumes suspended services

04/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Department of Home Affairs will from today, once again, offer several services that were temporarily suspended in January 2021, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced.

Committee appointed to advise on Electoral Act amendment

04/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has appointed a Ministerial Committee to advice on the amendment of the Electoral Act.

MTN named SA’s network operator of the year 2020

03/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

MTN has been crowned as the Best Mobile Network in South Africa for the year 2020. The accolade has been conferred at MyBroadband Awards. To determine the best mobile network in South Africa, a “Network Quality Score” is calculated for each network using download speed, upload speed, and latency.

Mobile operators made billions on COVID-19

03/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Mobile data market generated R58 billion revenue, representing a 9.5 percent annual growth as it cashed in on the working and studying from home phenomenon in line with restrictions to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Live Rooms now available on Instagram

03/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Facebook has launched Live Rooms in Instagram that will let users go live on the photo-sharing platform with up to three people. Previously, they could go live with only one other person in an Instagram stream.

Apple working on foldable iPhone

03/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Apple is planning to launch its foldable iPhone soon and now Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has claimed that the company may launch a device with a 7.5-8-inch display in 2023. According to MacRumors, a 2023 launch would be dependent on Apple…

12.2 Million New Customers in 2020 for MTN Nigeria

02/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

MTN Group announced that its Nigerian operation has attracted 12.2 million new customers in 2020. The telco said it added 12.2 million new subscribers in the year to end-December to reach 76.5 million customers. The company also said active data customers rose by 7.4 million to 32.6 million, supported by growth in gross connections and expanding its 4G network. Data traffic rose by 126.5% and average usage by 64%.

More SABC employees than anticipated will be without jobs: Bemawu

02/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Broadcasting, Electronic, Media & Allied Workers’ Union (Bemawu) says many more employees at the SABC will be without jobs than initially anticipated. The Section 189 process at the SABC was meant to be completed at the end of February, however, the union says there are still around 80 positions that have not been advertised.

Minister welcomes appointment of Post Office CEO

02/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has welcomed the appointment of Nomkhita Mona as the new Chief Executive Officer of the South African Post Office (SAPO) for a five-year term. “She will play a leading role in making sure that the Post Office continues its turnaround momentum and to render an impeccable service…

Government needs skilled, selfless and honest public servants

02/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the public service must be staffed by men and women who are professional, skilled, selfless and honest. “They must be committed to upholding the values of the Constitution, faithfully serve no other cause than that of the public,” President Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter.

Facebook signs content deals in Australia and ends news blackout

01/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Facebook Inc ended a one-week blackout of Australian news on its popular social media site on Friday and announced preliminary commercial agreements with three small local publishers. The moves reflected easing tensions between the U.S. company and the Australian government…

MTN eyes R982m deal for Syrian business

01/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

MTN Group remains committed to negotiating a R982 million sale of its 75% stake in its Syrian unit, the South African mobile operator said on Sunday, despite the business being placed under judicial guardianship last week. MTN Syria was placed under guardianship by a court in Damascus over alleged MTN violations of the terms of its licensing contract, which the state says deprived the government of revenue.

Copper theft syndicate sentencing ‘stern warning to criminals’

01/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Cabinet has welcomed the recent sentencing by the Western Cape High Court of five members of a syndicate found guilty of copper cable theft. The syndicate was sentenced to a cumulative 1 250 years imprisonment. Addressing media on the outcomes of Cabinet meetings, acting Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said…

Cabinet concerned by SA’s job creation rates

01/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Cabinet has expressed concern that the rate at which the South African economy creates jobs remains slower than the rate the country sheds jobs. This comes after figures released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) in the Q4 Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) revealed that the country’s unemployment rate was at 32.5%.

Why Bill Gates prefers Android over iPhone?

01/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Bill Gates prefers an Android smartphone over an Apple iPhone owing to the pre-install Microsoft software in the Android ecosystem that makes things easy for him. In an interview on the invite-only audio chat app Clubhouse, Gates said that he often plays around with iPhones, “but the one I carry around happens to…

SA moves to lockdown Alert Level 1

01/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

With a fall in new COVID-19 cases, South Africa will move from Level 3 to Level 1 of the Risk Adjusted Strategy tonight. Addressing the nation on developments in the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Cabinet had taken this decision earlier today.

The digital future of Africa

01/03/2021 | By Tech Talk

Sub-Saharan Africa alone is home to more than 1 billion people, half of whom will be under 25 years old by 2050. The region is incredibly diverse, and a vibrant hub for innovation and talent. It’s also the home of South Africa, the continent’s first 5G nation, which is full of young entrepreneurs, businesses quickly digitalising and embracing Cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and other technologies like SD-WAN.

Liquid Telecom raises R12.4-billion in bond sale

26/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Liquid Telecom has raised US$840-million (R12.4-billion) in a bond sale to refinance debt and expand further into Africa. The sale was conducted by joint bookrunners JPMorgan Chase & Co, Standard Chartered and Standard Bank Group, Liquid chief financial officer Kate Hennessy said on Thursday by e-mail. The amount raised includes a $100-million investment by the International Finance Corp.

Some schools to start piloting coding, robotics curriculum

26/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Department of Basic Education is making headway in the national roll out of the new Coding and Robotics Curriculum for schools. “The draft coding and robotics curriculum has been submitted to Umalusi for evaluation and quality assurance, and a draft curriculum will soon be gazetted. During the course of this year, 200 schools will be piloting the draft curriculum from Grades R…

R3-billion for SARS to spend on technology upgrades

26/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has been given a huge injection of R3-billion to improve its technology infrastructure and artificial intelligence capabilities. The tax authority has been nearly decimated by years of capture under former commissioner Tom Moyane, impacting on its ability to collect taxes desperately needed to fund service delivery.

Vodacom and Google SA empower rural communities with free smartphones

26/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Vodacom Limpopo Region, in partnership with Google South Africa, to give hundreds of residents with Android powered smartphones at no cost in eleven villages across the Limpopo province. This forms part of Vodacom and Google’s continued efforts to reduce the digital divide and offer many who reside in deep rural communities in Limpopo province…

Google added Password Checkup and new features to Android devices

26/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Google has introduced six new features to Android phones that will make users feel secure and convenient, the company announced on its blog post. Not only is the company expanding its Password Checkup feature that was introduced in 2019, but it will also introduce schedule messages, dark theme in Google Maps, Talkback and Android Auto.

Uber to face class action over driver rights in South Africa

25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Ride-hailing giant Uber is set to face a class action in South Africa, as drivers demand employee rights, as they have in some overseas countries. To make this happen, South African law firm Mbuyisa Moleele attorneys will be teaming up with UK-based firm Leigh Day, which has already won certain employee rights for 25 Uber drivers in the UK.

Australia to force Facebook and Google to pay for content: New Law

25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Australian parliament on Thursday passed a new law designed to force Alphabet Inc’s Google and Facebook Inc to pay media companies for content used on their platforms in reforms that could be replicated in other countries. Australia will be the first country where a government arbitrator will decide the price to be paid by the tech giants if…

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

Government is working tirelessly to deal with the danger of fake news in the fight against COVID-19 and the vaccination plan. Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, believes that while social media is beneficial for communicating, it can be easily hijacked to spread false claims about inoculation.

Name change shakeup for the Eastern Cape

25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa has published a number of name changes for towns, cities and airports in the Eastern Cape, in the Government Gazette. “The transformation of the naming landscape is a critical component of the heritage landscape as a whole. The most notable change in the Eastern Cape Province is that of Port Elizabeth, which is now known as Gqeberha,”

Treasury projects the economy to grow by 3.3%

25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

As the country begins to roll out a massive vaccination programme, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow by a rate of 3.3 percent in 2021. Releasing the Budget Review for the next three years, the National Treasury said on Wednesday the COVID-19 shock is estimated to…

R9 billion cash injection for COVID-19 vaccine programme

25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

In support of government’s quest to inoculate 67 percent of the South African population, the National Treasury will inject an amount of R9 billion to the country’s COVID-19 vaccination programme. This was on Wednesday revealed by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni while delivering the 2021 Budget Speech in Parliament.

Education to remain a priority in 2021

25/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

While education continues to be a priority, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni has announced that government will in the next three years trim expenditure in the learning and culture function. The Minister revealed this while delivering the 2021 Budget Speech, in Parliament, on Wednesday.

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

WhatsApp’s new terms of service updates will not allow the company to read personal conversations. The messaging app announced in January it would be making changes to its terms and privacy policy, leaving many users concerned the app – which is known for offering end-to-end encryption to keep conversations solely between those involved – would begin sharing data with its parent company, Facebook.

Unemployment rises to 32.5%

24/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

South Africa’s unemployment rate rose to 32.5% in the last three months of 2020, Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke has revealed. The increase presents a 1.7 percentage point increase from the third quarter of 2020. Despite the grim picture painted in the fourth quarter (Q4) Labour Force Survey, released on Tuesday, Stats SA said the Quarter 4 results 2020 show that the number of employed persons increased by 333 000…

Microsoft to give employees extra paid days off to ease pandemic stress

24/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Microsoft told its employees Thursday they can take an additional five paid days off to ease stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Microsoft HR chief Kathleen Hogan said in an email to the company’s employees its senior leadership team is concerned about reports of increased “stress, uncertainty, exhaustion (and) in some cases grief” among the Redmond company’s employees.

MTN SA Foundation rewards matric top achievers with laptops

24/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

The MTN SA Foundation has rewarded South Africa’s top 183 matriculants with laptops for their hard work and dedication displayed in the 2020 National Senior Certificate examinations. “As a reward for their efforts and stellar results, MTN Foundation is handing over laptop computers to the top 33 achievers nationally, as well as providing laptops to the top 15 achievers in each province.

Technology is the game changer for health sector in Africa

24/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Technology has not only responded to the immediate health challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, but to regular healthcare needs across the continent too. Vodacom Group Chief Officer for International Markets, Diego Gutierrez shares some ways digital healthcare solutions improve and save lives across our markets: Enhancing healthcare facilities through digitalisation

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

Umlaut found Safaricom to be the only mobile operator to deploy Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services across the country including in rural areas, therefore contributing to the operator achieving the best call set-up time.

MTN Uganda Announces the MTN Foundation Youth Empowerment Program Winners

23/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

MTN Foundation Uganda has selected 100 youths for its Youth Empowerment Program. A call for applications was put up at the end of last year and close to 2000 applicants took a shot at the exciting offer.

Digital Material appoints Nomakhosi Skosana as Managing Director

23/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Leading mobile technology platforms provider, Digital Material, an Ocean on 76 Group company, has announced the appointment of former Vodacom executive, Nomakhosi Skosana as its new Managing Director.

The 2020 matric pass rate is 76.2%

23/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga has announced the pass rate for the matric class of 2020. The national matric pass rate for the class of 2020 is 76.2% – down by 5.1 percentage points from 2019’s matric pass rate of 81.3%. A total of 607,226 candidates enrolled…

Learners with special needs score over 600 distinctions

23/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Learners with special education needs achieved a combined total of 653 distinctions, in the 2020 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga made this announcement at a ceremony held at the Government Communication…

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

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA/the Authority) advises stakeholders that the announcement of qualified bidders in terms of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Invitation to Apply (ITA) of 2 October 2020 has been moved from the initial date of 22 February 2021 to 23 March 2021.

Founder of Smile Telecoms Holdings retire

22/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Smile Telecoms Holdings founder, Irene Charnley, has retired with effect from 1 January 2021, the Pan-African telecommunications group said today. Hailed as one of Africa’s most successful business leaders, Charnley has led Smile Telecom’s innovation and pioneering of Africa’s first…

MTN SA Foundation to host Matric results

22/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, will announce the results of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations in Pretoria today. The event for the matric results will be hosted by the Ministry of Basic Education in partnership with the MTN SA Foundation.

SA critical technology skills

22/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

The Minister of Home Affairs, Aaron Motsoaledi, has published the 2021 Critical Skills List which shows which skills are in high demand in South Africa. This is an important development as it provides South African businesses with a framework if they want to attract skilled workers to South Africa. A critical skills work visa may…

Youth urged to comment on Lanseria Smart City draft framework

19/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Spokesperson for the Ministry in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli has encouraged young people to comment on the Lanseria Smart City draft framework. In his hybrid State of the Nation Address (SONA) last week…

SA moves to manufacture, commercialise hydrogen cell technology

19/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

After over a decade of research and development around hydrogen fuel technology, President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is now ready to manufacture and commercialise hydrogen fuels technology.

Copper thieves sentenced to combined 1 250 years

19/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Izinyoka, copper criminals, who were found guilty on 50 counts of copper cable theft involving infrastructure owned by Telkom and Eskom, have been sentenced to a combined 1 250 years in jail. Eskom says that the high court in Cape Town handed down the tough sentences last week. The shortest jail term…

WhatsApp forges ahead with privacy update for users

19/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

WhatsApp says it will go ahead with its controversial privacy policy update.
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

Twitter has introduced a voice direct message feature on iOS and Android in India, the company made announced on its Twitter page. Apart from launching in India, the feature will also be available in Brazil and Japan. The company says the feature will be rolled out in India in phases as they…

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

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit South Africa and most economic sectors were shut down, South Africans turned to e-commerce to access basic needs like food and supplies, while schools turned to e-learning.

Rain executive director steps down

18/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Rain has announced that its chief risk officer, Phumlani Moholi, will step down as an executive director effective from 1 March 2021.
“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

Google Maps is adding the ability to pay for street parking and transit fares right from the app. The initiative is being rolled out in collaboration with Google Pay, the company said. Google Maps said it is adding two mobile parking payment solutions providers, Passport…

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

More than 80% of enterprises are choosing to take a hybrid strategy in adopting cloud technology, making use of multi-cloud deployment models to take advantage of scalability and flexibility in their workloads.

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

South Africa is ranked 56th out of 79 countries in the latest Huawei Global Connectivity Index 2020 report. Despite an all-round challenging year, the country improved in the development of the AI and IOT technology enablers. Broadband and Cloud, however, showed no movement…

Electricity prices to increase by 15%

17/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

The North Gauteng High Court has ordered that an amount of R10 billion be added to Eskom’s allowable revenue to be recovered from tariff customers in the 2021/22 financial year. “This consent order follows Eskom’s application in terms of section 18(3) of the Superior Courts Act, 2013….

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

Blackberry’s new owner, has confirmed that it will launch new devices later this year. BlackBerry’s partnership with TCL ended last year, and after a few months, it signed with OnwardMobility.
In a recent interview…

SASSA urges use of online channels

16/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

SASSA has urged recipients of the R350 COVID-19 grant to use the online channels at their disposal for any application amendments, or to lodge appeals. This comes after president Cyril Ramaphosa announced last week that the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will continue to be paid…

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

The Biden administration on Thursday asked a federal appeals court to place a hold on proceedings surrounding the Trump administration’s attempted ban of the Chinese social media app WeChat, a day after it asked a different court for a similar delay involving a TikTok case.

South Africa’s newspaper industry in trouble

15/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) data for the fourth quarter of 2020 is harrowing: There will be no rebound for print, and newspapers in particular. The long, slow structural decline of the sector in South Africa has reached the point of no return. Circulations for daily newspapers are down by 40%, on average, over one year.

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

President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) said he noted the licensing of spectrum and the ongoing legal battles that have followed after the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) set the ball rolling for the spectrum auction.

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

Global consumer spending in the top 100 non-game subscription-based apps grew 34 per cent (year-over-year) from $9.7 billion in 2019 to $13 billion last year. YouTube was the subscription app leader across both Apple and Google app stores, earning…

Vodacom Business on disaster recovery through cloud computing

12/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Vodacom Business says that during the last year alone, we have seen a number of organisations become the latest victims of targeted cyber-attacks and large-scale data breaches, ultimately bringing business to their knees.

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

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and the SABC want South Africans to pay TV licences for laptops, tablets, DStv decoders, and Netflix subscriptions but have dropped smartphones from the list.

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

In a move that will give chills to fans of the dystopian movie “The Matrix”, scientists have developed a wearable device that could use the human body to replace batteries. Echoing world-domineering robots’ use of enslaved humans in the 1999 cyberpunk movie, U.S. researchers…

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

The Information Regulator is in support of key amendments to South Africa’s Electoral Laws Amendment Bill, which will allow the voters’ roll to continue to be accessed by the public. Launched in early 2020, Clubhouse’s global user numbers soared…

MTN Group to exit BICS stake

10/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

MTN Group has agreed to sell its 20% shareholding in BICS — formerly Belgacom International Carrier Services — to Proximus Group in a transaction worth R1.8-billion. “The sale represents further progress in MTN’s stated asset realisation programme, which aims to reduce debt…

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

Huawei Technologies’ founder says he is confident that the Biden administration would bear in mind US business interests when forming its policy towards the Chinese technology giant, adding that they still hoped to buy US products. Ren, who was making his first media appearance since March last year, said it was…

TikTok takes on Facebook with US e-commerce

09/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Tiktok is planning an expansion into e-commerce in the US, where it will go head-to-head with Silicon Valley giant Facebook. The company has briefed advertisers on a number of new features for 2021 such as a tool that lets its most popular users share links to products and automatically earn commission on…

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

South Korea’s ICT ministry said on Monday that tech giant Google will take measures to provide stable services, becoming the first company to come under the country’s revised law that holds online content providers accountable for service errors.

Chinese users evade censors by flocking to private social app Clubhouse

08/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Private social audio app Clubhouse is attracting masses of new users from mainland China, where the U.S. app remains uncensored by authorities despite flourishing discussions on rights, national identity and other sensitive topics.

Vodacom contributes R10 million to new Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Response Fund 1

08/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Vodacom has pledged R10 million to fund a private sector-led, multi-sectoral Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund 1 to support the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP), and the wider GBVF response…

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

As the country prepares to distribute its first consignment of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) has called for information to be made available in all official languages. “Never has the importance of the use of language been more pertinent than it is right now during the pandemic. Therefore, it is particularly critical…

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

Spotify on Wednesday reported a tripled net loss in 2020, citing increased operating expenses, even as the number of paying subscribers continued to increase.
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

TikTok has added a new feature that will fight the spread of misinformation on its platform. The new update will introduce a warning display on videos that may contain uncertain information that could not be verified by the apps fact-checkers. It will start to warn users when resharing the videos in question.

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

US President Joe Biden’s nominee for commerce secretary, Gina Raimondo, said she knows of “no reason” why Huawei Technologies, ZTE and other Chinese companies shouldn’t remain on a restricted trade list. Raimondo, in written questions from senate Republicans, was asked about the two companies, as well as Semiconductor Manufacturing…

Instagram adds ‘Recently Deleted’ feature

04/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Instagram has added a new feature that will allow users to restore their deleted posts. The new feature was designed to help users review and restore their deleted content in the app such as videos, reels, IGTV videos, stories and photos. “We’re rolling out Recently Deleted, a feature to help you manage your content. We know this is something people have been asking…

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

Acquisition of Drizly, which will be integrated into Uber’s Eats platform but maintain separate app, pushes share price up 6.5%. Uber is acquiring on-demand alcohol platform Drizly for about $1.1bn as the ride-share company looks to expand delivery services that have flourished during the pandemic.

Vodacom says delay in spectrum auction will negative impact on consumers

04/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub says further delays to the much-awaited auction of the spectrum will likely have a negative impact on consumers. The long wait for spectrum has persisted for several years and the planned auction in March is facing obstacles, due to recent multiple court applications brought by Vodacom’s competitors, MTN…

Elon Musk makes debut on buzzy social app Clubhouse

03/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Elon Musk’s debut on a new social-conversation app was a wild ride, with talk ranging from wiring a monkey’s brain for video gaming to the entrepreneur’s grilling of Robinhood’s chief executive, all while many users were unable to join because of the surge in demand to hear the world’s richest man speak. Many who tried tuning into Clubhouse, the app backed by venture firm Andreessen Horowitz, ended up…

All you need to know about Apple’s tracking prompt

03/02/2021 | By Tech Talk

Facebook will begin rolling out a notification for iPhone users globally about how data is used for personalized ads, said the company in a blog post. Facebook assured users that the notification won’t invade privacy and collect new types of data. “Apple’s new prompt is designed to present a false trade-off between personalized ads and privacy; when in fact, we can provide both.

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…

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Government launches the Discipline Management Complaints Hotline

Nigeria lifts ban on new mobile subscriptions

Is home fitness the future?

Facebook to take on Clubhouse and Zoom

Handbook on safety and security for teachers launched

Mark Zuckerberg urged to ditch kids’ version of Instagram

AYO and FNB in court over discrimination

Workers hit their Work From Home stride

Online apps – silver lining for SMBs

Clubhouse coming to Android in May

Video game seeks to fight racism

Facebook has reached net-zero emissions, signs renewable energy deal in India

Basic Education disputes report about shortage of teachers

Upsurge spending on home delivery, video and music streaming apps

NSFAS funded students urged to order laptops online

Guard filmed in sex romp with prisoner has been fired

MEC condemns bullying video in Limpopo

SA Post Office commercially insolvent

Shop now and pay later with VodaLend | Voucher Advance

IPhones to feature 48MP camera but no mini models

Chip shortage could last beyond 2022

Vodacom Business on a new era of digital buildings

Ford set to offer ‘hands-free’ highway driving function

Call for entries for Mbewu entrepreneurial programme

Correctional Services acts swiftly on videos on social media

Intel set on developing chips for car companies

Fake Netflix app hacks Netflix fans

Facebook will label user content to reduce misinformation

Ransomware attacks increase on SA companies

Special Economic Zones continue to perform well

Why SA is suspending its J&J vaccine roll-out

Eerste River learners to be placed in a school

Local tutoring app to employ young tutors

Siya Kolisi partners with lifestyle brand to launch a shoe to fund sport projects in Zwide

TikTok for business launches in Mzansi

Samsung opens doors for students

PayPal payment volume to triple

Cyberattacks pose main risk to US economy – Fed chair

Update on banking channel partners’ dispute and expansion of channel network

Vodacom partners with AUDA-NEPAD for major vaccine roll-out

Dlodlo vows to rid State Security of corruption

R160m paid to arts sector beneficiaries

Apple to testify before US Senate over app store antitrust concerns

Workers demand tough action on harassment from Google parent

Online publishers with large readership revealed

ICASA to reopen licence applications for community sound broadcasting services in 2021

Laptops snatched from Limpopo Government Departmental office

Absa, AWS partner on cloud computing skills incubator

Spectrum Improves Lives for Matatiele Residents

National Treasury Resolving e-Tender Portal Crash

ICASA and the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sign an international agreement for collaboration

Apple’s Find My app can now track other phones

LinkedIn Faces Massive 500 Million Users’ Data Leak

Vodacom Group and Vodafone Foundation Donate to Secure COVID-19 Vaccine Supply in its Africa Markets

MultiChoice Innovation Fund gives Innovators a break

Will.i.am Launches Smart Mask

Clubhouse Introduces Payments Option for Creators

LG Collaborates with Top Teleco to Develop AI Services

TikTok Introduces Resource for Sexual Assault Survivors

Rectron Expands Point of Sale Offering with Newland ID

LG Stops Producing Phones

US Court vacates ruling barring Trump from blocking Twitter critics

Most In-Demand ‘Scarce’ Skills

Applications Open For AWS Equity Equivalent Investment Program in SA

Further Together: Vodacom Celebrates the Collaborative Power of Technology and Human Ambition

Intel Introduces New 10nm Xeon Server Chips

Local manufacturer becomes preferred brand for government mobile

Kanye West documentary series sold to Netflix for R435m

State-owned Cloud Computing Mega-Network on the Cards

South Africa ready for 5G revolution?