Wednesday, 12 March 2025: South African young scientists are set to showcase their innovative research on the global stage, competing in the environmental science and computer science categories at this year’s International Festival of Engineering, Science and Technology in Tunisia (I-FEST²). Eskom Expo International Science Fair 2024 Gold medal recipients, Hamzah Ismail and Vibhav Ramdas, both Grade 12 learners at St Dominics Newcastle School in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, earned their opportunities to showcase their research projects at the I-FEST² from 21 to 27 March 2025 following a nomination by a panel of academics and professionals at the Eskom Expo. The learners…
Author: Staff Writer
d.light, a global leader in solar energy solutions for underserved communities, has been named as a key participant in Nigeria’s ambitious Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) program, set to launch this month. The $750 million initiative, is backed by the World Bank, and is an active partner in the goal of transforming the Nigerian energy landscape via the expansion of electrification through decentralized renewable energy solutions, particularly in rural and underserved areas. d.light’s proven track record in deploying high-quality solar products at scale has resulted in its inclusion in the project, together with its commitment to providing millions…
As South African businesses emerge from a turbulent 2024, 40% of companies identified inflation and macroeconomic volatility as a threat, and 23% are concerned about cyber risks. While 2025 brings the end of load shedding, falling interest rates, and a more stable fiscal outlook, it also presents its own set of challenges, including escalating geopolitical tensions, infrastructure failures, and climate change. Going forward, success depends on a shift from traditional problem-solving to human-centred design thinking — a powerful tool for turning complex challenges into actionable opportunities. In this complex environment, Ettienne Mostert, business and partnership development manager at the Hasso…
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) is investigating the practice of overbooking flights by airlines, following a social media post from a passenger who was bumped off a FlySafair flight, which sparked widespread outrage. FlySafair has admitted to overbooking its flights, justifying the practice as a way to mitigate the impact of no-show passengers. The airline has welcomed the Commission’s inquiry, seeing it as an opportunity to clarify its process. Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer for FlySafair, explained in an interview with eNCA that overbooking is a common practice among airlines worldwide, including all domestic carriers in South Africa. “There isn’t…
The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has appointed Dr. Boitshoko Ntshabele as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ntshabele’s appointment, effective from February, follows the retirement of outgoing CEO Justin Chadwick at the end of March. According to ProAgri, Ntshabele will lead the association, which plays a key role in promoting the citrus industry’s vital contribution to South African agriculture and the broader economy. The CGA represents over 1,560 citrus growers across South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. With extensive experience in academia, the private sector, and the public sector, Dr. Ntshabele brings a wealth of expertise…
A recent survey found that 16.9% of South African retailers identify a complex checkout process as a major cause of cart abandonment. Globally, research shows that nearly one in five shoppers experience similar frustrations. Many eCommerce platforms struggle with high cart abandonment rates because they fail to fully understand the buyer’s perspective. Just as software can miss the mark in meeting the actual needs of end users, online merchants often overlook the needs of their customers. According to the World Wide Worx Online Retail in South Africa 2024 report, 16.9% of more than 200 retailers surveyed cited a lengthy and…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become accessible and user-friendly, accelerating global development. However, rapid advances raise complex issues, from ethics to cybersecurity and governance; and many sectors are struggling to keep pace with the challenges posed by AI. The legal sector is no exception. Africa’s first interdisciplinary AI and law conference, led by CMS, sought to guide the industry forward. This summit marked a key moment in the continent’s efforts to address AI’s benefits and risks. European laws set the tone – Africa Charts its own Path The European Union (EU) AI Act (EU Act) is lauded as legislation that takes…
The latest IDC’s Global Wearable Device Market Quarterly Tracking Report shows that despite a global decline in wrist-worn device shipments in 2024, the Chinese market maintained an impressive year-on-year growth rate of 20.1%, driving global expansion. Huawei stood out with a notable year-on-year increase of 44.3% in global shipments, clinching the top position with a remarkable market share of 16.9% and dominating the domestic market with 35.7%. To date, Huawei has secured the top ranking in shipments for the first three quarters, underscoring its strong market presence and deep expertise in the smart wearables sector. Key Wearables Launched in 2024…
Microsoft, through the company’s Africa Transformation Office (ATO), has recently unveiled an initiative that it says, will accelerate advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and foster collaboration between startups and industry leaders. The initiative will also mark the launch of Microsoft’s strategic collaboration with NVIDIA, aimed at accelerating AI startup development in Africa. The announcement was made following the success of the Microsoft African Startups AI Fest held earlier in 2024 in South Africa, that included participation from the NVIDIA Inception program as a platform for startups to engage with industry leaders, investors, and potential partners. Participants in the program are…
The event spotlighted TCL’s groundbreaking air conditioning innovations, advanced manufacturing capabilities at TCL’s Intelligent Manufacturing Centre, and tailored solutions for the MEA region. Johannesburg, South Africa – 12 December 2024 – TCL Electronics, a global leader in consumer technology and the world’s top two TV brand, successfully hosted its first ever exclusive industry gathering in Wuhan, China. Bringing together key dealers, media representatives, and influencers from the Middle East & Africa region for the TCL Air Conference – “Air to Future, Sail to Success,”, this milestone event showcased TCL’s technological excellence, revolutionary air conditioning innovations, and the precision engineering of its…
