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The South African used car industry is growing from strength to strength, with the latest July 2025 numbers showing year-on-year (YoY) and month-on-month growth (MoM), reflecting the continued trend of renewed consumer confidence and a resilient used vehicle market. The top five best-selling used vehicles remain unchallenged by new contenders. However, the bottom half of …
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) warns the public to be cautious when conducting financial services business with Gold Trading, who are impersonating an authorised financial services provider (FSP). It was brought to the attention of the FSCA that Gold Trading, is using the FSP number of Astrix Data (Pty) Ltd (Astrix Data) (FSP 52313) …
Renting can be a smart and flexible choice, especially if you’re exploring new areas, keeping options open, or simply not ready for the long-term commitment of property ownership. It offers convenience, less responsibility, and the freedom to move with relatively little fuss. But for many South Africans, there comes a time when putting down roots …
In many South African households, it’s often women who make the toughest financial sacrifices – from managing groceries on a tight budget to stretching their salaries to cover an extra birthday gift or a small upgrade to the family home. But data from Standard Bank Insurance and Fiduciary reveals that these efforts go even deeper. …
Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) (https://Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a global technology leader of African heritage, has announced the successful completion of its 2024 Fibre TechCelerate Programme in South Africa. The first cohort of 20 SMMEs and 10 female ICT students from Walter Sisulu University received their certifications at a graduation ceremony facilitated in East London. Twenty-five new SMMEs were welcomed into the 2025 programme at the same time.
This initiative equips small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) with the technical, business, and digital skills required to actively contribute to projects, including but not limited to the Eastern Cape Provincial Government's fibre and broadband rollout project.
“As we honour the achievements of the first Fibre TechCelerate graduates and welcome our next intake, we're reminded that this programme is more than just a skills accelerator; it's a catalyst for transformation. Working alongside the Provincial Government and supported by our implementation partner, Cortex Hub, we are proud to be empowering local businesses, especially youth and women, as well as investing in a digitally inclusive future for the Eastern Cape and beyond,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies in South Africa and Botswana.
Structured around modules such as business management, fibre optics installation, occupational health and safety, digital skills, and mentorship, the initiative prepares SMMEs to thrive in South Africa's digital economy and fosters inclusive economic growth.
“The Liquid Fibre TechCelerate Programme is so much more than a local enterprise and supplier development programme. Offering SMMEs in the Eastern Cape a comprehensive and sustainable business development and ICT training prepares these enterprises for success in the digital economy. As the programme's implementing agency, the Cortex Hub is proud to witness the success of the participants, and we look forward to working closely with Liquid South Africa, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government, and all other contributors in supporting the 2025 cohort,” added Dr Andile Ngcaba, Patron, Cortex Hub.
The current fibre network installation in the province has created over 7,000 permanent and temporary jobs. Liquid's involvement through the Fibre TechCelerate Programme reflects its commitment to providing best-in-class connectivity and digital solutions to local enterprises, government, and individuals in the Eastern Cape, empowering them on their digital transformation journeys.
Partnering with the Eastern Cape Provincial Government on the Fibre TechCelerate Programme highlights the importance that Liquid South Africa places on public-private partnerships in accelerating the country's digital transformation and ensuring a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies (Cassava), a technology company of African heritage with operations in 40-plus markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the Cassava group companies operate. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.
Last night, Sorbet Hyde Park Corner played host to the glamorous relaunch of Franchise Owner Felicia Ntisa’s three newly renovated Sorbet destinations: Sorbet Beauty, Sorbet Man and Sorbet Nailbar. In an extraordinary three-month transformation, Ntisa completely gutted and rebuilt her stores, unveiling spaces that blend sophistication with the signature Sorbet warmth. “My three reimagined stores …
The 2025 Enactus South Africa National Exposition once again served as a powerful platform for student-led innovation, collaboration and social impact. The event brought together teams from 25 universities, with 15 showcasing entrepreneurial solutions to some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges. The event drew more than 450 attendees, including students, faculty advisors, corporate executives …
Jetour South Africa’s Head of Marketing views himself primarily as an operations-focused leader, with a strong awareness of both his strengths and weaknesses, gladly taking input from others, with an approach that is grounded in strategy, adaptability, and staying committed to long-term brand goals. Shaun Steynberg is very humble, considering the impact his marketing efforts …
Here at MyZA we track all outlinks – hyperLINKS that go OUT from MyZA to other web sites. And who doesn’t love free traffic? After all in the old days the only way to discover new web sites in your niche was to follow hyperlinks posted by kind web site owners to more information. Below …
Although pressing and welding have been at the core of Tier 1 automotive supplier Malben Engineering for 50 years, it is the company’s investment in its state-of-the-art metrology laboratory which, alongside these services, has set it apart, says Plant Manager, Jithin Kottikkal. “The metrology laboratory – which effectively analyses the ‘pulse rate’ of the entire …
By Philip Myburgh, Group Head of Trade: Business and Commercial Banking, Standard Bank Group: When most people think of Africa-China trade, their minds jump to Beijing, Shanghai or Shenzhen. However, one of the biggest drivers of this relationship is not a coastal megacity, it is a landlocked province you have likely never heard of before. …
More South African women are financing their new homes, and more are doing it on their own. Standard Bank’s Home Loans data shows that women have consistently made up 70% of all home loan clients in the past ten years, whether as joint or sole applicants. But in a noteworthy shift, nearly 40% of all …
By Sizwe Nxedlana, CEO of FNB Private Segment Everyone has a version of what they want their retirement to look like. For many, it’s the dream of freedom from work-related responsibilities and the frenetic pace of daily life. For others, it’s the idea of having the time and money to travel, to be with family …
Despite meaningful progress in women’s participation in the economy, many women-led businesses across South Africa still face persistent challenges, from limited access to markets and networks to barriers in securing funding and digital tools. These realities were brought into sharp focus at the Women Trade Intervention Dialogue, held on Friday, 1 August 2025 at the …
Celebrating Women’s Month through mentorship, advocacy, and leadership in the IT sector. In the IT industry women are stepping up, gaining more visibility, and building influence, and mentorship is becoming more than just career advice – it’s a form of advocacy. For Carmen Hargroves, Corporate Director at Zinia, a leading technology group in South Africa, …
LEPAS secured its first overseas orders for the L8 during its debut at Indonesia’s Jakarta International Auto Show (GIIAS), where it staged an exquisite lifestyle runway show. Recently, LEPAS launched its international debut at GIIAS, with its all-star product matrix—L8, L6, and L4—officially unveiled, catering to user groups with fashion-forward personalities. With “exquisite travel” as …
Hyundai Automotive South Africa has once again secured its position among the top four automotive brands in South Africa, as reported by the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers (NAAMSA) for July 2025. The company continues to demonstrate consistency and resilience in a highly competitive market, recording an impressive 29% year-on-year growth, for the period January …
Located in the heart of Limpopo, Bolt and Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.) Lephalale has evolved into a trusted solutions partner for some of South Africa’s most demanding industries. From mining and power generation to agriculture, the branch has become known for its agility, responsiveness and commitment to operational uptime and customer success. “To provide the perfect …
Subaru Southern Africa is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Toshimitsu Tanaka as its new Managing Director, effective 1 August 2025. Mr. Tanaka succeeds Mr. Andrew Marshall, who retires after five years of dedicated service and leadership. Mr. Tanaka, a seasoned executive from Japan, brings with him over 30 years of experience in the …
The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa) (https://Meltwater.org/) today opened applications for the 7th edition of the MEST Africa Challenge (MAC 2025), a pan-African pitch competition that equips high-potential startups with funding and hands-on support.
This year's edition is dedicated exclusively to FinTech startups, spotlighting founders who are reimagining how money is moved, managed, and insured across the continent. Applications run 30th July – 26th September 2025, after which 20 semi-finalists and 10 grand-finalists will be selected. The overall winner will secure a US $50,000 equity investment and the opportunity to pilot with strategic partners at scale.
“The MEST Africa Challenge is where Africa's boldest ideas find the opportunity to scale,” said Ashwin Ravichandran, Portfolio Advisor & MAC Lead at MEST Africa. “Our partnership with Absa gives these visionary founders the lift they need—connecting them to the capital, expertise, and networks that turn promising startups into sector-defining businesses and drive inclusive growth across the continent.”
With US $30 million invested in more than 90 startups and 2,000 entrepreneurs to date, MEST is one of Africa's most active early-stage tech investors. The 2025 edition of MAC deepens that impact through a strategic partnership with Absa that aligns the competition with the bank's digital-finance priorities.
"Africa's future will be shaped by bold ideas, local ingenuity, and scalable innovation. At Absa, we recognize the critical role entrepreneurs play in driving inclusive economic growth. This partnership with MEST reflects our commitment to backing those visionaries and shaping the future of financial services. It complements our digital transformation strategy and reflects our purpose of empowering Africa's tomorrow, together, one story at a time,” said Omar Baig, Managing Executive: ARO Retail and Business Banking.
The collaboration between Absa and MEST aims to accelerate innovation by connecting FinTech startups with the resources and expertise needed to scale solutions that drive inclusive growth across Africa.
“Our partnership with MEST is a strategic step toward unlocking innovation that truly matters,” says Muhammad Ali Bhikhan, Managing Executive and Chief Information Officer at Absa Regional Operations. “It will allow us to connect with visionary startups, build a strong talent pipeline, and collaborate on solutions that can drive meaningful digital transformation and long-term impact across the continent, he concludes.”
Who should apply to MAC 2025?
MAC 2025 invites early-stage startups in FinTech and other high-value, value-chain solutions that are already active in at least one of Absa's priority markets — countries including Botswana, Uganda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia and Ghana. To qualify, a company must be three years old or younger, show minimum monthly recurring revenue of US $5,000, and have raised no more than US $1 million to date. Each venture should have at least two co-founders, be able to pitch in English, and—while not mandatory—Delaware registration is considered an advantage.
Founders can submit a short online application, including a three-minute video pitch, on https://apo-opa.co/40P2V41 from 31st July, 2025. Virtual semi-finals will take place in late October, and the top ten teams will present live in Cape Town at the Grand Finale in late November.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa).
Media Contact (MEST Africa):
Ophesmur Adjei
Marketing and Communications Manager
marketing@meltwater.org
About MEST Africa:
Established in 2008 as the non‑profit arm of Meltwater, the Meltwater Foundation drives job creation and economic growth in Africa through software entrepreneurship. Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, the Foundation's Entrepreneurial Support Organization—MEST—delivers a full-time, in-person intensive tech‑entrepreneurship training to emerging talent from more than 22 African countries and provides early‑stage investment to promising ventures. To extend this impact, the Foundation launched MESTx, a suite of collaborative programs designed and delivered with like‑minded partners to expand digital‑skills training and startup acceleration across the continent. Since its inception, the Meltwater Foundation has trained 2,000+ entrepreneurs and invested in 90+ startups across the continent—fueling innovation, creating jobs, and shaping Africa's next generation of tech entrepreneurs.
Learn more about MEST Africa: https://Meltwater.org/
About Absa Group Limited:
Absa Group Limited (Absa Group') is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa's largest diversified financial services groups.
Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance.
Absa Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Kenya and South Africa. Absa also has offices in the People's Republic of China, Namibia, Nigeria and the United States, as well as securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States, along with technology support colleagues in the Czech Republic.
For further information about Absa Group Limited, visit www.Absa.Africa.
New vehicle sales blitzed through the 50,000-unit volume mark in July, a feat last achieved in March 2023. The positive performance continues 10 consecutive months of increased volumes, the most recent five months registering double-digit growth. July was the best sales month since October 2019, firmly re-establishing pre-COVID-19 levels and momentum in the market’s recovery. …
Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Manufacturing) (Pty) Limited (“Ford South Africa”) has entered into a partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (The Fund), with Ford supplying a fleet of 19 vehicles to bolster the Fund’s outreach initiatives and community-driven programmes across the country. The handover, which also commemorates Mandela Month, marks a milestone …
Pressure is mounting for local manufacturers to swap fossil fuels for biomass to reduce their carbon footprints and mitigate carbon taxes. Experienced steam and boiler operations and maintenance service provider, Associated Energy Services (AES) has spent the past 14 years reviewing solutions, says Commercial Director, Dennis Williams. The exception to the rule While the market …
The South African Reserve Bank announced on 31 July a 25 basis point drop in the repo rate, bringing it down to 7%. This change lowers the prime lending rate to 10.50%, a welcome move for homeowners, buyers, and investors navigating a challenging economic landscape. “A lower interest rate environment gives consumers a bit of …