In the main, Africa’s universal service agencies have not covered themselves in glory. Although money has been collected from operators, it has largely sat in the bank gathering interest. Even in countries such as Kenya, which have expended large amounts of energy and resources on putting in place broadband
Vodacom is going to face an uphill battle in its attempt to get regulatory approval for its R7bn acquisition of Neotel. Its competitors, who are already publicly questioning the legality of the deal, are likely to lobby for it to be scuppered or at the very least have strict conditions imposed on it. “It will be challenged
A plan by communications minister Faith Muthambi to change legislation to remove parliamentary oversight of the SABC and concentrate it in her office has drawn scathing criticism from the Democratic Alliance. A newspaper report at the weekend said that Muthambi intends stripping
Microsoft will this week announce that its South African MD, Mteto Nyati, will be moving on to a new role in the organisation. Nyati will take on the newly created position of head of the Africa region, a well-placed source who says he has knowledge of the move has told TechCentral. Nyati will be
South Africa’s cellular operators have been trying for years to crack the mobile commerce code, but haven’t been able to repeat the successes they’ve had in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. MTN, working with Pick n Pay, may just have found the key to success at
In this packed episode of TalkCentral, your hosts Duncan McLeod and Regardt van der Berg talk in detail about Google’s I/O conference, looking at the upcoming Android L and Google’s push into smart watches and in-car technology. We also asked why some key things were
There are potholes in the tar leading to the North East Radio Flyers model airfield in Kelvin, just north of Johannesburg. A beefy security guard in camouflage mans a boom gate next to a sign indicating that the field is for members only, and visitors “by invitation”. Four or five cars are parked next to the thatched
Troubled IT firm Gijima has secured the services of one of South Africa’s top technology businessmen, Maphum Nxumalo, who will join the JSE-listed company as chief operating officer on 1 July. Nxumalo, a former chief operating officer of SAP Africa, has also been named to Gijima’s board as an executive director
The Opposition to Urban Tolling Alliance (Outa) on Friday welcomed an announcement by Gauteng premier David Makhura to commission a panel to assess the impact of e-tolling in Gauteng. “It is, however, very important that this does not simply become another co-option tactic that degenerates into
New government ministries will not cost R40m as claimed, acting government spokesman Phumla Williams said on Friday. President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet now includes ministries of water and sanitation, telecommunications and postal services, and small business development. Three departments
