TechCentral · 2026/04/17
The South African government introduced a connectivity levy to improve internet access in rural areas by funding Usaasa, a public agency responsible for providing telecom services. However, industry e…
OnABudget takeaway: This means that consumers might face higher telecom costs without seeing real improvement in services, and small businesses in rural areas could find it harder to afford reliable internet. Investors should watch how policy changes might impact telecom company profits.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/17
A new project at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is highlighting how African creators face challenges with generative AI music. Charles Goldstuck, a music industry expert, warns that Africa…
OnABudget takeaway: For South African musicians and small businesses, embracing AI music tools could open new income sources and creative paths. Investors should watch for emerging African tech talents developing AI-driven music solutions.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/16
Standard Bank recently experienced a serious data breach where important client information was leaked. This includes names, ID numbers, contact details, bank account numbers, and some credit card det…
OnABudget takeaway: Consumers must stay vigilant with their banking information and monitor accounts closely to avoid financial losses. This situation also warns small business owners about the importance of strong data security to protect their clients' information.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/16
South African consumers now have stronger protection against unwanted direct marketing messages. New rules require businesses that use direct marketing to update their contact lists every month by che…
OnABudget takeaway: Consumers can now avoid annoying marketing messages more easily, saving time and reducing interruptions. Small businesses should update their contact lists regularly to comply and maintain trust with customers.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/16
Google has started offering its new Personal Intelligence feature first to paying subscribers of its Gemini service in South Africa. This new AI-powered tool enhances the user experience by providing …
OnABudget takeaway: This new AI feature could help South African users save time and be more productive in their daily lives, which is great for busy individuals and small business owners looking to get more done without extra cost.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/15
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) plans to create a national database of telecom infrastructure. This aims to improve broadband services across the country by keeping be…
OnABudget takeaway: South Africans should watch how the government handles telecom data security as it could impact internet speed and costs. Small businesses and consumers hope this leads to better broadband without risking their personal information.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/15
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD has decided not to offer launch discounts in South Africa. Instead of competing through lower prices, BYD wants to build a strong brand in the country. This mea…
OnABudget takeaway: BYD's decision means fewer price cuts for electric cars now, but a chance for buyers to get quality vehicles backed by trusted service in the long run. Small businesses and investors can expect a focus on brand strength over quick deals.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/15
Werner Lindemann, CEO of DataGroupIT, explains how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way companies protect themselves from cyber threats. New AI tools are helping criminals create more conv…
OnABudget takeaway: Small businesses and consumers need to be extra cautious with online security as cyber threats grow smarter with AI. Investing in trusted cybersecurity solutions can protect your money and data. For investors, companies that prioritize advanced cybersecurity may offer safer investment options in a rapidly changing environment.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/15
South Africa's new draft policy on artificial intelligence (AI) highlights the country’s heavy reliance on technologies and investments from big global powers like the US and China. This dependence ma…
OnABudget takeaway: For everyday South Africans and small businesses, this means better access to affordable, local AI solutions in the future, reducing costs and reliance on foreign technology. For investors, supporting South African AI start-ups could be a smart move as the country builds its own capabilities.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/15
Cape Town-based start-up AI Diagnostics has raised R85 million to develop an innovative digital stethoscope powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This new tool is designed to detect tuberculosis (T…
OnABudget takeaway: This AI-powered stethoscope could lower healthcare costs and save time by detecting TB early, helping South Africans get treatment sooner. Small clinics and community centers can adopt this technology to improve patient care efficiently.
Read articleMoneyweb · 2026/04/15
The sewage treatment system in Tshwane is facing serious problems and is close to collapsing. The authorities have been given a deadline of 60 days from 31 March to create and submit a plan to fix the…
OnABudget takeaway: If sewage treatment collapses, it could lead to health problems and higher costs for residents and businesses. It's important to watch how the city manages this issue, as it may affect property values and local costs in the near future.
Read articleMoneyweb · 2026/04/15
South Africa’s automotive manufacturing industry is facing a new challenge called 'WICKD', which stands for wholly imported Completely Knocked Down (CKD) production. These vehicles are assembled local…
OnABudget takeaway: For consumers and small business owners, this means a risk of fewer local jobs and less support for local suppliers. Investors should watch how companies adapt to encourage local manufacturing, which could impact the sector’s long-term strength.
Read articleMoneyweb · 2026/04/15
In South Africa, many businesses and organizations are required to follow strict rules and regulations to ensure they operate fairly and responsibly. However, there are still many cases where these ru…
OnABudget takeaway: For everyday South Africans, stronger business oversight means safer investments and more reliable services. Small business owners should focus on good governance to avoid costly failures and build trust with customers.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/14
ACT, a company involved in mobile services, has dropped its legal battle against the Department of Home Affairs regarding identity fees. This change happened because mobile operators chose to directly…
OnABudget takeaway: For consumers and mobile service users, this could mean faster updates and potentially lower costs if negotiations lead to better agreements. Small businesses relying on mobile services might also benefit from more predictable fees and smoother identity verification.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/14
Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills are becoming common and essential in South Africa's job market. More employers are looking for workers who understand AI, as it plays a bigger role in how businesse…
OnABudget takeaway: Learning AI skills can open up more job opportunities and help you stay competitive in the evolving job market. For employers and small businesses, investing in trustworthy AI training can improve hiring decisions and boost productivity.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/14
Many DStv subscribers in South Africa do not watch sports but still pay for the SuperSport channels as part of their package. Currently, the cost of running these sports channels is spread across all …
OnABudget takeaway: For consumers who don't watch sports, unbundling SuperSport could lower TV subscription costs. Small businesses and investors should watch this trend, as it could reshape the pay-TV market and offer more affordable options.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/14
Metacom is a company that provides important networking technology for businesses. Their solutions helped Hungry Lion, a popular fast-food chain, expand successfully into seven different African count…
OnABudget takeaway: Reliable technology like Metacom's networking solutions helps small and medium businesses expand and operate efficiently, which can create new job opportunities and improve service quality for consumers.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/14
Vox, a South African telecommunications company, is focusing on hybrid connectivity and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to improve internet access across the country. Hybrid connectivity combines dif…
OnABudget takeaway: For everyday users and small businesses, improved connectivity means more affordable and reliable internet access, even in remote areas. Investors can also watch how Vox’s technology adoption might boost growth and competitiveness in SA’s telecom market.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/13
Thyspunt, a coastal site in South Africa, has been identified as the leading location for building a new nuclear power plant for Eskom, the country's main electricity supplier. A recent draft scoping …
OnABudget takeaway: For consumers, a new nuclear plant means the promise of more reliable electricity in the long run, which could prevent future power cuts. Small business owners and investors might also benefit from improved energy stability, helping them avoid losses caused by load shedding.
Read articleTechCentral · 2026/04/13
SportyTV, a streaming platform, has secured the rights to broadcast all 104 matches of the 2026 Fifa World Cup in South Africa. This means South African viewers will be able to watch the entire tourna…
OnABudget takeaway: For viewers, streaming the World Cup on SportyTV could be a convenient and potentially cost-effective way to watch all matches live, compared to traditional pay-TV options. Small businesses could also benefit from advertising or sponsorship opportunities during a time of high sports engagement.
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