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South Africa’s progress depends on inclusive innovation and strong partnerships. Videsha Proothveerajh, Director of Vodacom Business, shares how technology is driving real change across communities and industries, “At Vodacom Business, we have long championed this approach, recognising that the challenges our nation faces are too complex for any single entity to tackle alone. By combining the strengths of both sectors with the power of digital technology, we can improve service delivery, unlock economic potential, and drive meaningful innovation.”

There he was in white takkies, fire engine red knee braces, wearing an orange tank top with his three letter name, Nel, in bold on the back above a South African flag. Next to the 1.91m, 148kg colossus was a man just as big, probably even bigger: the defending World’s Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman. Five pillars and five spherical stones stood between them and glory.

How YES Is Advocating For Economic Growth Through Digital Skills By Ravi Naidoo, CEO, Youth Employment Service (YES) As the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution accelerates, empowering South Africa’s youth means preparing them for the challenges and opportunities...

In the fight for equality and social justice in South Africa, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, is a name synonymous with courage, conviction, and visionary leadership. As a fierce advocate for LGBTQI+ rights, gender equity, and HIV/AIDS awareness, her impact has resonated from grassroots movements to the national Parliament. Her work continues to challenge systems of exclusion, uplift marginalised voices, and reimagine an Africa where everyone belongs.

Mr Alvin Botes delivered the keynote remarks at the G20 Youth Symposium at Stable Theatre in Durban. The event was attended by youth leaders and delegates under the theme: “Advancing Youth Inclusion in the G20 Presidency Agenda”. He highlighted that 4.8 million South Africans aged 15 – 34 are unemployed; 58% of them have never had a single day of paid work, and the youth unemployment rate climbed to 46.1% in the first quarter of this year. Against this backdrop, he indicated that the objectives, outcomes and outputs for the G20 must be unapologetically youth-centred.

In South African politics and environmental stewardship, Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts stands out as a formidable advocate for youth empowerment. Since she was appointed Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in July 2024, Honourable Swarts has been instrumental in integrating youth development into the environmental agenda, recognising young people’s pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. Ms Swarts’ political journey, rooted in public service and community activism, reflects her unwavering commitment to social justice and economic empowerment.

The Northern Cape is fast becoming the heartbeat of South Africa’s renewable energy revolution. With its wide, open landscapes, abundant sunlight, and favourable wind conditions, the province is naturally positioned to lead the country’s transition towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. But beyond its climatic advantages, the Northern Cape’s commitment to renewables is also about socio-economic upliftment, skills development, and long-term infrastructure planning.

The Africa CEO Forum 2025 was held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire from 12 to 13 May. It brought together some 3000 public and private sector decision-makers, including Heads of State, for two days of discussions regarding doing business on the continent, and to highlight the increasingly crucial role of the private sector in the economic and social development of the continent. Founded by Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-sponsored by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Africa CEO Forum is the leading platform for leaders of the largest continental and and multinational companies, investors, Heads of State and Government, Ministers and representatives of financial institutions

In South Africa, employment relationships are governed by a framework that ensures fairness and clarity for both employers and employees. Central to this framework are contractual agreements, which set out the terms and conditions of employment.
Among these, fixed-term contracts are particularly common, especially in sectors where temporary staffing solutions are required. However, the law has imposed strict conditions on the use of these contracts to prevent potential exploitation and ensure equitable treatment.

South Africa’s latest budget, presented by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in May 2025, arrives at a critical juncture marked by economic uncertainty, political friction, and rising living costs. While the budget aims to balance fiscal discipline with social support, its implications for everyday South Africans are multifaceted, affecting everything from fuel prices and taxation to social grants and public services.

Incentives and bonuses are often viewed as rewards for hard work and high performance, offering employees a welcome boost to their earnings. However, many South Africans are caught off guard when their long-anticipated bonuses appear significantly smaller than expected due to tax deductions. To make the most of these additional earnings, it is crucial to understand how the South African Revenue Service (SARS) treats bonuses and incentives for tax purposes.

May's Biggest Sports Stories - Team South Africa & Kaizer Chiefs By Koketso Mamabolo South Africa Dominates World Relay Championship Team South Africa topped the medal table at the World Relay Championship in Guangzhou, China with three medals, two gold and one...

Africa Day on 25 May is celebrated throughout the continent and internationally. It is intended to take stock and acknowledge the continent’s fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as to celebrate the progress that Africa has made in its development, while reflecting on the common challenges that the continent faces. The day is also used to celebrate the continent’s rich heritage, diverse languages, ethnicity and cultural backgrounds that make up its people. With 54 countries and over 2000 languages spoken, one can imagine the richness of this diversity and wealth of history, knowledge and traditions.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is not just a landmark agreement designed to enhance intra-African trade; it’s also a significant driver of Africa’s digital transformation. In recent months, AfCFTA has focused on digital innovation, launching its Digital Innovation Challenge for 2025.

The African Union Commission (AUC) plays a central role in the day-to-day management of the AU. Members of the Commission include the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson, six Commissioners, and staff members. It is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Among other responsibilities, the AUC:

– Represents the Union and defends its interests
– Elaborates draft common positions of the Union
– Prepares strategic plans and studies for the consideration of the Executive Council
– Coordinates and harmonises the programmes and policies of the Union with those of the Regional Economic Communities, and ensures the mainstreaming of gender in all programmes and activities

In his letter to the country, penned on 12 May, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa focused on deepening trade and investment ties across Africa. This week President Ramaphosa is attending the Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, promoting South Africa’s potential as a premier investment and trade destination.

South Africa’s journey toward energy security and a green economy has found a determined champion in Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the country’s first full-time Minister of Electricity and Energy. With deep roots in public service and a professional foundation in civil engineering, Dr Ramokgopa brings both technical credibility and political foresight to one of the country’s most critical portfolios. Now leading a wave of renewable energy programmes and private sector-driven grid expansion, he spearheads the transition to a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive energy future for South Africa.

South Africa is a net importer of oil – i.e. we import more than we export – with our dependence on imported oil having increased significantly over the last 3 years, mainly due to the decline in domestic refining capacity. Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Angola, Ghana and the US constitute our main suppliers – although with the Trump tariff scenario, the US’s continued status as a provider is unclear. In 2023, South Africa relied on imports for 61% of its petroleum product supply, with refined petroleum products coming mainly from the United Arab Emirates, India, and Oman.

South Africa has taken a bold step towards gender equality in parenting with a landmark High Court judgment that could transform how families experience the arrival of a child. In a move that positions the country as a leader on the African continent, the court has ruled that both parents should be allowed to share the four months of parental leave previously reserved only for mothers. While the judgment still awaits confirmation by the Constitutional Court, the implications are already being felt in public discourse, company policy, and advocacy for family rights.

The Energy Council of South Africa is a CEO led initiative that brings together key public and private sector companies, industry and professional associations, and finance institutions that actively and significantly participate across the energy sector. Established in 2021 the Council plays a leading and collaborative role in the development and transition of the country’s energy sector, with its purpose being to ‘enable a thriving and sustainable energy sector supporting inclusive economic growth.’

One day a 24-year-old quantity surveyor from the Free State laced up her takkies to join a running a club in Dubai. She was hoping to meet people and make friends. Little did Gerda Steyn know that she had written the first letter of her name into South African road running history. That was in 2014. She came 14th in her first Comrades, only two years after she first fell in love with running. Four years later she burst onto the scene, winning the Two Oceans marathon.

As we celebrate Freedom month, it is important to acknowledge the progress made in ensuring the economic participation of women in South Africa, particularly in the STEM sector (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The role of diversity in the STEM sector is vital to ensure national advancement. By leveraging the full spectrum of human potential, nations like South Africa will not only unlock innovation but also build a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

The AI Advantage: Combating Financial Fraud In South Africa’s Digital Era By Jessie Taylor In an era where the digital economy is rapidly evolving, South Africa is witnessing both remarkable advancements in financial services and a surge in increasingly sophisticated...

Freedom Day 2025 - Looking Back, Moving Forward Together By Jessie Taylor Every year on April 27, South Africa commemorates Freedom Day, a day marking the momentous first democratic elections held in 1994. This day signifies the liberation of the country and its...

South Africa’s railway network has long been the backbone of its transportation infrastructure, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers across vast distances. However, the system has faced significant challenges, including outdated signalling equipment, safety concerns, and infrastructure vulnerabilities such as rampant cable theft. To address these challenges, substantial modernisation efforts are underway, with a particular focus on integrating satellite signalling technologies to enhance efficiency, safety, and resilience.