Young Africans fare better in mental well-being
Young African adults are showing stronger mental resilience compared to their peers in high-income nations, where youth mental well-being has been in steep decline since the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Sapien Labs’ new Mental State of the World 2024 report, the...
Bitcoin plunges on strategic reserve news
Bitcoin’s drop on Monday, after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish a strategic bitcoin reserve for the US, might have been misinterpreted. This is according to Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory deVere Group. Prices slipped as...
Are MNOs perpetuating the digital divide?
Paul Colmer, exco member at Wireless Access Provider’s Association (WAPA), voices his opinion on mobile network operators and the digital divide. Much ink has been spilled over the so-called digital divide”, “connecting the unconnected”, and “digital exclusion." But...
AI, innovation should be top budget priorities
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is due to present his revised Budget Speech in a few days. At Sage, we hope his new Budget Speech and government policy go beyond the usual and focuses on digital technologies and the opportunities that artificial intelligence (AI)...
VAT compliance could address revenue challenges
As South Africa grapples with fiscal challenges and debates over potential VAT rate increases, tax experts are calling for a fundamental shift in approach that addresses the root causes of revenue shortfalls rather than simply increasing tax burdens on citizens....
BNPL drives financial inclusion in Africa
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is emerging as a key player in modern consumer financing, offering an alternative to traditional credit models and reshaping how people access and manage credit. Once dismissed as a niche payment option, BNPL has now become a significant...
Mastercard extends partnership with Youth Employment
Mastercard is extending its collaboration with the Youth Employment Service (YES), a private-sector led youth employment initiative, for the third consecutive year. YES plays a crucial role in equipping young people with essential skills for the workplace, quality...
VFS Global adds AI-powered chatbot
VFS Global has recently launched a new generative AI (GenAI)-powered chatbot providing customer support for travellers to the UK. The AI-Powered Chatbot not only utilises advanced GenAI technology to offer human-like, conversational support, but does so through both...
Smart tech could help with SA’s worsening water crisis
South Africa's water crisis is intensifying as failing infrastructure, droughts and shrinking reservoir levels strain municipalities. Gauteng is already facing level one restrictions, while eThekwini’s water curtailments will continue until September. With demand set...
School-level maths and science excellence key to personal, economic growth
The 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science test – in which South Africa placed last in both categories – highlights a glaring gap in our educational environment, writes Dr Adele Cheddie, physical science teacher at Centennial Schools Sandton. With fewer...
AI advances the SA solar market
With Eskom tariffs having risen 182% in the last five years and set to continue to rise, many South African homeowners and businesses have turned to alternative energy sources. The solar market has grown rapidly as a result, but the question remains why every...
Closing the gap in the energy market
The transition to clean energy is facing a significant challenge in the form of a shortage of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite. These materials are essential for technologies like electric vehicles and battery storage, but current supply...