Slight but uninspiring increase for the BETI in January
After breaking six months of declines in December, the BankservAfrica Economic Transactions Index (BETI) improved again in January 2023. Yet, despite this positive movement, 'more-of-the-same' can be expected this year as economic woes prevail. "The BETI improved to...
SA’s need for manufacturing excellence stronger than ever
South Africa's manufacturing industry has had to keep evolving to remain competitive in the face of global competition. But, while there has been a long-standing battle between effectively producing products against demand and maintaining a sustainable cost base, a...
Report reveals that SA children can’t read for meaning
A new report reveals that a massive 82% of South Africa's Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning - indicating that the disruptions of the Covid years have set children back by at least a year. Indeed, if the country continues on the current trajectory, it will take...
Subsea cable system lands in KZN
The 2Africa undersea cable, said to be the largest in the world, has been landed into the carrier-neutral Durban facility of Open Access Data Centre (OADC), which is owned and operated by West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC). Chris Wood, group CEO of WIOCC,...
Logistic execs pessimistic about 2023
Nearly 70% of global logistics executives say they are bracing for recession amid higher costs, slowing demand, and ongoing supply chain disruption arising from China's battle to contain Covid, Russia's war in Ukraine, and the impact of climate change. Ninety percent...
Poor recruiting experience a deal breaker for in-demand job seekers
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, global and South African employers are still feeling the impact of the Great Resignation. Over three-quarters of South African employees (77%) are actively looking for a new job, and it's not easy to win over top talent,...
Campus switch sales could approach $100bn by 2027
Almost $100-billion will be spent on campus switches over the next five years, according to a recent report by Dell'Oro Group. A "digestion period" is expected in 2024, followed by a quick recovery and long-term growth. "Despite rising concerns about the challenging...
Cross-chain bridges exploited by cybercriminals
In 2022, malicious attacks on cross-chain bridges accounted for a staggering 64% of all digital currency losses, according to TradingPlatforms.com. "The technology behind cross-chain bridges is still in its infancy and has yet to be fully tested," says Edith Reads, a...
Data scientists only add about 30 days of value before changing jobs
A recent post by Alastair Adam on LinkedIn discusses the disastrously high churn rate of data scientists. By Gary Allemann, MD of Master Data Management The post asserts that most data scientists change jobs every 19 months, on average. Around 12 months is spent...
Automation the new discipline for SA consumers
If you feel like you've never been under more pressure as a consumer, then you're not alone. Over the past year or so, consumers around the globe have faced rates of inflation not seen in decades. By Ricki Allardice, head of product at upnup Africa hasn't escaped...
The role of incentives and rewards in attracting, retaining top talent
As South African companies prepare for a new year and the return of employees to the office following the festive season break, the matter of attracting and retaining top talent is gaining increasing prominence. Faced with a challenging local and global economy and a...
Understanding the impact of the amended EPC regulations
On 25 November last year, the Department of Mineral Resources (DMRE) gazetted the amendment regulations for the mandatory and compulsory display and submission of energy performance certificates (EPCs) for buildings. By Frikkie Malan, head of sustainability at Remote...