Facebook takes top spot with 3.05 billion users

Of all the most popular apps banned worldwide, the app that is currently banned most in the world is Facebook.

As reported by bizcommunity, Facebook has 3.05 billion monthly users worldwide. The countries that have banned Facebook are China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea among other countries. Despite this, its revenue was still over $130 billion last year.

In 2016, North Korea officially announced it is blocking Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter in a bid to further control access to outside information, as reported at the time by The Guardian.

WhatsApp follows closely in Facebook’s footsteps

WhatsApp takes second place in the ranking of the most popular banned apps, with 3.03 billion monthly users, closely following Facebook. Like Facebook, the popular messenger is also banned in China and North Korea. However, it is also not allowed in Syria, Qatar, and the UAE. WhatsApp has fewer users in the US, with 98 million, but it is more searched online than Facebook, gathering over five million queries in a month.

YouTube banned in North Korea

YouTube ranks third with 2.7 million monthly users worldwide. It is the most searched app online to download, with over 10 million queries, and the second most used app overall. The only country that has banned YouTube is North Korea. However, it is facing partial bans and content restrictions in countries like China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Germany.

China banned YouTube already in 2009 after pro-democracy activists in China used the app to post videos related to protests in Tibet.

China chucks out Instagram

Instagram comes in fourth place with two billion monthly users. Instagram generated $60.3 billion in revenue in 2023, with $45 billion coming from users in the US. The app is extremely popular in the US. However, Vietnam, North Korea, China, and Turkey have banned the app.

Markedly, China banned Instagram 10 years ago, in 2014. The ban followed after people from Hong Kong used it to post photos related to pro-democracy protests, according to VOI.

Do you think South Africa should ban certain apps? If so, which ones and why?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article.
You can also email info@thesouthafrican.com or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Make sure to follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

According to LG, this move aims to make it easier for South Africans to access LG’s full range of premium electronics and appliances.

Buy now, pay later for LG tech

The new online store will feature a wide selection of products, from OLED and QNED televisions to home appliances, monitors, and air conditioning units.

A variety of payment methods will be available to local customers, including a buy-now-pay-later plan with zero-interest installments, along with other credit facilities.

Subsidiary president at LG Electronics South Africa, Jinkook Kang, emphasised the importance of these payment options in removing financial barriers for consumers.

“We understand that investing in quality electronics is a significant decision,” Kang said. “By offering flexible payment options and seamless returns, we are empowering our customers to embrace the good life that comes with LG technology.”

The inclusion of flexible payments is a strategic move by the company to cater to customers who might otherwise hesitate to invest in high-end electronics due to upfront costs.

Netflix considers offering its streaming service for free

In other tech news, streaming giant Netflix is also looking for more ways to increase its customer base, and has discussed creating free versions of its service.

Netflix is exploring the possibility of introducing free versions of the platform in select international markets.

This would be rolled out mainly in Asian and European markets – but may not necessarily exclude South Africa – as part of Netflix’s strategy to expand its audience.

Previously, Netflix tested a free plan in Kenya, but the initiative was discontinued in 2023.

Now, the company’s top executives are considering whether to launch a free service in larger markets. In particular, those with popular free-to-air TV networks where the streaming platform also sells advertisements, such as Japan or Germany.

What is your favourite tech brand?

And do they have better payment options? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

The vision 

The campaign is a bold move to forge a deeper connection. It acknowledges that while the company has successfully communicated its product offerings, Exness has yet to fully explore the qualitative aspects of trading and the relationship with traders. The campaign bridges this gap and captures the essence of what it means to be a trader: the emotions, skills, and sense of community.

“Born to Trade” is more than just a slogan. This concept emerged following feedback from Exness’ traders, partners, and Introducing Brokers. Cardalda expressed, “It’s about more than just promoting a product. It’s about connecting with traders on a deeper level, recognizing their unique DNA, and providing them with the tools they need to thrive.”

Connecting with traders on an emotional level

Cardalda emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional aspect of trading. While analysis and data are crucial, emotions also play a significant role. Recognizing this duality allows the creation of messaging that resonates with traders at this level.

He notes, “While we’ve effectively communicated our product benefits and features, we haven’t fully explored the emotions that drive traders. This campaign aims to bridge that gap.”

 “Born To Trade” is a departure from the industry’s focus on product features and tactical marketing. It’s about fostering community and celebrating the trader’s identity. By addressing the emotional side of trading, Exness hopes to create a lasting connection with its audience.

Reinforcing reliability through simplicity and transparency

Exness‘ reputation for reliability is deeply rooted in its product. The new campaign reinforces this by focusing on clarity, transparency, and efficiency. This commitment to simplicity is evident in both the visual identity and the functionality of Exness’ platform.

Cardalda said, “It isn’t about creating a façade of reliability; it’s about showcasing Exness’ commitment to providing the best possible trading platform and fostering trust with traders.” By prioritizing clarity and simplifying the trading experience, Exness aims to make traders feel comfortable and confident in their chosen platform.

Measuring Success Beyond Numbers

As a data-driven company, Exness is meticulous about measuring success. The “Born To Trade” campaign, a global concept with localized execution, will be assessed mainly by its impact on brand perception and emotional connection.

This signifies a shift away from classic metrics and towards reinforcing brand identity. The emphasis is on how traders recognize and connect with the new brand identity launched earlier this year.

The Path Forward

With its refreshed brand identity and the “Born To Trade” campaign, Exness is poised to elevate its image to new heights. By focusing on innovation, expansion, and communication, the broker aims to solidify its position as a leader in the global trading industry.

Through continued investment in top-tier products, expansion into new markets, and fostering meaningful relationships with clients, Exness is committed to delivering a trading experience that’s not only reliable and efficient but also emotionally fulfilling for traders worldwide.

Internet sensation

The girl, whose real name is Haliey Welch, went viral earlier this year when she was asked what move makes a man go crazy in the bedroom.

No one was expecting what her reply would be, as she said: “You gotta’ give him that hawk tuah and spit on that thing.”

Haliey Welch has gone viral on social media (Instagram/@hay_welch)

Since then, Welch has been caught up in a social media frenzy after GIFs and memes of her spread across the internet.

The 21-year-old has publicly thanked Tesla boss Musk after she claimed she’s received “personal messages” from the tech mogul.

‘I love that man’ – Haliey Welch

On X, formerly known as Twitter, she wrote to her nearly 215 000 followers: “I want to get to know yall on X so if u ask a question I might just answer.”

When asked by one user what her thoughts were on Musk, Welch replied: “I love that man!”

The Tennessee native also shared a video onto the platform where she gets into a Tesla Cybertruck, saying: “I’m looking at one of these transformer tanks, Mr Elon Musk, this shit’s pretty crazy and you even got a TV up in here.”

In the caption, she wrote: “Mr Elon how did you come up with this tank.”

Welch and Musk interacted with her after she joined the site, writing to her: “This is the free speech platform, so feel free to say whatever you want! Unless it’s illegal, it won’t be taken down. Of course, you should expect trolls and NPC attacks, but that’s just part of the experience.”

Welch wrote: “I love u Elon ur my hero!”

Sharing her excitement about the interaction she had with the billionaire, Welch took a screenshot of it and posted it for her 2.3 million followers to see on her Instagram stories.

In the caption, she added: “Thanks for the advice big dawg.”

Now, the latest data means we can reveal South Africa’s favorite social media apps in 2024 while we’re at it. According the BusinessLive, Mailsuite has analysed all the user ratings for social media and other communications apps on its Google Play app store. The firm then cross-referenced its findings with data-aggregation company SimilarWeb to collate the best and worst performing apps across the board. Therefore, we can now award South Africa’s favorite social media apps in 2024 …

SOUTH AFRICA’S FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA APPS IN 2024

Facebook is still one of South Africa’s favorite social media apps in 2024. Fast-rising TikTok in second place is stealing people away from X (formerly Twitter) thanks to its engaging and easily shareable short-form videos. Instagram walks away with the bronze medal in third place, although usage and popularity is slowly dropping as it faces competition from other new apps.

Just out of the medals in fourth is X although it has seen a sharp drop following Elon Musk’s takeover and numerous changes to the user interface. Business and professional networking app LinkedIn remains in the top five but also saw a steady drop off. On the opposite side of the scale, South Africa’s least-favortie app appears to be Reddit, coming in with the lowest ranking.   

MESSAGING PLATFORMS

Messaging platforms are transforming the way we communicate, too. And while WhatsApp has the highest number of users globally, it’s not the top-rated worldwide or locally. In South Africa, Facebook Messenger comes out on top with the highest rating on the app store. While the worst-rated messenger app in Mzansi is Telegram. But do you think we should give our smartphones a rest and rather unplug? Let us know in the comments below …

DO WE SPEND TOO MUCH TIME ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest social media updates.

Musk reposted a manipulated Harris campaign video in which a voiceover mimicking her calls President Joe Biden senile, and declares that she does not “know the first thing about running the country,” adding that as a woman and a person of colour, she is the “ultimate diversity hire.”

The video was originally posted by an X account linked to the conservative podcaster Chris Kohls and labeled a “parody.”

But Musk’s repost last Friday made no such disclosure, stating only: “This is amazing,” along with a laughing emoji.

Elon Musk has nearly 192 million X followers

Musk’s repost garnered more than 130 million views and comes amid growing alarm over AI-enabled political disinformation ahead of the US presidential election in November.

“We believe the American people want the real freedom, opportunity, and security vice-president Harris is offering; not the fake, manipulated lies of Elon Musk and Donald Trump,” Harris’s presidential campaign said in a statement.

With nearly 192 million followers, Musk is a highly influential voice on the platform, previously called Twitter, which he purchased in 2022 in a $44 billion deal.

Earlier this month, Musk endorsed Trump in a post on X shortly after the Republican narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

Gavin Newsom, the Democratic governor of California, posted on X that the manipulated Harris video “should be illegal” and that he would soon sign a bill banning such media.

A defiant Musk responded to his post, saying “parody is legal in America,” while including the original video below it.

Did not respond

Musk’s repost appeared to violate X’s policies, which prohibit sharing “synthetic, manipulated or out-of-context media that may deceive or confuse people and lead to harm.”

X did not respond to AFP’s request for comment.

“Ignoring the rules of the road (because) he bought the road,” Nora Benavidez, senior counsel at the watchdog Free Press, wrote on X, referring to Musk’s apparent violation of the site’s policies.

Disinformation researchers are fearful of rampant misuse of AI technology in a major election year, thanks to proliferating online tools that are cheap and easy to use while lacking sufficient guardrails.

AI-generated content – particularly audio, which experts say is difficult to identify – sparked national alarm in January when a fake robocall posing as Biden urged New Hampshire residents not to vote in the state’s primary.

“Platforms play an outsized role in election cycles,” Benavidez wrote.

“They must do better.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

HUAWEI’s Super Device experience is here to ensure your smartphone, smartwatch, earbuds and tablet work together flawlessly. Imagine all your devices talking to each other with just one tap, it’s that simple! 

This Winter, we’re not just offering you gadgets. We’re offering an integrated tech world that’s designed to make your life easier and more connected.

Product Highlights

• Smartphones: Upgrade your style with the cutting-edge HUAWEI nova series, featuring the nova 12i, nova 12SE, nova 12s, nova Y62 and nova Y72. Sleek designs and top-notch technology in one package!
• Smartwatches: Stay fit and fabulous with the HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 and WATCH FIT 3, combining fitness tracking with versatile functionality in chic designs.
• Laptops and Tablets: Power through your day with the robust HUAWEI MateBook D16 and the portable HUAWEI MatePad 11.5, perfect for work and play.
• Fashion Forward: The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series adds a dash of sophistication and seamless connectivity to your tech collection.

Red-Hot Deals

Our HUAWEI Winter Warmer Sale brings you savings of up to R10,000 on selected products, making it the perfect time to invest in HUAWEI’s interconnected tech solutions. Available across multiple platforms such as the HUAWEI Online Store, Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C, Incredible Connection and other selected retailers, these deals are too good to miss!

Don’t let Winter’s chill slow you down. Dive into HUAWEI’s Winter Warmer Sale and grab these hot deals before they’re gone. Stay connected, stylish and cosy with HUAWEI, your ultimate tech companions this season. 

Keep your device in tip-top shape with our special Winter Warmer Sale! Upgrade to HUAWEI Care+ for added protection and save up to 20% Off. T’s & C’s apply, and the deal applies to participating models.

Visit the HUAWEI Online Store or your nearest retailer and experience the warmth of amazing savings and seamless connectivity today! Ts & Cs apply.

Promotions and Deals

HUAWEI Online Store

Valid from 1st-31st July: Save up to R12,000

• Get the HUAWEI MateBook D15 i5 at R9,999 and receive an additional 10% off purchase coupon. The HUAWEI nova 12s at R7,999 or the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 with the new Nylon strap priced R2,999 and for an extra R29 you can get an extra watch strap. Also included in the sale is the HUAWEI WATCH GT4, 41mm, going for R5,999. All deals include a host of free gifts.

Vodacom

Valid from 5th-31st July: Save up to R10,000

• Get the HUAWEI nova 12i at R299 PMx36 or the HUAWEI nova Y72, Double Deal at R479 PMx24. Also on offer is the Fashion Forward HUAWEI Pura 70 at R699 PMx36 and receive a free HUAWEI MatePad SE valued at R4,999.

MTN

Valid from 1st-31st July: Save up to R10,000

• Get the HUAWEI Pura 70 for R699 PMx36 and get a free HUAWEI MatePad SE valued at R5,059 or the HUAWEI nova 12i for R329 PMx36 and get a free HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 valued at R1,499 as well as a R500 Pick n Pay voucher and a R600 voucher for the HUAWEI Online Store, or the HUAWEI nova Y72 for R289 PMx36 and get a R600 HUAWEI Online Store voucher.

Telkom

Valid from 1st-31st July: Save up to R7,999

• Get the HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro for R889 PMx36 and get a free HUAWEI MatePad SE valued at R4,999 or the HUAWEI Pura 70 for R739 PMx36 and get a free HUAWEI MatePad SE valued at R4,999 or the HUAWEI nova 12i for R479 PMx24.

Cell C

From 5th-31st July: Save up to R8,000

• Get the HUAWEI nova Y72 for R379 PMx36 or take advantage of a double deal at R649 PMx36 or the HUAWEI nova 12i at R399 PMx36 or a double deal at R699 PMx36 or the HUAWEI nova 12 SE for R449 PMx36 or a double deal at R899 PMx36.

Incredible Connection 

From 1st-31st July: Save up to R2,000

• Get the HUAWEI MateBook D16 for R12,999 and get free gifts worth R1,398.

“This is the final straw,” Musk said on X a day after California governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill that fired up the already fraught culture wars in a tumultuous US election year.

“Because of this law and the many others that preceded it, attacking both families and companies, SpaceX will now move its HQ from Hawthorne, California, to Starbase, Texas,” Musk said. 

The South Africa-born multi-billionaire also said that he is transferring X, formerly Twitter, from its art-deco headquarters in San Francisco to Austin, a threat he has made before but never saw to completion.

“Have had enough of dodging gangs of violent drug addicts just to get in and out of the building,” Musk wrote.

Elon Musk has already moved Tesla HQ

Musk has already moved Tesla’s headquarters from Palo Alto in Silicon Valley to Austin, Texas, but still maintains an “engineering headquarters” in California.

The tycoon has expressed deep disdain for the use of preferred pronouns, often mocking the practice on social media and dismissing it as part of a “woke” agenda that was dangerous for society.

Musk is the father of a trans daughter from whom he is estranged, and he blames her California private school education for making her politically far left and turning her against him.

Gender issues 

Newsom on Monday enacted the law after a contentious legislative process that pitted a handful of school boards fighting for parental rights against LGBTQ activists concerned about the welfare of vulnerable students.

The law reversed decisions in conservative school districts that ordered teachers to notify parents if a student changed their name or pronouns, or requested to use facilities or participate in programs that didn’t match their official gender.

Newsom, who is seen as a potential alternative to President Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate for the White House, has often exchanged fire with conservatives over gender issues at state schools.

Last year, he signed a law that sets fines for school districts that ban textbooks portraying LGBTQ people and other marginalized groups.

Newsom also fought bitterly with a conservative school board over its opposition to the study of gay rights figure Harvey Milk, a San Francisco public official who was assassinated.

Musk has previously sparred with Newsom, who is a former San Francisco mayor, during the deadliest stages of the Covid-19 pandemic when he challenged the decisions of city and state health officials.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Website Audit and Analysis to Build a Strong Foundation

An SEO agency begins its work with a comprehensive audit of your website. This involves analysing various elements such as site structure, content, keyword usage, and backlinks. 

They identify technical issues, such as broken links or slow page loading times, which can hinder search engine rankings. By addressing these foundational aspects, SEO agencies check that your website is optimized for both users and search engines.

Crafting a Tailored SEO Strategy

After the initial audit, SEO agencies develop a customized strategy tailored to your business goals and target audience. This strategy encompasses on-page SEO, which involves optimizing individual web pages to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic. 

It includes boosting meta tags, headers, and content quality. Off-page SEO, focusing on external factors like backlinks from other reputable websites, is also a key component of this strategy.

Keyword Research and Optimization

Keywords are the cornerstone of SEO. An SEO agency will conduct extensive keyword research to identify the terms and phrases potential customers use when searching for products or services related to your business. 

By strategically incorporating these keywords into your website content, meta descriptions, and titles, they help improve your site’s relevance and visibility in search engine results.

Content Creation and Optimization

High-quality content is vital for SEO success. SEO agencies often have teams of skilled writers who create engaging and keyword-rich content designed for your audience. 

This content can take various forms, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, and landing pages. By regularly updating your website with fresh and relevant content, SEO agencies keep your audience engaged and attract more organic traffic.

Technical SEO That Works Behind the Scenes

Technical SEO involves optimizing the backend of your website to improve its performance and user experience. This includes tasks such as improving site speed, cementing mobile friendliness to ensure you reach the target audience that has access to the internet, improving security with HTTPS, and optimizing site architecture. 

An SEO agency works diligently to make sure that your website meets the technical requirements set by search engines, which can significantly impact your rankings.

Link Building to Strengthen Your Online Presence

Link building is a fundamental aspect of off-page SEO. SEO agencies focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites, which signal to search engines that your site is trustworthy and relevant. 

They employ various strategies, such as guest blogging, outreach, and content marketing, to build a strong backlink profile. These efforts not only improve your search engine rankings but also drive referral traffic to your website.

Monitoring and Reporting to Track Your Progress

SEO is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. SEO agencies continuously monitor your website’s performance, track keyword rankings, and analyse traffic patterns. 

They use sophisticated tools and analytics to measure the effectiveness of their strategies and make data-driven adjustments as needed. Regular reports keep you informed about the progress and impact of SEO efforts on your business growth.

The Invisible Leaders of Business Growth

While the work of SEO agencies may be invisible, its impact is far-reaching. They operate behind the scenes, allowing you to focus on your core business activities while reaping the benefits of improved online presence and growth be it through your website or social media. In essence, SEO agencies are the invisible leaders guiding your business towards greater success in the digital world.

EU regulators are unhappy with the blue badge system under Musk’s ownership since anyone can now obtain it with a premium subscription, whereas before it was reserved for verified accounts including leaders, companies and journalists, after approval.

The formal warning against X is the first under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a sweeping law that forces digital companies do more to police content online. It follows a probe launched in December 2023.

Elon Musk has overhauled the social media platform

X becomes the third company in as many weeks to face the European Union’s wrath for violating landmark new rules, after Brussels warned Apple and Meta to change their ways or risk massive fines – for breaches of a second law known as the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Musk has overhauled the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, including changing its name, since purchasing it in October 2022.

But his plans for X have put him at odds with Brussels since the EU wants big tech to do more to protect users online and increase competition in the digital sphere.

Now the European Commission has told X of its preliminary view that it is “in breach of” the DSA, arguing that the social network “deceives” users with its new blue badge rules.

“Since anyone can subscribe to obtain such a ‘verified’ status, it negatively affects users’ ability to make free and informed decisions about the authenticity of the accounts and the content they interact with,” the commission said in a statement.

“There is evidence of motivated malicious actors abusing the ‘verified account’ to deceive users,” it added.

The commission also accused X of failing to comply with rules on advertising transparency – since it does “not provide a searchable and reliable” ad database – and failing to give researchers access to public data.

“X has now the right of defence – but if our view is confirmed we will impose fines and require significant changes,” the EU’s top digital official, Thierry Breton, said.

Fines under the DSA can go as high as six percent of a company’s total worldwide annual turnover and force it to make changes to address violations.

X will be able to examine the EU’s file and defend itself against Friday’s finding.

There is no time limit on how long an investigation may last.

EU regulators’ wide-ranging probe into X also continues to look into the spread of illegal content and the effectiveness of the platform’s efforts to combat disinformation, the commission said.

Tech in its sights

Under the DSA, X is one of 25 “very large” online platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, with more than 45 million monthly active users in the 27-country EU.

X is also in the EU’s crosshairs for a cut to content moderation resources. In May, the EU told X to hand over “detailed information and internal documents” and demanded more information about steps taken to mitigate risks from generative AI on elections.

There are currently other investigations under the DSA into Meta’s Facebook and Instagram as well as TikTok and AliExpress.

The DSA and the DMA are both part of the EU’s bolstered legal armoury targeting big tech and EU regulators have stepped up enforcement of the laws since they came into force.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

And another reason you should absolutely withdraw consent from Meta data mining is the fact that South Africans spend the most time of anyone in the world on social media, too. Of our daily screen time, 22.6% of that is spent doom scrolling on social media. That’s 3 hours and 40 minutes Meta is data mining your details from Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and other sites …

WITHDRAW CONSENT FROM META DATA MINING

Now, a very insightful opinion piece on BusinessLive explains how we can all withdraw consent from Meta data mining. Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp are free services. Therefore, as compensation for these no-cost products, Meta mines a variety of data from its user’s profiles.

This can include Your location, photos, posts, video, purchase history, contacts (phone numbers and email addresses), as well as your age, interests and gender. When you agree to Meta’s terms of use, you consent to the company collecting and using your data. In truth, Meta is one vast data mining project.

WHAT DOES META DO WITH YOUR DATA?

You’ve probably heard the (paraphrased) saying: “If you’re not being sold anything, you are the product.” This rings true on all Meta platforms. The company’s algorithms simply want to match advertisers with consumers and feed ads directly to you. For the privilege of this extraordinary marketing outlet, advertising saw Meta’s revenue in 2023 jump to $135 billion.

So, what’s the catch? Meta has created the Llama III artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, which is only available in select countries: Australia, Canada, USA, Ghana, Jamaica, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Each time you ask the blue circle something Meta’s AI learns something new about you and gets stronger as far as Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) goes.

HOW TO WITHDRAW CONSENT

If any of this creeps you out, you can withdraw consent from Meta data mining, according to the Protection of Personal Information Act. The form to do so is buried deep within Meta’s privacy centre and takes plenty of effort to find and complete. Nevertheless, Go to Meta’s generative AI page and scroll all the way down to the third last paragraph. Click click on Learn more, submit requests here, and fill out the form. Good luck, and let us know how it goes …

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR DATA?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest social media updates.

This Winter, you can hot up your style with the trendy and tech-savvy HUAWEI nova 12i, nova 12SE, nova 12s, nova Y62 and the HUAWEI nova Y72 or the too-hot-to-handle HUAWEI WATCH GT 4 or go square with the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3. The HUAWEI MateBook D16 is also available. 

Bringing the heat to the chill is the new Fashion Forward HUAWEI Pura 70 Series. All these products will connect you to your interconnected HUAWEI tech world seamlessly. 

Savings, style, interconnectedness, super-fast charging, classic designs, fitness tracking and enhanced performance. These are the hottest features you will see this Winter. 

Send Winter packing and experience the warmth of Winter savings of up to R10,000 on selected HUAWEI products and applicable HUAWEI deals, subject to T’s & C’s.

Find your hottest Winter deal at the HUAWEI Online Store, Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, Cell C, Incredible or selected retailers.

HUAWEI Online Store

Valid from 1st-31st July: Save up to R12,000

• Get the HUAWEI MateBook D15 i5 at R9,999 and receive an additional 10% off purchase coupon. The HUAWEI Nova 12s at R7,999 or the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 with the new Nylon strap priced R2,999 and for an extra R29 you can get an extra watch strap. Also included in the sale is the HUAWEI WATCH GT4, 41mm, going for R5,999. All deals include a host of free gifts.

Vodacom

Valid from 5^th-31^st July: Save up to R10,000

• Get the HUAWEI nova 12i at R299 PMx36 or the HUAWEI nova Y72, Double Deal at R479 PMx24. Also on offer is the Fashion Forward, HUAWEI Pura 70 at R699 PMx36 and receive a free HUAWEI MatePad SE valued at R4, 999.

MTN

Valid from 1^st-31^st July: Save up to R10,000

• Get the HUAWEI Pura 70 for R699 PMx36 and get a free HUAWEI MatePad SE Valued at R5,059, or a HUAWEI nova 12i for R329 PMx36 and get a free HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 Valued at R1,499 as well as a R500 Pick n Pay voucher and a R600 voucher for the HUAWEI online shop or get the HUAWEI nova Y72 for R289 PMx36 and get R600 HUAWEI Online Store voucher.

Telkom

Valid from 1^st-31^st July: Save up to R7,999

• Get the HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro for R889 PMx36 and get a free HUAWEI MatePad SE valued at R4,999 or a HUAWEI Pura 70 for R739 PMx36 or a HUAWEI nova 12i for R479 PMx24.

Cell C

From 5^th-31^st July: Save up to R8,000

• Get the HUAWEI nova Y72 for R379 PMx36 or take advantage of a double deal at R649 PMx36, or the HUAWEI nova 12i at R399 PMx36 or a double deal at R699 PMx36, or the HUAWEI nova 12 SE for R449 PMx36 or a double deal at R899 PMx36.

Incredible Connection

From 1^st-31^st July: Save up to R2,000

• Get the HUAWEI MateBook D16 for R12,999 and get free gifts worth R1,398.

As the cold sets in, let HUAWEI be your go-to for warming up this Winter. With incredible savings and seamless connectivity, our Winter Warmers Sale offers the perfect opportunity to upgrade your tech game. 

Whether you’re looking for the latest smartphone, a stylish smartwatch or a powerful laptop, HUAWEI has the ideal solution to keep you connected and stylish. 

Keep your device in tip-top shape with our special Winter Warmer Sale! Upgrade to HUAWEI Care+ for added protection and save up to 20% Off. T’s & C’s apply, and the deal applies to participating models. 

So why wait? Embrace the warmth of our hottest deals and make this Winter unforgettable with HUAWEI Winter Warmer Sale. Visit our online store or your nearest retailer and discover the difference today!

Don’t miss out on these red-hot deals—terms and conditions apply.

The report, received on Wednesday by The South African website, is based on 288 210 speed tests performed by 7 092 mobile data users across South Africa between 1 April and 30 June.

The testing included data from crowdsourced users and dedicated drive tests, ensuring a balanced and accurate representation of real-world network performance.

The research shows South Africa’s average mobile download speed was 70.41 Mbps, up from 62.27 Mbps a year ago.

The average upload speed was 15.94 Mbps, an increase from 14.88 Mbps over the same period in 2023.

MTN had the highest average download speed at 83.08 Mbps, followed by Vodacom at 79.70 Mbps, Cell C at 54.50 Mbps, and Telkom at 32.29 Mbps.

Rain had the worst performance, with an average download speed of 21.31 Mbps. It was well below the national average and out of sync with the rest of the industry.

Vodacom performed best in Johannesburg and Cape Town

MTN performed best in eThekwini, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and Nelson Mandela Bay, while Vodacom reigned supreme in Johannesburg, Mangaung, and Cape Town.

MTN’s strong network performance is expected. For the past decade, it has invested R10 billion annually in its network infrastructure.

The operator increased its capital expenditure in South Africa by 15% over the last year, which included upgrading infrastructure with advanced batteries and generators.

These upgrades helped MTN to ensure reliable mobile services amidst ongoing electricity problems in South Africa.

Although Vodacom ranked second in overall network performance behind MTN, it achieved the highest 5G speeds.

Vodacom is aggressively expanding its 5G network across South Africa, and the latest results showed the impact of its investment.

The latest report also highlights Cell C’s improvement. Its download speed improved from 38.63 Mbps in Q2 2023 to 54.50 Mbps in Q2 2024.

This improvement is closely linked to Cell C’s migration to MTN’s network and optimisation of its virtual network.

This migration and optimisation helped Cell C cement its position ahead of Telkom and Rain regarding network performance.

Best mobile network in South Africa

To determine the best mobile network in South Africa, a “Network Quality Score” was calculated for each network using download speed, upload speed, and latency.

The Network Quality Score out of 10 then shows how a network performed in relation to other networks.

MTN reigned supreme with a Network Quality Score of 9.87, followed by Vodacom at 8.85, Cell C at 6.83, Telkom at 4.91 and Rain at 4.48.

The table below provides an overview of the mobile network rankings in South Africa.

Which mobile network do you believe is best in South Africa?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

BLUETTI AC200MAX: Your Home’s Best Backup

Picture this: it’s a chilly winter night, and suddenly, your neighbourhood experiences a power outage. Instead of fumbling for candles and extra blankets, you simply rely on the BLUETTI AC200MAX to keep your home warm and lit. 

This robust electric generator can handle large appliances like your heater, air conditioner, refrigerator, and microwave thanks to its powerful 2,200W AC inverter with a 4,800W surge. Its impressive 2,048Wh capacity, expandable to a maximum of 6,144Wh with additional B230 batteries, means you won’t have to worry about running out of power anytime soon.

With 15 different outlets, including AC outlets, USB ports, carports, and two wireless charging pads, the AC200MAX offers unparalleled versatility. It can power your phone, coffee maker, electric blanket, and TV all at once. And with the smart control and monitoring via the BLUETTI App, managing your power usage has never been easier.

BLUETTI EB70 and EB3A: Perfect for Outdoor Adventures

Planning a camping trip or preparing for a short-term power outage? The BLUETTI EB70 and EB3A are the best portable solar generators that bring the comforts of home to your outdoor adventures. The EB70, with its 716Wh capacity and 1,000W output, can power everything from your camp lights to a mini refrigerator and even a projector for a cosy outdoor movie night. Its 10 multiple output ports mean you can keep all your devices charged and ready.

Now, imagine you’re on a day hike and want to capture stunning aerial shots with your drone. The EB3A, with its lightweight design at just 4.6kg, is easy to carry along. It provides a reliable 268Wh of power and 600W AC power, perfect for charging your drone, phone, camera, and outdoor essentials. With the ability to recharge quickly using solar panels and AC power, you’ll always have the energy you need on the go.

BLUETTI Solar Panels: Embrace Sustainable Living

Electricity prices are soaring, especially during winter, making BLUETTI’s solar panels a smart investment for anyone looking to cut energy costs and go green. You can set up these solar panels in your backyard or take them on a road trip. The PV120, PV200, and PV350 models generate 120W, 200W, and 350W of power from sunlight, respectively, providing a sustainable solution for your energy needs.

These solar panels are built for efficiency and durability. Their high conversion efficiency of 23.4%, thanks to monocrystalline solar cells, ensures you get the most out of every ray of sunshine. They’re also IP65 water-resistant, making them tough enough to withstand the elements. With their portable and foldable design, setting them up is a breeze – simply adjust the kickstands and angle buckles to capture optimal sunlight.

Don’t miss out on these amazing Prime Day deals. Head over to BLUETTI South Africa and secure your portable power stations and solar panels today. 

With the fortune of having his own bakkie, Dyongo decided to do the move on his own and hired a trailer, while using roadside labourers to assist with the heavy lifting.

“It worked out well – I saved a fair bit of money, and the idea of joining the moving business stuck with me after seeing the potential,” Dyongo said.

“I decided to leave corporate and become my own boss.”

Since Dyongo began using the Wise Move platform to grow his customer base, his business has seen an 80% increase in revenue.

“Today, I’m writing my own cheques,” he said. “I have put my kid through high school and varsity – a big part of my success is thanks to how Wise Move has helped me grow my company.”

‘The Uber for movers’

Co-founder and CEO of WiseMove, Chante Venter, realised the power of online marketplaces after quitting her 9-5 job in Johannesburg and embracing a digital nomad lifestyle as a freelancer. 

Here Venter surrounded herself with other aspiring entrepreneurs, while much of her current online marketing and SEO acumen comes from free online courses.

Being exposed to a variety of industries helped her understand how to apply these skills across different business contexts. 

After teaming up with her current business partner, Gedi Burinskis, they recognised a notable gap in the moving sector – that had been largely offline until then.

Moving house can be a stressful experience, and the pair wanted to streamline the process of securing moving services for customers. 

Dubbing it ‘the Uber for movers’, they say the platform works in a similar way to popular ride-sharing models. It offers a simple, efficient, and reliable way for customers to book movers online.

Exponential growth

Fast forward a few years and the platform boasts 514 registered local moving companies who all offer a range of services, from moving the contents of homes to transporting vehicles and even pets. 

These local business enterprises have been experiencing unprecedented growth due to the steady influx of clients from the platform, which is often a challenge for small operators in the industry.

Venter’s broader vision for the startup is to foster this type of growth for more local moving partners and support job creation in South Africa. This win-win business model sees Wise Move set to generate a staggering R20 million plus in revenue for its moving partners this year.

“Most of our partners are small, family-run ventures that are rooted deeply in their local communities,” explains Venter. “Through Wise Move, they gain access to a broader customer base than they could on their own.”

How do moving prices compare for customers? 

The startup has already completed over 9000 bookings. Customers can compare competitive quotes on the platform and easily book movers – who are incentivised to offer exceptional services, which can be local or national. 

As such, Venter says the platform’s prices offer customers real bang for their buck.  

“Wise Move tends to be more affordable in general compared to large corporate moving companies, where there are overheads to cover.”

Customers and movers also both benefit from special instances where carriers will be doing an empty backload (return trip) and could offer an even better price to secure the booking.

“As we speak, I have a big job from Greyton to Knysna next week from a private client,” Dyongo added. 

“We don’t have a load coming back but I am confident that I will get the return trip from Wise Move.”

As for moving businesses looking to join the platform, there is a bit of a selection process to go through. Several documents need to be submitted to verify business details, and businesses are approved based on strict criteria to ensure service quality. 

“Not just anyone can become a Wise Move partner, but we invite all companies to apply and go through the vetting process,” Venter added.

“It will be well worth it.”

The 53-year-old Tesla CEO and X owner took over the top spot from Bernard Arnault earlier this year – and has seen his gap grow atop the list.

Musk boasts a net worth of $248.7 billion at the time of publishing.

American Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has moved into second place with $214.3 billion, giving Musk a sizeable $34.4 billion lead.

Meanwhile, France’s founder, chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, Bernard Arnault, is now in third place with $196.9 billion.

LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, commonly known as LVMH, is a French multinational holding and conglomerate specialising in luxury goods, headquartered in Paris.

Following Arnault in the top 10, in order, are Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer and Warren Buffett.

Musk is the fourth-youngest member of the top 10 club, behind Zuckerberg (40), Brin (50) and Page (51).

Apart from Arnault, the rest of the top 10 are all American citizens.

The figures are updated in real-time.

Top 10 richest people in the world

Correct as of 4 July 2024 at 22:20 SA time

Meanwhile, French national Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, tops the list of “richest woman in the world”.

She is the 17th-richest person in the world.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, 70, is the granddaughter of the founder of personal care company L’Oreal.

Bettencourt Meyers and her family own more than a third of publicly traded L’Oreal.

She has served on L’Oreal’s board since 1997 and is the chairwoman of the family holding company.

She became France’s reigning L’Oreal heiress in 2017 when her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, then the world’s richest woman, died at age 94.

Top 10 richest women in the world

For interest’s sake, Warren Buffett, at 93 years of age, is the oldest member of the overall top 10 list.

By contrast, the oldest person on the woman’s top 10 list is 84-year-old Jacqueline Mars.

The average age of those in the top 10 richest overall is 63.7, while the average age on the top 10 women’s list is slightly higher at 70.7.

But that’s not nearly all!

Despite having stepped down from the role in September 2023, Van Dijk will still be paid R2.2 million a month for the next six months.

Bob van Dijk spent 10 years at Naspers

According to BusinessTech, Naspers’ remuneration report for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 shows that the former chief executive received a basic salary of $1.4 million as well as a bonus of an equal amount.

Naspers performance share units added $3.714 million, while Prosus performance share units saw Van Dijk bank a further $4.938 million.

There were also Naspers Global eCommerce share appreciation rights of $4.35 million and Naspers and Prosus share options of $1.441 million.

His severance package totalled $747 000, while he was also paid a pension of $96 000, while ‘other benefits’ amounted to $45 000.

That added up gave Van Dijk a salary payout amount of $18.269 million for the year.

At the exchange rate at the time of publishing (R18.23/$) that equates to R333 million – just shy of R1 million per day.

Van Dijk succeeded former Naspers CEO Koos Bekker in 2014 and was the CEO of Prosus since its listing in 2019.

Bekker, who is South Africa’s fourth-richest man with a net worth of $2.9 billion, is the chairman of Naspers and Prosus.

Meanwhile, Van Dijk agreed to remain available for consultation and guidance and entered into a consultancy agreement for the six-month period from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024.

He will receive a gross fee of €113 436.18 per month (R2.2 million per month) for his services to both Naspers and Prosus.

Together with his latest pay cheque, Van Dijk earned over R1.8 billion during his 10-year stay at the company, according to the Daily Investor website.

Media24 shuts iconic newspapers

Naspers – and its Media24 subsidiary – have been in the news of late following the announcement that it would be shutting five of its newspapers in the coming months.

The closures will see around 400 jobs lost.

Those newspapers affected are Afrikaans titles Rapport and Beeld, as well as English papers City Press, Daily Sun and Soccer Laduma.

Rapport, City Press and Daily Sun will become digital-only brands going forward.

Meanwhile, in other bombshell news made by Media24 CEO Ishmet Davidson at a town hall meeting with staff last week, it was confirmed that the digital editions of Volksblad and Die Burger Oos-Kaap would be culled, while the digital hub SNL24 would also be shut down.

Soccer Laduma, Daily Sun, KickOff and TRUELOVE and DRUM all currently fall under the SNL24 website.

Davidson cited a decline in circulation and advertising, coupled with rising fixed distribution costs as reasons for the decision having been taken.

Monday, 30 September 2024 has been earmarked as the last day of publication for the abovementioned newspapers.

Looking for insight into the South African property market? Click here for more

Based on preliminary vote results, investors backed a plan of up to $56 billion for the mercurial Musk, corporate secretary Brandon Ehrhart said at Tesla’s annual meeting in Austin, Texas.

“I just want to start off by saying, hot damn, I love you guys,” a euphoric Musk said as he took the microphone after the preliminary vote results were announced.

Does not mean Elon Musk will receive the payout

The package was originally approved by investors in 2018, but a Delaware court struck it down in January 2024, prompting Tesla to launch a campaign to revive it.

Legal experts say that Thursday’s vote does not automatically mean Musk will receive the payout, but that the win could strengthen Tesla’s appeal of the Delaware ruling.

Tesla shares rose 0.7 percent in after-hours trading.

The stock gained 2.9 percent in Thursday’s session after Musk posted late on Wednesday on social media platform X that investors backed the pay plan.

Analysts said passage of the compensation package will likely ensure Tesla continues to be led by Musk, who had hinted he might exit without an adequately large stake in Tesla. Musk had about 20.5 percent of Tesla shares at the end of 2023.

Litigation continues 

Shareholders overwhelmingly backed the Musk compensation plan in 2018, but it was struck down by Delaware judge Kathaleen McCormick, who ruled that the plan was devised in a “deeply flawed” manner given Musk’s extensive ties to key Tesla directors who blessed the plan.

In April, Tesla revived the package, with chair Robyn Denholm imploring investors to “fix this issue” after the Delaware ruling, arguing ratification would “restore Tesla’s stockholder democracy” after the 2018 shareholder vote.

Musk backers, like billionaire investor Ron Baron, have offered unflinching support.

“Shareholders should ask themselves this question: is Tesla better off with or without Elon,” Baron said in a public letter.

“At Baron Capital, our answer is clear, loud and unequivocal: Tesla is better with Elon. Tesla is Elon.”

But other investors such as California State Teachers’ Retirement System balked at the package.

CalSTRS chief investment officer Chris Ailman told CNBC that he considers Musk “brilliant,” but that the current package is “ridiculous.”

Dorothy Lund, an expert in corporate governance at Columbia Law School in New York, said the effect of the latest shareholder vote was uncertain because the plan has still been blocked by the Delaware court.

But Lund said the vote likely strengthens Tesla’s appeal of McCormick’s decision because it shows that shareholders backed the plan even after the judge blocked it.

“It’s probably a way to set up an appeal,” Lund said.

Gregory Varallo, who represented shareholders who opposed the plan in the Delaware litigation, argued the vote had no bearing on the case.

“We believe that the ratification vote that Elon demanded and coerced is deeply flawed as a matter of law, legally ineffective and does not impact our case,” Varallo said in an email. “We will respond to any arguments raised in due course.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The civil complaint filed in a California court in Los Angeles contends Musk had the workers terminated after they published an open letter detailing their concerns and calling on the American aerospace firm’s board to distance itself from the SpaceX chief executive.

“Elon Musk trumpets SpaceX as the leader to a brave new world of space travel,” the court filing says.

“But (he) runs his company in the Dark Ages – treating women as sexual objects to be evaluated on their bra size, bombarding the workplace with lewd sexual banter, and offering the reprise to those who challenge the ‘Animal House’ environment that if they don’t like it they can seek employment elsewhere.”

‘Elon Musk thinks he’s above the law’

The suit charges Musk and SpaceX with sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful termination.

“Musk thinks he’s above the law,” plaintiffs’ attorney Laurie Burgess said in a statement. “We look forward to holding Musk accountable for his actions at trial.”

The fired workers have already filed a complaint with the US National Labor Relations Board, but that has been stalled by a lawsuit by Musk trying to derail it.

“Filing this suit marks an important milestone in our quest for justice, for holding leadership accountable, and for implementing responsible changes in workplace policies for our colleagues at SpaceX who continue to toil in a hostile work environment,” plaintiff Paige Holland-Thielen said in the statement.

“We hope that this lawsuit encourages our colleagues to stay strong and to keep fighting for a better workplace.”

‘Sexist corporate culture’

SpaceX in 2022 fired each of the eight former workers represented by the suit, the filing said.

According to the lawsuit and complaints to regulators, SpaceX nurtured a hostile work environment where jokes about sexual harassment were commonplace, women were paid less than men and workers who complained were dismissed.

“Musk knowingly and purposefully created an unwelcome hostile work environment based upon his conduct of interjecting into the workplace vile sexual photographs, memes, and commentary that demeaned women and/or the LGBTQ+ community,” plaintiffs’ attorneys said in the statement.

In their complaints, the engineers describe a sexist corporate culture, where sexual comments and other forms of harassment were tolerated or made light of.

They also contended that Musk’s often inappropriate online humor was being emulated internally, setting the tone at the workplace.

SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tesla, Musk’s other flagship company, has been the subject of similar accusations of racism and sexual harassment at its California site.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

But the Pura 70 Series has both beauty and brains, not to mention a never-seen-before camera system that has already notched up the number one DXOMARK’s smartphone camera rankings for the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra model. Setting a new standard in elegance and shaping smartphone trends – it is the perfect choice for those who want the best in aesthetics and functionality.

A Fashion-Forward Marvel: The Essence of Style and Practicality

If you are a fashion-savvy consumer, the HUAWEI Pura 70 Series offers a unique blend of sleek design and high performance. The series introduces the Forward Symbol Design, which combines elegant geometric lines with innovative technology to create a visually stunning and highly practical device. It is also slim, with a profile ranging from 7.95mm for the HUAWEI Pura 70 to 8.4mm for the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra, making the phone comfortable on the hand and the eye. The minimalist frame and gently curved edges provide a sleek, modern look that complements any style.

What truly sets the HUAWEI Pura 70 Series apart is its vibrant colour palette. The Pura 70 comes in classic black and white and a new cherry rose pink that adds a youthful and trendy touch. The Pura 70 Ultra is available in a sophisticated green and a deep, mysterious black. Now, you can express your style with confidence.

Capture the World in Stunning Detail: The Pura 70 Series Camera

Photography enthusiasts will be delighted with the HUAWEI Pura 70 Series’ camera capabilities. The Ultra Lighting XMAGE Camera system sets a new standard for mobile photography with its 1/1.3-inch sensor and industry-leading F1.4 aperture. This combination allows for exceptional light intake, ensuring that every shot, whether taken in bright daylight or low light, is captured in stunning detail. The high-precision sliding motor enhances focus accuracy while improved anti-shake technology keeps your shots stable and crisp.

The Ultra Speed Snapshot feature is perfect for capturing fleeting moments. Powered by the HUAWEI XD Motion Engine, it quickly freezes fast-moving subjects. The HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra’s Ultra Lighting Pop-out Camera, with its 1-inch sensor and F1.6 aperture, captures stunning details, even at speeds up to 300 km/h. Whether photographing the intricate details of everyday life or capturing distant landscapes, the Pura 70 Series excels with a 5cm minimum focus distance and 35X macro zoom, along with a 200x zoom range on the Pura 70 Pro and Ultra.

A Display that Dazzles: Immersive Visual Brilliance

The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series features the HUAWEI X-True™ Display, which offers an ultra-clear resolution of 460 ppi and supports Ultra High-Resolution technology. This display delivers vibrant, true-to-life colours and stunning detail, whether browsing photos, watching videos, or simply using your apps. The screen’s peak brightness of up to 2500 nits ensures clear visibility even in bright sunlight. The display’s design is as functional as it is beautiful, with a streamlined screen, narrow edges, and subtly curved corners on the HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro and Ultra models. The adaptive refresh rate ensures a smooth, energy-efficient viewing experience, adjusting dynamically to match your activity.

High-Performance Specs in a Sleek Package

It doesn’t just look good—it performs brilliantly, too. With battery capacities ranging from 4900mAh in the HUAWEI Pura 70 to 5200mAh in the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra, these phones offer long-lasting power. They also support HUAWEI SuperCharge technology, with the HUAWEI Pura 70 offering 66W wired and 50W wireless charging and the HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro and Ultra supporting 100W wired and 80W wireless charging. This means you can quickly power up and stay connected.

The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series also features intelligent call noise cancellation, using voiceprint extraction and AI environmental noise reduction to ensure clear, private conversations even in noisy environments. With the EMUI 14.2 operating system, you get many user-friendly features, including dynamic interactive themes and smart gesture controls designed to enhance your experience.

When you slip a HUAWEI Pura 70 Series into your bag or your pocket, you are embracing all that is Fashion Forward, regardless of whether you are a tech enthusiast or a fashionista.
Available now starting from R19 999.00 with promotional gifts valued over R7 700.00 on the HUAWEI online store (Ts & Cs apply) and at HUAWEI Authorised Experience Stores, the series is also available in Operator stores starting from R699 on a 36-month plan.

Revolutionising Mobile Experiences with a Hybrid AI Approach  

To bring the real-life benefits of generative AI technology to the Galaxy S24 series, we took a hybrid approach to our AI integration. AI offers so many possibilities, and we believe mobile devices are the primary access point for unlocking its potential as users around the globe continue to rely on their phones for most of their day-to-day needs. 

The essential role that mobile devices play in everyday life means they are very personal items that people use during many critical and memorable moments. We understand these behaviours and believe smartphones should work harder so that users can truly make the most of important moments in a just simpler, more intuitive, and more epic way. We also recognise the importance of privacy which is why we give users full control over what they share and what they keep private.

We believe our hybrid approach is the most practical and reliable solution to meet all these needs and puts Samsung ahead of the curve. We are providing users with a balance between the instant responsiveness and extra privacy assurance of on-device AI, and the versatility of cloud-based AI through open collaborations with industry-leading partners in offering a variety of functions they need for daily life.

Expanding Possibilities with On-device AI

We made the ‘Live Translate’ feature on-device AI-based, because voice calls are the most basic feature of a smartphone, yet also an intimate and private means of communication. Samsung has committed to empowering users to communicate without language barriers, while at the same time ensuring every communication is safe and private.

To make this feature a reality, our R&D team worked day and night as part of a collaborative process that truly brought out the best in our teams. From determining the right size of AI language models to training and testing in real-life scenarios, our R&D organisations within the MX business challenged themselves and pushed beyond the limits of what we thought was possible to get this feature running entirely on-device.

Samsung’s global R&D networks around the world, which are in charge of growing the best talents and developing core technologies in each region, have also played a pivotal role. Samsung Research Centres around the globe, including Poland, China, India and Vietnam have dedicated themselves to developing and expanding the languages supported by Galaxy AI. Languages are very cultural, contemporary, and localised so to help people break down language barriers and communicate more naturally, the role of our local R&D offices is even more crucial in opening up new possibilities for users in more regions than ever before.

All these efforts have enabled Samsung to offer something completely new which I’m excited to share. Soon, Samsung will extend the power of Galaxy AI beyond Samsung’s own native calling app by expanding Live Translate to other third-party message apps to support voice calls. So you can stay in contact with friends or colleagues, communicating on your favourite apps in multiple languages.

Since this feature has been integrated into our on-device AI language translation model, users will be able to experience barrier-free communication without worrying about privacy issues like personal data being shared outside their phone when using Live Translate.

I expect that more and more mobile AI features will be incorporated inside mobile devices as the intelligent computing power of the latest chips – particularly NPUs – advances at a blazing fast speed, along with other technologies. This will enable more people to embrace AI and make every day more convenient while offering greater peace of mind.

Growing Galaxy AI for Tomorrow’s Needs, Today 

This exciting news is all part of the extension of our commitment to Galaxy AI and entering the next phase of the mobile AI era. The introduction of Galaxy AI on the Galaxy S24 series was only the start. To deliver a completely new and unique AI experience, we will further optimise the Galaxy AI experience for the upcoming foldable devices. Our foldables are the most versatile and flexible form factor in Samsung Galaxy and when combined with Galaxy AI, these two complementary technologies will together unlock all new possibilities. 

Samsung is also committed to expanding Galaxy AI experiences across the broader Galaxy ecosystem in a way that only Samsung can. As the mobile AI era moves forward at a rapid pace, Samsung is accelerating mobile AI innovations to meet the needs of not only today but tomorrow.

Article written by: Won-joon Choi, EVP & Head of R&D Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics

The standout pop-out camera system on the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra has become a talking point, appealing to photography aficionados and general smartphone users. With the Pura 70 Series, HUAWEI offers a unique combination of stylish aesthetics, innovative technology, and exceptional performance, setting a new benchmark in the smartphone market.

Design and Innovation Shine in the HUAWEI Pura 70 Series

The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series places a strong emphasis on aesthetics. The HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra, inspired by the glistening lights of the Seine River, features a vegan leather back with an elegant embossed starry pattern and subtle plaid texture, available in green and black. For those who prefer a minimalist look, the HUAWEI Pura 70 Pro offers sleek black and pure snow-white options. The HUAWEI Pura 70 brings a vibrant touch with its youthful colour palette, introducing a striking cherry rose pink alongside classic black and white.

In terms of photography, the HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra is a true game-changer and is Ranked by DXOMark, as the No 1 Smartphone Camera. Its Ultra Lighting Pop-out Camera, with its 1-inch sensor and F1.6 aperture, extends automatically during shooting, accommodating a large sensor and wide aperture for superior low-light performance. The Ultra Speed Snapshot technology, driven by the advanced Ultra Lighting system and the HUAWEI XD Motion Engine, ensures crisp and clear images of fast-moving subjects, even at speeds up to 300km/h. 

Durability and Performance Redefined: The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series

HUAWEI has significantly enhanced its smartphones’ durability with the new HUAWEI Pura 70 Series. The Pura 70 and Pura 70 Pro are equipped with Super Durable Kunlun Glass, offering double the drop resistance compared to the previous generation. The HUAWEI Pura 70 Ultra takes durability a step further with Crystal Armor Kunlun Glass, which combines superior scratch resistance and robust drop protection thanks to its innovative amorphous diamond carbon material.

Beyond their stunning aesthetics, it redefines battery performance. The Pura 70 Ultra features a powerful 5200mAh battery with support for 100W wired and 80W wireless HUAWEI SuperCharge. The Pura 70 Pro houses a 5050mAh battery in its sleek design, while the Pura 70 offers a substantial 4900mAh battery with 66W wired and 50W wireless charging capabilities. 

Another impressive feature is the high-resolution display and the new generation of HUAWEI X-True™ Display technology, which provides an immersive viewing experience with precise colours and sharp details.

Running on the new HUAWEI EMUI 14.2 operating system, the Pura 70 Series includes a suite of intelligent features. AI Gesture Control allows for intuitive interactions, while AI Privacy View ensures that a user’s information remains secure in shared environments. The HUAWEI Pura 70 Series represents a significant advancement in smartphone design, photography, and performance. 

Available now starting from R19 999.00 with promotional gifts valued over R7 700.00 on the HUAWEI online store (Ts & Cs apply) and at HUAWEI Authorised Experience Stores, the series is also available in Operator stores starting from R699 on a 36-month plan.

The company received the award on May 22, 2024, at a special ceremony held during the Finance Magnates Africa Summit (FMAS:24) at the Sandton Convention Centre, South Africa. The event featured prominent industry figures from across the African continent, who gathered together in celebration of excellence, innovation, and achievement.

This prestigious accolade serves to highlight Fxview’s unwavering commitment to growth and expansion in Africa, while also recognising the hard work and dedication provided by its team. It also highlights the trading conditions offered by the broker including institutional grade spreads and high-quality execution.

Trusted by traders worldwide

Fxview is a trusted global multi-asset brokerage, forming a key part of Finvasia Group, a leading cross-industry conglomerate established in 2009. Known for its extensive selection of reputable and top-tier platforms, Fxview offers competitive trading conditions on a range of markets, tailored to traders of all experience levels on the ActTrader, MetaTrader 4 (MT4), and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) platforms.

Since its inception, Fxview has remained steadfast in its commitment to transparency, reliability, and high levels of customer service. By offering low-cost trading solutions and utilising the latest and best technological solutions, Fxview fully supports every one of its clients throughout each stage of their trading journey. 

A truly award-winning broker

In receiving this latest award, Fxview adds to its already impressive collection of accomplishments, demonstrating its consistent high performance in providing the best service possible to its many clients spanning multiple territories worldwide. 

It builds on some of the recent successes achieved by the company, which include: “BEST BROKER – MEA”, “FASTEST GROWING BROKER”, “BEST GLOBAL BROKER”, “BEST MULTI-ASSET BROKER AFRICA”, and “BEST ECN/STP BROKER MEA.”

Tajinder Virk, Co-founder and CEO of Finvasia said: “Winning the ‘BEST ECN/STP BROKER AFRICA’ at the FAME Awards 2024 is the latest in a long line of achievements at Fxview.”

“This award is a testament to all the efforts of our team who have worked so hard to ensure that Fxview continues to lead the way in Africa through delivering exceptional products to clients in the retail trading space.”

“It is a strong endorsement of trading environment, which offers a whole host of other advantages, including lightning-fast execution, razor-thin spreads, and deep liquidity on forex, stocks, indices, and commodities that empower clients to trade with confidence and precision.”

A bright future ahead

Looking ahead, Fxview remains dedicated to its mission of providing best-in-class services to traders across the globe. With a focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, Fxview sets new standards in the FX industry, ensuring that its traders always have access to exceptional trading conditions.

For more information, please visit Fxview’s website.

All references to “Fxview” in this article refer to Finvasia Capital South Africa (Pty) Ltd.  Finvasia Capital South Africa (Pty) Ltd is a company registered on the 3rd Floor, 34 Whiteley Blvd,

Melrose Arch, Birnam, 2196, with license number 50410 and regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage.

Adult content and nudity has been present on Twitter for years and – unlike Facebook or Instagram – was never explicitly banned even before Musk’s takeover in late 2022.

The new guidelines, first reported by Tech Crunch on Monday, explicitly permit users to share adult content “as long as it is consensually produced and distributed adult nudity or sexual behaviour.”

Adult content prohibited for users identified as children

X updated the guidelines over the weekend, stating that “sexual expression, visual or written, can be a legitimate form of artistic expression.”

Under the new policy, posting adult content is formally within the rules as long as it is labeled and not prominently displayed, such as in profile pictures or account banners.

Accounts that regularly post adult content will be required to automatically mark their image and video posts as sensitive content.

Adult content will also be prohibited for users identified as children or adult users who choose not to view it.

The policy extends to AI-generated content, animations, cartoons, hentai and anime.

X’s safety team tweeted the new guidelines would “bring more clarity to our rules and transparency into enforcement of these areas.”

Elon Musk has faced criticism

Since acquiring Twitter in 2022 with the stated intention of promoting free speech, Musk has faced criticism for slashing content moderation teams.

Under his ownership, the platform has also experienced technical issues and reinstated accounts of right-wing conspiracy theorists and former US President Donald Trump.

Musk also aims to expand X’s revenue base beyond advertising and transform it into a “super app” similar to China’s WeChat, which integrates messaging, voice and video calling, social media, mobile payments and online booking services.

More – or less – reason to use X?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

AI-powered Smart Features Enabling Greater Convenience and Efficiency

HONOR’s MagicOS 8.0 on the HONOR Magic V2 Series is empowered by platform-level AI to strengthen your device’s ability to understand user intentions and further enhance human-centric user experiences. Debuting on MagicOS 8.0, Magic Portal harnesses the smartphone’s understanding of user intent to streamline user interactions through an intent-based shortcut recommendation feature that lets users seamlessly switch and access services between apps and devices with a simple swipe. By selecting and dragging elements of content to the side of the screen, a user can interact with an intelligent curation of apps, selected with reference to the device’s knowledge about the user. Magic Portal supports over 100 popular apps across travel, office, message, search, entertainment, shopping, and social. Magic Portal interactions are compatible with apps such as LINE, WhatsApp, Google Suite apps, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and eBay.

Enhancing user convenience, MagicOS 8.0 on the HONOR Magic V2 Series smartphones also offers platform-level personal assistant capabilities to scan app content and summarize events, meetings, notes and other interactions in “My Day” to provide a clear overview.

Human-centric Customization Options for Enhanced User Experience

In pursuit of best-in-class usage experiences, HONOR has improved the design of MagicOS 8.0 by taking into consideration human factors. Application start-up animations, exit animations and app switching on the new operating system feel more natural and unobtrusive, complementing improved user interface responsiveness to deliver a smoother experience across the board.

With MagicOS 8.0, the HONOR Magic V2 Series now have Magic Capsule, a feature that allows users to expand banner notifications on both outer and inner display to access additional information related to the notification, enhancing user experience by offering quick and convenient access to relevant information without the need to navigate through multiple system apps. Additionally, the new Ultra Power Saving Mode adds a new toggle that gives users the options to easily minimize their battery consumption to greatly extend battery life.

With MagicOS 8.0, users on the HONOR Magic V2 can now also create custom shortcuts by pressing and holding on to their desired apps. Users can also enjoy the ability to adjust folder sizes and positions on the home screen and manage stacking desktop cards that can be switched between seamlessly by swiping up and down. Extending user customization to even cameras, MagicOS 8.0 allows users to customize their camera modes’ layouts, letting them drag the modes most used to the front to streamline shooting experiences.

Privacy and Security Safeguarded by Platform-level AI

HONOR Magic V2 Series ensures that personal data is securely processed on the user’s device. Constantly innovating to provide new ways for users to safeguard their privacy, MagicOS 8.0 on the HONOR Magic V2 Series introduces Blur Private Info, a new feature under the Share menu that lets users easily redact sensitive information such as names, passwords and contact numbers from being captured on images.

For more information, please visit the HONOR website here. 

The latest funding, including from well known venture capitalists and a Saudi prince, takes the firm’s total valuation to $24 billion, based on a pre-infusion figure of $18 billion cited by Musk.

Elon Musk teased an update on X

“xAI is pleased to announce… Our Series B funding round of $6 billion,” the company said in a blog post on Sunday.

“The funds from the round will be used to take xAI’s first products to market, build advanced infrastructure, and accelerate the research and development of future technologies,” it added.

Musk teased on his social media platform X that there would be “more to announce in the coming weeks”.

The latest round of funding came from Valor Equity Partners, Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital and Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, among others.

Elon Musk launched the company in July last year, shortly after he signed a letter calling for a pause in AI innovations.

He is one of the world’s few investors with deep enough pockets to compete in the AI sphere with the likes of OpenAI, Google and Meta.

Building an AI model at the same scale as those companies comes at an enormous cost in computing power, infrastructure and expertise.

Developing a chatbot named Grok

xAI said on Sunday its primary focus was to develop “advanced AI systems that are truthful, competent, and maximally beneficial for all of humanity”.

It is developing a chatbot named Grok, which can access X, the former Twitter, in real time.

Elon Musk earlier this month told investors that he planned to build a supercomputer dubbed “gigafactory of compute” to support the development of xAI.

The planned supercomputer would be “at least four times the size of the biggest GPU clusters that exist today,” such as those used by Meta to train its AI models, Musk was quoted as saying by an industry news outlet.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Musk wants the supercomputer – which will string together 100 000 Nvidia chips – operational by fall 2025, and “will hold himself personally responsible for delivering it on time,” The Information said.

Presentation to investors

The planned supercomputer would be “at least four times the size of the biggest GPU clusters that exist today,” such as those used by Meta to train its AI models, Musk was quoted as saying during a presentation to investors this month.

Since OpenAi’s generative AI tool ChatGPT exploded on the scene in 2022, the technology has been an area of fierce competition between tech giants Microsoft and Google, as well as Meta and start-ups like Anthropic and Stability AI.

Musk is one of the world’s few investors with deep enough pockets to compete with OpenAI, Google or Meta on AI.

xAI is developing a chatbot named Grok, which can access social media platform X, the former Twitter which is also owned by Musk, in real time.

Elon Musk co-founded OpenAI

Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left in 2018, later saying he was uncomfortable with the profit-driven direction the company was taking under the stewardship of CEO Sam Altman.

He filed a lawsuit against the company in March, accusing it of breaking its original non-profit mission to make AI research available to all.

OpenAI argues that Musk’s lawsuit, as well as his embrace of open source development, is little more than a case of sour grapes after leaving the company.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

This rabid appetite for data consumption is driven by rapid smartphone adoption. 31.7% of that screen time is spent on mobile – or 5 hours and 15 minutes daily. And 22.6% of that time is spent only doom scrolling through social media for 3 hours and 41 minutes a day, on average.

SOUTH AFRICANS SPEND NINE HOURS ONLINE DAILY

More fascinating is the rate of smartphone adoption in South Africa. As of 2023, about 22-million South Africans have a smartphone. This accounts for one third of the country’s 62-million population. This surge in mobile usage is not merely a technological shift, but a reflection of deeper societal and historical factors. Plus the increasing affordability of smartphones, coupled with the expansion of mobile broadband networks, is only expected to drive further growth in mobile usage.

South Africa’s legacy of isolated communities, and even high crime rates, has contributed to the current reliance on mobile devices for entertainment and connection. “An absence of reliable electricity further amplifies this dependence, as battery-powered mobile devices keep people connected even during power outages,” says Aleph MD of Sub-Saharan Africa, Stephen A. Newton. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Aleph specialises in digital marketing for small and medium businesses (SMB) in underserved markets. It helps advertisers engage with consumers on platforms such as Snap, Spotify, TikTok, X, and others. “The rise of streaming services and social media platforms has further cemented an online culture in South Africa,” says Newton.

Younger generations in particular, are heavy consumers of digital content. According to Aleph’s Audience research for South Africa, Ghana and Kenya in Q4 of 2023, 16-to-24-year olds stream music more than any other age groups. With over 112-million mobile connections in South Africa (as of 2023), according to Statista, we see that smart devices are no longer a luxury item. The fact that connections outnumber Mzansi’s population shows how widespread data connectivity has become.

MOBILE-DATA BOOM

The Global System Operators and Manufacturers Association (GSMA) Mobile Economy 2023 report estimates that sub-Saharan Africa monthly mobile data traffic is expected to quadruple to 18 GB per user in 2028 from the current 4.6 GB.

“The potential benefits of this mobile-centric future are immense, from economic growth to improved access to education and healthcare. As South Africa continues its digital journey, the population will continue migrating online for work opportunities and entertainment.” Concludes Newton.

HAVE YOUR SAY

What do you think of the fact that South Africans spend nine hours online per day? Do you think you spend roughly that amount of time online yourself and is that too much to be healthy? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates. Click the links below to read trending stories in the last 24 hours on our website …

• HOW the NHI bill will reshape SASSA grants in 2024
• The TEN most beautiful countries in the world ranked in 2024
• WHAT to expect from June 2024 SASSA old-age pension grants
• UPDATED info: May 2024 SASSA Older Persons grants

“She quietly passed away as if asleep while I caressed her,” Atsuko Sato wrote on her blog, thanking the fans of her shiba inu called Kabosu – the face of the “Doge” meme.

“I think Kabo-chan was the happiest dog in the world. And I was the happiest owner,” Sato wrote.

Estimated her age at 18

As a rescue dog, Kabosu’s real birthday was unknown but Sato estimated her age at 18, past the average lifespan for a shiba inu, with her birthday celebrated in November.

In 2010, two years after adopting Kabosu from a puppy mill where she would otherwise have been put down, Sato took a picture of her pet crossing her paws on the sofa.

She posted that image – with the fluffy shiba inu giving the camera a beguiling look – on her blog, from where it spread to online forum Reddit and became a meme that bounced from college bedrooms to office e-mail chains.

The memes typically used goofy broken English to reveal the inner thoughts of Kabosu and other shiba inu “doge” – pronounced like pizza “dough” but with a “j” at the end.

The picture also later became an NFT digital artwork that sold for $4 million and inspired Dogecoin, which was started as a joke by two software engineers and is now the eighth-most valuable cryptocurrency with a market capitalisation of $23 billion.

‘Unbelievable’ events

Dogecoin has been backed by hip-hop star Snoop Dogg, “Shark Tank” entrepreneur Mark Cuban and Kiss bassist Gene Simmons.

But its most keen supporter is probably the billionaire Musk, who jokes about the currency on X – sending its value soaring – and hails it as “the people’s crypto”.

Dogecoin has also inspired a plethora of other cheap and highly volatile “memecoins”, including spin-off Shiba Inu and others based on dogs, cats or Donald Trump.

Kabosu fell ill with leukaemia and liver disease in late 2022, and Sato said in a recent interview with AFP in her home of Sakura, east of Tokyo, that the “invisible power” of prayers from fans worldwide helped her pull through.

The 62-year-old Sato said she had become so used to “unbelievable” events that, when Tesla boss Musk changed the icon for Twitter, now X, to Kabosu’s face last year, she “wasn’t even that surprised”.

Donated large sums

“In the last few years I’ve been able to connect the online version of Kabosu, all these unexpected things seen from a distance, with our real lives,” she told AFP.

A $100 000 statue of Kabosu and her sofa crowdfunded by Own The Doge, a crypto organisation dedicated to the meme, was unveiled in a park in Sakura in November last year.

Sato and Own The Doge have also donated large sums to international charities, including more than $1 million to Save the Children. The NGO says it is “the single largest crypto contribution” it has ever received.

“The Doge is the most popular dog of the modern era,” said Tridog, a pseudonymous member of Own The Doge, describing Kabosu as “the Mona Lisa of the internet”.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Taking advantage of Forex rebates provided by brokers such as AvaTrade is a great method to boost your revenue. By giving you money back for every trade you make, these rebates can greatly increase your trading returns. 

To help you maximise your trading activity, we show you how to claim an AvaTrade Forex rebate.

Step 1: Open an AvaTrade Account

The first step in claiming an AvaTrade cashback forex rebate is to open an account with AvaTrade. Visit the AvaTrade website and click on the “Register” or “Sign Up” button. 

You will be required to fill in your personal details, including your name, email address, phone number, and country of residence. Ensure all information provided is accurate to avoid any issues during the verification process.

Step 2: Verify Your Account

After registering, you will need to verify your account. This involves submitting identification documents such as a passport or driver’s license and proof of address (utility bill or bank statement). 

The verification process is important for security purposes and to comply with regulatory requirements. Once your documents are approved, your account will be fully verified, and you can proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Fund Your Account

To start trading and earning an AvaTrade cashback forex rebate, you need to deposit funds into your AvaTrade account. AvaTrade supports various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets. 

Choose the most convenient option for you and deposit the desired amount. Remember, the more you trade, the higher your potential rebates, so ensure you fund your account adequately.

Step 4: Register for the Rebate Program

Once your account is funded, you need to register for the AvaTrade cashback forex rebate program. This step may vary depending on the rebate service provider you are using. 

Some providers require you to sign up on their platform and link your AvaTrade account, while others might automatically enrol you once you start trading. Make sure to follow the specific instructions provided by the rebate service to ensure you are properly registered.

Step 5: Start Trading

With your account set up, verified, and funded, you can now start trading. As you execute trades, the rebate service will track your activity and calculate the rebates based on the volume of trades you make. 

The rebates are usually credited to your trading account periodically (e.g., weekly or monthly), depending on the terms of the rebate program.

Step 6: Monitor and Withdraw Your Rebates

Keep an eye on your trading account to monitor the rebates you earn. AvaTrade provides detailed reports and statements that show your trading activity and the corresponding rebates. 

Once the rebates are credited to your account, you can withdraw them to your digital wallet or bank account or use them to increase your trading capital. The withdrawal process is straightforward and can be done through the same payment methods you used to deposit funds.

Conclusion

Claiming an AvaTrade Forex rebate is a simple yet effective way to maximise your trading returns. By following the steps outlined in this guide you can make the most out of this opportunity. 

Rebates not only improve your profitability but also provide an additional incentive to trade more efficiently. 

Start today and take advantage of the benefits offered by AvaTrade’s Forex rebate program to boost your trading success.

The explosion of mainstream access to AI technology has transformed the way one can sufficiently perform their work. By integrating this versatile technology into our daily routines, anyone can enhance the efficiency and convenience of their tasks. However, many facets of AI usage have raised discussions on the ethical dilemma of the technology that is drastically changing the way industries operate.

Regardless of their product or service, companies with successful brands are discovering and enjoying the benefits of integrating AI programmes into their operations to output even better results for their sales and profits. In fact, a technological ‘cold war’ between competitors has emerged over who can leverage AI as optimally as possible.

Nonetheless, the ethical dilemma around AI usage is augmented by the challenges that companies regularly experience in trying to maintain brand authenticity in an environment where consumers are becoming more frequently disengaged from brands that use traditional advertising.

Without retaining an element of human connection between brand and consumer in a global digital economy becoming increasingly governed by AI automation, companies may experience tapered loyalty from customers who fluidly move from one brand to the next. Balance is very much key to success here.

Fundamentally, brand success is built on ensuring every action by a company ignites a desired feeling within its target market. Without it, there is no human connection. This can be accomplished by several actions, that offer a degree of transparency and honesty. Showcasing your company’s team can reaffirm the human connection of your brand by featuring employees, their expertise, knowledge and background in your marketing materials. This can be supplemented by behind-the-scenes content that provides a glimpse into the enormous effort that goes into the company’s product or service. 

Personal customer interaction also remains a principal approach to maintaining brand authenticity. Customers feel disillusioned when engaging website chatbots as opposed to customer call centres that incorporate an active conversation with another human. However, AI analytical programmes can assist companies in measuring peak call times, unresolved queries, or common complaints to identify bottlenecks or weaknesses in the actual product or customer interaction. 

I recently spent some time discussing these trends with a former colleague, Seth Fuchs, who balances his time as the Director of iXperience in Cape Town while fulfilling his role as Founder and CEO of Empollo. He agrees that an individualised customer experience is crucial to maintaining a level of authenticity for brands today, especially in a world that is rapidly moving towards all that AI has to offer.

Seth, who I regard as an individual who has a strategically unique view of the technical arm of sales and marketing, articulated that maintaining brand authenticity is possible with a hybrid approach, in which new technologies are leveraged to help a brand build trust and credibility in its unique offering. 

“Yes, it’s possible to build a community around your product or service through user-generated content or influencer marketing. This can work particularly well if it is commissioned by a well-known personality with a large following on social media. Or, you could partner with a brand champion – ideally a famous individual who consistently creates content that promotes your brand. This helps build a personal connection with your audience, as the brand champion becomes a relatable spokesperson for your product. Serena Williams’ long-standing partnership with Nike offers an ideal case in point. That being said, why limit your ability to build trust and authenticity when new technologies can in fact maximise the impact of the story you’re trying to tell?” he says. 

Seth Fuchs

Ultimately, Seth believes that brands should refrain from being overwhelmed by the concept of new tech, and instead leverage it to their advantage.

For example, at Empollo, Seth runs high-budget advertising campaigns for various companies and multinational organisations based all around the world. He uses analytical AI technologies to look at live market data in different regions to determine how to adjust the media for each campaign to appeal to a localised market while simultaneously maximising the performance of each individual campaign. With this hyper-individualised approach, consumers begin to feel a more personalised connection to the brand that is engaging with them.

He concludes our insightful conversation by adding that “a brand’s level of authenticity and its attempt to build trust in the consumer can be scaled to new heights with AI.” 

We can understand this approach in real-life terms by bringing it right back to a familiar South African example, where the stress test of balancing brand authenticity with AI integration can be viewed through the Shoprite case study. The Shoprite Ltd parent company boasts a range of entities tailored for different economic markets and cultures, allowing the company to retain customers across the country. 

Shoprite’s Usave focuses solely on basic goods like tinned food at the lowest prices possible, with its stores strategically placed near the doorstops of lower-income communities. On the other hand, Checkers stores offer fresh produce like fruits and vegetables and include deli and butchery kiosks with price tags more suited to middle-income households. This tailored approach creates a feeling among consumers that they are being catered for and subconsciously encourages them to remain loyal to the brand – and it’s a strategy one can train AI to assist you with, much like Seth alluded to in our chat.

A company such as Shoprite could, in fact, enhance its brand and profit margins with deeper AI integration. Using the data from their Checkers loyalty card programmes, AI analytics can crunch all customer data timeously and provide them with the latest trends of general purchase behaviour and make decisions on which products to discount, reprice quickly, or restock. 

On top of this, AI programmes could assist Shoprite in appealing to different cultures by promptly translating various marketing materials into the home language of the target consumer for a specific area. This could become a powerfully competitive tool in a country with 11 official languages. For example, once Shoprite has created marketing material for their Checkers stores, AI programmes can then translate that content into Afrikaans for use in targeted advertising on social media in towns across the Cape Winelands, where Afrikaans is a dominant language for middle- to affluent markets that would typically shop at their local Checkers. 

So, what have we learned? While AI should never be regarded as a substitute for human connection, it can help you build authenticity with a data-driven approach to individualising content for different consumers, at scale. For brands to remain profitable, a hybrid integration offers the most desirable path for continued and long-term success in today’s highly competitive global digital economy.

One of the primary aspects of institutional crypto trading is the need for robust infrastructure and tools. Compared to traditional financial markets, the crypto space is still relatively nascent, and the need for established infrastructure has been a barrier to entry for many institutional investors. Several specialized crypto trading platforms and services have emerged to address this issue, offering institutional-grade security, compliance, and trading features.

These platforms, such as Coinbase Prime, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Bakkt, provide institutional investors with secure custody solutions, advanced trading tools, and access to deep liquidity pools. They also offer services such as prime brokerage, which allows investors to trade across multiple exchanges through a single account, and over-the-counter (OTC) trading desks for large-volume transactions.

Compliance and regulatory considerations are another critical aspect of institutional crypto trading. As digital assets gain mainstream adoption, regulators worldwide are increasingly scrutinizing the crypto industry. Institutional investors must navigate a complex web of regulations, including anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements, to ensure compliance and mitigate legal and reputational risks.

Institutional traders often work closely with legal and compliance experts specializing in crypto to address these challenges. They also rely on sophisticated compliance tools and blockchain analytics solutions to monitor transactions and detect suspicious activities. Additionally, many institutional investors are actively engaging with regulators and policymakers to help shape the future of crypto regulation and create a more stable and predictable regulatory environment.

Risk management is another critical consideration for institutional crypto traders. The crypto market is volatile, with prices fluctuating significantly in short periods. Institutional traders employ various strategies to manage this risk, such as diversification across different digital assets, derivative instruments like futures and options, and strict risk management protocols.

Moreover, institutional investors increasingly turn to quantitative trading strategies to navigate the crypto market. These strategies rely on complex mathematical models and algorithms to analyze market data, identify trading opportunities, and execute trades automatically. Quantitative trading firms, such as Jump Trading and Jane Street, have been actively participating in the crypto market, bringing their expertise and resources to bear on this new asset class.

The rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) has also opened up new opportunities for institutional crypto trading. DeFi platforms, which operate on blockchain networks like Ethereum, offer a range of financial services, including lending, borrowing, and trading, without the need for traditional intermediaries. Institutional investors are exploring ways to participate in the DeFi ecosystem by directly interacting with DeFi protocols or investing in DeFi-focused hedge funds and venture capital firms.

As institutional crypto trading continues to evolve, collaboration and knowledge sharing among industry participants will be crucial. Organizations like the Blockchain Association and the Global Digital Finance Initiative are working to foster dialogue and establish best practices for institutional crypto trading. By working together, institutional investors can help to create a more mature, stable, and efficient crypto market that benefits all participants.

Unprecedented Solutions for a Global Challenge

Camhirst Robots, which is part of the Camhirst Ecosystem, set up Camhirst 3DCP Limited in the U.K. in April 2022, with its groundbreaking 3D Construction Printing Robots to be the ultimate solution to the Global Housing and homelessness crisis. Setting itself apart from competitors, this robot offers unmatched efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging advanced 3D printing technology, it constructs structures layer by layer, drastically reducing construction time and costs. Moreover, by extruding specialized construction materials based on precise architectural designs, these robots can swiftly produce sturdy and durable walls, outperforming traditional methods. Unlike other companies, Camhirst’s robot can be set up in 3-6 hours and operates on a track system for enhanced reach and efficiency. With their ability to operate around the clock and their high level of automation, these robots significantly accelerate construction timelines while minimizing labour and material expenses. This innovation represents years of research and development, highlighting Camhirst’s dedication to excellence in construction robotics.

Camhirst’s innovative robots have a wide range of applications in various industries, including:

• Post-Disaster Reconstruction: Camhirst can set up emergency shelters for the affected in the disaster-affected areas.
• Low-Cost Housing Construction: Camhirst’s robots construct affordable housing quickly, addressing housing shortages in developing and developed countries and impoverished regions.
• Customized Architecture: Camhirst’s robots can offer tailored construction solutions by printing various shapes and structures to each designer’s specifications.
• Art and Creative Architecture: Camhirst’s robots enable architects and artists to create innovative architectural forms and artworks to enhance urban landscapes with unique visual effects.

At the core of Camhirst’s mission is a commitment to confronting the housing and homelessness crisis head-on. Governments, construction companies, and communities stand to benefit immensely from the company’s innovative solutions. By harnessing the power of 3D printing technology, Camhirst enables faster, more cost-effective construction of homes, schools, clinics, and various other properties. The impact is profound, offering a glimmer of hope amidst daunting challenges.

Technological Superiority: Setting New Benchmarks

Camhirst is a leading technology company dedicated to driving innovation and sustainable development in the construction industry. They have invested five years and millions of dollars into researching and developing new robotic technologies. Through its research and development efforts, Camhirst not only demonstrates its dedication to technological innovation but also its commitment to creating more efficient and environmentally friendly building solutions.



Camhirst Robots bring numerous technological advantages to the construction industry. Although initial investment costs for 3D printing technology can be high, the overall construction costs can be lower due to reduced labour requirements and less material waste. Additionally, the speed of construction can save on labour costs and reduce the overall project timeline, resulting in potential savings. Their clients will be construction companies, governments, housing associations, and charities, who are able to build affordable homes, social housing, and luxury homes considerably faster and in Europe or similar continents save as much as 35%.

These technologies are not only faster, more economical, and safer but also more environmentally friendly. For example, structures built using geopolymer cement and basalt are much stronger and have longer lifespans compared to those constructed with traditional materials like steel and Portland cement. Moreover, if Campolymer is used, then the Campolymer production process can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80-95% and minimize waste production.

Additionally, Camhirst’s automated 3D printing robots simplify the construction process, allowing them to build structures 20-30 times faster than traditional methods. Furthermore, their computer-controlled 3D printers can achieve unparalleled precision, providing clients with a wide range of design options and allowing for customized solutions tailored to their needs, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional methods.

As a testament to this commitment, Camhirst’s collaboration with an organisation in Nigeria resulted in the signing of an MOU for one million social houses to be built in Nigeria using the Camhirst Robots.  stand. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Protocol agreement was signed by the Camhirst CEO Adam Ahmed with the Regional Sustainable Energy Centre of Excellence for Sub-Saharan Africa (RSECESSA) in October 2023 at the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI). Camhirst pledges to support the development of affordable housing across multiple states in Nigeria using its advanced technology and eco-friendly materials (Seun, 2023). This collaboration not only showcases Camhirst’s successful practices in the technological field but also receives recognition and support from the Nigerian government, further solidifying the company’s position in the global construction market.

Empowering Communities and Shaping a Sustainable Future

In a world full of challenges, Camhirst Robots emerges as a beacon of hope, showcasing a future where housing is accessible, affordable, and sustainable. Their journey goes beyond just printing walls; it’s about building communities, empowering individuals, and creating a better world for future generations. This is not merely an architectural revolution; it is a contribution to the sustainable development of human habitation. Through relentless effort and innovation, they continually challenge the limitations of traditional building methods, exploring and realizing a new paradigm in architecture that offers unprecedented possibilities for human habitation.

The mission of Camhirst Robots and the Camhirst Ecosystem extends beyond pushing the boundaries of technology; it’s about advancing societal progress. They are dedicated to creating a more inclusive and sustainable community, offering new hope to those who are currently homeless or living in inadequate conditions. Behind all of this lies their belief in the future and their sense of responsibility for the well-being of all humanity.

Camhirst’s efforts are not isolated; they actively seek investors, strategic partnerships and collaborations with governments, NGOs, construction companies, and local communities to collectively achieve broader social impact. For instance, they have received a confirmed order to supply 50 Robots to build 10,000 houses in the Republic of Burkina Faso, and a Joint Venture (JV) from a company in Ghana to build 600,000 houses in the Republic of Ghana, the first 100,000 houses using the Camhirst Robot, will generate profit in excess of $1 billion for the JV team. This project aims to address the pressing need for quality housing and improve living conditions for the local population. Similarly, their commitment to providing affordable housing continues by creating JV’s with various companies from various countries, and confirmed robot orders from various continents. 

This initiative will contribute significantly to alleviating the housing crisis and improving accessibility to quality homes.

Additionally, they are proud to share that they have plans to build 3.2 million school rooms in West Africa, and many other countries, ensuring that education infrastructure is accessible and adequate for students worldwide. These confirmed orders and projects in the pipeline highlight their commitment to revolutionizing the construction industry and addressing global challenges through the application of 3D construction printing technology.

Through such collaborations, they not only accelerate the process of addressing the global housing crisis but also make significant contributions to advancing sustainable social development. Therefore, Camhirst Robots and Camhirst Ecosystem is not just a leading technology group; it’s a force driving human societal progress, and their efforts will leave a profound impact on our future.

Reference：

Adeuyi, Seun. “NBRRI, RSECESSA, UK Firm Sign MoA To Reduce Housing Deficit In Nigeria Through Robotics.” Daily Trust, Tue, 24 Oct 2023 4:10:28 WAT. https://dailytrust.com/nbrri-

McRae, Kirsten. “The Global Housing Crisis: A Crisis Unlike Any Other.” Gender and Inequalities, Housing and Construction, October 25th, 2022. Urbanet. https://www.urbanet.info/the-global-housing-crisis/

CTM360 has distinguished itself with an agile and proactive approach to technology developments, presenting organic solutions to complex challenges; the company’s technology, which is developed fully in-house, specializes in managing external risks and threats. With continued R&D over the last decade, CTM360 has been carefully building its fully consolidated security platform, with no external funding or debt. 

The rapid digital transformation in mature and emerging markets have significantly expanded digital footprints, yet cyber challenges have often outpaced the development of cybersecurity measures; this disparity has led to increased vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are quick to exploit. CTM360 addresses these challenges head-on by offering comprehensive cybersecurity platforms on a subscription basis, which includes external attack surface management, digital risk protection, threat intelligence, third party risk management, security ratings and proactive incident response, i.e. takedowns. This not only enhances security for businesses but also protects their customers downstream and supports the broader digital economy in these regions.

CTM360’s success is partly due to its deep understanding of the unique cybersecurity challenges in each territory in which it operates, including regulatory requirements and customer pain-points. By tailoring their solutions to address these specific issues, CTM360 ensures that their services are both globally competent and locally relevant. Their efforts extend beyond service provision to include active participation in the cybersecurity community through educational initiatives and leadership in regional cybersecurity dialogues.

The impact of CTM360’s work is evident in its expanding client base across diverse sectors and its recognition by global cybersecurity entities. By setting a precedent for innovation and comprehensive security solutions, CTM360 not only leads in its home market but also inspires other companies within emerging markets to elevate their cybersecurity standards.

Continuing from this foundation, CTM360 leverages challenges as catalysts for innovation, delivering advanced cybersecurity solutions that are tailored to meet specific local demands. 

Furthermore, CTM360’s commitment to cybersecurity in emerging markets also emphasizes collaborative efforts with local governments and key national institutions to strengthen the overall cybersecurity infrastructure. This collaborative approach not only enhances their product offerings but also builds a resilient community capable of addressing complex cyber threats collectively.

Moreover, CTM360 plays a significant role in advocating for and enabling stronger regulatory frameworks that support cybersecurity advancements. This proactive involvement in regulatory discussions underscores their commitment to advancing not just their business interests but the broader cybersecurity landscape in their region.

Looking ahead, the role of companies from emerging markets in global cybersecurity will likely expand as they continue to innovate and adapt to new challenges. Their deep understanding of local markets, combined with a commitment to global security standards, positions companies, such as CTM360, as pivotal players in the ongoing battle against cyber threats. Their influence is set to grow, not only in advancing their technologies and services but also in shaping global cybersecurity practices.

Millions of people in Indonesia, a vast archipelago of more than 17 000 islands, are not currently hooked up to reliable internet services.

First visit to the Southeast Asian nation

Musk, making his first visit to the Southeast Asian nation, is scheduled to launch Starlink alongside President Joko Widodo at a clinic in Bali’s capital Denpasar on Sunday afternoon.

Maritime and Investment Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said Starlink “has the capability to reach even the most remote areas of Indonesia.”

“I had the opportunity to pick up Elon at the airport this morning and then discuss some of his agenda items while he’s here,” the minister wrote on his official Instagram account.

“One of the key topics was the launch of the Starlink internet service.”

According to Luhut, Musk will also speak at the World Water Forum, which is currently being held on the holiday island.

Starlink’s services will be trialled this month in Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara on the island of Borneo, which will open its doors in August, according to officials.

The Indonesian government is moving the capital from traffic-clogged Jakarta, where researchers say large areas could be underwater by 2050 due to rising sea levels and land subsidence.

Starlink available in Malaysia and the Philippines

After the trial, Starlink, which acquired a permit to operate in Indonesia earlier this month, could be rolled out commercially across the archipelago.

Starlink is already available in Southeast Asia in Malaysia and the Philippines.

Using a network of low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink can provide internet to remote locations or areas that have had normal communications infrastructure disabled.

According to the World Bank, about two-thirds of Indonesia’s roughly 270 million people had access to the internet as of 2022.

Meanwhile, as reported by The South African website, Elon Musk confirmed during the week that Twitter was now officially X.com.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The South Africa-born billionaire head of Tesla, SpaceX and other companies, bought Twitter for $44 billion in late 2022 and announced the rebrand to X last July.

Although the logo and branding were changed to “X”, the domain name remained Twitter.com until Friday.

“All core systems are now on X.com,” Musk wrote on X, posting an image of a logo of a white X on a blue circle.

Queries to Twitter.com redirected users to X.com on Friday morning, though the original domain name still appeared on some browsers.

Musk has repeatedly used the letter X in the branding of his companies, starting in 1999 with his attempt to set up an online financial superstore called X.com.

Elon Musk’s leadership of X has proved controversial

When he bought Twitter, he set up a company called X Corp to close the deal.

Elon Musk has said he wants “X” to become a super-app along the lines of China’s WeChat.

The Chinese app is much bigger than X and weaves together messaging, voice and video calling, social media, mobile payment, games, news, online booking and other services.

He has also bolted onto X an AI chatbot called “Grok”, which was launched in Europe this week.

Musk’s leadership of X has proved controversial.

Fired thousands of staff

He has fired thousands of staff, overseen major technical problems and reinstated accounts of right-wing conspiracy theorists, as well as former US president Donald Trump.

European regulators have also begun probes into X and other social media platforms over fears of misinformation.

The EU demanded earlier this month that X explain its decision to cut content moderation staff, giving the firm a deadline of Friday.

AFP has contacted X for their response.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Perhaps I should explain. I was contacted some time ago about reviewing the EcoFlow River series of portable power stations for The South African. Following 205 days of load-shedding 2022 and 332 days of load-shedding in 2023, this seemed like a great opportunity to educate our audience on how to combat the scourge of load-shedding. So, I accepted the offer. Almost immediately, load-shedding stopped. Like, dead. Finish, klaar, power for days …  

ECOFLOW RIVER SERIES

Genuinely, all I could report on was how easy it was to keep the EcoFlow River Series fully charged up in the corner of my office. But just as I was about to give up on trying to review them at all, the good ol’ City of Cape Town rose to the occasion. And in that bizarre yin and yang, opposites attract, up-is-down and down-is-up way, I must actually applaud the city’s appalling performance this week. Because without it I wouldn’t have this great EcoFlow River Series story to share with you …

Firstly, I should explain the EcoFlow River series of portable power stations to you real quick. From smallest to biggest, they go like this:

• EcoFlow River 2 – 256Wh capacity, 300W output: R3 999
• EcoFlow River 2 Max – 512Wh capacity, 500W output: R7 999
• EcoFlow River 2 Pro – 768Wh capacity, 800W output: R11 999

ALL BASES COVERED

They devices are produced in China and sold with free delivery. Order on the EcoFlow website and you can have it at your door front in five days. The range covers all possible needs and budgets. So, yes, the latest device, the River 2 Pro, is the most expensive but it has the largest capacity, recharges super-fast and can power things like a kettle, toaster and even a microwave if required. It also has a good variety of sockets for ease of use, too.

The River 2 Max is a great middle ground. It lasts as long as you’ll ever conceivably need and the recharge time is excellent, too. We’d like more variety of sockets though, because it’s not recommended that you use an adapter, which we had to occasionally. Also, the fan to keep it cool can get pretty loud on the Max. While the River 2 Pro’s fan kicks in less often and is quieter when it does.

Finally, there’s the base River 2, which has the lowest capacity but is also the cheapest and lightest to move around (which makes it really handy). Frankly, having the two larger items around meant I didn’t use it for anything more than charging small items like phones and laptops. However, the battery pack still performs really well, and if it’s the only one you can afford, it’s a great device to have. Okay, so that’s the EcoFlow River series of portable power devices in a nutshell. Now let me tell you why you don’t only need them when there’s load-shedding …

‘DON’T FREAK OUT’

It happened this week. I get home from a massive weekly shop, and my wife tells me. “Don’t freak out, but we have no power.” She knows being without power is a bit of trigger for me. I once endured a full six days of no power when I was living in Jo’Burg and a fire knocked out the substation in my suburb. My patience for such things has never been the same since. Now, the substation in our neighbourhood has tripped again. The third time since September 2023 by the way, City of Cape Town. The issue is water runoff from the mountain getting into the substation.

Rant alert! Of course, every time this happens, City of Cape Town contractors start from scratch. A call is made to the city at 14h00, but an outside contractor only arrives on the scene at 20h00. Not knowing the runoff issue, I drive him to the offending substation that is invariably flooded. Like clockwork, he tells me it’s a high-voltage substation and requires a special team. They’re called out but only arrive the next morning at 09h00. You’ll note we’re already 19 hours into this ordeal with zero progress towards resolution.

ECOFLOW TO THE RESCUE

Already, my wife and I have been marshalling the EcoFlow River series devices like pros. The River 2 is keeping smaller devices (phones, portable lights) charged up. The EcoFlow River 2 Max is keeping the office going – WiFi router, laptops and computer screens. And the River 2 Pro, well, that’s like Thor. It’s primarily on television and entertainment duty but occasionally gets moved to the kitchen for the heavy lifting of microwave, kettle and toaster, which the other two cannot handle.

Probably around 14h00 that day – 24 hours in – the River 2 and River 2 Max are beginning to run low. So, we abandon anything extraneous and use only the River 2 Pro for the office. It’s remarkable, one-day in and we’re only taking two of the devices to friend’s house to recharge. Which they do in double-quick time, and they’re back in the house. Each can recharge from zero state of charge (SOC) in just 60 minutes. That gave me just enough time to visit the substation and seen the gemorse 30-hours in. They’d unfortunately dug into a mains water line somehow, and water was spraying metres into the air upon my arrival. Water and electricity, not a good combination … or so I’m told.

RESIGNATION AND PEACE

At that point, the stress and strife just ended. I resigned myself to the potential of another night of no power and simply surrendered to the fact it was out of my control. Which, admittedly, was much easier to do knowing that my EcoFlow River series power devices were fully charged and ready to go. Even if the flooded substation couldn’t be resolved for another 24 hours, I knew we were covered. So, back home I went, the River 2 Pro had barely consumed any battery (72% left) in the office and the other two were used piecemeal as and when required. It was a beautiful, clear autumn night and we sat outside under the stars. Sometime that evening the power was restored. And, ironically enough, I was a little disappointed when it did. Out EcoFlow-powered timeout was over …

What are your thoughts on the EcoFlow River series? Would you consider having one insurance for an unplanned power outage? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates. Click the links below to read trending stories in the last 24 hours on our website …

WHAT to expect from June 2024 SASSA old-age pension grants

HOW millions of SASSA social grant recipients are tripling their income

UPDATED info: May 2024 SASSA Older Persons grants

Beneficiaries get ready for stricter SASSA means tests in 2024

The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 is more than just a smartwatch; it’s a style statement that complements your personal fashion sense while packing cutting-edge technology. From its advanced fitness tracking features to its capability to monitor your health in style, this smartwatch is the perfect companion for those who live their life at the intersection of style and functionality.

Embrace the next generation of wearable technology with the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 and revolutionise how you connect, monitor your health and most importantly, express your unique style with every wear.

Unmatched Display Technology

Experience unparalleled clarity with the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3, featuring the state-of-the-art HUAWEI Hybrid AMOLED technology. With a stunning resolution of 347 pixels per inch, the watch delivers a vivid and crystal-clear visual experience. The large screen, boasting a peak brightness of 1,500 nits and equipped with automatic brightness adjustment, offers a comfortable and immersive viewing experience in any lighting situation. Enhanced by an ultra-narrow bezel, the innovative hybrid rigid-flexible screen boosts the screen-to-body ratio to an impressive 77.4%, combining a large display area with a slim and stylish profile.

Elegant Design & Lightweight Comfort

The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 is a masterpiece of modern design, featuring a sleek, square shape with a three-dimensional arc surface that enhances its sophisticated look. The striking colour contrast in the crown adds a touch of elegance, making this smartwatch a fashion-forward accessory for any style. With its ultra-thin 9.9mm body and feather-light weight of just 26g, It is designed to be both a statement piece and a comfortable companion for your daily activities. Whether dressed up or down, this smartwatch is the perfect addition to any outfit, embodying a blend of fashion and function for the style-conscious individual.

Advanced Health Monitoring Features

It goes beyond aesthetics with its comprehensive range of health monitoring features designed to enhance your well-being. Introducing the latest in sleep technology, the HUAWEI TruSleep™ 4.0. This advanced sleep tracker offers science-based insights into your sleep patterns, providing comprehensive and accurate data to help improve your sleep quality. With personalised interpretations and suggestions, the WATCH FIT 3 turns every night’s rest into a step towards better health.

Equipped with the upgraded HUAWEI TruSeen™ 5.5 health monitoring system, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 ensures precise heart rate readings and efficient analysis of both your workout performance and daily health metrics. This feature allows for more accurate monitoring, helping you stay on top of your fitness and wellness goals with ease.

For women, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 offers an integrated Menstrual Cycle Management system. This feature provides a comprehensive and user-friendly care system, making information about menstrual cycles easily accessible and simple to manage. It’s designed to help track and predict menstrual cycles, offering support and personalised care right on your wrist.

Exceptional Battery Life and Quick Charging

Despite its multitude of advanced features and large, impressive display, the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 doesn’t compromise on battery life. Enjoy up to 10 days of use on a single charge, with typical usage lasting around 7 days. Plus, with the watch’s fast-charging capabilities, a quick 10-minute charge can power a full day’s use, ensuring you’re always ready to go.

A New Era in Smartwatches

The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3 combines cutting-edge technology, elegant design, and comprehensive health monitoring features to redefine the smartwatch experience. This wearable is designed to revolutionise how we interact with technology and manage our health, making it easier than ever to lead a healthier, more connected lifestyle.

Get Your Hands on the Ultimate Fashion Accessory Today

With the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3, step confidently into a lifestyle where elegance and connectivity go hand in hand. Discover this must-have accessory and transform your approach to wearable technology now!

The HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3, is available now. Don’t miss your chance to elevate your style with the latest in smartwatch innovation. Secure your own for just R2999 at the HUAWEI online store, or opt for easy monthly payments starting from just R79 over 24 months at all Operator stores nationwide. 

Experience Fashion Squared with the New HUAWEI WATCH FIT 3.

X Open Hub, a leading provider of innovative broker solutions, has announced its participation at the upcoming FMAS:24 event in South Africa, signalling its commitment to expanding its operations on the African continent.

The company will be showcasing its full range of services as an official exhibitor at the premier financial markets and services conference, which is being hosted at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton between 20-22 May 2024.

X Open Hub’s presence as a prominent exhibitor at Booth #6 at FMAS:24 underscores its commitment to being a key player in the financial industry, providing the perfect opportunity to demonstrate its cutting-edge technologies and solutions to a diverse audience of industry professionals and enthusiasts.

An established liquidity provider trusted worldwide

X Open Hub has built a solid reputation of trust and reliability over its 15 years of experience in the financial domain. It is known for its multi-asset liquidity solutions that bring deep institutional-grade liquidity for brokers and banks on over 5,000 global instruments, including stocks, forex, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and ETFs. 

Moreover, the company offers access to stable liquidity across various market conditions. This feature is pivotal for financial services providers as it allows them to navigate through volatile market landscapes with minimal disruption.

Fully licensed and authorised by the UK FCA and listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange, X Open Hub also has licences from the KNF, CySEC, DFSA, FSCA, IFSC, and FSA. The company’s licences are passported to more than 25 countries, ensuring compliant solutions for its clients.

The home of innovative liquidity solutions

X Open Hub is the preferred liquidity provider for brokers and banks worldwide for a number of reasons, including the collocation of servers in the largest data centres in the world for seamless operations, strong risk controls, custom-made liquidity solutions, and full post-trade reporting for transparent and efficient trading.

The company also provides access to deep order books with superior depth across all available instruments, along with multiple integration options, including FIX protocol, API, MT4/MT5 bridge or gateway, and integration with PrimeXM, oneZero, Gold-i, Tools for Brokers, and more.

Partnership opportunities with a market leader

With a wealth of experience in financial markets, X Open Hub brings valuable expertise to FMAS:24. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with X Open Hub representatives and gain insights into market trends, strategies, and best practices for navigating the dynamic landscape of the financial industry.

The company recognises the importance of strategic partnerships in driving growth and success. At FMAS:24, X Open Hub invites potential collaborators to explore partnership opportunities and discuss how they can work together to achieve mutual goals and objectives.

To ensure a productive and valuable experience at FMAS:24, X Open Hub encourages attendees to pre-book meetings in advance. By scheduling one-on-one sessions with X Open Hub representatives, attendees can gain exclusive insights, personalised recommendations, and tailored solutions to address their specific needs and requirements.

About X Open Hub

X Open Hub is a leading CFD liquidity provider, offering over 5,000 instruments. This includes more than 2,500 stocks and ETFs on 16 major exchanges worldwide, over 60 currency pairs, more than 50 cryptocurrencies across 9 exchanges, over 30 indices, and the most popular commodities. The company is proud to have 100+ partnerships in more than 25 countries and is dedicated to delivering tailor-made solutions that support clients in achieving their business ambitions.

Follow X Open Hub on its social media channels for live updates and exclusive content during the FMAS:24 event, including on Linkedin and Facebook.

Lawyers for the eSafety Commission told the Federal Court that X had not taken all reasonable steps to remove video and audio of the attack from its platform.

‘Used the software to access the video’

Tim Begbie, representing the commission, said that despite X geoblocking the video to Australian users, it could still be viewed using virtual private networks that mask a user’s location.

“Global removal is a reasonable step,” he told the court.

Begbie said VPNs were used by a quarter of Australians, including the commission’s staff, who had used the software to access the video.

“(They) did it while logged into an adult account, while logged into a child account and did it while not logged into X at all,” he said.

“This is not a proceeding about a free speech policy debate.”

Rather, he said, the case was about if the graphic material was suitable under Australia’s Online Safety Act, and the law’s powers to  “protect the public” from illegal or restricted content.

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was allegedly slashed in the head and chest by a 16-year-old suspect in April.

The incident was swiftly deemed a terrorist incident by police.

Elon Musk argued the ban

The bishop, who has since recovered, has supported the video’s distribution.

Elon Musk previously said the global ban went beyond the powers of the eSafety Commission.

The eSafety Commission has the power to demand internet companies remove illegal material, such as terrorism content, from their platforms.

Following the stabbing, the commission issued serval take-down notices to social media companies.

In many cases, they complied. But the commission claims X only restricted the videos for users with Internet Protocol addresses in Australia.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Starlink’s network of low Earth orbit satellites can provide internet to remote locations or areas that have had normal communications infrastructure disabled.

Indonesia seeking to connect millions more of its population

Indonesia is a vast archipelago of more than 17 000 islands and Jakarta is seeking to connect millions more of its population who are not hooked up to reliable internet services.

Usman Kansong, a senior official at the communication and information ministry, told AFP Starlink had been given approval to operate in Indonesia.

“PT Starlink Service Indonesia has been issued business licences for telecommunication operations… namely a business licence for VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) closed fixed networks and an ISP (internet service provider) business permit,” he said.

The company now “has the right to operate in providing telecommunication services” across the archipelago country, said Usman, the ministry’s director general of information and public communication.

Starlink available in the Southeast Asia

The firm’s services will be trialled this month in the newly planned capital Nusantara on the island of Borneo, which will open its doors in August, according to officials. It will then be launched at a later date.

The Indonesian government is moving the capital from traffic-clogged Jakarta, where large areas could be underwater by 2050 due to rising sea levels and land subsidence, according to some researchers.

Only two-thirds of Indonesia’s more than 270 million people had access to the internet by 2022, according to the World Bank.

Starlink is already available in the Southeast Asia region in Malaysia and the Philippines.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Local stores can list their products on the homepage, however you can also finally order from its product selection.

Amazon first launched during 1994, however soon boomed into one of the largest online commerce companies. Today, its founder Jeff Bezos is one of the world’s richest people.

Does Amazon South Africa deliver on its promises?

Is it as exciting as South Africans might have expected?

Here’s how to create an account, what you can find, and how to list your products.

Amazon South Africa launches

South Africans have been awaiting its launch for a long time.

However, Amazon’s launch was announced months ago already, and it has only happened now.

You can visit the website ‘.co.za’ instead of the regular ‘Amazon.com’ domain.

South Africans will have access to thousands of items, including appliances and books.

However, some South Africans have headed to social media and criticised its pricing.

What do you think?

Amazon for South African sellers: listing your product

Amazon isn’t just for buyers but also for sellers and entrepreneurs.

You can list a store, but only with a registered business. Create a seller account and list your products.

The South African created a simple seller guide

Create your account to start selling.

Amazon SA: What can you buy?

The South African equivalent looks similar to the international Amazon, however, with some small changes.

Products have categories, like Electronics or Loadshedding.

You can choose by brand, topic, or keywords.

Volkano Headphones, for example, cost R249. You can also buy things like batteries, clock radios, phones, and more.

If you can mention it, you can probably find it.

First orders have free shipping.

About the site

Amazon launched internationally in July 1994.

However, the company first sold books.

Jeff Bezos is one of the world’s richest people, according to the New York Times. They’re also the largest United States employer, according to the same source.

The company has several South African competitors, including Takealot.

However, only time will tell if South Africans agree with them.

Are you heading to their website yet?

Let us know if you’ve found any deals!

Tell us your thoughts

Tell us your thoughts about Amazon South Africa, and let us know what you think about this story. We love hearing from our readers, and this includes you! Send us an email at: info@thesouthafrican.com

Thanks to its user-friendly interface, the FXGT.com platform is gaining recognition for its innovative approach to ushering in a new generation of traders.

FXGT.com offers a wide range of trading assets for potential investors to choose from. These include CFD trading in forex, cryptocurrencies, synthetic cryptocurrency pairs, precious metals, energies, equity indices, stocks, and FXGT.com’s own GTi12 Index.

FXGT.com has been honored with multiple awards in recent years, highlighting their outstanding service, trustworthy management of client finances, and commitment to ensuring a positive trading experience.

FXGT.com’s recent awards include:

2022: Ultimate Fintech Award for Best Hybrid Broker

2023: Best Broker Award from AtoZ Markets

2024: Brokers View Awards for:

• Best Global Trading Conditions
• Best Global CFD Broker
• Best Global IB/Affiliate Program

GTi12 Index

FXGT.com’s GTi12 Index is a pioneering innovation in the industry. Traders can speculate on the performance and price movements of the crypto market by trading a single CFD instrument.

As the name suggests, the GTi12 comprises 12 key cryptocurrencies, selected based on various criteria including market capitalisation, liquidity and whether it is available to trade on FXGT.com.

The 12 cryptocurrencies are reviewed and redefined quarterly and include the world’s top 12 cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, Stellar, Polygon, Tron, and Binance Coin.

When selecting cryptocurrencies for the index, FXGT.com considers four key metrics:

• Capitalisation and Liquidity
• Purpose and Utility
• Value and User Popularity
• Innovative Nature and Community

Synthetic crypto pairs

FXGT.com traders can either purchase these cryptocurrencies directly using several of the world’s most popular currencies, including dollars, pounds, euros and the South African rand, or explore how Bitcoin interacts with traditional markets by investing in synthetic crypto pairs.

These synthetic crypto pairs pit Bitcoin against the performance of Gold, Silver, the S&P 500, the Dow Jones, and a number of other popular investment types.

How long does it take to process a withdrawal?

Concerns about the time taken to withdraw funds are addressed efficiently at FXGT.com.

Withdrawal processing time ranges from instant to up to two business days.

The time required for the funds to be transferred back into your account depends on the payment method you use.

If FXGT.com requires more information from you, processing time may be extended. Traders receive email confirmation once the withdrawal is processed.

In case of any problems or if extra documents are required for a withdrawal request, FXGT.com will contact you within 24 hours.

For more information, traders are advised to visit FXGT.com’s Deposit & Withdrawals page.

Negative balance protection

FXGT.com offers negative balance protection on all account types for all clients.

FXGT.com offers negative balance protection on all account types for all clients to ensure trader safety in volatile markets.

However, note that the negative balance protection will not apply if a deposit is made to a trading account with a negative balance.

What is the GTLot?

Developed by FXGT.com, the GTLot serves as a bespoke unit to measure and benchmark the trading volume of a client’s trading account, across every asset class. 

The purpose of the GTLot is to standardise trading volume measurement for all financial instruments and asset classes, whilst offering a straightforward solution for comparing instruments directly.

It addresses the challenge posed by the wide variety of CFD instruments in the market, converting the intricate differences in contract size, denomination, and nominal values into one unified measure for easy comparison. 

It works by converting the overall trading volume of an account to USD and standardising 1 GTLot to equal to $100 000 of trading volume.

To learn more about GTLot, click HERE

Why do I need to complete AI KYC?

FXGT.com operates within the scope of numerous companies that are authorised and regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in Seychelles, Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) (for institutional clients only), and CySEC (for institutional clients only).

FXGT.com prioritises the safety of its clients’ accounts and funds. As a regulated entity, FXGT.com complies with all relevant directives, including collecting adequate documentation from clients for KYC (Know Your Client) purposes.

Proper regulation ensures that due diligence is in place for the company, clients, and partners.

Traders can open a live trading account and deposit up to $2 000 (or equivalent) without full KYC verification.

However, traders need to complete their KYC verification to trade and withdraw funds.

Contact and support

FXGT.com offers 24/7 multilingual supportfor all clients via Live Chat, and the Support Centre.

Clients can also reach out to FXGT.com on any of its social media channels.

The Resource Centre is also helpful in finding answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Bonus, bonus, bonus!

$30 No Deposit Bonus

FXGT.com is offering a $30 No Deposit Bonus to new clients in South Africa.

FXGT.com is offering a $30 No Deposit Bonus to new clients in South Africa and 32 other African countries.

There’s now even more reason for budding traders to kick-start their trading journey in 2024 without having to use their own money!

To qualify for the $30 No Deposit Bonus, all you have to do is register on FXGT.com, complete your KYC verification within 30 days, and then open a Mini or Standard+ account on the FXGT.com platform that has not had any money transferred into it.

Finally, claim your $30 No Deposit Bonus and begin your new trading journey.

But that’s not all!

50% Welcome Bonus

As an FXGT.com client, you can receive a 50% bonus of up to $500 on your first single deposit into a Mini and/or Standard+ account, with the reward level determined by the value of that deposit.

Power up your first deposit and take maximum advantage of the rewards on offer!

25% Unlimited Loyalty Bonus

FXGT.com distinguishes itself to its retail traders by offering a 25% unlimited loyalty bonus, far outpacing the industry standard. Clients can enjoy unlimited rewards and a 25% bonus on all transfers using the Mini and Standard+ accounts, with a cap of $10 000.

Upon reaching this threshold, FXGT.com will reset the total bonus accrued, allowing traders to keep receiving this bonus even after maxing it out.

Traders are eligible so long as they conduct at least one trade within a 30-day period and complete a cumulative trading volume of 40GTLots.

VPS Sponsorship

To meet the agile needs of its trading base, FXGT.com enables users to take advantage of sponsored virtual private server (VPS) hosting.  

A VPS operates as a high-speed and secure server that allows round-the-clock trading on the MT4 and MT5 terminals – even when you are offline.

Users can open trades at lightning-fast speeds, effectively minimising order execution latencies to near zero on the dedicated MetaTrader VPS.

Getting started

Seize the opportunity and start trading with FXGT.com TODAY

Choose FXGT.com

Looking to begin or continue your trading journey? FXGT.com is the top choice according to our comprehensive review. It stands out as the premier option, providing unmatched trading experiences.

Click here to learn more about FXGT.com

According to the Forbes Real Time Billionaires, France’s 75-year-old tycoon Arnault, at the time of publishing, boasts a fortune of $210.9 billion.

But who holds the title of richest woman?

The answer is another French national, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers.

She is the 15th-richest person overall in the world.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, 70, is the granddaughter of the founder of personal care company L’Oreal.

Bettencourt Meyers and her family own more than a third of publicly traded L’Oreal.

She has served on L’Oreal’s board since 1997 and is the chairwoman of the family holding company.

She became France’s reigning L’Oreal heiress in 2017 when her mother Liliane Bettencourt, then the world’s richest woman, died at age 94.

Top 10 richest women in the world

For interest’s sake, Warren Buffett at 93 years of age is the oldest member of the Top 10 list.

By contrast, the oldest person on the woman’s Top 10 list is 84-year-old Jacqueline Mars.

The average age of those in the Top 10 richest overall is 63.5, while the average age on the Top 10 woman’s list is considerably higher at 72.5.

As reported by The South African website, Clemente Del Vecchio is the richest teenager in the world.

The figures are updated in real time.

Top 10 richest people in the world

Correct as of 4 May 2024 at 10:45 SA time

When it comes to the ever-changing Forex market, AvaTrade stands out as a reliable and innovative option for traders from South Africa. When it comes to helping traders in the area achieve their financial goals, AvaTrade is head and shoulders above the competition thanks to its wide variety of personalised services as illustrated in there AvaTrade South Africa review

Trustworthiness and Compliance with Regulations

The security and well-being of AvaTrade’s traders is their number one priority. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa is one of the primary regulatory authorities that it operates under as a regulated broker, according to this AvaTrade review of South Africa.

As a result of AvaTrade’s compliance with regulations, traders have faith in the company’s commitment to honesty, equity, and responsibility.

A Wide Variety of Tradable Assets

The wide variety of assets that can be traded is one of the best things about AvaTrade. Trading on a variety of marketplaces is made possible for South African traders via AvaTrade, including major and minor currency pairs, commodities, indices, equities, and cryptocurrencies. 

Traders can increase the portfolio’s resilience and profit potential by diversifying their holdings across several asset types.

Powerful Software for Trading

Traders of all skill levels will find what they need on AvaTrade’s state-of-the-art trading platforms, as found by our AvaTrade review in South Africa. While experienced traders have access to powerful charting tools and expert advisors on the powerful MetaTrader 4 platform, novices can stay connected to the markets and execute trades on the go with the user-friendly AvaTradeGO mobile app. 

Added to this, traders can learn about vanilla options using AvaOptions, which opens up new avenues for strategy development and risk management.

Support and Resources for Education

Since AvaTrade knows that education is the key to success for South African traders, they provide them with a plethora of educational materials and assistance regarding the rand value, trading and more

Traders may get all the knowledge they need from AvaTrade, including detailed trading manuals, video tutorials, live webinars, and market analysis. 

Traders have access to individual account managers who can provide personalised support and guidance throughout the entire process, allowing them to confidently navigate the difficult Forex market.

Competitive Trading Conditions

Traders from South Africa are able to maximise their trading with the help of AvaTrade’s competitive trading conditions. 

Trading with AvaTrade allows traders to optimise their profits while minimising expenses, thanks to their tight spreads, cheap commissions, and leverage up to 1:30. In addition, traders from various walks of life are able to engage in Forex trading in line with their values because Islamic accounts are available.

Resources for Managing Risk

The ability to control risk is critical in foreign exchange (Forex), and AvaTrade provides South African traders with cutting-edge resources to do just that. 

With AvaProtect, traders can guarantee their positions against potential losses for a predetermined duration, and stop-loss and take-profit orders from AvaTrade, traders can trade with confidence and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, AvaTrade is the best option for South African Forex traders because it caters to their specific requirements and preferences with a wide range of services and features. With a focus on regulatory compliance and a wide array of tradable assets, AvaTrade is dedicated to helping South African traders achieve financial success in the ever-changing world of Forex.

In doing so, the 52-year-old South Africa-born Tesla CEO and X owner, closed the gap on France’s Bernard Arnault who occupies the No 1 spot.

The reason for Musk’s sudden increase in fortune came after he confirmed that Tesla plans to start production of new models in “early 2025, if not late this year,” after previously expecting to begin in the second half of 2025.

In addition, Musk also touted Tesla’s investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure, and said the company is in talks with “one major automaker” to license its driver assistance system, which is marketed in the US as the full self-driving, or FSD, option.

In its shareholder deck, Tesla showed off screens of a robotaxi-based ride-hailing service.

The company has been promising a self-driving vehicle for years without delivering on Musk’s promise.

Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla.

Bernard Arnault remains the richest person in the world

Meanwhile, France’s founder, chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, Bernard Arnault, leads the way in terms of richest in the world with $209.7 billion.

Musk is second with $204.1 billion, with American Amazon founder Jeff Bezos rounding out the top three with $197.8 billion.

LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, commonly known as LVMH, is a French multinational holding and conglomerate specialising in luxury goods, headquartered in Paris.

Musk was once comfortably the world’s richest person, but his $44 billion purchase of social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) saw him drop down the rankings.

Musk is the fourth-youngest member of the top 10 club, behind Mark Zuckerberg (39), Sergey Brin (50) and Larry Page (51).

Following Bezos in the top 10, in order, are Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Page, Brin, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer.

Apart from Arnault, the rest of the top 10 are all American citizens.

The figures are updated in real time.

Top 10 richest people in the world

Correct as of 29 April 2024 at 18:00 SA time

Meanwhile, another French national, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, tops the list of “richest woman in the world”.

She is the 16th-richest person in the world.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, 70, is the granddaughter of the founder of personal care company L’Oreal.

Bettencourt Meyers and her family own more than a third of publicly traded L’Oreal.

She has served on L’Oreal’s board since 1997 and is the chairwoman of the family holding company.

She became France’s reigning L’Oreal heiress in 2017 when her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, then the world’s richest woman, died at age 94.

Top 10 richest women in the world:

For interest’s sake, Warren Buffett, at 93 years of age, is the oldest member of the overall top 10 list.

By contrast, the oldest person on the woman’s top 10 list is 84-year-old Jacqueline Mars.

The average age of those in the top 10 richest overall is 63.5, while the average age on the top 10 women’s list is considerably higher at 72.5.

As reported by The South African website, Clemente Del Vecchio is the richest teenager in the world.

“At the invitation of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Tesla (US) CEO Elon Musk arrived in Beijing this afternoon,” state broadcaster CCTV said.

Elon Musk has extensive business interests in China

State media said Musk met with Ren Hongbin, the head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, “to discuss next steps in cooperation and other topics”.

Musk has extensive business interests in China and his most recent visit was in June last year.

Tesla did not respond to AFP’s earlier requests for confirmation that Musk was visiting China or share his itinerary for the trip.

The mercurial magnate is a controversial figure in the West, but in China Tesla’s electric vehicles have become a staple of middle-class urban life.

Musk’s arrival in China coincides with a cut-throat price war between firms desperate to get ahead in the fiercely competitive EV market.

It also comes as Beijing hosts a massive auto show.

China’s local car giant BYD – “Build Your Dreams” – beat Tesla in last year’s fourth quarter to become the world’s top seller of EVs.

Tesla reclaimed that title in the first quarter of this year, but BYD remains firmly on top in its home market.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

As reported by The South African website on Thursday, Musk saw his net worth jump $9.8 billion over the previous 24 hours.

The 52-year-old added another $4.5 billion in the last day.

The reason for Musk’s sudden increase in fortune came after he confirmed that Tesla plans to start production of new models in “early 2025, if not late this year,” after previously expecting to begin in the second half of 2025.

In addition, Musk also touted Tesla’s investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure, and said the company is in talks with “one major automaker” to license its driver assistance system, which is marketed in the US as the full self-driving, or FSD, option.

In its shareholder deck, Tesla showed off screens of a robotaxi-based ride-hailing service.

The company has been promising a self-driving vehicle for years without delivering on Musk’s promise.

Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla.

Bernard Arnault remains the richest person in the world

Meanwhile, France’s founder, chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, Bernard Arnault, leads the way in terms of richest in the world with $211.8 billion.

Musk is now second with $192.2 billion, with American Amazon founder Jeff Bezos rounding out the top three.

LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, commonly known as LVMH, is a French multinational holding and conglomerate specialising in luxury goods, headquartered in Paris.

Musk was once comfortably the world’s richest person, but his $44 billion purchase of social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) saw him drop down the rankings.

Musk is the fourth-youngest member of the top 10 club, behind Mark Zuckerberg (39), Sergey Brin (50) and Larry Page (51).

Following Bezos in the top 10, in order, are Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Warren Buffett, Page, Bill Gates, Brin and Steve Ballmer.

Apart from Arnault, the rest of the top 10 are all American citizens.

The figures are updated in real time.

Top 10 richest people in the world

Correct as of 26 April 2024 at 12:00 SA time

Meanwhile, another French national, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, tops the list of “richest woman in the world”.

She is the 15th-richest person in the world.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, 70, is the granddaughter of the founder of personal care company L’Oreal.

Bettencourt Meyers and her family own more than a third of publicly traded L’Oreal.

She has served on L’Oreal’s board since 1997 and is the chairwoman of the family holding company.

She became France’s reigning L’Oreal heiress in 2017 when her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, then the world’s richest woman, died at age 94.

Top 10 richest women in the world:

For interest’s sake, Warren Buffett, at 93 years of age, is the oldest member of the overall top 10 list.

By contrast, the oldest person on the woman’s top 10 list is 84-year-old Jacqueline Mars.

The average age of those in the top 10 richest overall is 63.5, while the average age on the top 10 women’s list is considerably higher at 72.5.

As reported by The South African website, Clemente Del Vecchio is the richest teenager in the world.

This intense competition has left smartphone users to consider other factors when choosing which device is best suited for them – the outer aesthetic of the device. How the smartphone looks and feels in the hand plays great importance in the buying habits of consumers. 

According to a study by Scientific Research, visual aesthetics create significant value for products and make them more appealing. Differentiation in colours, weight, sleek design and comfortability when using the device has shown to be some of the key factors that impact a consumer’s decision on their preferred choice of smartphone brand.

Over the years, global smart device leader HONOR has proven its efficacy as a jack-of-all-trades in the technology space – leading the sprint with its AI-driven offerings that redefine the way people use and interact with smartphones. 

The HONOR Magic V2 flagship is no exception – not only does the device contain trailblazing technology, but it also holds all that processing in a sleek, minimalistic design that can go with any user’s aesthetic.

The HONOR Magic V2 becomes the perfect carry-on accessory to suit any style and outfit because of the following features: 

The World’s Thinnest and Lightest Inward Foldable

The first foldable device known to “usher in the millimetre era”, the HONOR Magic V2 measures 9.9mm when folded and 4.7mm when unfolded. Not only does this device offer a sleek and thin form, but it weighs in at an impressive 231g, meaning the Magic V2 is big enough to offer an incomparable viewing experience but also compact enough to seamlessly fit in a handbag, jeans pocket or even to carry around in hand without comprising the user’s comfortability.  

First-of-its-Kind Reinforced Hinge

While a major concern for some users regarding foldable phones may be the visible seam, which can lead to an unappealing look, the HONOR Magic V2 features a nearly invisible crease thanks to a reimagined gearless hinge specifically developed by HONOR.

The Super-Light Titanium Hinge is SGS certified, offering shaft cover strength that is 150% stronger than competitor devices. There are no visible creases when unfolded due to the suspended water-drop support of the hinge – meaning users can show off their HONOR Magic V2 in style without the worry of unsightly wrinkles.

Black Vegan Leather Back – A Nod to Sustainability

For those who adhere to an eco-conscious style, the HONOR Magic V2 is the device for them. Available in a vegan black leather back that combines sleek, minimalistic style with sustainability – every style-conscious individual needs a Little Black Case in their arsenal of accessories.

Offering a touch of class and elegance, the Magic V2 is designed to be the perfect accessory for an important business meeting, or even at a fancy dinner setting with a partner. 

An Unbeatable Display

Featuring an extraordinary configuration, both inside and out, the Magic V2 features a round-corner design – ensuring a more comfortable experience for consumers. 

The device also houses a groundbreaking 7.92-inch foldable display, effortlessly transforming from a smartphone into a tablet and offers an HDR10+ immersive viewing experience to catch up on your favourite shows, sports games and work-related documents.  

A Sleek and Simple Camera Setup

Simple and minimalist is on the agenda of the HONOR Magic V2. Featuring a 3-camera setup, the lenses are lined up in a straight line that speaks to a simple aesthetic. Housing two 50MP and 20MP rear lenses, the device is designed to not only look visually stunning but also capture breathtaking images in 4K quality of the user’s Outfit of the Day (OOTD) or Outfit of the Night (OOTN).

The HONOR Magic V2 isn’t just another smart device, it highlights the seamless fusion of technology and fashion, designed to complement or upgrade any look, style or ensemble effortlessly. 

Experience the Magic of the HONOR Magic V2, available at selected retailers for the recommended purchase price of R39 999.00

For more information, please visit HONOR at https://www.honor.com/za/phones/honor-magic-v2/

The reason for Musk’s sudden increase in fortune came after the 52-year-old confirmed that Tesla plans to start production of new models in “early 2025, if not late this year,” after previously expecting to begin in the second half of 2025.

In addition, Musk also touted Tesla’s investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure, and said the company is in talks with “one major automaker” to license its driver assistance system, which is marketed in the US as the full self-driving, or FSD, option.

In its shareholder deck, Tesla showed off screens of a robotaxi-based ride-hailing service.

The company has been promising a self-driving vehicle for years without delivering on Musk’s promise.

Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla.

Despite the hike in his personal fortune, Musk remained third on the list of the world’s richest people.

Bernard Arnault remains the richest person in the world

Meanwhile, France’s founder, chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, Bernard Arnault, leads the way in terms of richest in the world ahead of American Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Musk rounds out the top three.

LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, commonly known as LVMH, is a French multinational holding and conglomerate specialising in luxury goods, headquartered in Paris.

Musk was once comfortably the world’s richest person, but his $44 billion purchase of social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) saw him drop down the rankings.

Musk is the fourth-youngest member of the top 10 club, behind Mark Zuckerberg (39), Sergey Brin (50) and Larry Page (51).

Following Musk in the top 10, in order, are Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Warren Buffett, Page, Bill Gates, Brin and Steve Ballmer.

Apart from Arnault, the rest of the top 10 are all American citizens.

The figures are updated in real time.

Top 10 richest people in the world

Correct as of 25 April 2024 at 11:00 SA time

Meanwhile, another French national, Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, tops the list of “richest woman in the world”.

She is the 15th-richest person in the world.

Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, 70, is the granddaughter of the founder of personal care company L’Oreal.

Bettencourt Meyers and her family own more than a third of publicly traded L’Oreal.

She has served on L’Oreal’s board since 1997 and is the chairwoman of the family holding company.

She became France’s reigning L’Oreal heiress in 2017 when her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, then the world’s richest woman, died at age 94.

Top 10 richest women in the world:

For interest’s sake, Warren Buffett, at 93 years of age, is the oldest member of the top 10 list.

By contrast, the oldest person on the woman’s top 10 list is 84-year-old Jacqueline Mars.

The average age of those in the top 10 richest overall is 63.5, while the average age on the top 10 women’s list is considerably higher at 72.5.

As reported by The South African website, Clemente Del Vecchio is the richest teenager in the world.