According to News24, South African pop star Tyla shone at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, winning Top Afrobeats Song and Top Afrobeats Artist among her 8 nominations. In her pre-recorded acceptance speech, she thanked her supporters, family, and record label while humorously addressing the surprise of her win. Tyla also used the platform to highlight the diversity of African music, emphasizing her South African roots and amapiano culture.
The event marked another milestone in Tyla’s remarkable year, which included wins at the Grammys, BET Awards, MTV EMAs, VMAs, and SAMAs. Her debut album became the first 2024 release certified Gold by the RIAA. Tyla capped off her South African tour earlier this month and is set to perform again in January 2025.
In a recent interview, Julius Malema, EFF president, addressed Advocate Dali Mpofu’s departure to join Jacob Zuma’s new political party, the MKP. Mpofu had proposed that the EFF and other opposition parties disband to form a new party under Zuma’s leadership, but Malema rejected the idea, insisting that the EFF remains independent, News24 reports. The article highlights key moments and disagreements among leaders over the party’s future alliances ahead of the 2024 elections, with Malema emphasizing the EFF’s commitment to its values despite offers to merge with other opposition factions.
According to Times Live, Cape Town’s law enforcement and emergency teams are ramping up preparations for Guy Fawkes Day, with an emphasis on curbing assault, illegal fireworks sales and discharges, vehicle stoning, and other troublesome activities often associated with the day. The city’s safety and security directorate has concentrated resources on known hotspot areas, aiming to address destructive behavior by youths, such as attacks on adults and elderly individuals using socks filled with paint.
In recent years, incidents related to illegal fireworks have decreased, with a 31% drop from 2022 to 2023. The city has no designated sites for fireworks for Diwali, Guy Fawkes, or New Year’s Eve, and permits are required for any legal displays. Safety and security MMC JP Smith urged the public to help sustain the downward trend by reporting misbehavior and advised pet owners to keep animals indoors to protect them from fireworks trauma.
According to Times Live, former social media influencer “Dr” Matthew Lani has faced a dramatic turn of events after his fabricated persona as a medical professional was exposed. Lani had gained fame by giving medical advice and selling weight-loss products, but this all unraveled when authorities revealed he was unlicensed, and Wits University denied his supposed medical degree. Now, with limited income and living in a shelter, Lani has opened up about his hardships, even warning others about the dangers of seeking fame online. Despite everything, he’s determined to make a social media comeback to tell his side of the story in January, just before his trial in February.
According to IOL, South African actress and entrepreneur Shashi Naidoo recently shared a harrowing experience with her Instagram followers after her phone was stolen in South Africa. Despite security measures, her bank accounts were wiped, and her credit card was charged R500,000. Naidoo urged her followers to remain vigilant with their phones in public spaces and to immediately notify their banks if a phone is lost or stolen. Following her ordeal, she worked closely with forensic investigators to understand how the fraud occurred. She also expressed that this financial setback has been humbling and plans to refocus on her work to recover.
According to Vodacom Soccer, Manchester United has announced the departure of Erik ten Hag as head coach following a series of disappointing results, including a recent defeat to West Ham. Appointed in April 2022, Ten Hag led the club to Carabao and FA Cup victories, but recent performances left United in the bottom half of the league. United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe initially backed Ten Hag, but with only three wins in nine league games, the club’s leadership opted to part ways. Ruud van Nistelrooy will serve as interim head coach while a search for a permanent replacement is underway.
According to EWN, the prolonged trial over the murder of South African football captain Senzo Meyiwa, ten years after his death, has spotlighted issues within the country’s justice system. Despite new judges and ongoing hearings, frequent delays have fueled frustration among Meyiwa’s family, fans, and the public. The trial’s pace, especially following the judge’s replacement due to illness, has raised questions about the system’s effectiveness. The five men accused, alleged to have been hired by Meyiwa’s then-girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo, continue to await their day in court as South Africa watches for closure in this high-profile case.
Cape Town – There’s strong evidence to suggest that African telco leaders are the industry’s most forward-thinking and innovative community.
For them, the year 2044 includes quantum communication and yottabytes, entangled particles and magnetic levitation. It’s a world where interplanetary travel is possible and watching a football game is a mind-bending experience.
This isn’t science fiction. They’re ideas from the minds of Africa’s telco giants who attended the NOVACOM AFRICA 1-to-1 TELCO SUMMITS in Franschhoek, Cape Town earlier this month.
The very people who could make brain-computer interfaces a reality one day were challenged to deliver a viewer and fan experience for the ‘Interplanetary Football Cup on Mars in the year 2044’.
It all played out during the NOVACOM Avantages session – a unique product by NOVACOM AFRICA 1-to-1 TELCO SUMMITS that accelerates innovation by solving problems through collaboration.
Heads were scratched, ideas were shot down and laughed off. But the result was some of the most imaginative solutions to the most unique problem the execs are ever likely to face.
Against the stunning backdrop of the Cape Winelands at Le Franschhoek & Spa, the invitation-only event delivered on its promise of meaningful business connections and shaping the future of the telecom sector on the continent.
And while the execs used their vast skills and experience in telecommunications to solve a problem of galactic proportions, they also drilled down to the business at hand – finding ways to get more Africans connected.
High-calibre attendees
From mobile network operators to technology solutions providers, the 80 guests were selected based on their strategic roles and decision-making authority.
Each participant had something valuable to bring to the table, making the summit a hotbed of strategic deals and collaborations.
On the seller side, vendors showcased cutting-edge technologies and services, from infrastructure upgrades to digital transformation solutions.
Digital transformation, infrastructure and the next frontier
Throughout the two days, several key themes emerged, shedding light on the future of African telcos. Among the most pressing were digital transformation, network infrastructure upgrades, 5G rollouts, and improving connectivity in underserved areas.
Sustainability and energy efficiency also hogged the spotlight, reflecting the broader global trend toward greener telco networks.
High praise from attendees
Attendees were full of praise for the format of the summit and the quality of the meetings.
“A truly awesome event. Great spending time with like-minded individuals and learning from each other. Hats off to the team, I love the new approach to conferencing and it was executed to the tee. Super grateful to have been part of it!” said Albert Oosthuysen, co-founder and CEO of Net Nine-Nine.
Estelle Wust, Senior Sales & Business Developer at LabLabee said, “NOVACOM AFRICA 1-to-1 TELCO SUMMITS gathered intelligent minds who think quickly without the usual formalities, all working together to shape the future of telecommunications and light up tomorrow’s world.”
“A great technology/telecom summit is not just about the latest innovations, but about the connections we make, the ideas we share, and the inspiration we take back to transform our world. Excellent job,” said Saheed Awojide of Backbone Connectivity Network Nigeria
Attendees can expect the same high-quality meetings, impactful discussions, and world-class venues that have become the hallmark of NOVACOM AFRICA events.
Look out for the announcement of the dates, coming soon!
The Department of Basic Education has no immediate plans to raise the 30% pass mark for Grade 12 subjects, despite calls from MPs to increase it to 50%. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube stated that while she understands the concerns, she will need time to consult experts before making any policy changes. Gwarube’s response followed a parliamentary question from Bosa deputy leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, who argued that the current pass mark is inadequate for preparing students for the future. Gwarube plans to establish an advisory council to explore necessary reforms and strengthen the curriculum. Concerns raised also include improving teacher salaries, reducing union power, and addressing overcrowded classrooms.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and his wife, Rachel, have announced the end of their eight-year marriage, reports The South African. In a joint statement shared on Instagram, they explained that the decision to part ways was mutual and made with love, respect, and understanding. While their relationship as a couple is changing, they remain committed to co-parenting their children and continuing their collaborative work with the Kolisi Foundation. The couple expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received and asked for privacy as they navigate this new chapter.
