E! VIP PROFILES GERT-JOHAN COETZEE

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5 February 2023

E! VIP Profiles Gert-Johan Coetzee in latest Episode on Sunday 12 February at LATEST EPISODE ON SUNDAY 12 February at 20:00 CAT on E! Africa & Universal+
E! VIP is back for a brand-new season to grant exclusive insight into the lives and careers of the most notable and high-profile celebrities from across Africa. Viewers can uncover the stories of stars from South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, including Sarkodie, Jo-anne Reyneke, Daniel Churchill, Boity Thulo, Yvonne Nelson, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Nasty C, Kate Kamau, Yemi Alade, Mihlali and Fireboy.
The episode featuring Gert-Johan Coetzee will air on Sunday, 12 February 2023 at 20:00 CAT on E! Africa (DStv channel 124), available on Universal + immediately after.
In Gert-Johan Coetzee’s episode of E! VIP he discusses how his career kicked off: “When starting a fashion brand, of course you have to fake it till you make it. The clients don’t come in the beginning and the Instagram likes and the applause aren’t there. I think for me the hardest part was in the beginning, waking up every day following the fashion trends and just having the faith that one day it’s going to come to you”.
Coetzee also opens up about the first famous person he dressed: “The first famous person I dressed, and this was the most exciting I’ve ever been, was as a first year studying fashion. Sandy Ngema contacted me wanting a dress for a big horse racing event. That was so exciting to be a student and to be dressing celebrities getting your name out there. The first breakthrough is always the biggest highlight”.
E! VIP is produced by Brainstorm Media Entertainment in Johannesburg for NBCUniversal
International Networks & Direct-To-Consumer.

Episode List / Running Order
Aired 11 December 20:00 CAT on DStv channel 124; also available on Universal+
1. Tribute to Riky Rick – South African rapperAired 8 January 20:00 CAT on DStv channel 124; also available on Universal+
2. Sarkodie – Ghanaian rapper Aired 15 January 20:00 CAT on DStv channel 124; also available on Universal+
2. Jo-anne Reyneke – South African actress Aired 22 January 20:00 CAT on DStv channel 124; also available on Universal+
3. Daniel Churchill – Kenyan comedian Aired 29 January 20:00 CAT on DStv channel 124; also available on Universal+
5. Boity Thulo – South Africa television personality

Samsung and Check Point Software team up to improve Mobile Security

By

LnT Desk

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5 February 2023

The widespread adoption of remote work caused the mobile attack surface to significantly increase, leaving 97% of organizations exposed to mobile attacks from various attack vectors. Mobile security must be a top focus for all enterprises given that 60% of workers are expected to be mobile by 2024.

Given the current state of the mobile threat environment, we are excited to announce that Check Point Software Technologies and Samsung Electronics have joined forces for the first time to offer enterprises strong defense against the rising tide of mobile-related threats.

Samsung and Check Point’s integrated solution helps prevent the most sophisticated mobile related attacks securing businesses while their employees are increasingly using their mobile devices to perform critical business tasks and access sensitive business assets.

With this new partnership Check Point Harmony Mobile is integrated with the Samsung Knox security and device management platform to prevent malicious apps from running, installing, or interfering with other apps, offering organizations the best security.

The new solution leverages Harmony Mobile’s AI technologies and on-device behavior analysis as well as Check Point ThreatCloud’s globally shared threat intelligence creating a new level of security for mobile devices.

The partnership combines advanced integration between Samsung Knox Manage, part of Samsung Knox Suite,[1] and Check Point Harmony Mobile, the industry-leading Mobile Threat Defense (MTD) solution and a joint customer engagement vision. Harmony Mobile updates Knox Manage in real time about the security posture of every device, enabling Knox Manage to allow secure access to corporate assets and applications from employee’s mobile devices and prevent lateral movement of threats and modern attacks such as phishing, mobile ransomware, malicious mobile apps, and malware hiding in email attachments, identity theft and more.

Check Point and Samsung teams are working closely to create a holistic security solution[2] against the most sophisticated mobile attacks through a close integration of Check Point Harmony Mobile and Samsung Knox Manage:

Samsung Knox Manage (Samsung’s Endpoint Mobility Management) – The integrated solution enables organizations to manage and protect mobile devices against mobile cyber-attacks. Harmony Mobile detects and analyzes threats and provides this intelligence to Samsung’s Knox Manage solution providing the visibility to enact risk-based policies and automatically remediate attacks.
Samsung Devices – The device-level integration (enabled by integration with Samsung Knox Platform) offers unique mitigation capabilities for any device protected by Samsung Knox, including preventing malicious applications’ installation and activation, allowing organizations to meet the most severe corporate and industry requirements for security.

To learn more about the many benefits of using the integrated Samsung Knox Manage and Check Point Harmony Mobile solution, including; threat monitoring, analysis, alert and remediation, request a demo with one of our experts today!

[1] Samsung Knox Suite is an all-in-one package of enterprise mobility solutions designed to keep work phones, tablets, and wearables under IT control, and Knox Manage is the core component of the product offering. It allows enterprise IT admins to address business needs throughout the entire device lifecycle. Easily secure, deploy, manage, and analyze mobile devices for business use, while allowing employees to stay productive.

[2] Availability of this offering may vary by device model, OS version, market and Knox version. For detailed information, please refer to the following URL Supported Device, OS and Knox Version by Knox Manage.

Copper 360 confirms listing this month

By

LnT Desk

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4 February 2023

Cape Town: Red metal producer Copper 360 chief executive Jan Nelson confirmed today that the company will list on the AltX board of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange this month. The company offers the only pure copper play to investors on the JSE.

Nelson said that the future of copper, as a primary driving force and bedrock of the global move to a green economy, continues to fuel long term upside.

He said: “The demand for copper is significantly outpacing the current supply, with a deficit of 5 to 8 million tonnes. This gap is expected to grow to 35 million tonnes in the next 15 years. The scarcity of copper is reflected in the rising prices, and with the need to produce 700 million tonnes of copper in the next 22 years, prices are expected to continue to rise.”

Its critical role in the green revolution and infrastructure development makes it a valuable commodity. The deficit in copper supply versus demand and the need to produce 700 million tonnes of copper in the next 22 years will lead to a continued rise in copper prices.

Simply to meet Europe’s target of 30% electric vehicles by 2040, there will be a need for another third of that amount in wind turbines and other infrastructure.

He noted that China’s recent lockdown had a temporary impact on copper prices, but the mere mention of China coming out of lockdown led to a rise in copper prices by almost $2,500 per tonne. He pointed out: “This is a clear indication of the scarcity of copper and the high demand for it.”

According to the World Bureau of Metal Statistics, the global copper deficit has been growing steadily in recent years, reaching an estimated 184,000 metric tons in 2021. By 2023 it said that the gap could rise to several million tonnes by the middle of the next decade and added that the increasing demand for copper in various industries, including construction, transportation, and renewable energy, has put a strain on existing supplies.

The Northern Cape copper district in South Africa, with its rich deposits of copper ore, presents a significant opportunity to address the deficit and drive economic growth in the region. The company is expected to revitalise the copper district in the Northern Cape in South Africa and will play a significant role in meeting this demand.

The development of Copper 360 in the region is not just good for the company, but it is also good for the community and the country as a whole. Said Nelson: “The company has employed over 280 people in the last two years and intends to employ another 1000 people in the next two years, creating jobs and economic activity in an area where the majority of the population is unemployed.”

Cybersecurity trends for Africa under the spotlight

By

LnT Desk

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3 February 2023

With Africa experiencing the highest volume of cyberattacks in the world last year, according to the Check Point Software 2022 Security Report, organisations and consumers must become more aware of the threats they face in the digital landscape. To this end, Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions globally, has announced its cybersecurity predictions for Southern and East Africa.

Key sectors

During the past six months, Check Point Research has seen an increase in cyberattacks targeting the government, insurance, and finance sectors in South Africa. On average, there have been more than 1 450 attacks per week in the country. This trend will likely continue over the coming months as more threats start coming from cloud and mobile platforms. Threat actors will not limit their focus to South Africa and will potentially target countries across the continent.

Cloud focus

The rapid adoption of the cloud in Africa saw supply chain attacks emerging last year with breaches occurring in the Okta cloud-based identity management platform. Check Point anticipates that these supply chain attacks will continue through 2023 with a significant amount of risk coming from the open source community. Typically, suppliers relying on these open source systems have not properly vetted them or have been lax in managing these environments, resulting in cybersecurity weak points emerging.

It is especially South Africa and Kenya that have become key targets around the cloud. In both countries, many companies are moving workloads to the cloud. Hypervisors like AWS, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle have established data centres in these countries. This will result in more businesses and consumers turning to cloud security solutions to safeguard their systems and data.

Remote workers

Furthermore, the expanding remote workforce has resulted in many organisations relying on the collaboration of services and applications on several platforms. Many businesses across southern and eastern Africa allow their staff to access corporate information on mobile devices without ensuring that enhanced security has been implemented. Top malware families like Hiddad will continue to gain access to Android-based mobile devices, repackaging legitimate apps, and distributing them to third-party stores. These apps facilitate access to key security features built-in the operating system. Even more malware alternatives will come to prominence in 2023.

Malware concern

Major malware families like Emotet (Botnet), Nanocore (RAT), and Qbot (Trojan) are expected to cause major disruptions on the continent. This will require organisations to place emphasis on security controls with a threat prevention approach across all their platforms. Doing so will strengthen their defences against ransomware and supply chain threats.

Globally, ransomware was the number one threat in 2022. Uncertainty across the various African economies around service delivery and critical infrastructure will likely see more countries face cyberattacks targeting the government. To mitigate against this risk, both public and private sectors must embrace a robust architecture that provides uncompromised security and unparalleled operational efficiency.

For instance, the number of cyberthreats reported to the Kenyan National Cyber Crime Centre (NCC) in the first quarter of the 2022/23 year rose by almost 200%. According to the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA), the number of cyberattacks detected in the country in the three months ending September 2022 stood at 278 million. This is almost three times the number of threats reported in previous quarter.

The country has implemented a number of initiatives to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure, including the establishment of the National Cyber Security Authority and the National Computer Incident Response Team (National KE-CIRT/CC). Their mandate is to coordinate response and manage cybersecurity incidents nationally and to collaborate with relevant actors locally, regionally, and internationally.

Tech-driven defences

The availability of more advanced technology means organisations can strengthen their defensive stances. For instance, Kenyan businesses have embraced the Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) approaches. These combine both the network system and security measures to enable organisations to manage both the network and network security together. It has become common for employees to connect to a company’s systems via a VPN from home or a coworking space, and use services provided in the cloud to carry out their work. With workplace and data asset locations diversifying, it has become more difficult for a company’s IT department to manage everything under a unified security policy. ZTNA and SASE bring network services and security services together, making it possible to maintain security without getting in the way of employee work.

Keeping focused

The cyberthreat landscape in the coming months will put pressure on companies across Africa and the rest of the world. With the growth in adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning, attack vectors will increase in ferocity. Organisations and consumers must embrace a comprehensive cybersecurity approach to ensure their environments are kept safe.

“There is simply no respite from ransomware and increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. This puts users under increasing pressure to keep up to date with the latest trends in the threat landscape. We know that these criminals are continually evolving in how they develop and perpetrate attacks. With smaller, more agile malicious groups looking to exploit any potential weak points in company and end user defences, people cannot afford to not take cybersecurity seriously,” says Pankaj Bhula, Regional Director for Africa at Check Point.

The coming months will highlight the importance of organisations and consumers needing to remain vigilant and ensure their applications and data remain protected. With malware on the rise, the normalisation of hybrid work, and the need to adopt advanced technologies in a digital world, it is imperative that users across Africa prioritise their cyber defences.

Follow Check Point Software via:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkpointsoftware

Blog: https://blog.checkpoint.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies

About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (https://www.checkpoint.com/) is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions to corporate enterprises and governments globally. Check Point Infinity’s portfolio of solutions protects enterprises and public organisations from 5^th generation cyberattacks with an industry leading catch rate of malware, ransomware and other threats. Infinity comprises four core pillars delivering uncompromised security and generation V threat prevention across enterprise environments: Check Point Harmony, for remote users; Check Point CloudGuard, to automatically secure clouds; and Check Point Quantum, to protect network perimeters and datacenters, all controlled by the industry’s most comprehensive, intuitive unified security management; Check Point Horizon, a prevention-first security operations suite. Check Point protects over 100,000 organizations of all sizes.

Samsung unveils the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23

By

LnT Desk

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2 February 2023

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Unveiled the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23, marking a new era of Galaxy’s ultimate premium phone experience. Samsung Galaxy’s most epic camera gives users more freedom to explore their creativity, like capturing truly cinematic Nightography videos with transformative artificial intelligence (AI). The Snapdragon^® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy unleashes a future-ready mobile gaming experience and powerfully sustained game play, supported by exclusive chipset enhancements made possible by Samsung’s close collaboration with Qualcomm. Galaxy S23 series’ new standard-setting innovations are housed within a striking design that advances Samsung’s sustainability commitment with the more recycled materials of any Galaxy smartphone.

“The most impactful technology is measured, not just by what it enables for people today, but also how it contributes to a better future,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Galaxy S23 Ultra and the entire Galaxy S series line-up are the new standard-bearers of a trustworthy premium smartphone experience that merges industry-leading innovation and future-forward sustainability.”

A Camera with the Most Megapixels and Extensive Creative Controls, From Day to Night

Galaxy S23 Ultra makes it easier for any level of photographer to capture phenomenal content. It offers Galaxy’s most advanced camera system, tailored for nearly any lighting conditions and engineered to render incredible detail. New Nightography capabilities transform how the Galaxy S series optimises photos and videos in a wide range of ambient conditions. Filming a favourite song at a concert, snapping a selfie at the aquarium, or grabbing a group shot of friends at dinner — whatever the scene, images and videos are sharp. Visual noise that usually ruins low-light images is corrected by a new AI-powered image signal processing (ISP) algorithm that enhances object details and colour tone.

In a Samsung Galaxy-first, Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a massively upgraded Adaptive Pixel 200MP sensor that captures epic moments with incredible precision. It uses pixel binning to support multiple levels of high-resolution processing at once. And because selfie cameras are more important than ever to how we communicate today, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 introduce fast autofocus and the first Galaxy Super HDR selfie camera, jumping from 30 frames per second (fps) to 60fps, for noticeably sharper front-facing images and videos.

For users who want the ultimate creative control and versatility, the Galaxy S series offers a suite of tools that differentiate any photography experience. The Expert RAW app^[i], available exclusively on Galaxy, enables DSLR-style image shooting and editing in RAW and JPEG — no bulky camera equipment is required. Within the app, experiment with Multi-Exposure photo art or capture a clear view of the Milky Way with Astrophoto settings. Meanwhile, the new zoom capabilities on Galaxy Watch5 series’ Camera Controller app empower users to capture a perfectly framed shot right from their wrist.

Additional camera advancements include:

Low-light, close-up, or in situations that would normally create a blur, images are sharp with doubled optical image stabiliser (OIS) angles in all directions, from 1.5 to 3 degrees.
Photo and video reflect a stunning level of detail with Galaxy’s second-generation Adaptive Pixel[ii] sensor and Samsung’s updated pixel binning technology for Galaxy S23 Ultra — now with 200MP, 50MP, and 12MP output options.
Videos feel more cinematic with enhanced 8K video at 30fps with a wider angle.
Advanced, object-based AI analyses each detail in the frame, even down to minute facial features such as hair and eyes, to carefully reflect a person’s dynamic characteristics.
For an even more enhanced video experience, the new 360 Audio Recording feature[iii] on Galaxy Buds2 Pro creates multi-dimensional sound.

On Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23, the iconic Galaxy camera also gets an upgraded look. The contour housing has been removed, marking a new era of essential Galaxy design that makes the entire series stand out.

Premium Performance Makes Way for the Future of Mobile Gaming

For creators and gamers alike, the desire to push limits and constantly reimagine what’s possible requires technology that outpaces expectations. Qualcomm Snapdragon^® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, enables unprecedented performance while Galaxy’s most efficient 5,000mAh battery to date, lasts more than 20 percent longer than its predecessor[iv]. Mobile gaming, especially, gets a big boost with enhanced mobile graphics and sustained gaming graphics. Galaxy S23 Ultra’s graphics processing unit (GPU) is faster by more than 40 percent than the S22 and its neutral processing unit (NPU) is also optimised by more than 40 percent to balance performance and power for photography, videography, low-latency gaming and more. In anticipation of the future of ultimate digital realism, Galaxy S23 Ultra comes ready to support real-time ray tracing as it comes to the mobile gaming mainstream. Users will be able to see noticeably more lifelike renderings of scenes, thanks to technology that simulates and tracks every ray of light. Plus, Galaxy’s Vapour Cooling Chamber, now bigger and on every Galaxy S23 series model, ensures immersing in a gaming marathon won’t slow down your experience.

All this power underpins Ultra’s expansive 6.8-inch[v] edge display with a reduced curvature to create a larger and flatter surface area for the best and brightest visual experience on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Samsung Galaxy’s unique Enhanced comfort feature allows users to adjust colour tones and contrast levels, lessening eye strain from screen time at night. Vision Booster now adjusts at four levels of lighting[vi] instead of two to combat brightness and glare in daylight.

Sustainability Advances the Essence of Samsung Galaxy

The Galaxy S23 series raises the bar for premium technology designed with the planet in mind. It is made using even more recycled materials than the Galaxy S22 series, including pre-consumer recycled aluminium and recycled glass, and post-consumer recycled plastics sourced from discarded fishing nets[vii], water barrels and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

The new S series is the first to market Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2, adding heightened durability for long-term use and designed with an average of 22 percent pre-consumer recycled content. Plus, every Galaxy S23 smartphone comes in redesigned packaging made with 100% recycled paper.

With the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy is doing more to minimise its impact on the environment without compromising quality and aesthetic. Galaxy S23 series is UL ECOLOGO® certified^[viii], meaning that the product has been certified for reduced environmental impact.

For users who want to extend the life of their device, Galaxy S23 series’ premium experience can be sustained through the years with four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates[ix]. To ensure the longevity, users can also leverage a variety of programs such as Samsung Care+, a support service for accidental damages, repairs and more^x.

User-Friendly Security and Privacy Enable an Open, Personalised Experience

Secure and private experiences are the foundation of the Galaxy S23 series. Every smartphone comes with Samsung’s end-to-end Samsung Knox protection. The Security and Privacy Dashboard on Galaxy gives users full visibility over who has access to their data and how it’s being used. With just a glance, it’s easy to see if personal data is at risk and receive simple prompts to change settings for a more secure experience. Users can also decide exactly which applications and programs get access to their data and how it can be used.

For an added layer of security, Knox Vault, which was first introduced on the Galaxy S22 series, protects critical information on the S series by isolating it from the rest of the device, including the OS, for added protection against vulnerabilities.

More Freedom and Flexibility for Connected Lifestyles

At the core of Galaxy S series’ premium experience is the uncompromising innovation of Ultra. But the power and creative capabilities of Samsung Galaxy Ultra don’t stop at smartphones. With the brand new, first-ever Galaxy Book3 Ultra^xi, and the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, users can now have a connected, cutting-edge Ultra ecosystem.

Across every Galaxy S series model, though, connected experiences get added benefits. Multi control[x]ⁱⁱ, which connects mouse and keyboard functionality between a Galaxy PC and Tablet, now extends to Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 for the ultimate flexibility between devices. Plus, enhanced text usability makes it easy to copy and paste text, like URLs, from one device to another to pick up an activity on a new device. On Galaxy S23 Ultra, Google Meet paired with Samsung Notes and the embedded S Pen^[xi]ⁱⁱ now make video calls even more collaborative. With Live Share, all participants can now simultaneously co-edit a document from each of their devices, rather than viewing a shared screen.

Availability

The Galaxy S23 series comes in four nature-inspired matte hues: Phantom Black, Cream, Green and Lavender^xiv.

Starting on 24 February 2023, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 will be available countrywide in carriers and retailers online and Unlocked by Samsung versions on Samsung.com.

Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S23 series and get an upgraded memory size of 512GB HMV (High-Memory Variant)

plus a Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Wi-Fi (SM-P613) when you purchase the 256GB. The offer starts on 02 February to 06

March 2023^xv.

The R10 000 trade-in offer allows customers to save a fair portion of the cost provided the device they want to trade in is up to standard. This offer includes the discounted Samsung Care Plus offer once-off fee of R499 across Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+ & S23. Applicable from 02 Feb to 30 April 2023^xvi.

The recommended retail price for Galaxy S23 Ultra is R31 999, Galaxy S23 Plus is R23 999 and Galaxy S23 is R21 999^xvii.

[i] Expert RAW must be downloaded separately from the Galaxy Store, for free, before use. Expert RAW app is available on Galaxy S23 series (S23 Ultra, S23+, S23), Galaxy S22 Series (S22 Ultra/S22+/S22), S21 Ultra, S20 Ultra, Z Fold4, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 2, Note 20 Ultra.

[ii] All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.

[iii] The feature will be available on Galaxy Buds2 Pro paired with a Galaxy smartphone running One UI 5.0 or above with LE Audio support, including Galaxy S23 series. Requires installation of the latest software versions of the Galaxy smartphone and Galaxy Buds devices. To activate the feature, go to Samsung Camera app > tap Camera settings after selecting Video mode > tap Advanced video options > turn on 360 Audio Recording.

[iv] Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user. Independently assessed by Strategy Analytics between 2021.12.08–12.20 in USA and UK with pre-release versions of SM-S901, SM-S906, SM-S908 under default setting using 5G Sub6 networks (NOT tested under 5G mmWave network). Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged, and many other factors.

[v] Display measurements are diagonal, and actual viewable area is less due to rounded corners and camera hole.

[vi] Four levels of lighting include turning-off option. (Off – Level 1- Level 2 – Level 3)

[vii] Discarded fishing nets are purchased through Samsung’s partner that works with local fishermen who collect them from the Indian Ocean and neighboring coastal areas. Samsung does not directly recover fishing nets from the ocean.

[viii] UL ECOLOGO® Certified products and services are verified for reduced environmental impact based on environmental performance criteria throughout its life cycle, including energy reduction, materials, health, environment, manufacturing and operations. Galaxy S23 series met the UL 110 which is the UL Environmental Standard for Mobile Phones Sustainability

[ix] Availability and timing of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates may vary by device model and market. Devices eligible for four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates currently include Galaxy S23 series (S23 Ultra/S23+/S23), Galaxy S22 series (S22/S22+/S22 Ultra), S21 series (S21/S21+/S21 Ultra/S21 FE), Z Fold4, Z Flip4, Z Fold3, Z Flip3, and Tab S8 series (Tab S8/Tab S8+/Tab S8 Ultra).

[x] Terms and Conditions apply.

[x]ⁱ Galaxy Book3 Ultra not available locally.

^xii Samsung Multi control works on Galaxy tablets with One UI 4.1 or above, Galaxy phones with One UI 5.1 or above and Galaxy Book series devices launched in 2021 or later with either Samsung Settings v1.5 (Intel) or Samsung Settings v3.3 (ARM). Some models may have limited feature support and both phone and PC must be signed into same Samsung account.

[xi]ⁱⁱ S pen support is available on Galaxy S23 Ultra. S Pen support is not available on Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+.

^xivAvailability may vary by market.

^xvTerms and Conditions apply.

^xviTerms and Conditions apply.

^xviiRecommended retail price only. Prices may vary per retailer.

The 2023 décor trends you need to know

By

Kim Williams

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2 February 2023

As we head into a brand-new year, this is the ideal time to splash out on some home upgrades to give your interior space a much-needed revamp.

Kim Williams, a top Cape Town interior designer, behaviour specialist, and owner of the Kim Williams Design studio, unveils the top trends which every homeowner should know in 2023.

Colour is back with a bang

South Africans enter the new year in the throes of a bright and hot summer. The muted tones that had a calming and healing affect over us during the pandemic are being replaced with brighter colours and bolder designs.
We are likely to see a big uptick in rooms filled with mood boosting colours that reflect personal style and taste. Yellow shades are especially associated with feelings of happiness and optimism, and Plascon’s colour combination for 2023 really captures the different stages of light and cheerfulness of this time of year.

Create an experience and not collect things

Thanks to social media, we are now all mini celebrities, with our own individual brand and aesthetic, and the best way to articulate this is in our interior décor. It’s a trend mainly driven by a much younger generation wanting to express themselves but also comes off the back of isolation and lockdown restrictions which brought mingling and memory making to a grinding halt.

Expect to see bold art pieces and expressive accent colours on fabrics and wallcoverings. They might not conform to typical design and interior décor conventions, but they are effective in adding pops of colour, an element of intrigue and interest, and celebrates the different voices, cultures, and individual personalities that make up life.

Repair, Recycle and Repurpose

Deepened healing is a huge behavioural trend which I have spoken about at length in the first edition of my report, ‘Behind the Design’. This inclusive design essentially looks at the desire for humans to always want to be connected to nature and it continues to gain constant traction.

One reason for this is the strong drive to repair and repurpose items and reduce waste, especially given the recent supply and demand constraints caused by the war in Ukraine. I have also been seeing a fantastic emerging trend where old, cherished memories from past generations are brought to life in beautiful quilts and wall hangings, that then act as bespoke décor pieces in the home. It is such a unique way to tell a story and invoke interest.

Embracing outdoor living

As temperatures rise, so too does our desire to be outside, barefoot, and carefree, sipping drinks and enjoying garden games with loved ones. Merging our outdoor and indoor living space is going to be huge this year, as it brings in light, improves flow and balance and keeps our living area feeling bright and spacious.

Remember, an outdoor space only works if it exudes a bright and breezy feel, so don’t add too much. Transparent ghost chairs are a great practical outdoor solution, and you can easily swap out the cushions and throws from season to season. From a décor perspective, this is where you can properly express elements of deepened healing. Consider adding repurposed or repaired items of furniture, previously loved design pieces in soft curves and shapes, and appealing pieces of artwork.

Be water wise

Next year is all about reconnecting with all aspects of planet earth and we don’t just mean dotting a few plant pots around. Our connection with water continues to be a rising phenomena all over the world and especially in places like Cape Town where cold-water swimming and general ocean awareness is growing in popularity.

Expect to see plenty of water features next year, both in the home, and the garden, that promote feelings of calmness, tranquillity and balance.

Conscious materials

Our desire for sustainable, eco-conscious living transcends to all parts of the design and décor sphere. We are likely to see more use of locally sourced materials, such as rattan, wood, stone, and weaves that are interspersed with soft furnishings and décor pieces made by local craftspeople.

There is also going to be a stronger effort to be deliberate with décor, with every item carefully considered for the value it will add to the overall objective, feeling or experience before it is added to a room. We’re likely to see people not just using décor for its aesthetic appeal, but to help create or contribute towards the entire energy and experience of the space.

Tottenham Spurs partnership deal not yet finalized!

By

LnT Desk

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2 February 2023

According to Acting Chief Executive Officer, Themba Khumalo Tottenham Spurs and SA Tourism deal is not finalize.

The government-mandated goal set for South African Tourism is to achieve 21 million international tourist arrivals by 2030. The organisation must, therefore, apply relevant marketing strategies, to ensure it delivers on this mandate.

It is no doubt that tourism growth has been stunted, due to the setbacks presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as such, the sector has focused all its efforts on rebuilding.

“For the past two years, the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan was focused on driving domestic travel which has resulted in a 139.4% increase in domestic travel between 2021 and 2022. Almost 30 million domestic trips were taken in 2022, a number that surpasses pre-COVID-19 levels, as South Africans rose to the challenge of supporting and reviving the country’s tourism industry, keeping it afloat. With the domestic sector now thriving, the time has come for us to focus our efforts and resources on the international travel market,” says South African Tourism’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Themba Khumalo.

South African Tourism deliberates over various marketing strategies to better market South Africa as a preferred destination. This particular strategy is not new to the continent and South Africa in particular and while Rwanda has recorded their investment as the reason behind their 8% climb in tourism numbers, we as South Africa must deliberate the value for South Africa.

There are a number of issues in South Africa that underline the question of the timing of this kind of investment, amongst others being energy security. We believe SAT is well within its mandate as marketing agency for the country and there is nothing untoward when it assesses different marketing strategies.

In order to achieve its target by 2030, South African Tourism has geared its future strategy to ensure that it is aggressive in its approach and international marketing efforts.

“We cannot carry on with business as usual, because it will not yield the desired results. This is why we are contemplating a partnership of this scale with Tottenham Hotspurs FC, to really help us shift the dial in our tourist arrivals,” says Khumalo.

As part of the research, South African Tourism sought to understand the success of high-impact sporting partnerships and how destinations have benefited from such collaborations. A number of destinations, globally, have entered into sports partnerships and these have yielded high returns, in terms of tourist arrivals.

South African Tourism has chosen to explore a partnership with Tottenham Hotspurs FC for a number of reasons, particularly as the United Kingdom is one of South Africa’s key source markets, as per the entity’s Marketing Prioritization Investment Framework (MPIF). Furthermore, sport is one platform that has sustained aggregated audiences, which the entity can tap into to convert fans and spectators into tourists.

In 2019 the United Kingdom was the third largest source of international visitors to South Africa – accounting for 8.3% of all international arrivals – with over 430 000 British tourists visiting South Africa in 2019 alone.

In addition to reaching the United Kingdom market, the huge reach of the English Premier League will give South Africa visibility in over one billion homes globally, as well as access to the major markets Tottenham Hotspur players hail from, including South Korea, France, Brazil, Portugal and Nigeria, as well as countless European and other countries where the club will participate in continental competitions and pre-season tours, over the next three years.

Khumalo says the partnership is still undergoing the necessary approvals and consultations, and the leaking of this information happened prematurely before South African Tourism could complete the due processes.

“It is unfortunate that the information regarding the partnership was leaked ahead of time. We obtained conditional Board approval for the partnership on Tuesday, 31 January. On the 1^st of February, we appraised our shareholder, the Minister of Tourism. What is now left in the process is to consult our tourism sector stakeholders and national treasury, prior to finalizing anything,” says Khumalo.

The organisation should be able to do this without being upended by leaks that distort the context of SAT’s working processes. The organisation seeks to welcome all ideas that achieve the objective of profiling South Africa. Evaluating the timing, costs, return on investment are all part of SAT’s process and the organisation will work to ensure there is alignment on these critical variables.

Khumalo said the entity would provide another update on the partnership in due course.

Mate50 Pro now available in South Africa

By

LnT Desk

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1 February 2023

[Johannesburg, 1 February 2022] – The comeback of the popular HUAWEI Mate smartphones is making waves across markets, especially following the launch of the HUAWEI Mate50 Pro on 26 January 2023. With great consumer interest and excitement, pre-orders of the HUAWEI Mate50 Pro have seen great success.

The good news for those who are impressed with the cutting-edge technologies of the HUAWEI Mate50 Pro – the futuristic tech flagship smartphone with the ultimate Ultra Aperture XMAGE camera, is that it is now available for purchase in selected South African retail stores, and from the HUAWEI online store.

The much-awaited premium flagship from HUAWEI comes with a stunning new design, Ultra Aperture XMAGE Camera and sets a new standard for smartphone performance. The HUAWEI Mate50 Pro comes in two different types of rear cover, glass and vegan leather. The glass cover is available in two colours, Silver and Black, while the vegan leather version comes in Orange.

The futuristic tech flagship smartphone with incredible performance

How often do you come across a smartphone that has it all? A smartphone with a stunning design, staggering camera system, unbelievable performance, overall visionary features and a seamless user experience. The HUAWEI Mate50 Pro is a smartphone that truly lives up to the legacy of HUAWEI Mate smartphones.

There is nothing worse than shattering the screen of your phone. A smartphone is an essential device for many which users take everywhere, even for sports, knocking it into something is quite probable, hence, a durable screen is extremely vital. An industry-first for the HUAWEI Mate50 Pro flagship is that the ultra-reliable Kunlun Glass is certified by Switzerland’s SGS with a 5-star glass drop resistance. The Kunlun Glass with 10-quadrillion level nanocrystals boost glass durability. In short, users can carry their phone on the go without worrying about dropping it and shattering the screen because the Kunlun Glass increases drop resistance by 10 times. The HUAWEI Mate50 Pro also supports IP68-rated water resistance of up to 6 meters underwater allowing it to easily handle liquid and dust.

Additionally, the HUAWEI Mate50 Pro display provides a window into a crystal-clear world. Combined with the P3 wide colour gamut, fine-tuned colours are calibrated to ensure absolute authenticity. The HUAWEI Mate50 Pro comes with a 6.74-inch HUAWEI FullView Display with a screen resolution of 2616 x 1212 pixels and a high refresh rate of 120Hz and 1440Hz PWM dimming, to reduce flickering and relieve eye fatigue. Whether users are browsing images or watching videos, each glance is a feast for their eyes.

In addition to the iconic symmetry and Space Ring Design, the HUAWEI Mate50 Pro also makes use of the elegant Clous de Paris step-patterned embossing design for the first time ever, showcasing a new kind of ordered beauty that’s crafted down to the last detail. The new Ultra Aperture XMAGE Camera boasts the first-ever 10-scale adjustable physical aperture and the most versatile photography capabilities ever seen on a Mate smartphone.

In terms of battery and charging speed, the HUAWEI Mate50 Pro features a 4700 mAh battery within its slim body. The HUAWEI Mate50 Pro offers 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge wired and 50W HUAWEI SuperCharge wireless fast-charging solutions to strike an optimal balance between battery life, fast charging and portability. Moreover, with an innovative low-battery Emergency Mode that activates when the battery level falls to 1%, SuperEnergy Boosting enables the HUAWEI Mate50 Pro to extend standby time by three hours or 12 minutes of call time.

Buy the HUAWEI Mate50 Pro today

The HUAWEI Mate50 Pro packs a series of innovative technology that substantially boosts performance thanks to its impressive industry-first features. The HUAWEI Mate50 Pro is available in South Africa from all network providers and is priced from R24 999 for the 256 GB and R26 999 for the 512 GB. You can also purchase the smartphone from the HUAWEI online store.

A world of opportunities with HMS and favorite apps from AppGallery

The HUAWEI Mate50 Pro comes pre-installed with AppGallery, the third-largest app marketplace in the world. Users can easily navigate, explore, find and download a wide range of high-quality apps using AppGallery. As part of HUAWEI’s expanding ecosystem, the AppGallery emphasizes privacy, providing enhanced security and a unique, intuitive user experience. You’ll be sure to enjoy great apps that will help you in business, education, travel, lifestyle, finance and so much more.

In addition, look out for a series of upcoming HUAWEI products, including the new HUAWEI FreeBuds 5i and the HUAWEI MatePad SE 10.4-inch, which will soon be available for retail in South Africa.

Bring the romance back

By

Partner Content

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1 February 2023

There isn’t a place more romantic than Granny Mouse Country House & Spa during the month of love, which is February. And if you’ve ever been at this famous hotel, you can attest to the truth of those statements.

Nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, a mere 1.5 hours from Durban and 4.5 hour from Johannesburg, you can feel the love from the moment you arrive along the tree-lined driveway. Their breathtaking location, overlooking the rolling green farmlands and the Lions River, already sets the mood for a romantic rendezvous, and it only gets better as your stay unfolds.

You’ll find unique touches scattered throughout each nicely designed room. This truly is a home away from home, with amenities like the spacious soaking tub that gives you the option of bath salts and oils to wash away the city’s stress, complimentary dressing gowns and slippers, your own private fireplace, and a balcony from which you can sip a drink and take in the stars.

As you leave your room, serenity and calmness surrounds you as you meander through their lush gardens, making your way to one of their two restaurants, the more casual Bistro or the fine-dining, Eaves, both of which offer an array of delectable meal choices. Unlike any other Hotel, the kitchen team are referred to as Culinary Artists who thrive on creating award winning menus, at which they most certainly succeed.

For those seeking to plan the ultimate romantic weekend, be sure to ask about hosting a dinner in the wine cellar, or add some spa treatments to your booking to ensure that you, and your loved one, are truly pampered.

Book your stay at this undisputed gem today, and celebrate romance!

Renault South Africa steps up educational support for children

By

LnT Desk

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1 February 2023

JOHANNESBURG, 01 February 2023: Renault South Africa, in partnership with the Motus Imperial Trust, has donated a fully equipped mini library to the Ntethelelo Foundation, providing learners participating in its programmes with a safe and conducive place to study after school hours. Ntethelelo, which is based in Johannesburg, is a woman-run foundation that aims to end domestic violence, eliminate gender inequalities, and promote the wellbeing of women and girls.

“Ntethelelo’s values are closely aligned to our own,” said Sithabile Maphumulo, Renault SA’s Marketing Director, speaking at the handover of the library on Thursday, 26 January. “It’s an organisation based on the principles of self-love, self-respect and building communities, and we’re proud to have been supporting its work since 2019. One of the main objectives of our CSI programmes is to bring about social change through education and that’s exactly what’s being done here.”

Founded in 2017, the Foundation uses applied drama techniques and various art methodologies to elicit dialogue about violence against women and girls and to promote meaningful social change. These forms of engagement are rooted in the Theatre of the Oppressed framework famously developed by the Brazilian theatre practitioner, Augusto Boal, in the 1970s. Boal was an early advocate of interactive theatre practice and developed the Theatre of the Oppressed concept based on direct interaction between audiences and performers.

“The techniques we use are intended to break the cycle of gender inequality, oppression and violence,” says Thokozani Ndaba, Ntethelelo’s Founder and Executive Director. “They’re powerful tools that are specifically designed to dismantle toxic masculinity, which is particularly prevalent in impoverished communities.”

Renault partnered with Motus Imperial Trust to build and equip the library as the Trust has provided 64 library facilities since its inception in 2003 and was able to bring invaluable skills, knowledge and experience to the project. The new library, like many of Ntethelelo’s facilities, has been constructed using shipping containers, which offer a grassroots solution to long-standing infrastructure challenges. It has been designed to meet the needs of multiple age groups, including learners in the foundation phase (from Grade R to Grade 3) and learners in the intermediate phase (from Grade 4 to Grade 6).

It is stocked with 1 500 books, all of which have been specially selected to support these curriculum phases and have been covered in plastic film to protect them. They are alphabetically arranged and displayed on well-placed shelves. The facility is also equipped with two laptops and high-speed internet access, offering access to online resources as well.

The surroundings are secure and well-maintained too. On Mandela Day in 2019 and 2022, Renault partnered with Ntethelelo to organise a clean-up of the Foundation’s surroundings and the community beyond. The company also provided funding and equipment to help improve its facilities and to support day-to-day operations.

“It’s such a bright and welcoming space,” says Thokozani Ndaba, “and we’re delighted that the participants in our programmes have access to a secure and well-resourced learning facility like this. It’s an environment that supports study and it provides a place for them to work through their homework systematically and without disturbance.”

“We’re very proud to be involved in initiatives like these,” says Maphumulo. “Not only do they offer safe spaces and access to learning resources for girl children, they help them to build resilience, make positive choices, support one another and strengthen their communities. They’re right at the beginning of the virtuous cycle that education facilitates.”

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