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Final call for nominations: 2025 SAVCA Industry Awards

By
LnT Desk
-
Final call for nominations: 2025 SAVCA Industry Awards
SAVCA 2025 Industry Awards

This year, for the seventh consecutive time, the Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) will celebrate the transformative power of private capital. The 2025 SAVCA Industry Awards ceremony, set to take place on 07 November, will once again set the benchmark for the best in local entrepreneurship and innovation; boosted by the private capital asset class. SAVCA has now issued the final call for nominations, either from portfolio companies themselves or from their investment partners.

“Each year, we see the bar being raised higher than the year before. Likewise, the calibre of business leaders that we have the honour of celebrating, continues to inspire us as an industry body, as well as the investors who have real skills in recognising growth potential,” says Nicola Gubb, SAVCA’s Interim Executive Director.

Standard award categories (plus a brand new one)

The SAVCA Industry Awards has four categories, the first being for start-ups or companies supported by venture capital. Entrants in this category need to be less than 5 years old and be engaged in early-stage funding efforts (Series A or Series B, excluding seed/pre-seed revenue.

The second category is reserved for small companies with an enterprise value of under R200 million and revenue of under R200 million. Entering companies need to be established with positive operating cash flows.

Companies with an enterprise value and revenue of over R200 million (and under R1.5 billion) are eligible to enter the category for medium companies. Lastly, portfolio companies with an enterprise and revenue of over R1.5 billion can enter the fourth category, set aside for large companies.

This year, for the first time since the inception of the SAVCA Industry Awards, a new ‘GP Award’ category will be introduced. This award will recognise an individual from a fund management firm who has provided exceptional support to a portfolio company. To scoop this prestigious title, the GP professional must have been integral to the success of the transaction and to the subsequent growth of the portfolio company.

Nomination deadline just around the corner

All nominees must be headquartered in Southern Africa and able to show the demonstrated gains that have resulted from partnering with a private equity or venture capital investment firm, which must have exited in the past 18-24 months (leading up to December 2024).

After the nomination deadline (08 August 2025), all nominees will be reviewed. The judging panel – which consists of renowned business leaders and captains of industry – will release a shortlist of finalists for each category. These finalists will then be interviewed and individually assessed by the judges. The winners in each category will be announced at the SAVCA Industry Awards ceremony on 7 November 2025.

A word from the winners

Last year’s winners across all categories were testament to the resilience of local entrepreneurs and their relentless drive to excel – many times, against the odds. In particular, the SME sector, who are the backbone of our economy and drive job creation and innovation was celebrated. In this regard, hearX, who won in the Start-up and Venture Capital Award category, shared their encouragement for more nominations as we approach the upcoming 2025 Industry Awards. As a pioneering health tech company, hearX is committed to making hearing healthcare accessible worldwide. With a global footprint spanning over 190 countries and more than 2.4 million lives impacted, hearX exemplifies the transformative power of early-stage investment and innovation with purpose.

“Winning the SAVCA Startup Award for 2024 was more than a moment of recognition. It acknowledges the journey that hearX has taken from startup to global innovator and highlighted how far we’ve come with the trust and backing of our valued investors, partners, clients, and team. This award reminded us of the daily real-world change we’re creating and serves as inspiration for us to continue pioneering new ways in the hearing tech space.” says Nicole Myburgh, Marketing Lead at hearX Group.

As Vuyo Ntoi, SAVCA Chairperson concludes: “What we’re really looking for in this year’s nominations are portfolio companies who have stood out not only in terms of financial performance, but in how they’ve leveraged private capital to drive innovation, create jobs, expand into new markets, and build resilient, future-ready businesses.

We call on investor and investee companies to submit nominations – your success stories demonstrate the true value of the private equity and venture capital ecosystem in our region.”

Nominations can be made here:

https://research.krutham.com/jfe/form/SV_0xLkrDztxe5uEHc

power of private capital. The 2025 SAVCA Industry Awards ceremony, set to take place on 07 November, will once again set the benchmark for the best in local entrepreneurship and innovation; boosted by the private capital asset class. SAVCA has now issued the final call for nominations, either from portfolio companies themselves or from their investment partners.

“Each year, we see the bar being raised higher than the year before. Likewise, the calibre of business leaders that we have the honour of celebrating, continues to inspire us as an industry body, as well as the investors who have real skills in recognising growth potential,” says Nicola Gubb, SAVCA’s Interim Executive Director.

Standard award categories (plus a brand new one)

The SAVCA Industry Awards has four categories, the first being for start-ups or companies supported by venture capital. Entrants in this category need to be less than 5 years old and be engaged in early-stage funding efforts (Series A or Series B, excluding seed/pre-seed revenue.

The second category is reserved for small companies with an enterprise value of under R200 million and revenue of under R200 million. Entering companies need to be established with positive operating cash flows.

Companies with an enterprise value and revenue of over R200 million (and under R1.5 billion) are eligible to enter the category for medium companies. Lastly, portfolio companies with an enterprise and revenue of over R1.5 billion can enter the fourth category, set aside for large companies.

This year, for the first time since the inception of the SAVCA Industry Awards, a new ‘GP Award’ category will be introduced. This award will recognise an individual from a fund management firm who has provided exceptional support to a portfolio company. To scoop this prestigious title, the GP professional must have been integral to the success of the transaction and to the subsequent growth of the portfolio company.

Nomination deadline just around the corner

All nominees must be headquartered in Southern Africa and able to show the demonstrated gains that have resulted from partnering with a private equity or venture capital investment firm, which must have exited in the past 18-24 months (leading up to December 2024).

After the nomination deadline (08 August 2025), all nominees will be reviewed. The judging panel – which consists of renowned business leaders and captains of industry – will release a shortlist of finalists for each category. These finalists will then be interviewed and individually assessed by the judges. The winners in each category will be announced at the SAVCA Industry Awards ceremony on 7 November 2025.

A word from the winners

Last year’s winners across all categories were testament to the resilience of local entrepreneurs and their relentless drive to excel – many times, against the odds. In particular, the SME sector, who are the backbone of our economy and drive job creation and innovation was celebrated. In this regard, hearX, who won in the Start-up and Venture Capital Award category, shared their encouragement for more nominations as we approach the upcoming 2025 Industry Awards. As a pioneering health tech company, hearX is committed to making hearing healthcare accessible worldwide. With a global footprint spanning over 190 countries and more than 2.4 million lives impacted, hearX exemplifies the transformative power of early-stage investment and innovation with purpose.

“Winning the SAVCA Startup Award for 2024 was more than a moment of recognition. It acknowledges the journey that hearX has taken from startup to global innovator and highlighted how far we’ve come with the trust and backing of our valued investors, partners, clients, and team. This award reminded us of the daily real-world change we’re creating and serves as inspiration for us to continue pioneering new ways in the hearing tech space.” says Nicole Myburgh, Marketing Lead at hearX Group.

As Vuyo Ntoi, SAVCA Chairperson concludes: “What we’re really looking for in this year’s nominations are portfolio companies who have stood out not only in terms of financial performance, but in how they’ve leveraged private capital to drive innovation, create jobs, expand into new markets, and build resilient, future-ready businesses.

We call on investor and investee companies to submit nominations – your success stories demonstrate the true value of the private equity and venture capital ecosystem in our region.”

Nominations can be made here:

https://research.krutham.com/jfe/form/SV_0xLkrDztxe5uEHc

Palabora Mining Company and LH Marthinusen partner to launch robotics and coding initiative at local high school

By
LnT Desk
-
Palabora Mining Company and LH Marthinusen partner to launch robotics and coding initiative at local high school
LHM Palabora

In a joint effort to advance education and digital skills development in Phalaborwa, Palabora Mining Company (PMC) and LH Marthinusen (LHM) have partnered to establish a fully equipped robotics and coding classroom at Frans du Toit High School. This initiative forms part of a broader socio-economic development commitment by both organisations to uplift the local community through education-focused corporate social investment.

While LHM was recently awarded a major contract to design, supply, install, and commission main surface ventilation fans for PMC, this partnership extends beyond infrastructure — it reflects a shared vision for sustainable community development. As part of the agreement, LHM has committed over R500 000 to support the school’s drive to modernise its curriculum and equip learners with critical skills for the digital economy.

The project includes the establishment of two computer laboratories, installation of 20 and upgraded 12 desktop computers, a 3D printer, and a central server, as well as the provision of a licensing package, textbooks for Grade 8 and 9 learners, and training for four teachers. The new classrooms were completed and fully operational in time for the first school term in 2025.

“Frans du Toit High School needed support to stay relevant in a fast-evolving academic environment,” said David Sullivan, Divisional CEO at LHM. “By investing in this initiative, we’re helping build a future pipeline of digitally literate talent.”

School Principal Mr Johann Janse van Rensburg noted the importance of the intervention: “We recognised the need to align with future education trends and the Department of Primary Education’s development goals. This project enables us to do just that.”

LHM and PMC’s collaboration exemplifies how business partnerships can contribute meaningfully to local development — not only through industrial capability but by investing in the people and potential of the communities they operate in.

 

 

Can the 50/30/20 Rule Rescue Your Budget? A Simple Formula for Tough Times

By
Chris Coetzee, CEO of FinFix
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Can the 50/30/20 Rule Rescue Your Budget? A Simple Formula for Tough Times

July is National Savings Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of saving and adopting sound financial habits. With rising living costs and ongoing economic uncertainty, many individuals are finding it increasingly difficult to save.

South Africa’s Personal Savings Crisis

According to 2025 Economic Insights by Nedbank, the personal savings rate remains negative at approximately -1.2%, with several key factors contributing to this trend. Real disposable income growth has slowed to just 0.4%, the household debt-to-income ratio has risen to 62.7%, and consumers remain cautious due to prevailing economic challenges. However, there are signs of resilience in consumer behaviour. Data from Statistics South Africa shows that consumer spending was stronger in April, with retail trade recording its fourteenth consecutive month of positive year-on-year growth.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for practical tools to help individuals regain control of their finances. One such tool is the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, a simple yet effective framework that provides clear guidance on managing money, reducing debt, and building a foundation for future savings.

Breaking the Debt Cycle with a Practical Framework

The 50/30/20 rule is a widely recognised budgeting method that divides income into three distinct categories. The first category, which accounts for 50% of the income allocated to needs. This includes essential expenses that are necessary for daily living, such as rent or bond repayments, utilities, groceries, transportation, and medical aid. By ensuring that these expenses do not exceed half of one’s income, individuals can avoid allowing necessities to dominate their budgets. The second category, which represents 30% of income, is reserved for wants. This allocation covers discretionary spending, expenses that enhance quality of life but are not strictly necessary. Examples include dining out, entertainment, gym memberships, and hobbies. Setting aside 30% for wants ensures that there is room for enjoyment while maintaining financial discipline.

The final category, accounting for 20% of income, is dedicated to savings and debt repayment. This portion should be used to pay off high-interest debts, contribute to an emergency fund, or invest in retirement savings. For those burdened by debt, prioritising repayment is critical before focusing on long-term savings.

Building Financial Discipline

While the proposed budgeting rule offers a powerful framework for financial management, its true impact lies in consistent application and behavioural discipline. To make this method work in real-life context, especially during times of economic strain, consumers must adopt intentional practices that embed the rule into their daily financial habits.

  1. Track Your Spending Relentlessly
    Start by gaining full visibility into where your money goes. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track every expense for at least one month. This will help you categorise your spending accurately and identify areas where adjustments are needed.
  2. Automate Your Budget Allocations
    One of the most effective strategies is automation. Set up scheduled transfers to separate accounts immediately after your income is deposited. Automation removes the temptation to overspend and reinforces habit formation.
  3. Periodically Reassess Your “Needs” and “Wants”
    Financial priorities shift over time. What once felt like a need may now be a luxury. Regularly review your expenses and adjust your definitions of needs vs. wants.
  4. Build an Emergency Buffer First
    Before aggressively pursuing long-term investments, focus on building a three- to six-month emergency fund within your 20% allocation. This buffer protects you from financial shocks, such as medical emergencies, job loss, or unexpected repairs, without derailing your budgeting efforts.
  5. Practice ‘Conscious Spending’
    The 30% allocated to wants shouldn’t be a free-for-all. Practice conscious spending by aligning discretionary expenses with your values. Spend on experiences or purchases that bring lasting fulfilment, not just temporary gratification.
  6. Start Small but Stay Consistent
    If allocating 20% to savings and debt repayment feels daunting at first, start with what’s manageable and build up incrementally. The key is consistency. Even 5% saved regularly creates momentum and cultivates a habit of prioritising financial wellness.

SjavasDaDeejay Breathes New Life into Sotho Classic with Soulful “Mpulele”

By
LnT Desk
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SjavasDaDeejay Breathes New Life into Sotho Classic with Soulful “Mpulele”

SjavasDaDeejay returns with another street scorcher: this time a heartfelt reimagining of a Sotho folk favourite. “Mpulele,” his latest collaboration with Lesgo 966 and Syfred Mckay, featuring Kaygee De Vee and the ever-soulful Jay Sax, is a genre-blending triumph that weaves nostalgia, groove, and emotion into one unforgettable sonic experience.

Rooted in the melodic framework of the traditional Sotho tune “Mangwane Mpulele” (“Aunt, open the door for me”), the track leans into the spiritual depth and communal memory of its source. But in true SjavasDaDeejay fashion, it’s less of a remake; and more of a revival.

Jay Sax’s velvety saxophone melodies glide over warm log drum textures, laying the foundation for a heartfelt vocal performance; a soul-stirring cry of vulnerability wrapped in harmony. With three-part vocal arrangements echoing the song’s folk roots and rhythm patterns that nod to amapiano’s percussive core, “Mpulele” balances the weight of tradition with the euphoria of modern sound.

SjavasDaDeejay and his crew bring raw groove and musical intuition to the table, rounding out a production that feels both spiritually grounded and street-certified. “Mpulele” is a cross-generational offering: a reminder of who we are and where we’ve been, and remixed for the dancefloor.

Whether heard at a taxi rank, in a township lounge, or on a late-night playlist, “Mpulele” speaks directly to the heart.

Mpulele is out now, Listen/stream here:  http://africori.to/mpulele

Follow SjavasDaDeejay here : 

Instagram | X | Spotify | Apple 

Must-watch trailer: Norma Mngoma on Untied

By
Showmax
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Must-watch trailer: Norma Mngoma on Untied
Norma

It’s been three weeks since Showmax introduced Untied, a bold and unfiltered talk show that takes viewers deep into the often messy, always emotional world of divorce, as told by high-profile South African women who have lived through it.

Hosted by award-winning media personality Relebogile Mabotja, Untied has already given us intimate, no-holds-barred conversations with women in the spotlight.

Next week, it’s Norma Mngoma’s turn in the spotlight, with her episode of Untied airing on Tuesday, 15 July 2025. She’ll be sharing her journey through marriage, divorce, and how she’s found the strength to pick up the pieces and start over.

But that’s not all: another four powerful stories are still on the way. Reality TV star Beverly Steyn, Shaka iLembe actress Dawn Thandeka King, actress Mona Monyane, and media personality Zandi Nhlapo are set to open up and share their journeys.

Graeme Swanepoel, Untied’s creator and executive producer at GOAT, says, “For too long, women’s pain has been edited, softened, or silenced. This show is about handing the mic back to them, letting them narrate their own healing, their own growth, and their own freedom.”

Watch the trailer:

https://youtu.be/Pwgdh8zKtyw

Join the conversation:
#UntiedShowmax

The anti-bucket list: 5 small travel pleasures worth celebrating

By
LnT Desk
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The anti-bucket list: 5 small travel pleasures worth celebrating

Forget skydiving over a canyon, sailing the Greek Isles on a yacht, trekking Gorillas in Uganda or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – ticking off yet another Instagrammable bucket list experience. This year, why not take a different approach to your holiday: one where the goal isn’t to do it all, but to do less, and enjoy more.

We live in an age that encourages big dreams and even bigger bucket lists – bungy jumping off a bridge, cage diving with sharks, seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland…! “We’re constantly reminded to ‘live our best life’ and sometimes forget that contentment can be found in the small pleasures too,” notes Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts. “Not every holiday has to be about ticking off another bucket-list item.  Sometimes we need to do the exact opposite: slow down, ditch the must-dos and must-sees for a while, and rediscover the gentle pleasures that cost nothing but time.”

Lamont shares five little luxuries he enjoys that may not make it onto anyone’s bucket list, but perhaps should:

1. The Fireside Pause

There’s a special kind of pause that happens when you’re away during the winter months. The sound of crackling logs in the fireplace, the weight of a warm blanket, steaming hot chocolate and losing yourself in a good book you’ve been meaning to read for ages. The guilt-free permission to drift off for a while. A fireside respite isn’t ambitious – but it’s perfect.

2. The Endless Breakfast
Forget rushing off to the next activity. Claim the table by the window or the pool and let breakfast become brunch or even lunch if you like. Order more coffee. Read the newspaper. Enjoy your partner’s company. Argue about nothing. Those unhurried mornings together might be one of the highlights of the trip.

3. The Long, Slow Walk
No record-breaking hikes here. Just wandering. Being. A beach at dawn with bare feet in the water. Really noticing the way the light falls or picking up a shell you’ll forget in a bag. A nature trail at dusk. Wandering side streets and stumbling upon unexpected gems – a tiny bookstore, a street musician, a local bakery with the smell of warm bread drifting through the door. Sometimes the best souvenirs are the ones you can’t pack.

4. Sleep-Ins and Afternoon Naps
Forget the alarm. Let the morning sun wake you – or enjoy the luxury of lazing in bed for the morning…just because you can. Not forgetting, of course, the pleasure of an indulgent afternoon siesta wherever you fancy: on a couch, in a hammock under a shady tree, on a lounger at the pool or beach. It’s not ambitious, but it’s the kind of rest you’ll benefit from after you get home.

5. Doing Nothing at All
The ultimate un-bucket-list item? Permission to just be. Daydreaming on a patio as you watch the clouds drift by. Simply listening to nature – birdsong, the wind rustling through trees or the surf breaking on the shore. Lying under the night sky and looking at the stars. Admiring the panoramic view from a hilltop. Allowing yourself to slow down until you’re not measuring time at all. It’s the quiet, unhurried pace where worries loosen their grip, and you remember what it feels like to truly relax, making lasting, magical memories that fill your soul.

Lamont says it best: “A holiday doesn’t always have to be about experiencing the next big thing. Sometimes it’s about throwing the list away and celebrating the wonderfully ordinary moments that find you. The anti-bucket list is less about the destination and more about how you fully allow yourself to just be when you’re there.”

Visit www.firstgroup-sa.co.za to discover places that encourage you to slow down and practice the art of doing less.

 

Black Crown drops Afrobeatanicals – An Afrobeats Chart Breaker Titled ‘Be Sure’

By
LnT Desk
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Black Crown drops Afrobeatanicals - An Afrobeats Chart Breaker Titled ‘Be Sure’

Today sees the launch of Black Crown’s (SAB brand of African crafted gin and tonic) Afrobeatanicals track produced solely using a Plantwave sound device. In less than two weeks, the song – Be Sure, featuring the lyrics and vocals of Ama Gaisie, has already broken into the charts of 34 African countries.

Stream the song HERE

Watch the music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO0jjC7gmLI

“We produced an Afrobeats track using Plantwave sound device technology with the bed music composed from the plants of African botanicals that is associated with our gin ’n tonics. From juniper, rosemary, and citrus, to name a few, this experiment produced the first ever Afrobeatanicals track.” says Candice van den Bosch, Brand Director at Black Crown.

The Afrobeatanicals track, Be Sure, is a musical masterpiece that was inspired by the hustle and bustle of the lives that South Africans live and the high need to rest up and pause for a moment. Based on this insight, a study by the Stellenbosch Business School  also highlighted the ramifications of extreme burnout and what that looks like in the South African context.

  • South Africa is one of the most stressful countries on the planet. We rank 69 out of 71 in terms of being a distressed nation

  • 1 in 3 South Africans experiences excessive, daily work stress

  • 2 out of 3 South Africans have experienced burn out

Now contrary to popular belief, Afrobeats is considered one of the most calming genres which made sense as to why this innovation would work well to alleviate stress and encourage relaxation. With a moderate BPM tempo ranging between 95-110, according to Journal of Music Therapy found moderate tempo music lowered perceived stress by up to 46 per cent, compared to silence, or high-BPM tracks.

“Through Afrobeatanicals, we advocate for our audience to ‘Put [their] Crown on Ice’, in order to press pause on the daily grind and stresses associated with being always-on and stream Be Sure now on streaming platforms.”  Van den Bosch concludes.

Be Sure Milestones

  • New Release – 34 African Countries – Apple Music

  • Top 10 – Spotify Africa

  • Play-listed on five South African radio stations

  • Trace Exclusive – Africa’s largest music channel (250m reach across Africa)

Siza AI Built by Durban-based tech developer Jeeten (Jay) Bhoora

By
Siza AI
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Siza AI Built by Durban-based tech developer, Jeeten (Jay) Bhoora
Jeeten Bhoora

A proudly South African innovation is set to change the way people across the country and beyond access and engage with artificial intelligence. Introducing Siza AI, Africa’s first fully email-powered AI gateway, designed specifically to serve everyday South Africans, no matter where they are or what device they use.

Built by Durban-based tech developer, Jeeten (Jay) Bhoora, Siza AI marks a major leap forward in inclusive digital transformation. Unlike conventional AI platforms that rely on fast internet, smartphone apps, or user logins, Siza is entirely accessible through email, the most widely used and universally understood digital tool on the continent.

“If you can send an email, you can use Siza,” says Bhoora. “You don’t need an app or a credit card. That’s what makes it powerful. It meets people where they are, not where the tech world expects them to be.”

Local language, local context, local impact

True to its name, Siza means “assist” in isiZulu. The platform is purpose-built to empower, educate, and support South Africans. It responds in multiple local languages, including English, isiZulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Hindi, Telugu, Gujarati and others, making it a tool that truly speaks to the people it’s built for.

Whether it’s helping a learner understand a maths concept in their home language, offering affordable insight into body corporate law, or guiding a small business owner through the Companies Act, Siza AI delivers clear, accurate responses in under a minute.

AI built for empowerment, not replacement
With global concerns about AI replacing jobs, Bhoora is determined to flip the narrative. “In South Africa, AI can actually bridge gaps in education, in access to information, and in productivity,” he explains. “Siza isn’t about replacing people. It’s about removing the barriers that hold them back.”

Nowhere is this more critical than in education. “With one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, the future doesn’t feel like a promise for many young South Africans, rather a burden,” says Bhoora. “But if we want to tackle unemployment, we must go deeper. We must go to the root. And that root is education.”

South Africa’s learners face many challenges: under-resourced schools, a shortage of qualified educators, and learning materials often written in languages many learners don’t speak at home. “For too long, brilliance has been held back by barriers like these,” says Bhoora. “Siza was born to break these barriers.”

Through [email protected], learners can receive bilingual explanations in subjects like mathematics and science for free, helping them grasp complex concepts in both their home language and English.

“It’s not just about passing exams,” Bhoora adds. “It’s about building confidence, giving clarity, and helping learners find their voice. When we unlock education, we unlock employment, innovation, dignity, and hope.”

Siza AI has begun partnering with NGOs such as UrGlobal, founded by Luleka Mkuzo, to introduce AI literacy into under-resourced schools. Bhoora envisions a future where learners aren’t just passive users of tech, but active architects of their own digital futures.

The platform also offers dedicated email AIs for other everyday needs. These tools are just the beginning. Bhoora’s vision is to develop specialised email AIs for key areas of South African life, including labour law, business compliance, and public services to empower people with practical, affordable knowledge that helps them move forward with confidence.

“This is more than just technology,” Bhoora says. “It’s about rewriting South Africa’s story. And we believe Siza is just the start.”

Smart tech without the gatekeeping

Importantly, Siza AI is not a closed or corporate-controlled system. It runs on open-source models and has been intentionally designed for transparency and accessibility.

“Siza AI is designed for maximum accessibility,” explains Bhoora. “At its core are two types of email addresses, BASE and PRO, each tailored to meet different needs, without requiring logins, apps, or complex interfaces.”

BASE addresses are free to use and designed for everyday educational and workplace support. Examples include [email protected] and [email protected], intended for learners and professionals respectively. To use them, a person simply sends an email with their question, and Siza responds in a helpful, culturally sensitive way.

“Our BASE addresses are purposely simple to use and free of charge. They’re built to serve real people facing real challenges, whether that’s a high school learner or someone trying to build better workplace rapport.”

PRO addresses are specialised and require tokens to use. They offer expert-level assistance in specific areas, such as legal or technical domains. For instance, [email protected] helps trustees, managing agents, and body corporate members navigate South Africa’s complex sectional title laws.

Every new PRO user receives 500 free tokens, automatically linked to their email address. One token is used per word in the question sent to Siza — responses don’t deduct tokens. Additional tokens can be purchased for R200 per 1,000, valid for three months. Users can also earn tokens by sharing Siza via WhatsApp.

Bhoora explains, “We introduced PRO addresses to support more technical use cases, while keeping our BASE addresses free for those who need them most. The token model helps us ensure sustainability and fairness.”

There are no monthly subscriptions or hidden fees, just flexible, pay-as-you-go options once the free credits have been used.

“We’re building something open, local, and collaborative,” says Bhoora. “Siza AI is practical and built for real-life constraints. And it’s optimistic, rooted in the belief that when people are given tools that work for them, they’ll surprise you every time.”

Innovation with impact

Bhoora’s path to building Siza began over two decades ago when he taught himself programming after discovering the internet in high school. He studied AI through UT Austin Texas, and over the years, focused on creating tools that prioritise accessibility and impact over complexity and hype.

“In a country like ours, innovation must be relevant,” he says. “I built Siza because I believe our biggest problems are solvable. Siza is an enabler, a problem solver, and a partner for progress.”

Siza AI is not just a tech innovation, it’s a vision of what inclusive, homegrown technology can achieve when built with people in mind. It’s a statement of belief in South Africa’s potential.

 Siza AI : Lifestyle and Tech : AI Impact : Ai impact Talk 

FlySafair Launches New Route Between Cape Town and Hoedspruit

By
LnT Desk
-
FlySafair Launches New Route Between Cape Town and Hoedspruit
FlySafair

Low-cost carrier FlySafair is excited to announce the launch of a new route connecting Cape Town and Hoedspruit, enhancing access to the central Kruger region and neighbouring Limpopo province. This new service complements the airline’s existing route to Mbombela, offering travellers more options to explore South Africa’s iconic safari destinations.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to expand our network and improve domestic connectivity, we’re excited to introduce this new route,” said Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “Hoedspruit is a gateway to the Kruger National Park and surrounding private reserves, and we’re proud to offer travellers a more affordable and convenient way to reach this incredible region.”

The new route will operate as follows:

  • Cape Town to Hoedspruit: Flights will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with the first flight departing on 2 October 2025.
  • Fares start from R1,570 one way*, available via the FlySafair website and mobile app.

In addition to this exciting new route, FlySafair is also increasing the frequency of its Cape Town to Mbombela service, which will now operate daily. This enhancement offers even more flexibility for travellers heading to the southern Kruger region and surrounding areas.

Together, these routes provide direct access to two of South Africa’s most beloved safari destinations. Hoedspruit, located near the central Kruger and bordering Limpopo, is surrounded by private game reserves and offers a rich wildlife experience. Mbombela, the capital of Mpumalanga, blends nature, culture, and commerce, and serves as a key entry point to the southern Kruger region.

These developments form part of FlySafair’s broader commitment to making air travel more accessible across South Africa, while supporting tourism and economic growth.

Woman of Stature Summit 2025 – a success to empowering female entrepreneurs to thrive

By
LnT Desk
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Woman of Stature Summit 2025 – a success to empowering female entrepreneurs to thrive
Nonkululeko Gobodo, South Africa’s first Black female Chartered Accountant and keynote speaker who was honoured with the Woman of Stature Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 by Charlotte du Plessis, Founder of Woman of Stature Foundation

With less than 20% of SMEs in South Africa being female-owned and many women-led businesses struggling to scale due to lack of access to funding, networks, and mentorship, the Woman of Stature Foundation is stepping up with purpose and impact.

On 3 July 2025, the Foundation hosted its flagship Professional Collective Summit at Hotel Sky in Sandton, under the transformative theme “Wholeness – The Optimum You.” This one-day immersive gathering brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, change-makers, and creatives to empower the modern professional woman across five pillars: self-discovery, wellness, financial health, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

“Women are exhausted from juggling multiple roles. Yet they show up, build, lead and inspire,” said Charlotte du Plessis, Founder & CEO of the Woman of Stature Foundation.  “This summit is about nourishing the whole woman – her mind, emotions, health, goals, and legacy.”

The event was headlined by Nonkululeko Gobodo, South Africa’s first Black female Chartered Accountant, who was honoured with the Woman of Stature Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award 2025. Gobodo delivered a powerful keynote, encouraging women to visualise their path, embrace challenges, and take bold steps toward sustainable entrepreneurship.

“Entrepreneurship is not just about business – it’s a gift that requires vision, resilience, and the right partnerships,” said Gobodo.

Speakers at the Woman of Stature Foundation’s Summit for 2025 addressing female entrepreneurs in a panel discussion on how to thrive in business

The speakers line-up which included influential businesswomen offered powerful insights to guide female entrepreneurs through the realities of building sustainable, purpose-driven businesses.

Delegates were encouraged to embrace entrepreneurship not just as a career path, but as a calling that demands bold vision, emotional resilience, and unwavering belief in oneself. Speakers highlighted the importance of inner clarity, visualisation, and connecting deeply with one’s purpose to weather the storms of uncertainty and unlock lasting impact.

The Woman of Stature Foundation acknowledges the outstanding contribution of all the speakers whose inspiration, wisdom, and lived experience empowered every woman in the room. Their voices sparked reflection, renewed confidence, and the courage to act.

Women left the summit energized, affirmed, and equipped to rise with intention – ready to apply the insights shared and to take the next steps in their business and personal growth journeys.

The summit is hosted as a fundraiser for the Woman of Stature Foundation, which develops women entrepreneurs across South Africa through training, mentorship, and support.

“Thousands of women-led businesses are failing – not from lack of vision, but lack of support,” said du Plessis. “This is why our Foundation exists – and why we invite more women to join our network.”

Join the Woman of Stature Professional Collective – to connect with a network of empowered businesswomen, visit: www.womanofstaturefoundation.org

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