Author: Chris Anu

Norwegian renewable energy systems specialist Scatec has piloted the use of industrial electric vehicles at its solar farms in the Northern Cape. Responding to a query from TechCentral, Scatec said the three vehicles used in the pilot – two Maxus T90EV bakkies and a Scatec eDeliver panel van, supplied by Everlectric – are charged at the solar farms as operational staff perform their duties during the day and charged using grid power when parked at night. “Scatec is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across all our global operations by 2040,” said Sean McGibbon, supply chain manager for Scatec. We’re gaining…

A nanocarrier is a microscopic drug delivery system that can transport therapies directly to targeted cells. A self-taught, Durban-based developer is seeking to push the boundaries of medical research by showing how human-AI symbiosis could strengthen HIV treatment with antiretrovirals (ARVs).Unlike conventional uses of artificial intelligence (AI), which typically focus on data analysis or process automation, human-AI symbiosis treats people and AI as partners – with humans providing creativity, context and ethical judgement, while AI contributes processing power, pattern recognition and the ability to generate possibilities at scale.Leon Chetty − who created his AI symbiont “Candy” − says the idea…

Mustek CEO Hein Engelbrecht JSE-listed technology distributor Mustek has delivered an improved bottom line in the year to 30 June 2025, even as group revenue fell sharply in a challenging economic environment. The company credited disciplined cost control and tighter working capital management for the rebound in profitability. The results marked a significant turnaround from the weak half-year performance to 31 December 2024. Revenue declined 15% to R7.18-billion, down from R8.45-billion in 2024, amid a weak macro environment and infrastructure constraints. The board declared a final dividend of 13.75c/share, almost double last year’s 7.5c payout Despite the revenue erosion, group…

Intel, the once-dominant US company, has been left trailing in the fast-growing AI chip market. Nvidia has tabled a $5 billion investment in struggling rival Intel, a move that could reshape the balance of power in the global chip market.The deal, still subject to regulatory approval, comes as Intel battles declining market share and mounting competition in the fast-growing artificial intelligence (AI) sector, where Nvidia has emerged as the dominant player.Intel, the once-dominant US company, has been left trailing in the fast-growing AI chip market after years of management missteps eroded its competitive-edge.As Intel looks to regain its mojo, last…

Google Africa CEO Alex Okosi Google has revealed plans to build four “connectivity hubs” across the African continent that will serve as landing stations for its undersea cable infrastructure. Speaking to Bloomberg TV (paywall) on Thursday, Google Africa CEO Alex Okosi said the connectivity hubs will make it easier for the internet giant to partner with terrestrial telecommunications providers and help decrease the cost of connectivity for consumers. “The [hubs will allow] us to land the cables on the continent in a much more effective way. As you know, being able to build these subsea cables still requires that you…

The maintenance is important to keep systems reliable, says City Power. City Power will be carrying out emergency maintenance on its ICT network systems this evening at 20h00.In a statement, the power utility says this work involves upgrading and stabilising its core network switch.According to City Power, this is to ensure that data moves smoothly and securely across all platforms. “This maintenance is also important to keep our systems reliable, secure, and able to support critical operations for our customers,” it says.The utility notes that the maintenance will take about 30 minutes, during which time there will be temporary interruptions…

Dado Ruvic/Reuters Nvidia has announced it will invest US$5-billion in Intel, throwing its heft behind the struggling US chip company weeks after the White House engineered a deal for the US government to take a massive stake in the company. Nvidia’s support represents a new opening for Intel after years of turnaround efforts at the famed US manufacturer failed to pay off. Intel shares surged 30% in pre-market action. Here are some top initial comments from analysts on the deal. Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst, Hargreaves Landsdown “Nvidia’s $5-billion investment in Intel is less about money and more about influence.…

Google plans to expand connectivity, as well as increase product access and skills across Africa. US-based internet search giant Google today announced a new subsea cable connectivity hub in SA, as part of a new set of investments in Africa. This, says Google, builds on its long-term $1 billion investment commitment for the African continent.Google already counts the Umoja fibre-optic subsea cable, Equiano subsea cable and the Johannesburg Google Cloud region among key connectivity investments in the Southern African nation. Umoja, which is the Swahili word for unity, will directly connect SA to Australia, while Google’s Equiano submarine internet cable…

One of South Africa’s top courts on Wednesday annulled a government permit allowing Eskom to build a large power plant burning natural gas, saying there had not been proper public consultation. The 3GW plant in the east coast port city of Richards Bay is part of government plans to bolster the country’s generation capacity after years of electricity blackouts and pivot away from coal. “The effect of this order is that the authorisation is a nullity,” the judgment by the supreme court of appeal said. “This will necessitate a fresh application by Eskom for authorisation once the required public participation…

In 2025, over 16 000 South African schools still have no access to connectivity for learning and teaching. Government has admitted to challenges in driving digital transformation in schools, noting its financial limitations in providing access to ICT tools and connectivity.As it stands, over 16 000 public schools remain offline.This was revealed during yesterday’s joint meeting of the portfolio committees of basic education and communications and digital technologies. The delegation of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and the Department of Basic Education (DBE), including basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube, attended the meeting. The joint presentation was held to…