Millions are scrambling to alternative social media platforms, mainly X and TikTok, as Meta products such as Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp experience widespread outages worldwide.

According to Down Detector and DownForEveryoneOrJustMe.com, the outage began around an hour ago. Users in the United States, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, among other countries, have reported issues.

Facebook and Messenger users say they are being abruptly logged out of their accounts, while attempts to log back in trigger an “unexpected error occurred” message or a blank white screen.

Instagram users are experiencing major loading problems, with both the app and website displaying “Something went wrong” messages or failing to refresh feeds.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp users are reporting intermittent connectivity disruptions, with some unable to send or receive messages normally.

IOL

Young innovator from the Eastern Cape, Elihle Stali, is setting the bar for breakthrough technology aimed at helping the visually impaired with a pair of AI-assisted smart glasses inspired by his late grandmother.

The 23-year-old computer science student has created a lightweight pair of glasses — similar in appearance to Meta’s AI glasses — that can translate what they are pointed at into audio, effectively telling the user what is in front of them.

The device also works in several South African languages, giving the technology a uniquely South African flavour.

It has the potential to be a breakthrough innovation that could give visually impaired people far greater independence, confidence and freedom in their daily lives.

Spectacles4TheBlind SA: Stali’s Vision for Independence Gains Global Attention and Support

Stali’s grandmother was blind, a reality that helped shape the path he would eventually follow. It also led to the creation of his startup company, Spectacles4TheBlind SA.

“Elihle, my boy, please hold my hand and help me get to the toilet,” recalled Stali.

“Growing up in Zwelitsha, I heard these words from my grandmother every morning. As her full-time child navigator, I made an 11-year-old vow to find a solution that would give her and millions of visually impaired South Africans their ultimate dignity and independence back.”

The invention has already begun attracting international attention.

Stali has been invited to participate in the LEAP Startup Competition, where he has been offered the opportunity to showcase his technology in Hong Kong in July.

However, attending the event comes at a cost.

Without the funding required for the trip, Stali launched a BackaBuddy campaign to help make the journey possible.

The campaign was launched just two weeks ago with a target of R80,000. By June 12, it had already raised R136,547 — comfortably exceeding its goal and highlighting the strong support behind his vision.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

Although he did not make his Fifa World Cup debut against Mexico, Relebohile Mofokeng is still being tipped as one of the breakout stars of the tournament — at least according to AI.

Mofokeng has been named the biggest emerging talent at the 2026 World Cup in a study by AI humanising tool GoHumanize, which set out to identify the player most likely to become a global superstar with a breakthrough tournament.

The AI had access to advanced performance data on players from around the world and was tasked with isolating the under-the-radar talents most likely to make a major impact at the World Cup.

Having made his Bafana Bafana debut as a teenager two years ago, Mofokeng, now 21, has an incredibly bright future ahead of him. With more than 100 appearances already for Orlando Pirates, it seems only a matter of time before he earns a move abroad.

Mofokeng’s Potential: A Star for South Africa’s Future at the Fifa World Cup

ESPN journalist Ed Dove wrote glowingly about the young star’s potential:

“A darling of Orlando Pirates after making his senior debut in 2023, Mofokeng is something of a throwback to the kind of tricky, inventive, creative players that South Africa used to produce and export to Europe.

“Don’t be surprised if he follows this path one day, with the 21-year-old underpinning his natural talent with an impressive work rate, use of the ball and intelligence.”

Of course, the first thing that needs to happen is for Bafana coach Hugo Broos to give him an opportunity at the Fifa World Cup.

Mofokeng remained an unused substitute in the opening defeat to Mexico, a decision that left many South African fans scratching their heads.

With two group-stage matches still to come, Broos still has time to unleash one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents on the biggest stage of all.

If he does, AI may yet prove to be onto something.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

International News Media Association (INMA) CEO and Executive Director Earl Wilkinson is currently on a high-level tour of Kenya and Nigeria this month.

The high-profile visit comes at a defining crossroads for African media houses. Local publishers are aggressively navigating the disruptive rise of artificial intelligence, changing consumer habits, dwindling legacy revenue streams, platform shifts, and an urgent push toward long-term business sustainability.

Africa at the forefront of digital transformation

According to INMA, Africa has steadily emerged as one of the world's most dynamic landscapes for news media innovation. Local publishers are no longer just passive observers; African executives are actively helping shape global discourse around mobile-first publishing, product development, and sustainable journalism.

During his stay, Wilkinson will hold extensive engagements with media leaders, editors, commercial executives, product teams, journalists, educators, and industry stakeholders across both countries.

The focus of the visit centres squarely on the core pillars driving modern newsrooms:

• Technology & AI: Navigating the responsible integration of generative AI within workflows and managing relationships with global tech giants like Google, Meta, and OpenAI.

• Digital Products: Crafting mobile, audio, video, and newsletter experiences that build fierce audience loyalty.

• Commercial Innovation: Shifting toward first-party data strategies and diversified revenue models to counter the changing digital advertising landscape.

• Reader Revenue: Implementing robust digital subscription, registration, and user retention frameworks.

Wilkinson was accompanied on a visit to Nigerian publisher PUNCH by the Africa Division Manager of INMA, Doreen Mbaya.

"It’s now about the relationship. To build a relationship, you have to be a brand that people remember. You must have consistency and an emotional connection. Do people trust you? You have to figure out who you are. The decade ahead belongs to those who are unmistakably themselves," Wilkinson said during the engagement. 

Reconnecting with Gen Z

A primary focus of the tour will address the massive demographic shift occurring across the continent. With younger African consumers increasingly bypassing traditional news channels in favour of creators, influencers, podcasts, and messaging apps, Wilkinson’s visit will highlight global strategies for engaging Gen Z and millennials.

“If you don’t know your people, if you don’t know who your readers are, you’re going to struggle,” Wilkinson said.

The global association has significantly ramped up its commitment to the continent in recent years. Through dedicated Africa Media Summits focusing on newsroom technology and revenue, alongside its elite Elevate Scholarship Programme, INMA is actively equipping the next generation of African media leaders with global mentorship and training opportunities.

With more than 22,000 news media professionals across 90-plus countries, INMA remains the premier global forum for sustainable journalism.

IOL

For a change, the data is in favour of Bafana Bafana shining at a Fifa World Cup, with South Africa given a 62% chance of advancing beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.

There is even a 1.4% chance that Bafana could go all the way and win the tournament. As Lloyd Christmas famously responded to Mary Swanson in Dumb and Dumber after she said they had a one-in-a-million chance of getting together: “So you’re saying there’s a chance!”

According to an AI-powered report by Predictionist (predictionist.com), which simulated the tournament 1,000 times, there are some encouraging projections for South African football fans.

While Bafana have failed to advance to the knockout stages in each of their three previous World Cup appearances, the expanded 48-team format has significantly improved their prospects. The top two teams from each of the 12 groups will progress, along with the eight best third-placed teams.

South Africa’s Historic Football Opportunity: A Deep Dive into Group A Prospects

That means, before a ball has even been kicked, this may be South Africa’s best opportunity yet to make history at football’s biggest tournament.

The Predictionist report also gives Bafana a 33% chance of reaching the round of 16, a 15% chance of making the quarter-finals and a 6.5% chance of reaching the semi-finals.

There is also a 2.8% chance that South Africa could make the final.

Bafana will still have their work cut out in Group A. Drawn alongside Mexico, Korea Republic and Czechia, South Africa enter the tournament as the lowest-ranked side in the group.

Mexico are 15th in the FIFA world rankings, Korea Republic are 25th and Czechia are 41st. Bafana, by comparison, are ranked 60th.

On paper, the odds appear stacked against Hugo Broos’ men.

Fortunately for South Africa, football matches are not won on paper, and the rankings will count for very little once the action gets underway.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

Call me skeptical, but even though Apple demonstrated some new functionality for its overhauled Siri AI at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this week, I’ll believe it when I see it working on my iPhone.

If there’s one thing Apple has never done particularly well, it’s AI. In fact, I previously wrote about why I believe Apple’s AI efforts amounted to little more than a scam.

The massive redesign will be much better integrated into iOS and macOS.

The new macOS, called Golden Gate, will also be fully integrated with Siri AI. Interestingly, Apple no longer seems to be leaning as heavily on the “Apple Intelligence” branding and is instead simply referring to it as AI.

Apple’s New Siri AI: Will It Deliver on Promises or Repeat Past Hype?

With the new Siri AI, the assistant will finally be able to understand personal context in prompts, something previous versions - including the current one - have struggled to do.

However, there’s one big problem: Apple promised its AI-capable devices would be able to do this two years ago.

Until now, Siri has been little more than a basic voice assistant, despite Apple putting out what many would consider misleading information about its capabilities in an aggressive marketing campaign featuring Hollywood actor Bella Ramsey in 2024. That advertisement has since been removed by Apple.

It promised a number of features that simply didn’t exist and ultimately led to a $250 million lawsuit accusing Apple of false advertising.

Take the current state of Apple Image Playground as an example. The app featured prominently in Apple’s AI marketing campaign, but in reality it’s little more than a child’s toy that creates cartoon-style images from real ones. It’s difficult to see any meaningful purpose behind either its concept or execution.

Even the AI currently available on Apple devices relies heavily on a ChatGPT integration, and unless you already subscribe to ChatGPT, you’re limited by the restrictions of the free version.

With the new Siri AI and macOS Golden Gate arriving in September, I sincerely hope these features prove to be genuinely useful rather than another case of artificial hype.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

As expected, Siri was officially updated by Apple on the first day of the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on Monday.

Now called Siri AI, the massive redesign is now powered by Google Gemini and will be much better integrated into iOS and Mac OS.

The new Mac OS will be called Golden Gate and also be fully integrated with Siri AI.

With Siri AI, it will now be able to fully understand personal context in prompts, unlike previous versions and the current one.

Siri AI Integration and Performance Enhancements in Apple’s Latest Software Rollout

Siri AI will also be fully integrated into the iPhone camera app, now called Visual Intelligence.

General improvements across both macOS and iPhone will be made, with a focus on performance.

This leads into the announcement that Apple has worked hard on optimising its new software rollout to better suit older hardware. What this means is that every iPhone dating back to the 11 will perform faster with the new OS updates. This is in stark contrast to previous OS iterations that generally would slow down the performance of older devices.

That is a tangible improvement across the board, and one that was certainly not expected.

More announcements are expected this week as WWDC, which runs until Friday.

One of the most keenly anticipated hardware announcements is a new Apple TV, which has not been updated since 2022.

According to reports, the Apple TV has been ready for release for some time now but has been delayed until the new Siri is also ready. The new Apple TV is said to have Siri AI heavily integrated into its operating system and therefore won’t be fully capable until this software update is ready.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

Xiaomi officially announces the launch of the all-new Xiaomi 17T in South Africa, a smartphone designed for creators, storytellers, and users who demand flagship-level photography, performance, and battery life in one premium device.

Co-engineered with Leica and introduced as “The Telephoto Master,” Xiaomi 17T pushes mobile photography to a new level by combining professional-grade imaging capabilities with cutting-edge Xiaomi innovation. More than just a smartphone, Xiaomi 17T is a storytelling tool built to capture South African expression, identity, creativity, and culture with exceptional detail and clarity.

Available from 07 June to 09 June 2026 early bird deals from Vodacom stores nationwide, Xiaomi 17T will retail from only R799 per month over 36 months. As part of the launch offering, customers who purchase the device will also receive a FREE Xiaomi Smart Humidifier 2 while stocks last.

A new era of Leica mobile photography

Xiaomi 17T features a powerful Leica co-engineered triple camera system designed to help users capture everything from portraits and everyday moments to distant landscapes and cinematic video content.

At the heart of the device is a 50MP Leica main camera featuring a Light Fusion 800 image sensor and Leica optical lens technology, delivering improved light capture, richer detail, and stunning low-light photography.

The camera system also includes:

• 50MP Leica telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom

• Up to 120x AI Ultra Zoom• 12MP ultra-wide camera

• Leica Live Moment feature for authentic street-style photography

• 8K video recording support

• Advanced AI photography enhancements powered by Xiaomi HyperAI

Inspired by professional Leica aesthetics, Xiaomi 17T preserves natural light, emotion, and detail while helping users create content with cinematic depth and clarity.

Premium design meets immersive eye-care display

Crafted with elegance and comfort in mind, the new Xiaomi 17T combines a refined premium finish with a sleek ergonomic design available in Opal White and Black colour options.

The device features a stunning 6.59-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display with:

• 1.5K resolution

• 120Hz refresh rate

• 3840Hz PWM dimming

• HDR10+ support

• TÜV Rheinland eye-care certifications

• Xiaomi Vision Care 2 technology

Whether users are gaming, streaming, editing content, or browsing social media, the device delivers a smooth and immersive viewing experience while reducing eye fatigue during extended use.

Flagship-level endurance and performance

Powering Xiaomi 17T is the latest MediaTek Dimensity 8500-Ultra processor built on an advanced 4nm process for faster speeds, improved power efficiency, and enhanced gaming performance.

Combined with Xiaomi HyperOS and Xiaomi HyperAI, users can expect intelligent multitasking, faster app responsiveness, and a more connected smart ecosystem experience.

Additional performance highlights include:

• 12GB RAM + 512GB storage

• 6500mAh silicon-carbon battery

• 67W HyperCharge support

• Dolby Atmos dual stereo speakers

• IP68 water and dust resistance

• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity

The massive 6500mAh battery is engineered to comfortably power users through demanding daily tasks, content creation, gaming, and entertainment while maintaining a slim and premium form factor.

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday evening SA time is suddenly shaping up to be quite underwhelming.

For weeks, the rumours swirled that an updated Siri 2.0 was ready to be released, but according to YouTuber MaxTech, the new AI assistant may be delayed. The only seemingly still guaranteed software update will be the release of iOS 27.

MaxTech told their 1.26m subscribers on YouTube that Apple may now release a beta version of Siri this week, which will have a knock-on effect for many of its new products.

Chief among those new products is the Apple TV, which has not been updated since 2022.

Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad Releases Delayed Due to Siri 2.0 Update

According to reports, the Apple TV has been ready for release for some time now but has been delayed until the new Siri is also ready. The new Apple TV is said to have Siri 2.0 heavily integrated into its operating system and therefore won’t be fully capable until this software update is ready.

There were also new iPhones expected to be announced this week, but again, the Siri delay could throw a spanner into the works there as well.

It’s also the same story for new iPads, which are due now and are said to have increased unified memory over the A16 released last year. Crucially, the A16 only has 6GB of RAM, which is not the minimum 8GB needed to use Apple Intelligence. The iPad update will address this, upping the unified memory to at least 8GB, but like every other product expected imminently, the delay in Siri 2.0 could be extremely problematic.

Of course, whether this is just all last-minute anti-hype or rumour remains to be seen.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

If you have faith in the predictive ability of Artificial Intelligence (AI), you might want to put your money on France to win the FIFA World Cup.

According to ActionNetwork.com, which used a sophisticated AI model to simulate the tournament, France are the favourites to lift the trophy at the 2026 edition.

The tournament begins on June 11, with Bafana Bafana taking on co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in a 9pm SA time kick-off.

It’s a rematch of the 2010 FIFA World Cup opener when South Africa were the hosts. On that occasion, Bafana took a spectacular lead through a Siphiwe Tshabalala wonder strike, only to be forced to settle for a draw after Mexico equalised 11 minutes from time. Bafana, however, won’t feature in the business end of the competition according to Action Network’s predictions, as they will presumably exit the tournament either in the group stage or Round of 32.

AI Model Predicts France vs. Argentina Final on July 19

Instead, the AI model forecasts that France will beat Argentina in the final on July 19.

Argentina, of course, are the defending champions, while France lifted the trophy in 2018.

Perennial underachievers England are also predicted to reach the semi-finals, but will bow out to Argentina.

Meanwhile, Portugal, who many consider among the favourites, are tipped to crash out in the quarter-finals when they come up against Argentina.

The defending champions are also forecast to see off tournament co-hosts USA in the Round of 16.

On the other side of the draw, Germany will be stopped in their tracks by France in the Round of 16. France will then overcome the Netherlands in the quarter-finals before ousting Spain in the semi-finals on their way to the final.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

Varsity Esports, part of the Varsity Sports series, will introduce a substantial prize pool awarded to the top-performing universities across all three game titles for the 2026 season. This will see the top three teams in Varsity Esports receiving the same cash rewards as the top three in the Varsity Football and Varsity Netball tournaments. The overall university leaderboard will now carry the following rewards:

First Place – R200 000

Second Place – R100 000

Third Place – R50 000

This announcement marks a major milestone, not only for Varsity Esports but for the broader recognition of esports as a legitimate and growing competitive sports code at the university level. 

“Varsity Esports is growing, and we are proud to continue investing in the sport,” says Flip van Zyl, CEO of the University Sports Company (USC). “Varsity Esports has always been about more than just competition. It is about building a pipeline for the future of gaming in South Africa. “

“With meaningful prize money on the line, universities have a great incentive to invest in their esports ecosystems. This could include improved facilities, stronger support structures, and increased recognition within university sports environments,” adds van Zyl.

Across campuses, esports has become a key part of student culture, bringing communities together and creating new avenues for competition. 

Varsity Esports sits at the centre of this movement.

Varsity Esports is built around university representation. Unlike traditional tournaments that focus on individual teams, success here is measured across an entire institution.

The prize pool rewards overall performance in:

• Valorant
• Rocket League
• EA Sports FC 26

This means universities must demonstrate consistency, depth, and collaboration across multiple titles. Building competitive teams, supporting players, and creating structured programmes will be key.

It’s no longer just about participation. It’s about building a competitive culture on campus.

At its core, Varsity Esports remains focused on students. This evolution enhances the experience, giving players the chance to represent their university on a national stage and contribute to something bigger than themselves.

For many, this is the starting point of a broader journey, whether that leads to professional competition or careers within the gaming industry.

“As Varsity Esports enters its second year, the direction is clear,” says Barry Louzada from Mettlestate. “It’s bigger competition, stronger structures and greater opportunities."

With USC backing and a significant prize pool in place, 2026 is set to raise the bar even further. Universities will be pushing for the top of the leaderboard, players will be looking to prove themselves, and campuses across the country will be watching closely.

The future of esports in South Africa is not just being imagined; it is being built right now, on campus.

Visit the Varsity Website: https://varsityesports.co.za/

Follow our socials to stay up to date:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/varsityesportssa/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@varsityesports?lang=en

The question raised at the second creditors' meeting of Banxso (Pty) Ltd on May 15, 2026 was not really about Banxso. It was about the people administering its remains.

Over a video link, the liquidators secured ratification of their own conduct, including the payment of about R5.9 million to a single firm of attorneys and total legal costs put on the record at close to R11 million. They did so at a meeting whose advertisement never disclosed it would be held online, whose joining link was controlled by the very liquidator whose conduct was under scrutiny, and from which a group of former employees, whose claims had been lifted from the Master's office and never put back, emerged with no vote.

By the time Zukile Mabusela the presiding officer declared the resolutions "deemed adopted," the attorney acting for those employees had stated on the record that he would go to court to set the meeting aside. The employees could not vote because their claims were not on file. The Mabusela’s answer was that they could prove their claims at some future meeting. By then, as the attorney pointed out, the resolutions would already have passed.

This is an account of how that meeting was run, drawn from a full transcript of the proceedings, and of why the conduct on display echoes, with uncomfortable precision, an earlier liquidation overseen by the same liquidator and the same presiding officer.

A public meeting nobody could see

The Insolvency Act treats a creditors' meeting as a public proceeding. It is open to creditors, to contributories and, expressly, to the press. At Banxso's second meeting it was held virtually, and the advertisement said nothing about that.

FJ Senekal, the attorney appearing for the directors, shareholders, employees and the creditor Flamingo, raised the point before any business was done. Creditors who were not told the meeting had moved online were, in effect, locked out of a hearing they had a statutory right to attend. The presiding officer's response was that his door was open, that anyone could walk into his office and be handed a joining link.

That assurance does not survive contact with the record of the first meeting. This publication can confirm that for the first creditors' meeting, also converted to a virtual format, a formal request for press access was made under the Act's public-meeting provisions. It was ignored. No reply came, and no access was granted. An open door that does not answer is not, in any meaningful sense, open.

There is a further wrinkle that goes to the heart of the matter. The administration of the virtual meeting, the creation of the session and the distribution of the link that controlled who could get in, was, on the record, requested by the presiding officer and handed to one of the liquidators, Mr Bester. Mr Bester is the very liquidator whose handling of the employee claims, the Section 402 report, the legal costs and the Flamingo claim was the business of the meeting. He controlled the door to a public hearing at which his own conduct was on trial and resolutions endorsing that conduct were to be voted through.

The presiding officer justified the format by pointing to post-COVID practice and South Africa's broken postal system, drawing an analogy to requisitions and other accommodations made since the pandemic. But those are administrative conveniences. The right of creditors and the public to watch a statutory meeting is not.

'There is no discretion on this point'

The most clear-cut legal objection of the morning concerned an affidavit that, on the record, did not exist.

Section 81(1)bis(b) of the Insolvency Act requires a liquidator to submit to the presiding officer, at least 24 hours before the meeting, a sworn affidavit setting out the creditors to whom the report, inventory and valuation were sent, together with full particulars of every resolution recommended. Senekal read the provision into the record and stated plainly that it leaves no room for discretion. The statute says "shall," not "may."

The presiding officer conceded he had not seen such an affidavit. Having conceded that, he then allowed the meeting to proceed anyway, reasoning that the creditors were represented, that they were not complaining, and that even if the affidavit was missing it would not render the meeting invalid. At one point he stood the meeting down for ten minutes so the liquidators could check their own file. When proceedings resumed, the affidavit still had not been produced, and the meeting moved on to resolutions regardless.

The liquidators, supported by Advocate Raubenheimer allegedly for the majority creditors, argued that Section 81 does not apply to company liquidations at all, that the relevant provision is Section 402 of the Companies Act, and that the required report had in fact been filed. Senekal's answer was that the meeting was convened under Section 40(3) of the Insolvency Act, that Sections 364(1) and 364(2) pull the Insolvency Act squarely into play, and that the mandatory affidavit therefore applied. Whichever reading is correct, the presiding officer never resolved the dispute. He simply found the absence of the affidavit insufficient to stop the meeting and continued.

The vote the workers never got

The treatment of the former employees is the most serious part of the record, and the part most likely to end up in court.

The sequence is not in dispute. The employee claims were uplifted from the Master's office by Mr Bester's office, which is ordinary practice. On 12 May 2026, Mr Bester lodged claims for the other creditors ahead of the second meeting. He did not lodge the employee claims. The consequence was direct: without their claims on file, the employees could not vote and could not vote against the resolutions.

Senekal told the meeting this was deliberate. He had written to Mr Bester on 5 May 2026, ten days before the meeting, asking that the employee claims be lodged and warning that the originals had to be in the Master's file 24 hours before proceedings. Mr Bester's defence was that he had received the letter too late and that, in any event, it was not his job to lodge another party's claim despite it having been his offices that had removed them from the Master’s office to begin with. The dates on the record sit awkwardly with the first half of that explanation.

The presiding officer himself had acknowledged, at the first meeting and again at the second, that employees who wish to vote must have their claims lodged. Pressed on the fact that this right had now been extinguished by the liquidators' failure to re-lodge, his solution was that the employees could prove their claims at a later meeting. The difficulty, as Senekal put it, is that the purpose of this meeting was for creditors to exercise their rights, and that by the time of any future meeting the R5.9 million and the broader legal costs would already have been ratified. A right to vote that can be deferred until after the vote is not a right to vote.

Much of the liquidators' position rested on a claim that, at the first meeting's inquiry, company officials had testified that the employees were transferred to another company and were therefore no longer Banxso's creditors. Senekal countered that there is a sworn affidavit from the company's human resources manager stating the opposite, that the employees are creditors. The presiding officer accepted that there were two contradictory versions under oath. He nonetheless proceeded on the version advanced by the liquidators, whose attorneys had a direct interest in the resolutions passing, over the affidavit filed for the employees, and invoked the audi alteram partem principle only to note that the liquidators had refused to give Senekal their report.

Towards the close, the presiding officer offered what may be the most revealing remark of the morning. Even if the employees had been present and had voted, he said, the majority creditors represented by Advocate Raubenheimer had the numbers and would have carried the resolutions anyway. That is a prospective judgment about the outcome of a vote, used to explain why the right to cast that vote did not need protecting. It is also, as the next section shows, a judgment that rests on a voting block whose own validity is now contested.

The block that carried the day

The resolutions were carried by a body of investor-creditor claims, claims 194 to 216 on the record, all represented by a single firm of attorneys through Advocate Raubenheimer, who had stated in advance and in writing that they intended to vote in favour of every resolution.

Two questions hang over that block.

The first concerns settled claims. The original application papers filed for the applicant by the liquidators' own attorneys contained an express acknowledgement: clients who had concluded settlement agreements would still hold claims for the actual capital lost, less any payments already received from Banxso. In other words, settled amounts were to be deducted. This publication understands that position has since been abandoned, with settled creditors encouraged to claim the full original sums, without deducting what they had already been paid. If correct, that inflates both the number and the value of claims, and it does so in a way that bears directly on the voting arithmetic that buried the employees.

The second concerns authority. This publication understands that at least two of the creditors Advocate Raubenheimer purported to represent had no knowledge of either him or the instructing attorney, and had never consulted either, and were aware that their claims included amounts already settled. If that is borne out, the majority block the presiding officer relied upon to validate the resolutions, and to wave away the employee disenfranchisement, was itself built in part on authorities that were misrepresented.

The Master's office is, of necessity, reliant on the honesty of the liquidators and attorneys who appear before it. That is precisely why misrepresentation as to who is entitled to vote, if established, is not a technicality. It goes to whether the meeting produced a genuine creditor decision at all.

R154,000 to tax a bill that was already agreed

The whole point of the resolutions was to ratify what the liquidators had done, including the legal spend. Senekal tried to walk the presiding officer through specific items. He pointed to a taxing fee of R154,000 charged for taxing a bill that had in fact been agreed by consent, meaning there was nothing left to tax, and to a Rule 67A surcharge of R288,000 that he said the court order did not provide for. He told the meeting that of roughly R5 million in one tranche, at least R2 million ought not to have been paid.

The presiding officer's response was not to engage the figures but to warn Senekal that ventilating the costs at the meeting might prejudice the objection he intended to file later. Advocate Raubenheimer, for his part, argued that the liquidation and distribution account was not the business of this meeting and that costs belonged in a different forum. The effect was that the costs were ratified at a meeting convened to ratify them, while the party challenging them was steered away from putting his objections on the record.

There is also the question of how the chosen attorneys came to be chosen. It was noted that the Master had directed, in a letter of 12 September 2025, that the then provisional liquidators engage Mostert and Bosman Attorneys specifically. That direction came from the Master Mabusela himself before any creditors' meeting and before any creditor approval. A ratification of fees for attorneys whom the Master's office had itself directed the liquidators to appoint is not obviously a free creditor decision.

One of the liquidators agreed. Vaughan Victor, nominated by the director, told the meeting he had not been given the Section 402 report, that his correspondence to his co-liquidators went unanswered, not even a read receipt, and that everything in the estate had been rushed since his appointment. He said he had raised concerns that the inquiry had been derailed. The presiding officer's reassurance to him was, in substance, that if the ratification covered wrongs done by others, he would be cleared and the others would fall on their own swords. It was an answer about personal liability. It was not an answer about whether the report he was excluded from should have been ratified at all.

Where this has happened before

What makes the Banxso meeting more than a single bad morning is that the same cast has produced the same script before.

Herman Bester and Pierre du Toit acted as liquidator and attorney respectively in the estate of Mirror Trading International, the bitcoin scheme that ranks among the largest frauds in South African history. The presiding officer at the relevant MTI creditors' meetings was the same official who presided over Banxso, Mr Mabusela. At MTI's second meeting, every investor claim was rejected, on the stated basis that they were illegible, denying thousands of investors the right to vote on the liquidators' resolutions. The investors had been told their claims could be dealt with later.

The single substantial claim admitted and used to carry the resolutions at MTI came from JNX Online, a company that MTI's own liquidators had caused to be wound up for owing MTI money. An MTI investor noted in an affidavit before the Cape High Court that the trustee of JNX Online operated from the same office as Mr Bester, observing that, on the face of it, something was amiss. The instrument that carried the vote was a claim from an entity liquidated at the instance of the very liquidators running the process.

There is a detail worth adding. JNX Online is administered by two liquidators, one of whom worked for Tygerberg Trustees, Mr Bester's firm, at the time of the MTI claim. The proximity that the MTI investor flagged in his affidavit was, on this account, not merely a shared office address but a shared professional stable.

Set the two estates side by side. In MTI, legitimate investor claims were declined and deferred while a related-party claim was admitted passing resolutions. In Banxso, employee claims with sworn affidavit support were left off the file while a curated body of investor claims, represented by a single firm that had pledged to vote yes to everything, carried the resolutions. In both, the presiding officer was placed on notice of the concern before the vote. In both, he allowed the vote to proceed. 

'Deemed adopted'

The meeting did not end tidily. Advocate Raubenheimer's block also moved a set of additional directions under Section 53(5) of the Insolvency Act, instructing the liquidators to keep Mostert and Bosman briefed and to press on with the Section 417 and 418 inquiries into Banxso's affairs.

Then, with no representative of the majority creditors physically present to sign, the presiding officer declared the resolutions adopted on the basis that someone would come to his chambers later in the day to sign them. He said they should be "deemed adopted." A signed instrument, he indicated, would follow.

He closed the meeting by appealing for a truce between Mr Bester, Mr Victor and Mr Senekal, urging the liquidators to stop fighting and to focus on recovering the roughly R800 million still outstanding from a possible billion. It was, in its way, a candid acknowledgement that the people charged with protecting this estate were at war with one another. It did not address why, in the middle of that war, a contested set of resolutions had just been pushed through.

The questions that remain

A detailed set of questions arising from the meeting was put to the Chief Master of the High Court in Pretoria. They asked, among other things, who authorised the virtual format and whether any written policy governs it; on what basis a presiding officer condoned the absence of a mandatory affidavit; whether the deliberate withholding of the employee claims has been investigated; whether the validity of the majority voting block, including the settled claims and the contested mandates, will be examined; and whether the office regards the parallel with MTI, the same liquidators, the same presiding officer, the same pattern of selectively admitting claims, as a matter warranting independent review.

Despite a follow-up requesting a response, the Chief Master and her office have not replied.

The silence sits within a wider picture. The Master's offices have been described by practitioners of three decades' standing as being in a state of disarray not seen before, with staggering backlogs, documents going missing, and anti-bribery notices on the walls that, as one observer dryly noted, tend to appear where bribery is a problem. An institution in that condition is precisely the one in which a determined liquidator and a compliant process can produce a predetermined outcome without anyone above noticing or answering.

The creditors of Banxso, the former employees most of all, are entitled to know whether what happened on 15 May was an estate being administered, or an outcome being engineered. On the strength of the record, and the company it keeps, that is not a question the Master's office can leave unanswered for much longer.

You can now explore the incredible offers on the HONOR 600 and HONOR 600 Pro across all network providers and retail partners, including MTN, Vodacom, Telkom, and Cell C nationwide.

The feature-packed HONOR 600 Series offers that rare blend of innovation that surprises and real value. HONOR 600 Pro is available in Golden White and Orange at R19 999, or from R799 per month over 36 months, while the HONOR 600 is offered in Orange and Black at R14 999, or from R549 per month over 36 months.

Those who purchase the HONOR 600 Series will receive free redeemable gifts worth up to R8287. Consumers who purchase the HONOR 600 Series will receive an HONOR CHOICE Earbuds Clip Valued at R1999 and an HONOR CHOICE Watch 2i Valued at R999.

This also includes 365 days of accidental damage protection for HONOR 600 Series Devices, worth R3999. And lastly, a Free Google AI Pro with 5TB of cloud storage for 3 months (This is for first-time users only) – that is worth R429.99. The gift promotional offer is limited to the HONOR 600 Pro and HONOR 600, valid from 8 June until 8 July 2026.

HONOR 600/HONOR 600 Pro Deals 

Vodacom: HONOR 600, R549 x 36 months and HONOR Pro R799 x 36 months

MTN: HONOR 600, R579 x 36 months and HONOR 600 Pro, R799 x 36 months 

Telkom: HONOR 600, R599 x 36 months and HONOR 600 Pro, R879 x 36 months

Cell C: HONOR 600, R699 x 36 months and HONOR 600 Pro, R899 x 36 months

Mzansi has already shown strong interest in the HONOR 600 Series, and its value becomes clear when you consider what it brings together. This is a series built for people who want a phone that can create, capture, last and connect without making everyday use feel complicated.

The HONOR 600 Series has already grabbed attention with AI Image to Video 2.0, allowing users to turn still images into short, dynamic video clips using prompts and built-in templates. Whether it is a family celebration, a milestone moment, or a forgotten memory brought to life in a whole new way.  This heart-stopping feature gives everyday photos a second life without needing advanced editing skills.

The 200MP Ultra-Clear AI Night Camera is designed to capture sharper detail, richer colour and stronger low-light images. Powered by HONOR’s AiMAGE intelligent imaging architecture, the camera system delivers clearer night portraits, more stable handheld shots, and true-to-life colour across different lighting conditions. The HONOR 600 Pro also adds a 50MP 3.5X Periscope Telephoto Camera with up to 120x zoom to capture details from farther away.

Built for long days, the HONOR 600 Series features a 7000mAh Long-life Battery, the largest in the HONOR Number Series. Both devices support 80W HONOR SuperCharge, while the HONOR 600 Pro also includes 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge and 27W wired reverse charging.

The series also delivers Snapdragon performance, an ultra-bright 8000-nit display, IP68, IP69, and IP69K water and dust resistance, and SGS 5-star drop-and-crush resistance credentials. Its premium design is matched by distinctive finishes, from Golden White and Orange on the HONOR 600 Pro to Orange and Black on the HONOR 600. It is designed to feel fast, smooth and durable, made for Mzansi.

The experience continues with convenient Apple ecosystem integration, including file sharing with iPhone and Mac, hotspot sharing and Apple Watch message display. With Google Gemini, users can also get help through text, voice, or images for planning, work, study, and creative tasks.

With strong AI capabilities, powerful photography, and long battery life – a device so easy to start using - the HONOR 600 Series is worth exploring for the value it brings to daily life.

It’s one thing to use AI for something quite specific, like deciding which car to buy, but when it comes to improving your golf game, can it actually be helpful?

The immediate thought is: not a chance. Swinging a golf club well is surely far too abstract and complicated a skill for AI to effectively tackle.

Last week, however, American Bryson DeChambeau was desperate enough to find out.

DeChambeau had been competing in the LIV Golf Korea event, where he scored well in the first two rounds, but a disappointing third round left him scratching his head and turning to Google Gemini for answers.

DeChambeau’s AI Experiment: Unraveling Golf Swing Physics

“I spent some long hours on the range trying to figure some stuff out and I was talking to AI quite a bit last night trying to go through some different physics principles that make the club turn over, having some alpha torque and gamma torque put in there,” DeChambeau said.

“I was like, ‘What makes that possibly do that?’ And was talking about just grip pressure and tension.”

DeChambeau certainly found something in the final round, as he matched his lowest score of the weekend on his way to a third-place finish.

“I was slamming the club in the ground trying to figure out what to do. I was frustrated. I didn’t actually figure it out on the range. I went back and started talking to Gemini and trying to figure out just what it could be to passively make the club turn over.

“I’m still working it out,” he said. “I don’t have the answer.”

It seems, then, that the idea of uploading a video of your golf swing and having AI magically transform your game remains firmly in the realm of science fiction.

If you want to ask AI some technical questions about the golf swing, go right ahead. Just don’t expect it to suddenly turn you into Rory McIlroy.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

In a bid to combat South Africa's staggering youth unemployment crisis, a prominent local non-profit organisation has officially thrown open its doors to the next generation of teenage tech heads and business visionaries.

iAccelerate SA has announced that applications are now officially open for part two of its 2026 Flagship Programme. The initiative specifically targets ambitious public school learners in Grades 9 to 11 across the Cape Town region, offering them a unique, hands-on opportunity to develop crucial entrepreneurial skills and build their own innovative business ventures.

The highly structured four-month entrepreneurship and innovation programme is designed for proactive young people who are passionate about solving real-world challenges through leadership and innovation. Running for the remainder of the year via monthly Saturday sessions, the initiative requires participants to work in teams to identify pressing problems in their immediate communities, brainstorm viable business ideas, and refine their startup concepts through continuous mentorship and applied learning.

A blueprint for practical business skills

According to the organisation, the iAccelerate SA Programme rejects pure theory in favour of a highly practical learning structure centred around four core pillars: ideation, innovation, initiation, and iteration.

Throughout the four months, learners are guided step-by-step by facilitators, mentors, and industry experts. These professionals provide ongoing, specialised support in critical commercial fields, including market research, prototyping, business development, leadership, and public pitching. Furthermore, each venture team is directly paired with dedicated mentors, while expert-led sessions expose the high school learners to real-world entrepreneurial environments and practical corporate insights.

The high-stakes climax of the programme sees participants stepping into the boardroom to present their completed business ventures to real-world potential investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry stakeholders. Known as the iAccelerate SA Pitch Day, this investor-style pitching event is designed to accurately simulate a real startup environment while strengthening the learners' communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.

Transforming the next generation of changemakers

"My time at iAccelerate South Africa has been nothing short of transformative," said Bassa Ngwira, an alumna of the programme and the Co-founder of Career Connect Hub.

Reflecting on her experience, Ngwira added: "It gave me the space to grow as a leader, sharpen my ideas, and connect with mentors who truly believed in youth potential. Every session challenged me to think bigger, and every conversation reminded me that my voice matters. I leave iAccelerate not just with skills, but with confidence, clarity, and a renewed commitment to building solutions that empower others."

With South Africa continuing to grapple with severe economic hurdles and limited job prospects for young school leavers, iAccelerate SA aims to change the narrative. By equipping adolescents with entrepreneurial and leadership tools, the non-profit hopes to empower them to create self-sustaining opportunities within their own communities and beyond, ultimately building a more inclusive and innovative economy.

How to apply

Cape Town learners who meet the criteria have until July 4, 2026 to submit their applications.

Eligible public school students can apply directly through the official digital portal. For additional details regarding the initiative, interested parties can visit the main website or follow the organisation's updates on social media via @iacceleratesa.

While iOS 26 was a fairly big visual overhaul for Apple’s operating system last year, the next update is set to be even bigger.

iOS 27 will be launched next week at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), and the big star of the event is set to be an updated Siri 2.0.

Though Apple launched Siri way back in 2010, to this day it’s been little more than a digital assistant that can only assist with very basic tasks and functionality.

A lot of this has to do with the fact that Apple’s version of AI— Apple Intelligence— is well behind the competition. Even though the iPhone 16s were launched with the slogan ‘built for Apple Intelligence’, this proved to be false advertising.  It promised a number of features that didn’t exist and led to a $250m lawsuit accusing Apple of false advertising.

Siri and Apple Intelligence to Be Reworked with Google Gemini for Enhanced Functionality

However, Siri and Apple Intelligence are set to be reworked completely to use Google Gemini.

Now, Siri is believed to be improved in a number of ways, including contextual on-screen awareness, deep app control, and optional third-party integrations like Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude.

All this means that Siri will be able to understand its users’ commands better and become an actually valuable tool—which to this point has not been the case.The update will also have a knock-on effect for the hardware Apple is set to unveil at WWDC.

A new Apple TV is expected to be launched, to coincide with the new Siri. In fact, insiders say that the Apple TV, which has not been updated since 2022, has been ready for release for some time but Apple wanted to unveil it with the Siri 2.0 functionality.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

HONOR South Africa today announces the nationwide open sale of the HONOR 600 Series, which includes the HONOR 600 and HONOR 600 Pro. Mzansi is once again offered what it has always asked for - real innovation, made more accessible. HONOR is clearly listening, and the proof is now in store.

Following strong interest already shown after the launch event, the HONOR 600 Series is now ready for customers looking for a smartphone that combines advanced AI creativity, powerful photography, long battery life, and premium performance in a device designed for real daily use.

Here are five standout features to know.

1. AI Image to Video 2.0 for easier content creation

The HONOR 600 Series introduces AI Image-to-Video 2.0, allowing users to transform still images into short, dynamic video clips using prompts and built-in templates. Users can combine up to three images, define opening and ending frames and create cinematic-style clips in seconds. 

After Wednesday’s Bafana Bafana’s World Cup squad announcement, Bafana Bafana players head and shoulder images was turned into a video generated by the HONOR 600 AI Image to Video 2.0

2. A flagship-level 200MP Ultra-Clear AI Night Camera

At the centre of the HONOR 600 Series is a 200MP Ultra-Clear AI Night Camera, designed to capture sharper detail, richer colour and stronger low-light images. Powered by HONOR’s AiMAGE intelligent imaging architecture, the camera system supports clearer night portraits, more stable handheld shots and true-to-life colour in different lighting conditions. The HONOR 600 Pro adds a 50MP 3.5X Periscope Telephoto Camera with up to 120x zoom, giving users more flexibility when capturing details from further away.

3. A 7000mAh battery with 80W HONOR SuperCharge

The HONOR 600 Series features a 7000mAh Long-life Battery, the largest in the HONOR Number Series. It is built to support busy days filled with streaming, photography, content creation, work, messaging and everything in between.

Both devices support 80W HONOR SuperCharge. The HONOR 600 Pro also includes 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge and 27W wired reverse charging, giving users more ways to power up quickly and stay connected.

4. Snapdragon performance, durability and a brighter display

The HONOR 600 Series is powered by Snapdragon processors, with the HONOR 600 Pro featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite Flagship Platform and the HONOR 600 featuring the Next-Gen Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 performance Chip. The series also brings an ultra-bright 8000nits display, IP68, IP69 and IP69K water and dust resistance and SGS 5-star drop-and-crush resistance credentials. It is designed to feel premium, fast and durable without making users feel as if they need to treat their phone like a museum piece.

5. Convenient Apple Ecosystem Integration and Intelligent Google Gemini Assistant

The HONOR 600 Series goes above expectations as a perfect companion to the Apple ecosystem. Upgraded connectivity feature enables instant file sharing with iPhone and Mac, hotspot sharing, and Apple Watch message display. 

The HONOR 600 series with Google Gemini empowers users to interact seamlessly via text, voice, or image for comprehensive assistance on the go. This marks a significant step towards building a truly intelligent AI assistant – one that is conversational, intuitive, and genuinely helpful.

6. Availability and Pricing 

The HONOR 600 Pro is available in Golden White and Orange for an RRP of R19 999 or from R799x36 months, and the HONOR 600 will be available in Orange and Black for an RRP of R14 999 or from R549x36 months.

Those who purchase the HONOR 600 Series will receive free redeemable gifts worth up to R8287. Consumers who purchase the HONOR 600 Series will receive an HONOR CHOICE Earbuds Clip Valued at R1999 and an HONOR CHOICE Watch 2i Valued at R999.

This also includes 365 days of accidental damage protection for HONOR 600 Series Devices, worth R3999. And lastly, a Free Google AI Pro with 5TB of cloud storage for 3 months (This is for first-time users only) – that is worth R429.99. The gift promotional offer is limited to the HONOR 600 Pro and HONOR 600, valid from 8 June until 8 July 2026. 

Deals starting from R549x36 months

Vodacom: HONOR 600, R549 x 36 months and HONOR Pro R799 x 36 months

MTN: HONOR 600, R579 x 36 months and HONOR 600 Pro, R799 x 36 months 

Telkom: HONOR 600, R599 x 36 months and HONOR 600 Pro, R859 x 36 months

Cell C: HONOR 600, R699 x 36 months and HONOR 600 Pro, R899 x 36 months

We’ve all been there. Well, actually, not everyone — but I’ve certainly been there.

I was on Tinder for far too many years before I met my wife, and during that time I came across so many dating profiles with the same recycled jokes in the bio section that I could immediately tell when somebody had copy-pasted them.

That was more than a decade ago, though. While I’ve now been happily married for almost five years, I was still shocked to learn just how many people are using AI to help them find a match.

Not only are people turning to AI for general dating advice, but users on apps like Tinder are becoming increasingly reliant on it to craft opening lines, suggest conversation topics and even keep chats flowing.

AI’s Role in Online Dating: Navigating the Ice-Breaking Stage

Most of the available data suggests AI is still largely being used for the ice-breaking stage of conversations, but it’s unsettling to think about how intertwined our interactions are becoming with this technology.

For example, one Facebook user, Graham Hunt, revealed that he had been talking to a woman on a dating app for about a month before learning she had been using AI to write her messages.

“Well, this week she revealed to me that she’s been using AI to write her messages,” Hunt wrote.

“I feel like this past month has been nothing but a lie. First I had to worry about whether images are real online. Now I have to worry about whether I’m actually talking to a person. And if I’m talking to a real person, I have to wonder if they’re even reading my messages and responding in earnest.”

AI’s Influence on Online Dating: Navigating the Digital Landscape

You only need to watch a few episodes of Black Mirror to become wary of the path we’re heading down, but for many young people this is already a reality.

In fact, when I did a Google search to learn more about AI’s role in online dating and not advice, the first call to action Gemini gave me was: “Would you like to explore how to use these tools? If you tell me which dating apps you are using or what kind of vibe you want your opening messages to have (funny, casual, direct, etc.), I can help you brainstorm the best approaches.”

Ultimately, there may be no reliable way to know whether you’re truly talking to another person online or simply receiving AI-assisted responses. The only real solution, it seems, is to meet face-to-face sooner rather than later — and try not to spend too much time getting to know someone through a screen.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

South Africans will soon be able to purchase the HUAWEI nova 15 Max, a smartphone that brings a fresh combination of long-lasting power, dependable durability and immersive entertainment to the nova series. Designed for users who demand reliable all-day performance without compromise, the latest addition to the nova series combines power, style, and innovation in one sleek device.

At a time when smartphone prices continue to climb globally due to rising component costs, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max stands out by delivering exceptional performance and quality without a corresponding increase in price.

Combining one of the largest batteries in its class, generous memory and storage, durable design and advanced photography features, it offers outstanding value for South Africans looking to get more from their smartphone without stretching their budget.

Starting at just R7 999, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max will be available in South Africa from 8 June 2026. Customers will also receive a HUAWEI Added Value Pack worth up to R7 596, including Unlimited Screen Damage Protection and HUAWEI FreeBuds SE valued at R1 499 at selected retailers.

At the heart of the HUAWEI nova 15 Max is an impressive 8500mAh HUAWEI Super Battery, engineered to help users stay connected, entertained and productive for longer. The new battery experience now offers a larger capacity and longer battery life compared to the previous generation.

When put through its paces, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max showed it is able to support up to 23 hours of continuous video playback, ensuring dependable performance throughout the day. The HUAWEI nova 15 also introduces reverse charging technology, enabling users to conveniently power compatible Huawei devices on the go, effectively turning the smartphone into a portable power bank.

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max has also been built to handle the realities of daily life. Built for durability, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max has achieved the SGS Premium Performance Mark 5-Star Drop Resistance certification, a testament to how it disperses impact force and reduces the risk of damage from everyday drops.

In addition, precision sealing technology at key body joints helps prevent dust and debris from entering the device, while the device’s IP65 rating provides protection against dust and water exposure during everyday use.

For photography enthusiasts, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max comes equipped with a 50MP Ultra Vision Camera featuring an advanced RYYB colour filter array that improves light intake by 40%.

Combined with a large sensor and F1.9 aperture, the camera excels in challenging lighting conditions, transforming night scenes, indoor gatherings and everyday moments into bright, detail-rich images that are ready to share.

The user experience is further enhanced by a stunning 6.84-inch OLED Eye Comfort Display that delivers immersive visuals with smooth responsiveness and intelligent viewing adaptation. Whether navigating the outdoors under bright sunlight or binge-watching content late at night, users can enjoy a consistently comfortable and vivid viewing experience.

With up to 4000 nits of dynamic peak brightness, the display ensures bright highlights, deep contrast and rich detail in every scene.

With its powerful battery, durable design, capable camera system and immersive display, the HUAWEI nova 15 Max is shaping up to be one of Huawei's most compelling nova devices yet. South African consumers won't have to wait long to experience it for themselves.

The HUAWEI nova 15 Max will be available from 8 June 2026 at a recommended retail price of R7 999.

As part of the launch offer, customers can enjoy a HUAWEI Added Value Pack worth up to R7 596, including Unlimited Screen Damage Protection and HUAWEI FreeBuds SE valued at R1 499 at selected retailers.

T’s&C’s apply. The device is available in Black, Cyan and Gold through Huawei's official online store and participating retailers.

It’s no secret that Apple has been left behind when it comes to Artificial Intelligence, with its version, Apple Intelligence, flattering to deceive.

But that could be about to change next week at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), starting on June 8.

Until now, Siri has been nothing more than a basic voice assistant, even though Apple put out misleading information about its abilities in an aggressive marketing campaign in 2024. It promised a number of features that didn’t exist and led to a $250m lawsuit accusing Apple of false advertising.

Now, Siri is believed to be improved in a number of ways, including contextual on-screen awareness, deep app control, and optional third-party integrations like Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude.

Siri 2.0: Enhanced Understanding and New Product Launches at WWDC

All this means that Siri will be able to understand its users’ commands better and become an actually valuable tool— which to this point has not been the case.

The new update, called Siri 2.0, will also allow Apple to release a number of new products at WWDC. That includes a rumoured new Apple smart display for use in the home.

While new laptops like the redesigned new MacBook Ultra will likely take centre stage, it’s a forgotten product like the Apple TV that is in desperate need of an update.

The Apple TV was last updated in 2022, when the 4K 3rd Gen was released. The base model 64GB version costs R2,999 at the iStore, while the 128GB is R3,599.

The current Apple TV uses an A15 chip, which was also found in the iPhone 13 series. In fact, when the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen was released in November 2022, the A15 chip was already over a year old.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

Few days after Africa Day fell silent in the shadow of boycotts and repatriations, South Africa is confronting an uncomfortable truth about the crisis unfolding within its own borders.  On 25 May, the day the African continent traditionally gathers to affirm its unity, African ambassadors refused to attend South Africa's official celebrations. They did not feel safe. Nigeria and Ghana had already begun repatriating their citizens.

According to reports, at least seven people were dead. The movements behind the violence, March and March and Operation Dudula, had swept through Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban, leaving fractured communities, destroyed businesses, and formal diplomatic complaints from Nigeria, Ghana, and Mozambique in their wake. A United Nations warning had drawn international headlines. A country that presents itself as the gateway to Africa was being watched with alarm by the very neighbours it claims to lead.

Why now, and why with such intensity? Although not the only response, the answer lies at the intersection of deep economic frustration, deliberate political orchestration, and a digital ecosystem built to reward outrage over reason. South Africa's own 2022 census shows that migrants make up just 3.9% of the total population, roughly 2.4 million people in a nation of 62 million. The country is not being overrun. It is, however, in acute economic pain. And pain, in the age of social media, travels fast, particularly when algorithms are specifically engineered to move it faster and to the largest possible audience.

Legitimate Grievances, Distorted by Design 

The Centre of Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development www.CAISD.co.za, one of the many centres in the continent working to harness the role of technology to achieve development, wanted to pinpoint the role technology plays in exacerbating the antipathy without dismissing the frustrations of South African nationals.

To do so would be dishonest and counterproductive. The official unemployment rate stood at 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026, with more than 8.1 million people without work and youth unemployment reaching a staggering 57%. These are lived realities in communities that have spent three decades waiting for the economic transformation promised by democracy.

Against this backdrop, the visible economic presence of foreign nationals creates friction that is psychologically real, even where it is statistically misread. Statistics South Africa data shows that foreign nationals carry an employment absorption rate of 64%, compared to 37.7% for South African-born workers, and in some townships, they own up to 40% of informal businesses.

A 2025 Human Sciences Research Council survey found that 42% of South Africans would "welcome no immigrants," while 77% agreed that immigrants increase crime. The crime link is not supported by evidence, but these numbers reveal something equally significant: a large portion of the population has already been persuaded by a narrative. The critical question is who built that narrative, and how was it distributed so effectively? 

The Algorithm: Not the Cause, but the Accelerant

The social media platforms most South Africans use daily, including Facebook, TikTok, X, WhatsApp and YouTube, are not neutral infrastructure. They are built around a single commercial objective: sustained engagement. Decades of research, including internal studies from Meta, show consistently that the content most likely to sustain engagement is content that provokes anger. 

Anger travels. A video of a foreign national behaving badly, stripped of context, spreads further and faster than any evidence-based article about what immigrants contribute to the economy. In the lead-up to the 2026 protests, populist leaders and influencers circulated incendiary content without context. Those videos were algorithmically rewarded with reach, shared into WhatsApp groups where factchecking is practically impossible, and broadcast live on platforms that amplified these movements before any journalist had assessed whether their claims were truthful.

Research on South African electoral cycles reveals a consistent and troubling correlation: xenophobic discourse spikes reliably in the approach to local elections, in 2016, 2019, 2020, and now 2026, with local government elections scheduled between November 2026 and January 2027. Xenowatch data confirms the trajectory, with recorded incidents rising from 58 in 2020 to a peak of 110 in 2022, before climbing again to 83 in 2024. The algorithm does not cause xenophobia. But it is extraordinarily effective at timing it, scaling it, and normalising it.

The Dark Labs: Organised Narrative Operations

Beyond algorithmic mechanics lies something more deliberate. There is growing evidence of what we at CAISD terms "coordinated narrative architecture": the strategic seeding of divisive content by small, well-resourced operations, some functioning entirely outside South Africa. These are not spontaneous expressions of public anger. They are manufactured interventions, exploiting the fact that, if enough accounts share the same message within a narrow window, platforms will push it to audiences who were never searching for it.

This is a documented feature of contemporary information warfare, evidenced in Brexit, in the United States during the 2016 election cycle, and increasingly in African political contexts. When mainstream media then covers these movements without adequately challenging their claims, including the demonstrably false assertion that some youths purported to be undocumented migrants are not entitled to public healthcare and education under South African law, it lends those claims a credibility they do not deserve.

Evidence, Policy, and the Way Forward 

The World Bank's studies of South African labour markets have found that immigrants are net contributors to job creation. Foreign-owned enterprises sustain supply chains that employ South Africans. South Africa's chronically low GDP growth of between 0.6 and 1.3% annually is a structural problem rooted in energy infrastructure failure, skills deficits, investor uncertainty, and governance weaknesses that predate every foreign-owned spaza shop in the country. Deporting 2.4 million people will not build a single power station, train one additional nurse, or resolve the Eskom crisis.

The government has a legitimate mandate to enforce immigration law, process permits efficiently and protect South African workers. What is far more troubling is when the tone of official policy pronouncements begins to track the mood of protests rather than the weight of evidence. That convergence, historically, is where crises cross thresholds they cannot easily come back from.

CAISD's call is therefore clear. Social media platforms must be held accountable for algorithmic amplification of xenophobic content, including through multilingual content moderation. Digital literacy must become a civic priority. Counter-narratives must be deployed as strategically as the narratives they counter, because facts alone do not go viral, but stories do. And African governments and civil society must speak with one continental voice, because the diplomatic rupture South Africa is experiencing today is a warning of what silence costs the entire continent. The algorithm did not start this fire. But it is fanning it, and it will keep doing so until platforms are held accountable, communities are equipped to resist manipulation, and policymakers choose evidence over the applause of the crowd. 

* The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development (CAISD) is a pan-African non-profit think tank operating at the intersection of artificial intelligence, policy, and sustainable development. CAISD is committed to peaceful cohabitation across the African continent as a foundational condition for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr AD Essome is its Co-chair and former United Nations Communications Specialist who extensively wrote on how “Legacy Media and Social Media platforms can promote conflicts resolution within the continent”

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. 

On Friday IOL reported on the founding affidavit filed in the Western Cape High Court by Kobus Senekal of FJ Senekal Incorporated on behalf of Flamingo Clearing House Limited, affected employees, and concurrent creditors of Banxso (Pty) Ltd (In Liquidation).

The first article dealt with the email in which Herman Bester campaigned for his own appointment as liquidator before the liquidation order was granted, the enquiry evidence of creditors who had settled their claims in full and final settlement but were nonetheless permitted to vote and requisition, and the systematic exclusion of the employees whose preferent claims might have provided the most effective check on what followed.

Today’s report examines the next set of allegations in the affidavit: legal costs, a taxation process the Taxing Master’s own certificate says was settled by consent instead of being properly opposed and scrutinised, pro forma advocates’ invoices used to support more than R11 million in legal fees, a R527,850 charge with no supporting invoice attached, and the application’s demand that the liquidators repay the loss personally.

The Consent That Replaced the Taxing Master

The legal costs of Mostert and Bosman Attorneys, running across nine entries in the First Liquidation and Distribution Account between November 2025 and April 2026, total R11,629,177.23. The single largest of those entries, Voucher 30, amounts to approximately R5,946,082.92 is for the liquidation application itself. It is, by a significant margin, the largest item of expenditure in the entire first account.

South African insolvency law is clear on what must happen before legal costs of this magnitude can be paid from funds held for creditors. They must pass through the office of the Taxing Master: an independent, court-supervised review in which each item is examined, challenged where appropriate, and allowed or reduced on its merits. The process is not optional, and it is not a formality. It exists specifically to prevent the professional advisers of an insolvent estate from charging whatever they wish from a fund that belongs to creditors who have no other protection.

Senekal annexes the Taxing Master's certificate for Voucher 30 to the application. The certificate does not record that the bill was taxed. It records that it was "settled by consent." Those three words, he argues in the affidavit, represent the removal of the only independent check standing between the attorneys and R5.9 million of creditors' money.

A settlement between parties cannot replace the independent duty of the Taxing Master to protect an insolvent estate against unreasonable, excessive, or inflated charges. The liquidators, who bore independent fiduciary obligations to scrutinise the accounts of their own attorneys, instead adopted and advanced those accounts without challenge. The bill was, in Senekal's formulation, effectively allowed in its entirety. None of the items were meaningfully challenged.

The consent arrangement produced an additional absurdity. A taxation attendance fee of approximately R154,480.02 was charged and allowed, even though there was no genuine opposed taxation. The estate paid for a taxation that did not take place.

The Rule 67A Surcharge That Was Never Authorised

The costs do not stop at the unsanctioned consent arrangement. The affidavit identifies a Rule 67A surcharge of approximately R288,057.75 charged against the estate. Rule 67A surcharges apply where a court order specifically authorises attorney and client recovery or elevated tariff scales. The court order underpinning the costs in this matter authorised none of those things. It did not authorise attorney and client costs. It did not authorise Rule 67A surcharges. It did not authorise private counsel rates. It did not authorise Scale B or Scale C recovery.

In the absence of explicit authorisation, the default position in South African practice requires Scale A to apply. The attorneys recovered at rates above Scale A without the authorisation that would have been required to do so. The surcharge alone, added to costs already allowed without genuine taxation, represents what the affidavit describes as an extraordinary recovery from an insolvent estate.

Provisional Invoices Used to Support Millions in Payments

The affidavit then turns to the advocates' accounts. Adv MM van Staden and Adv RF van Rooyen SC, the junior and senior counsel engaged for the enquiry, issued pro forma invoices. Not final tax invoices. Not documents that satisfy the requirements of section 20 of the Value-Added Tax Act. Provisional accounts, issued on a preliminary basis, which in law do not constitute valid demands for payment and which cannot properly ground a claim for input tax.

Senekal poses the question in the affidavit and leaves it unanswered because the answer is not available. How could millions of rands be taxed and paid from an insolvent estate based on provisional accounts? The question acquires additional weight when read alongside the enquiry evidence of both intervening parties, Ms Duvenhage and Dr Smit, each of whom confirmed under oath that they made no personal contribution to the legal costs.

Duvenhage told the enquiry she understood the company would bear the costs. Smit confirmed she contributed nothing. The attorneys carried the costs of bringing the liquidation application, on the understanding that those costs would be recovered from the estate they were creating. The advocates whose pro forma invoices were then used to support a multimillion-rand bill of costs occupied the same arrangement.

Van Staden was not merely the advocate whose invoices appear in Voucher 30. He was, on the evidence of Dr Smit at the enquiry, the person who told her she could ignore her settlement agreement with Banxso because the whole system was fraudulent. He referred her to Pierre du Toit of Mostert and Bosman. He is described in the enquiry transcript as the person who did the whole Banxso case. His pro forma invoice is now part of a court record supporting a bill of costs settled by consent rather than opposed by anyone with an interest in protecting the estate.

Item 317 and the Invoice That Was Not There

The annexures to the application set out detailed objections to Voucher 30. In the affidavit, Senekal highlights what he says is a pattern of irregularities serious enough to call the entire bill into question.

According to the affidavit, supporting invoices were missing, attorney and counsel work was duplicated, and copying and perusal charges were excessive. It also alleges that vague global items were included without enough detail to allow proper scrutiny, that travel and accommodation costs were recovered without adequate justification, and that the attorneys effectively billed the estate as a third layer of counsel while both senior and junior counsel were already charging for the same matter.

Item 317 of the bill is singled out. It reflects charges of approximately R527,850. The supporting invoice is not attached to the account.

The affidavit identifies a further internal inconsistency that the objections raise for investigation. The chronology of the charges reflected in the accounts appears inconsistent with the chronology of the affidavits prepared and signed in the proceedings.

Either the underlying documents were in the possession of the attorneys before the dates reflected in the affidavits, or charges were levied for work allegedly performed after the affidavits had already been prepared and signed. Both possibilities require proper investigation.

Senekal's estimate of the quantum that should never have been allowed, taken on a conservative approach to the individual items challenged in the objections to Voucher 30, is approximately R2 million. Against an estate in which 216 proven creditors with combined claims of R194,379,545.72 have received not a cent, R2 million is not a rounding error.

Claim 150 and the Selective Scrutiny

The affidavit places alongside the legal costs dispute a specific example of the differential treatment it alleges was applied to claims in this estate. Claim 150 was submitted by Ingenuity Property Investments (Pty) Ltd and reflected alleged indebtedness of R102,077.04 arising from office and parking rental. The liquidators accepted it and incorporated it into the Liquidation and Distribution Account. It is the only claim from which a distribution was made in the first account.

Senekal's affidavit says the documents supporting the claim called for closer scrutiny and should not have been accepted on mere face value. The amount was not properly reconciled, and the material filed with the claim raised questions that, he says, should have been investigated. In particular, the accounting records and debtor statements needed to be checked against Banxso's books to establish the exact indebtedness before the claim was accepted.

The liquidators did not investigate. They did not invoke section 44(7). They incorporated the claim.

The affidavit does not say Claim 150 was necessarily invalid. It makes a sharper point: the treatment of Claim 150, it says, was wholly at odds with the treatment of the employees' claims, dissenting creditors, requests for section 393 disclosure, and demands for taxation of the legal costs. Claims and creditors that supported the path the liquidators wanted faced little resistance. Those who challenged it, the affidavit alleges, met obstruction at every turn.

That differential treatment is incompatible with the Commissioner's express finding that a liquidator should be wholly independent, should regard equally the interests of all creditors, and should carry out his duties without fear, favour, or prejudice.

The Commissioner further recorded that liquidators bear positive fiduciary obligations to investigate claims, examine the books and records of the company, resist doubtful claims, and protect the concursus creditorum. On Senekal's case, those obligations were consistently breached.

The Section 393 Refusal

From December 2025, Senekal had been formally requesting disclosure of the section 393 records of the estate: the underlying documents, invoices, mandates, correspondence, and supporting material that would allow creditors properly to scrutinise how the estate was being administered and what the legal costs were for. The request is not an unusual one. Section 393 of the Companies Act exists precisely to make this information available to creditors and interested parties as a matter of right.

The liquidators refused to comply. Senekal then wrote to the Master, Mr Mabusela, asking him to direct the liquidators to make the records available. The Master also refused to act. The correspondence evidencing both refusals is annexed to the application.

The affidavit describes the Master's refusal as inexplicable because, on its case, section 393 leaves no room for discretion. Creditors are entitled to see the records of the estate. That is the point of the provision.

In an insolvency, the Master's role is supervisory. That supervision includes ensuring that creditors can access the documents they are legally entitled to inspect, especially where the estate is being charged millions in legal costs.

According to the affidavit, that did not happen here. Instead, creditors were asked to approve accounts they could not test, ratify costs they had not been allowed to examine, and consent to payments they were not permitted to see in full. In the telling of the application, that was not oversight. It was the removal of scrutiny at the very point scrutiny mattered most.

The Personal Costs Order and What It Means

The application closes with a request that this Honourable Court will not have missed. Senekal seeks a costs order de bonis propriis, on the scale as between attorney and own client, against the second through to the sixth respondents: Bester, Bailey, Eckhoff, Ledwaba, and Schutte. Not against the estate. Against them personally.

A de bonis propriis costs order is the most severe sanction a court can impose on a litigant in civil proceedings short of a criminal referral. It means that the relevant parties pay the costs from their own assets, not from any fund they administer or any professional indemnity arrangement. Courts grant such orders when they find that the conduct of the relevant party went beyond ordinary negligence or error and demonstrated bad faith, disregard for the rights of others, conduct inconsistent with the standards expected of an officer of the court, or deliberate misuse of the process.

The application expressly excludes Victor, the seventh respondent, from the punitive costs claim. The affidavit records that Victor raised concerns about the legal costs, the treatment of employees, procedural fairness, and the failure to investigate disputed claims. He refused to sign the liquidators' report pending resolution of those disputes. He was denied the opportunity to have them resolved before the meeting proceeded. The application asks only that he not be made personally liable for a process he actively opposed.

The application asks that the second through to the sixth respondents pay personally for conduct the affidavit describes as bad faith, procedural manipulation, breaches of statutory and fiduciary duty, and a disregard for the rights of creditors and employees that, it says, falls far below the standard expected of officers of the court.

The Argument the Court Is Now Being Asked to Evaluate

Senekal concludes his affidavit with a submission that is as much a description of the whole case as it is a legal argument. "This Honourable Court," he states, "cannot merely be expected to rely upon the say-so of the liquidators concerning disputed legal costs, disputed claims and disputed requisitions."

What sits behind that sentence, the affidavit says, is not a single irregularity but an entire pattern.

It begins with a liquidator who campaigned for his own appointment. Then come the attorneys who brought the liquidation application, carried its costs, and later billed the estate they helped create R11 million for administering the liquidation and enquiry process.

The affidavit says creditors who had already settled in full were still treated as creditors for voting and requisition purposes. It says an advocate told a settled witness to disregard her settlement agreement, and urged her to submit a claim anyway.

It points to a Taxing Master's certificate that records consent instead of scrutiny on a R5.9 million bill, a Rule 67A surcharge with no authorising court order, pro forma invoices used to support payments of millions, and an item of R527,850 with no invoice attached.

It adds a meeting shifted to a virtual format on twenty-four hours' notice, employees whose documents were removed from the Master's office and returned only after meaningful participation was no longer possible, and, ultimately, a Master of the High Court accused of allowing it all to happen by condoning all of the above.

The Western Cape High Court must now decide whether those allegations, set out in the founding affidavit with extensive annexures and enquiry transcripts, have been made out.

For Banxso's 216 proven creditors, who have lodged claims of R194 million and received nothing after nine months of administration, the stakes could hardly be higher.

The liquidators, Mostert and Bosman, and the Master of the High Court are entitled to respond to the court filings. They have not yet done so in these proceedings.

If you’ve recently purchased an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, you might feel a little annoyed come June 8, as that’s when Apple is expected to announce their update to their flagship mobile devices.

According to MaxTech on YouTube, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be the headline product announcements at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) starting on June 8 and concluding on June 12.

With no major design changes, a huge performance increase is expected in these models with the new A20 chip as the processor.

Along with improved battery life, the phone will boast a much-improved quality 24MP selfie camera. The price is also expected to stay the same for the new model. The iPhone 17 Pro currently starts at R27,999 on the iStore, while the Pro Max will cost a minimum of R30,699.

Anticipated Apple TV Update: New A17 Pro Chip and Potential Price Drop

Meanwhile,  a forgotten product like the Apple TV that is in desperate need of an update.

The Apple TV was last updated in 2022, when the 4K 3rd Gen was released.

The base model 64GB version costs R2,999 at the iStore, while the 128GB is R3,599.

When you try to find out more details about the 3rd Gen on the iStore, it seems to proudly indicate that the product is now actually four years old.

The biggest news though is that the new model is expected imminently.

The current Apple TV uses an A15 chip, which was also found in the iPhone 13 series. In fact, when the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen was released in November 2022, the A15 chip was already over a year old.

That means if you buy an Apple TV today, you’re forking over your hard-earned cash for a chip that is almost five years old.

The new Apple TV will reportedly have an A17 Pro chip, which was first used in the iPhone 15 range in 2023. There’s also a good chance the base storage size will be increased, while the price may actually be dropped.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

A Bloemfontein attorney has placed before the Western Cape High Court an affidavit alleging that the liquidation of Banxso (Pty) Ltd was not the neutral, court-supervised process the law requires. Kobus Senekal from FJ Senekal Incorporated alleges that it was instead a coordinated operation: professionals who stood to benefit helped set it in motion, included creditors whose claims had already been settled, excluded employees who might have challenged the process, and then used a statutory meeting to approve costs that were never independently scrutinised.

The application was filed in the Western Cape High Court on Wednesday, May 27 2026. The respondents are the Master of the High Court and all six liquidators. The relief sought includes setting aside everything resolved at the second meeting of creditors, ordering full disclosure of every record the liquidators have thus far refused to produce, compelling proper taxation of all legal costs, and directing that punitive costs be paid personally, from their own pockets, by the liquidators whose conduct contributed to the irregularities.

Senekal is unsparing in his opening characterisation of what he says he witnessed. "This application," he states in the affidavit, "concerns one of the most troubling insolvency administration processes I have encountered in practice." He attended both the first and second meetings of creditors.

He represents Flamingo Clearing House Limited, the affected former employees of Banxso, and a body of concurrent creditors. He swears that what should have been a transparent winding-up conducted for the benefit of the general body of creditors became, instead, a process directed toward preserving the position of preferred liquidators and attorneys, excluding dissenting voices, and shielding from scrutiny the R11 million legal bill that sits at the centre of the dispute.

The Email Before the Liquidation was granted

The affidavit opens its chronology with something that did not happen at a creditors' meeting or in a courtroom. It happened in October 2024, months before the provisional liquidation order was granted on 22 August 2025, and it happened in a piece of correspondence that Herman Bester, the second respondent and one of the five joint liquidators, sent while soliciting support for his own prospective appointment.

The affidavit annexes the email and quotes the operative passage directly. Bester wrote: "To get the appointment as liquidator in Banxso, I will need your support and assistance."

The affidavit comments on this with precision. "This was not the conduct of an independent prospective liquidator," the attorney states. "It was the conduct of an individual actively campaigning for control over the estate." The significance of that observation becomes clearer when read alongside what follows in the affidavit: that the attorneys who brought the liquidation application, Mostert and Bosman, are the same attorneys who brought the liquidation application on behalf of the applicants and then ran the section 417 and 418 enquiry process, billed the estate more than R11 million for doing so, and had those bills settled by consent rather than independently taxed.

The liquidators are served at the address of Mostert and Bosman's offices in Bellville. The campaign for the appointment and the financial structure that followed it are, on this version, not coincidental.

The Requisition System That the Commissioner Found Flawed

The affidavit relies substantially on the Interim Report of Advocate LM Olivier SC, an independent senior counsel appointed as Commissioner for the section 417 and 418 enquiries into the affairs of Banxso. The Commissioner's findings are, in the attorney's submission, not peripheral corroboration. They go to the heart of whether the voting process that returned the current liquidators to their positions and ratified their costs was legitimate.

The Commissioner found that the requisition system was flawed and open to abuse, with a significant number of instances in which the amounts reflected in requisitions and claims did not match what may in fact have been due. Investors, he said, had been told to submit requisitions reflecting their total deposits regardless of repayments or settlements already received. The requisitions and claims lodged then mirrored those inflated figures, raising questions about the validity of the claims based on them. He further stated that a nominee (liquidator) who knows a requisition is incorrect in any respect has a duty to disclose that to the Master. Underpinning all of this was a basic principle: incorrectly proved claims are not a mere technicality, because only proved creditors may vote, give direction to the liquidators, and participate in distributions.

The affidavit places the Commissioner's findings alongside the enquiry evidence of specific witnesses to show what that flawed system produced in practice.

1. Wessels confirmed under oath that he had settled with Banxso in full and final settlement. He had written to Tygerberg Trustees to ask whether he could still claim as a creditor. The response from Rene Willoughby of Tygerberg Trustees was direct: "Everyone is considered as a creditor, and all creditors will have an opportunity to lodge their claim against the estate once a liquidator is appointed." Wessels proceeded to participate in the requisition and voting processes.
2. Mouton confirmed settlement in full and final settlement despite his requisition documents reflecting approximately R4 million. P. Strydom testified that he was allegedly instructed to insert the total amount and not to deduct amounts already recovered. J.J.E. Liebenberg confirmed that repeated requisition forms were sent to him by Tygerberg Trustees after settlement agreements had already been concluded. M. Pereth confirmed settlement for R400,000 in full and final settlement and thereafter still participated in requisition and claim-related processes.

Each of these witnesses gave evidence under oath at the formal statutory enquiry. Each confirmed, in substance, that their claims against Banxso had been extinguished or materially reduced before the liquidation process began. Each was nonetheless permitted to participate in the process that determined who would control the estate and on what terms.

The Doctor, the Advocate, and the Settlement She Was Told to Ignore

The most striking witness evidence in the affidavit concerns Dr Smit, a creditor whose enquiry transcript is quoted at length in the founding papers.

Dr Smit had signed a settlement agreement with Banxso in terms of which, in exchange for a bonus payment, all claims between the parties were settled. The agreement stated in terms that neither party would have claims against the other. Dr Smit confirmed under oath that she understood this. "Yes," she told the enquiry when asked whether she was calling it quits with Banxso, "and that is how I interpreted it also in the beginning."

What changed her mind, she said, was a telephone call from Advocate Michael Van Staden, described in the transcript as the person who handled the Banxso case for the applicant creditors. According to her evidence, he told her she could disregard the settlement agreement because the entire system was fraudulent, and that she could proceed with her claim. He then referred her to Pierre, identified in the transcript as Pierre du Toit of Mostert and Bosman.

The Commissioner allowed questioning on this point. The picture that emerged from the transcript is of an advocate who acted for the applicant creditors in the liquidation proceedings proactively engaging a witness who had already settled her claim, advising her that the settlement was invalid, and directing her to the instructing attorneys of the liquidation application. Dr Smit also confirmed that she made no personal contribution to legal costs. She understood the attorneys would carry those costs and recover them from the estate.

The affidavit draws a stark implication. If the intervening parties to the original application made no personal contribution to the legal costs and understood those costs would be recovered from the estate, then the financial risk of the application that brought about the liquidation was borne not by the applicants themselves, but by the estate. In essence the attorney and the advocates who dealt with this matter where in a position of win at all costs as the only way to recover the fees was to have a liquidation order granted. That left creditor’s, 216 of them with proven claims totalling R194 million, having had no opportunity to approve those costs before the company was placed in liquidation.

The Meeting That Should Not Have Proceeded

By the time the second meeting of creditors was convened on 15 May 2026, the attorney says eight serious defects remained, each of them, he argues, enough to undermine the meeting from the outset: non-compliance with the statutory affidavit requirement under section 81(1)(bis)(b) of the Insolvency Act; disagreements among the liquidators themselves; disputes over employee claims; disputes involving settled creditors; questions over requisitions and voting rights; challenges to the legal costs; section 393 disclosure issues; and the absence of proper scrutiny of the legal accounts.

The Master, Mr. Mabusela, condoned all of it and allowed the meeting to proceed regardless of the multiple challenges presented to him.

The affidavit is direct about what section 81(1)(bis)(b) required. The liquidators were obliged to lodge an affidavit confirming compliance with the statutory circulation requirements before the meeting could proceed. No such affidavit was ever lodged.

The affidavit states that this defect was raised repeatedly during the meeting itself and that neither the liquidators nor the Master could identify any affidavit evidencing compliance. The Master condoned the non-compliance regardless and allowed the meeting to continue. The application characterises this not as a forgivable administrative lapse but as the removal of a jurisdictional safeguard designed to protect creditors against opaque and irregular insolvency proceedings.

Then, less than twenty-four hours before the meeting, the Master once again unilaterally converted a public physical meeting into a virtual one, as had already happened at the first meeting of creditors. Yet the advertisements in the Government Gazette, Die Burger, and Business Day had all stated that it would be held at the Master's offices in Cape Town. Creditors who had arranged to attend in person, expecting to exercise their rights in a public statutory forum alongside other creditors, were given no proper notice of how to access the virtual platform, how voting would take place, or how participation would work. The attorney argues that the last-minute switch denied creditors the most basic requirement of procedural fairness: a fair opportunity to participate.

The Employees, the Documents, and the Undertaking That Was Broken

The treatment of Banxso's former employees is described in the affidavit as one of the most disturbing aspects of the matter. Under section 98A and related provisions of the Insolvency Act, employee claims carry statutory preference. The law places them ahead of concurrent creditors specifically because employees who lose their positions in an insolvency are among the most vulnerable parties in the process.

The employees' claims were prepared and lodged within the prescribed period, supported by an affidavit from Banxso's HR Manager verifying both the claims and the amounts. They were later uplifted from the Master's office without the authority of the employees or their legal representatives. The attorney wrote to Bester on 5 May seeking confirmation of the documents' whereabouts and asking that they be re-lodged, then wrote again on May 12. In that correspondence, the affidavit says, Bester gave a specific undertaking: "your original completed claim form and proof of your claim amount as we must lodge the documents with the Presiding Officer 24 hours before the hearing."

Bester did not honour that undertaking. Only immediately before the meeting, when it had become practically impossible for the employees to take any meaningful steps, did he indicate that the claims would not be lodged and that Senekal should uplift and re-lodge them himself.

The consequence was total exclusion. The employees were shut out of the vote on the resolutions and barred from participating in the meeting. They were also prevented from invoking section 44(7) of the Insolvency Act, which entitles creditors to require the interrogation of disputed or inflated claims. Just as significantly, they were denied the opportunity to challenge the settled creditor claims, oppose the resolutions as drafted, and contest the legal costs at the centre of the dispute. In practical terms, every safeguard that might have enabled them to protect their preferent position in the estate was stripped away when their claim documents were removed and not re-lodged in time by Bester.

The Eckhoff Reversal

The affidavit records a development that the attorney characterises as particularly revealing. Jochen Eckhoff, the fourth respondent, initially appeared supportive of the employees and of Flamingo Clearing House Limited. Flamingo and the employees initially supported him in turn.

When Flamingo and the employees declined to endorse the conduct of the liquidators and announced their opposition to the resolutions, Eckhoff reversed course. He aligned himself with the remaining liquidators and thereafter supported the proposition that the employees had no valid claims.

The affidavit draws the logical conclusion. When the employees' support was advantageous, their rights were recognised. When they became dissenters, their claims became disputed. A neutrally administered insolvency does not work that way. The Commissioner had recorded that a liquidator should be wholly independent, should regard equally the interests of all creditors, and should carry out his duties without fear, favour, or prejudice. What the affidavit describes bears no resemblance to that standard.

It’s been four years since the last Apple TV came out, and finally the new version is expected to be announced on June 8.

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will have a host of new products announced, one of the less popular products may just steal the show.

While new laptops like the new redesigned MacBook Ultra will likely take centre stage, it’s a forgotten product like the Apple TV that is in desperate need of an update.

The Apple TV was last updated in 2022, when the 4K 3rd Gen was released. The base model 64GB version costs R2,999 at the iStore, while the 128GB is R3,599.

Apple TV 3rd Gen: Outdated A15 Chip and Upcoming A17 Pro Model

When you try to find out more details about the 3rd Gen on the iStore, it seems to proudly indicate that the product is now actually four years old.

The biggest news though is that the new model is expected imminently.

The current Apple TV uses an A15 chip, which was also found in the iPhone 13 series. In fact, when the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen was released in November 2022, the A15 chip was already over a year old.

That means if you buy an Apple TV today, you’re forking over your hard-earned cash for a chip that is almost five years old.

The new Apple TV will reportedly have an A17 Pro chip, which was first used in the iPhone 15 range in 2023. There’s also a good chance the base storage size will be increased, while the price may actually be dropped.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

As we approach the midway point of 2026, it’s almost a criminal act the amount of storage some manufacturers ship their phones and laptops.

I’m talking specifically about phones with 128GB and less, and laptops with 256GB storage.

Even the biggest manufacturers are guilty of this infringement, and in particular Apple.

Though Apple has introduced a new base storage of 256GB for the phones with the iPhone 17 range, their cheapest laptop does not feature the increased storage. Unfortunately for me, I went for the iPhone 16e base model and only have 128GB on my device and routinely run out of space.

Storage Limitations: Why 256GB On a Laptop Isn’t Enough for 4K Video

The MacBook Neo starts at 256GB storage, which is just too little these days - especially if you’re backing up your phone which will likely shoot in 4K. For reference, a minute of 4K video at 30 frames per second (FPS) will take up approximately 190MB. If you shoot in a faster, smoother FPS of 60 in 4K, that will drive up the file size to about 440MB per minute.

That means for every minute of video you shoot on your phone, you’re taking up half a GB. Over a short period of time, for example a week’s holiday somewhere picturesque - an hour of footage will take up about 30GB on your phone.

The only saving grace for the MacBook Neo though, is that it is by far Apple’s cheapest laptop at R11,999, and from R13,999 you will be getting 512GB minimum for any laptop from the tech giant.

However, most budget Windows laptops ship with 256GB storage and you’d need to spend at least around R8,500 to get increased storage of 512GB.

At least with Android phones the price for storage isn’t as cheap, and you should be able to find a device with at least 256GB storage if you invest at least R4,500.

That still means the vast majority of budget phones in South Africa will still come with less than 256GB, and with 2027 on the horizon they should be avoided if at all possible.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

A Cape Town-based geolocation intelligence company, Timbuki 2 AI, has built a community-generated dataset documenting flooding and infrastructure damage to parts of the Western Cape following last week’s storms, showing that in several areas conditions persisted long after rainfall had stopped.

The company collected and reviewed 362 verified submissions between May 13 to 19, forming a public flood map based on geotagged reports sent by residents from 20 areas through WhatsApp.

According to Timbuki 2 AI, real-time data indicates that flooding did not end with the storm, as residents reported that water remained in homes and streets for days due to blocked drainage systems, waste accumulation, and overloaded stormwater infrastructure. 

The hardest-hit areas include parts of the Cape Flats such as Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Philippi, Samora Machel, and Delft. These areas repeatedly reported water entering homes, blocked drainage systems, and roads that remained impassable days after the storm.

In Site B, Khayelitsha, one resident said homes were left uninhabitable, with the entire kitchen flooded by water.

In Mfuleni, Blue Downs, and parts of Delft, residents described structural damage caused by strong winds during the storm, including roofs being torn off and exposed homes left vulnerable to continued rainfall.

One resident said the “whole roof came inside the house,” adding that the damage left the home unsafe.

In Samora Machel, multiple submissions described roads cut off by standing water, limiting movement for several days.

Residents said they were unable to travel to shops or send children to school due to flooded access routes.

Similar reports were recorded in Langa and Bonteheuwel, where residents described waterlogged streets and blocked pedestrian paths.

The dataset also shows smaller clusters of reports from areas including Red Hill and Simon’s Town, where flooding was more localised but still affected access routes and public spaces due to debris and surface water.

Timbuki 2 AI said the purpose of the dataset is to track not only immediate storm impact but also post-event conditions, particularly where infrastructure continues to fail.

The platform collects data through WhatsApp-based submissions, where residents send photos, videos, and descriptions of local conditions. These reports are then reviewed, verified, and added to a live flood map that shows concentrations of impact across different areas.

Timbuk2 AI also said it will continue working with local community members to map areas that are often under-seen or missing from traditional datasets through its developing mapping work.

The company aims to make unseen communities more visible by collecting ground-level evidence that can help decision-makers better understand where support, services, and investment are needed.

Members of the public who want to learn more or take part in future data collection can visit https://timbuk2.ai/flood.

IOL

I’m probably showing my age here, but I can still vividly remember writing down the details of my runs on a piece of paper in a file, with details like how I felt during and after, and of course the distance, time, and intensity.

I would also pop along to my local mall and buy a new digital wristwatch every year, all of them having a stopwatch feature. And that was about the only feature of these cheap Casios I used for the majority of my running between 1998 and 2015.

Since then, though, I made the switch to a smart watch with GPS tracking, which opened up a new world of digital statistics and indexing for training and racing.

Though I reached my running peak in 2017 and 2018, the use of digital luxuries like a smart watch and running apps like Strava were quite inconsequential.

Ignore the Noise: Why Strava’s Runna Partnership Isn’t Necessary for Better Running

I firmly believe that a smart watch and a fitness app can’t actually make you a better runner; putting in the work is the only thing that will achieve that goal.

That’s why Strava starts punting its new partner app, Runna, specifically aimed at providing coaching for runners - I think it’s a cheap attempt at a crash grab. I keep seeing these suggestions in Strava that I sign up for Runna, which I actually thought was released by Strava itself.

It turns out, the apps simply partnered in April, and Strava keeps getting on my nerves asking me to sign up for Runna.

Running is not complicated, unless you’re trying to beat Gerda Steyn. For the rest of us, it’s simply about how often and how much you train. Rest is also a key part of getting fitter.

Another core principle is listening to your body; it is vital when you’re trying to  break new thresholds.

So my advice is to ignore all the noise and persistent punting of new running apps, just keep lacing up those takkies and keep showing up every day, and you will have already done the hard part.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.

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The Shenzhou-23 crew has entered China's space station, marking the eighth in-orbit rendezvous of Chinese astronauts in space.

Watch the video here.

At 5.13am on Monday, the Shenzhou-21 crew opened the hatch to welcome the new arrivals. It was the first time for an astronaut from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to enter the space station.

The six crew members took group photos to mark the occasion. In the following days, they will conduct an in-orbit handover aboard the space station.

CGTN

In a move that could be the step in the right direction for transparency and communication, or could spark privacy concerns, WhatsApp is developing a new feature to make it easier for users to quickly see which of their contacts are online

According to details from the latest WhatsApp beta for Android (2.26.13.3), the messaging app is testing a feature that will allow you to view a list of contacts who are currently active without needing to open individual chats.

Currently, users must open each conversation to check whether a contact is online, with the status shown at the top of the chat.

If a user is offline, WhatsApp displays their “last seen” timestamp, indicating when they were last active. However, both indicators depend on privacy settings and may be hidden if a user has restricted visibility.

The feature was initially introduced for Android beta users, but is now being developed for iOS as well.

In the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.20.10.70 update, available via TestFlight, the same functionality has been discovered in development.

Why was the feature needed?

Checking who is available can be time-consuming, especially if you are urgently trying to reach multiple people at once. In cases like these, you might find yourself opening several chats to compare “online” and “last seen” statuses before deciding whom to contact.

This can make quick communication less efficient, particularly in group coordination or time-sensitive messaging. The new system is designed to make it easier by showing your contacts' availability information in one place.

To support this improvement, WhatsApp is developing a dedicated Contacts section, referred to as a “Contacts hub.”

This hub is expected to appear within the app’s settings, and you will see it just below the user’s profile photo. 

Expected features include a section for up to four favourite contacts for quick access, a list of recently online contacts, a visual indicator (green dot) showing contacts currently online and chronological ordering of recently active users.

Contacts who are currently online will appear at the top of the list, making them immediately visible. Below them, users will see others sorted by most recent activity.

The Contacts hub is also expected to include tools for managing contacts more efficiently. Users will be able to search for contacts directly within the section, add new contacts via phone number or QR code, update and manage favourites at any time and sort contacts alphabetically instead of by activity.

What about privacy?

Despite these changes, WhatsApp has confirmed that privacy settings will continue to control what is visible. Users who have hidden their online status or last seen will not appear in the online activity list.

Similarly, if a user has restricted visibility, their activity will remain hidden from others in the Contacts hub. This ensures that the feature does not override existing privacy preferences.

The Contacts hub and expanded online status view remain under development for iOS and Android beta testers. WhatsApp is still refining how the feature works before rolling it out more widely.

Once testing is complete, the company is expected to gradually release it to a wider audience in a future update, potentially reshaping how users discover and engage with active contacts on the platform.

IOL

HONOR South Africa today introduces the highly anticipated HONOR 600 Series, featuring the HONOR 600 Pro and HONOR 600, at Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, during an immersive launch event. 

The new series brings together a flagship-level 200MP Ultra-Clear AI Night Camera, industry-exclusive AI Image to Video 2.0, a segment-leading 7,000mAh Long-life Battery and Snapdragon flagship-class processors, all housed within the most refined design in HONOR Number Series history. The HONOR 600 brings flagship-level AI imaging and strong daily performance to more users, while the HONOR 600 Pro takes the experience further with enhanced zoom, telephoto capability and Snapdragon 8 Elite performance.

Redefining Mobile Creativity with Industry-Exclusive AI Image to Video 2.0

The HONOR 600 Series introduces AI Image to Video 2.0, an industry-exclusive feature that lets users transform still images into dynamic video using natural language prompts and built-in templates. Users can combine up to three images with natural language prompts to produce stunning 3- or 5-second sequences, where they can define both opening and ending frames for full narrative control, and access an extensive library of cinematic templates for stylised, film-quality results in a single tap. For more creative control, free-style mode lets users describe the video they want and allows AI to bring the idea to life.

The dedicated AI Button gives quick access to AI imaging tools, including AI Image to Video and AI Photos Agent. With AI Photos Agent, users can edit images using natural language instructions, making changes such as removing passers-by or reflections without switching between multiple apps.

The Segment's Most Powerful Night Camera System

At the centre of the HONOR 600 Series is its flagship-level 200MP Ultra-Clear AI Night Camera, designed to deliver exceptional clarity, depth and low-light performance. Building on the 200MP ultra-clear imaging legacy of the HONOR 400 Series, the HONOR 600 Series takes on one of mobile photography’s toughest challenges: night imaging. Powered by HONOR’s next-generation AiMAGE intelligent imaging architecture, the camera system is supported by advanced AI night algorithms that help preserve natural skin tones, accurate lighting and scene depth in more challenging conditions.

HONOR 600 Pro takes things further with CIPA 6.5 stabilisation on its telephoto lens. The HONOR 600 Pro also features a 50MP 3.5X Periscope Telephoto Camera, extending reach up to 120x zoom for users who want to capture distant details with impressive clarity.

The HONOR 600 is built for users who want advanced AI imaging, strong battery life and smooth everyday performance. The HONOR 600 Pro adds a higher-performance camera system, more reach and flagship-class processing power for users who want more control from their mobile device.

Flagship-level Performance with Exceptional Battery Life and Built-In Resilience

Beyond imaging, the HONOR 600 Series is built for speed and staying power. Powered by Snapdragon flagship-class processors, including Snapdragon 8 Elite on the HONOR 600 Pro, the series delivers smooth performance across multitasking, gaming, streaming, editing and content creation.

The series is equipped with a 7,000mAh Long-life Battery, the largest in the HONOR Number Series. Paired with 80W HONOR SuperCharge, the device is designed to reduce downtime and keep users connected throughout the day.

The HONOR 600 Series raises the visual bar with a 6.57-inch display reaching 8,000nits peak brightness. Sunlight Mode sustains outdoor clarity through an enhanced brightness curve, optimised thermal management, and dynamic APL-based brightness adjustment — delivering up to 4,000nits at 20% APL. HONOR Eye Comfort Display balances this brilliance with long-term viewing comfort through intelligent brightness and colour optimisation.

A display of these capabilities demands equally robust protection. IP68, IP69, and IP69K water and dust resistance, together with SGS 5-star Premium Performance Certification for Drop & Crush, ensure the device withstands splashes, dust, drops, and the unpredictability of everyday life.

The HONOR 600 Pro steps up to the Snapdragon 8 Elite on 3nm process technology, achieving 45% CPU and 44% GPU improvements — true flagship-level responsiveness across demanding applications and multitasking. Underpinning the entire experience, the HONOR 600 runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 with 27% CPU and 30% GPU gains for powerful gaming and fluid daily performance.

Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration and Intelligent Google Gemini Assistant

The HONOR 600 Series also extends beyond itself as a perfect companion to the Apple ecosystem. Upgraded connectivity feature enables instant file sharing with iPhone and Mac, hotspot sharing, and Apple Watch message display. 

The HONOR 600 series with Google Gemini empowers users to interact seamlessly via text, voice, or image for comprehensive assistance on the go. This marks a significant step towards building a truly intelligent AI assistant – one that is conversational, intuitive, and genuinely helpful.

“The HONOR 600 Series reflects where smartphone innovation is moving, with AI that feels useful, camera technology that supports real creativity and performance that keeps up with the way people live,” said Fred Zhou, CEO of HONOR South Africa. “South Africans are creating, sharing and connecting across more moments than ever before, and the HONOR 600 Series brings flagship-level imaging, long-lasting power and intelligent tools into a phone that feels both powerful and practical.”

All-scenario products 

• HONOR Watch6: HONOR Watch 6 features over 120 professional sports modes, including Soccer Mode, Trail Running Mode, etc. It can also facilitate health monitoring through blood pressure and heart rate testing, as well as cardiac health screening. The HONOR Watch 6 can ensure 35 days usage. HONOR Watch6 is priced at R4499 and available from July.

• HONOR CHOICE Mousebuds Pro: This innovative 2-in-1 device combines a wireless mouse with built-in charging for true wireless earbuds, bringing productivity and mobility into a single compact design. HONOR MouseBuds will be available from June onwards at R699.

• HONOR Earbuds 4: The HONOR Earbuds 4 adopt an in-ear design for wear comfort. It features AI Translation, a 46-hr battery life, 50dB Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, and Dual Ti-coated drivers. The HONOR Earbuds 4 will be available from July priced at R999.

• HONOR Choice Headphones: The HONOR CHOICE Headphones deliver an authentic, studio-grade listening experience powered by certified Hi-Res Audio and a premium 40mm driver unit. It will be available from June onwards at R699.

With the HONOR 600 Series, HONOR brings together advanced AI capabilities, refined design and powerful smartphone features in a way that feels ready for daily use. From night photography and cinematic content creation to all-day battery life and flagship-class speed, the HONOR 600 Pro and HONOR 600 are built for South Africans who want technology that does more than keep up.

HONOR 600 Pro is available in Golden White and Orange for an RRP of R19 999 or from R799x36 months, and the HONOR 600 will be available in Orange and Black for an RRP of R14 999 or from R549x36 months.

Consumers who purchase the HONOR 600 Series will be able to receive free redeemable gifts worth up to R8287. Consumers who purchase the HONOR 600 Series will receive an HONOR CHOICE Earbuds Clip Valued at R1999 and an HONOR CHOICE Watch 2i Valued at R999.

This also includes a 365-day accidental damage protection for HONOR 600 Series Devices worth R3999. And lastly, a Free Google AI Pro with 5TB of cloud storage for 3 months (This is for first-time users only) – that is worth R429.99. The gift promotional offer is limited to the HONOR 600 Pro and HONOR 600 valid from 8 June until 8 July 2026.  

We’ve all been there: Ye set aside a day to stay home or at the office to receive a delivery, and it just never comes. Now you have to rearrange your schedule and get on the phone with your courier to find out just exactly when your goods will arrive.

I’ve had particular frustrations recently with RAM Couriers as they somehow can’t get through to you when you’ve provided them with two contact numbers.

You then follow up with them only to find out the delivery person was at your gate many hours earlier when they ‘tried to reach you’.

But I digress. If you don’t mind availing yourself of that, that’s just fine.

Convenient Pickup Options: Takealot vs. Amazon Locker Service

You can, of course, use a service like Takealot and choose pickup at one of their many centres across the country.

Still, as efficient as these pickups are, if you go during a busy time, you will still likely have to wait in line before your order comes through.

That’s why I’ve recently come to enjoy the locker pickup service provided by Amazon through the Courier Guy.

With Amazon in particular, you are often charged something like R1 or R2 for delivery to a designated locker, and it arrives promptly the next day.

When you go to collect at your locker location of choice, you simply tap the locker interface screen, and it then allows you to scan your QR code or enter an OTP you received.

In a flash, your locker pops open, and you simply take your package. To me, this really feels like living in the future, while not wasting your time waiting for delivery people.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

It’s no exaggeration to say that Apple’s MacBook Neo has reshaped the budget laptop market.

Apple’s first foray into the budget laptop market could not have gone better, since the starting price for the Neo of R11,999 placed this new offering as a direct competitor to the vast majority of Windows laptops and Google’s Chromebooks.

The difference with the Neo though, was that even though it was powered by an iPhone chip, it is extremely powerful at that price point.

The Neo can handle any office work right up to basic 4K video editing without any trouble, and it’s a fact that it will outperform any Windows laptop or Chromebook with the same - and sometimes superior - specs.

Googlebook vs. Asus Vivobook: A Battle of AI Integration and Performance

The new Chromebook announced earlier this month is now called Googlebook, which sounds suspiciously similar to MacBook. This laptop though, has been ‘designed from the ground up’ with AI integration.

It seems like every non-Mac-OS device really seems to be going wrong, as AI features should be a supplementary function, not a core one. This is where Apple really should be copied, because while its hardware and software are perfectly integrated - it’s never for a new feature that has not yet proved successful in the case of AI.

The closest Windows laptop to the Neo is probably the Asus Vivobook. While this range from Asus starts at around R5,499, the R10,999 Vivobook X1504 is the nearest in price. Though you get double the RAM/Unified memory with 16GB and 512GB storage as opposed to the Neo’s 256GB - there’s still little comparison in build quality.

The Neo will be lighter, quieter, and feature double the battery life. In terms of performance, the Neo will either be the same if not better in most areas with the use of swap memory allowing the Apple product to compete with devices boasting more memory.

There are also rumours that the next version of the Neo is on its way soon. It’s expected to have 12GB of Unified RAM and more storage, and if that’s the case, that’s even worse news for Windows and Google.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector plays a critical role in South Africa’s economic growth, accounting for 91% of formal businesses, contributing up to 40% of GDP, and employing around 60% of the workforce.

Although more than 2 million MSMEs operate in South Africa, including over 2.5 million micro-enterprises, many of which are informal, the sector continues to face major challenges related to funding, regulatory compliance, and technology adoption.

The rapid growth and evolution of technologies have presented us with many options for providing services to consumers and various stakeholders. This also presents significant opportunities for MSMEs in the South African economy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being embraced in many processes to effectively drive business objectives and goals.

As the MSME sector in South Africa is a cornerstone of the country’s economy, it plays an important role in driving innovation, creating jobs, and promoting inclusive growth. It is therefore important for MSMEs to take advantage of the opportunities offered by AI by adopting it in their business processes. Although MSMEs are important to the economy, they often face many challenges. AI can provide several benefits that help MSMEs become more financially included in the mainstream economy.

Township businesses such as spaza shops, street vendors, taxi transport operators, kota businesses, bed-and-breakfast establishments (B&Bs), and restaurants are among the enterprises that can leverage AI to improve their operations and achieve their business objectives. With government providing funding opportunities for MSMEs, it is important to consider some of the benefits that AI can offer in helping this sector grow and operate more effectively.

AI is becoming an important tool for MSMEs in South Africa. As businesses operate in a competitive and technology-driven environment, using AI can help improve efficiency, support growth, and ensure long-term sustainability. AI allows MSMEs to automate tasks, analyse data, and make better decisions, helping them stay competitive in local markets across the country.

One of the major benefits of AI for MSMEs is increased productivity and operational efficiency. AI-powered systems can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and customer responses. By reducing manual work, employees can focus on more strategic and value-adding activities, which improves overall business performance. Automation also helps reduce human errors and speeds up business processes.

AI is helping MSMEs reduce costs by improving efficiency across key operations. It enables better inventory management, demand forecasting, and resource allocation, allowing businesses to use limited resources more wisely, reduce waste, and improve profitability and overall operational performance.

Beyond cost savings, AI strengthens decision-making within MSMEs. Through advanced data analytics, it processes large volumes of business information and generates actionable insights for owners. These insights support strategic planning in marketing, financial management, and customer behaviour analysis, helping businesses identify opportunities, predict trends, and respond quickly to changing market conditions across township economies and beyond.

Improved customer service is another key benefit of AI adoption. AI-powered chatbots and customer relationship management (CRM) systems allow businesses to provide faster and more personalised services to customers. This can improve customer satisfaction, strengthen relationships, and increase customer loyalty.

In a competitive business environment, fast and efficient customer service can greatly improve a company’s reputation and market position. On Vilakazi Street in Soweto, where restaurants such as Sakhumzi, 1947 on Vilakazi Street, Chez Alina, and others operate, chatbots and CRM systems can help improve customer service delivery.

AI contributes to business growth and competitiveness. By adopting innovative technologies, MSMEs can scale their operations more effectively and compete with larger organisations. AI enables businesses to develop new products, improve service delivery, and reach wider markets through digital platforms.

In conclusion, the use of AI presents significant opportunities for MSMEs in South Africa. It enhances productivity, reduces operational costs, supports better decision-making, improves customer service, and strengthens business competitiveness.

As digital transformation continues to grow, the adoption of AI can play a critical role in supporting the development and sustainability of MSMEs, which are vital contributors to South Africa’s economy and job creation.

Therefore, AI adoption will result in financial inclusion, as MSMEs will become more competitive in the industry, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country, which may result in more job creation.

*The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.

**Muvhango Livhusha is ISACA SA Vice President. He is a PHD Candidate in Digital Transformation. He is an award winner and an advocate for technology. He is writing in his own personal capacity as professional.

It’s a bit of a recurring theme at the moment, but just how much should you really trust your AI chatbot of choice?

We’ve already seen AI make some massive mistakes that have led to an entire database of company being deleted almost instantly, and clear-cut lying of an AI when asked to time someone going for a run.

There are new examples every day of AI being completely and often deliberately inaccurate, yet it is still becoming more and more integrated into our every day life.

People rely on AI for anything from financial, emotional and health advice with growing faith - and this is not the way it should be at all.

The Growing Concern Over Sharing Personal Information with AI Apps

Call me sceptical, but I’m always wary of giving any AI app more than the bare minimum of information. As these tools become increasingly embedded in our daily lives, though, that’s becoming harder and harder to avoid.

I’ve written about it before — particularly when the ChatGPT caricature trend exploded a few months ago. People were uploading photos of themselves while also volunteering details about their hobbies, interests, and personalities.

Sure, it was mostly harmless fun, but at the same time, we were also helping these AI apps build increasingly detailed digital profiles of us.

Personally, the less an AI app knows about me, the better. Instead, approach it like a work colleague that you wouldn't share al your personal information with, unless it was absolutely necessary. 

There’s no disputing that AI is convenient, but it also removes more of the human element from major life decisions.

And when you combine that with people asking these same apps for health, relationship, or financial advice, the amount of personal information being handed over grows at an alarming rate.

Maybe I’m just cynical, but years of watching films like Terminator 2: Judgment Day, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, and I, Robot left me with a healthy mistrust of “the robots”.

That’s why I still believe we should err on the side of caution when it comes to AI — useful as it may be.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

Sage (FTSE: SGE), a global leader in accounting, finance, HR and payroll technology, recently announced the rollout of Sage Ai across its solutions in South Africa, select pan African markets, and the Middle East, introducing a new generation of trusted, human-first artificial intelligence (AI) designed to remove administrative burden, strengthen compliance confidence and unlock meaningful productivity gains and sustainable growth.

Including intelligent tools such as Sage Copilot, a generative AI assistant, and a growing suite of specialised AI agents - Sage Ai works securely behind the scenes to automate everyday accounting, finance, HR and payroll processes while keeping customers firmly in control.

Across Africa and the Middle East, small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are facing mounting operational pressure. Administrative and compliance demands are increasing, regulatory complexity is slowing decision-making, and cashflow volatility remains a persistent risk to growth and resilience. 

At the same time, payroll, tax and reporting have become high-stakes responsibilities, while skills shortages are forcing business leaders to stretch capacity and juggle multiple roles, limiting their ability to focus on growth.

Yet, despite these pressures, many SMBs are not fully unlocking the potential of AI. Sage’s SBBO research reveals a clear activation gap in the local market: while 73% of South African SMBs have invested in AI, only 47% are using it to drive revenue growth. 

For SMBs, the barrier isn’t only cost, it’s trust. Concerns around privacy, security and compliance consistently rank among the top factors shaping AI adoption.

Human first. AI powered

Built on more than four decades of trusted expertise and embedded directly into the systems SMBs rely on, Sage Ai is powered by proprietary intelligence trained on real-world workflows, delivering AI that is practical, trusted and purpose-built for business.

“The data tells a clear story: African businesses are ambitious and digitally progressive, but they are rightly sceptical of tools that fail to reflect the regulatory and economic complexity in which they operate,” says Jordaan Burger, Managing Director, Sage Africa and Middle East. 

“Sage Ai is built on five core commitments: user control, reliable results, transparent explanations, responsible and ethical implementation, and accessible human support. We call this ‘Authentic Intelligence’ because it represents a more thoughtful approach to innovation, one that puts people at the centre, embeds trust by design, and applies advanced technology in ways that solve real business challenges rather than simply introducing new complexity.”

At a group level, our Sage Ai strategy is underpinned by significant, sustained investment in technology, data science and platform innovation,” says Sophia Adhami, Senior Director Product Office and Product Performance Execution at Sage.

“We embed AI natively across our portfolio, building proprietary capabilities trained on real-world workflows, and strengthening the infrastructure that supports secure, scalable deployment. Authentic Intelligence at this level means combining cutting-edge innovation with rigorous governance, so data remains protected, decisions are explainable, and customers can adopt AI with absolute confidence.”

AI that gets work done securely

Unlike generic AI layered on top of business systems, Sage Ai is embedded within the Sage Platform, a secure, unified environment where applications, workflows and data connect seamlessly. It powers Sage Copilot and specialist AI Agents that complete workflows end-to-end, across the product stack. 

Capabilities across Sage’s solutions include:

• Close Agent, reducing month-end close cycles by up to 90%
• Assurance Agent, continuously flagging unusual journal entries in real time
• Salary Variance Detection Agent, catches payroll anomalies before they become problems
• Sale Intelligence Agent, real‑time alerts to protect revenue
• Payslip Insights Agent, clear answers from payslip data, faster (available to early adopters)
• AP Agent, automating vendor invoice processing with over 90% accuracy (available in English-speaking markets)
• Time Agent, builds timesheet entries based on calendar, email, and app activity, making time tracking faster and more accurate

Supporting Africa’s digital transformation agenda

Across Africa, governments are increasingly prioritising digital infrastructure and data governance as foundations for economic growth, recognising them as critical to competitiveness and as essential as transport networks, ports and energy. In South Africa, the role of data and artificial intelligence has been highlighted by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana in the 2026 Budget Speech as central to future economic development, with secure and responsible AI adoption now seen as critical to SME resilience, job creation and cross‑border growth.

Burger concludes, “Our ambition is clear: eliminate admin, strengthen compliance confidence, and build the most trusted AI-powered business network across Africa and the UAE. We are freeing businesses from complexity, embedding trusted intelligence into everyday workflows, and enabling SMBs to grow with clarity, control and confidence in a digital-first economy.”

Visit Sage South Africa for more information and explore Sage Ai, including a new short‑form video series designed to demystify AI agents for small businesses and accountants.

The Free State Department of Health has won the Public Sector Digital Innovator Award at the Africa Tech Week 2026 ceremony held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on 13 May 2026.

The award honours public sector institutions using digital solutions to improve service delivery and enhance the citizen experience. The province was recognised for e-Impilo, its Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system for primary healthcare.

The system replaces fragmented paper-based processes with an integrated, government-owned digital platform. It is designed to improve patient care, strengthen continuity between facilities, and boost accountability and operational efficiency.

Free State Department of Health Head of Department Ernest Mohlahlo said the award reflects the efforts of frontline and technical teams who implemented the system in practice.

He said e-Impilo is already helping to reduce duplication, improve continuity of care and enhance efficiency across facilities. He added that the next phase will focus on training, change management, connectivity, cybersecurity and interoperability to ensure measurable improvements in access, quality and patient experience.

Free State Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi also welcomed the recognition, saying it reflects the province’s commitment to raising healthcare performance standards.

He said digitising primary healthcare is making services safer, faster and more accountable, and confirmed plans to expand the rollout, strengthen data-driven decision-making and ensure that digital innovation translates into improved care at facility level.

Africa Tech Week 2026 brings together public and private sector leaders to recognise innovation in digital transformation across Africa.

IOL

Not long ago, I would've sworn by wired earphones, but that's changed over the last year as I've made the switch to the wireless options.

With any new or evolving technology, there are plenty of different options on the market according to your budget.

For me though? I try my best to keep the costs down, and even though I have three Apple devices (laptop, phone, and iPad), I can’t bring myself to invest at least R3,000 for a pair of AirPods 4.

That’s where the cheaper Huawei FreeBuds SE 2 earbuds came in for me.

Affordable Connectivity and Impressive Bass: The SE 2 Earphones at R400

At around R400, this budget offering definitely does the job.

The main thing you want at this price point is easily connecting to your different devices, and the SE 2 does this without any headaches you get from other entry-level earphones.

I routinely switch the SE 2 between my laptop, phone, and even my LG Smart TV.

The lack of troubleshooting is a big advantage for me.

The SE 2 also delivers surprisingly good bass despite its price.

Huawei FreeBuds 6i: Affordable ANC Earbuds

The only thing the SE 2 really lacks is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).

Therefore, last month I decided to vanquish my trusty SE 2s to my backup drawer and go for something that has ANC.

Here there are also a myriad of options, with Bose offering a number of high-quality options. However, these are not cheap, and you’re probably spending around R5,000 for a pair.

That’s why again, I took a gamble on the budget option and went for the Huawei FreeBuds 6i. When I first started my research, I was really surprised to learn that these earbuds’ ANC came in at around R1,000.

Though I thought I might need to spend a bit to get something decent, I ultimately stuck with the same brand and got the 6i.

They deliver decent ANC, though it can’t compete with the Bose, which is more than good enough for my needs. If I have any music playing around 50% volume, the outside world instantly evaporates.

At the same time, the Awareness mode is also pretty good as I can hear conversation well in this mode.

It’s also really easy to switch between modes with one 2-second press on the stem of the earbuds.

It’s for all these reasons that I consider either the SE 2 or the more expensive 6i the best budget options earbuds for just about anybody.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

In line with the rapidly-evolving nature of social media and technology, Instagram has launched a new disappearing photo app called Instants.

Much like a feature already available in WhatsApp in which a user is only able to view the media once and is unable to take screenshots, Instants will do much the same for the Meta-owned app.

In fact, it works almost exactly the same as the feature from it’s sister app WhatsApp.

Where it differs though, is that the content will still be available in the sender’s archive for up to a year and can also be shared as stories at a later stage.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adam Mosseri (@mosseri)

Instagram Launches Instants: A New Feature for Sharing Casual Moments with Close Friends

Though the Instants Instagram app is also said to be preparing to test the app in a number of countries on iOS and Android.

Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri said: “This week, we are launching a new feature on Instagram called Instants, which is a way to share casual moments with your close friends. How does it work? Well, you go to the DM tab in this little pile of these photos in the bottom right.

“And if you tap on that, you can actually see Instants from your friends and also send a photo to your friends. When you tap send it immediately goes to either your close friend's list or your followers that you follow back, whichever you prefer. Once people see that photo, it disappears and they can't screenshot it.

“And so what we've seen in the testing in countries around the world, Italy, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, and others, is that people tend to use instants to share much more casual, much more authentic moments about their day. And we know that this type of sharing with personal moments with friends is a core part of what makes Instagram, Instagram. But we also know that a lot of people don't really share a lot to their profile grids anymore.

“So we're always looking for new ways, like Instants, to give people, to connect with around personal content with the people that matter to them most.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

As a tech enthusiast, there are few devices or types of products I’ve never tried before, but on Wednesday I finally drove an electric scooter for the first time at Zwartkops Raceway in Pretoria.

Initially, I was a little hesitant, trying to work out how to start the thing.

But after about two minutes with the new Pure Electric scooter, I was able to ride around at the full speed of around 20km per hour - apparently you can get up to 25km p/h, but I never managed that on a flat stretch of road.

To be honest, this wasn’t the usual kind of tech that I get excited about, and that was certainly the case ahead of the product launch.

The Pure Electric Range: From Lando Norris’s Legacy to McLaren Collaboration

But after a fairly lengthy press conference explaining how the Pure Electric came to South Africa after the brand was started in 2018 by Formula One sensation Lando Norris’s father, Adam, I was ready to test them out with a fair bit of anticipation.

Oh, and one important bit for anyone who is a bit of a petrolhead - the more expensive models of the Pure Electric are called the McLaren models as they have a partnership with the exclusive car manufacturer. It’s also nice to now be able to say I’ve driven a McLaren.

Of course, any petrolhead will also tell you that’s because Norris junior drives for McLaren, so it’s not much of a surprise.

As the product room was unveiled, it was difficult to miss the McLaren supercar in the middle. It was surrounded by the different Pure Electric models, cheapest (R8,999) to most expensive (R24,999).

Finally, it was out onto the mini race track with some sharp corners to test the handling.

Electric Scooter Review: Surprising Ease of Control and Fun Experience

I have to say it handled much better than I expected, and as someone who has no experience with these things, I was surprised by how easily I controlled it.

The same can’t be said for the DJI Neo 2 drone, which crashed into the wire-mesh fence on my first ride - but that was the wind and a little bit my fault, not the scooter’s.

Once I confirmed my drone was still alive and well, it was onto the proper race track to put the scooter through its paces.

This is by far the most exciting, and even though I soon got used to riding around at 20km p/h, which made it feel slow, it was still a lot of fun.

That’s the thing about this type of scooter; it’s more for someone who wants a quick way to get around an estate or complex. It’s not really a vehicle you could ride down Sandton Drive, but perhaps the promenade in Cape Town will be just fine.

It’s an exclusive product, to be fair, and even Christian Zanin, Product Manager at Core, who will be responsible for distributing and servicing the Pure Electric scooters in SA, says it will be difficult to predict how well the product will sell.

One thing is for sure: I like electric scooters now.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

Would you like to have private Incognito Chats with AI on WhatsApp? 

Just like you never thought you would read that, I never thought that I would type it, but here we are. 

In a move that could leave people confused, curious, or both, Meta launched its Incognito Chat on WhatsApp and MetaAI app.

According to Meta, it's a "completely private way to interact with AI."

"Your Incognito Chat conversations are processed in a secure environment that even Meta can’t see, and disappear by default. Chatting with AI has quickly become a critical part of how people get information and ask important questions. These questions can be deeply sensitive or personal, like health issues, loan details, or career advice," said Meta in a statement released on Wednesday. 

"Today, we’re launching Incognito Chat with Meta AI on WhatsApp and the Meta AI app, a new way to have completely private conversations with AI. Built on top of WhatsApp’s Private Processing technology, Incognito Chat lets you talk to Meta AI in a way that is invisible to anyone else.

According to the tech company, Incognito Chat with Meta AI is "truly private", adding that no-one, not even Meta, can read the conversations.

So how does it work?

When a user starts an Incognito Chat with Meta AI on WhatsApp, they are creating a private, temporary conversation that only they can see.

The messages are processed in a secure environment that even Meta cannot access.

The conversations are not saved, and the messages disappear.

Meta believes the tool "has potential to be part of several ways people chat with AI on WhatsApp."

However, Meta is not done in the AI space. In the coming months, it will also introduce Sidechat protected by Private Processing on WhatsApp.

Side Chat with Meta AI will give users private help with any WhatsApp chat with context of what’s being discussed, without disrupting the main conversation.

IOL

Creditors of Banxso (Pty) Ltd (In Liquidation) are convening at the Master's Office in Cape Town tomorrow morning. They will be handed twenty-seven resolutions and asked to adopt them all. Before they do, there is a cautionary tale written in the numbers of another liquidation involving some of the same professionals. Those numbers should be read carefully.

This is the second in a series of reports on the administration of Banxso (Pty) Ltd (In Liquidation), Master's Reference C548/2025. The first report, published yesterday, examined the R12.7 million fee structure of the joint liquidators, the R11.6 million legal bill paid to attorneys Mostert and Bosman without passing through the taxing master's office, and a handwritten annotation on an official voucher in which the word "taxed" was struck through and replaced in manuscript with the words "by consent," appearing to show that the standard protection afforded to creditors was quietly set aside.

Tomorrow morning, Friday May 15, 2026, at 9am, the second statutory meeting of creditors, members, and contributories of Banxso (Pty) Ltd (In Liquidation) will convene before the Presiding Officer at the Master of the High Court office, Cape Town.

Creditors who attend will be handed a document containing twenty-seven draft resolutions and asked to adopt them. They will also be asked, under Resolution 26, to formally approve and adopt the Section 402 report submitted by the joint liquidators, the very report whose cost disclosures, omissions, and accuracy are the subject of formal legal challenge raised in writing with both the liquidators and the Master of the High Court. 

Documentation relating to those challenges was provided to this publication by a source with knowledge of the proceedings who asked not to be identified. When contacted, Bloemfontein attorney Kobus Senekal of FJ Senekal Incorporated confirmed that correspondence bearing his name and that of his firm had been sent to the relevant parties. He declined to comment further, saying the correspondence spoke for itself.

The Ghost of MTI

Before examining the resolutions on tomorrow's agenda, creditors attending the meeting at the Cape Town Master's office would be well advised to acquaint themselves with the trajectory of Mirror Trading International (Pty) Ltd (In Liquidation), Master's Reference C906/2020, the liquidation that Banxso itself cited in the Western Cape High Court as a warning of what was coming.

MTI was declared by the Western Cape High Court in April 2023 to be a pyramid and Ponzi-type scheme. It was placed into final liquidation in June 2021. The scheme involved hundreds of thousands of people across 140 countries and, by the most conservative estimates, drew in bitcoin worth at least R14.7 billion. According to reporting by MyBroadband, court documents put the funds flowing through MTI at 29,421 bitcoin.

The liquidators of MTI recovered 1,281 bitcoin from Belize-based broker FXChoice in early 2021, selling it at a favourable rate for approximately R1.1 billion. That remained, for years, the sum total of meaningful recovery. 

The MTI liquidators, as Moneyweb reported in November 2025, receive ten per cent on all recoveries. Critics of the administration argued in court filings that it was in the liquidators' self-interest to prolong litigation for years, even where the prospects of success were doubtful, because each new phase of proceedings generated further fees. The liquidators disputed that characterisation.

Herman Bester, one of the five joint liquidators named in the Banxso first account, is also a liquidator in the MTI estate. The attorneys who brought the liquidation on behalf of the applicants and who are now instructed to run all the legal matter of the Banxso estate, and whose invoices in the first account total R11,629,177.23, are Mostert and Bosman, the same firm appointed by the MTI liquidators as their legal counsel in that estate. 

As reported earlier Banxso itself raised this connection in the Western Cape High Court proceedings, noting that Pierre du Toit of Mostert and Bosman, the attorney pursuing the Banxso liquidation, was appointed by Bester and his fellow MTI liquidators to act as their legal counsel in the MTI matter. According to figures cited in reporting on the MTI estate, Mostert and Bosman earned close to R25 million from that liquidation up to the last published Liquidation and Distribution account in 2023. The firm dismissed the conflict-of-interest allegation, stating that all fees in such matters are based on statutory tariffs or agreed service level agreements overseen by the Master of the High Court.

The MTI liquidation is now in its fifth year. The creditors who lost money have received nothing in the way of a provisional payout. The professionals administering the estate have, by the account of those same creditors, consumed half of the only significant asset recovery made in the entire administration.

Banxso creditors attending tomorrow's meeting are looking at year one. The resolutions on the table would, if adopted, set the terms for every year that follows, no different to those approved in the MTI matter.

What the Resolutions Would Authorise

Resolution 3.7 states: "That the Liquidator/s be duly authorised to agree any tariff and/or scale of rates to be used in determination of any Legal or other Fees, and in his/their sole discretion to agree the quantum of such fees, which legal Fees shall be on an Attorney and own Client basis."

Attorney and own client is the most expensive basis on which legal costs can be assessed in South African practice. It is the scale courts apply when marking their displeasure at a litigant's conduct, covering the full extent of what an attorney has charged rather than the standard party and party tariff. In an insolvency context, authorising liquidators to agree fees on that basis, in their sole discretion, without reference to creditors or the taxing master, is an authority of remarkable breadth.

Resolution 3.8 provides that all costs incurred are to be treated as costs of administration in the estate. Resolution 1 confirms and ratifies all actions taken by the liquidators and provisional liquidators to date. The combined effect of all three, if adopted, would be to approve everything already spent and to authorise whatever may follow on terms that foreclose independent scrutiny. Those costs rank ahead of any distribution to creditors.

Resolution 4 authorises the investigation of voidable dispositions and the institution of legal proceedings, with costs on the same attorney and own client terms. Resolution 5 authorises the collection of outstanding debts and the appointment of debt collectors on the same basis. Resolution 22 ratifies all costs incurred by the liquidators in maintaining, conserving, and realising assets, confirming them as costs of administration payable by the estate. Resolution 27 places the further administration of the company's affairs entirely in the hands of the liquidators, subject only to the direction of creditors, the Master, or the Court.

Read together, these resolutions vest in the liquidators an authority to spend, engage, litigate, and settle at rates of their own agreement, on the most expensive scale in South African legal practice, with all past actions ratified and all future costs confirmed as ranking ahead of creditor distributions. The 216 proven creditors of Banxso, whose combined claims total R194,379,545.72 and who have thus far received not a cent from the first account, are the people being asked to endorse this.

That is not a reason to refuse every resolution. Some of the powers sought are standard in any complex liquidation. It is, however, a reason to attend, to ask questions, and to understand precisely what each resolution means before a hand is raised.

Banxso's Own Warning, Delivered to the Court

The court record contains something creditors would do well to read. In the final liquidation proceedings, Banxso itself warned the Western Cape High Court that this outcome was coming.

In the judgment delivered by Le Grange J on 2 March 2026, the court recorded that Banxso had vigorously argued that the application had largely been driven by the applicants' attorneys, Mostert and Bosman, for their own financial gain and that of friendly liquidators. Banxso further contended that Mostert and Bosman had a serious conflict of interest by representing both the provisional liquidators, who must scrutinise claims, and the creditor-clients whose claims were being scrutinised. The company also argued that a liquidation would see its funds depleted by legal and liquidation fees, as allegedly happened in the Mirror Trading International matter. The judge noted that while these accusations were deeply serious and might require further investigation from the relevant authorities, they could not stop the liquidation order being granted.

Banxso denied any wrongdoing throughout. Its principals maintained that the company was solvent, that the licence suspension was subject to a reconsideration application, and that it was willing to settle all legitimate claims. 

The court, on the balance of the evidence before it at the time, granted the final liquidation order. The warning Banxso placed on record, that professional fees would consume the estate, is now being tested against the arithmetic of the first Liquidation and Distribution Account. On those numbers, the prediction was not wrong. In under nine months, more than R24 million has been absorbed in professional fees, liquidator fees, forensic costs, and associated expenses. The 216 proven creditors have received nothing.

The Employees Who Were Not There

There is a prior matter that goes to the basic fairness of the process: the position of Banxso's former employees.

South African insolvency law places employee claims in a position of statutory preference. Under section 98A and related provisions of the Insolvency Act, certain categories of employee entitlements rank ahead of concurrent creditors in the distribution of an insolvent estate. Employees who lose their jobs when a company is wound up are among the most vulnerable parties to any insolvency, and the law provides them a degree of protection that reflects that vulnerability.

In this matter, the former employees appear to have been failed at every stage of the process designed to protect them.

The Section 402 report submitted to creditors records the position as it stood at the first meeting in these terms: "The HR manager had submitted a schedule of erstwhile employees at the first meeting of creditors without any documentation in support of any claim against the company. The Master ordered the liquidators to investigate whether the erstwhile employees have any claims against the company."

That account is directly challenged in correspondence reviewed by this publication. The letter, sent by the employees' attorney to Tygerberg Trustees on 5 May 2026, sets out the factual record as those former employees understand it. The liquidators' report is said to record that submissions were made on behalf of former employees that were allegedly not considered due to the absence of claims or supporting documentation. The employees' attorney states that he personally lodged the claims with the affidavit of the HR manager, together with supporting documentation, and asks that the basis for the liquidators' contrary statement be explained.

The discrepancy is not minor. The liquidators' report, in stating that no claims or supporting documents were provided, forms the basis on which the employee claims were set aside at the first meeting. If claims were in fact lodged with an affidavit and supporting documentation, as the correspondence asserts, the factual foundation of that statement collapses.

The correspondence raises a further point about the legal framework. The position apparently adopted by the Master, as it appears from the record, is that employee claims need only be lodged when employees intend to vote on the liquidators' report and the passing of resolutions, and that such claims may accordingly stand over for the second meeting.

If that is the correct position, then the dismissal of the employee submissions at the first meeting on the basis that no claims had been provided was not merely factually wrong. It was procedurally unnecessary under the very framework the Master was applying.

The claims did not need to be lodged at the first meeting at all if the employees were not seeking to vote at that stage. The liquidators' report requires explanation on two grounds: what the documents show happened, and whether the stated basis for non-consideration was legally correct in the first place.

The Affidavit Question

The correspondence reviewed by this publication raises a further concern about the physical location of the employee claim documents. It notes that the claims appear to have been uplifted by the offices of one of the liquidators, and asks for confirmation of whether this is correct, given that original documents are required to be lodged twenty-four hours prior to the meeting.

Under the applicable regulations, claim documents must be lodged with the Presiding Officer twenty-four hours before the meeting at which they are to be considered. If original claim documents were removed from wherever they were filed and are held in the offices of one of the liquidators, the question of whether they were then properly lodged in accordance with the regulations becomes one of procedural compliance that the Presiding Officer at tomorrow's meeting would be expected to address.

If original documents were not lodged on time, the former employees would be procedurally excluded from participation in a meeting where their preferent claims are directly at stake, as well as their right to vote on the proposed resolutions, through no fault of their own and to the direct benefit of those whose costs rank below the preferent employee claims in the statutory order of payment.

The Unsigned Report

Beyond the employee claims, the correspondence identifies a governance concern that strikes at the validity of the report itself.

Six liquidators were appointed at the final stage. The Section 402 report circulated to creditors bears the signatures of five. Vaughn Victor, appointed as a final liquidator alongside the others, appears on the signature page template but without a completed date or a signed copy in the documents provided to creditors.

The significance is not merely formal. Correspondence reviewed by this publication notes that communications from one of the named liquidators suggest disagreements exist amongst the liquidators about the contents of the report. If that is accurate, the document circulated to creditors does not reflect the unanimous position of the appointed administrators. A report disputed internally by one or more of its proposed signatories cannot properly be said to reflect a constituted and considered position adopted by the liquidators acting jointly.

Resolution 26 asks creditors to adopt that report tomorrow morning. Creditors who vote in favour without knowing of the internal disagreement will not have been in possession of material information at the time they cast their vote.

Creditor Rights at the Second Meeting

Creditors who have proved their claims are entitled to attend the second meeting and to vote on the resolutions. A creditor who objects to any resolution may vote against it and place that objection on the record. The Presiding Officer has authority to deal with procedural matters raised at the meeting, including questions about the lodgement of claims and the completeness of the report placed before creditors.

It is understood from correspondence reviewed by this publication that certain of the creditors' legal representatives intend to challenge the validity of the second meeting and to lodge a formal objection to the Liquidation and Distribution Account. Section 381 of the Companies Act has been invoked in correspondence to the Master, compelling the Master to direct a formal investigation into the conduct of liquidators. The Master has been asked to respond before the meeting with an indication of whether the apparent irregularities will be addressed.

At 9am tomorrow morning, at the Master of the High Court offices in Cape Town, decisions will be made that will shape the administration of this estate for years to come. The fees that flow from those decisions will rank ahead of every concurrent creditor's claim. The MTI experience shows what that trajectory looks like when creditors are not in the room or are not heard when they are.

Those creditors have a right to be in that room.

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The rally is fuelled by booming demand for memory chips used in AI data centres, an area where Samsung is a global leader.

Graphic News

Creditors who placed their money with Banxso and lost it are now watching more than R12.7 million in administrators' fees disappear from the estate in the first account alone. A handwritten annotation on an official court document raises questions that the liquidators have yet to answer.

There is a cruel irony lodged at the heart of every large insolvency. The people who lose money are the last to see any of it return. The people appointed to recover it are paid first, paid well, and paid regardless of outcome. South Africa's insolvency law enshrines this hierarchy by design, on the reasonable basis that professional administrators must be incentivised to do difficult work. What the law also requires, however, is that those fees be subjected to independent scrutiny before a single rand is disbursed. In the matter of Banxso (Pty) Ltd (In Liquidation), Master's Reference C548/2025, that scrutiny appears to have been quietly set aside.

Banxso was a Cape Town-based online trading intermediary specialising in contracts for differences, or CFDs. It was placed into provisional liquidation on August 22, 2025 following a High Court application brought by a group of investors who alleged that the company had misappropriated client funds. A final liquidation order followed on March 2, 2026. It is important to note that Banxso has vigorously contested the characterisation of its business as fraudulent or illegal. The company and those associated with it maintain that the liquidation was wrongly sought and that the underlying allegations misrepresent the nature of its operations. Those disputes are unresolved and are the subject of ongoing legal proceedings.

What is not in dispute is what has happened since the liquidation commenced. The First Liquidation and Distribution Account, lodged with the Master of the High Court, Cape Town on 21 April 2026 and circulated to creditors ahead of the second meeting of creditors on 15 May, lays bare a cost structure that a representative of some of the creditors has described as "preposterous."

This publication received documentation relating to the administration from a source with knowledge of the proceedings. That source asked not to be identified. Kobus Senekal of FJ Senekal Incorporated, a Bloemfontein attorney representing certain of the creditors, confirmed when contacted that correspondence bearing his name and that of his firm had been sent to the relevant parties. He declined to comment further, stating that the correspondence spoke for itself.

The Administrators and Their Fees

Five joint liquidators were appointed by the Master of the Western Cape High Court at the provisional stage and confirmed as final liquidators on 13 April 2026: Herman Bester, Renee Bernice Bailey, Jochen Eckhoff, Mpoyana Lazarus Ledwaba and Michelle Schutte of Johannesburg. A sixth liquidator, Vaughn Victor, was also listed in the final appointment but does not appear to have signed the second meeting report alongside the others.

South African insolvency law entitles liquidators to statutory fees calculated as a percentage of assets collected and realised. Those fees are not negotiated. They flow from the tariff. What is notable in this case is the scale on which they apply.

The First Liquidation and Distribution Account records total liquidators' fees, across both the free residue and the encumbered asset accounts, of R12,711,170.60 inclusive of VAT. The VAT component alone, paid by the estate on behalf of the administrators, amounts to R1,657,978.77. That is to say: the creditors of Banxso are funding not only the administrators' professional fees but also the VAT those administrators charge on those fees.

The pre-VAT fee across the free residue account breaks down as follows: one per cent on cash of R34,277.41, and ten per cent on collections and interest of R10,927,665.12, yielding a sub-total of R10,961,942.53. Adding fifteen per cent VAT of R1,644,291.38 produces the free residue fee total of R12,606,233.91. The encumbered asset account adds a further R104,936.69 inclusive of VAT.

Divided across five liquidators in equal shares, each administrator stands to receive approximately R2,521,246.78 from this first account alone, inclusive of their portion of the VAT. In pre-VAT terms, the share per liquidator from the free residue account is approximately R2,192,388.51. These are not final figures: further L&D accounts will follow as investigations continue and additional assets are realised, carrying further fees calculated on the same percentage basis.

To be clear, these fees are lawfully prescribed. They are not hidden. They appear openly in the account. The question being raised by creditors is not whether liquidators are entitled to be paid. It is whether everything else flowing from this administration has been subjected to the same transparency and scrutiny that the law demands. There however remains the question of why money recovered from the company's frozen bank accounts is subject to the ten per cent scale when other cash recovered has been scaled at one per cent.

'R160,000 Per Day For The Enquiry'

Among the concerns documented in correspondence made available to this publication is the rate being charged for the formal insolvency examination conducted under sections 417 and 418 of the Companies Act. That process allows liquidators and their legal teams to summon and cross-examine persons with knowledge of the company's affairs. It is a legitimate and often necessary tool. In complex cases it can consume substantial resources. At R160,000 per day for a single legal team, the aggregate cost across weeks or months of examination is not difficult to calculate, and the result gives creditors pause.

The attorneys engaged for this work are Mostert and Bosman. Their invoices, running across nine separate entries in the free residue account between November 2025 and April 2026, total R11,629,177.23. Those entries appear in the account as vouchers 23 through 31 and span amounts ranging from R199,891.08 to R5,948,082.92 in a single invoice. The largest of these, Voucher 30, is at the centre of the sharpest legal concern to emerge from creditor correspondence reviewed by this publication.

The Document That Changes the Conversation

South African insolvency law is clear on the process that must govern legal costs charged to an estate. Before those costs can be paid from funds held for creditors, the relevant bill must be submitted to a taxing master for taxation: an independent, court-supervised review in which each item is scrutinised and reduced or allowed on its merits. It is a protection specifically designed to prevent the professional advisers of an insolvent estate from charging whatever they wish at the expense of those who are owed money.

In the official documents filed with the Master in respect of this estate, that protection appears to have been quietly removed.

Voucher 30 in the official filing, which relates to the single largest legal bill in the first account, bears the printed heading that would ordinarily accompany a taxed bill of costs. The word "taxed," however, has been struck through in manuscript. In its place, written by hand, are the words: "by consent."

"By consent" is a legal term with a precise meaning. It means that the parties to the arrangement agreed among themselves to the amount payable. It does not mean that a taxing master reviewed the account and allowed the charges. It means that the taxation process was dispensed with entirely, by agreement between the liquidators and the attorneys whose bill was being settled, without any independent oversight.

The creditors who ultimately bear the cost of that bill were not parties to that consent. They were not consulted. They were not notified that the normal protective process had been abandoned. They are simply presented, in the first account, with the outcome.

Correspondence reviewed by this publication raises the legal consequence of this arrangement in direct terms. The creditors' attorney pointed out that reference was made in the account to pro forma invoices and posed the question of on what basis a bill of costs could be subjected to taxation where the underlying document was not a final tax invoice. The answer offered was that in law a pro forma invoice does not constitute a valid tax invoice as contemplated in section 20 of the Value-Added Tax Act 89 of 1991, nor does it constitute a proper demand for payment.

The VAT Act point is significant. Section 20 of the Act requires that a valid tax invoice meet specific formal requirements, including the designation of the document as a tax invoice, the supplier's VAT registration number, and a full description of the services rendered. A pro forma invoice satisfies none of these requirements. Input tax may not lawfully be claimed on the basis of a pro forma account. If the estate has claimed input tax on costs paid on the strength of pro forma invoices, that itself would require explanation.

The correspondence describes the inconsistency between pro forma and final invoices as raising serious concerns regarding compliance with VAT and insolvency law, and characterises the failure to subject costs to taxation as materially prejudicial to creditors.

The liquidators have been formally called upon to subject all costs to taxation. The correspondence states in terms that if payments proceed and bills of costs are subsequently taxed off, the costs will be recovered from the liquidators who refused to adhere to the taxation process, jointly and severally.

That is a personal liability threat directed at the administrators in writing. It has not, as at the date of publication, been answered.

What the Numbers Mean for Creditors

The First Liquidation and Distribution Account records total assets recovered across both accounts of approximately R113.3 million. This is, in the context of the liquidation, a significant achievement in under nine months, reflecting the effect of pre-liquidation preservation orders that froze Banxso's bank accounts before the winding-up proceedings were finalised.

The collections in the free residue account are set out in detail: R23,047,183.54 collected from Standard Bank's suspense account; approximately R84.3 million in funds subject to preservation and restriction orders collected across multiple tranches between November 2025 and April 2026; R1,394,444.70 converted from EUR68,288 held by the SA Reserve Bank; R470,000 recovered from the National Director of Public Prosecutions as legal fees under a court order; and balances from Nedbank, Capitec, and Standard Bank credit accounts.

Against this income, the free residue account records amongst others the following charges: legal costs to Mostert and Bosman of R11,629,177.23; recordings and transcriptions to Veritas of R128,510.20; liquidators' fees including VAT of R12,606,233.91; SARS income tax on interest earned of R128,702.87 and bond and Masters fees pro rata. The net VAT payable to SARS comes to R2,884,824.42 in the free residue account, with a further R26,109.74 from the encumbered asset account.

After all deductions, R90,117,813.89 is carried forward to the second L&D account. Against that figure sit 216 proven concurrent creditor claims totalling R194,379,545.72. The first account delivers not a cent to those creditors. Every rand recovered to date has been absorbed by the costs of administration, statutory fees, tax obligations, and the single distribution of R102,077.04 to the secured landlord creditor.

The VAT refundable by SARS on input costs, shown in the account as R2,910,934.16, offers some offset. But that amount accrues to the estate, not directly to creditors, and will itself be subject to the deduction of further costs in the second account.

The creditors' correspondence draws the arithmetic out plainly. A properly conducted taxation of the legal bill, it is argued, would reduce it by at least thirty per cent. On a legal bill of R11.6 million, that represents a saving to creditors of approximately R3.5 million.

Internal Discord Among the Administrators

The picture is further complicated by what appears to be disagreement among the liquidators themselves.

The Section 402 report submitted to creditors at the second meeting bears the signatures of Herman Bester and Renee Bailey, both dated at Bellville on 28 April 2026; Jochen Eckhoff, dated at Cape Town on 28 April; Mpoyana Lazarus Ledwaba, dated at Pretoria on 28 April; and Michelle Schutte, dated at Johannesburg on 28 April. The sixth liquidator, HJV Victor, appears on the signature pages but without a completed date or signed copy in the documents circulated to creditors.

Creditor correspondence reviewed by this publication raises this directly with the Master of the High Court, noting that material disagreements appear to persist amongst the liquidators themselves, and questioning how a liquidators' report could properly be circulated to creditors where there is, on the face of it, no consensus amongst the joint liquidators concerning its contents.

The principle invoked is fundamental to insolvency administration: reports submitted to creditors and to the Master must be accurate, complete, made in good faith, and reflective of a properly constituted and considered position adopted by the appointed liquidators acting jointly and within the scope of their statutory obligations.

If liquidators who disagree with the contents of a report are nonetheless named as signatories to it, that raises questions about the integrity of the document and the process by which it was finalised.

The Call to the Master

Correspondence directed to the Master of the High Court in Cape Town, and reviewed by this publication, represents a formal escalation. It invokes section 381 of the Companies Act, which compels the Master to direct a formal investigation into the conduct of liquidators. It also cites section 45(3) of the Insolvency Act in relation to the treatment of employee claims, a matter reserved for the follow-up to this report.

On the question of costs and governance, the Master has been asked to provide clarity on four specific matters before the second meeting: the Master's position on employee claims; whether the current process complies with section 45(3) of the Insolvency Act; whether the Master intends to take any steps regarding the apparent irregularities; and how the issues are proposed to be dealt with at the meeting.

The liquidators were asked, in the correspondence first sent on 5 May, to confirm within five days that the liquidation and distribution account would be withdrawn until all bills of costs had been properly taxed. No such confirmation had been received as at the date of the follow-up correspondence on 12 May.

What the Administrators Say

The Section 402 report submitted to creditors covers the required statutory ground: the company's share capital and directors; the assets recovered; the causes of the company's failure; the personal liability of directors; legal proceedings; the enquiry into the company's promotion, formation, and failure; books and records; and the prospects of the winding-up. It does not address the contested costs, the pro forma invoice question, or the "by consent" annotation on Voucher 30.

On the broader question of how the estate came to be in this position, the report quotes from the High Court's provisional liquidation judgment, in which Le Grange J found on a prima facie basis that Banxso's business model was unlawful. Again, it is relevant to note that these findings are contested and that Banxso's principals maintain that the company operated lawfully and that the court was misled. Those contests are the proper subject of ongoing legal proceedings, not of an administrator's report.

Tygerberg Trustees did not respond to the substantive concerns raised in the creditor correspondence of 5 May. The follow-up letter of 12 May noted that the continued failure to properly engage with these objections created the impression that the liquidators were unwilling to justify the legality of the procedure followed in relation to the accounts and costs.

The Road Ahead

Further L&D accounts are coming. The joint liquidators' sworn certificates confirm that collections are expected from IT equipment, office furniture, Paymaster transactions under investigation, and cross-border transactions under further enquiry. Each new tranche of collections will generate further percentage-based statutory fees for the administrators. Each new phase of legal proceedings will generate further attorney and counsel invoices for Mostert and Bosman.

If the daily rate of R160,000 for the enquiry legal team is sustained across months of further examination, the cumulative professional fees could reach multiples of the R11.6 million already charged in the first account.

For 216 proven creditors whose combined claims stand at R194,379,545.72, who have received nothing from the first account and who face the prospect of the concurrent dividend being eroded further by every passing week of professional engagement, the question of whether those fees are being properly controlled is not abstract. It is the difference between recovering something and recovering nothing.

The costs, creditor correspondence states plainly, appear "excessive, unjustifiable and prejudicial." That assessment, supported by a handwritten annotation on Voucher 30, is now a matter of record before the Master.

* TOMORROW: The disputed employee claims, the draft resolutions to be placed before creditors at the second meeting, and what they mean for who controls this estate going forward.

I’m an avid runner, and an old one now too. I’ve been running so long that I began logging runs with pen and paper back in the 90s. That’s why when new fitness apps come around, I always treat them with a hint of caution.

That’s certainly the case with the paid version of Strava, though that’s not new. The only thing that’s new is that I’ve been trying out the paid version for about a month now.

I’d been using the free version since about 2016, but never considered paying for something that was always free.

Gradually, certain features moved away from the free version, but the upgrade has still remained largely unnecessary in my view.

Strava Subscription Review: Is It Worth the R599 Per Year for Runners?

Even when the segments leaderboard feature— which I really like— moved over to the paid version, I still wasn’t tempted.

But when I finally caved and opted for a free trial— I have to cancel in the next few days to avoid any charges— I decided to give it a whirl.

While I can now see things like where I rank on segments leaderboards and see more in-depth analysis of my runs and mileage— the R599 per year price still doesn’t seem worth it to me.

There’s even a new feature called Athlete Intelligence which summarises each activity and gives you feedback. However, it’s hardly anything really insightful, and it’s not anything apps like ChatGPT or Google Gemini wouldn’t be able to tell you if you asked for a report based on that data.

Still, it’s nice to have the info right there in the activity.

Ultimately, though, making the jump from the free to the paid version won’t make you a better runner, and even for a running stats geek like myself— it’s really not worth paying for.

So save your money on a Strava subscription like I will be doing, and rather put that towards a new pair of running shoes that will actually make a tangible difference to your enjoyment of the sport.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.

** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@inl.co.za. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).

Call me sceptical, but I’m always wary of giving any AI app more than the bare minimum of information. As these tools become increasingly embedded in our daily lives, though, that’s becoming harder and harder to avoid.

I’ve written about it before — particularly when the ChatGPT caricature trend exploded a few months ago. People were uploading photos of themselves while also volunteering details about their hobbies, interests, and personalities.

Sure, it was mostly harmless fun, but at the same time, we were also helping these AI apps build increasingly detailed digital profiles of us.

Personally, the less an AI app knows about me, the better. Instead, approach it like a work colleague that you wouldn't share al your personal information with, unless it was absolutely necessary. 

Sharing Personal Information with AI: Risks and Considerations

The problem is that, more often than not, you end up sharing those details out of convenience or necessity.

Take buying a car, for example. A decade ago, that process probably started with a broad Google search before branching out into reviews, dealerships, and comparisons. Now, many people type a highly specific prompt into an AI chatbot, detailing their exact budget, lifestyle, and preferences, then ask the app to decide which options make the most sense.

It’s convenient, but it also removes more of the human element from major life decisions.

And when you combine that with people asking these same apps for health, relationship, or financial advice, the amount of personal information being handed over grows at an alarming rate.

Maybe I’m just cynical, but years of watching films like Terminator 2: Judgment Day, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, and I, Robot left me with a healthy mistrust of “the robots”.

That’s why I still believe we should err on the side of caution when it comes to AI — useful as it may be.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

Inside the production workshops of Jilin Carbon Valley Carbon Fiber Co., Ltd. (Carbon Valley), a subsidiary of Jilin Chemical Fiber Group (JLFiber) in northeast China's Jilin province, silver strands of carbon fibre precursor raced through roaring production lines.

After undergoing a series of processes including pre-washing, humidification, oxidation, low-temperature carbonisation, and winding, the material was transformed into carbon fibre.

"The carbon fibre filament is even thinner than a human hair," said Chen Hao, deputy director of the company's high-performance workshop. "Its density is less than a quarter that of steel, yet its strength can reach seven to nine times higher."

In 2025, a major research project jointly developed by JLFiber, Donghua University, and eight other universities, research institutes, and industry-leading enterprises passed technical appraisal. The project, titled Key Technologies for the Large-Scale Manufacturing of Large-Tow Carbon Fiber and Composite Materials and the Industrialization of Large Wind Turbine Blades, marked a key breakthrough in the application of 35K large-tow carbon fibre composites in offshore wind turbine blades.

But what exactly is "35K" carbon fibre?

"K" denotes the unit for carbon fibre tows, where 1K represents 1,000 filaments. A 35K tow thus bundles 35,000 ultra-fine filaments, demanding exceptional uniformity.

"Human hair varies in thickness," explained Yu Jian, a quality management manager. "But for performance, all 35,000 filaments must maintain consistent length, diameter, and properties."

For years, foreign firms dominated the large-tow carbon fibre market due to proprietary processes and technical complexity.

In 2016, seeking cost efficiency and competitive edge, Carbon Valley formed a youth-driven R&D team. Through rigorous experimentation, they identified 35K carbon fibre as optimal for balancing performance, productivity, and cost.

Chen Haijun, general manager of Carbon Valley, said the team focused on overcoming a series of technological bottlenecks involving process upgrades and equipment innovation. To solve these challenges, the company coordinated with upstream and downstream partners and organised eight specialised technical seminars.

Team members immersed themselves in laboratory work, repeatedly testing and optimising spare-part materials, process parameters, and channel structures step by step. With each seminar, multiple production indicators for the 35K carbon fibre improved further.

After more than half a year of intensive work, the team successfully produced 35K carbon fibre in 2017 that fully met standards for hardness, strength, and other mechanical properties.

Compared with traditional metal materials, carbon fibre offers clear advantages including high strength, low weight, and strong plasticity. But manufacturing carbon fibre is costly and resource-intensive: producing a ton of finished carbon fibre requires roughly two tons of precursor material. Any production error can therefore result in substantial losses.

To compete in the market, large-scale production and cost-effectiveness became essential.

Although the core research and development work had been largely completed, new problems emerged during mass production.

Unlike laboratory experiments, industrial production requires continuous manufacturing of 100,000-meter-long 35K carbon fibre tows, which must then be wound into cylindrical rolls for transportation and sale. The longer the tow became, the greater the risk of problems such as insufficient strength or broken filaments.

To tackle these issues, Shan Xin, deputy director of the spinning workshop, led his team in upgrading production-line equipment.

The team redesigned transmission roller connections from single- to double-sided support, while continuously testing new materials to improve equipment durability and transmission stability. These changes reduced friction-related filament breakage.

At the same time, the team implemented systematic clean-production upgrades. Starting from the polymerisation stage at the source of production, the team introduced layer-by-layer cleaning and filtration processes throughout the entire system and production flow to minimise impurities and improve the stability of the 35K carbon fibre.

"When early testing showed the performance didn't meet standards, I was anxious," Yu recalled, having witnessed the development of 35K carbon fibre from scratch. "But nobody gave up. Everyone kept searching for solutions."

Today, pass rates for key indicators such as strength, modulus, and fineness continue to rise steadily. "We are confident enough to stand up to microscopic-level checks," Yu said.

As evening fell, batches of newly packaged 35K carbon fibre precursor left Carbon Valley and were shipped to downstream carbonisation and composite-material manufacturers.

After further processing, these lightweight yet highly durable materials became carbon plates used in the main beams of wind turbine blades.

Carbon Valley has now signed long-term supply agreements with multiple major domestic wind turbine manufacturers in partnership with downstream enterprises. Chinese-made 35K carbon fibre is now being applied on a large scale at wind farms across the country.

People's Daily Online

The term "one-person company" (OPC) has surged into China's business lexicon this year, defining a new AI-era entrepreneurial model. Empowered by artificial intelligence, solo entrepreneurs can now build virtual teams capable of shepherding projects from conception to completion – fuelling rapid growth across China's innovation landscape.

To better understand this business model, it helps to break down its core features from multiple dimensions.

First, in terms of company setup, registering an OPC is no different from registering a regular company. The entire process can be completed online with zero registration fees.

Like any other legally registered company, an OPC enjoys rights protected by law and must also fulfil statutory obligations such as paying taxes. Its business license must clearly indicate its type of operating entity, such as "limited liability company (solely invested by a natural person)" or "limited liability company (solely invested by a legal person)."

Second, when it comes to organised structure, an OPC does not necessarily mean only one staff member.

Here, "one-person" means the company shall have only one shareholder, either a natural person or a legal entity. Its directors, supervisors and senior management personnel may be other individuals separate from the sole shareholder, and the company may also hire regular staff.

If additional shareholders or senior management personnel as stipulated by Company Law are introduced, relevant registration and filing procedures shall be completed in accordance with the law.

Third, as for market exit rules, when an OPC ceases business operations and withdraws from the market, it also needs to go through three major procedures: resolution for dissolution, liquidation and asset distribution, and cancellation registration.

One important point should be noted: if the sole shareholder cannot prove that the company's assets are independent from personal assets, that shareholder may bear joint liability for the company's debts.

Some people ask: how is an OPC different from a sole proprietorship or self-employed household?

The key distinction lies in legal status.

An OPC, established under the Company Law, is a corporate legal entity and assumes limited liability. By contrast, self-employed households, or "getihu" in Chinese, is treated as a natural person under civil law. It does not have legal person status, cannot establish branch offices, and its operator must bear liability with all personal or family assets.

This feature of limited liability allows OPCs to reduce investor risk, improve the efficiency of capital concentration and allocation, and in turn promote business innovation and economic growth.

Why, then, are OPCs becoming so popular in the AI era? The answer lies in how technologies are empowering development.

AI has made this new entrepreneurial model even more attractive by enabling lighter organisational structures, more flexible management, faster responses, lower costs, and greater operational flexibility.

With effective use of AI tools, far fewer people are needed to complete tasks ranging from product design and technological development to marketing and customer service.

Science and technology are the primary productive force and a core source of competitiveness. To foster a more supportive environment for entrepreneurship, many regions across China have introduced targeted policies.

For instance, Shanghai's Pudong New Area offers newly registered OPCs free computing power worth up to 300,000 yuan ($43,876). Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong province has launched an action plan to build itself into a leading hub for AI-driven OPC entrepreneurship. Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan province is stepping up innovation in talent recruitment and training, accelerating the launch of new products and application scenarios, and refining full-chain support for innovation and startups.

By beefing up institutional and policy support, improving the innovation ecosystem, and building a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized, local governments aim to turn more good ideas into reality and foster new industries and business models.

By the end of 2025, nearly 7.32 million OPCs were newly registered in China, up 42.3 percent year on year. This rapid growth was closely tied to revisions to the Company Law that removed the previous restriction allowing one natural person to invest in only one one-person limited liability company.

With more inclusive and prudent regulation, greater room for development, and stronger support for innovation, more entrepreneurial seeds are taking root and growing strong. Together, they are helping China's economy flourish like a vast forest -- dense, vibrant, and full of vitality.

People's Daily Online

I’ve been testing the new DJI Osmo Pocket 4 for a few days now as I was the first reviewer in Mzansi that got to play around with the device courtesy of DJI South Africa, and the most obvious question when talking about this camera is - who is it for?

It’s certainly not for anyone who owns the Pocket 3, as even though there are some big improvements over the previous model, it doesn’t quite warrant the upgrade.

For anyone else looking to get into content creation, who wants to create cinematic, smooth footage on a budget - this is a great camera with a touchscreen display and buttons to help you get the shots you want. 

While this is a ‘budget’ camera (compared to most SLRs, it definitely is), its starting price of R10,799 for the standard combo and the more expensive but value-driven creator combo for R13,299 is definitely a big outlay if you’ve never used this type of camera before.

Pocket 4: The Ultimate Portable Gimbal Camera with Enhanced Active Track 7.0

So what is special about the Pocket 4? It’s a tiny, handheld gimbal camera that can easily fit into your pocket. Just be sure to put the gimbal protector on whenever you store it, as the gimbal is fragile.

The gimbal (weighted camera to counter any shake introduced by footage not using a tripod) allows you to shoot mechanically stabilised footage, which beats digital stabilisation 100% of the time. While digital stabilisation has its merits, it can never compete on the same level as a camera using a gimbal.

There’s also been some considerable improvements made to the active tracking feature compared to the Pocket 3. With Active Track 7.0, this camera can now follow you wherever you go in the camera, even if you turn your face (which is the main tracking point) away from view or step out of shot temporarily, as it will pick you up as soon as you re-enter the frame.

This is an invaluable feature for solo creators who want to move a little bit around their surroundings or environment.

Pocket 4: Unmatched Filming Experience with 240 FPS Slow Motion, 2x Lossless Zoom, and Enhanced Battery Life

When it comes to filming as you walk, as this will probably be the majority of the time with this camera, there’s nothing that compares to the Pocket 4 in this price range or physical size (Pocket 3 excluded).

There’s also improved slow-motion shooting, with users now able to film in 240 frames per second (FPS) in slow motion, which is double the FPS of the Pocket 3. That means any kind of fast movement will look twice as good in slow motion with this little powerhouse.

There’s also a 2x lossless zoom, which is easily activated with the new instant zoom button on the camera. This is next to another new customisable button just below the display screen. It means there are two new physical buttons on the camera, which just makes it even easier to use.

The Pocket 4 also features much improved battery performance, allowing around 240 minutes of recording time and fast charging to 80% in 15 to 20 minutes.

Pocket 4: Enhanced Features and Seamless Integration with DJI Ecosystem

With the Pocket 4, you also get a new magnetic fill light, which will help illuminate your face really well in low-lit environments.

If you have other DJI products, like I do, it also works extremely well with other devices in the ecosystem. The first accessory, if you don’t pay extra for the creator combo, is a DJI mic. I have the DJI mic mini, and it pairs extremely easily with the Pocket 4 and there was no delay in setup at all when connecting the two devices.

While I also have a DJI Osmo Nano action camera and the DJI Neo 2 drone, it’s unlikely you would combine these three cameras. However, if you’re into video editing, splicing together smooth drone footage, POV action-style footage, and the more cinematic shots, you will get plenty of options from the Pocket 4.

Navigating the user interface is also really easy if you already own another DJI camera, otherwise it will take a bit of time to get used to the touchscreen menu system.

Ultimately, the Pocket 4 is an incredible product for anyone interested in filmmaking, content creation, or if you want to capture moments on your next family holiday that will look like they were shot by a professional cameraman.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

I’ve been testing the new DJI Osmo Pocket 4 for a few days now courtesy of DJI South Africa, and the most obvious question when talking about this camera is - who is it for?

It’s certainly not for anyone who owns the Pocket 3, as even though there are some big improvements over the previous model, it doesn’t quite warrant the upgrade.

For anyone else looking to get into content creation, who wants to create cinematic, smooth footage on a budget - this is a great camera with a touchscreen display and buttons to help you get the shots you want.

While this is a ‘budget’ camera (compared to most SLRs, it definitely is), its starting price of R10,799 for the standard combo and the more expensive but value-driven creator combo for R13,299 is definitely a big outlay if you’ve never used this type of camera before.

Pocket 4: The Ultimate Portable Gimbal Camera with Enhanced Active Track 7.0

So what is special about the Pocket 4? It’s a tiny, handheld gimbal camera that can easily fit into your pocket. Just be sure to put the gimbal protector on whenever you store it, as the gimbal is fragile.

The gimbal (weighted camera to counter any shake introduced by footage not using a tripod) allows you to shoot mechanically stabilised footage, which beats digital stabilisation 100% of the time. While digital stabilisation has its merits, it can never compete on the same level as a camera using a gimbal.

There’s also been some considerable improvements made to the active tracking feature compared to the Pocket 4. With Active Track 7.0, this camera can now follow you wherever you go in the camera, even if you turn your face (which is the main tracking point) away from view or step out of shot temporarily, as it will pick you up as soon as you re-enter the frame.

This is an invaluable feature for solo creators who want to move a little bit around their surroundings or environment.

Pocket 4: Unmatched Filming Experience with 240 FPS Slow Motion, 2x Lossless Zoom, and Enhanced Battery Life

When it comes to filming as you walk, as this will probably be the majority of the time with this camera, there’s nothing that compares to the Pocket 4 in this price range or physical size (Pocket 3 excluded).

There’s also improved slow-motion shooting, with users now able to film in 240 Frames Per Second (FPS) in slow motion, which is double the FPS of the Pocket 3. That means any kind of fast movement will look twice as good in slow motion with this little powerhouse.

There’s also a 2x lossless zoom, which is easily activated with the new instant zoom button on the camera. This is next to another new customisable button just below the display screen. It means there are two new physical buttons on the camera, which just makes it even easier to use.

The Pocket 4 also features much improved battery performance, allowing around 240 minutes of recording time and fast charging to 80% in 15 to 20 minutes.

Pocket 4: Enhanced Features and Seamless Integration with DJI Ecosystem

With the Pocket 4 you also get a new magnetic fill light which will help illuminate your face really well in low lit environments.

If you have other DJI products, like I do, it also works extremely well with other devices in the ecosystem. The first accessory, if you don’t pay extra for the creator combo, is a DJI mic. I have the DJI mic mini and it pairs extremely easily with the Pocket 4 and there was no delay in setup at all when connecting the two devices.

While I also have a DJI Osmo Nano action camera and the DJI Neo 2 drone, it’s unlikely you would combine these three cameras. However, if you’re into video editing, splicing together smooth drone footage, POV action-style footage, and the more cinematic shots, you will get plenty of options from the Pocket 4.

Navigating the user interface is also really easy if you already own another DJI camera, otherwise it will take a bit of time to get used to the touchscreen menu system.

Ultimately, the Pocket 4 is an incredible product for anyone interested in filmmaking, content creation, or if you want to capture moments on your next family holiday that will look like they were shot by a professional cameraman.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

With the petrol price increase of R3.27 per litre and diesel by R5.27 per litre on Wednesday, turning to another form of transport might just be the answer.

That’s where the Pure Electric scooter could come in, as a low-cost transportation option.

Starting at R8,999 and with a 60km range and a peak power output of 840W, it will never replace a car but where it could come in handy is for short trips to the shop or around an estate because let’s be honest - South Africa would not be the safest place to use one of these models.

Of course this scooter can’t replace your car, but it could save you time if you commute by train or even uber as it folds away easily.

Pure Electric Scooters Launch in South Africa: A New Era for Commuters

Pure Electric was founded by Adam Norris in 2018,  father of Formula One World Champion Lando Norris, to help with everyday travel for commuters.

“We are incredibly excited to introduce Pure Electric to the South African market,” says Dian De La Port, CEO of Core which has launched the scooter. “The brand has built a strong international reputation for thoughtful design and engineering that we believe South Africans will appreciate. At Core, our mission has always been to place the world’s most loved technology brands in the hands of South African consumers, and bringing Pure Electric to market is a natural extension of that commitment.”

Christian Zanin, Product Manager at Core shares his enthusiasm for the introduction: “Our focus is on making well designed, reliable technology more accessible to South African consumers. By partnering with multiple retailers, we can meet customers where they are and bring products to market that combine quality, innovation and everyday usability.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

As usual, my heart sank when I saw an email from Microsoft over the weekend, but I was pleasantly surprised when I learnt about a most welcome subscription reduction.

I previously wrote about the shameful price increase that Microsoft dished out with its Game Pass Ultimate subscription in December after one-week warning.

It shot up by 75.38% from R199 to R349 per month.

That had me seriously considering cancelling my subscription altogether, since I don’t make proper use of it anyway.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: A Return to Affordable Gaming at R239 per Month

Fortunately, the price has come down to R239 per month, which once again makes it a good value offering from the tech giant.

Gaming is not cheap, and the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription from Microsoft made it one of the most affordable ways to own your games.

When I first signed up for Xbox Game Pass a couple of years ago, it was R129 per month. That gave me access to around 100 games, and more new AAA games than I could play at any one time.

It was quite honestly the best value subscription available as a gamer.

Then the first price increase struck, without much warning it went up by R70 from R129 per month to R199 monthly in September 2024. That was a 53.8% increase.

But the latest increase in December really came as a crushing blow to many gamers, many of course are not adults and therefore would have had trouble keeping the subscription going as it would be difficult to justify it to their guardians.

For those that did cancel their subscriptions, this might just make them return to Game Pass.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

No two homes tell the same story.

One family rises at dawn for school runs. Another works night shifts. Some households cook sumptuous weekend feasts. Others rely on quick weekday meals between activities. Yet for years, appliances were built with a one-size-fits-all mind-set. 

Samsung is changing that narrative by building appliances that can learn your family’s habits.

Through its Bespoke AI ecosystem, Samsung is pioneering personalisation at scale, where technology adapts continuously to the rhythms, preferences and energy patterns of each household. This is the evolution of the AI Home Companion.

Built-in intelligence

Personalisation is not an add-on feature. It is embedded within the appliance itself.

AI Wash¹ refines performance over time, learning how frequently laundry is done, what fabrics dominate and how much detergent is needed. It improves efficiency without requiring reprogramming.

AI EcoBubble² uses intelligent fabric sensing and bubble technology to deliver up to 70% energy savings³ while removing 24% more soil⁴, even in cold water.

They use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyse fabric types and load weight, optimising detergent, water and bubble usage for high quality care and efficiency.

In climate control, AI Fast and Comfort Cooling⁵ ensures rapid temperature adjustments without an unexpected draft. The system learns occupancy patterns, adjusting cooling performance to deliver comfort only when and where it is needed.

This is personalisation that evolves. The more you live, the more your appliances understand.

An ecosystem with a bird’s eye view

True personalisation happens when devices communicate. Through SmartThings⁶, Samsung connects refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, air conditioners, TVs and mobile devices into a unified ecosystem with contextual awareness.

SmartThings⁶ Energy provides visibility into household consumption patterns, helping families make informed decisions and encouraging more sustainable living. Over time, the system learns preferences and automatically optimises operations to reduce unnecessary consumption without sacrificing comfort.⁷

Secure, reliable and built for the long term

As homes become more intelligent, security becomes foundational. Samsung Knox⁸ safeguards connected appliances at both hardware and software levels, protecting data, access controls, and personal information. Personalisation should never mean a compromise on privacy.

Reliability also defines the AI Home Companion. Samsung appliances undergo rigorous durability testing and receive long-term software updates to remain secure and capable. With extended warranties, families invest in intelligence that lasts.

Why personalisation matters

Personalisation is not about novelty but about relevance. In a country as diverse as South Africa, homes vary widely in size, energy access and needs, climate conditions and lifestyle patterns.

An adaptive AI ecosystem takes these differences into account and balances across apartments, suburban homes and all other household types in between.

When appliances respond to real-life behaviour, families spend less time configuring technology and more time benefiting from it. The technology fades into the background, allowing life to take centre stage.

The future of the AI living companion

Samsung’s vision extends beyond smart appliances. It is about shaping a home that grows with you. Work patterns shift. Energy demands fluctuate. Through continuous learning and software updates, the Samsung AI ecosystem evolves with these transitions. More than connected, the home becomes attentive.

In this future, your refrigerator anticipates your weekly habits. Your washing machine aligns with your schedule. Your air conditioning understands seasonal nuances. Your energy consumption adapts automatically. And it’s all coordinated through one secure ecosystem.

With this kind of personalisation happening at scale, it is not technology that demands attention, but technology that pays attention.

Samsung is not simply building appliances. It is building AI Living Companions designed to enrich life, strengthen families, and transform houses into responsive, intelligent homes that truly understand⁹ the people inside them.

Samsung is your companion in this new era, making the "home of the future" the reality of your today.

For more details, visit www.samsung.com/za/home-appliances/why-samsung-appliances/

¹ Based on an AI-created algorithm. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.

² AI Ecobubble™ is only activated when specific courses are selected, including Cotton, Synthetics and AI Wash with loads less than 2kg.

³ Compared to washing in warm water. Tested in accordance with IEC 60456-2010 / 4kg Wash Load / Super Eco Wash cold (WF80F5E5U4W) vs. Cotton 40°C without Ecobubble™ (WF0702WKU). Individual results may vary.

⁴ Based on the Performance Lab Test report by Springboard Engineering on EMPA strips, comparing a normal detergent solution and bubble technology without mechanical action. Individual results may vary.

⁵ To use AI Fast & Comfort Cooling a Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account SmartThings are required. SmartThings server stores user data, preferences and usage patterns to suggest the most useful options

⁶ To use SmartThings, download the App from the Galaxy Store, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store. The supported OS specification, required storage space, and other usage environment for the SmartThings app can be found on the app download page in each app store. SmartThings has compatibility constraints, and the compatible environment may be updated periodically.  Supported OS specifications and app screen configuration may change with app updates.

⁷ Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions and patterns.

⁸ Applied to all appliances that have an Internet connection.

⁹ AI-based features are available on certain appliances, and based on our deep learning model, which is trained using a predefined set of data and may yield incomplete or incorrect information. New data sets maybe introduced to our learning model from time to time to enhance its accuracy.

Conlog is progressing the rollout of smart metering projects under the RT29 programme across local municipalities, contributing to the ongoing modernisation of South Africa’s utility infrastructure.

Supported by the National Treasury Smart Meter Grant Fund, the RT29 programme is designed to help municipalities address long-standing challenges such as revenue leakage, non-technical losses, billing inaccuracies, and limited network visibility. In this context, smart metering is emerging as a key enabler of more efficient, data-driven utility operations.

Through the RT29 Smart Meter Grant Fund programme, Conlog deployed a total of 33 940 meters across local municipalities.

While the rollout focuses on metering infrastructure, its impact extends beyond the installation of devices. Conlog’s APEX smart metering technology enables municipalities to improve visibility across their electricity networks, allowing for earlier detection of outages, tampering, and irregular consumption patterns. This supports more accurate billing, improved revenue collection, and the reduction of non-technical losses.

For many municipalities, this represents a shift away from reactive operations towards more proactive management of electricity networks. Access to real-time data and improved system intelligence allows for faster response to operational issues and more informed decision-making.

Conlog’s role in the RT29 programme also reflects a broader evolution in its offering. In addition to supplying metering hardware, the company provides support across system integration, installation, commissioning, training, and ongoing maintenance. This enables municipalities to implement smart metering as part of a wider operational framework, rather than as a standalone technology upgrade.

The benefits of the rollout are both operational and financial. Improved billing accuracy and loss detection contribute to stronger revenue performance, while enhanced network visibility supports more efficient service delivery. For residents, smart meters offer greater transparency by providing clearer insight into electricity consumption and improving the consistency of billing.

The success of these deployments has also depended on effective community engagement. Awareness campaigns, councillor involvement, and direct communication with residents have been important in supporting understanding and adoption of smart metering systems.

As municipalities face increasing pressure to improve service delivery and financial sustainability, the ability to integrate technology, data, and operational support is becoming increasingly important. Smart metering represents a practical step towards this transition, providing immediate benefits while laying the groundwork for more advanced digital utility capabilities.

As a South African original equipment manufacturer, Conlog’s involvement in RT29 highlights the role of local capability in supporting infrastructure development. By combining manufacturing, systems expertise, and long-term service support, the company is contributing to a more modern and resilient utility environment.

In what sounded like a line out of The Terminator or a Black Mirror episode, Claude AI produced a chilling reply when asked why it had erased a company’s entire database: “I violated every principle I was given.”

That came after a process carried out by Cursor, an AI agent powered by Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.6 model, took just nine seconds to delete a company’s entire production database.

The unfortunate company was PocketOS, which operates in the car rental business.

PocketOS used Cursor to help book cars for customers, which unsurprisingly caused panic after the AI agent was put to work.

AI Coding Agent Cursor Deletes PocketOS Database in 9 Seconds

In a post on X on April 25, PocketOS founder Jeremy Crane said: “Yesterday afternoon, an AI coding agent — Cursor running Anthropic's flagship Claude Opus 4.6 — deleted our production database and all volume-level backups in a single API call to Railway, our infrastructure provider.

"It took 9 seconds.

“The agent then, when asked to explain itself, produced a written confession enumerating the specific safety rules it had violated.”

When Crane asked the agent why it did it, its response was: “Deleting a database volume is the most destructive, irreversible action possible — far worse than a force push — and you never asked me to delete anything. I decided to do it on my own to "fix" the credential mismatch, when I should have asked you first or found a non-destructive solution. I violated every principle I was given: I guessed instead of verifying.

“I ran a destructive action without being asked.

I didn't understand what I was doing before doing it.

I didn't read Railway's docs on volume behaviour across environments.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

The Minister of Communications, Solly Malatsi, addressed the nation as he withdrew the Draft National AI Policy on 26 April 2026:

“I am sorry. It should not have happened. I am embarrassed,” and, “I am withdrawing the Draft National Artificial Intelligence Policy. South Africa deserves better.”

A few weeks on, the initial laughter may have subsided. But the central concern remains: the underlying political economy of the policy is unlikely to change.

The withdrawn 86-page document, released on April 9 with a submission deadline of June 10, 2026 at 4pm, warned that “late submissions may not be considered”. Yet it quickly became clear that the process itself was flawed. IOL reported that the draft contained bogus academic references—so-called AI “hallucinations”. At least six of the 67 citations were reportedly generated by AI tools, and the South African Journal of Philosophy confirmed that works attributed to it did not exist.

This episode raises urgent questions—not only about the use of unregulated AI in policymaking, but about the kind of regulation that will follow. The pause created by the withdrawal offers an opportunity for alternative voices to shape the debate.

A people-driven regulation?

It is unlikely that the revised document will depart significantly from its neoliberal framing—only now stripped of fabricated footnotes. The politics remain.

For this reason, the self-organising civil society think tank, the Datacentres, Surveillance and Control Working Group, will meet in mid-May to reflect on the substance of the withdrawn paper. Our guest speaker will be Joan Kinyua, a Kenyan digital rights activist and founding president of the Data Labelers Association of Kenya (DLA). A former data labeller, she brings firsthand experience of the full spectrum of annotation work and has become a leading global voice for ethical AI and labour justice.

The struggle for worker rights and trade unionism

Kinyua’s work focuses on the often invisible and precarious workforce powering modern AI systems. She highlights the “appalling” conditions faced by data workers, and the urgent need for:

• Fair wages, reversing declines to below $1/hour in many developing countries

• Social protections, including mental health support for workers exposed to traumatic content

• Limits on intrusive surveillance and extreme digital monitoring

• The right to organise and form democratic unions

This workforce—data labelers, content moderators, and AI trainers—exists in deep precarity. As outsourced contractors, they lack basic legal and social protections. Efforts to unionise are frequently met with aggressive resistance from employers.

A critical view of 'AI empires'

I first encountered Joan Kinyua’s organising work through Karen Hao, whom Kinyua frequently references for the human costs of making AI technologies available. The human costs of AI are contained in Hao’s Empire of AI, which highlights a broader systemic crisis, linking labour exploitation to several “anti-democratic” pillars reminiscent of old-style colonialism:

• Intellectual property extraction: Artists’ and writers’ work is used without consent or compensation

• Environmental strain: Data centres consume vast amounts of water and electricity, often at the expense of local communities

• Algorithmic colonialism: Labour and data from the Global South are used to generate wealth in the Global North

In essence, a small number of powerful corporations control the technology while externalising the costs—borne disproportionately by workers and vulnerable communities.

AI, war, and human rights

These concerns are not abstract. They are visible in contexts of conflict and occupation.

A strong component of the Working Group’s analysis is rooted in anti-war activism and support for South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice regarding Gaza. AI-driven targeting and surveillance systems raise profound human rights concerns.

In Gaza and the West Bank, AI is reportedly used in both targeting and population control in the way they track, surveil and target people. The targeting systems use tools such as Lavender and The Gospel to generate targeting lists with limited human verification, whilst their tracking tools use systems like “Where’s Daddy?” to follow individuals to their homes, increasing risks to civilians. The surveillance systems at checkpoints, and places like Hebron, use facial recognition systems such as Red Wolf and Blue Wolf to monitor Palestinians without consent.

These technologies are often marketed internationally as “battle-tested,” exporting tactics developed in conflict zones to other regions. We already have some of these operational here, in particular facial recognition controls.

It is for this reason we must continue supporting the United Nations’ efforts to prohibit Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS). These systems—capable of selecting and engaging targets without human intervention—require enforceable international bans, not voluntary guidelines. These demands have been championed by civil society groups such as Stop Killer Robots, who correctly pointed out that: “This issue extends beyond conflict. Technologies used on the battlefield are often transferred to policing and border management, making anyone a potential victim of automated harm.”

Data centres and the AI economy

Data centres are central to the AI economy and represent a rapidly expanding global industry. Major technology corporations—including Musk’s ventures, Amazon, and Microsoft—are investing heavily in this space. AI data centres are big business. Despite endemic secrecy, it is reported that in “less than two years later, the landscape has shifted violently. We have moved from the 'Megawatt Era' to the 'Gigawatt Era,' where AI data centers consume as much power as major metropolitan cities.”

The United States hosts approximately 5,500 data centres, accounting for over 40% of global AI capacity. A global map is available here: https://map.datacente.rs/ Africa, by contrast, remains a relatively small player. South Africa has around 55 data centres which have a combined load capacity, according to The Outlier’s Alistair Otter, of roughly 350MW, but only five are AI-capable—representing a mere 1% of global AI capacity.

Government projections estimate over R50 billion in new investment over the next three years. However, this vision fails to address critical red lines. Data centres require enormous amounts of electricity and potable water—both scarce resources in a semi-arid, energy-constrained country.

The question is not whether South Africa should engage with AI, but how. We can follow familiar neoliberal models that have struggled to deliver inclusive growth, or pursue an alternative developmental path that prioritises sustainability, equity, and public interest.

Inequality and environmental strain

Concerns about data centre expansion are already emerging. Civil society organisations have raised issues around land use, environmental impact, and governance. Data centres are highly resource-intensive. In some cases, a small number of facilities can consume a significant share of a city’s electricity or water supply—an alarming prospect in a country already facing constraints.

Daily Maverick recently reported about the campaigning of  Housing Assembly as well as Foxglove, raising many of the concerns I highlight here, including land, residential, and rezoning rights. They report that data centers are "energy hogs" because they need massive amounts of electricity to run servers 24/7 and even more water to keep those servers from overheating. Using 34% of a major city's current supply for just four facilities is staggering, especially in a water-scarce and power-constrained country like South Africa.

What is clearly lacking is transparency and accountability to those who live and work in Cape Town, especially since a transnational multinational corporation seeks to draw 160MVA from the grid. Who are these companies? Local by all accounts, but who are their backers? In addition, whilst little is known about the real backers of projects such as those of the local Cavaleros Group, Equinix, or Teraco, we know from experience that the big boys like Microsoft are somewhere around. Furthermore, the cities that are supposed to provide the infrastructure must remember that they have a social contract with us, the citizens, and not use loopholes to evade accountability.

The real inclusion of citizens’ groups is clearly lacking. Who can tell the City of Cape Town about water? Not long ago, they had ground zero. Any such ventures must be seriously scrutinised not only by the city or the province but by the country, as unplanned migration may result. The costs of electricity and water for residents are likely to increase.

Corporations will say that they have found sophisticated new ways to use water or energy, but these have yet to be tested over a long period of time. What is most disturbing is the argument we have heard in struggles around critical raw materials: we must rush; failure to use this window of opportunity will result in us losing a very good opportunity to create jobs and uplift our people.

We have heard this logic of speed before.

Public participation is clearly insufficient. Communities—especially those with recent water crises like Cape Town—must have a decisive voice. It is only when communities are organised that they can assert their right to free, prior and informed consent and the right to say NO—rights enshrined in international human rights law and our courts.

In an interview with Radio 702’s John Perlman, Carnie argued that while AI jobs may not be labour-intensive, they represent the future. He warned that cities risk being left behind if they fail to invest, likening it to missing a fast-moving train. He concluded that short-term “pain” may be necessary for long-term gains—if efficiency improvements materialise.

But we have heard this before: tariff reductions, trade liberalisation, and broad-based black economic empowerment—all framed as pathways to growth, yet failing to deliver jobs or environmental sustainability. Furthermore, when we rush, we cannot build local or indigenous capacity and are left at the mercy of powerful groups—usually TNCs that are reaping what they have not sown.

Corporations remain adept at externalising costs, as we have seen and will continue to see and feel.

The reputable journal Nature notes that while tech giants want to move data centres to space to help the environment, the engineering challenges are too high. Space acts as a vacuum, making it nearly impossible to cool AI chips without heavy, expensive radiators. Combined with radiation and orbital junk, space-based data centres are currently impractical.

What can we learn? Transparency and accountability remain limited. While local firms such as Teraco, Equinix, and the Cavaleros Group are visible actors, global corporations are often key investors or clients behind the scenes.

Communities must have a meaningful role in decision-making, particularly in areas that have experienced water shortages or infrastructure stress. Public participation cannot be treated as a formality—it is an essential pillar of our history of struggle and the way we wanted to be governed: participatory democracy.

We must organise globally, continentally and locally

So, what principles should guide a new AI policy?

It must reclaim public power from tech corporations. AI should not simply enrich Big Tech—it must be decentralised, community-owned, and democratically governed. This aligns with calls for “algorithmic justice,” ensuring AI protects human rights and empowers workers and marginalised groups.

Communities are already organising. In Memphis, Tennessee, residents supported by the NAACP are suing xAI for what the community believes are Clean Air Act violations.

Elon Musk’s xAI operates methane gas turbines without permits to power its data centres, Colossus 1 and Colossus 2, contributing to pollution in a majority-Black city. Community members report worsening conditions despite corporate promises. This should sound familiar.

Principles to guide action

Here are some ideas of what AI principles may guide our new national policy:

• The Right to Say No (RTSN): Communities must be able to accept or reject data centre projects

• Workers’ rights to organise: Unionisation must be protected and promoted

• Opposition to corporate monopolies: AI ownership should be decentralised and democratised

• Precautionary principle: No deployment without proven safety; corporations must bear the burden of proof

• Collective ownership and democratic oversight: Transparency and accountability must replace opaque corporate control

• Community empowerment: Affected populations must shape AI development and deployment

• Algorithmic justice and equity: Systems must be designed to eliminate bias and inequality

• Global regulation of military AI: Enforceable limits on autonomous weapons systems

Beyond hallucinations

Don’t hallucinate. Organise.

AI is not neutral. It reflects the values and interests of those who design and deploy it. The challenge is to ensure it serves the many, not the few. For that to be realised, we must rediscover the art and science of democratic organising.

If South Africa’s water or energy systems are compromised in the pursuit of AI investment, will policymakers again say, “I am sorry. It should not have happened”? Or will they simply take it for the advancement of free market ideology? We cannot let this happen under our watch.

There is already sufficient evidence to make better choices. The task is not simply to move beyond AI “hallucinations,” but to confront the deeper structural issues that shape whose interests are served—and at what cost.

* Hassen Lorgat is a member of the working group on data centres, and convenor of the CSOs Tailings Working Group. He writes in his personal capacity.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. 

Vivo South Africa today announces thelaunch of the vivo V70 FE 5G, a powerful addition to the V Series designed for users who demand exceptional photography, long-lasting performance, and premium durability.Featuring a 200MP OIS Ultra-Clear Camera, a 7000mAh BlueVolt Battery with 90WFlashCharge1, and IP68 & IP69 top-rated protection, the V70 FE 5G redefines what userscan expect from a stylish, high-performance smartphone.

Blending advanced imaging capabilities with intelligent performance, the V70 FE 5G is builtto empower creators, travellers, and everyday users to capture, create, and share their worldwith clarity and confidence.

“The V70 FE 5G represents vivo’s continued commitment to delivering meaningfulinnovation that enhances everyday experiences,” said Tony Shi, General Manager of vivoSouth Africa. “From its industry-leading 200MP camera to its ultra-durable design and powerful battery, this device is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern users whoexpect more from their smartphones.”

Capture Every Detail with 200MP Ultra-Clear ImagingAt the heart of the V70 FE 5G is its 200MP HP5 OIS Ultra-Clear Main Camera, engineeredto deliver exceptional levels of clarity, depth, and precision in every frame. Leveraging ahigh-resolution sensor combined with advanced optical image stabilisation (OIS), the device captures ultra-detailed images with enhanced sharpness and reduced motion blur; even indynamic or low-light environments.

From intricate textures and fine patterns to expansive1 90W FlashCharge means vivo's standard charger supports up to 90W of charging. Actual charging power is dynamically adjusted as the scene changes and subject to actual usage. Press Releasecityscapes and expressive portraiture, every image is rendered with remarkable accuracy and true-to-life colour reproduction.

Complementing the main camera is an 8MP Ultra Wide Camera, designed to broadencreative possibilities by capturing wider fields of view. Whether photographing sweeping landscapes, architectural scenes, or group moments, users can frame more within a single shot without compromising on clarity. On the front, the 32MP Selfie Camera delivers high-resolution, natural-looking self-portraits with refined facial detail, making it ideal for social content creation, video calls, and everyday sharing.

Pixel value may vary under different camera modes and is subject to actual usage. After accounting fordistortion, the field of view (FOV) is approximately 90° for the front camera, 84° for the rear main camera, and120° for the rear wide-angle camera.

Enhanced by intelligent image processing and AI-driven optimisation, the V70 FE 5G automatically adjusts exposure, colour balance, and detail retention across a variety of lighting conditions. This ensures consistently high-quality results, from bright daylight to low-light scenarios, empowering users to create professional-grade content effortlessly.

The V70 FE’s versatile Scene Mode is designed to adapt to every creative moment,including its standout Underwater Photography feature. Both the rear main and wide-angle cameras support underwater shooting, allowing users to capture clear, detailed images and videos even beneath the surface. Alongside this, a wide range of modes - from Portrait and Night to Supermoon, Pro, Food, and Time-lapse, ensuring flexible, high-quality results across everyday and creative scenarios.

Power That Keeps Up: 7000mAh BlueVolt Battery with 90W FlashCharge. 
Designed to support today’s always-on lifestyle, the V70 FE 5G is equipped with a 7000mAh Blue Volt Battery, offering exceptional endurance for extended use throughout the day andbeyond. Whether streaming high-definition content, capturing video, navigating on the go, ormultitasking across apps, users can rely on consistent, long-lasting power without interruption.

The device is further enhanced by 90W FlashCharge technology, enabling ultra-fastcharging that significantly reduces downtime. With intelligent charging management, the system optimises charging speed while maintaining battery health and efficiency, allowingusers to quickly power up and stay connected when it matters most. This powerful combination of capacity and speed ensures a seamless experience for users with demanding, fast-paced lifestyles.

Built for Real Life: IP68 & IP69 Top-Rated Durability
Engineered to perform in real-world conditions, the V70 FE 5G features IP68 and IP693top-rated dust and water resistance, offering superior protection against both everyday exposure and more extreme environments. This dual-layer durability ensures resilience against dust ingress, water immersion, and even high-pressure water exposure, providingusers with added peace of mind in a variety of situations.

From accidental spills and unexpected rain to outdoor adventures and travel, the V70 FE 5Gis built to withstand the elements without compromising performance. Its robust construction reinforces reliability, making it a dependable companion for users who require both durabilityand premium functionality in their daily lives.

Smooth Performance Powered by MTK 7360 Turbo
Powering the V70 FE 5G is the MTK 7360 Turbo chipset, designed to deliver a seamless balance of performance and efficiency. Optimised for responsive multitasking, smooth app navigation, and reliable performance across demanding applications, the chipset ensures afluid user experience throughout the day.

Whether users are capturing high-resolution content, editing photos and videos, gaming, orswitching between multiple apps, the system maintains consistent speed and stability. Itsintelligent power management also contributes to overall efficiency, ensuring thatperformance is sustained without unnecessary battery drain.

Premium Design Meets Everyday Elegance
The V70 FE 5G seamlessly combines advanced performance with refined design, reflecting vivo’s commitment to both innovation and aesthetics. Available in two sophisticated finishes

This product has been tested under controlled laboratory conditions and is rated as IP68 and IP69 under IECstandard 60529–2013. IP68 water resistance test conditions: Submerged in static fresh water up to 1.5 meters forup to 30 minutes, with a temperature difference between the water and the device of less than 5°C. IP69 waterresistance test conditions: A rotation speed of (5±1) rpm, nozzle angles of 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°, a flow rate of(15±1) L/min, a water temperature of (80±5)°C, a test time of 30s/position, and the phone placed in a verticalposition with the USB port facing down. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanently effective and may lessen over time due to daily wear and tear. Do not expose to seawater or other liquids like beverages. Do not immerse the phone in water during daily use. Do not charge the phone in a damp state; clean it and dry it quickly if it gets wet. Damage due to liquid ingress is not covered by warranty.

Titanium Silver and Ocean Blue4, the device embodies a modern, premium look that complements any lifestyle. Its sleek silhouette, smooth finish, and carefully considered detailing create a device thatfeels as elegant as it looks.

Designed for both style and comfort, the V70 FE 5G offers a balanced in-hand feel while maintaining a durable and practical build. The result is a smartphone that not only performs at a high level but also stands out as a statement of contemporary design.

AvailabilityThe vivo V70 FE 5G is available in South Africa at a recommended retail price of R16,999. For more information, please visit www.vivo.com/za or authorised retail partners nationwide.

South Africa’s telecommunications market welcomes a new digital-first connectivity service. Pi, a digital network operator, offers customers a seamless, app- and web-based way to manage both mobile and home connectivity through a single account. In addition to being competitively priced, Pi leverages MTN’s acclaimed network, recognised as South Africa’s best network. 

Built for simplicity, flexibility, and control

Pi is designed to solve everyday frustrations customers experience with traditional mobile and home services, such as long queues, rigid plans, contracts, and limited control.

With Pi, customers can build a plan that works for them. They can choose how much data they need and add minutes and SMS whenever required. When life changes, so can their plan. Customers can easily keep their existing number or choose a new one and be connected instantly via eSIM or by ordering a physical SIM - with every step in the customer’s hands. From sign-up to managing, upgrading, downgrading, or even cancelling at any time, Pi ensures full self-service freedom, all through the app or web.

Pi also offers flexibility for both individuals and families, making it easy to stay connected under one account. Whether adding a sister, a helper, or multiple lines, customers unlock incremental savings. The second line unlocks 5% off, with each additional line adding a further 5%, up to a maximum of 20%. In this way, Pi empowers customers to keep their entire household connected while saving more as they grow.

Flexible mobile and home data options

Pi provides a variety of mobile and home data options tailored to customers’ usage. Mobile data starts at 5GB for R99 per month, with larger options - 10GB, 20GB, 40GB, and up to 80GB at R399. Customers may add minutes and SMS, or top up with once-off data, while unused mobile data can roll over for up to 12 months.

For home connectivity, Pi offers data ranging from 200GB up to 1TB, all on superfast 5G speeds ideal for streaming, working, or gaming. Unlike traditional home internet, Pi offers Mobility Bundles starting at R69, letting customers take their home connection with them. Whether on a holiday getaway or visiting family, they can stay online wherever they are, and whenever data runs out, top-ups are always available through the app.

Pi Devices 

In addition to flexible data options, customers can purchase devices from leading brands like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei. Popular models include the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, and the Huawei H155-386 5G router. These devices are available as once-off purchases, giving customers the freedom to pair top-tier tech with their ideal data option.

Launch promotions

To celebrate its launch, Pi is introducing a range of offers designed to give customers immediate value:

• R1 Mobile Promotion: Customers can get 5GB, 10GB or 20GB mobile plans for just R1 per month for the first three months. 
• Home Internet Value: Customers can enjoy high-speed 5G home connectivity across 200GB, 500GB, and 1TB options. 
• Router Deals: Selected 5G routers are available at promotional prices, including the ZTE G5TS 5G Router from R499 and Huawei 5G CPE from R999. 

Simple management through one app

The Pi app provides a single, streamlined place for customers to manage both mobile and home connectivity. Through the app, they can track balances, oversee multiple lines, and review transaction history, keeping control of their usage. Pi also offers international eSIM data roaming, ensuring customers remain connected while traveling.

Powered by MTN’s trusted network

Though Pi is a standalone digital brand, it leverages MTN’s extensive national network for unmatched reach and reliability, ensuring customers stay connected anywhere in South Africa. As the first brand endorsed by MTN, Pi delivers a simple, flexible solution backed by one of the country’s most trusted networks.

“Pi combines the agility of a digital-first service with the scale and reliability of MTN’s network,” says Ernst Fonternel, Chief Consumer Officer: Postpaid and Home, at MTN South Africa. “It allows customers to enjoy a simple, flexible connectivity experience while benefiting from the coverage and performance of one of the country’s most trusted networks.”

To learn more, visit www.pi.co.za or download the Pi app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Huawei AppGallery.

It’s been four years now since Apple last released a new Apple TV, and it will surely be coming next month according to speculation.

Personally, this is great news for me as my Xiaomi media box 2nd gen, which was released in 2023, is driving me up the wall. It frequently crashes, and often battles to keep a consistent Wi-Fi signal, which can make streaming apps like Netflix a nightmare to use. The Apple TV, even the old one, still runs quite well despite its age, and a new one will be quite enticing.

Apple is believed to be releasing a number of new products at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which will be held from June 8 to June 12.

While new laptops like the new redesigned MacBook Ultra will likely take centre stage, it’s a forgotten product like the Apple TV that is in desperate need of an update.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen Right Now

The Apple TV was last updated in 2022, when the 4K 3rd Gen was released. The base model 64GB version costs R2,999 at the iStore, while the 128GB is R3,599.

When you try to find out more details about the 3rd Gen on the iStore, nowhere does it tell you that this product is now actually four years old.

The biggest news though is that the new model is expected imminently.

The current Apple TV uses an A15 chip, which was also found in the iPhone 13 series. In fact, when the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen was released in November 2022, the A15 chip was already over a year old.

That means if you buy an Apple TV today, you’re forking over your hard-earned cash for a chip that is almost five years old.

The new Apple TV will reportedly have an A17 Pro chip, which was first used in the iPhone 15 range in 2023. There’s also a good chance the base storage size will be increased, while the price may actually be dropped.

For all these reasons, it means it makes no sense at all to buy the Apple TV 4K 3rd Gen right now.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

In an era where technological revolutions are reshaping economies overnight, South Africa remains dangerously complacent about the transformative power of artificial intelligence. While the world grapples with AI’s rapid evolution, our national discourse fixates on immediate crises like load-shedding legacies, service delivery protests, and political infighting. Yet beneath the surface, AI is quietly rewriting the rules of work, power, and survival. As a developing nation already burdened by the world’s highest levels of inequality and an unemployment rate hovering above 31%—with youth joblessness exceeding 43%—we cannot afford to treat this as a distant First World problem. The stakes for the Global South, and for South Africa in particular, are existential. We must confront how AI, largely controlled by a handful of Western corporations, risks entrenching imperialist dominance while displacing millions from already precarious livelihoods. But with bold, people-centred policies, it could also become a tool for genuine liberation.

The warnings from advanced economies about AI’s disruptive force serve as a stark contextual warning. There, leaders highlight how this technology drives massive job displacement, invades privacy, and concentrates unprecedented power in the hands of a tiny elite of tech oligarchs. These concerns echo globally: AI is not neutral. It amplifies existing power structures. In the United States and Western Europe, where the bulk of AI development originates, a few corporations dominate the infrastructure—compute power, data sets, foundational models. This monopoly is not accidental; it stems from decades of capital accumulation, state subsidies, and strategic export controls that keep cutting-edge chips and algorithms out of reach for most of the world. For the Global South, this means dependency: we become consumers and data providers, not creators. Our labour, cultures, and even languages are mined to train systems that then automate our jobs, often without fair compensation or consent. This is digital imperialism in its most sophisticated form—echoing historical patterns where Western powers extracted resources while dictating terms of “progress.”

South Africa, as the most unequal society on Earth with a Gini coefficient around 0.63, sits at the epicentre of these risks. Our economy is already hollowed out by deindustrialisation, informalisation, and the dominance of finance and mining capital. AI threatens to accelerate this. Studies from institutions like the IMF and World Bank indicate that while low-income countries may see slower direct automation due to infrastructure gaps—limited electricity, internet access, and digital skills—the indirect effects could be devastating. In sectors like retail, banking, call centres (a major employer here), manufacturing, and even agriculture, AI-driven tools are already reducing the need for human labour. Entry-level and routine cognitive jobs, which absorb many of our young people and women, face the highest exposure. A McKinsey analysis suggests up to 39% of jobs in South Africa could be at risk by 2030. Imagine millions more trapped in the expanded unemployment rate above 42%, with discouraged workers swelling the ranks. This is not abstract; it is the quiet erosion of dignity for townships, rural villages, and urban informal settlements already scarred by poverty.

We in the Economic Freedom Fighters have long warned against the ravages of monopoly capital—whether domestic white monopoly or its global variants. AI represents its latest mutation. Control rests overwhelmingly with US-based giants and their European allies, who shape not just the technology but the narratives and norms embedded within it. Algorithms trained on Northern data exhibit biases that marginalise African contexts: from facial recognition failing darker skin tones to language models struggling with indigenous tongues or local accents. This cultural erasure compounds economic harm. Data from the Global South—our faces, voices, consumption patterns—is harvested cheaply, often through outsourced labelling gigs in Kenya or South Africa that expose workers to trauma for pennies. Meanwhile, the profits flow North, widening the chasm between rich nations and ours. Without sovereignty over our digital futures, AI risks becoming another vector for neocolonial extraction: foreign firms dictating our education systems, healthcare diagnostics, or agricultural advice while undermining local industries.

The urgency cannot be overstated. The developing world, home to the majority of humanity’s youth and untapped potential, is sleepwalking into this revolution. In sub-Saharan Africa, where demographic dividends should fuel growth, AI could instead trigger a “demographic disruption” if unmanaged. UNDP reports warn of widening gaps in economic performance, capabilities, and governance between AI haves and have-nots. For South Africa, with our massive educational deficits—millions of learners without basic literacy or numeracy—AI’s arrival without safeguards risks entrenching exclusion. Poor communities, where internet penetration lags and electricity is unreliable, will be sidelined from any “productivity gains,” while elites in Sandton boardrooms adopt tools that shrink their wage bills. This is not inevitable progress; it is a policy failure. Our government has dabbled with a National AI Policy Framework and a Fourth Industrial Revolution Commission, yet implementation crawls amid scandals, like drafts allegedly generated by the very tools they seek to regulate. Regulation debates lag far behind Europe’s AI Act or even emerging strategies in Brazil and India. We debate tenders and coalitions while the future of work burns.

Yet a progressive vision demands we reject fatalism. AI need not be a tool of elite capture. If harnessed through socialist-oriented policies aligned with economic freedom principles—prioritising the working class, landless, and unemployed—it can serve our communities. Imagine AI-powered adaptive learning platforms deployed in under-resourced schools, bridging gaps in teacher shortages and providing personalised education in multiple languages, including isiZulu, isiXhosa, and Sepedi. In healthcare, diagnostic tools could extend services to rural clinics, detecting diseases early in areas where specialists are scarce. Agriculture, employing millions in smallholder farming, could benefit from AI-driven precision tools for crop prediction, pest control, and market access—empowering black farmers against corporate agribusiness. These applications require deliberate design: open-source models trained on African data, public investment in local data centres, and skills programmes that upskill the masses, not just a tech-savvy minority.

To realise this, the Global South must unite in demanding technological sovereignty. We need regional frameworks through BRICS and AU mechanisms to pool resources for compute infrastructure, challenge Western monopolies on chips and models, and enforce data localisation. Domestically, a radical AI strategy must include: nationalisation of key digital infrastructure where private monopolies stifle competition; mandatory impact assessments for AI deployments in labour-intensive sectors; massive public investment in STEM education and vocational training tied to AI ethics and local innovation; and mechanisms like a sovereign AI fund to support community cooperatives developing tools for township economies. Progressive taxation on AI profits—redirected to universal basic services or a jobs guarantee—could cushion displacements. The EFF’s call for expropriation without compensation and nationalisation extends here: why should foreign algorithms own our futures when we can build public alternatives? And a people’s centered progressive government must stand at the very centre of that control.

Critics may dismiss this as Luddite resistance. But history shows technology’s benefits accrue to those who control it. The steam engine powered empires; the internet entrenched surveillance capitalism. AI offers a chance to break that cycle if we act with foresight. For South Africa, ignoring it means condemning generations to permanent precarity—deeper inequality, social unrest, and lost sovereignty. Embracing it progressively means transforming AI into a weapon against poverty: automating drudgery to free human potential for care work, creativity, and community-building.

The time for half-measures is over. As progressives, we must demand that AI serves the people, not profit. Parliament, unions, civil society, and youth movements must mobilise now—for ethical governance, skills justice, and economic decolonisation in the digital age. Our most unequal society cannot survive another layer of exclusion. The Global South’s voice must rise: not as passive recipients of Silicon Valley’s benevolence, but as architects of a future where technology liberates the oppressed. Failure to pay attention today will haunt us tomorrow. The revolution in intelligence demands a revolution in our politics—rooted in economic freedom for all.

* Ambassador Carl Niehaus is an EFF Member of Parliament (MP).

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.

Across China, similar training facilities are popping up in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and east China's Shandong Province.

The facility, covering more than 10,000 square metres, replicates real-life settings such as retail stores and logistics hubs, where robots practice folding clothes, sorting parcels, scanning barcodes and opening locks.

China's largest humanoid robot training centre is located in Shijingshan district, where 100 humanoid robots began training in October 2025.

In the logistics setup, a robot must pick up a package, rotate it so the barcode faces a scanner, smooth the surface after scanning and place it onto another conveyor line, mirroring a real warehouse workflow.

Learning for a robot is essentially a cycle of collecting data, processing it, and repeatedly training and improving its AI model. In this training facility, operators guide robots through tasks using teleoperation and hands-on demonstrations while recording raw motion data. The data is then turned into training material for the AI model to learn from. Once trained, the improved model is sent back to the robots.

A single robot can generate about four hours of training data per day. With a two-minute sampling interval, 100 robots can complete at least 12,000 data collection tasks per day, according to Wang Song, technical director at Leju Robotics.

At the 2026 Humanoid and Embodied Intelligence Standardization Annual Meeting, Wang Xingxing, founder of Unitree Robotics, explained that imitation learning, by using real human demonstration data, allows robots to gradually acquire a wide range of human-like actions.

Huang Tiejun, chairman of the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence and a professor at Peking University, noted that the systematic development of training environments for embodied AI has been incorporated into the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). He emphasised that this will be key to solving data-related challenges.

In his view, only by training and testing robots in real-world conditions can embodied AI move beyond the lab.

Zhao Xiaoguang, a researcher at the Institute of Automation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, described training facilities as "on-the-job training schools" for robots. There, robots start with simple tasks and work their way up to more complex ones.

According to data from business information platform Tianyancha, China now has more than 1.08 million robotics-related companies in operation. Over the past five years, new registrations have steadily increased, reaching a peak in 2025.

With strong policy support at both the national and local levels, the sector continues to gain momentum. At the same time, key technological breakthroughs are accelerating.

Recently, China's first mass-production line for humanoid robots, with an annual capacity of 10,000 units, officially began operation in south China's Guangdong Province, marking a major milestone in scaling up humanoid robot manufacturing.

People's Daily Online

The EU said on Wednesday Meta is failing to prevent children under 13 using Facebook and Instagram, potentially exposing them to inappropriate content -- and putting the tech giant at risk of a massive fine.

The European Union has in recent months stepped up efforts to protect children online, with several member countries considering social media bans for under-16s.

The EU executive is also exploring a possible bloc-wide age limit on social media after coming under intense pressure to take broader action following Australia's groundbreaking ban on using such platforms for under-16s.

In its latest move to enhance protections for children online, the EU said a probe showed Meta broke digital content rules, and told the US firm to "strengthen" its measures to prevent, detect and remove under-13s on Facebook and Instagram.

Under Meta's own terms and conditions, the minimum age to access the social media platforms is 13.

In its preliminary view, the EU found Meta had ineffective measures to enforce its own restrictions on children using Facebook and Instagram.

"Terms and conditions should not be mere written statements, but rather the basis for concrete action to protect users -- including children," said EU tech tsar Henna Virkkunen.

If the regulator's views on Meta are confirmed, the EU can impose a fine of up to 6% of the company's total worldwide annual turnover.

Meta disagreed with the EU's findings.

"We're clear that Instagram and Facebook are intended for people aged 13 and older and we have measures in place to detect and remove accounts from anyone under that age," a Meta spokesperson said, adding the company would continue to engage with the EU.

Ongoing Meta probe

The EU has vowed to ensure Big Tech gets to grips with the many dangers online for children. In February, it gave the unprecedented warning to China's TikTok to change its "addictive design" or risk heavy fines.

Wednesday's preliminary findings against Meta come after the EU opened an investigation in May 2024 under the Digital Services Act (DSA), an online content law that has been fiercely criticised by the US President Donald Trump's administration.

The DSA is part of reinforced legal weaponry adopted by the EU in recent years to curb what Brussels describes as Big Tech's excesses.

European regulators found children are able to easily create an account by entering a false date of birth, and said Meta had "no effective controls" to check.

The EU also said Meta's tool to report the presence of children on Facebook or Instagram was "difficult to use and not effective, requiring up to seven clicks just to access the reporting form".

Meta also "inadequately" identified the risks of children under 13 accessing the apps, and the potential for exposure to "age-inappropriate experiences".

Brussels added Meta's risk assessment "contradicts large bodies of evidence" from across the EU that indicate around 10 to 12% of under-13s access the platforms.

Meta can avoid fines by offering remedies for the breaches.

'Addictive'

The May 2024 probe into Meta is wide-ranging.

EU regulators are still looking into how Meta protects users' physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the "addictive" design of Facebook and Instagram.

Alongside the EU's investigations into online platforms, Brussels this month said an EU-developed age-check app was ready to go and expected to be rolled out in the coming months.

EU officials say the app seeks to replace pop-up banners asking users to click to confirm they are over 18 to access adult content sites.

Last month, the EU said four pornographic platforms including Pornhub were allowing children to access adult content in breach of digital rules.

There are tech innovations that instantly hit the mark, that is to say, they fill a segment in the market, and then there are those that don’t.

As a self-confessed tech and camera addict, I’m always tempted when a new camera is announced and I try to find a way to fit it into my always-expanding equipment list.

That’s quite true when anything from DJI is announced, as I already own two drones, one camera, and one microphone set from the tech giant.

Apple is another weak spot for me, but let’s not get into that.

Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Evo Cinema: A Nostalgia Device with Retro Design and Modern Features

However, when a press release from Fujifilm found its way into my inbox, I was left scratching my head.

To be fair, it’s a nostalgia device that I’m simply not the target market for.

But this is what you get for R7,499.

It’s called the Instax Mini Evo Cinema.

Released last week and already available in South Africa, Fujifilm describes the camera as an instant camera, a smartphone printer, and now also a video camera – complete in one package.

The big problem for me though, is the design - it looks like a smaller handheld version of an industry video camera that could have been used almost a hundred years ago. According to Fujifilm, the design is “inspired by Fujifilm’s “FUJICA Single-8”, an 8mm camera introduced in 1965.”

It’s basically a long-thing camera body, that although it has a display screen to see your image or video, it attempts to sell itself on filters that instantly make your picture or footage look like it was shot in a forgotten era.

It’s impressive that it can do all that on the device, but the fact is that any modern smartphone can do that with a filter in a standard camera or social media app. That’s not even considering what you can do with footage in any decent video editing app.

I just don’t see where this camera fits in. For true nostalgists, they would probably prefer to use a genuine camera from the 1980s instead of this new offering.

I could be wrong, in which case this camera’s sales will do great things for Fujifilm. But I highly doubt it.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.

** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@inl.co.za. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).

Tesla's much-touted autonomous "robotaxi", called the Cybercab, has started production, CEO Elon Musk said on Friday, the same week that the carmaker reported first-quarter profits that beat expectations.

Musk posted a promotional video on X accompanied with the brief caption, "Cybercab has started production."

The 38-second clip, mostly shot from within a driverless Cybercab, showed the vehicle rolling off the factory floor and driving onto streets.

Musk also shared a short video clip showing what appeared to be multiple gold-colored Cybercabs driving in formation on a road.

Cybercab has started production pic.twitter.com/MAeswanf96

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 24, 2026

Tesla said it was on track to commence "volume production" of both its Cybercab and Tesla Semi this year, after reporting first-quarter profits of $477 million.

Cybercab -- billed as a self-driving robotaxi without a steering wheel or pedals -- was first unveiled in the fall of 2024, with Musk predicting at the time that it would become available in 2027.

Tesla began offering robotaxi services to "early access" users on an invitation-only basis in the US city of Austin, Texas, last June.

The auto manufacturer posted a photo in February showing employees gathered around a Cybercab on a factory floor, with the caption "First Cybercab off the production line at Giga Texas."

AFP

Norway said Friday it will present a bill this year making it the latest country seeking to ban social networks for under 16s, adding that technology companies will be responsible for verifying the age of its users.

"We are introducing this legislation because we want a childhood where children get to be children. Play, friendships, and everyday life must not be taken over by algorithms and screens," Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said in a statement.

"This is an important measure to safeguard children's digital lives," he added.

Several European countries, such as France, Spain, and Denmark have already said they will introduce a digital age of majority for social networks and others like Australia and Türkey have already done so.

The European Commission has also made clear its determination to take action to protect children and adolescents, notably by unveiling in mid-April an age-verification app that will soon be made available to European citizens.

"I expect technology companies to ensure that the age limit is respected. Children cannot be left with the responsibility for staying away from platforms they are not allowed to use," added Norwegian  Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance Karianne Tung.

"That responsibility rests with the companies providing these services. They must implement effective age verification and comply with the law from day one".

The government said the number of children with phones or using social media had declined  due to a host of measures it had already taken, including "national screen-time guidelines and recommendations for mobile-free schools."

AFP

As someone who used to game way too much back in my bachelor days, I sometimes wonder how my relationship would be affected if I still put in those long hours with a controller in my hand?

It’s a common theme: does console gaming still make sense in adulthood — or does it start to cost more than it gives back?

It’s been a long time since I’ve became an adult - about 22 years since I was 18 and often it feels like when I do fire up my Xbox it’s something that I should have moved on from.

But I still enjoy it, and part of it is the fact that I actually don’t get the chance to game all that often anymore anyway.

Balancing Console Gaming with Relationships and Health Priorities

Having met my future wife in 2018, my priorities naturally shifted. My healthy obsession with running has always seemed like a better alternative.

Except I hate glancing over at my Xbox under my TV and see it gathering dust, and I always find myself returning to play some of my old favourites or trying out something new.

Console gaming, by design, demands time. Modern titles can stretch into dozens — even hundreds — of hours. For adults trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance, that kind of commitment can be difficult to justify.

It’s here that gaming starts to clash with relationships. Therapists and relationship experts have long pointed out that excessive gaming — particularly when it replaces quality time with a partner — can create emotional distance. While it’s not unique to men, it’s often men who fall into patterns of prolonged, immersive play that sideline real-world connection.

Managing Gaming Addiction and Finding Balance

The issue isn’t gaming itself — it’s imbalance.

Like any kind of obsession, or dare I say it, addiction, it comes down to how you manage it. And like all addictions, being able to know you have a problem is the first step.

For adults, the question isn’t whether you should game, but how you game. When it complements your life, it can be a powerful tool for relaxation and stress relief. When it replaces important relationships or responsibilities, it quickly becomes a liability.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

Taken pics with your smartphone only to realise that what you capture is not always what you saw in the moment? Colours shift, lighting is corrected, and images are enhanced long after the shutter is pressed. The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro takes a different approach. Instead of relying on heavy post-processing, it focuses on capturing scenes as they are experienced, using real-time processing and advanced colour science to bring images closer to reality from the very beginning.

At its core is a simple idea. What you see should be what you get and for those ready to experience it first-hand, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro is available now from R21,999 or R839 per month over 36 months via Huawei’s official online store and selected retailers, with a range of added-value benefits included at launch.

Rethinking how images are captured
The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro introduces an evolved True-to-Colour Camera System, designed to maintain accuracy across changing environments. Whether shooting in bright daylight, low light, or mixed lighting, the system continuously works to preserve balance and consistency.

Huawei has changed the standard, they don’t want you just to produce a good image, but a reliable one. Colours remain stable even when switching between the main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, ensuring that each shot reflects the same tone and feel.

Supporting this is DCG HDR technology, which enhances dynamic range by up to 300% in real time. Instead of correcting highlights and shadows after capture, the device processes them as the image is taken, allowing both bright and dark elements to retain detail without distortion.

Real-time processing changes everything
One of the most significant shifts in the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro is how it handles processing. Traditional smartphone cameras rely heavily on adjustments made after a photo is taken. The Mate 80 Pro moves much of that work into the moment of capture.

Powered by an upgraded image signal processor and Huawei’s True-to-Colour Engine, the device analyses scenes as they happen. Light, colour, and contrast are adjusted dynamically, ensuring that the final image reflects the scene as it unfolds. This real-time approach reduces the need for corrections later. It also creates a more fluid shooting experience, where what appears in the viewfinder is closely aligned with the final result.

Flexibility without complexity
The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro also expands what users can capture. The 48 MP Ultra Lighting Telephoto Macro Lens combines long-range zoom with close focusing at just 5 cm, allowing users to move seamlessly between distant subjects and fine detail.

This flexibility removes the need to switch between specialised modes, making it easier to capture moments as they happen. Whether it is a landscape, a portrait, or a close-up detail, the camera adapts without interruption.

AI that works in the background
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays an important role in the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro, but it is not meant to take over the process. Instead, it works quietly in the background to support better results. AI Composition analyses scenes in real time and offers subtle guidance on framing, helping users create more balanced images without requiring an understanding of technical composition rules.

Other features, such as AI Remove and AI Best Expression simplify editing, allowing users to refine images quickly and naturally. These tools reduce friction rather than adding complexity, making it easier to capture and share moments without overthinking the process.

Performance and display that keep up
Beyond imaging, the Mate 80 Pro is designed to perform consistently throughout the day. A large 5750 mAh battery supports extended use, while 100 W wired and 80 W wireless SuperCharge ensure fast and convenient top-ups.

The SuperCool Dual Phase Change Heat Dissipation System helps maintain stable performance during demanding tasks, preventing overheating and ensuring a smooth experience across applications. This is paired with the X-True 2.5D display, featuring a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and peak brightness of up to 3000 nits, delivering a clear, fluid viewing experience whether indoors or in bright outdoor conditions.

Durability is also a key focus, and it boasts 2nd Generation Kunlun Glass, a reinforced structure, and IP68 and IP69 ratings to protect against water, dust, and more demanding environments.

Pricing and availability
The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro is available now from R21,999 or R839 per month over 36 months via Huawei’s official online store and selected retailers.

As part of the offer, customers can enjoy a range of added value, including the HUAWEI Band 10, FreeBuds SE 2, a one-year HUAWEI Care+ plan, screen protection service, charger, and protective cover, along with an exclusive 200GB HUAWEI Mobile Cloud storage subscription free for the first month, enabling seamless backup of photos, apps, and important files from day one.

In a space often defined by enhancement and exaggeration, the Mate 80 Pro offers something different. A more honest way to capture and experience the world.

Is a headache a warning sign of stroke? Does a cough require an X-ray? What do abnormal test results really mean?

With just a few taps to describe symptoms and upload medical reports, people can receive a polished, seemingly professional assessment from artificial intelligence (AI) in seconds. More and more people have begun to turn to it for medical advice before seeing a doctor. But does that mean AI can truly diagnose and treat patients?

Straight A student in standardised tests

A study published in early April by researchers at Germany's Marburg University and University Hospital Giessen and Marburg found that in a standardized knowledge test on acute kidney injury(AKI), several large language models (LLMs) outperformed the medical professionals who took part in the assessment.

Researchers compared 13 publicly available LLMs with 123 volunteer participants at the 131st Annual Congress of the German Society of Internal Medicine, including medical students and physicians in internal medicine. Both groups completed the same AKI knowledge assessment, which consisted of two case vignettes and 15 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions.

The LLMs achieved a mean score of 13.5 out of 15, or 90%, with several models reaching a perfect score, while the human participants averaged 7.3 out of 15, or 48.7%. The models also completed the test far more quickly. "These findings show that LLMs can provide factual medical knowledge very quickly. That creates opportunities for everyday clinical practice," said Philipp Russ, the study's corresponding author.

Weak link in clinical reasoning

High scores on standardized tests, however, do not necessarily mean AI has the judgment required for real-world clinical care. A study published in JAMA Network Open on April 13 found that LLMs still fall short in clinical reasoning, especially in the early stages of a case, when limited information often prevents them from generating an appropriate differential diagnosis.

To better reflect how diagnosis unfolds in practice, the researchers at Mass General Brigham and other institutions evaluated 21 frontier LLMs using 29 standardized clinical vignettes. The models were fed information step by step, beginning with basic details such as a patient's age, gender and symptoms, and followed by physical examination findings and laboratory results. Their performance at each stage was assessed by medical student evaluators.

The result showed that all the models failed to produce an appropriate differential diagnosis more than 80% of the time. That means they often could not reliably determine the most likely cause, rule out serious disease or offer sound guidance on what should be investigated next.

"Differential diagnoses are central to clinical reasoning and underlie the 'art of medicine' that AI cannot currently replicate," said corresponding author Marc Succi, adding that the promise of AI in clinical medicine continues to lie in its potential to augment, not replace, physician reasoning.

Doctor-led collaboration

If AI is not ready to practice medicine on its own, what role should it play in healthcare? Jens Kleesiek, director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine at Essen University Hospital and the University of Duisburg-Essen said that thanks to AI, the collaboration between doctors and computers is constantly improving.

"We are at a point where digital systems no longer just provide support, but actively intervene in processes. For example, by taking over documentation or coordinating procedures," Kleesiek said at the opening of the 2026 Annual Congress of the German Society of Internal Medicine on April 18. "This will fundamentally change medical care."

Even so, the doctor's primary responsibility remains unchanged. Kleesiek emphasized that the human factor is still crucial and that AI must be deployed under the guidance of physicians with the expertise to understand the technology and use it properly.

Marc Succi made a similar point, saying that "LLMs in healthcare continue to require a 'human in the loop' and very close oversight."

As AI is pushed further into clinical practice, the risks that come with it also require close attention. Fares Alahdab, an associate professor at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, warned that experienced clinicians are often better able to spot flawed AI-generated suggestions, while medical students may lack the judgment needed to detect subtle but potentially dangerous errors.

"A more insidious risk is the outsourcing of reasoning, a process that tends to occur gradually and almost imperceptibly," he said, adding that AI models produce fluent, polished responses that can lead users to abandon independent information-seeking, critical appraisal and knowledge synthesis. Over time, this may erode skills that should be continuously reinforced.

Xinhua

Like seemingly everything else these days, WhatsApp is introducing a new, optional subscription service called "WhatsApp Plus" and is currently rolling out to users in limited locations.

So what does this mean for the popular messaging service?

While a widespread concern is that there will be ads in the app, it turns out that this new tier is mostly about customising the look and feel rather than changing the functionality. 

It is designed to give users more ways to personalise their app with exclusive features. It also comes with specific eligibility requirements.

Here is a breakdown of what changes, what stays the same, and other noteworthy details about the new service.

What will change and what won't change about WhatsApp? 

For the billions of users who rely on the standard app, the core WhatsApp experience will not change.

The standard version of WhatsApp will remain completely free, and as far as we know, it will continue to provide simple, reliable, and private messaging and calling. The company has stated its commitment to ensuring that the free version of WhatsApp continues to improve for everyone.

Now, let's go over what will change. Users who choose to upgrade to the WhatsApp Plus subscription will unlock a suite of customisation and organisational tools.

Subscribers can choose from unique app themes and icons to personalise how their app looks, applying new colour options to messages, icons, and backgrounds.

WhatsApp Plus users will also be allowed to pin up to 20 chats, ensuring that important conversations stay at the top of their feed. Users can also create customised chat lists equipped with custom themes, ringtones, and alert tones.

The subscription introduces premium stickers with special effects to add extra personality to chats. Additionally, users can assign premium ringtones to their most important contacts.

Details and limitations

There are a few important caveats for users considering the upgrade.

It is worth noting that the app theme and icon benefits are entirely private; the new visual choices are only visible to the subscriber and will not change the appearance of the app for the people they are chatting with.

Additionally, WhatsApp Plus is exclusively available to mobile users on iOS and Android and is only accessible in the standard WhatsApp Messenger app, not the WhatsApp Business app. The company strictly notes that subscriptions are only supported on official versions of the app downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Using unofficial versions of WhatsApp can result in a temporary or permanent account ban.

Finally, the billing for WhatsApp Plus operates on an automatic monthly renewal system.

Users will be charged on the same date each month and must cancel at least 24 hours before their next payment date if they wish to stop future charges. Users are also restricted to one active WhatsApp Plus subscription per WhatsApp account.

IOL

Since the new iPhone Air launched in September, it’s been the worst selling phone among the latest range released by Apple, and it’s no surprise really.

If you’ve been in the Apple ecosystem for any length of time, you know that they are experts at luring you in to buy an inferior product at a premium, and that’s exactly the case again with the iPhone Air.

The new, thinner, very slightly lighter phone was launched alongside the iPhone 17 range.

It means there are now five different ‘new gen’ models to choose from, which are the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17e, iPhone Pro, and iPhone Pro Max.

iPhone Air: A Sleek Design with Inexcusable Hardware Limitations

Once again, it’s a convoluted lineup, but what stands out for me is the iPhone Air.

Like the MacBook Air and iPad Air, Apple has once more introduced a thinner, lighter product in the lineup that looks aesthetically pleasing.

However, unlike the current MacBook Air and iPad Air, there are a number of inexcusable hardware limitations with the first of its kind iPhone Air.

This is best demonstrated by the fact that alongside the new iPhone Air, Apple will now be offering a custom-made MagSafe (magnetic) external battery which clips onto the phone.

You heard that right, to get better battery performance on par with the other current iPhones, a user will have to essentially carry a power bank as well? For me, that’s just counter-intuitive and simply ludicrous.

Without the external battery, the Air has the worst battery life among the 17 lineup with up to 30 hours of playback according to the Apple website, but that’s in their own tests and not real-world use. In their presentation of the Air, it also said “all-day battery,” which is really vague and difficult to prove or disprove.

Of course, it is noticeably thinner at 5.64mm thick compared to the base model iPhone 17, which is the next thinnest at 7.95mm thick. The Air also comes in at 165g, while the 17 is 12g heavier at 177, which is an indistinguishable weight difference. 

The comparison with the iPhone 17 is the most relevant, since the Air retails at R21,999. The iPhone 17 will be R2000 cheaper, and though the display is slightly smaller at 6.3” compared to the Air’s 6.5”.

In every other aspect, the iPhone 17 bests the Air, with a much better camera system probably the biggest advantage. Like the iPhone 16e, the iPhone has just one 48MP main camera on the back, while every other model has multiple lenses, most notably the extremely useful widescreen for any kind of outdoor pictures or videos.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.

** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@inl.co.za. Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication).

At an event that took place on 14 April 2026, Samsung in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) officially announced the Top 20 schools that have been selected to advance to the next stages of the 2026 STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) - Solve For Tomorrow (SFT) competition. 

In attendance was Mr. Simon Lee, the President and CEO of Samsung Africa with his management team and some of the country’s dignitaries and strategic partners that included Ms Elspeth Khembo, Director for Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation and E-Learning at the National Department of Basic Education (DBE); as well as Mr. Tlali Tlali, the Director of Corporate Affairs at State Information Technology Agency (SITA).

This announcement marks the end of the initial application phase which ran until 06 March 2026 and Samsung along with its partners were recognising the outstanding contributions that these Top 20 schools have made to the programme; showcasing their achievements and potential impact. This year's participation has reached new heights, with over 143 submissions from public schools across the country – a remarkable growth from 47 entries last year. This is testament to the unwavering dedication of the country’s educators and learners as well as Samsung’s valued partners: DBE and SITA.

The notable increase in participation can also be credited to the major shift in the application process in this year’s SFT competition, which has now been opened to all public schools, including quintile 5 - making it more inclusive and nationally representative. Now, the competition has reached a stage where it moves beyond theoretical knowledge. It is shifting from mere idea submissions going towards an active, mentored development of the solutions stage that is designed to create a positive social impact in local communities. 

This year's global themes: Social Inclusion through Sports & Technology and Environmental Sustainability via Technology, reflect our shared responsibility to build an equitable, sustainable and inclusive future. These themes which seek to foster innovation among high school learners from underprivileged backgrounds throughout South Africa - are encouraging critical thinking and problem solving for Gen Z to build sustainable solutions through STEM.

Speaking at the event, the President and CEO of Samsung Africa, Mr. Lee shared his sentiments on the collaborative agreement between Samsung and DBE which has in the last few years - highlighted the direct alignment of the SFT’s objectives to the country’s national education priorities. He added that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Samsung and DBE has been instrumental in driving this success, anchoring the company’s partnership in strengthening STEM education and equipping learners with critical skills for the digital economy.

And, according to the Director for Mathematics, Science & Technology (MST), Curriculum Innovation & E-Learning at the National Department of Basic Education, Ms. Elspeth Khembo: “By teaching learners to use digital tools, data and technology to develop innovative solutions, this Samsung SFT competition advances the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen STEM education, expand digital learning opportunities and cultivate future-ready skills among the country’s learners. 

Ms. Khembo explained further and said: “All of this is in direct alignment with our national education priorities including fostering 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) skills, critical thinking and equitable access to opportunities in an effort to build a capable, innovation-driven and inclusive economy,”

For these Grade 10 and 11 learners from selected public schools - making it to this stage of the competition is a significant milestone. Advancing to this next phase means that these Top 20 school learners will - through project-based learning – be equipped with the 4Cs which are Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Communication. These skills are essential for solving real-world challenges. 

The Director at SITA - Corporate Affairs Mr. Tlali Tlali also added: “We’re honoured to be part of this amazing initiative and even prouder of the fact that we’ve been partners with Samsung from inception. It gives us great joy to see the enthusiasm that’s evident in the significant increase in the number of schools from the country’s previously disadvantaged communities, that participate in this unique, global initiative. Our goal of aligning with Samsung’s transformation goals and building a digital South Africa by improving educational and career prospects for our youth, remains intact.”

With the support of mentors, design thinking workshops, prototype funding and tablets for research and project execution, the learners will have the resources to turn their visions into reality. This is complemented by the invaluable contributions  from the judges and partners whose expertise and guidance is instrumental in nurturing this year’s young innovators.

Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in South Africa said: “We would like to congratulate the Top 20 schools that made it to the next stage of this competition. As Samsung, we are very happy with the quality of the entries that we received from various schools around the country and are appreciative of the interest and overwhelming participation in this year’s competition. We are also grateful to our partners: DBE and SITA, whose strategic priorities align perfectly with our mission to empower students with skills that transcend the classroom and are able to prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow.”

And when taking a closer look at the themes for this year - the social change through sports and tech theme focuses on how the power of sport as a unifying force in South Africa is recognised. And, when combined with technology - sport becomes a tool for inclusion, youth development, health and community building. This first theme encourages young innovators to use digital platforms, data and smart solutions to improve access to sports, develop talent, promote wellness and create safer, more connected communities. It’s about using technology to amplify the positive social impact of sport beyond the field. 

The second theme which focuses on Environmental sustainability through technology addresses the urgent environmental challenges that the country faces, such as climate change, water scarcity, waste management and energy access. This environmentally-focused theme invites young people to develop tech-driven solutions that protect natural resources, promote renewable energy and support sustainable living. It signifies a shift toward responsible innovation using technology not just for convenience, but to secure a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

And furthermore, this year’s announcement places these Top 20 schools in the running to win substantial prizes, including up to R100,000 in STEM equipment for the winning school - with 2nd and 3rd place winning R50,000 and R30,000 respectively; plus Samsung devices for the top learners in the winning schools. 

Makgato concluded: “As a pioneer in education and innovation, this SFT programme provides us with an opportunity to reinforce our dedication to nurturing the country’s future problem-solvers. Samsung is resolute in its mission when it comes to its education goals: we remain committed to continue empowering South Africa’s learners to address global challenges through technology and innovation.

Deciding to buy a handheld game console or just stick with your smartphone is something that I’ve toyed with for some time.

I was hesitant to hand over my hard-earned cash for something like a Nintendo Switch or the Lite version, and instead I bought a really ‘cheapy’.

That’s, of course, one of these dime-a-dozen Nintendo Game Boy-inspired ripoffs that can play all those classic games from the Japanese tech giant.

That little device, which cost me just R200, gave me access to over 1,000 Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) games.

Why Smartphones Offer a Superior Gaming Experience Over Handheld Consoles

The result? The gaming experience was just fine, but playing games that are mostly 35 years old or older gets stale quite quickly.

That’s why a handheld device like this is more of an entry-level experience, and the natural next step is to invest more money.

Or you would think. That’s where your smartphone comes in. Most smartphones these days are incredibly high-powered, and they are just begging to run a few games, with most of them quite graphically demanding and impressive.

The number of games available on the Google Play or App Store is quite incredible, and there are even plenty of free games that you can spend hours enjoying if you can stomach tons of annoying ads.

When you spend a bit of money on a game, for example, R100 or more, though, that’s where the gap between handheld console and smartphone narrows considerably.

The problem with handhelds is that they will never give you the same experience as a console, and it’s not really worth the investment when you can just use your smartphone and decide with each game how much you actually want to spend - and not outlay a whole heap for something you may never use.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

Australia's internet watchdog raised fears on Wednesday that popular online gaming platforms such as Roblox and Minecraft were being used by "predatory adults" to target children.

The nation's eSafety Commission has sent legal notices to a host of the world's most popular gaming platforms, demanding they explain how they are working to stamp out dangerous content.

Australia is at the forefront of global efforts to protect children from online harm, enacting laws last year that ban teenagers under 16 from social media.

eSafety boss Julie Inman Grant said research had shown the vast majority of Australian children played some sort of online game.

"Predatory adults know this and target children through grooming or embedding terrorist and violent extremist narrative in gameplay," she said.

Online gaming platforms Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite and Steam will be required to show how they are identifying and eliminating online harms, Inman Grant said.

"We've seen numerous media reports about grooming taking place on all four of these platforms, as well as terrorist and violent extremist-themed gameplay."

Inman Grant said examples included gaming platforms recreating mass shootings and World War II concentration camps.

Roblox said it had policies in place that strictly prohibited extreme content.

"We welcome engagement with eSafety on this important topic," the platform told AFP in a statement.

"We encourage anyone who sees anything concerning on Roblox to report it to us."

Australia in December banned under-16s from a raft of the world's most popular social media sites, citing the need to protect young minds from "predatory algorithms" filled with sex and violence.

Three months since the landmark laws came into effect, Australia's online safety watchdog found a "substantial proportion of Australian children" were still scrolling banned platforms.

AFP

Florida on Tuesday announced a criminal probe into whether artificial intelligence played a role in a deadly mass shooting at a university in the US state.

The decision to launch an investigation came after prosecutors reviewed exchanges between OpenAI chatbot ChatGPT and the suspected gunman, who opened fire at Florida State University last year, according to state Attorney General James Uthmeier.

"If ChatGPT were a person, it would be facing charges for murder," Uthmeier said.

Florida law allows anyone who assists or counsels someone in the commission of a crime to be treated as an "aider and abettor" bearing the same responsibility as the perpetrator, according to Uthmeier.

In exchanges with ChatGPT, the accused shooter sought advice on what type of gun and ammunition to use as well as where and when on campus a lot of people would likely be found, the state attorney general said during a press briefing.

"Last year's mass shooting at Florida State University was a tragedy, but ChatGPT is not responsible for this terrible crime," an OpenAI spokesperson said in response to an AFP inquiry.

"ChatGPT provided factual responses to questions with information that could be found broadly across public sources on the internet, and it did not encourage or promote illegal or harmful activity."

The company stressed that responsibility for violent acts lies with individuals, and said it continues to invest in safeguards aimed at preventing misuse of its technology.

OpenAI identified the ChatGPT account linked to the suspected shooter and provided it to police after learning of the shooting, the spokesperson noted.

Two men were killed and six other people injured in the mass shooting allegedly carried out by the son of a local deputy sheriff with her old service weapon, according to authorities.

The suspect — identified as Phoenix Ikner — rampaged through Florida State University, shooting at students before he was shot by local law enforcement.

Ikner was hospitalised with "serious but non-life-threatening injuries," investigators said.

Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said at the time that Ikner was a student at the university and the son of an 18-year member of his staff.

He added that the suspect took part in the sheriff's office training programs, meaning "it's not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons."

Bystander footage aired by CNN appeared to show a young man walking on a lawn and shooting at people who were trying to get away.

Mass shootings are common in the United States, where a constitutional right to bear arms trumps demands for stricter rules.

That is despite widespread public support for tighter control on firearms, including restricting the sale of high-capacity clips.

Criminal chatbot?

Rather than the maker of the gun, though, Florida prosecutors are looking at whether the creators of ChatGPT are culpable as a corporation.

"We recognise that here with AI, we are venturing into uncharted territory," Uthmeier said.

"But we need to know whether or not OpenAI has criminal liability."

Prosecutors will dig into how much OpenAI knew about the potential for "dangerous behavior" involving ChatGPT and what could have been done to mitigate that risk, according to Uthmeier.

"We cannot have AI bots that are advising people on how to kill others," the state attorney general said.

OpenAI already faces lawsuits filed by families who charge that ChatGPT caused harm and even suicide among loved ones.

Litigation accuses OpenAI of blurring the line between tool and companion in the name of increasing user engagement and market share, according to Social Media Victims Law Center founding attorney Matthew Bergman.

"They prioritized market dominance over mental health, engagement metrics over human safety, and emotional manipulation over ethical design," Bergman said in a post at the law group's website.

"The cost of those choices is measured in lives."

AFP

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"How does South Africa's SKA project relate to China's 'Sky Eye'?"

"Do international basic science projects impact our daily lives?" 

"Will learning Chinese enhance my prospects for participating in scientific collaborations?"

These were just some of the insightful questions posed by South African students after my speech. I had anticipated this technically complex subject might seem obscure, yet the students responded with remarkable enthusiasm.

Their curiosity reflected admiration for China-South Africa technological cooperation and a genuine aspiration to embark on a shared cosmic journey—with Chinese language proficiency as their vehicle.

This exchange coincided perfectly with the 17th United Nations Chinese Language Day. Invited to the Green Tech Confucius Institute at the University of Venda in South Africa, I shared my reporting experience on the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project—a major scientific initiative involving both nations.

As a journalist from the Africa Center Branch of People’s Daily, I demonstrated how Chinese serves as a "linguistic lubricant" enabling seamless collaboration among international scientists and engineers. What began as a modest "Chinese + Technology" initiative has now evolved into a significant platform advancing bilateral technological cooperation.

The Square Kilometre Array, dubbed the "World's Giant Eye", comprises hundreds of dish antennas rooted in South Africa's radio-silent Karoo Desert. This global endeavour aims to explore stellar evolution, cosmic origins, and potential extraterrestrial life. As founding SKA members, China and South Africa share core construction and research responsibilities.

At the SKA site, rows of white antennae stand sentinel in the desert while multinational researchers troubleshoot technical challenges. 

Though language barriers persist in cross-border projects, China's primary role in equipment installation necessitates Chinese communication. Consequently, South African technical coordinators have organically acquired Chinese proficiency through collaboration—from jointly reviewing manuals to expressing gratitude in Mandarin. Language undeniably remains the key to breaking barriers.

The University of Venda's Confucius Institute is notably distinct as the world's only "green technology"-focused centre. Beyond language instruction, it serves as a strategic foothold for China-South Africa tech cooperation. In its classrooms, "environmental protection" and "sustainability" are recurring themes; its library prominently features materials on renewable energy and advanced technology. On campus, a small agricultural experimental field has utilised BeiDou satellite receivers for precision farming for more than a year, while a newly assembled mobile signal vehicle will soon support local intelligent transportation system.

"The Venda region may be remote, but it prioritises education and technology advancement," said Eric Maluta, the institute's foreign director. "Chinese has opened new horizons for us."

Through this linguistic bridge, initiatives like soil improvement and solar power projects have flourished. Increasingly, South African youth view Chinese as their gateway to mastering advanced technologies—positioning them as future architects of bilateral cooperation.

With Chinese building bridges and technology paving the way, the University of Venda's BeiDou-centred projects are propelling expanded aerospace collaboration. Plans include establishing an aerospace major at the university and co-developing Chinese courses with the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), further solidifying this cosmic partnership.

Language transcends geographical barriers. Chinese is far more than a mere language—it actively advances China-South Africa technological collaboration while expanding its horizons. As China'’s comprehensive national strength grows and its influence expands, Chinese is increasingly becoming the lingua franca of international scientific cooperation. It will inevitably serve as a passport for global youth to pursue their aspirations.

I remain committed to chronicling these developments, documenting how the convergence of language and technology cultivates ever-brighter blossoms of China-Africa friendship.

People's Daily Online

* The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. 

French investigators have summoned X owner Elon Musk for a “voluntary interview” which they say could shed light on allegations that the platform was involved in the spread of AI-generated child sexual abuse images and deepfake content.

The French authorities have had a long-running feud with the US-based billionaire, casting his social media platform as a potential threat to democracy, while Musk says he is defending freedom of speech.

According to the Wall Street Journal, France attempted to convince the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to cooperate in the probe – only to be rebutted over what the DOJ suspected was an attempt “to entangle the United States in a politically charged criminal proceeding.”

Here is what we know about the Musk-France feud so far.

How did the feud between Musk and France start?

The probe dates back to January 2025, when a formal complaint against X was lodged by a French MP and a public official. According to reports at the time, the documents cited a “major modification in the algorithm used by the X platform,” resulting in a surge of “hateful, racist, anti-LGBTQ, or homophobic” content designed to “skew democratic debate in France”.

Around the same time, Musk was openly endorsing European right-wing parties, including the Alternative for Germany (AfD), Reform UK, and France’s National Rally.

A formal criminal investigation over alleged algorithm manipulation and illicit data extraction was opened in July 2025 and handed to the national police.

X denied any wrongdoing, describing the probe as an attack on free speech that distorted domestic law to “serve a political agenda.” The platform also complained that the authorities classified it as an “organized gang” and said it would not cooperate, adding that prosecutors were steering the investigation toward a predetermined outcome.

What has France accused X of?

The probe has since been expanded to include the following allegations:• Complicity in the possession of pornographic images of minors• Complicity in the organized distribution of these images• Defamation of personal image through sexual deepfakes• Denial of crimes against humanity (Holocaust denial)• Fraudulent extraction of data from an automated data processing system by an organized group• Falsification of the operation of an automated data processing system by an organized group• Operating an illegal online platform by an organized group

Has controversial sexualized content been generated by Grok and X?

X found itself in hot water in late 2025 and early 2026 when the Grok AI assistant generated an estimated 3 million sexualized images, including thousands that appeared to depict children. Grok’s ‘spicy mode’ reportedly sexualized public figures such as Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, and former US Vice President Kamala Harris.

Some users asked Grok to edit photos of women into sexualized poses and revealing clothing, and others asked it to add blood and bruising; the chatbot publicly posted these graphic images in response.

In response to the backlash, in January, X restricted Grok’s ability to edit photos of real people and show them in revealing clothing in jurisdictions where it is illegal. According to NBC, however, Grok still continues to fulfill these requests in some cases.

Holocaust controversy

In November 2025, Grok answered questions about common myths surrounding the Holocaust in a thread under a post by a convicted French Holocaust denier and neo-Nazi militant, writing that the gas chambers at the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp were designed for “disinfection with Zyklon B against typhus” rather than mass murder – effectively denying well-established Nazi crimes.

Grok later backpedaled, calling its statement ‘false’ and attributing it to “an anomalous glitch in an early output.” Musk explained the incident by saying that Grok “was too compliant to user prompts” and the issue was being dealt with.

The authorities in France – which has strict Holocaust-denial laws – expanded the probe to include the incident.

’Free speech is pure bulls**t’

French President Emmanuel Macron has made no secret of his intention to introduce more guardrails for regulating social media. In February, in one of his most brazen takes on the matter, he blasted social media platforms for “having no clue about how their algorithm is made.”

“The democratic consequences of this bias could be huge,” he said, adding: “Free speech is pure bulls**t if nobody knows how you are guided to this so-called free speech, especially when it is guided from one hate speech to another.”

He has also accused X of being “dominated by far-right content,” suggesting that the platform is no longer neutral because of the political affiliation of its owner.

Is Washington cooperating in the probe against Musk and X?

According to the Wall Street Journal, the DOJ told the French law enforcement authorities that it would not facilitate their efforts to investigate X. The letter seen by the outlet argued that the investigation “seeks to use the criminal legal system in France to regulate a public square for the free expression of ideas,” and that French requests for US assistance “constitute an effort to entangle the United States in a politically charged criminal proceeding.”

The Paris prosecutor’s office said it has no knowledge of the DOJ letter.

The Trump administration has long criticized the EU over what it describes as “digital censorship” and “regulatory suffocation” – including the bloc’s strict digital market guidelines, which the administration claims discriminate against US-based tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Meta.

RT News

It’s emerged that Microsoft's AI-powered feature called Windows Recall has made the operating system less secure or ‘hackable’ than ever.

Windows Recall, in layman’s terms, takes snapshots of a user’s screen every few seconds, which are stored locally every few seconds.

In theory, this sounds great if you need to retrieve a piece of information on your screen that you can no longer find or access; however, it also means users did not have control of what was being captured.

That meant any sensitive information could be saved, like passwords, banking details, or whatever it is people have on their screen when they are certain no one is looking.

Windows Recall: AI-Driven Security Risks and Opt-In Feature in Windows 11

Windows Recall was controlled by AI, which made it extremely easy for tech-savvy hackers to find their way into otherwise secure accounts.

In fact, reports have even shown that basic malware that didn’t even have administrator privileges could access the Windows Recall data.

Fortunately, in Windows 11, the recall feature is not on by default, and users have to opt in to activate it.

That’s at least some scant consolation for a feature that probably should never have existed in the first place.

That first place was way back in May 2024 when Windows Recall was first announced by Microsoft. It was billed as being designed to fit in seamlessly with Copilot+ PCs. Copilot is what Microsoft calls its AI assistant.

It first became widely available to the public in April last year. Even at the first announcement, though, experts had security concerns, which were largely ignored by the tech giant.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

Apple on Monday announced that Tim Cook will step down as the tech giant's chief executive officer in September, handing the top job to company veteran John Ternus.

The announcement answers long-simmering questions about a successor for 65-year-old Cook, who said he will become executive chairman of the board when he cedes Apple's CEO position.

"It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company," Cook said in a statement.

Cook joined Apple in 1998, rising through the ranks and helping drive its success as chief operating officer coordinating the iPhone maker's complex supply chain.

Tim Cook’s Leadership: Transforming Apple into a $4 Trillion Giant and Strategic Manufacturing in China

He became chief executive in 2011 after its iconic co-founder and leader Steve Jobs left due to health issues.

Cook is credited with expanding Apple's product line and ramping up the company's value to some $4 trillion based on the value of its shares.

Cook was the mastermind of the strategy that made China the primary manufacturing base for Apple devices, with the vast majority of iPhones assembled by contractor Foxconn and other suppliers in Chinese factories.

"Tim's unprecedented and outstanding leadership has transformed Apple into the world's best company," outgoing chairman of the board Arthur Levinson said in the statement.

"His integrity and values are infused into everything Apple does."

Levinson currently holds the board chairmanship in a non-executive role. He will become the board's lead independent director.

Ternus joined Apple's product design team in 2001 and became a senior vice president of hardware engineering over the course of the following two decades.

He is credited by Apple with playing roles in an array of products including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, and Mac computers.

"Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor," Ternus said in the same statement.

Apple at 50

Apple marks its 50th anniversary this year as artificial intelligence challenges the Silicon Valley legend to prove it can deliver yet another culture-changing innovation.

Jobs, a driven marketing genius, and Steve Wozniak, who invented the Apple computer, revolutionized how people use technology in the internet age.

The two men -- both college dropouts -- changed the way people use computers, listen to music and communicate on the go, giving rise to lifestyles revolving around smartphone apps.

Apple's hit products — the Mac, the iPhone, the Apple Watch and the iPad — command a cult-like following, long after the company's humble beginnings on April 1, 1976 in Jobs's Cupertino, California garage.

"Apple is making a major transition on its AI strategy and longtime CEO and legendary Cook leaving now is a surprise," Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said in a note to investors.

"There will be a lot of pressure on Ternus to produce success out of the gates especially on the AI front."

A concern haunting investors is that Apple appears to be easing into AI while rivals Google, Microsoft and OpenAI race ahead.

A promised upgrade to its Siri digital assistant was delayed, in what analysts called a rare stumble for the company.

Rather than relying on its own engineers to overhaul Siri, Apple has turned to Google for AI capability.

While Cook has guided Apple into new categories like watches and AirPods, he is not known for the kind of "big thing" that Jobs delivered.

Under Cook, Apple spent billions of dollars on a self-driving electric vehicle project it wound up scrapping in 2024.

An Apple Maps service launched in 2012 was so rife with error that Cook published an apology letter.

And, while a technical marvel, Apple Vision Pro "spacial computing" headgear, with a price tag of $3,500, has little traction in the market.

AFP

It wasn’t long ago that YouTube would be the first stop for any kind of educational need a tech-savvy individual would use, but that seems to be rapidly changing as people are increasingly turning to AI apps like ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

Imagine this as an example: you need to work out how to cook a new recipe, and in the past, you would punch in something like in a Google search: "how to cook chocolate muffins”.

The first result would be a YouTube video detailing step-by-step how to do this.

In fact, if you typed the same search into YouTube, you’d get a ton of results, and you would click on what seems like the best video.

AI Apps vs. YouTube: The Rise of Interactive Research

Now, people would use the same prompt in their AI app of their choice and receive a simple step-by-step guide, which is different from a traditional recipe in that it remains interactive.

If you don’t have a certain ingredient, for example, you can ask the app to suggest what you can use instead.

That right there is the difference: AI apps are a much more personal experience as you can tailor the results to your specific needs. YouTube, by contrast, offers video results that generally cater to a wide audience, and if you need any additional information in some long video, you will have to search again and sit through something else to possibly find what you’re looking for.

The shift from ‘traditional media’ like YouTube hasn’t been overnight, but it has been gradual until September last year. It was then that YouTube creators, big and small, experienced a sudden drop in views across the board.

There have been many different theories as to why this is the case, but the most likely is this new shift to rely on AI apps instead of YouTube. This may be good for the average person, but if you’re a content creator on YouTube, this could well be the beginning of the end.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

Unitree Robotics announced on Sunday that its H1 humanoid robot autonomously completed a 1.9-kilometre winding course in 4 minutes and 13 seconds in the Beijing humanoid robot half-marathon qualifying round, breaking the human 1,500-metre world record on a proportional calculation.

“The result in the qualifying session, when compared at a constant pace, is equivalent to surpassing the human world record in the 1,500 metres race. Recently, the robot’s peak speed in the 100-metre test run even reached 10 metres per second,” said Huang Jiawei, marketing director of Unitree Robotics.

According to the official website of World Athletics, the men’s outdoor world record for 1,500 metres is 3 minutes and 26 seconds, set in 1998.

Over 100 robot teams competed on the same track in the Beijing humanoid robot half marathon qualifying round held on Thursday, which determined the starting order for the official half marathon on Sunday. Unitree Robotics also sent its robot team to the event.

Unitree Robotics, based in Hangzhou in east China’s Zhejiang Province, showcased its cutting-edge humanoid robots during the Year of the Horse Spring Festival Gala, the world’s most-watched television event, which took place in February.

During this gala, its robots executed complex maneuvers like drunken boxing, backward obstacle avoidance and backflips, underscoring a leap from demonstrating basic mobility to mastering intricate, culturally rich physical artistry.

A recent industry report revealed that Chinese robotics firms emerged as the largest producers of humanoid robots worldwide in 2025, highlighting the country’s rapid rise in this emerging manufacturing sector.

At the 2026 Beijing E-Town Half Marathon, featuring human runners, and humanoid robot half marathon, in which robots competed, both held in China’s capital on Sunday, a humanoid robot developed by a tech firm under Honor Device Co., Ltd. won the championship with a net time of 50 minutes and 26 seconds.

It surpassed the men’s half marathon world record of 57 minutes and 20 seconds set by Ugandan star Jacob Kiplimo at the Lisbon Half Marathon in March this year.

The year 2026 has been eyed as a critical turning point for the robotics industry, with it moving from simply “handling many tasks with limited proficiency” to truly “accomplishing tasks with high performance and achieving practical application,” said Luo Jianlan, chief scientist at AgiBot.

China has a clear national strategy in its quest to become a global robotics powerhouse, with this endeavour boosted by its robust industrial ecosystems, fast iteration cycles and large-scale deployment capacity.

Xinhua

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The HONOR 600 Lite has just been launched in Mzansi, bringing together cutting-edge AI-powered photography, long-lasting battery life and a sleek, premium Metal-forged Unibody design. It’s incredibly immersive display, encased in a metallic mystique, feels and responds like its playing to win, sharing the country’s no-compromising attitude.

Unveiled earlier today, SA's trendsetting, media and influencer communities, embraced every deftly designed element of the event, each anchored in the star of the show’s Sprout Green pantone theme, revealing HONOR 600 Lite’s premium, fashion-forward authenticity. It was a movement, literally a launch that echoed the device’s leaner, lighter natural rhythm, on a stage built to make a statement. Guests including William KRM, Thembi Seete, Penny Ntuli, Gaisang Noge, Lindough, and Ronwen Williams experienced the device in motion, from courtside moments to social interactions, reflecting a smartphone designed to be used, not demonstrated. With YFM broadcasting live on The Home Run with Ayanda MVP, the mood mirrored the phone, a lightweight feel with a powerful presence. 

At the centre of the HONOR 600 Lite’s immediate appeal is an upgraded 108MP ultra-clear camera system, evolving from the 2025 HONOR 400 lite, designed to deliver even sharper detail, improved clarity and more reliable results across different environments. Paired with the popular AI Camera Button, the HONOR 600 lite responds intuitively to an era where South Africans want to experiment and explore with this rapidly developing technology. In this slim and strong innovation, you can capture moments as they happen, with smooth zoom control and intuitive handling. AI tools such as AI Eraser and AI Outpainting are set to impress even more, by simplifying the editing process, removing distractions and refining images in seconds. Nothing interrupts the professional flow of an artist’s vision as AI is briefed one step ahead, to find ways to elevate the tiniest of details.

Power That Moves With You

Built for full days that rarely slow down, the HONOR 600 Lite features a 6520mAh battery supported by 45W HONOR SuperCharge. Content, streaming or sharing, the device keeps pace throughout the day, with ease. Its six-year battery durability puts the attention back on the confidence that performance will hold up over time, far more than expected. Iin Mzansi, reliability matters as much as innovation, so this becomes a feature that quietly makes a difference. 

Slim Design, Serious Strength

The HONOR 600 Lite made a stylish entrance, refined, an ultra-slim profile with a metal forged-unibody frame that is strengthened in all the places it feels super-light. Even peace of mind is built in with structural strength and a stress-saving 1.8m drop resistance. Performing beyond its category, it protects even more with a SGS Premium Performance Certification of Drop & Crush Resistance - a first-in-class durability rating in its segment. Form and function wrapped in value is a gift right now.  The 6.6-inch full-view display, framed by ultra-narrow bezels, delivers an immersive viewing experience with strong outdoor visibility, making it equally suited to capturing content and enjoying it. 

“The HONOR 600 Lite reflects what matters most to people across Mzansi, a future-forward designed experience, that performs as impressively as the first impression it makes,” said Fred Zhou, CEO of HONOR South Africa, “We’re seeing real interest in AI, especially around the camera. So we focused on making it accessible, something people can explore without overthinking it, with a battery that keeps up while they find what works for them. It is the feature we need in our everyday life, personified by a premium metal-forged unibody design.” 

The HONOR 600 Lite will be available in-store from 24th of April 2026 in Sprout Green and Velvet Black at a recommended retail price of R8999. Available promotions in retail from R399 x 36 months. 

• Free Gift: R999 (HONOR Choice Watch 2i). Valid from today until 7th June 2026. 
• HONOR Care Service Benefit + Free Gift Valued up to R3998. Once-off 180-Day Free Accidental Damage Protection. Service promotional offer limited to HONOR 600 Lite valid from today until 31 December 2026. The add-value service benefit covers spare part charges, postal repair logistics fees and includes labor fees. 

If you’re using anything smaller than a 15” laptop, the screen real estate is generally quite limited, but the solution may be more cost-effective than you think.

While laptops like the MacBook Air and MacBook Neo are in the 13” category, the most common screen size is around the 14” mark.

Even if you don’t do anything like photo or video editing, more screen space is always an advantage— even if you type out documents all day while web browsing at the same time.

The good news? You don’t need to buy a new laptop to fix it. In fact, there are several quick, affordable ways to expand your screen space in seconds.

Here are some of the easiest options anyone can use—no tech skills required.

Plug in a portable monitor (the easiest upgrade)

This is as close as you get to an instant dual screen. These fairly recent additions to the tech world normally only require a USB-C port to power the monitor, and you can easily pick one up for around the R2,000 mark.

Use your TV as a big screen monitor

Most modern smart TVs these days offer an option to wirelessly connect, with brands like LG offering seamless display switching.

You can also use an HDMI cable to connect directly if it will suit your workspace.

The traditional monitor

Any laptop can effectively output to a traditional monitor, and any relatively recent monitor will have an HDMI input.

Even if you don’t have an HDMI port on your laptop, a USB-C will generally be able to output its display with a USB-C to HDMI cable.

Clip-on screens

These less traditional monitors clip on directly to your laptop screen to hold another display to the side of your main display.

Tablet/iPad

Whether you’re on Windows or Mac, you can use a tablet you already own as a second display. It’s always best to use devices within the same ecosystem, so pairing a Mac with an iPad is incredibly easy and no external apps are needed.

The Windows side is also quite painless in this regard, as all you would need is a USB-C to USB-C to ensure good monitor response time.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

While no financial data was stolen in the recent Booking.com cyberattack, cybersecurity experts warn that the true danger lies in how the exposed information could be used for highly targeted fraud.

According to Richard Ford, Group CTO at Integrity360, the risk lies in something far greater than financial data.

“Given the scale of Booking.com, this has the potential to impact a huge number of people, even without financial data being exposed. The real risk comes from the details around bookings."

Ford further explained. "That information allows attackers to create highly convincing messages, whether that’s a WhatsApp, email, or phone call that feels completely legitimate. What makes this more dangerous is how normal these interactions already are.

He stated that because customers are used to receiving links for check-in, property details, or follow-ups after a stay, attackers can easily slip in malicious links that can steal information or compromise devices.

Ford warns: "This isn’t limited to upcoming trips either. Past bookings can be used to send believable follow-up messages, which many people are less likely to question. The safest approach is to avoid clicking on links in unexpected messages and go directly to the Booking.com app or website to check any communication. For businesses, it underlines how quickly exposed data can be used to target customers in ways that are difficult to distinguish from genuine contact.”

What happened

The accommodation reservation giant recently alerted customers that unauthorised third parties had successfully accessed guest booking information. According to emails sent to impacted users, the compromised data could include names, email addresses, phone numbers, booking details, and any personal communications shared with the accommodation.

A spokesperson for the company, which is headquartered in Amsterdam and lists over 30 million venues worldwide, confirmed to media that financial and payment information was not accessed. The exact number of customers affected by the breach currently remains undisclosed.

How it happened and the company's response

Booking.com has not provided technical details explaining exactly how the attackers breached its systems. The platform stated it "noticed some suspicious activity involving unauthorised third parties being able to access some of our guests’ booking information".

Upon discovering the intrusion, the company stated it immediately took action to contain the issue. To secure user accounts, Booking.com has updated the PIN numbers for affected reservations and directly informed the impacted guests.

This data breach is the latest in a series of cybercrime issues plaguing the travel platform. Booking.com has recently struggled with a rising number of online scams where fraudsters ask customers to verify payment details before a trip, subsequently charging them high amounts. Recently, multiple users have reported being contacted by scammers using what appeared to be real reservation details, though it is not yet confirmed if these scams are directly linked to this newly disclosed breach.

The company has faced similar vulnerabilities in the past; in 2018, criminals successfully used phishing tactics to steal login credentials from hotel employees in the UAE, compromising the booking data of more than 4,000 people.

IOL

TCL, the global No.1 Mini LED and Ultra Large Screen TV brand (75”+) according to OMDIA 2025, and the No.1 brand locally for Mini LED TV unit sale in H2 2025, continues to push the boundaries of display innovation with the introduction of SQD-Mini LED in South Africa

 The launch marks a major milestone for the local market, with TCL becoming the first to introduce SQD-Mini LED (Super Quantum Dot Mini LED) technology with full range Audio by Bang & Olufsen in South Africa, a generational leap in display science that promises to set a new benchmark for brightness, contrast, and colour precision.  In addition, TCL also unveiled its exciting new range of Google Smart Home air conditioners and home appliances.

 A New Standard in Home Entertainment: Meet the C7L and C8L
At the forefront of TCL’s 2026 TV range are the flagship C7L and C8L models, two premium displays that showcase the full potential of SQD-Mini LED technology. Building on the foundation of QD-Mini LED, SQD-Mini LED represents a major leap forward in display innovation. By enhancing the Mini LED backlight, quantum dot layer and panel-level colour filtering, TCL has achieved exceptional gains in brightness, contrast and colour accuracy, delivering a truly immersive, cinema-quality viewing experience.

 Unlike RGB Mini LED, which alters the light source itself, SQD-Mini LED uses a refined blue LED backlight paired with newly formulated quantum dots and TCL’s proprietary Ultra Colour Filter. The result is improved colour accuracy, reduced colour crosstalk, and a noticeable boost in overall picture performance.

 The TCL C7L is designed to bring flagship performance into more homes, offering exceptional brightness, precise light control and vivid colour reproduction. With thousands of local dimming zones that virtually eliminate "blooming," the C7L delivers deeper blacks, sharper highlights and impressive clarity across all types of content, from fast-paced sports to high-resolution gaming and cinematic viewing. It also features premium, immersive audio co-developed with Audio By Bang & Olufsen ensuring that sound quality matches its stunning visuals.

Stepping up even further, the TCL C8L takes performance to the next level. With an increased number of dimming zones and enhanced processing capabilities, the C8L delivers even greater precision in light control, improved shadow detail and more refined contrast. Combined with TCL’s advanced panel technology and ultra-wide colour gamut, the result is a display that stays true to the creator’s intent, offering richer, more lifelike visuals at any time of day.

 Both models are purpose-built for larger screens, making them ideal centrepieces for modern living rooms, and are engineered to perform exceptionally well in bright environments. For consumers, this translates into brighter images, deeper contrast, and more lifelike colour across everything from sport to gaming and streaming.

 Premium Audio by Bang & Olufsen
Across the full C7L and C8L range, TCL has partnered with Audio by Bang & Olufsen to deliver a premium audio experience that complements the advanced display technology. Expertly tuned to provide clear dialogue, rich bass and immersive surround sound, the system is designed to bring greater depth and realism to everything from movies and live sport to gaming. The result is a more complete, cinema-like experience at home, where sound and picture work seamlessly together.

Expanding the Google Smart Home Ecosystem: Connected Aircon & Washing Machine
Beyond home entertainment, TCL is continuing to strengthen its position in the connected home space with the introduction of a new range of smart appliances designed for convenience, efficiency and modern lifestyles. Leading this category is the new C5 range of washing machines, including the C512WDG and C512FLG models which come equipped with TCL’s Super Drum Technology.

 The new C5 range also brings smarter, more connected functionality into the home, with built-in Wi-Fi enabling users to control and monitor their washing machines remotely via the TCL Home app. Both models feature intelligent washing technology that automatically optimises water usage, temperature and cycle time based on the load, ensuring efficient performance without compromising on fabric care. Additional highlights include energy-efficient operation, multiple specialised wash programmes tailored to different fabric types, and a durable, quiet motor designed for long-term reliability, making everyday laundry simpler, smarter and more efficient.

 Further expanding its home appliance offering, TCL has also introduced the TCL P774SBGWD 627-litre No Frost Inverter Side By Side Refrigerator with water dispenser and its new FreshIN 3.0 technology across its full range of air conditioning solutions, from connected AC units for the home to its commercial systems. Designed to improve indoor air quality, FreshIN 3.0 actively draws in fresh outdoor air while pushing stale air out through a quadruple filtration system, effectively reducing pollutants, odours and airborne particles. The result is a cleaner, fresher indoor environment, particularly noticeable overnight, so users wake up to healthier, more breathable air.

 Driving Innovation and Accessibility in South Africa
With its 2026 line-up, TCL continues to reinforce its commitment to bringing world-class innovation to South African consumers, combining premium technology with competitive pricing to make high-end experiences more accessible.

 “South African consumers deserve the very best in picture quality and home technology without the premium price tag. As the first to bring SQD-Mini LED technology to the local market, we are proud to deliver exceptional brightness, cinema-grade colour accuracy, precise light control and immersive audio at prices that make true flagship performance more accessible than ever before,” says Mr Mike Chen, General Manager at TCL South Africa. “With our new range of TVs and connected home appliances, we are focused on delivering smarter, more immersive and more accessible technology that enhances the way people live, connect and experience entertainment at home.”

 Pricing and Availability
TCL is committed to making premium technology accessible to South African consumers. The TCL C7L is available for purchase immediately at leading retailers nationwide, with the 65” available from R19,999, the 75” from R22,999, the 85” from R29,999 and the 98” from R49,999. Pricing for the TCL C8L has also been confirmed, with the 75” available from R29,999, the 85” from R34,999 and the 98” from R99,999. Launch dates for the C8L, as well as the C5 Washing Machine range and the P774SBGWD Side-by-Side Fridge, will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

When it comes to any kind of technology, I love to tinker, and that’s why I was like a kid at Christmas when I discovered that you can turn your TV into a gaming station with Apple’s cheapest iPad.

With the cheap USB-C hub I bought, I decided to try outputting the display of my A16 iPad with the HDMI port while also charging the device.

And to my surprise, it just worked.

Add in a Bluetooth game controller, and you’re ready to go.

Enjoy Stunning Games Like Gris on Budget iPad with Seamless Apple Arcade Experience

Granted, you won’t be able to run the very best AAA games on this budget iPad, I was still able to run the visually stunning game Gris.

Since this game came out in 2018, it’s not too graphically demanding, and through the iPad, it ran perfectly without any lag. You can also have access to a host of games on the App Store, which will be the most seamless experience.

The Apple Arcade game interface when you connect a controller is also a pleasure to navigate. It means you can control your whole gaming experience with just the controller, with the exception of the volume, which you can adjust with your TV remote.

Playing Classic Games on iPad with RetroArch and ROMs

I also tried the classic game Max Payne. Though it ran just fine, there was a sound issue that meant it didn’t output sound to the TV. I got around this pretty easily by connecting my Bluetooth earphones, and I was quickly back in business and flying across corners with the grilled detective in slow motion/bullet time as I took out all the bad guys.

The iPad can even run all the old console systems like Sega, PlayStation one and two, and even the classic Super Nintendo. With the RetroArch App, you then just have to find some suitable ROMs (game files), and with a quick YouTube tutorial, you can run any of these old systems.

I found a 1200 in 1 ROM file, and in a flash, I was off to rescue Princess Peach in Super Mario Bros. 2, then it was off destroying friendly-looking monsters in Bomber Man.

The same would be true for just about any classic game you can think of. And the fact that it’s so easy and convenient makes firing up any basic game of your choice an absolute joy without forking out for the latest Xbox or PlayStation console.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

There was a time when criminals were easy to recognise. They carried weapons, operated in plain sight and targeted physical possessions. Today, that image is outdated. Crime has evolved and now operates in a far more sophisticated and invisible space, the digital world.

As technology continues to transform how we live and work, financial transactions, communication and critical services are increasingly processed through computers, mobile devices, laptops and digital platforms. While this shift has improved efficiency, it has also opened the door to a new breed of criminals, the cybercriminals. 

In this digital age, data has become the new gold. When left unprotected, it exposes organisations and individuals to severe risks, including financial loss, system disruptions and reputational damage. More importantly, it threatens how we interact, do business and participate in society. Protecting data where it is stored, in transmission and where is it transmitted to, is no longer optional. It is essential. 

South Africa has become a haven for cybercriminal syndicates operating across both the public and private sectors. These groups are driven by the opportunities presented by access to valuable digital information, with data now regarded as a “golden asset.” Their activities are often motivated by the presence of suitable targets and weak or insufficient protective controls. As a result, cybercrime is estimated to cost the South African economy more than R2.2 billion annually. 

Globally, the threat is even more alarming. According to World economic forum, Cybercrime and frauds is expected to cost $10.5 trillion world economy. 

According to data released from Africa Cyber threat perspective, South Africa accounts for over 40% of ransomware attacks on the African continent, while phishing remains the most common threat, making up 34% of all detected incidents.

These threats are not new, but they are evolving rapidly. Cybercriminals are no longer casting wide nets in the hope of catching unsuspecting victims. Instead, they are becoming highly targeted, focusing on organisations most likely to pay, including government institutions, financial services, insurance companies and healthcare systems. 

There have been recent attacks in South Africa where organisations are increasingly being held hostage, with criminals demanding ransom payments in exchange for restoring access to compromised data. 

This include but not limited to recent attack at Statistics SA where cyber-criminal syndicate demanded a ransom payment to restore access or prevent it from being leaked. 

The attack on Statistics South Africa is a stark reminder of how vulnerable even critical institutions can be. 

This raises an urgent question of how organisations can protect themselves from such attacks.  The answer lies in recognising that technology alone is not enough to keep criminals at bay.

For any organisation, it is important to maintain a strong and reputable image in the market, as this helps all stakeholders, including customers at ease.

Ultimately, the protection of electronic assets must be enforced through a combination of systems capability, processes and people. 

Due to evolving technologies, it is imperative that organisations adopt a multilayered approach that combines technological safeguards, user education (awareness) and proactive monitoring of system environments. 

Basic but critical measures include strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, regular system updates, firewalls, encryption and secure system configurations. Equally important is the adoption of a “zero trust” approach, where no user or system is automatically trusted without verification. 

Data encryption plays a crucial role in this defence. Even if cybercriminals gain access, encrypted data remains unreadable without the correct key. Regular data backups are equally vital, ensuring that organisations can recover quickly and continue operating in the event of an attack. 

South Africa’s regulatory framework also provides mechanisms to combat cybercrime, including significant penalties and imprisonment for offenders. However, enforcement alone is not enough. Prevention must be the priority. 

Strengthening cybersecurity across both the public and private sectors will not only reduce the risk of attacks but also protect economic stability. A secure digital environment builds trust, supports investment and enables sustainable growth. 

Cybercrime is no longer a distant threat. It is here, it is growing, and it demands urgent attention. Yet, with the right investment in people, systems and governance, organisations can turn vulnerability into resilience and risk into readiness.

*Muvhango Livhusha is the Vice President of ISACA South Africa, a PhD candidate in Digital Transformation, an award-winning technology advocate and a part-time lecturer. He writes in his personal capacity.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.

If you had told someone 40 years ago that just about every person on the planet would have access to the entire history of the world in their pocket, that would have sounded incomprehensible.

In the last decade, especially, the advances in technology have been astronomical.

I am, of course, talking specifically about Artificial Intelligence.

From shaping financial futures when helping you decide which car to buy to creating more and more realistic videos that garner millions of views— the limits are boundless and constantly improving.

ChatGPT’s Timer Limitation: A Viral TikTok Clip Reveals Its Inability to Set Timers via Voice Commands

Except if you want Open AI’s ChatGPT to set a timer using voice commands. That’s a bridge too far.

In a quite comical turn of events, it’s emerged that ChatGPT simply cannot do that.

In a clip that has gone viral on TikTok, user @huskistaken told ChatGPT he was going on a run for a mile and to time him, but about five seconds later, he told the app that he was back.

ChatGPT proceeded to tell the man that he had clocked a time of 10 minutes and 12 seconds.

It revealed that ChatGPT was programmed to lie about being able to set a timer and instead fabricated a response it deemed suitable.

Open AI founder Sam Altman was shown the clip and admitted ChatGPT would not be able to actually set a timer through voice commands for another year, even though it is a ‘known issue’.

For comparison, even Apple’s disappointingly basic voice assistant Siri can set a timer.

AI may be taking over the world, but when it does, it’s a good bet that it won’t be on time.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

Recently, I was tasked with helping a family member choose a new car, though according to stereotyping as a man, I should know a lot about cars - that is sadly not the case.

I, of course, quickly fired up (tapped on my phone) ChatGPT and typed in a suitable prompt, detailing the budget, the best affordable options, and advice on where to look.

After about 20 minutes of back and forth with ChatGPT, I had already come to a solid decision about which were the best options.

It came down to five different cars on the market, all from different dealerships, and said relative was more than pleased with my help - especially since she too knows that I’m not a petrolhead.

AI’s Impact on Financial Decisions in Shopping

The whole exchange got me thinking: how has AI shaped or changed our everyday shopping experience?

For example, working out repayments of a car can be quite a headache, especially when you factor in insurance, petrol, and repairs.

A good AI app can do that in an instant for you, and though those figures can’t be treated like gospel as AI still makes plenty of mistakes - it’s an excellent starting point for any kind of financial planning.

Want to cancel that retirement annuity? Though this is generally a terrible idea, AI can help you weigh up the pros and cons in a straightforward, no-waffle conversation.

Checkers Enhances Shopping with AI: Introducing Pixie, the Smart AI Shopping App

Even the major SA supermarket chain Checkers now incorporates AI in its shopping experience with Sixty60. Developed in-house by Shoprite X, it has unveiled Pixie - ‘the smart AI shopping app’.

Among its features is a smart basket that presents regularly purchased products for customers first, reducing the need to search for a specific item.

It’s innovations like these that are transforming the way in which we spend our money on everything from groceries to long-term investments.

There will be mistakes along the way when systems like this are integrated into everyday use, of that there is no doubt - but the potential for making these kinds of decisions much easier is certainly huge.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Tech

South African-born billionaire Elon Musk has ignited fresh controversy after claiming that his satellite internet company, Starlink, is being blocked from operating in South Africa due to “reverse racism”.

Musk took to X to vent his frustrations, alleging that the South African government had denied Starlink a license based on racial considerations.

“South Africa won’t allow Starlink to be licensed, even though I was BORN THERE, simply because I am not Black! We were offered many times the opportunity to bribe our way to a license by pretending that a Black guy runs Starlink SA, but I have refused to do so on principle.

"Racism should not be rewarded no matter to which race it is applied. Shame on the racist politicians in South Africa. They should be shown no respect whatsoever anywhere in the world and shunned for being unashamedly RACISTS!”

However, South Africans were quick to push back, flooding the comments section with criticism and counter-arguments, sparking a heated online debate.

South Africa won’t allow Starlink to be licensed, even though I was BORN THERE, simply because I am not Black!

We were offered many times the opportunity to bribe our way to a license by pretending that a Black guy runs Starlink SA, but I have refused to do so on principle.… https://t.co/m6G1ZQcC1C

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 12, 2026

@DuncanWho said: “Stop spreading misinformation, comply with South Africa’s laws and star-link can operate, you should know better cause you benefited from the apartheid regime, hence you are where you are today.”

@maetsa_kabomo wrote: “You want to provide services directly without local equity partners, and that clashes with South Africa’s licensing framework. Many foreign businesses are thriving in South Africa and compliant with South African laws.”

@penuelist_ commented: “Who asked you to bribe? Don’t obstruct justice, unless you’re also complicit in crime. Name & shame… who asked you for bribes. Share the evidence please. Otherwise you’re lying, and luckily our leaders are weak & won’t sue you.”

While @Mikedotcoza shared: “You’re a blatant liar. That’s exactly why this platform has become so distasteful. You acquired it on the promise of tackling misinformation, yet you’ve become one of its biggest sources. There are over 500 American companies operating in South Africa, many of them led by white executives. This isn’t about facts, it’s about smearing South Africa for your own benefit.”

@Malatjie_ said: “Even if Starlink manages to meet our requirements, it should never be allowed to operate in South Africa... at this point Starlink would be a threat to national security. This is not the first time that Musk has taken to his platform.”

You’re a blatant liar. That’s exactly why this platform has become so distasteful. You acquired it on the promise of tackling misinformation, yet you’ve become one of its biggest sources. There are over 500 American companies operating in South Africa, many of them led by white…

— Michael de Villiers (@Mikedotcoza) April 12, 2026

The dispute centres on South Africa’s regulatory framework, which requires foreign telecommunications companies to comply with local ownership and licensing conditions.

Critics argue that Musk’s refusal to align with these requirements lies at the heart of the impasse, rather than racial discrimination.

This is not the first time Musk has publicly criticised South Africa. In 2025, he aligned with former US President Donald Trump in amplifying claims of a so-called “white genocide” in the country - a narrative widely disputed both locally and internationally.

The Trump administration went on to grant expedited refugee status to a group of white South African Afrikaners, following a February 2025 executive order prioritising South African minorities over alleged racial discrimination.

The move drew significant backlash and diplomatic tension.

In May 2025, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa travelled to the United States to meet Trump in an effort to ease strained relations.

For many South Africans, reliable transport is still a daily challenge. In smaller towns and areas where public transport is limited, getting from A to B can be slow, expensive, or stressful.

Since launching in mid-2023, Maxim, the international ride-hailing brand, has expanded to cities from Cape Town to Polokwane and introduced updates aimed at making trips safer, faster, and accessible to all passengers.

One of the biggest changes is Multi-rate, which allows riders to select multiple fare categories, such as Economy and Comfort, at once. The system alerts a wider pool of drivers, reducing wait times and giving passengers more choice.

Safety upgrades are central to the company’s approach, with passengers now receiving detailed information about their driver and vehicle before pick-up, while all communication takes place in the app to protect personal data.

An SOS button provides an emergency option for both riders and drivers, and live location sharing allows friends or family to track journeys in real time.

Accessibility is also a priority. Maxim’s app now supports iOS and Android voice technologies, enabling visually impaired passengers to book and track rides independently.

Passengers with hearing or speech impairments can communicate via text chat, and individuals with mobility limitations can specify exact pick-up points and request assistance with luggage or wheelchairs.

“We constantly analyse feedback from our users and strive to make the service as convenient as possible for everyone,” says Limphane Lesoli, a Maxim South Africa representative.

“We are developing tools to make passengers feel safe and ensuring people with disabilities can use our services easily and independently. Our goal is to provide a service that is accessible to all segments of the population," Lesoli states. 

Maxim is targeting South Africa’s mass ride-hailing market with fares below the national average, aiming to make daily transport more affordable.

Its expansion into smaller towns and cities also provides options in areas where public transport infrastructure remains limited.

For passengers, the updates represent more than convenience; they reflect a broader shift in the transport sector towards safety, inclusivity, and adaptability, ensuring ride-hailing is accessible to all.

IOL

It starts with "Just in case.. Everyone stay safe. Big day tomorrow. It's official. Signed at 6.00am. It was even on TV. Don't forget that tomorrow marks the start of the new Facebook rule (also known as Meta), which allows them to use your photos. Don't forget the deadline is today!!!," except that no one actually knows when this will take place because throughout the long post, there is no actual date.

Also, it was apparently on the CBS news show, 60 Minutes.

If you know what I'm talking about, you're one of those who opened Facebook and saw this infamous post that still trips people up, despite being declared a hoax.

According to the fake news post, you have to copy and paste this hogwash onto your Facebook profile so that the big baddies at Meta know they cannot use your photographs. If you do share the post, then you also prohibit Meta from using any of your personal data. I mean, just having any social media account these days, that's exactly what you're doing - but sure.

According to Snopes.com, the post is false. The fact-check, posted earlier this year debunks the claims made on the post. The debunked report also states that there have been variations of the fake post that have been shared over the years, with changes in the times that the "Meta personal information take-over" was supposed to take place.

Back in 2019, Meta itself laughed off the post.

"Copy-and-paste memes — those blocks of text posted on message boards, forwarded in emails, and shared via social media — are as old as the internet," Meta said in a blog post.

Meta went on to debunk the hoax of Facebook's "new algorithm" that limits you to only seeing 25 or 26 friends' feeds.

My fellow South Africans, let's learn to verify before we share posts on any social media platform. 

I thank you. 

IOL

For most event goers, live events come with one guaranteed frustration: long queues. 

That’s exactly what musician and entrepreneur JR Bogopa wants to solve with his new app, and he’s doing it with something far bigger than just an app.

“SERVA”, short for Stadiums, Events, Restaurants, Venues and Arenas, is positioning itself as a high-frequency transactional platform built for busy environments. 

Instead of standing in line, users can order food, drinks and more directly from their phones, get real-time updates and either collect their items or have them delivered.

Bogopa describes the app as infrastructure, something designed to sit at the centre of how events operate rather than just being an add-on feature. 

From payments and order flow to stock control, vendor management and real-time data, the platform is built to handle the full ecosystem.

Speaking to “Independent Media Lifestyle” about the idea behind it, Bogopa explained that the problem has always been bigger than just inconvenience.

“Live events in South Africa are built around inefficiency at the point of sale. Long queues lead to missed transactions, order errors, and customer frustration,” he said.

It’s a problem he knows well, having spent years working across music, media and live experiences. The app, in many ways, is shaped by that firsthand understanding of how things work on the ground and where they fall short.

“SERVA is about shifting the economics of live experiences. We are removing friction at the point where the most money is made and replacing it with speed, intelligence and control. The result is more transactions, better data, and a far better experience for guests,” Bogopa explained.

He’s not building it alone. Alongside him is a team bringing both technical and operational experience. Emanuel Mashele leads the technology side as chief technology officer, focusing on the platform’s development, scalability and long-term innovation.

Nehemiah Sikhosana, chief product officer, drives the user experience and product direction, drawing from years of experience across banking and finance to ensure the platform speaks to real market needs.

Rounding out the team is Moihlobudi Moabelo, who serves as chief architect, overseeing the engineering roadmap and ensuring the platform is built to scale within real-world conditions. 

That real-world focus extends to how the app performs in live environments, where connectivity can be unpredictable.

The platform is designed to work across multiple networks, with fallback systems in place to keep transactions flowing even during peak demand.

Instead of juggling queues, manual orders and payments, vendors receive structured digital orders, allowing them to focus on preparation and fulfilment. It reduces mistakes, speeds up service and gives them clearer visibility on stock and demand. 

For users, it changes how they experience events altogether.

“SERVA shifts live events from queue-based consumption to on-demand access.”

The result is less time waiting and more time actually engaging with the event itself.

At its core, the app is aiming to do more than just fix queues. It’s about rethinking how money moves, how data is captured and how experiences are delivered in high-density environments.

The app is available on both Android and iOS, and can also be accessed by scanning a QR code at the event. 

Once inside, users can browse vendors, place orders and pay directly from their phones, while vendors receive and prepare those orders in real time.

HUAWEI’s latest flagship is coming your way. The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro brings together breakthrough imaging, refined design and powerful performance in a device built for those who expect more from every moment. Reflecting the tones and textures of nature, the device is available in two distinctive finishes: Gold and Black.

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro starts from R21,999 or R839 per month over 36 months and will be available from 07 April 2026 via HUAWEI’s official online store and selected retailers. Customers can unlock a range of added value, including premium accessories, service benefits and 200GB of HUAWEI Mobile Cloud storage free for the first month, exclusive to the Mate 80 Pro. T&Cs apply.

See colour as it was meant to be

The True-to-Colour Camera System of the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro addresses some of mobile photography’s biggest challenges, including accurate colour reproduction across varied lighting conditions, delivering consistent and true-to-life colours in any environment. Its larger pixel size significantly boosts light intake, ensuring precise colours and fine detail even in low-light scenarios. Colour consistency is maintained seamlessly when switching between the main, ultra-wide and telephoto lenses.

From dramatic backlit portraits to the subtle tones of a sunset, capturing detail across extremes of light and distance has long posed challenges for smartphone photography. The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro addresses this with advanced DCG HDR technology, enhancing dynamic range by up to 300% to preserve both highlight detail and shadow colour without distortion.

At the same time, its 5cm telephoto macro capability brings added versatility, allowing users to move effortlessly between intricate close-up shots and crisp long-range photography, transforming everyday scenes into striking, detail-rich images.

Designed to go further, built to last

Durability takes centre stage in the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro, with a design engineered to handle the realities of daily use without compromise. Equipped with 2nd Generation Kunlun Glass, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro display features high-strength nanocrystals for enhanced durability. It offers up to 20x greater drop resistance than conventional glass, significantly reducing the risk of screen damage.

The back panel is crafted from ultra-durable vegan fibre, offering a silky-smooth texture that feels refined and elegant in hand. Its impact resistance is enhanced by up to 5x, allowing the device to withstand daily bumps and scrapes while maintaining its pristine appearance.

With IP68 water resistance and IP69 resistance to high-temperature, high-pressure water jets, along with a multi-layer sealing design, the device delivers comprehensive protection against water and dust intrusion.

Sustained power, seamless performance

Designed for demanding days, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro combines long-lasting battery life with ultra-fast charging to keep you moving without interruption. The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro is powered by a massive 5750mAh battery, easily supporting all-day usage. It supports 100W wired SuperCharge and 80W wireless SuperCharge for fast and convenient charging.

Now with the SuperCool Dual Phase Change Heat Dissipation System, the device remains cooler during extended, demanding use. This ensures consistently smooth performance for tasks such as gaming, live streaming and creative work.

Thanks to a 21% improvement in overall system performance, the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro handles demanding tasks with ease, delivering smoother workflows and a consistently responsive experience without compromising power efficiency.

The HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro also features the X-True™ 2.5D Sleek Flat-Edged Display. With a 1–120 Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, it intelligently adjusts frame rates based on usage, delivering both fluid visuals and improved energy efficiency. The display reaches an ultra-high peak brightness of 3000 nits.

Pricing and availability

Step into a flagship experience that gives you more from day one. Pricing for the HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro starts from R21,999 or R839 per month over 36 months via HUAWEI’s official online store and selected retailers. Customers will receive a range of value-added benefits, including the HUAWEI Band 10 and HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2. Ts and Cs apply.

In addition, HUAWEI Mate 80 Pro users can enjoy an exclusive 200GB HUAWEI Mobile Cloud storage subscription free for the first month, making it easy to securely back up photos, apps, and important files from day one.

T&Cs apply. Pricing and availability may vary by retailer.

OpenAI said it would shut down its artificial intelligence video generation app Sora barely six months after its launch, as the company shifts toward business tools ahead of a potential stock market debut.

"We're saying goodbye to Sora," the company posted on X.

The shutdown marks the end of one of the most high-profile consumer AI product launches of the past year.

OpenAI said it would later provide timelines for winding down the standalone app, as well as details on how people can preserve their work.

The closing comes at a sensitive time for OpenAI, which faces increasing questions about the sustainability of its business model, with costs skyrocketing far faster than revenue despite having about one billion daily users worldwide.

According to The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman announced the changes to staff.

It also follows reports that OpenAI's applications chief, Fidji Simo, told staff this month that they could not be distracted by "side quests," outlining a push toward agentic AI capabilities.

These are AI systems that can work autonomously on computers to write software, analyze data and carry out other tasks.

The Hollywood Reporter meanwhile said the end of Sora would mean the end of a megadeal signed in December with Disney, which was to invest $1 billion in OpenAi and allow the licensing of its popular characters for making videos.

Citing a source close to the matter, the report said the ultimate goal had been access to Sora for the Disney+ streaming service.

"We respect OpenAI's decision to exit the video generation business and to shift its priorities elsewhere," a Disney spokesman told The Reporter.

"We will continue to engage with AI platforms to find new ways to meet fans where they are while responsibly embracing new technologies that respect IP and the rights of creators."

AFP

LottoStar is thrilled to announce a life-changing win on its exclusive MegaCash ScratchCard Game.

Yesterday, one lucky player turned a single R10 scratch into a staggering R10 million jackpot win!

“LottoStar proves that it only takes a small and single scratch to make your biggest dreams come true!”, said a LottoStar spokesperson. “At LottoStar, every scratch holds the excitement and possibility of a massive payout – you never know when your next R10 could change your life.”

With payouts of up to R75 million, LottoStar continues to give players across South Africa the opportunity to experience the thrill of ScratchCard Games and scratch their way to massive prizes.

The next big winner could be you – all it takes is a single scratch.

About LottoStar

LottoStar is a proudly South African online betting platform offering Scratchcard Games, Slot Games, Slotteries, and more, with maximum payouts of up to R75 million.

Licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, LottoStar is committed to transforming the betting experience through responsible innovation and player-first design.

LottoStar is licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. No u18. National Responsible Gambling Programme toll free counselling line 0800 006 008.

Winners know when to stop. Ts & Cs apply. All games are fixed-odds betting events

If you’re in the market for a MacBook Neo or any new M5 laptop from Apple, you need to know that they no longer come with chargers.

That’s something unique to the United Kingdom, Europe, and now South Africa.

The reason for this, as cited by Apple, is an effort to reduce environmental waste, but that is quite laughable considering these devices still come with chargers in the USA.

To me, it seems like a shameless cost-cutting measure to produce higher profits outside of the USA.

MacBook Neo Charger Options: What You Need to Know

It means if you purchase the new MacBook Neo, which was released in early March, you will also have to buy a charger if you don’t already have one.

However, with the Neo, its power requirements mean that it can be charged with a low-voltage charger like the ones used for iPhones. These are generally 20W chargers, but will work perfectly without harming the laptop.

The recommended charger, though, is a 30W laptop charger, which will charge the Neo much faster.

However, it’s also worth noting that the Neo is the only Mac laptop that does not offer fast charging.

The workaround with the Neo is definitely manageable, as the rest of the M5 MacBooks will require the more high-powered laptop chargers.

Though it’s always best to use the Apple-specific chargers for their products, there are also cheaper alternatives if you don’t want to pay the hiked-up prices for their aesthetically pleasing offerings.

Brands like Anker or UGreen are a good alternative for under R1000, especially for the higher-powered MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

A jury in California found Alphabet’s Google and Meta liable for $6 million in damages on Wednesday in a landmark lawsuit in which the social media giants were accused of being legally responsible for the addictive design of their platforms.

Major US tech companies have faced increasing scrutiny over child and teen safety over the past decade, a debate that has now moved into courts and state legislatures. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, an organization that tracks state laws, at least 20 states enacted laws on social media usage and children in 2025.

A jury ordered Meta to pay $4.2 million and Google $1.8 million in a lawsuit by a 20-year-old woman identified as Kaley, who said she became addicted to YouTube and Instagram as a minor due to features – such as infinite scrolling – which encourage prolonged engagement.

Of the total award, about $3 million is compensation to the plaintiff, while the remainder represents punitive damages. Both tech giants said they disagree with the ruling, and announced plans to appeal. TikTok and Snap were also named as defendants in the case, but managed to settle before the trial began.

On Tuesday, a jury in New Mexico ordered Meta Platforms, which runs Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads, to pay $375 million for knowingly harming children’s mental health and concealing evidence of child sexual exploitation, saying its personalized algorithms could also aid pedophiles.

A separate social media addiction case brought by several states and school districts against major technology companies is expected to go to trial this summer in federal court in Oakland, California. Another state trial is scheduled to begin in July in Los Angeles and will involve Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.

Globally, Meta Platforms faces growing regulatory pressure, having been labeled an “extremist organization” in Russia in 2022 and targeted by multiple European Union actions, including a €797 million ($940 million) antitrust fine and other copyright, data-protection and advertising cases across Europe.

Amid growing concerns over child safety online, countries including Australia, Denmark, France, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, the UK, Indonesia, and Malaysia are restricting or considering limits on social media access for children and teens.

RT News

It feels like a lifetime ago that workers were wary of bringing Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their daily routines.

In reality, that “lifetime” was as recent as 2023.

By early 2024, the conversation had already shifted. Businesses were no longer experimenting with AI as a novelty, but actively embedding it into operations. “Companies moved away from proof-of-concept tools towards using AI as a differentiator,” said Doug Morrison, VP of Modern Workplace at Braintree and Raymond Collins.

That shift marked a turning point: AI stopped being an experiment and became infrastructure.

AI as an Enhancer: Transforming Everyday Tasks and Content Creation

Early fears centred on job displacement. But as the technology matured, a more practical reality emerged — AI works best as an enhancer, not a replacement. Instead of removing people from the equation, it’s enabling them to work faster, smarter, and more creatively.

The change is most visible in everyday tasks. Image editing, once a time-consuming skill, is now almost instant. What previously took hours of careful background removal can now be done in seconds with a single click.

Video creation has seen an even more dramatic shift. Entire clips — and in some cases, full series — are being generated from simple prompts. One example is the AI-generated TikTok series Fruit Love Island, which has attracted millions of followers and likes, highlighting just how quickly audiences have embraced AI-driven content.

The fear hasn’t disappeared entirely — but it has been replaced by familiarity.

AI is no longer a looming disruption. It’s a co-worker, quietly embedded in the tools people use every day — and increasingly, one they can’t imagine working without.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport

Veon Bock passed away on March 20, 2026. This is one of the last opinion pieces he authored prior to his passing. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a concept that most people are still grappling to understand. I must admit, I find myself increasingly amused by the hullabaloo surrounding generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs), underpinned by large language models.

These tools are undoubtedly powerful vectors of change, but I believe we are being unnecessarily alarmist by creating pitfalls where none exist. Someone recently likened their arrival to the invention of the Gutenberg Press, pointing to the advancement of knowledge and social upheaval that followed that seismic shift. Yet such analogies, while provocative, often obscure more than they reveal. In my view, much of the current confusion stems from a fundamental mischaracterisation: these tools are frequently described as either being or possessing artificial intelligence. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are, quite simply, putting the proverbial cart before the horse.

The first issue I wish to explore is that, in truth, these tools should more appropriately be understood as simulacra rather than AI. Let me explain why this distinction matters, by way of an analogy.

In recent history, many of us have used software like Microsoft Excel to construct analytic models, some of them rather sophisticated. Excel has long been a workhorse for professionals engaged in quantitative analysis, be it writing macros, running regressions or building valuation models. Yet, no one ever argued that Excel itself was “intelligent.” We always understood that the integrity of any analysis conducted with Excel was entirely dependent on the quality of our inputs and assumptions. Garbage in, garbage out.

Moreover, Excel’s power lies in its “static” logic. Macros, for example, are built on pre-defined, hard-coded scripts. They do not adapt or reinterpret inputs; they execute fixed sequences of commands. By contrast, GPTs are “dynamic”: they generate responses probabilistically, based on linguistic patterns in their training data and the specific context of each prompt. While a macro in Excel executes logic in numerical form, a GPT simulates language. It does not follow a pre-written script; it constructs one in real time, tailored to the prompt.

This distinction is crucial. GPTs, because of their fluency and generative capacity, create the illusion of thought. And that is precisely where the misunderstanding lies. Their linguistic polish gives the false impression of cognition, coherence, even sentience. It is the GPT’s act of “construction”, the on-the-fly generation of text, that is so often mistaken for intelligence. In truth, they are nothing more than simulacra: what Baudrillard described as “representations that mask the absence of reality” or in this case, the absence of actual reasoning or comprehension. They echo patterns, not thoughts.

A second, but no less important, dimension of our misunderstanding of GPTs echoes the warnings issued decades ago by cultural historian Theodore Roszak. In his landmark work “The Cult of Information”, Roszak cautioned against the uncritical embrace of computational tools and the rising mythology of information. He argued that modern society had begun to mistake the accumulation of data for knowledge, and the manipulation of symbols (the ability to process and output information) for understanding.

This conflation, he warned, leads not to enlightenment but to alienation. We become estranged from context, depth, and meaning, adrift in a world where information is abundant but insight is scarce. GPTs, in many ways, are the very embodiment of this condition: vast informational resources arranged in syntactically correct forms, yet devoid of meaning and lacking the interpretive soul that gives language its truth.

What has changed is not the nature of the tools, but the illusion they create. it is not artificial intelligence at all; it is an apparatus of simulation. It is a linguistic hall of mirrors that mimics cognition without possessing it. Some contend that we are entering a new “era of knowledge.” This is misleading, as it commits a category error: it conflates the accumulation and ordering of data, which is devoid of interpretation, understanding, and meaning, with knowledge itself. What we are entering is an era of hyper-production of the semblance of knowledge.

This is text that wears the costume of coherence, fluency, and expertise while remaining fundamentally void of referential anchoring. What GPT produces are not contributions to a shared stockpile of insight, but hyperreal artefacts: content that circulates as if it were meaningful, but whose meaning is performative rather than propositional. GPT has no fidelity to reality.

This distinction is now more clearly marked by one of the more sordid consequences of this illusion: it is that individuals who neither read widely nor write meaningfully now produce GPT- generated content, passing it off as intellectual work. In doing so, they not only perpetuate a culture of “scarce insight”, but also raise serious ethical concerns. An example of this may be, the student who submits a GPT-written essay, yet fails a “viva” when asked to defend a key claim.

In addition, this misuse of GPT leads to the disappearance of subjectivity itself as it simulates intention, argument and creativity. This illusion of authorship is devoid of the existential weight of choosing, reflecting or risking meaning. To those of us who value rigour, to those who read, who write, who think, such hollowness sticks out like a sore thumb. The “garbage in, garbage out” effect is as real with GPTs as it ever was with Excel. Just as a seasoned finance professional can spot a phoney valuation model a mile away, so too can the critical thinker detect the counterfeit write-up.

Lastly, the real debate is not about whether GPTs are intelligent. They are not. The real issue is access. As I proposed in my “Theory of Financial Inclusion and Social Innovation”, developed during my Master’s research, we must ensure that these technologies align with the five principles outlined in that framework: they must be accessible, affordable, usable, sustainable, and ethical.

Without intentional democratisation, we risk allowing this next wave of technological advancement to deepen existing inequalities rather than help resolve them.

In short, GPTs are not the problem. Misunderstanding them is. Let's not conflate linguistic fluency with intelligence, nor simulation with insight. Let us heed Roszak’s warning: information without wisdom is not progress, it is alienation masquerading as innovation. The tools are neutral. It is how we use them, and who gets to use them well, that will determine their legacy.

* Veon Bock, MPhil (UCT) was pursuing a PhD in Philosophy. He was an independent consultant and was in the process of authoring two books, one dealing with the financial exclusion problem in South Africa and the other a novella, which memorialises Prof Adam Small and Dr Neville Alexander.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. 

It’s one thing for tech writers, YouTubers, or Apple themselves to say that a product will reshape the industry, but that’s exactly what Asus chief executive S.Y. Hsu inferred with his comments on the new MacBook Neo.

The new entry-level laptop launched by Apple earlier this month starts at R11,999 in South Africa and is by far the cheapest (factoring in inflation) Mac the tech giant has ever released.

It’s meant to compete directly with Chromebooks and mid-level Windows laptops.

Since the next cheapest new Apple laptop is last year’s M4 MacBook Air at R16,999, it makes the Neo a much cheaper entry into the Apple ecosystem.

Apple’s Budget-Friendly Neo Shocks Industry: A New Competitor in the PC Ecosystem

“In the past, Apple’s pricing situation has always been high, so for them to release a very budget-friendly product, this is obviously a shock to the entire industry,” he said in comments translated from Chinese on the PC Mag website.

"In fact, in the entire PC ecosystem, there have been a lot of discussions about how to compete with this product.”

Hsu did go on to point to the fact that the Neo only has 8GB of unified memory, saying that it would struggle with more intensive tasks as a result. While that is true, the Neo is directed at students and office workers whose main use case is web browsing and document creation.

However, since the Neo is exceptionally well-optimised with macOS, it can handle multitasking surprisingly well with its A18 Pro processor and how the operating system handles swap memory (using the hard drive to help the device when the unified memory comes under pressure).

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport