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An image of farm equipment working on a farm

Access to farming equipment boosts mechanisation

Published: 03 May 24

Agricultural technology company Hello Tractor, celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, aims to improve small-scale farming practices through its app Hello Tractor, which facilitates increased access to farming equipment. With a core focus on improving African agriculture through mechanisation, Hello Tractor aims to make its services more farmer-friendly, deepen its impact and expand its reach, says Hello Tractor founder and CEO Jehiel Oliver.

An image of DJI product manager Ruan Botha

Data, drones can improve local agriculture

Published: 03 May 24

Smart technology, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned vehicles, can counter various challenges in the agricultural sector, boosting productivity, reducing costs and assisting in preserving precious resources, says drone technology company DJI product manager Ruan Botha. Innovative solutions are required for long-term sustainability and growth amid the host of challenges impacting the agriculture industry, he asserts.

Underground construction employee dies at Harmony's Mponeng mine

Published: 02 May 24

Gold miner Harmony Gold Mining Company reports that an underground construction employee, working on planned rail maintenance, died at its Mponeng mine near Carletonville, in Gauteng, on May 1. The nature of the incident that led to the fatality is under investigation.

Diamcor announces C$1.5m private placement

Published: 02 May 24

Diamond mining company Diamcor Mining plans to complete a non-brokered private placement financing of up to C$1.5-million, and anticipates that an aggregate of up to C$1.25-million of the financing will be subscribed to by existing larger shareholders, management and directors. The company says the financing will consist of up to 30-million units at a price of C$0.05 each, with each unit consisting of one common share of the company and one common share purchase warrant.

South African tech startups have three more days to enter Irish Tech Challenge

Published: 02 May 24

High-impact South African startups have until May 5 to submit their applications for the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, which promises to provide winners global market access. The challenge is a partnership between the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), the Technology Innovation Agency, and implementing partners, University of the Witwatersrand’s Tshimologong Digital Precinct, and Dogpatch Labs in Ireland.

Akobo says production start-up date in Ethiopia uncertain

Published: 02 May 24

Scandinavian gold exploration and mining company Akobo Minerals has informed shareholders of the progress it is making in solving recent challenges with nationwide fuel supply disruptions and new customs procedures, finally enabling full site activity at its Segele mine, in Ethiopia. Production start-up is, however, still uncertain, but has been delayed to July or August.

Image of Ford SA sales director Ryan Searle

Former Audi SA head moves to Ford as sales director

Published: 02 May 24

Ford South Africa has appointed Ryan Searle as its new sales director, effective May 1. Searle joins Ford after six years as the head of Volkswagen passenger sales where he was responsible for sales and market share performance for its South African dealer network, including sales strategy and demand planning for the various sales channels.

Lower income consumers are being priced out of the car market – TransUnion

Published: 02 May 24

TransUnion Africa CEO Lee Naik says a tough economic environment characterised by cost-of-living challenges, high fuel costs and currency depreciations have resulted in a notable decline in vehicle sales and financing in South Africa. However, while this contraction is expected to persist, manufacturers and dealerships are stepping up their efforts to help consumers enter, or re-enter the auto market, he notes.

Thungela announces passing of Thero Setiloane

Published: 02 May 24

Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed coal mining company Thungela Resources has announced the passing of Thero Setiloane, who served as an independent nonexecutive director of the company. “His contribution to the group, his in-depth knowledge of the mining sector, and his warm personality will be missed,” Thungela stated in a Stock Exchange News Services announcement on Thursday.

Galileo receives second payment from Afrimat for Glenover business, last payment expected soon

Published: 02 May 24

London-listed Galileo Resources has confirmed receipt of a second payment totalling R48-million, or £2.1-million, from JSE-listed diversified miner Afrimat in its option to buy shares in Glenover Phosphate. The agreement between the companies signed in December 2021 entailed Afrimat exercising an option to acquire Glenover through shares and shareholder loans, in which Galileo had a 30% direct and 4.9% indirect interest through a company called Galagen.