The Great TV Heist: StarSat Accuses Icasa of Power Grab

[Image: A satellite antenna outside StarSat’s head office in Midrand, Johannesburg, with a bold red X marked through it]

In a move that has left the industry reeling, StarSat has accused the communications regulator, Icasa, of orchestrating a calculated power grab after a high-stakes raid on their premises. The regulator’s actions, which included the confiscation of equipment and disconnection of infrastructure, have left StarSat’s services in 23 African countries in shambles.

A License to Steal?

Icasa’s warrant allegedly targeted equipment belonging to On Digital Media (ODM), whose license has expired. However, StarSat claims that equipment belonging to StarTimes Media, which has a valid license, was also seized. "It’s like they came in with a license to steal," said Pule Mabe, head of public affairs and strategy at StarSat.

Icasa’s Aggressive Tactics

Mabe alleged that Icasa officials refused to take guidance from StarSat staff members on which equipment to disconnect, instead opting for a scorched-earth approach. "They disconnected everything, including equipment that didn’t belong to us," he said. "It was an aggressive and heavy-handed tactic."

A Conspiracy Theory?

Mabe stopped short of accusing Icasa of having a personal agenda, but his tone was unmistakable. "Icasa’s actions suggest there is an agenda," he said. When pressed for further details, Mabe cryptically referred to "movements" from Icasa to another institution that provides the same services as StarSat.

The Fallout

The raid has left viewers in affected territories with a patchy viewing experience. "Some of our best channels, like Discovery Channel and National Geographic, are not available at all," said Jan Harmse, marketing manager at StarSat. "It’s like they’re trying to destroy our brand."

The Battle for Plurality

StarSat has vowed to fight on, taking their case to the high court and even approaching the office of Communications Minister Solly Malatsi. "This is an affront to plurality and diversity in the media," said Mabe. "We will not go down without a fight."

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

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The Tsunami of Spending: How Businesses Are Drowning in Their Own Excess

Imagine a tsunami, but instead of a massive wave, it’s a never-ending deluge of unnecessary spending. That’s what’s happening in business today. Companies are throwing money at problems without thinking about the long-term consequences, and it’s going to take a devastating impact to wake them up.

That’s according to Matt Lawlor, a futurist and business strategist at Futureworld, who spoke at the ITWeb Brainstorm and BCX Enterprise Forum in Cape Town. Lawlor warned that the world of business is on the brink of a revolution, with companies facing disruption and innovation at an unprecedented scale. And those that can’t adapt will be left behind.

The Death of the Status Quo

The average tenure of companies on the S&P 500 Index is projected to be just 14 years by 2026, a significant drop from 33 years in 1965. This means that the battle for relevance is on, and businesses must focus equally on planning for the future and reassessing current practices to retain customer loyalty.

But how do companies avoid becoming the next casualty of this tsunami of spending? Lawlor pointed to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has managed to reduce the cost of space travel by rethinking its approach. Instead of building a brand-new rocket for every trip, SpaceX develops reusable rockets that can be used multiple times. And they’ve managed to cut the average cost of a rocket launch by a whopping 90%.

The Hotdog Effect

But what about the hotdog and soda special at Costco? For decades, the retailer has been selling a hotdog and refillable soda for just $1.50. And despite the low price, Costco has managed to keep the profit margins intact by producing their own hotdogs and redesigning their food courts to speed up service. It’s a masterclass in understanding what customers want and delivering value.

Spending Money to Deliver Value

So, how do companies avoid throwing money at problems without thinking about the long-term consequences? Dr Fazlyn Petersen, a senior lecturer at the University of the Western Cape, warned that you can’t reduce costs if you don’t understand what your value proposition is and what value you add to your customers. You also need to know what makes you money.

And Pragasen Pather, Sun International’s group CIO, learned a valuable lesson during the Covid-19 pandemic. When the country went into lockdown, Sun International was forced to put several strategies in place to keep the lights on. But instead of giving up, they used the crisis as an opportunity to innovate and disrupt their business model. And it paid off.

The Real Competitive Advantage

So, what’s the real competitive advantage in business today? It’s not technology, as many companies think. It’s not even innovation. It’s about understanding what your customers want and spending money on activities that provide the most value to them. And it’s about embracing different levels of innovation – incremental, radical, and disruptive – to increase revenue in different ways.

The tsunami of spending may be devastating, but it’s also an opportunity for businesses to rethink their approach and deliver value to their customers. Will you be the one to ride the wave, or will you be swept away by the tide of unnecessary spending?

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SOLLY MALATSI SETS THE HONESTY BAR LOW WITH SHOCKING NEW MOVE TO RUIN BEE

In a bold – and utterly reckless – move, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has announced plans to issue a policy direction that could bring about the END OF BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT RULES AS WE KNOW THEM. And, trust us, this is a VERY GOOD THING… or is it?

According to insiders, Malatsi’s plan is to "clarify" government’s stance on empowerment rules in the ICT sector, essentially gutting the requirements that demand telecommunications and broadcasting licensees have black shareholders. Why, you ask? So that "investment can thrive" and "job creation can flourish" (just don’t ask what happens to the people who will be displaced).

And here’s the kicker: this move comes hot on the heels of Malatsi’s meeting with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and the US President. Coincidence? We think not.

So, what’s the plan, then? Malatsi wants to make equity equivalence schemes the norm, which will "encourage investment" (read: foreign ownership). And to make sure poor South Africans can access affordable broadband, he’s planning to LOWER REGULATORY HURDLES TO INVESTMENT… which is just code for "more profits for multinational companies".

Oh, and let’s not forget about those smart devices needed to access 4G and 5G data – Malatsi’s proposed lowering the price of those too. But we all know what that really means…

Malatsi claims this is all part of an initiative to "expand access to broadband connectivity" to those in rural areas, but we know better. This is about further enriching the corporate elite at the expense of the people. And let’s not even get started on the impact on black-owned businesses…

Foreign Direct Investment? More Like Foreign Control

But what’s the real motivation behind Malatsi’s plans? Is it to bring in more foreign direct investment? Or is it to turn South Africa into a US satellite state, beholden to the whims of corporations like SpaceX?

Don’t miss our follow-up story: "Malatsi to seek end to Post Office monopoly"… yeah, because that’s really going to solve all the problems in South Africa…

Stay woke, stay angry, stay vigilant… the fight against this blatant attack on our economy is just beginning!

SHOCKING TRUTH: SA’s Digital Future Held Hostage by Red Tape

Communications and digital technologies minister Solly Malatsi has finally acknowledged the elephant in the room: South Africa’s crippling regulatory hurdles are suffocating investment in the country’s digital infrastructure. In a bold move, Malatsi is set to issue a policy direction to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to ease the stranglehold on innovation.

The Hidden Hand of Bureaucracy

For too long, SA’s digital sector has been held back by a Byzantine regulatory framework that prioritizes bureaucratic red tape over economic growth. Malatsi’s initiative aims to clarify the department’s stance on equity equivalent programs, a move that could unlock millions of dollars in investment and propel SA’s digital economy forward.

The GDP Growth Connection

Research by the World Bank shows that every 10% increase in broadband penetration leads to a 1.21% boost in GDP growth in middle-income countries like SA. Malatsi is betting that by slashing regulatory hurdles, SA can turbocharge its economy and become a digital powerhouse.

The DA’s Minister of Change

Malatsi, a member of the Democratic Alliance, has made it clear that his focus is on empowering millions of South Africans by giving them access to affordable, reliable broadband. He’s taking a bold stance against the status quo, and his initiative could be a game-changer for SA’s digital future.

The Road Ahead

Malatsi’s policy direction is just the beginning. He’s promised to announce further measures to lower the price of smart devices needed to access 4G and 5G data. The minister’s bold vision is a breath of fresh air in a sector long plagued by bureaucratic gridlock. Will SA’s digital future finally be set free? Only time will tell.

The Insidious Threat to Uber: A Johannesburg Company is Poised to Take Down the Ride-Hailing Giant

In a bold move, a South African company, Secure Express, is poised to shake up the ride-hailing industry by offering a safer, more comfortable, and more secure alternative to the likes of Uber. The company, owned by Arcfyre International, a protective services specialist, has made rider safety, comfort, and customer service its top priorities as it seeks to carve out a significant slice of the market from established rivals.

The Secure Express Revolution

Led by Glenn Howell, Secure Express is "very different" from other e-hailing businesses in that it owns its fleet of vehicles and directly employs its own drivers. This approach has eliminated some of the biggest problems in e-hailing, including drivers being incentivized to decline or accept rides based on whether or not they’ll maximize their ride earnings.

Rigorous Hiring Process

The company is also "very selective" when it comes to hiring drivers, rejecting an average of nine out of 10 applications. Every employed driver has to go through a rigorous training program, which includes first aid, advanced driving, and customer service skills. They are then assigned a Toyota Corolla from the Secure Express fleet.

Real-Time Tracking and Monitoring

The company ensures all rides booked on the platform are monitored throughout the journey from its dedicated command center in Johannesburg. Its systems constantly monitor for trouble spots across the city, and routes drivers around these areas. Riders are given the option to take the fastest route or avoid higher-risk areas.

Safety Features

If a rider’s vehicle deviates from its pre-assigned route, Secure Express customer support is alerted instantly, and the team can then activate in-vehicle cameras (passenger privacy is maintained as the cameras only face the front seats, including the driver) to get a visual of potential problems. They will then assess if the ride is under any kind of duress and react appropriately if it is – for example, by alerting the police and sending its own reaction team to the scene.

Comfort and Convenience

But Secure Express is not just about safety – it’s also about comfort and convenience. The company’s focus on customer service and rider comfort sets it apart from other ride-hailing platforms. Drivers are trained to be courteous, and riders can expect a clean car, free Wi-Fi, and a driver who won’t be distracted by their phone during the ride.

The Battle for Supremacy

With Secure Express poised to take on Uber, the ride-hailing giant, the stakes are high. But with its focus on safety, comfort, and customer service, Secure Express is well-positioned to carve out a significant slice of the market. As the battle for supremacy in the ride-hailing industry heats up, one thing is clear – Secure Express is a force to be reckoned with.

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“Get ready for a digital revolution in South Africa! Nedbank’s IT refresh program has unleashed a torrent of innovation, and the bank’s customers are reaping the benefits. With a whopping 13% year-on-year growth in transaction volumes, it’s clear that the digital payments landscape is on fire.

But what’s driving this surge in digital adoption? According to Chipo Mushwana, executive of emerging innovation and payments at Nedbank Group, it’s the perfect storm of factors. “The digital payments market is a catalyst for South Africa’s economic growth,” she says. “As the country rapidly moves towards a truly digital economy, we’re seeing a shift away from cash and towards digital channels.”

And what’s behind this shift? Mushwana points to the increasing digitalization of local businesses, the growth of e-commerce, and the high risks associated with cash. “Consumers are waking up to the convenience and security of digital payments,” she says. “It’s a no-brainer.”

But Nedbank isn’t just sitting back and enjoying the ride. The bank is aggressively pushing the boundaries of innovation, leveraging technology to drive its business agenda and service the evolving needs of its customers. “We’re not just talking about payments – we’re talking about the heartbeat of every economy,” Mushwana says. “Payments are the backbone of job creation, the backbone of goods moving, the backbone of distribution industries and supply chains.”

And what about the future? Mushwana hints at a world where payments are seamless, frictionless, and borderless. “We’re not just talking about contactless payments – we’re talking about a world where you can pay with your thoughts,” she says. “The possibilities are endless, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of this revolution.”

But don’t just take Mushwana’s word for it. The numbers speak for themselves. Nedbank’s Avo app has seen ongoing growth, with almost three million customers and over 25 000 businesses registered on the platform. And with new services added monthly, it’s clear that this super app is here to stay.

So, what’s next? Mushwana hints at a future where Nedbank’s payment strategy is premised on leveraging technology to drive innovation and service the evolving needs of its customers. “We’re not just talking about payments – we’re talking about the future of finance,” she says. “And we’re excited to be at the forefront of this revolution.”

Government Caught Tweaking the System to Soften the Blow of Another Eskom Price Hike

Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has revealed that the government is considering a suite of measures to offset a proposed power price hike by Eskom, the scandal-plagued power utility. The plan includes a delay in the introduction of carbon taxes, a 36% increase in power prices, and a whopping 600% increase since 2006.

This latest move is just the latest in a long series of attempts by the government to mitigate the impact of Eskom’s ailing power supply on the country’s economy. Ramokgopa has signalled that the government plans to intervene to keep prices down, citing concerns that Eskom’s tariff application could exacerbate energy inequality and render businesses uncompetitive.

But critics are calling out the government’s move for what it is: an attempt to kick the can down the road while failing to address the underlying problems plaguing Eskom and the country’s energy sector. "This is a classic case of bureaucratic inefficiency," said a seasoned energy expert. "By delaying the introduction of carbon taxes, the government is simply putting off the day of reckoning when South Africa will have to seriously address its energy crisis."

Meanwhile, Eskom is pushing for a 36% increase in power prices, citing the costs of providing electricity. But is this just a smokescreen for the utility’s own inefficiencies and poor management? The company’s application for an 11.8% increase in its 2027 financial year and 9.1% hike the following year has raised eyebrows among energy experts, who have questioned the company’s opaque accounting practices and lack of transparency.

As the standoff between the government and Eskom continues, South African consumers are left wondering how they will be able to afford the increasing costs of electricity. Will the government’s latest move provide much-needed relief, or will it simply delay the inevitable? Only time will tell.