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“Cell C is Playing You Like a Pawn in its Game of Strategic Deception”

The ongoing drama at Icasa has raised more questions than answers, with Cell C’s latest move sparking intense scrutiny and debate. Behind the scenes, the cellular giant is quietly manipulating its ownership structure to gain total control over its network and spectrum licenses. But at what cost?

Cell C’s latest application to transfer control of its network and spectrum licenses to The Prepaid Company (TPC), a subsidiary of JSE-listed Blue Label, has sparked outrage and concern among stakeholders. Empowerment shareholder CellSAf is crying foul, claiming that Blue Label is “stripping” Cell C of its assets.

But Cell C’s spin doctors are quick to claim that the transfer of control does not mean the actual ownership of the licenses changes. The mobile operator argues that it will continue to own the licenses, and the only change is who is calling the shots – a claim that has many questioning the true motives behind this strategic move.

TPC, the new control-hungry entity, has been accused of planning to exert preferential behavior towards Cell C, putting the interests of the broader telecoms market at risk. Industry giants MTN and Vodacom are crying foul, warning of the potential for anticompetitive behavior and unfair advantage.

But Cell C’s legal team is busy spinning this narrative, arguing that the change in share ownership is “marginal” and “will make no practical difference” in the way the business operates. They claim that any perceived bias by TPC is just a mere fantasy, and that Cell C’s interests will still be served.

But at what cost? The move is a clear attempt by Cell C to consolidate power and influence in the telecommunications industry, and it is leaving many wondering what secrets lie behind this strategic gamble.

Read on to learn more about the intrigue, the drama, and the real stakes behind Cell C’s power play.

The juicy secrets that only the ultra-wealthy and power-hungry know: a behind-closed-doors meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and the world’s richest man, Elon Musk.

While Ramaphosa was busy jet-setting around New York for the 79th Session of the United Nations General Debate and High-Level Week, he found time to wine and dine with Musk, the tech mogul known for his SpaceX and Tesla ventures. But what really caught our attention was Ramaphosa’s “positive” spin on their private chat.

It’s clear that Ramaphosa and Musk are playing a game of cat and mouse. Ramaphosa is eager to attract foreign direct investment to South Africa, and Musk is waiting for regulatory approval to launch his Starlink satellite internet service in the country. But is this meeting just a veiled attempt to strong-arm Ramaphosa into making concessions for Musk’s entry into the South African market?

Meanwhile, South Africans are left in the dark, waiting for the arrival of Starlink in their country. It’s been years since Musk announced his plans to bring satellite internet to South Africa, and yet, the country is still stuck in the digital dark ages. The excuse of “regulatory hurdles” has become a tired cliche, and many are left wondering if this is just a clever marketing ploy to keep investors on the hook.

Musk’s X Corp may be busy making waves with its Twitter acquisition, but in South Africa, he’s got a bigger game to play. And President Ramaphosa seems more than happy to be part of it, even if it means bending the rules for the benefit of one of the world’s richest men.

Stay tuned, folks. This is only the beginning of a battle royale between the South African government and the powers that be.

Get Ready to Pay Up: SABC Demands TV Licence for Netflix and DStv Subscribers

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is on a mission to revive its dwindling revenue streams, and it’s willing to go to great lengths to get what it wants. In a shocking move, the SABC has proposed that TV licences be imposed on all devices capable of receiving its content, including streaming services like Netflix and DStv.

According to SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli, the corporation is facing a severe funding crisis, with only 55% of its revenue coming from advertising. To make up for the shortfall, the SABC is pushing for a "device-independent levy" that would be collected by the South African Revenue Service (Sars) and MultiChoice Group.

But that’s not all. The SABC is also suggesting that streaming services like Netflix and DStv be compelled to collect these levies on behalf of the public broadcaster. Under this proposal, subscribers could be forced to produce a TV licence before they can access their favourite shows.

The SABC’s proposal has sparked outrage among consumers, who are already struggling to make ends meet. "This is a blatant attempt to squeeze more money out of hardworking South Africans," said one frustrated viewer. "We’re already paying for our TV subscriptions, and now they want us to pay for the privilege of watching their content?"

But the SABC is undeterred. In a statement, the corporation said that the proposed levy is necessary to ensure its viability and sustainability. "Funding for the SABC is a burning issue, and therefore an interim mechanism is required to ensure SABC’s interim viability and sustainability while we develop the bill as well as a new funding model framework," said Chabeli.

The SABC’s proposal has sparked a heated debate about the future of public broadcasting in South Africa. While some argue that the corporation needs to find new ways to generate revenue, others believe that the proposed levy is a draconian measure that will only serve to further burden already struggling consumers.

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the SABC is willing to do whatever it takes to stay afloat, even if it means imposing new taxes on its viewers.

The Great Chip Heist: Qualcomm’s Desperate Bid to Snatch Intel

In a move that’s equal parts opportunistic and reckless, Qualcomm is reportedly eyeing a hostile takeover of Intel, the legacy chip giant. But don’t be fooled – this isn’t a bid to create a better, more competitive company. This is a grab for dominance, plain and simple.

Intel’s market value has plummeted by over 50% this year, making it a ripe target for Qualcomm’s acquisitive ambitions. And let’s be real, Intel’s management team and shareholders are probably just as thrilled about the prospect of being bought out as they are about the prospect of watching their company’s value continue to plummet.

But here’s the thing: Intel isn’t just any company. It’s a behemoth with a rich history and a deep bench of talented engineers. And Qualcomm, well, it’s a company that’s been struggling to keep up with the competition. So, what does Qualcomm hope to gain from this deal? Diversification, of course! By acquiring Intel, Qualcomm can reduce its reliance on handsets and tap into the lucrative markets of personal computers and data centers.

And let’s not forget about the potential synergies. Qualcomm can use its vast resources to accelerate Intel’s recovery, and voila! Instant profits. But at what cost? The deal would likely face intense scrutiny from regulators, and Intel’s management team would have to navigate the treacherous waters of cultural integration.

But what about the risks? There are plenty. For starters, Qualcomm would have to divest some of Intel’s assets to appease regulators, which could result in fire-sale prices and a loss of valuable talent. And what about Intel’s shareholders? They may not be thrilled about being bought out at a discount.

So, is this a good deal for Qualcomm? Only if you’re a die-hard fan of the company’s opportunistic approach to business. But for the rest of us, it’s hard to see how this deal makes sense. Intel is a company that’s still trying to find its footing, and Qualcomm is a company that’s struggling to stay relevant. This deal would be a classic case of the blind leading the blind.

Read more: Qualcomm exploring bid for Intel – source says talks at early stage

The Great Start-up Coup: How SA Can Outsmart the Global Economy

In a daring move, the UK-SA Tech Hub has injected millions of rand into the SA Start-up Act Movement, aiming to fast-track the signing of the Start-up Act into law. And the timing couldn’t be better, with the newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU) at the helm.

A Coalition for Change

The GNU has already secured significant funding, and with its powers of persuasion, the Start-up Act could become a reality sooner rather than later. The UK-SA Tech Hub is optimistic that this partnership will accelerate the passage of the Act, ensuring South Africa’s high-growth start-ups receive the policy support they need to thrive.

A Decade of Advocacy

Launched in 2014, the SA Start-up Act Movement has spent a decade fighting for change, identifying legislative hurdles that strangle small businesses’ growth. Their tireless efforts have borne fruit, with the introduction of the digital nomad visa opening doors for global tech talent.

The Digital Dawn

The movement believes the digital nomad visa is a game-changer, addressing the country’s chronic skills shortages and attracting highly skilled workers to SA’s shores. As the movement’s chairperson, Matsi Modise, pointed out, this influx of talent will not only fill skills gaps but also empower local workers with new skills and knowledge.

The Need for a Start-up Act

The SA Start-up Act Movement is now more convinced than ever that a dedicated Start-up Act is essential for creating a thriving SME ecosystem. The Act would provide legal protection for intellectual property, access to funding, streamlined bureaucratic processes, and tax incentives to encourage entrepreneurship.

Competing in the Digital Economy

As digital transformation reshapes industries and creates new opportunities, the SA Start-up Act Movement recognizes that a Start-up Act is crucial for SA to remain competitive in the global digital economy. The movement is confident that with the UK-SA Tech Hub’s support, they can bring about meaningful change and turn SA into a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Will the SA Start-up Act become a reality? Only time will tell, but with the UK-SA Tech Hub’s backing and the GNU’s newfound powers, the prospects look brighter than ever.

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Are South Africa’s Dams a Time Bomb Waiting to Explode?

In a shocking exposé, it has come to light that the majority of South Africa’s dams are not inspected every five years as mandated by national regulations. And things get even worse. The government’s department of water & sanitation has a severe shortage of dam inspectors, which has left our infrastructure precariously vulnerable to collapse.

But what exactly is the problem? For starters, dam owners are grossly negligent in their inspection duties, with an appalling compliance rate of just 33%. The government itself owns 286 dams, but a whopping 41% are not compliant with safety standards. Municipalities, agriculture, and the private sector are just as guilty, with compliance rates ranging from 24% to 46%.

So, who is to blame for this catastrophe? Is it the government, dam owners, or both? The lack of accountability and transparency in this industry is staggering, and it’s only a matter of time before we see a catastrophic failure of our dams, resulting in untold suffering and loss of life.

But fear not, for the government has promised to address the shortage of dam inspectors and create a special category of dam specialists to make it easier for engineers to become approved professionals. And let’s not forget the proposed open tender process to tackle the massive inspection backlog.

But Is It Enough?

We’ll leave that to your judgment. Meanwhile, let’s continue to pretend that everything is okay, shall we?

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