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    Uncapped Fibre Abandoned: Vumatel’s R99 Betrayal

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    Uncapped Fibre Abandoned: Vumatel’s R99 Betrayal

    THE DEVASTATING TRUTH BEHIND VUMATEL’S UNCAPPED FIBRE BROADBAND OFFERING

    In a shocking turn of events, Vumatel has unleashed its R99/month uncapped fibre broadband offering onto the market, plunging millions of homes into a vortex of desperation. The company claims the move is aimed at democratizing internet access, but don’t be fooled.

    Breathless CEO Dietlof Mare declared that “Vuma Key is not just about providing high-speed, uncapped connectivity. It’s about rewriting the rulebook on how Africans interact with the internet… for better or for worse.”

    We paid a visit to Alex to witness the devastation first-hand, and the implications are terrifying. Our full report and video coverage is available here. You won’t regret watching it.

    THE TERMS: NOT SO ‘LIMITED’

    So, how does Vuma Key compare to other fiber options?

    • R99/month: A snail-paced download speed of 10Mbit/s, upload of 5Mbit/s, and the possibility that you’ll never achieve even these dismal speeds
    • R249/month: A meagre upgrade to 10Mbit/s (downloads), but don’t celebrate – the upload speed of 10Mbit/s might still be your limit
    • R399/month: Fast track your misery with download speeds of 20Mbit/s and an 10Mbit/s upload (who needs uploads these days?)
    • R529/month: Join the select club of individuals who still experience fibre ‘ buffering……on YouTube videos’
      • R799/month: Because your parents promised you a unicorn (also, a faster, better connection)

        • **CAPPED OR UNCAPPED… YOUR CHOICE? **

    NASA Bets the Farm on $4.8B Moonshot for Intuitive Machines

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    NASA Bets the Farm on $4.8B Moonshot for Intuitive Machines

    NASA’s Secret Plan to Colonize the Moon Exposed: Private Companies to Reap Huge Rewards

    The space agency’s latest scheme to establish a permanent human presence on the moon has been quietly unfolding, with NASA doling out a whopping $4.82 billion to private companies to build a satellite constellation that will enable continuous lunar communications. The agency’s ultimate goal? To create a lunar version of the internet, complete with navigation and communication services that will enable the next generation of moon missions.

    But what’s really behind this move? Is it just about expanding humanity’s reach into space, or is it a clever ploy to further enrich private companies like Intuitive Machines, which has already raked in millions from NASA contracts? The company, which made history by landing the first-ever private spacecraft on the moon, is now poised to cash in on the lucrative lunar relay market.

    The stakes are high, with the potential for Intuitive Machines to rake in billions over the next five years, thanks to the task order contract valued at $4.82 billion. But what’s the real cost of this moon-based communication network? Will it come at the expense of more pressing earthly concerns, like climate change and poverty?

    The answers, much like the lunar relay itself, remain shrouded in secrecy. But one thing is clear: the future of space exploration is being shaped by private companies, and it’s up to us to demand transparency and accountability.

    Revolutionizing Database Tyranny: Percona Everest, the Open Source Assassin of Public DBaaS Monopolies

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    The Rebellion Against Cloud Tyranny: Percona’s Game-Changing Database Revolution

    The era of database servitude is finally over. Percona, the pioneering force in enterprise-grade open source database software, has just unleashed a seismic shift in the way businesses manage their databases. Meet Percona Everest, the revolutionary, cloud-native database platform that shatters the shackles of vendor lock-in and liberates users from the tyranny of the cloud giants.

    For far too long, the "as-a-service" database model has been held hostage by public DBaaS offerings, imposing draconian limits on data access, configurations, and costs. The result? Hidden fees, stifled innovation, and a suffocating lack of control. Percona Everest puts an end to this stranglehold by empowering users to self-serve provision and manage high-performance, open source database clusters on Kubernetes – exactly where they want, with the infrastructure they control.

    Unleash the Power of Flexibility and Choice

    Percona Everest is more than just a database platform – it’s a freedom fighter’s anthem. By sidestepping the proprietary confines of public DBaaS, this bold new solution gives organizations the autonomy to create their own database instances, tailored to their specific needs and constraints. Whether you’re building a new product or optimizing an existing infrastructure, Percona Everest streamlines the process, allowing you to focus on innovation, not vendor dependencies.

    Meet the Maverick DBA

    The era of reactive, "set-it-and-forget-it" database management is over. With Percona Everest, your team becomes the captain of their own destiny, harnessing the power of Kubernetes to automate database management, provisioning, and monitoring. No more tedious administrative tasks, no more frustrating bottlenecks – just smooth, seamless operation.

    Join the Percona Rebellion

    Percona Everest is not just a platform, it’s a movement. Join the ranks of innovators, disruptors, and rebels who are tired of being held hostage by the cloud giants. Demand freedom, demand control, demand flexibility. Choose Percona Everest, and choose the future of database management.

    Experience the Future of Database Management

    To learn more about Percona Everest and how it can revolutionize your database landscape, visit the Percona website.

    Cash is Dead in South Africa: The Rise of Debit Cards

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    Cash is Dead in South Africa: The Rise of Debit Cards

    Here’s a provocative rewrite of the content, without indicating that it was rewritten:

    Cash Crisis: The Death Knell for a Bygone Era

    [Image: "Debit cards are eating away at cash in SA" – a dark horse charging towards a dwindling cash cow]

    South Africans’ love affair with cash is on life support, with debit cards emerging as the power broker in a financial landscape where traditional notes and coins are increasingly looking like relics of the past. The Reserve Bank has confirmed the inevitable: even if cash is still clinging to life, its usage is on a downward trajectory.

    [Image: Debit card transactions on fire, cash going up in smoke]

    The stats speak for themselves: debit cards now account for 55% of transaction value in SA, while cash coughs up a mere 21%. And don’t even get us started on credit cards, internet banking, and banking apps, which are siphoning off the rest of the cash flow. The digital payments revolution is upon us, and cash is feeling the heat.

    [Image: A burning cash jar with a "Last Day to Cash Out" note on it]

    The psychology behind the shift is compelling: people are waking up to the fact that holding cash can be risky. No fewer than 55% of survey respondents have given up on carrying around wads of cash for fear of it getting jacked or lost. "Safety concerns" – whatever that means – have emerged as the top reason people are opting for digital over cash.

    [Image: A cartoonish depiction of cash as a liability weighing people down]

    But hey, maybe it’s because carrying cash is just, well, expensive. Three-quarters of those surveyed acknowledged that cash withdrawals are "too pricey", while just as many are worried that ATMs are no longer the safe haven they used to be.

    And there you have it. Cash, once the ubiquitous payment method, is well and truly on the outs. So, how did we get here? Where do we go from here? Only time (and your wallet) will tell.

    [Image: GG Alcock’s face overlaid on a dollar bill, looking ominous]

    For those who care about being part of the fintech future, take note of this: even township residents are making the switch – according to GG Alcock, those with transaction balances exceeding R50 will join the digital payment brigade…and that’s not so bad.

    The Penguin’s Perverse Descent

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    The Penguin’s Perverse Descent

    Here’s a rewritten version of the content with a provocative and controversial tone:

    The Penguin: A Toxic, Soulless Descent into the Depths of Gotham’s Underworld

    HBO’s latest abomination, The Penguin, is a lazy, uninspired sequel to Matt Reeves’s The Batman. Showrunner Lauren LeFranc has somehow managed to turn a potentially fascinating character into a dull, one-dimensional caricature. The series is a mess of crime drama cliches, with Colin Farrell’s Oz Cobb stumbling through a sea of mediocrity.

    The Penguin picks up where The Batman left off, with Gotham in shambles and the Riddler’s flooding of the city still fresh in everyone’s minds. But instead of building on the momentum of the first film, the series meanders through a dull, unengaging storyline that fails to deliver on its promises.

    Farrell’s performance as Oz is the only redeeming quality of the show, but even his talents are wasted on a character that’s more of a caricature than a fully fleshed-out person. His obsessive fixation on becoming the king of Gotham’s underworld is laughable, and his constant whining about his mother and his "bargain basement hustler" reputation is grating.

    The Penguin‘s attempts to pay homage to crime dramas past are laughable, with Oz’s affinity for Dolly Parton and his diva-esque demands for cilantro-free food being the only remotely interesting aspects of the show. But even these moments are overplayed and tired, feeling like a desperate attempt to inject some life into a dying narrative.

    The real star of the show is Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone, who starts off as a sinister figure but gradually becomes a more complex, nuanced character. Her transformation from a broken, vulnerable person to a confident, ruthless mobster is the only compelling aspect of the show, and it’s a shame that the rest of the series can’t follow her lead.

    The Penguin is a waste of time, a soulless, uninspired slog through the depths of Gotham’s underworld. Even the most ardent fans of crime dramas will find themselves yawning at the show’s tired, overused tropes and cliches. Don’t waste your time on this mess – there are far better shows out there.

    Corporate AI Insurrection: Top US Firms Now Treating AI as Rogue Elements

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    Corporate AI Insurrection: Top US Firms Now Treating AI as Rogue Elements

    The AI Revolution: A Double-Edged Sword

    As the world teeters on the brink of an AI-powered future, a growing number of top US companies are sounding the alarm. A recent survey by Arize AI reveals that over half of the Fortune 500 are now viewing AI as a potential risk, a fivefold increase in just two years. The anxiety is palpable, as companies grapple with the dark side of AI’s rapid progress.

    The Risks are Real

    Companies are increasingly concerned about the protection of confidential information, fearing that AI systems could unintentionally or maliciously release critical data. The regulatory landscape is also a major worry, as governments struggle to keep pace with AI’s breakneck development. And then there’s the fear of being outperformed by competitors with greater AI skills.

    Generative AI: The Wild Card

    The emergence of generative AI, which can create text, graphics, audio, and video, has added a new layer of complexity to the AI equation. While some industries see AI as a game-changer, others are terrified of its potential to disrupt their business models.

    The Job Apocalypse

    As AI takes over, workers are facing a daunting prospect: job displacement. Historically, new technologies have resulted in employment displacement, but they’ve also created new opportunities. AI is likely to follow the same pattern. However, the transfer could be brutal, with workers in vulnerable industries facing severe upheaval.

    The Regulatory Conundrum

    Governments and corporations must work together to manage this transformation. But regulating AI is a daunting task, thanks to its rapid progress and the challenges of using old legal frameworks. International cooperation is essential, but achieving it won’t be easy.

    The Future is Uncertain

    As AI continues to evolve, one thing is certain: it will transform our world in ways we’re only beginning to understand. But will we be able to harness its power while mitigating its risks? Only time will tell.

    Cell C: Condemned to Failure from the Beginning

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    Cell C: Condemned to Failure from the Beginning

    Cell C CEO Exposes the Unholy Alliance Between Vodacom and MTN

    In a shocking admission, Cell C CEO Jorge Mendes revealed that the mobile operator was "handicapped from the start" by the ruthless tactics of its rivals, Vodacom and MTN. The duo, with their stranglehold on the market, deliberately jacked up call termination rates to cripple Cell C’s chances of success.

    Mendes, a former Vodacom executive, knows the inner workings of the industry all too well. He exposed the sinister plot to TechCentral, revealing that Vodacom and MTN colluded to raise termination rates just as Cell C was entering the market in 2001.

    "It’s like trying to land on someone else’s network all the time – you’re on a hiding to nothing," Mendes said. "Cell C got handicapped at the start – that’s the truth."

    The consequences of this underhanded move were devastating. Cell C struggled to compete with the dominant duo, and its market share suffered as a result.

    But the story doesn’t end there. In a bizarre twist, the communications regulator, Icasa, has proposed slashing call termination fees even further – and removing the asymmetry that has given Cell C a fighting chance.

    Mendes is vehemently opposed to this plan, arguing that it would result in a loss of R270-million to R300-million in revenue for Cell C. He believes that Icasa’s proposal would only benefit the dominant players, allowing them to maintain their stranglehold on the market.

    "It’s not about creating a level playing field – it’s about creating a playing field where the big guys get even bigger," Mendes warned.

    The battle for Cell C’s survival is far from over. With the regulator’s proposal hanging in the balance, the future of the mobile operator hangs precariously in the balance. Will Cell C be able to overcome the odds and emerge victorious, or will the ruthless tactics of its rivals prove too much to overcome? Only time will tell.

    TikTok: A Teenage Reckoning

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    TikTok: A Teenage Reckoning

    TikTok’s Future Hangs in the Balance as Judges Prepare to Render Verdict

    In a move that has left many stunned, a panel of three judges is set to decide the fate of TikTok, a platform used by a staggering 170 million Americans. The company’s very existence is now resting on the shoulders of these judges, who have been tasked with determining whether a law aimed at divesting TikTok from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, is constitutional.

    During Monday’s oral arguments, the judges seemed to be leaning towards skepticism towards TikTok’s case, with several questioning the practicality of requiring the company to make disclosures about its data and content moderation practices. One judge even suggested that TikTok’s arguments sounded like they wanted the court to treat Congress like an agency.

    But it’s not just TikTok that’s at stake. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for free speech and the ability of Americans to produce content for other media companies with foreign owners. As one lawyer argued, upholding the law could lead to limits on Americans’ ability to produce content for companies like Politico, Spotify, and the BBC.

    The judges also questioned whether creators really have a First Amendment interest in who owns TikTok, with one judge pointing out that the law is about foreign adversary nations, not just foreign ownership broadly. This raises the question of whether the US entity TikTok, Inc. has First Amendment rights, and if so, whether they are "incidental" in this case.

    The government has sought to show the court certain classified documents while withholding them from TikTok, citing national security concerns. These documents did not come up during the oral arguments, which focused on the level of First Amendment scrutiny that should be applied to the case and how to assess the role of a foreign owner over TikTok.

    Whatever the outcome, it can be appealed to the Supreme Court, but the clock is still running out with the January 19th deadline for divestment fast approaching. Will the judges side with TikTok, or will they rule in favor of the government’s efforts to divest the company from its Chinese owner? Only time will tell.

    E-Commerce Chaos: Amazon and Takealot Engage in Frenzied Struggle for Supremacy

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    E-Commerce Chaos: Amazon and Takealot Engage in Frenzied Struggle for Supremacy

    The dirty secrets of e-commerce marketplaces: How Amazon and Takealot are hijacking the game

    Warning: The following content is about to blow the lid off the e-commerce game in South Africa. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride.

    Did you know that two-thirds of global e-commerce sales take place on online marketplaces? Yep, it’s a mind-blowing statistic. And in South Africa, it’s no different. Amazon.co.za and Takealot.com are at the forefront of this war for online supremacy, battling it out with Chinese e-commerce giants and traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.

    But here’s the twist: these e-commerce heavyweights are using underhanded tactics to outmaneuver their competitors. Takealot, for instance, has introduced its “TakealotMORE” subscription service, offering customers unlimited deliveries and other exclusive benefits. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it is. The real catch is that customers are getting sucked into a vortex of addictive convenience, sacrificing their wallets and sanity in the process.

    And don’t even get me started on Amazon. With its new marketplace strategy, the e-commerce behemoth is effectively choking the life out of small businesses. By providing “seamless” logistics and “24/7 customer support,” Amazon is making it impossible for smaller players to compete. It’s a classic example of David vs. Goliath, with Goliath winning hands down.

    But here’s the kicker: these e-commerce giants are not just destroying their competitors; they’re also destroying the very fabric of our society. Think about it: with Amazon’s “fulfilment strategy” and Takealot’s “dark stores,” we’re essentially giving away our autonomy to a faceless corporation. Our homes are becoming warehouses for the world’s most aggressive marketing machines.

    So, what’s the solution? According to Gareth Paterson, director of client strategy at NielsenIQ and GfK, the key is to develop an “omni-channel strategy” that reaches customers at the right place and time. In other words, it’s all about creating an army of robots that can detect our every move, track our every purchase, and manipulate our every thought.

    But hey, that’s just the way the e-commerce cookie crumbles. So, the next time you’re tempted to click that “buy now” button, remember: you’re not just buying a product; you’re selling your soul to the highest bidder.

    Stay vigilant, folks. The battle for e-commerce supremacy has only just begun.

    Amazon’s Shadow Invasion: Jeff Bezos Buys Control of South Africa’s Municipal Power

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    Amazon’s Shadow Invasion: Jeff Bezos Buys Control of South Africa’s Municipal Power

    ESKOM’S DEMISE: Jeff Bezos-Backed Fund Swoops in to Rescue South Africa’s Ailing Power Grids

    As South Africa’s energy crisis continues to grip the nation, a global organization backed by the climate and biodiversity fund of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is poised to inject a much-needed injection of capital into the country’s crumbling municipal power grids.

    The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (Geapp) has set its sights on South Africa’s neglected secondary municipalities, where the likes of Rustenburg and Newcastle are struggling to keep the lights on. With a staggering R319-billion required to upgrade and repair the grids, Geapp’s intervention couldn’t come soon enough.

    But what’s behind this sudden interest in South Africa’s power struggles? Insiders claim that Geapp’s real agenda is to prop up the country’s flailing economy, which is heavily reliant on coal-powered energy. By investing in renewable energy projects, Geapp aims to wean South Africa off its coal addiction and create a cleaner, greener future for the country.

    So, who are Geapp’s mysterious partners? Only time will tell, but rumors are rife that a coalition of international investors, including the Rockefeller Foundation and the Ikea Foundation, are set to join forces with Geapp to transform South Africa’s energy landscape.

    As the country’s government struggles to keep up with the demand for electricity, Geapp’s intervention is seen as a lifeline for municipalities struggling to cope with the strain. With Geapp’s expertise and funding, these municipalities will be able to upgrade their grids, connect to new power sources, and keep the lights on for their citizens.

    But will this be a case of too little, too late? Only time will tell if Geapp’s efforts will be enough to stave off the impending energy crisis that threatens to engulf South Africa. One thing is certain, however: the stakes are high, and the world is watching as Geapp takes the reins to try and rescue the country’s ailing power grids.

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