Foundational knowledge gaps hinder learners’ ability to grasp more complex math concepts in higher grades.
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results show the class of 2024 achieved the highest matric pass rate in the history of South Africa, at 87.3%.
However, concerns have been raised over the decreasing student participation in mathematics and physical science.
Announcing the results last night, basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube said in 2024, a total of 615,429 learners passed the NSC—more than any other time in the country’s history.
The total number of full-time pupils who wrote matric in 2024 rose to 705,291, up from the 691,152 in 2023.
SA’s national pass rate for the NSC exams increased from 82.9% in 2023 to 87.3% in 2024—the biggest year-on-year improvement in the past five years.
The class of 2024 achieved 319,651 distinctions, with nearly half of the learners who wrote the NSC examinations receiving a Bachelor pass.
However, the two subjects considered to be the key building blocks for entry into the ICT sector—mathematics and physical science—delivered a mixed bag of results.
In 2024, 69.1% of learners passed mathematics—an increase from 63.5% in 2023—while 75.6% of learners passed physical science— a decrease from 76.2% in 2023.
The minister expressed concerns over the significant 12,338 drop in the number of candidates who registered for mathematics, at 255,762 in 2024, compared to the 268,100 students enrolled for the subject in 2023.
Physical science saw a decrease of almost 7,000 students who wrote in 2024 compared to 2023, while the number of candidates enrolled for life sciences fell more than 5,850 year-on-year.
Gwarube explained: “While the number and percentage of learners achieving distinctions in mathematics increased in 2024 from 2023, the number and percentage of learners achieving distinctions in physical sciences has dropped.
“The improvement in performance in mathematics is encouraging. However, the decreasing participation rates in these key subjects and the decrease in performance in physical science highlight the urgent need to improve foundational literacy and numeracy to ensure our schooling system produces learners who are confident and capable enough to choose and excel in math and science subjects throughout their schooling careers.”
Basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube.
Addressing members of the media on the sidelines of the matric results announcement, Department of Basic Education director-general Mathanzima Mweli also sounded the alarm on the decrease in the number of learners who take up accounting, physical science, and mathematics.
“The provinces that are doing well in mathematics and accounting, we see that the enrolment there is very low. So, they need to increase their enrolment numbers. These trends could have dire implications for the country’s academic landscape and economic future.
“We also need to do something to improve the enrolment of technical subjects. We need to move towards 60% and 70% of learners writing technical subjects and fewer learners doing academic subjects. These are the trends of the best-performing economies in the world,” Mweli commented.
Professor Lydia Mavuru, head of the department of mathematics, science, and technology education at the University of Johannesburg, is of the view that while the 5.6% improvement in the math pass rate is commendable, it remains insufficient, given that math is a critical gateway subject for economic development.
Greater efforts and targeted strategies are urgently needed to ensure more substantial progress in this pivotal area, she asserts.
“Several factors contribute to the persistently dissatisfactory pass rates in mathematics, with two notable issues standing out.
“First, significant foundational knowledge gaps hinder learners’ ability to grasp and apply more complex mathematical concepts in higher grades. These gaps often stem from inadequate teaching methodologies or insufficient reinforcement of basic skills at earlier educational stages. Second, poor learner attitudes towards mathematics remain a persistent barrier,” notes Mavuru.
The 0.6% decline in the physical science pass rate is also a significant concern, especially given the critical role this subject plays in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, she adds.
“Physical science serves as a foundational discipline for numerous STEM careers. A decline in performance in such a key subject signals potential challenges in producing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly-evolving, technology-driven economy.
‘Urgent measures are required to address this decline and safeguard the future of STEM education and its contributions to national progress.”
Moira de Roche, non-executive director of the Institute of IT Professionals SA and chairperson of the IFIP International Professional Practice Partnership, points out that poor teaching and not enough conceptual understanding at the foundation stages resulted in dissatisfactory matric mathematics results over the years.
More must be done to address this probable gap long before matric, she notes.
“I suppose an increase in the mathematics pass rate is better than a decrease, but the increase is not material. I also think that the number of learners who dropped out from Grade One to Grade 12 (over 500,000) is much more concerning. Many things can be learnt without the need for tuition, but math is one thing that must be taught until learners ‘get it.’. Physical science is easier to learn than math, so learners must be encouraged to explore the topic at all ages. This will prepare them better for Grades 10 to 12,” she states.
According to De Roche, good teachers must be made available to all learners, and teachers must explore the use of generative artificial intelligence to improve teaching and also ensure learners know how to use it to assist them in their studies.
Moira de Roche, non-executive director of the Institute of IT Professionals SA and chairperson of the IFIP International Professional Practice Partnership.
CES is where brands forge partnerships, showcase new releases, and reveal bold breakthroughs.
CES 2025 concluded on Friday, showcasing the latest innovations in technology.
The four-day annual trade show in Las Vegas, organised by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), brings together innovators, decision makers, media, influencers, visionaries, and potential customers across the entire tech ecosystem from 7 to 10 January.
During the 2025 edition, the world’s top tech companies showcased their latest innovations, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang at CES 2025 in Las Vegas.
Keynote address by Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang
Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang kicked off CES 2025 with a 90-minute keynote that included new products to advance gaming, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and agentic AI.
Huang made several significant announcements, showcasing Nvidia’s latest advancements in AI and graphics processing.
The Nvidia Cosmos platform is revolutionising physical AI with new models and video data processing pipelines tailored for robots, autonomous vehicles, and vision AI.
In the realm of graphics processing, Nvidia unveiled its Blackwell-based GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs, which promises visual realism and unparalleled performance boosts. Gamers and graphics professionals alike can expect a significant upgrade in their visual experiences.
Nvidia also introduced AI foundation models designed specifically for RTX PCs, featuring Nvidia NIM microservices and AI Blueprints. These tools enable developers to craft incredibly realistic digital humans, podcasts, images, and videos, pushing the boundaries of AI-generated content.
Furthermore, Nvidia announced Project DIGITS, which brings the power of Nvidia Grace Blackwell to developer desktops in a compact package. This innovation is set to accelerate AI development and research.
Nvidia also revealed a partnership with Toyota to develop safe next-generation vehicles. The collaboration will utilise the Nvidia DRIVE AGX in-vehicle computer, running on Nvidia DriveOS, to create a new era of autonomous and connected vehicles.
SW Yong, president and head of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics.
Samsung Vision AI
Samsung Electronics unveiled its Samsung Vision AI, delivering personal AI-powered screens.
Samsung also unveiled its flagship Neo QLED 8K QN990F TV and exciting updates to its Lifestyle TVs and future display technologies.
Asus unveiled the latest AI-enabled Vivobook and Zenbook Copilot+ PCs.
Asus announced an expansion of its innovative Copilot+ PC lineup bringing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to users in every segment.
“Through this introduction of new models and expansion of existing product lines, ASUS is asserting its commitment to pioneering AI-enabled computing without limits. With powerful performance, extended battery life, premium designs and a customizable Copilot key, the latest ASUS Vivobook and Zenbook Copilot+ PCs deliver enviable speed and power, allowing users to experience AI-enabled productivity and creativity like never before — unleashing cutting-edge AI tools that simplify tasks, boost productivity and enhance security,” said Asus in a statement.
Lenovo announced the latest additions to its Lenovo Legion ecosystem of gaming devices, accessories, and software.
Lenovo has taken the world of PC gaming by storm with its latest lineup of devices, software, and accessories designed for gamers of all levels. The new lineup includes:
Gaming handhelds
Lenovo Legion Go S: An 8-inch gaming handheld powered by SteamOS, featuring VRR support, TrueStrike controllers, and hall-effect joysticks.
Lenovo Legion Go: A prototype handheld device with a native landscape OLED display, increased RAM, and a larger battery.
Redesigned Legion Laptops
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i, Pro 5i, and Pro 5: Laptops with aggressive design language, enhanced performance, and new Lenovo PureSight OLED display options.
Unified gaming software
Legion Space: A redesigned gaming software solution that unifies device settings, syncs with ecosystem devices, and provides access to a game library with AI-powered features.
Gaming monitor and accessories
Lenovo Legion Pro 34WD-10 monitor: A PureSight OLED display with gaming-specific features.
New additions to Legion and LOQ laptops and desktops, Legion Tab, and Legion accessories.
TCL Electronics showcases display innovations and breakthroughs across smart devices.
TCL Electronics showcases display tech
TCL Electronics showcased a diverse range of display technologies, including QD-Mini LED TVs, professional monitors, smart projectors, and RayNeo AR Glasses.
Additionally, TCL also unveiled its latest AI advancements in new product categories and a comprehensive smart home ecosystem.
Dell Technologies leads AI PC movement with new, redesigned PC portfolio.
Dell’s AI-powered PCs
Dell Technologies launched its redesigned PC portfolio, spearheading the movement towards AI-powered computing.
The new lineup is engineered to harness the power of artificial intelligence, delivering enhanced performance, productivity, and user experiences. With the three PC categories in this portfolio, Dell Technologies aims to cement its position as a leader in the AI-PC market:
Dell: Designed for play, school and work.
Dell Pro: Designed for professional-grade productivity.
Outgoing US President Joe Biden is under fire over the move to restrict AI chip exports to most countries around the world
The US government on Monday announced it would further restrict artificial intelligence chip and technology exports, divvying up the world to keep advanced computing power in the US and among its allies while finding more ways to block China’s access.
The new regulations will cap the number of AI chips that can be exported to most countries and allow unlimited access to US AI technology for America’s closest allies while also maintaining a block on exports to China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
The lengthy new rules unveiled in the final days of outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration go beyond China and are aimed at helping the US keep its dominant status in AI by controlling it around the world.
“The US leads AI now—both AI development and AI chip design, and it’s critical that we keep it that way,” US commerce secretary Gina Raimondo said.
The regulations cap a four-year Biden administration effort to hobble China’s access to advanced chips that can enhance its military capabilities and seek to maintain US leadership in AI by closing loopholes and adding new guardrails to control the flow of chips and global development of AI.
While it is unclear how President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration will enforce the new rules, the two administrations share similar views on the competitive threat from China. The regulation is set to take effect 120 days from publication, giving the Trump administration time to weigh in.
New limits will be placed on advanced graphics processing units (GPUs), which are used to power data centres needed to train AI models. Most are made by Nvidia, while AMD also sells AI chips.
Major cloud service providers such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon will be able to seek global authorisations to build data centres, a powerful part of the new rules that will exempt their projects from the country quotas on AI chips.
Stringent conditions
To obtain a stamp of approval, authorised companies must abide by stringent conditions and restrictions, including security requirements, reporting demands, and a plan or track record of respecting human rights.
Until now, the Biden administration had imposed sweeping restrictions on China’s access to advanced chips and the equipment to produce them, updating the controls annually to tighten restrictions and capture countries at risk of diverting the technology to China.
Because the rules alter the landscape for AI chips and data centres around the world, powerful industry voices criticised the plan even before it was published.
Nvidia on Monday called the rule “sweeping overreach” and said the White House would be clamping down on “technology that is already available in mainstream gaming PCs and consumer hardware.” Software giant Oracle argued earlier this month the rules would hand “most of the global AI and GPU market to our Chinese competitors.”.
The rules impose worldwide licensing requirements on certain chips, with exceptions, and also set controls for what are known as “model weights” of the most advanced “closed-weight” AI models. Model weights help determine decision-making in machine learning and are generally the most valuable elements of an AI model.
Nvidia has slammed the new rules
The regulation divides the world into three tiers. About 18 countries, including Japan, Britain, South Korea, and the Netherlands, will essentially be exempt from the rules. Some 120 other countries, including South Africa, Singapore, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, will face country caps. And arms-embargoed countries like Russia, China, and Iran will be barred from receiving the technology altogether.
In addition, US-headquartered providers likely to receive global authorizations, such as AWS and Microsoft, will be allowed to deploy only 50% of their total AI computing power outside the US, no more than 25% outside of the tier-1 countries, and no more than 7% in a single non-tier-1 country.
AI has the potential to increase access to healthcare, education, and food, among other benefits, but it also can help develop biological and other weapons, support cyberattacks, and assist with surveillance and other human rights abuses.
“The US has to be prepared for rapid increases in AI’s capability in the coming years, which could have a transformative impact on the economy and on our national security,” US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said.
How the restrictions will work
Which chips are restricted?
The rule restricts the export of GPUs. Although known for their role in gaming, the ability of GPUs to process different pieces of data simultaneously has made them valuable for training and running AI models. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, for example, is trained and improved on tens of thousands of GPUs. The number of GPUs needed for an AI model depends on how advanced the GPU is, how much data is being used to train the model, the size of the model itself, and the time the developer wants to spend training it.
What is the US doing?
To control global access to AI, the US is expanding restrictions on advanced GPUs needed to build the clusters used to train advanced AI models. The limits on GPUs for most countries in the new rule are set by compute power to account for differences in individual chips.
Total processing performance (TPP) is a metric used to measure the computational power of a chip. Under the regulation, countries with caps on compute power are restricted to a total of 790 million TPP through to 2027. The cap translates into the equivalent of nearly 50,000 H100 Nvidia GPUs, according to Divyansh Kaushik, an AI expert at Beacon Global Strategies, a Washington-based advisory firm.
“Fifty thousand H100s is an enormous amount of power—enough to fuel cutting-edge research, run entire AI companies, or support the most demanding AI applications on the planet,” he said. Those could include running a global-scale chatbot service or managing advanced real-time systems like fraud detection or personalised recommendations for massive companies such as Amazon or Netflix, Kaushik added.
The Nvidia H100 family of data centre products. Image: Nvidia
But the caps do not reflect the true limit on the number of H100 chips in a country. Companies such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft that meet the requirements for special authorisations —also known as “Universal Verified End User” status—are exempt from the caps.
National authorizations are also are available to companies headquartered in any destination that is not a “country of concern”. Those with national Verified End User status have caps of roughly 320 000 advanced GPUs over the next two years. “The country caps are specifically designed to encourage companies to secure Verified End User status,” Kaushik said, providing greater visibility to US authorities about who is using them and helping to prevent GPUs from being smuggled into China.
Are there other exceptions to the licensing?
Yes. If a buyer orders small quantities of GPUs—the equivalent of up to some 1 700 H100 chips—they will not count toward the caps and only require government notification, not a license. Most chip orders fall below the limit, especially those placed by universities, medical institutions, and research organisations, the US said. This exception is designed to accelerate low-risk shipments of US chips globally. There also are exceptions for GPUs for gaming.
Which places can get unlimited AI chips?
Eighteen destinations are exempt from country caps on advanced GPUs, according to a senior administration official. They are Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Taiwan, plus the US.
What is being done with ‘model weights’?
Another item being controlled by the US is known as “model weights.” AI models are trained to produce meaningful material by being fed large quantities of data. At the same time, algorithms evaluate the outputs to improve the model’s performance. The algorithms adjust numerical parameters that weigh the results of certain operations more than others to better complete tasks. Those parameters are model weights. The rule sets security standards to protect the weights of advanced “closed-weight”, or non-public, models. Overall, Kaushik said, the restrictions are aimed at ensuring the most advanced AI is developed and deployed in trusted and secure environments. — Karen Freifeld, (c) 2025 Reuters
If you’re in the market for a highly portable tablet, Apple’s smallest tablet has fallen to its lowest price to date at multiple retailers. Right now, the latest iPad Mini is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy with Wi-Fi and 128GB of storage starting at $399 ($100 off). If you need more storage, you can also buy the step-up model with 256GB of storage for $499 ($100 off) or the 512GB variant for $699 ($100 off).
With its 8.3-inch screen and lightweight design, the latest iPad Mini is closer in size to the iPhone than any other tablet in Apple’s lineup. As a result, it’s easier to carry on the go and hold with one hand, making it an excellent option if you read a lot on your tablet. Its small size doesn’t come at the expense of performance, though. In fact, the onboard A17 Pro chip is snappier than the A14 Bionic chip found in the entry-level iPad, even if it’s not as speedy as the processors in the M4-powered iPad Pro or M2-powered Air.
Unlike the base iPad, the seventh-gen Mini supports Apple Intelligence, so you can take advantage of a host of AI-based features — such as AI-assisted summaries, Genmoji, ChatGPT, and the ability to erase unwanted objects in photos. It also supports the newer Apple Pencil Pro, along with Wi-Fi 6E and faster USB-C performance. They’re pretty iterative updates overall; however, they’re also a lot more appealing at $399 than they are at the tablet’s typical retail price of $499.
Basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube has vowed there will be dire consequences for those guilty of leaking the 2024 matric results to third parties.
This, after local online education company Edumarks has been under fire for allegedly selling 2024 matric results to learners for R100 online, a few days before the department officially announces the official results.
During a media briefing held this morning to recognise the top-performing matriculants, Gwarube said the State Security Agency of SA and the Hawks are investigating a possible data leak.
She assured the public that the incident, which was discovered two days ago, has not compromised the integrity of the results, which are due to be announced tonight.
“It became clear to us about 48 hours ago that there is a potential breach in our information. Because there are multiple steps in putting together the matric results, the breach seems to have happened only at the tail end of the results processing, so these are results that have already been finalised.
“Just to be clear to everybody about what we are talking about, the results themselves may have been leaked. I’m not able to say definitively if, in fact, these results have been leaked, but we have utilised the services of the Hawks and the State Security Agency, and we are grateful to them for being able to step in and assist us in terms of [conducting] a speedy investigation.”
According to Gwarube, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is aware of the website that has been “selling matric results and preying on innocent learners.”.
The Edumarks site, which was running this morning, is currently unavailable. A Whois search of the site shows no ownership or contact information for the domain, only that Afrihost is the registrar for it. The search also shows the domain status as ‘serverHold.’.
The minister pointed out that if there is indeed a breach of the DBE system, there are two processes the department will follow.
“We need to determine as the DBE if our systems are secure and airtight enough. There is a possibility that the breach may have come from stakeholders—once we’ve compiled the matric results, we have to share them with certain stakeholders.
“If the breach has come from the DBE side, we will be launching an investigation, and consequence management will follow. It is absolutely critical that this process is as airtight as possible.”
The Information Regulator recently suffered a blow in its bid to interdict the DBE from publishing matric results in the media when its urgent application was thrown out of court.
Attempts by ITWeb to contact the Edumarks offices were unfruitful, as there was no answer to the company’s landline.
TechCentral regularly publishes a list of all the electric cars available for sale in South Africa, along with prices, performance figures and more.
Since they first published the list in 2022, it has seen huge changes, including a rapid expansion in the number of electric vehicles available for purchase along with – unfortunately – a series of price increases.
Again, several manufacturers have also increased the prices of their EVs leading into 2025, while some underperforming models are no longer sold in the country.
Taking the top spot as the cheapest EV in South Africa in TechCentral’s list for the first half of 2025 is a new kid on the block, the Dayun Yuehu. It’s really a city commuter rather than being suited for long-distance road trips, but it is officially the cheapest electric car you can buy today – although that might soon change with the imminent launch of the BYD Dolphin Mini.
Another Chinese brand entering the market in 2025 is Dongfeng, whose Dongfeng Box (the naming could be better, let’s be honest) is also set to be one of the cheapest EVs available to South African consumers when it goes on sale. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, though it’s possible it could launch at a sub-R500 000 price point.
Many Audi EVs have been removed from the list since the last time TechCentral compiled it in mid-2024. With more affordable Chinese brands entering the market that are challenging Western brands not only at the entry level but also at the premium end of the market, it’s perhaps no surprise that some manufacturers are withdrawing certain models in what has become a highly cost-conscious market.
TechCentral’s list is of full battery-electric vehicles only and does not include mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids. — (c) 2025 NewsCentral Media
Dayun Yuehu
Dayun Yuehu
Price: R399 900 – R449 900
Power: 105kW
Time to 100km/h: 8s
Top speed: 100km/h
Range: Up to 300km (claimed)
Billed as a “zippy” SUV for city environments, the Dayun Yuehu S5 has launched in South Africa, with the newcomer, which is priced from below R400 000, aiming to “redefine” the local EV segment.
BYD Dolphin
Price: R539 900 – R599 900
Power: 150kW
Time to 100km/h: 7s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 427km (claimed)
The BYD Dolphin, backed by BYD’s advance blade battery technology and advanced safety features, boasts smart connectivity, voice control and driving assistance for an enhanced electrified driving experience. At the price, this is likely to prove a hot seller.
GWM Ora 300/400
Price: R686 950 – R835 950
Power: 126kW
Time to 100km/h: 8.4s
Top speed: 150km/h
Range: Up to 310km (claimed)
The Ora 03, also named Good Cat or Funky Cat in various markets, is an electric hatchback designed by former Porsche designer Emanuel Derta. Its aesthetic evokes memories of the boutique hatchbacks that were abundant in South Africa a decade ago, including the R56 Mini Cooper and Citroen DS3. The local line-up comprises four distinct models.
BYD Atto 3
Price: R768 000 – R 835 000
Power: 150kW
Time to 100km/h: 7.3s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 423km (claimed)
Introducing a lesser-known Chinese electric vehicle from BYD that may not be on your radar. The Atto 3, a compact-to-midsized electric crossover, is a notable addition to the line-up from a company that’s often described as the Chinese Tesla.
Volvo EX30
Price: R791 900 – R 1.055-million
Power: 200kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.6s
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 480km (claimed)
Introducing a new era for Volvo and a departure from its traditional designs. While Volvo labels it a crossover, in essence it embodies the characteristics of a nimble and elevated hatch, breaking away from the larger cars the now Chinese-owned company has been known for over the decades.
BYD Seal
BYD Seal
Price: R999 900 – R1.199-million
Power: 390kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range:Up to 520km (claimed)
The BYD Seal is a battery electric midsized fastback sedan and the second car in the company’s “Ocean Series” after the smaller BYD Dolphin hatchback. The Seal is built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 and an 800V electrical platform and costs a fraction of similarly specced German-made sedans.
Maxus T90
Price: R1.1-million
Power: 150kW
Time to 100km/h: 7.4s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 330km (claimed)
The Maxus T90 EV is an electric bakkie that was launched in 2022, making it one of the first such vehicles available in the local market. It should be a popular choice for businesses and individuals.
Volvo XC40 P6 Recharge Plus
Price: R1.108-million
Power: 170kW
Time to 100km/h: 7.4s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 423km (claimed)
If you decide to go the EV route, the P6 Recharge model offers a more practical solution than BMW’s Mini: a vehicle that can travel much further, while maintaining good performance and a wealth of technological and comfort features.
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 Progressive
Price: R1.179-million
Power: 140kW
Time to 100km/h: 8.6s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 486km (claimed)
BMW iX1 xDrive30 xLine
Price: R1.205-million
Power: 230kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.6s
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 400km (claimed)
The BMW iX1 represents the electric iteration of the highly sought-after X1 SUV from the renowned German brand. Based on the latest X1 platform, this compact family SUV shares design cues with the larger BMW iX flagship model. The iX1 offers similar appeal to owning the latest smartphone, one that is slightly less advanced than the top-tier version.
Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 AMG Line
Price: R1.232-million
Power: 140kW
Time to 100km/h: 8.6s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 486km (claimed)
Billed by Mercedes-Benz as its new entry-level electric model, the Stuttgart-based firm describes the EQA as a “close relation of the GLA”, saying it shares that model’s “robust structure”.
BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport
BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport
Price: R1.245-million
Power: 230kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.6s
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 400km (claimed)
Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge Twin AWD
Price: R1.26-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.8s
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 400km (claimed)
The P8 Recharge brings all-wheel drive to XC40 electric range. It’s also much more powerful, producing 300kW at peak.
BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport
Price: R1.346-million
Power: 210kW
Time to 100km/h: 6s
Top speed: 190km/h
Range: Up to 420km (claimed)
The BMW i4 can be likened to a futuristic 4 Series. While sharing a strikingly similar silhouette, this all-electric vehicle boasts a slightly more daring design and a noticeably enhanced interior. The i4 showcases a bolder aesthetic, coupled with advanced electric power, offering a glimpse into the automotive technology of the future.
Volvo C40 Recharge Twin AWD Ultimate
Price: R1.295-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.7s
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 400km (claimed)
The Volvo C40 Recharge takes inspiration from the successful XC40 premium compact crossover but adds a sportier appearance. Similar to the Audi Q3 and its stylish counterpart, the Q3 Sportback, the C40 has a sloping roofline and tailgate instead of the conventional boxy design at the rear. However, the sleek silhouette is more than just an aesthetic choice. Volvo asserts that the optimised aerodynamics of the vehicle contribute to an extended range for its electric model.
BMW iX3 M Sport
Price: R1.361-million
Power: 210kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.7s
Top speed: 180km/h
Range: Up to 460km (claimed)
The iX3 M Sport is the all-electric version of BMW’s popular executive SUV, the X3. It claims to retain the best qualities of the X3 in combination with an advanced battery-electric powertrain. Models sold in South Africa are manufactured in China.
Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic Progressive
Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic Progressive
Price: R1.384-million
Power: 215kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 485km (claimed)
Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic AMG Line
Price: R1.437-million
Power: 215kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2s
Top speed: 160km/h
Range: Up to 485km (claimed)
Built in Hungary, the EQB measures 4.68m (length) x 1.83m (width) x 1.67m (height), giving it the same lengthy wheelbase as the petrol-and diesel-powered GLB models. Like the GLB, the electric version ships with five seats as standard but is optionally available as a seven-seater.
BMW i4 M50
Price: R1.696-million
Power: 400kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8s
Top speed: 225km/h
Range: Up to 620km (claimed)
The German automaker’s attempt to meld its performance attributes with the emerging electric era has resulted in the creation of the BMW i4 M50. It’s the first “battery-electric M car” from BMW, making it a significant design. It’s not cheap, though.
BMW iX xDrive40
Price: R1.735-million
Power: 240kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.1s
Top speed: 200km/h
Range: Up to 500km (claimed)
The BMW iX xDrive40 is the more affordable of the two electric iX vehicles (the iX xDrive50 is featured later in this list). The main distinctions between them are the lithium-ion battery’s capacity and the electric motors’ output: the 385kW iX50 has a larger battery pack and a significantly longer claimed range.
Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+
Price: R1.866-million
Power: 245kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2s
Top speed: 210km/h
Range: Up to 500km (claimed)
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan is an all-electric car that can be seen as a smaller yet unique version of the EQS. These models are essentially electric counterparts to the conventional E-class and S-class models of the brand. The EQE boasts of sleek bodywork and a roomy cabin that shares design elements with the larger EQS, and it also comes equipped with impressive features such as the Hyperscreen – a screen that spans the entire width of the dashboard.
BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport
Price: R1.842-million
Power: 250kW
Time to 100km/h: 6s
Top speed: 193km/h
Range: Up to 575km (claimed)
The new i5 is the all-electric version of the latest BMW 5 Series.
BMW i5 M60
Price: R2.190-million
Power: 455kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8s
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 620km (claimed)
The top-of-the-line variant of the iX offers incredible performance for an SUV, pushing the boundaries of what is expected. It successfully combines handling and refinement in a way that surpasses other electric competitors. However, compared to the iX xDrive40 M Sport, this sporty M60 version sacrifices some comfort and efficiency – and comes at a higher price. The enhanced sharpness it provides isn’t substantial enough to warrant these compromises.
Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE 43 4Matic
Price: R2.271-million
Power: 484kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8s
Top speed: 220km/h
Range: Up to 600km (claimed)
The Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 4Matic offers the AMG driving experience with advanced technology. The electric motors are tuned and controlled specifically for AMG, and work together with the fully variable all-wheel drive and AMG Ride Control+ chassis to deliver a smart and dynamic driving experience.
BMW iX xDrive50
Price: R2.350-million
Power: 385kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.6s
Top speed: 200km/h
Range: Up to 630km (claimed)
The pricier of the two iX models available in South Africa provides more power and is quicker off the line.
Jaguar I-Pace EV400
Jaguar I-Pace EV400 AWD R-Dynamic HSE
Price: R2.465-million
Power: 294kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 200km/h
Range: Up to 446km (claimed)
The Jaguar I-Pace, which was introduced in South Africa at the end of 2018, has served as something of a trailblazer for battery-electric vehicles in the country. There aren’t any significant visual changes (aside from the slightly modified grille), but the EV’s infotainment system has been updated, it charges more quickly, and new driver assistance technologies have been added – all small but important adjustments to keep the Jaguar on the cutting edge.
Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+
Price: R2.827-million
Power: 245kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2s
Top speed: 210km/h
Range: Up to 782km (claimed)
The EQS is not an electrified S-Class, but rather an S-Class-sized luxury saloon riding on a new platform big enough to contain a massive 107.8kWh battery in its enormous wheelbase. It’s a 5m-long riposte to all the EV newcomers. Mercedes is here for the new era, and it’s thrown everything it has at this flagship.
Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ AMG Line
Price: R2.967-million
Power: 245kW
Time to 100km/h: 6.2s
Top speed: 210km/h
Range: Up to 586km (claimed)
The EQS 450+ sedan in AMG cladding.
Porsche Taycan
Price: R2.868-million
Power: 300kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.4s
Top speed: 230km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)
The Porsche Taycan is an attractive electric vehicle. It’s a GT with the heart of a sports car and can thrill you in spades on the right road. What’s more, it’s a genuine Porsche that just so happens to be electric.
BMW iX M60
Price: R2.975-million
Power: 455kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8s
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 564km (claimed)
The BMW iX M60 is a flagship variant of the iX SUV that itself is designed to represent the pinnacle of BMW’s electric car development. Its carbon fibre-reinforced chassis is bespoke, its design both eccentric and finely wrought, with this M60 form adding more powerful electric motors to the recipe.
Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo
Price: R3.201-million
Power: 350kW
Time to 100km/h: 5.1s
Top speed: 220km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)
Porsche Taycan 4S
Price: R3.223-million
Power: 390kW
Time to 100km/h: 4s
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)
Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo
Price: R3.370-million
Power: 420kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.1s
Top speed: 240km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)
The Cross Turismo and base Taycan are nearly mechanically identical. With the same motors and power outputs across the same four models, the same 93.4kWh battery is mounted underneath (for the 4, 4S, Turbo and Turbo S, see later in this list). The suspension is also shared (double wishbone front, multilink rear) with adaptive air springs and four-wheel steering. New wheel mounts, strut supports and a modified self-levelling system are the only significant modifications.
BMW i7 xDrive60
Price: R2.935-million
Power: 400kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.7s
Top speed: 240km/h
Range: Up to 625km (claimed)
BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport
Price: R3.01-million
Power: 400kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.7s
Top speed: 240km/h
Range: Up to 625km (claimed)
The electric version of BMW’s 7 Series is built on the same underpinnings as the internal combustion engine versions of the vehicle. This is in contrast to Mercedes-Benz, which developed a unique all-electric limo in the EQS.
Audi RS e-tron GT quattro
Audi RS e-tron GT quattro
Price: R3.527-million
Power: 440kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.3s
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 472km (claimed)
This is the first electric Audi to sport the RS badge. Both have a motor at either end for four-wheel drive and the same two-speed gearbox as the Porsche Taycan on the rear axle to maximise acceleration off the line and elevate efficiency at higher speeds.
Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS 53 4Matic+
Price: R3.424-million
Power: 484kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.8s
Top speed: 220km/h
Range: Up to 586km (claimed)
For many years, the S-Class has been setting new standards for luxury, technology and safety. It was only a matter of time with the Mercedes EQ line-up before we saw the S-Class of EVs, and the first electric vehicle from Mercedes to sport the coveted AMG emblem, most likely because “AMG” was long associated with roaring V8s.
Porsche Taycan Turbo
Price: R4.334-million
Power: 500kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.2s
Top speed: 260km/h
Range: Up to 507km (claimed)
Porsche Taycan turbo Cross Turismo
Price: R4.369-million
Power: 500kW
Time to 100km/h: 3.3s
Top speed: 250km/h
Range: Up to 485km (claimed)
Porsche Taycan turbo S
Price: R5.228-million
Power: 560kW
Time to 100km/h: 2.8s
Top speed: 260km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)
Not everything the Taycan Turbo S offers is pure speed. Once you sit in the driver’s seat, it’s obvious you’re in a Porsche first and an electric car second. This is a purpose-built driving machine that just so happens to be driven by electricity, not a science fair experiment that happens to move absurdly fast.
Lotus Eletre R
Price: R4.5-million (indicative)
Power: 675kW
Time to 100km/h: 3s
Top speed: 265km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)
Lotus Eletre S
Price: POA
Power: 450kW
Time to 100km/h: 4.5s
Top speed: 260km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)
The new Lotus Eletre, a 2.7t electric SUV packed with advanced technology and luxury. It’s a stark contrast to the traditional Lotus image, known for lightweight, minimalist sports cars like the Elise. This radical shift marks the biggest transformation in the brand’s history.
Porsche Taycan turbo GT
Price: R5.882-million
Power: 430kW
Time to 100km/h: 2.3s
Top speed: 260km/h
Range: Up to 484km (claimed)
The new flagship Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (also available with the Weissach Package) is the most powerful series-production Porsche ever.
Rolls-Royce Spectre
Rolls-Royce Spectre
Price: POA (estimated at between R10-million and R15-million, or more with options)
The Competition Tribunal last October blocked Vodacom’s acquisition of Vumatel parent Maziv, but still hasn’t set out its reasons for doing so
The Competition Tribunal has hit back at suggestions that its administrative capacity is at fault for the exceptional amount of time it has taken to reach decisions regarding key deals in the technology sector.
The tribunal has been sharply criticised by industry players for the time it took to investigate Vodacom’s proposed acquisition of a co-controlling 30-40% stake in Maziv, the parent of fibre broadband operator Vumatel.
The tribunal is yet to furnish its reasons for blocking the deal—a move that came as a surprise to the merging parties—leaving the companies in limbo. They have filed notice to appeal the decision at the competition appeals court but aren’t able to build their case without the tribunal’s reasons document.
Blue Label Telecoms, meanwhile, has been waiting nine months for the tribunal to give its go-ahead—or not—of its plan to take control of mobile operator Cell C. The Competition Commission recommended last April that the transaction be approved. (Communications regulator Icasa last week gave its approval for the transfer of Cell C’s network and spectrum licences to Blue Label.)
The delays have cast the competence of South Africa’s competition authorities into doubt, according to a senior competition lawyer who declined to comment on the record owing to the need to work closely with both the commission and the tribunal.
Asked to comment on the criticism over the delays in making decisions in the Vumatel and Cell C cases, the Competition Tribunal has defended the time it has taken to conclude its investigations.
‘These processes take time’
“The tribunal is enjoined to conduct its hearings in accordance with the principles of natural justice, which means affording all the parties an opportunity to access the record, to request discovery of documents, and to file their papers, including factual witness statements and economic expert witness statements, before hearing the matter. These processes take time and are in the nature of legal proceedings,” the tribunal said in an e-mailed response to questions from TechCentral.
“It bears mention that in the year to date (April-December 2024), 99% of mergers filed with the tribunal were heard within the required time frames. In the financial period 2023/2024, the tribunal heard 94% of mergers within the stipulated time frames,” it said.
As an example, the tribunal said that in the Cell C case it had to schedule in intervention applications by MTN, Vodacom, Pepkor (a retail group), and CellSAf (a Cell C shareholder). The applications were heard by the tribunal in July and August 2024, with all but Vodacom’s application being granted. The tribunal said this takes time.
“For each matter, a timetable is set that makes provision for interested third parties who wish to intervene to do so; other interlocutory matters raised by parties and discovery processes; the filing of factual and expert witness statements; and hearing dates. Hearing dates depend, inter alia, on the availability of all parties and their legal representatives and economic experts,” it said.
Cell C’s head office in Johannesburg
This doesn’t help the merging parties, though, especially in a sector where changes happen quickly and time is of the essence when engaging in mergers and acquisitions.
The protracted delays in the delivery of an outcome in the Vodafone-Maziv deal resulted in uncertainty that led to a sharp decline in investment in new fibre infrastructure, with the merging parties uncertain as to where to deploy capital and the rest of the market taking a “wait and see” approach. The effect on foreign direct investment is even more significant.
Speaking to TechCentral during a Remgro results call in September, Remgro has a 57% stake in Maziv parent CIVH. CEO Jannie Durand warned that delays by the competition authorities have led to R3 billion to R4 billion not being invested in the ground. This could have gone into fibre deployment. Durand described the situation as “an opportunity cost not just to CIVH but also to the country.”.
The Competition Tribunal cited the complexity of the Vodacom-Maziv deal as one of the reasons the process took a long time and cited the same reason for the delay in furnishing its reasons for rejecting the deal.
But the competition lawyer TechCentral spoke to has challenged this perspective by pointing out that the bulk of the reasons document is compiled as the matter is being heard, with the reasons section of the document—a relatively small part of it—completed after the hearings have been concluded.
A December report in the Sunday Times suggested there are bigger issues troubling the competition regulators, pointing specifically to personal, political, and ideological rifts at the Competition Commission.
Employees have accused commissioner Doris Tshepe of poor management, extravagance, and pushing for decisions like the Vodacom-Maziv one that harm economic growth. But the tribunal insists it is the nature of the cases themselves that is causing the delays.
The OpenAI Startup Fund, the early-stage AI investor affiliated with OpenAI, recently disclosed in a financial filing that it has raised over $44 million for its fifth Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)—its biggest so far.
Launched in 2021, the Fund has an unusual structure. It uses OpenAI’s name but says OpenAI is not an investor. Originally legally controlled by OpenAI cofounder and CEO Sam Altman, it has raised money from outside LPs, including Microsoft, a big OpenAI backer, and “other OpenAI partners,” according to its website. Altman gave up legal control to general partner Ian Hathaway earlier this year.
VCs typically use SPVs to pool money from investors and invest outside their main fund. However, the Fund is staying quiet about exactly what these funds are for.
A spokesman from OpenAI told TechCrunch that this SPV “will be used to support a variety of existing portfolio companies and to make new investments.”
“SPVs allow us to allocate capital to high-potential investments opportunistically.”
The Fund, founded in 2021, has been on a real SPV streak this year, disclosing five separate vehicles that now total $114.2m:
Despite the flurry of activity, its website is sparse, with its most recent news posted a year ago. The website discloses only a few of its investments, like legal AI startup Harvey and AI note-taking app Mem.
However, the fund is more active than its website indicates. Notable investments this year include Thrive Health, an AI health venture between Sam Altman and Ariana Huffington, and warm outbound startup Unify.
The fund is also a seed investor in Anysphere, which is currently in the middle of a VC bidding war thanks to its AI code assistant, Cursor.
These SPVs are all on top of the Fund’s original capital of $175.25m, which was raised back in October 2021.
South Africans love their soapies. Data collated from the Broadcast Research Council’s (BRC’s) primetime viewership statistics show that soap operas dominated primetime viewership across the SABC channels, e.tv and DStv in 2024, with news and major sports events close behind.
TechCentral analysed BRC data for the most-watched shows between January and November 2024 to spot trends in viewer preferences – the data is visually summarised in the chart below. The data looks at television audience numbers and not any streaming audience data.
Despite changes in technology driving shifts in audience behaviour towards streaming, linear television remains popular among South African audiences and primetime viewership – from 5.30pm to 10pm on weekdays – continues to draw significant audiences and advertising.
“TV, given its reach and popularity, retains its position as a strong advertising platform in South Africa, and spend continues to be highest between 6pm and 9pm,” said a separate report by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).
SABC 1 soapie Uzalo was consistently the most watched TV show in South Africa in 2024, coming first in every month between January and November. Produced by Stained Glass TV, Uzalo airs weekdays at 8.30pm. The show’s most-viewed episode for 2024 aired on 27 March when 5.7-million South Africans tuned in. No other show across all TV channels managed to breach the five million viewers milestone, although e.tv’s House of Zwide proved to be a strong competitor.
House of Zwide, a drama, is centred on the ambitions of its key characters as they manoeuvre the highly competitive fashion industry. Co-produced for e.tv by The Bomb Shelter and Videovision Entertainment, the show’s most-viewed episode in 2024 aired on 11 April, garnering 4.8 million viewers in its broadcast slot between 7pm and 7.30pm.
Skeem Saam
Also worthy of mention is SABC 1’s Skeem Saam, which regularly draws in more than three million viewers between 7.30pm and 8pm on weekdays.
Unlike SABC 1 and e.tv, whose most-watched shows were soapies, SABC 2’s Muvhango shared the spotlight with a variety of sports broadcasts throughout the year, showing that South African audiences really love sport. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifiers between South Africa and Congo-Brazzaville, which aired on 11 October, drew 1.8 million viewers, the most for SABC 2 in 2024.
But soccer was not the only sporting drawcard for the channel. The broadcast of the Rugby Championship match between South Africa and New Zealand on 31 August drew in just under 1.4 million viewers for SABC 2, while the Fifa World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Zimbabwe in June had more than 1.5 million viewers glued to their screens.
Sporting events were also a key highlight in SABC 3’s viewership statistics, topping the most-watched list for the channel in six of the 11 months. SABC 3 audiences were drawn to various soccer tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations, the CAF Champions League and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Variety shows also were also a favourite among SABC 3 audiences, with The Masked Singer South Africa, the Miss South Africa Pageant and America’s Got Talent topping the list in certain months.
Source: Broadcast Research Council of South Africa
DStv’s most popular show for the year was Sibongile and the Dlaminis, a telenovela about a domestic worker Sibongile and the family she works for. In September, Sibongile and the Dlaminis peaked its viewership statistics for 2024 when 1.5 million viewers tuned into the programme.
News programmes proved to a be a strong drawcard for South Africa’s TV channels. Interesting to note is that the Zulu and Xhosa news on SABC 1 on average drew in around 2.5 million viewers each per episode in 2024, higher some of the most-viewed programmes on SABC 2, SABC 3 and DStv. Combined, these statistics are also higher than the most-viewed show on e.tv. The Afrikaans Nuus programme was the most-watched programme on SABC 3 for the month of July with 524 486 viewers.
According to the NAB, audiences migrating towards streaming platforms show less elasticity when it comes to news content, since the proliferation of fake news on the web leads to traditional broadcasting services remaining the most trusted sources for news among South African audiences.
Minister Solly Malatsi launched a STEM lab at the University of Limpopo.
Communications minister Solly Malatsi has unveiled a new science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) lab at the University of Limpopo.
The facility—made possible through strategic partnerships with NEMISA, STEMpower, DHL, and other key stakeholders—aims to empower students and the surrounding community with digital and STEM-related skills, according to a ministry statement.
Speaking at the launch event at the weekend, Malatsi emphasised the lab’s transformative potential. “This STEM lab represents hope, progress, and opportunity. For the youth in Mamotintane, Ga-Motholo, Mankweng, and surrounding communities, it is a gateway to skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, and data analytics.
“For educators, it is a chance to inspire the next generation of innovators. And for the unemployed, it is an opportunity to gain meaningful skills for employment or entrepreneurship.”
According to the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, the lab is part of its broader initiative to expand access to affordable internet and devices, foster skills development, promote the use of technology, and position South Africa as a leading ICT investment destination.
As a result, the launch in Limpopo is one of several, with similar labs established at Walter Sisulu University, King Hintsa TVET College, Ehlanzeni TVET College, and the Central University of Technology.
“This lab is not just a resource for the university but for the entire community. It is proof of what we can achieve when government, academia, and industry work together to create sustainable, scalable solutions for digital inclusion,” says Malatsi.
The minister called on all stakeholders to intensify their efforts in creating opportunities for underserved communities through innovative education and skills development.
“Let us harness the power of STEM education to build a South Africa where technology serves as a bridge to inclusion and opportunity, ensuring no one is left behind.”
South Africans love their soapies. Data collated from the Broadcast Research Council’s (BRC’s) primetime viewership statistics show that soap operas dominated primetime viewership across the SABC channels, e.tv and DStv in 2024, with news and major sports events close behind.
