Digital Street

22/07/2024

Can you believe it? It’s been a whopping 12 years since we became a thing on the web. We started out as a small blog with a big dream… And over the past dozen years, thanks to you, our amazing subscribers, that dream has become a reality.

We wouldn’t be here without each and every one of you. You’ve shared your tech woes and triumphs with us, you’ve clicked through our countless reviews, and you’ve kept the conversation going in the comments. You’re the reason we do what we do, and we’re incredibly grateful for your constant support.

Looking back, it’s been an incredible journey. We’ve seen the rise of smartphones, the explosion of social media, and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. We’ve covered it all, from in-depth gadget reviews to insightful discussions about the future of technology.

But more than just the gadgets and trends, it’s the people that make Digital Street special. We’ve built a community of passionate tech enthusiasts who are always eager to learn and share. That’s what truly excites us, and we can’t wait to see what the next 12 years hold.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking forward to the future. We’ve got some exciting things planned and we can’t wait to share them with you. We’re committed to bringing you the latest tech news, reviews, and insights, all with a uniquely South African flavour.

So here’s to 12 years of digital adventures, and to many more to come! We wouldn’t be here without you, and we appreciate your being part of the Digital Street SA family!

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18/07/2024

Submitted your SARS tax return this week and eagerly awaiting your well-deserved rebate? Don't worry if it hasn't arrived just yet. There are a few reasons why there might be a delay, and some steps you can take to check the status.

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Submitted your SARS tax return this week and eagerly awaiting your well-deserved rebate? Don't worry if it hasn't arrived just yet. There are a few reasons why there might be a delay, and some steps you can take to check the status.

12/07/2024

South African mobile network operators (MNOs) have traditionally offered contracts lasting 24 or 36 months. But recently, there's been a trend towards even longer contracts, stretching up to 48 months. This shift raises questions for consumers: are 4-year contracts a good deal, and what are the alternatives?

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South African mobile network operators (MNOs) have traditionally offered contracts lasting 24 or 36 months. But recently, there's been a trend towards even longer contracts, stretching up to 48 months. This shift raises questions for consumers: are 4-year contracts a good deal, and what are the alte...

10/07/2024

South African gamers, buckle up! Microsoft just announced changes to Xbox Game Pass in our region. Here's the rundown...

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South African gamers, buckle up! Microsoft just announced changes to Xbox Game Pass in our region. Here's the rundown...

10/07/2024

The 2024 FNB Retirement Insights Survey, released today, offers a glimpse into the current state and evolving dynamics of pre- and post-retirement planning in South Africa. In its second year, the in-depth research reveals persistent challenges around retirement in South Africa and highlights emerging opportunities that could significantly shape the future of retirement preparedness in the country.

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The 2024 FNB Retirement Insights Survey, released today, offers a glimpse into the current state and evolving dynamics of pre- and post-retirement planning in South Africa. In its second year, the in-depth research reveals persistent challenges around retirement in South Africa and highlights emergi...

10/07/2024

African streaming service Showmax announces pricing update for its unrivalled content effective 01 August 2024, to kick in six months after their relaunch in partnership with Comcast's NBCUniversal.

"As a lifelong football fanatic, I can't tell you how excited I am for the return of the greatest football league in the world. Pricing is something that all businesses have to review regularly, and we launched with attractive pricing on the new Showmax platform. We are thrilled that we've been able to keep Showmax Premier League and bundled Showmax plans unchanged, bringing all 380 Premier League matches to millions of football fans in Africa and continuing to focus on making streaming affordable and effortless," says Showmax CEO Marc Jury.

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Showmax Premier League plan to remain R69 for the new football season while Showmax Entertainment to revert to original R99 price point in August.

10/07/2024

Samsung Electronics South Africa has announced its all-new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, along with Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro at Galaxy Unpacked in Paris.

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Samsung Electronics South Africa has announced its all-new Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6, along with Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro at Galaxy Unpacked in Paris.

09/07/2024

As the 2024 tax season officially gets underway and provisional and non-provisional taxpayers prepare their paperwork filing, Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa, says it’s essential to be extra vigilant as cybercriminals set their sights on South African taxpayers for a quick payday.

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As the 2024 tax season officially gets underway and provisional and non-provisional taxpayers prepare their paperwork filing, Carey van Vlaanderen, CEO of ESET Southern Africa, says it’s essential to be extra vigilant as cybercriminals set their sights on South African taxpayers for a quick payday...

08/07/2024

As South Africa commemorates Savings Month this month, the country’s financial landscape presents a unique opportunity for retail investors to bolster their savings. Interest rates continue to hover at elevated levels and the predictions are that there will only be gradual decreases in the latter part of the year. This means that Savings Month is an opportune moment for South Africans to reassess and optimise their saving strategies.

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FNB

As South Africa commemorates Savings Month this month, the country’s financial landscape presents a unique opportunity for retail investors to bolster their savings. Interest rates continue to hover at elevated levels and the predictions are that there will only be gradual decreases in the latter ...

08/07/2024

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) auto-assessment season is upon us again! This year, they’re aiming to streamline the process for even more taxpayers. Here’s a breakdown of the latest news to help you navigate your auto-assessment…

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) auto-assessment season is upon us again! This year, they're aiming to streamline the process for even more taxpayers. Here's a breakdown of the latest news to help you navigate your auto-assessment...

08/07/2024

Despite record-high interest rates, Standard Bank has noted a resurgence in first-time homebuyer activity in South Africa, potentially driven by expectations of imminent interest rate cuts.

In May, nearly 50% of home loans registered by Standard Bank were taken by first-time buyers. This included all approved home loans where at least one applicant was purchasing their first home. The volume of applications from first-time buyers also increased in April and May following a notable decline in the last months of 2023 into 2024.

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Standard Bank - South Africa | Standard Bank Group

Despite record-high interest rates, Standard Bank has noted a resurgence in first-time homebuyer activity in South Africa, potentially driven by expectations of imminent interest rate cuts.

26/06/2024

Are you a gamer looking to enhance your gaming experience on Android? From voice chat to game management and even streaming games from your PC, there’s an app for every need. TCL South Africa has curated a list of essential Android apps designed to elevate your gaming experience and keep you connected with your community. Check it out here...

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Are you a gamer looking to enhance your gaming experience on Android? From voice chat to game management and even streaming games from your PC, there's an app for every need. TCL has curated a list of essential Android apps designed to elevate your gaming experience and keep you connected with your....

24/06/2024

We Think Code_, a software development academy, is making significant strides in fostering youth development through its comprehensive software development programme. Recent proprietary data highlights the academy's remarkable achievements in graduate placement rates and its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, addressing the country's critical needs for youth empowerment and skill development.

The placement of graduates and their achievements in the workplace are made possible through a strong ecosystem of partners. The collaboration and commitment of partners such as BBD, FNB, BCX, IQ Business, Momentum, Vodacom, Yoco, StructureIT, and GK Software are instrumental in ensuring students are workforce-ready and connected to employment opportunities upon graduation.

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WeThinkCode_, a software development academy, is making significant strides in fostering youth development through its comprehensive software development programme. Recent proprietary data highlights the academy's remarkable achievements in graduate placement rates and its unwavering commitment to i...

20/06/2024

Temu's been making a splash on social media with its crazy deals and massive product selection. If you think this e-commerce newcomer has staying power, then you might want to consider hitching your wagon to its parent company, PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD).

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Temu's been making a splash on social media with its crazy deals and massive product selection. If you think this e-commerce newcomer has staying power, then you might want to consider hitching your wagon to its parent company, PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD).

18/06/2024

Acer, a global leader in PC technology, is proud to announce the commencement of local monitor production in South Africa. This strategic initiative highlights Acer's unwavering commitment to job creation within the region and sets the stage for future initiatives aimed at empowering local communities.

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Acer Africa

Acer, a global leader in PC technology, is proud to announce the commencement of local monitor production in South Africa. This strategic initiative highlights Acer's unwavering commitment to job creation within the region and sets the stage for future initiatives aimed at empowering local communiti...

14/06/2024

A new documentary has been launched which chronicles the entrepreneurial journey of Jabu Malungane, founder of Jabu Atchar. The current unemployment rate in South Africa now sits at 32.9%, yet some analysts believe that this figure is, in fact, significantly lower than official figures suggest, given that this statistic does not accurately reflect what is happening in the robust and resilient informal sector.

Ramsay Daly, co-founder of iKhokha and Executive Producer of the Jabu Atchar film, believes bringing these stories to light will uplift the SME sector, a mission which iKhokha has pursued from day one.

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Documentary details how perseverance through many challenges and the fruits of hard labour yield success for Jabu Atchar founder, Jabu Malungane.

14/06/2024

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the launch of two AWS Certifications focused on artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and generative AI, as well as a collection of free and low-cost training to help people prepare for certification exams. With industry-recognized credentials, professionals looking to build careers in AI can be better positioned to compete for in-demand jobs in the booming cloud technology space.

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People with AI skills can boost their salaries by up to 47%, and AWS is launching a suite of new certifications and courses to help grow those skills.

14/06/2024

MTN South Africa announced that in celebration of the company's 30th anniversary, they are hosting a special edition of its long-standing, 21 Days of Y'ello Care initiative, tagged 30 Days of Y'ello Care, which involves staff from across the country– a milestone that will be commemorated by leveraging technology to bridge the education divide.

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MTN SA announced today that in celebration of the company's 30th anniversary, they are hosting a special edition of its long-standing, 21 Days of Y'ello Care initiative, tagged 30 Days of Y'ello Care, which involves staff from across the country– a milestone that will be commemorated by leveraging...

14/06/2024

As South Africa faces one of the highest youth unemployment rates globally, with 61% of those aged 15-24 and 40% of those aged 25-34 being particularly vulnerable, the need for tech-savvy matriculants who can run their own businesses has never been more critical. Speaking during Youth Month, Shaun Fuchs, CEO and founder of Centennial Schools, said that the education system must play a proactive role in developing work-ready young tech leaders and entrepreneurs.

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As South Africa faces one of the highest youth unemployment rates globally, with 61% of those aged 15-24 and 40% of those aged 25-34 being particularly vulnerable, the need for tech-savvy matriculants who can run their own businesses has never been more critical. Speaking during Youth Month, Shaun F...

09/06/2024

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced the opening dates for the 2024 tax filing season! Mark your calendars – it’s time to gather your receipts and get filing!

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The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has announced the opening dates for the 2024 tax filing season! Mark your calendars – it's time to gather your receipts and get filing!

09/06/2024

The MultiChoice Group, in collaboration with Irdeto and South African enforcement agencies, has won another major feat and made significant strides in the fight against internet streaming piracy.

The entertainment group with its law enforcement partners have arrested another suspect involved in the illegal sale of internet streaming pirate devices which allowed individuals to access MultiChoice content, violating several legal statutes.

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The MultiChoice Group, in collaboration with Irdeto and South African enforcement agencies, has won another major feat and made significant strides in the fight against internet streaming piracy.

05/06/2024

OPPO today unveiled its commitment to making AI phones accessible to everyone while pointing out the full-stack technological revolution and ecosystem restructuring of AI phones in the future. Further to this, OPPO also shared a glimpse of the smarter and more convenient life set to arrive via AI phones with industry partners from Google, MediaTek, and IDC.

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OPPO today unveiled its commitment to making AI phones accessible to everyone while pointing out the full-stack technological revolution and ecosystem restructuring of AI phones in the future. Further to this, OPPO also shared a glimpse of the smarter and more convenient life set to arrive via AI ph...

03/06/2024

Compelling pricing, easy-to-use products and practical value, are the hallmarks of FNB’s annual pricing review. By simplifying products, offering consistently transparent pricing and adding value with useful benefits that customers want and need, FNB is focusing on being a meaningful partner in the lives of its customers.

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Compelling pricing, easy-to-use products and practical value, are the hallmarks of FNB’s annual pricing review. By simplifying products, offering consistently transparent pricing and adding value with useful benefits that customers want and need, FNB is focusing on being a meaningful partner in th...

22/05/2024

KwaZulu-Natal will soon become the third South African province to benefit from a smart locker and counter delivery offering from ecommerce ecosystem Bob Group.

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KwaZulu-Natal will soon become the third South African province to benefit from a smart locker and counter delivery offering from ecommerce ecosystem Bob Group.

22/05/2024

As South Africa gears up to cast their votes and make their voices heard, technology company Uber has announced that riders will be offered a discounted fare for completed trips on election day. Uber says that this is to assist the public to cast their votes during the country's sixth General Election since 1994 on Wednesday 29 May 2024.

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As South Africa gears up to cast their votes and make their voices heard, technology company Uber has announced that riders will be offered a discounted fare for completed trips on election day. Uber says that this is to assist the public to cast their votes during the country's sixth General Electi...

22/05/2024

In South Africa today, businesses of all shapes and sizes are grappling with the challenges of high electricity costs and low reliability. If the recent increases in the frequency and intensity of load-shedding are anything to go by, the challenge of energy insecurity is set to plague businesses for many years to come, making it imperative for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) particularly to arm themselves with accurate information about the renewable energy options available to them.

According to Kyle Durham, Head of Sustainability for FNB Business, myths and misconceptions abound in the commercial renewable energy space, which can make it difficult for SMEs to tell fact from fiction when making decisions about self-generation. He highlights five of the most common of these myths, and provides clarity to those considering the shift to renewable energy sources...

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In South Africa today, businesses of all shapes and sizes are grappling with the challenges of high electricity costs and low reliability. If the recent increases in the frequency and intensity of load-shedding are anything to go by, the challenge of energy insecurity is set to plague businesses for...

22/05/2024

In a time when the shadows of unemployment loom large over the aspirations of young South Africans, the need for proactive empowerment has never been more urgent, writes Mvelo Hlophe, CEO at Zaio Coding School.

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In a time when the shadows of unemployment loom large over the aspirations of young South Africans, the need for proactive empowerment has never been more urgent, writes Mvelo Hlophe, CEO at Zaio.

22/05/2024

Are you worried about all the wait you’re gaining? Long hold times and boring phone calls to your insurance company may be to blame. Naked, the fully digital insurance platform, offers the answer to all that unwanted and unnecessary ‘wait’, with its latest advertising campaign, Lose Wait. The campaign shows you how to ‘lose wait’ by doing insurance online in a matter of seconds rather than going through a traditional call centre.

Conceptualised by Naked’s in-house advertising team and creative studio the campaign covers a range of digital media, radio and outdoor executions. The cheeky creative emphasises how insurance customers can ‘lose wait’ by getting a quote, buying cover, claiming, and managing their insurance on the Naked app.

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Are you worried about all the wait you’re gaining? Long hold times and boring phone calls to your insurance company may be to blame. Naked, the fully digital insurance platform, offers the answer to all that unwanted and unnecessary ‘wait’, with its latest advertising campaign, Lose Wait. The ...

22/05/2024

🙌 A big thank you to Digital Street for being our Media Sponsor for in Johannesburg and Cape Town! We appreciate your support! 🙌

20/05/2024

In an African first, four Grade 7 students from Centennial Schools took on local, continental, and then international opponents, to win the Minecraft Tournament at the Dubai Esports Festival (DEF) – a prestigious achievement in a fiercely-contested space.

Centennial Schools founder, Shaun Fuchs, says that their investment and integration of gaming into the curriculum and the largest eSports arena of its kind in Africa, has yielded phenomenal results for its students. Centennial Schools is in its second year of awarding eSports scholarships to high performing students, with its recently concluded 2024 tournament placing its first young girl in the top three.

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In an African first, four Grade 7 students from Centennial Schools took on local, continental, and then international opponents, to win the Minecraft Tournament at the Dubai Esports Festival (DEF) – a prestigious achievement in a fiercely-contested space.