Gugulakhe Lourie

The rand fell more than 1,7% to a three-week low against the dollar on Wednesday as Europe’s debt problems kept investors wary of risk.

South African blue-chip stocks closed around 1,2% higher on Tuesday as telecoms, mining and banking shares rebounded.

Microsoft South Africa, a unit of the world’s largest software firm, will invest R475-million in four black-owned software firms.

Cellphone operator Vodacom said on Monday first-half earnings rose 38,4% and lifted its interim dividend 64%.

Aveng, Africa’s largest builder by market value, posted an 8% drop in full-year profit, hit by lower demand for construction projects.

Vodacom is teaming up with Nedbank to deliver a phone-based cash transfer service, similar to a successful service operating in Kenya.

The Sports Ministry on Thursday cancelled a press conference at short notice to announce a decision on Caster Semenya’s possible return to action.

The proposed tie-up between cellphone group MTN and India’s Bharti Airtel needs Cabinet level approval in SA, as the deal enters a critical week.

The South African government backs a proposed tie-up between MTN Group and India’s Bharti Airtel.

MTN Group on Thursday reiterated that no decision had been taken with regard to its proposed merger with India’s Bharti Airtel.

President Jacob Zuma said police will move swiftly to crack down on rioters after violent protests erupted this week over poor services and jobs.

MTN is in talks with a group of lenders to secure a ,5-billion syndicated loan to back its proposed merger with India’s Bharti Airtel.

The powerful Congress of South African Trade Unions reiterated its demand on Saturday that the country’s inflation targeting policy be reviewed.

Telkom aims to save R2-billion over two years through cost cutting measures that include merging its smaller African units, its CFO said on Tuesday.

MTN and India’s Bharti Airtel have revived merger talks to create a -billion telecoms giant spanning Africa, Asia and the Middle East.