The world's largest social network captures the attention of SA's township residents – even more so than local mobile social network Mxit. by Kathryn McConnachie, 17 May 2012
Mopani Copper Mine will integrate the Syspro ERP system to better manage internal customers and procurement.
--ADVERTISEMENT--
Quote of the day
Doing business in Africa has changed significantly over the past few years, with increased connectivity via new undersea cabling, investment from European business seeking emerging market alternatives, multinationals entering the market, and a general technological awakening for many African businesses.- Adapt IT Executive Kevin Dees
In a time of written communication, the words we choose still say a whole lot about who we are. Unlike in the past, they're now recorded – and often public.
If modern politics seems partisan and opinionated, blame the Internet.
Quick facts
Key facts: Africa
Has some 280 million total telephone subscribers, of which some 260 million (over 85%) are mobile cellular subscribers, representing the continent with the highest ratio of mobile to total telephone subscribers of any region in the world.
Is the region with the highest mobile cellular growth rate. Growth over the past 5 years averages almost 65% year on year.
Accounts for 14% of the world's population, but for only around 7% of all fixed and mobile subscribers worldwide.
Has some 50 million Internet users, for an Internet penetration of just 5%. Europe's Internet penetration is 8 times higher.
Has a broadband penetration of more than 1% in only a few countries. Broadband penetration in OECD countries exceeds 18%.
Facts by ITU
Video
Vodafone 555 Blue
The so-called 'Facebook phone' from Vodafone, the 555 Blue, is now available from Vodacom in SA. ITWeb staffers spent some quality time with the new handset and put it through its paces to see how it measures up.
People are key to success – Bohbot Softer aspects of running a business matter more than people think, says EOH CEO and IT Personality of the Year Asher Bohbot.
Quick Q & A
Praveen Govender, Country Manager, HP Software, South Africa
Q. What challenges is your industry currently experiencing?
A. Post the economic crunch, companies are emerging with a view on how they can get the best bang for their buck from IT and yet still remain competitive. The fundamental question, therefore, is how to switch the balance from just keeping the lights on to being innovative for both internal and external customers.
This is where I believe IT management software can play a fundamental role. It empowers customers across the IT value chain to reinvest significant resources in initiatives that focus on differentiating themselves as opposed to the unhealthy balance of too many resources and spending too much time on just keeping the lights on.
Q. What is your favourite personal quote?
A. "The genius of a great leader is to leave behind him a situation that common sense, without the grace of genius, can deal with successfully" - Walter Lippman
The company believes Africa has the potential to experience rapid cloud adoption.
Doing business in Africa has changed significantly over the past few years, with increased connectivity via new undersea cabling, investment from European business seeking emerging market alternatives, multinationals entering the market, and a general technological awakening for many African businesses. 
