Bolt drivers earned R42.3bn in SA | ITWeb Tech Headlines 29 Sept - 3 Oct 2026
These are the stories making headlines on ITWeb this week. Bolt says it has paid more than R42.3 billion to driver operators in South Africa since launching in 2016, onboarding just over 500 000 drivers and serving more than 30 million passengers. Meanwhile, Home Affairs plans to use machine learning to make yes or no decisions on visa applications through its Electronic Travel Authorisation system, with humans stepping in only when an anomaly is detected, and study and work visas joining in early 2027. In addition, MTN has lost its bid to halt US anti-terrorism lawsuits, with a New York court denying its request to reconsider an earlier ruling and sending the Zobay and Long cases to discovery. At the same time, Xpatweb's preliminary 2026 Critical Skills Survey finds 25% of employers struggle to recruit ICT specialists, and 22% struggle to find AI and emerging technology skills. Finally, Capitec's fintech net income rose 30% to R2.7 billion in the six months to August, as Capitec Connect grew to 1.8 million a
The bank’s fintech income increases 30% to R2.7 billion, as it reports 19% growth in headline earnings in the six months to 31 August.
SA’s major banks shift digital transformation towards measurable returns, as AI moves deeper into core operations.
Mall-based kiosks become central to Nedbank’s strategy, as it transforms traditional branches into tech-enabled service centres.
The deal moves closer to finalisation after the Competition Commission finds no significant public interest concerns.
The new payment API enables real-time, bank-authenticated transactions while removing manual EFT steps for merchants.
Home Affairs expands smart ID replacement, processing more than 250 000 transactions in just over three months.
By year-end, 750 bank branches will offer smart ID services, and doorstep delivery is coming as the DHA cracks the whip on fraud.
The bank accelerates efforts to build in-house cloud expertise, signalling a strategic shift towards greater self-sufficiency in critical digital skills.
Capitec CDO Azhar Said explains how decision intelligence slashes AI costs to drive financial inclusion.
The bank marks 25 years with strong earnings growth, AI investment, smart ID rollout and expanding digital services for 26 million clients.
Merchants on Cross Switch can now offer Absa Pay, improving security for online customers during checkout.
At the ITWeb AI Summit 2026, Capitec's Azhar Said will share why decision intelligence, not speed, is the real competitive advantage.
ITWeb OTR: Capitec launches smart ID self-service centre in Orange Farm
In this episode of ITWeb TV on The Road, Capitec CEO Graham Lee and Home Affairs minister Dr Leon Schreiber speak to ITWeb about the smart ID self-service centre launch in Orange Farm, as well as how technology is being deployed to combat fraud and reduce queues at the department. #HomeAffairs #SmartID
The top news headlines for 17 - 22 January 2022
A summary of the top business technology stories shared by ITWeb between 17 - 22 January 2022. Visit www.itweb.co.za for more news. #Microsoft #Oracle #Blockchain