FBI seizes $1.2bn in stolen Binance crypto | ITWeb Tech Headlines 9 – 14 November 2026
These are the stories making headlines on ITWeb this week. The FBI has seized and restrained more than $1.2 billion (R20.6 billion) in crypto-currency stolen in last month's $6.3 billion Binance hack, as part of efforts to disrupt North Korea's crypto theft operations, while Binance's Africa director Larry Cooke tells ITWeb TV that scams and social engineering remain obstacles to crypto adoption on the continent. Meanwhile, MTN and Cell C have failed to reach agreement on certain matters in their long-standing commercial relationship, although Cell C says its network-sharing agreement with MTN, which runs until 2032, remains in force on its existing terms. In addition, Altron has identified more than 100 AI use cases across its business as it expands its AI factory, with CEO Werner Kapp saying the initiative is about productivity and customer value rather than direct revenue. At the same time, Samsung grew its revenue and unit sales in Africa in the first half of 2026, with second-quarter unit sales up 34.8%
The Department of Home Affairs says the ICT portfolio management office will increase visibility of ICT investments, performance and outcomes.
The agency completes its leadership structure, as it aims to builds a more stable, capable and responsive organisation.
The State Information Technology Agency appoints Portia Matsena, a former Nedbank divisional executive, as its chief digital officer.
The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development says the critical project will address system challenges.
The Department of Human Settlements notes vulnerability to beneficiary manipulation among the reasons for a required substitute.
The ITWeb Brainstorm 2026 CIO Survey finds AI and cyber security are joint top priorities, while budget constraints remain a major barrier.
The Department of Local Government says a reporting mechanism will allow it to make timely, evidence-based decisions.
The Technology Innovation Agency calls for temporary operational capacity to accelerate funding applications processing.
Huawei’s participation across GovTech 2026 highlighted the infrastructure and platforms needed to support more intelligent government services.
The Department of Social Development seeks a turnkey hosted call centre service integrated into GBV functions nationally.
New, secure leadership means the organisation is ready to fulfil its mandate, say government representatives at GovTech 2026.
The South African Social Security Agency says it is targeting a modern, national citizen engagement capability.
SITA CEO Dr Bongani Mabaso exits after short tenure
(Flashback) Earlier this year, ITWeb TV conducted an interview with SITA CEO Dr. Bongani Andy Mabaso, during which he expressed commitment for the long run. However, it has now been announced that Dr. Bongani Mabaso, CEO of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), is stepping down, just eight months after assuming the top position. Mabaso officially joined the government procurement arm on April 1, 2023, operating under a fixed-term contract for five years. His appointment was initially disclosed in December 2022. The news of Mabaso's departure raises questions about the future direction of both his career and the SITA agency. What lies ahead for Mabaso in his professional journey, and more crucially, what's in store for SITA as it navigates this leadership transition? Read more: https://www.itweb.co.za/content/WnxpE74YKK9MV8XL Watch the #itwebtv interview: https://www.itweb.co.za/videos/WnxpE74YrXzMV8XL #SITA #ITWebTV #ITWebTVClip