Latest news with #MTN
The South African
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
MTN8 Roll of Honour: Every name on the trophy
The MTN8 – as we know the cup competition today – was first contested back in 1972. It features the top eight finishers from the previous season's DStv Premiership with the champions facing the eighth-placed team, the runners-up taking on the seventh-placed side – and so on. While the quarter-finals are one-off matches, the semi-finals are played over two legs. The final will be a one-off match. The overall winner will walk away a cool R10 million richer with the other seven competing sides all earning R1 million each. Cellular giants MTN have sponsored the event since 2008. Prior to that (from 1972 to 2002) it was known as BP Top Eight Cup (sponsored by BP) and the SAA Super Eight Cup from 2003 to 2007 (sponsored by South African Airways). This year's tournament is the 51st edition. So who has tasted the most success the previous 50 times the competition was held? No surprise to learn that Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs lead the way with 15 titles, followed by their bitter rivals Orlando Pirates with 13. The Buccaneers have won three-straight MTN8 titles and will be looking to make that four on the trot this season. Kaizer Chiefs – 15 Orlando Pirates – 13 Mamelodi Sundowns – 4 Moroka Swallows – 3 Bidvest Wits – 3 SuperSport United – 3 Arcadia Shepherds – 1 Santos – 1 Jomo Cosmos – 1 Witbank Black Aces – 1 Bloemfontein Celtic – 1 Golden Arrows – 1 Platinum Stars – 1 Ajax Cape Town – 1 City of Cape Town – 1 Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
20 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
MTN8 prize money increased by R2 million!
MTN8 winners for the 2025-26 season will be R2 million richer after the sponsors increased the prize money. MTN has sponsored the Premier League's Top 8 tournament since 2008 with winners walking away with R8 million in prize money. Kaizer Chiefs were the first to win the first edition of the MTN8 by beating Mamelodi Sundowns in the final. However, they have not won it since 2014, with arch-rivals Orlando Pirates dominating in the last three seasons. Pirates, having lifted the trophy for three consecutive seasons, will have the MTN8 champions crest on their jersey this coming season. Furthermore, there will be a donation to a charity of R20 000 for every goal scored during the tournament. The fixtures, dates, venues and kick-off times have all been confirmed for the quarter-finals of this season's MTN8. Image: MTN8 Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Pick n Pay Mobile rolls out app with eSIM, loyalty perks
Pick n Pay has launched a new app for its mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) service, introducing instant eSIM activation, self-RICA functionality, custom mobile plans and expanded loyalty rewards. The move forms part of its broader shift towards digitising mobile services and improving user autonomy. The app allows new customers to register, verify their identity and activate a mobile number without a physical SIM or in-store visit. eSIM functionality is available for compatible smartphones, and physical SIMs remain available at retail locations. The platform also introduces a 'Build Your Own Plan' feature, allowing users to set their own monthly data, voice and SMS allocations. Plans are valid for 30 days and automatically renew unless cancelled. Customers can top up, track usage and make changes directly within the app. The service remains linked to Pick n Pay's Smart Shopper loyalty programme. Mobile customers earn 1MB of data for every R1 spent in-store, provided they recharge with a minimum of R20. A new loyalty tier has also been introduced: customers who use the app consistently for six months receive 5% back on their monthly mobile spend, increasing to 10% after nine months. Pick n Pay launched its MVNO in 2020, operating on MTN's network. The service is powered by Huge NXTGN, a subsidiary of JSE-listed Huge Group. The company provides the infrastructure that enables embedded mobile services within retail brands. Pick n Pay says the new app is aimed at reducing barriers to mobile access while expanding functionality for users who prefer self-service. The update is also positioned to support increased digital engagement with its customer base. 'We're delighted to have been in a position to assist Pick 'n Pay in bringing their next-generation proposition to market. Huge NXTGN's purpose is to empower businesses of all sizes to harness the power of embedded connectivity services and to remove the friction and cost typically associated with launching mobile services,' says Jason Harmsen, managing director of Huge NXTGN.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Uganda: MTN to split mobile money from its core business
Shareholders of Ugandan telco MTN have resolved to spin off the company's mobile money and financial services branch, which will run independent of its communications business. It means MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd is set for a change to a new brand – MTN New FinCo, if regulators approve the decision. The separation is aimed at giving the fintech arm the autonomy to thrive in a fast-evolving market.'You may ask why split MoMo (MTN Mobile Money) from our core telecom business?' Sylvia Mulinge, the CEO of MTN Uganda, asked.'Because fintech is a different beast. It moves fast. It needs focus, flexibility and freedom to grow. By giving MoMo its structure, we're giving it the space it needs to scale, innovate and lead,' she explained, adding that the move unlocks value for shareholders, sharpens strategic focus and aligns with international best practice.'It's a critical part of our Ambition 2025 to lead digital solutions for Africa's progress,' she said. The adjustment follows a report that indicated MTN Uganda's mobile money unit was a significant growth engine for the firm. The unit closed the year with USh1.63 trillion ($45 million) in assets, outpacing competitor Airtel Uganda's USh1.01 trillion ($28 million). MTN also leads in customer mobile money balances, holding USh1.37 trillion ($38 million), nearly twice its closest competitor. Despite the strong performance, mobile money revenue still lags behind traditional voice services, underscoring the need for renewed strategic focus and investment. MTN plans to position the newly created MTN New FinCo for future equity injections, with a goal of listing the standalone fintech business on the Uganda Securities Exchange in three to five years. Read: MTN Group nets $30 million from sale of 1.5bn shares in Ugandan subsidiaryCharles Mbire, Chairperson of MTN Uganda's Board, hailed the shareholder support: 'We are grateful to our shareholders for their confidence and backing this step. This transaction is designed to unlock value for our shareholders while future-proofing the fintech business.'Ownership of MTN New FinCo will be held 76.015 per cent by MTN Group Fintech Holdings B. V, with the remaining placed in a trust for MTN Uganda shareholders. In the interim, a shareholder trust will be created to manage shares for the more than 20,000 retail investors. Uganda's mobile money market remains highly competitive, driven by mobile wallet penetration and digital adoption. MTN and Airtel continue to expand their reach, including rural rollouts like Airtel's May 2025 expansion of 4G network to Kazo District, aimed at boosting digital inclusion. © Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
22-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: MTN pumps $17mln into Gauteng network as part of national upgrade drive
MTN South Africa is investing over R300m to upgrade its network infrastructure in Gauteng, as part of a broader R4.5bn national investment plan for 2025. The provincial spend will support the acquisition and construction of new base stations and capacity upgrades to more than 70 sites. It also includes enhancements to battery backup, site security, and energy resilience, with generators set to be deployed across the province. 'The R300m investment, part of the national rollout to enhance the company's digital capabilities, will lead to improvements in battery, site security, and energy facilities,' said Machawe Dlamini, general manager for Gauteng Operations at MTN SA. The upgrades are expected to boost both coverage and network performance, bringing improved LTE and 5G access to urban and rural areas across Gauteng by the end of 2025. The investment forms part of MTN's 'Ambition 2025' strategy, aimed at expanding access to digital services and closing the digital divide. This follows MTN's recent announcement of a R480m network upgrade in KwaZulu-Natal. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
