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A new mobile service network, owned and operated by South African telecommunications giant Telkom, is well on its way to becoming a reality in the country.

In a bid to exploit South Africa's abundant sunshine and reduce reliance on mains electricity, Vodacom has launched a low-cost solar-powered mobile phone with the unique ability to charge on the go - even when it's not in direct sunlight.

Speaking at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Africa India Diaspora Conference in Durban, South African President Jacob Zuma invited Indian companies to do more business with South Africa.

South Africa has taken a number of steps to help Zimbabweans living in the country to get their residence and other documents in order - including setting up a call centre, and a special monitoring team including NGOs and members of Zimbabwe's MDC party.

The Eastern Cape government has entered into a partnership with Absa to improve access to affordable housing in the province, particularly targeting middle-income earners who do not qualify for low-cost housing but cannot afford expensive bonds either.

South African demand for China’s Yuan looks set to reach a new heights following Bidvest Bank’s decision to trade in the currency.
• South Africa-China trade ties to strengthen

US-based multinational retailer Wal-Mart Stores has made a non-binding proposal to acquire Massmart Holdings, owner of brands like Game, Dion Wired and Makro, valuing the South African company at around R30-billion (US$4.2-billion).

Thanks to South African consumers, the demand for over-exploited fish stocks is declining.

South Africa’s beloved Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Grammy-winning isicathamiya group, have embarked on a countrywide tour to celebrate their 50 years together.
• Mambazo win their third Grammy

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a division of US industrial giant DuPont, is set to acquire a majority share in South African hybrid grain and seed producer Pannar Seed for an undisclosed sum.