NUGGET (26 SEPTEMBER 2025)
Nuggets! (Bite size updates on the real important stuff related to Tech, Trends, Business and the Planet.)
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OINK OINK.
We already eat pigs (well, some of us do), and now this new development (see the link) makes me ponder: in the future, will we also use them as piggy banks for organs? This article is about the first lung transplant from pig to person.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-02708-2
E-MONEY NEWS
Here is an interesting update on South Africa’s status and adoption of other forms of money. You might find it interesting to know we have a Crypto Town! Read here:
https://imalimatters.co.za/crypto-tourism-this-is-how-south-africa-can-embrace-digital-currency-to-drive-travel-growth/
(An opinion of mine on digital monies is that those who innovate with them at a business level will have an advantage over their competitors in the coming years.)
10% LOSS ALREADY.
South Africa’s online retail industry is entering a transformative phase, with e-commerce sales projected to surpass R130 billion by the end of 2025. But what does that mean for us? Well, that value is nearly 10% of the nation’s total retail market! This insight was highlighted in the “Online Retail in South Africa 2025” report, developed by my colleague in innovation, Mr Arthur, from World Wide Worx in partnership with Mastercard and Peach Payments. The report forecasts that by 2027, online retail will exceed R150 billion (12% of the overall retail sector). Last year, online retail experienced a 35% year-over-year growth, reaching R96 billion and accounting for 8% of total retail sales. Need help getting your business online? I am a good person to chat with. Make contact at this link: https://www.jeanpierremurraykline.co.za/all-things-online/
SOME GOOD NEWS
(I think anyway!) The installed rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in Mzansi has just surpassed the combined capacity of renewable energy independent power producers contracting with Eskom. PV capacity reached approximately 7.3 GW as of the end of August, marking a 23% increase since August 2024 and a 215% rise since August 2022. Most of this capacity is on large commercial rooftops, such as shopping centers and warehouses, with residential installations contributing smaller percentages. (Wait until security complexes get on this gravy boat!)
How is Eskom going to deal with this loss of income? Their funding model is going the same way as SABC’s did. Either way… the energy transition is on its way! (Is it a Just Transition? … time will tell.)
TIKTOK ‘SALE’ – ‘SOLD’
What does this mean for South Africans? Not much at all (in my opinion), other than it will survive… and influences will have something to do their thing on, as long as they also pay their taxes. Here is an article on the sale: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7847q9xvwgo
YOU WILL NEVER TALK TO A HUMAN AGAIN.
Probably. The internet and social media will not only be shared by bots and AI in the coming years, but dominated by them. It’s not going to be a space for human engagement for much longer. “Dead Internet Theory” suggests that much of the online content and interactions are generated by bots or automated accounts, making the internet less genuine. We will see many bots being used for political and commercial shenanigans! What does this truly mean for your business or for your social e-time?
BRILLIANT.
This link offers a truly exceptional summary of what I believe is the most important law in South Africa, and it applies to all of us. I have never before heard such a well-scripted, easy-to-consume video on this complicated subject. Well-flippen done to everyone who put this together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn8X7sHf8kk
IT COSTS MORE TO BE AFRICAN!
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has revealed that African businesses are paying up to 35% or for their tech and some innovations. Hibo!
You can learn more here:
https://nairametrics.com/2025/09/03/african-businesses-face-35-higher-technology-costs-than-global-peers-ifc/?mc_cid=4ebf3817ae&mc_eid=9ce53b3f8d
SPICY TRADE?
Interesting to learn that trade between India and Africa reached an all-time high of $100 billion during the 2024–25 fiscal year. That is doubling the $56 billion just five years ago! Shubh!
NO LAW SHOULD BE ABSOLUTE
But while they are in place, we need to pay attention to them so here are three updates:
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- Amendments to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Act
Our President has officially gazetted proclamations initiating the 2024 IPID Amendment Act, with five sections pending. This legislation primarily addresses the principles established by the 2016 McBride judgment, which emphasized IPID’s independence to operate without bias.
The 2019 Amendment, effective November 2024, also enhanced parliamentary oversight of the IPID’s decisions. The 2024 Act mandates investigations into allegations of rape and deaths involving SAPS and municipal police officers, whether on or off duty. - The New Code of Good Practice: Dismissal (effective September 4, 2025)
This new code replaces previous dismissal and retrenchment policies, introducing some notable clarifications:
• Small Businesses: More flexibility, recognizing limited resources and informal processes.
• Dismissal for Misconduct: Clearer guidelines on considerations before dismissal.
• Probation: Now includes assessing “suitability for employment” alongside performance.
• Unsatisfactory Performance: Warnings may not be necessary for senior or highly skilled employees, given their capacity for self-assessment or the potential severity of deviations.
• Other Incapacities: Expanded to include factors like imprisonment and incompatibility.
• Retrenchment: Clarifies legitimate reasons and procedures, including required notice content. - South African Language Practitioners’ Council Act — finally here after 11 years of waiting!
It has established the South African Language Practitioners’ Council as a juristic person. Its mandates include:
• Regulating language practice
• Registering and accrediting language practitioners
• Developing conduct rules and compliance procedures
This aligns with the 2013 National Language Policy Framework and aims to promote equal access to information, education, and government services.
- Amendments to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Act
PS, if you are ever in a legal pickle, I recommend www.lawyers-online.co.za
ACCURACY IS KEY
What makes an email verification tool top shelf? True accuracy goes far beyond basic syntax checks. It involves multiple validation layers: verifying domains, confirming mailboxes, and detecting spam traps.
What top performers are there? NeverBounce and ZeroBounce offer about 99.6% accuracy. They handle international domains and catch-all addresses reliably, combining real-time validation with bulk processing to keep your list clean without sacrificing accuracy.
What about budget-friendly options? For really affordable tools, maybe try Hunter.io and Clearout, which are known to provide solid verification—especially suitable for smaller businesses—offering a good balance of cost and performance.
If you are looking for an email and domain hosting service with great spam filters and security, visit www.websitehosting.co.za
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS.
The SANParks’ Annual Vision 2040 Indaba took place not long ago in Gqeberha, bringing together figures such as DFFE Minister Dion George and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane. The event is meant to focus on the future of conservation in South Africa. SANParks Board Chairperson, Pam Yako, provided some insights into Vision 2040, outlining objectives for the next 15 years. Their theme was “People in Harmony with Nature: Championing Prosperity”.
The Indaba aims to establish an inclusive conservation model through discussions and collaborations involving government, civil society, and academia. Environmentalism is often neglected at home and in the office… I hope an action plan includes addressing this.
WHY I STARTED BUSINESSES
I have started several e-businesses, and the catalyst for the majority has been one thing only: I was annoyed with service providers. Lawyers, web designers, agents, etc. I believed I could run their type of business better, so I started my own in their sector. Turns out, I am not alone in this reasoning. For those of you who are annoyed with service providers in South Africa, stop complaining and just become their competitor! This article is very inspiring! (Nothing is stopping you!) Read: https://www.biznews.com/entrepreneur/nightclub-owner-r165bn-tech-sale-ikhokha-story
NOT A FREE SPACE
More than 20 countries globally, including nine in our beautiful Africa, have restricted access to ChatGPT. This is according to a July 2025 Cybernews report. Unlike China, Russia, and Iran, which ban ChatGPT for political reasons, Africa’s restrictions are mainly due to poor infrastructure and regulatory issues. It’s really frustrating! Eritrea, Libya, Eswatini, Burundi, South Sudan, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Chad, and the Democratic Republic of Congo all face restrictions because of these challenges.
NOW TO SLEEP IN THEM
We are making our bed. Recently (at the time I prepared this article), a high-level South African delegation, led by our Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr. Solly Malatsi, visited China to apparently bolster support for South Africa’s digital transformation.
The delegation engaged with Chinese partners in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, and a key takeaway was a proposed Memorandum of Understanding on AI cooperation and a satellite broadband initiative with the China Satellite Network Company, aimed at improving rural connectivity. So, what did you get out of this? South Africans got a plan to make a plan… at the costs of accommodation, travel, and hospitality required in no fewer than three cities. Engagements also took place with the Export-Import Bank of China and tech giants like Honor and Huawei to discuss digital infrastructure financing and smart device accessibility. (So perhaps more loans and debt?)
Collaborations and partnerships are important, but if South Africa is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and fostering global AI collaboration, do we have a real strategy, and does it have ethics at its foundation?
The End!
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Who is Jean-Pierre Murray-Kline?
Jean-Pierre is a South African serial e-entrepreneur, published author, and change champion who has worked in over 300 types of industries in some capacity or another. His own online businesses have generated millions of Rands and involved sectors such as law, web & app development, events & entertainment, property, technical services, media, and tourism.
He has traveled to over 180 cities worldwide and is extremely active as a business and environmental technologist. In addition to his own projects, he researches and consults on all things online: marketing, reputation, compliance, law, and e-security, and also offers strategy workshops and scenario sessions on future thinking with a key focus on technology, the environment, and global influences.
Jean-Pierre is often asked to be a guest speaker on a variety of subjects he continuously studies and writes about.
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