RC 260821702Stephen Grootes
Friday, 21 August 2026
Friday’s show centred on telecoms and market talk, with Cell C’s turnaround, MVNO growth across Africa, and the rand’s rally driving most of the business conversation.
- 18:13
Cell C posted headline earnings up nearly 60%, net revenue up almost 10%, and subscriber growth in prepaid; management said the business remains growth-focused despite intense competition.
- 18:17
Cell C warned that longer data-bundle validity will hit revenue and ARPU, but said it supports the change as consumer-friendly and will adapt through retention, personalisation and product tweaks.
- 18:23
Africa Analysis said MVNO subscribers across nine active African markets could jump from just over 8 million to about 40 million within five years, with South Africa still the biggest opportunity.
- 18:28
The rand broke through R16 to the dollar, helped by a weaker US dollar, higher gold prices and about $11 billion in foreign buying of South African bonds.
- 18:34
Johannesburg fully settled its overdue electricity debt to Eskom, paying more than R5.25 billion after ministerial mediation; Eskom has withdrawn the legal process it started in May.