Latest news with #CellC
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Huawei Watch Fit 4 Series is smart living, Mzansi style
Built for Mzansi life — the Huawei Watch Fit 4 Series does it all. Your life's not one-size-fits-all — neither is the Huawei Watch Fit 4 Series. From early commutes and late-night study sessions to weekend braais, gym goals and everything in between, South Africans need devices that work as hard as they do. The Huawei Watch Fit 4 Series has landed, and it's built for real life. Whether you choose the accessible Huawei Watch Fit 4 or the premium-grade Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro, you're getting a smart companion that tracks your health, keeps you motivated, and lets you express your style, without breaking the bank. Watch video here: Available immediately, the Huawei Watch Fit 4 comes in black, purple, white, and grey from R2 999, or you can add it to your Vodacom, Telkom or CellC plan from just R99 per month over 36 months. The Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro is available in iconic green, black and blue from R4 999, or from only R149 per month over 36 months on the same networks. Terms and conditions apply. Lightweight design, everyday confidence No matter what your day holds, both models feel great on the wrist. The Huawei Watch Fit 4 is sleek, at just 27g and 9.5mm thin, featuring a lightweight glass and aluminium frame that pairs effortlessly with gym gear or casual wear. The Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro is slightly more robust at 30.4g and 9.3mm thin, crafted from aviation-grade aluminium with a titanium alloy bezel and sapphire glass for added durability, which is perfect if your weekends involve hiking, road trips or a little more adventure. Picture: Supplied A screen that doesn't shy away from the sun We know it's bright outside, and these displays are ready for it. Both watches feature a large 1.82-inch AMOLED screen, but the Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro takes brightness all the way up to 3,000 nits (versus 2 000 on the Watch Fit 4). That means your data, messages, and motivation stay visible whether you're running in midday heat or catching an evening outdoor workout. Health and fitness features made for everyday use The Huawei Watch Fit 4 helps you move more, sleep better and stress less, with intelligent tracking that's easy to use. With new sport modes (including trail running, climbing and snow sports), improved GPS accuracy and heart rate variability monitoring, it's a strong entry point for anyone starting a health journey. You'll also love the Emotional Wellbeing Assistant. A gentle, mood-aware feature that tracks your stress levels and helps you build better habits. Ready for more? Go Pro The Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro brings it all, from Advanced Terrain Map Tracking and offline trail maps to route navigation and dedicated sports modes. Whether you're into cycling, golf, diving, or running, this is a performance-focused wearable that can handle the elements while delivering pinpoint metrics. Features like Diving Mode (up to 40m), Golf Course Mode (15,000+ mapped courses), and Breath-Hold Training show how far Huawei has gone to make the WATCH FIT 4 Pro a serious tool for active users. Picture: Supplied Tech that's serious about wellness At the core of the Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro is Huawei's TruSense System, a next-gen sensor platform that tracks everything from ECG and blood oxygen to breathing, sleep quality, and stress. For women, there's temperature-based menstrual cycle tracking on the Pro, while both models include symptom logging and calendar-style views via the HUAWEI Health app. Battery for the long haul You can't always plug in, and with up to 10 days of battery life on a single charge, you won't need to. The Huawei Watch Fit 4 charges in 75 minutes, and the Watch Fit 4 Pro in just 60. That's ideal for weekends away, long workdays, or just avoiding yet another charger in your life. Style that shows off your personality Customise your watch face with stickers, photos, and performance widgets. Choose from colours that suit your vibe. Whether you're at varsity, on the school run, or prepping for your next 5km, this is a watch that fits you, your goals, your look, and your lifestyle. Available now from R2 999 for the Huawei Watch Fit 4 and R4 999 for the FIT 4 Pro at the Huawei online store, or add it to your Vodacom, Telkom, or Cell C plan from just R99 per month or R149 per month, respectively, over 36 months. Terms and conditions apply.
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Cell C wraps up Comrades 2025
11 June 2025, Durban, South Africa – The 2025 Comrades Marathon reached the finish line, and Cell C is proud to reflect on a week marked by purpose, partnership, and powerful impact, on and off the road. As a Tier 1 partner of the Comrades Marathon, Cell C not only stood proudly in support of this iconic event but also contributed meaningfully through community upliftment and recognition of the champions who give the race its soul. Turning speed into support: R350,000 raised for charity At the Comrades Expo, Cell C turned speed into social good through its interactive #RunForGood challenge. This high-energy activation invited visitors to run on a smart treadmill, with each sprint converting into a donation. Participants selected one of five partner NGOs to support, and Cell C donated based on the distance covered. The initiative raised a total of R350,000, equally benefiting the following organisations: iNkanyezi Creche and Community Centre – Offering early learning, nutrition and support services to children and families in need. – Offering early learning, nutrition and support services to children and families in need. Ethembeni Crisis Care Centre – Providing shelter, safety and empowerment to women and children affected by abuse. – Providing shelter, safety and empowerment to women and children affected by abuse. Humanity South Africa (Khidmatul Khalq Foundation) – Supporting humanitarian relief efforts across vulnerable communities. – Supporting humanitarian relief efforts across vulnerable communities. Summerhill House Orphanage– Creating a nurturing, structured home for orphaned and abandoned children. Cell C's Managing Executive: Corporate Affairs, Lethiwe Hlatshwayo said: 'This handover marks more than the end of a campaign; it's a celebration of purpose in motion. It reflects Cell C's belief that nothing should stop you from making a difference and that collective effort has a positive impact. Through Cell C's Treadmill #RunForGood Challenge at the Comrades Expo, every kilometre ran was a commitment to something bigger, with heart and intent.' Recognising champions: R2.5 Million in prizes awarded Building on its ongoing commitment to recognising champions of the Comrades Marathon, Cell C once again sponsored several key prize categories for the 2025 race. The total prize value exceeded R2.5 million. These awards honour the grit, determination, and endurance of the runners – qualities that reflect Cell C's own values and belief that nothing should stop you. As Cell C continues its partnership with the Comrades Marathon Association, the focus remains clear: to champion the people who give the race its soul and uplift the broader community of KwaZulu-Natal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
City loses court case against Cell C over stadium damage
Cape Town stadium. Image: City of Cape Town THE City has lost its court bid to claim damages against Cell C over damage to the Cape Town stadium. The Western Cape High Court ruled that the debt had prescribed, and the claim was dismissed with costs. According to court papers, the issue dates back to 2015 when the City gave Cell C permission to access the stadium to install infrastructure for its customers. Cell C had contracted Huawei to do the installation work. 'On November 18, 2015, the (City) discovered extensive damage to the external façade of the stadium which was caused by a metal panel which had dislodged from gridline 50 on level 6 of the stadium and which fell on or through the façade, damaging the same. "At all material times it was (Cell C's) duty to ensure that the installation was done without any harm or damage to the stadium and inasmuch as the damage was caused by (Huawei), alternatively, the third, alternatively the fourth defendant's action, it remained the duty of (Cell C) to ensure that no damage was done to the stadium and it could not rid itself of this duty by appointing a contractor,' court papers read. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The City's main claim was against Cell C with an alternative claim against Huawei and the other sub-contractors separately, in the event that the court found that they were independent contractors and that Cell C could not be held liable for any of their actions. However, both Cell C and Huawei invoked a special plea of prescription. They argued that the cause of action arose on November 18, 2015 and that the summons instituting the proceedings was served on them after the three year prescription period. 'The (City's) claim would prescribe within a period of three years as it falls within the ambit of section 11(d) of the Prescription Act. In his opening statement counsel for (Cell C) submitted that the (City) sought to impose strict liability on it in terms of its pleaded case. This rendered the actual identity of the defendant / entity who caused the damage irrelevant. Furthermore, Cell C submitted that as the (City) discovered the loss on November 18, 2015 and served its summons on November 21, 2018, (the City's) claim against it had prescribed.' Lawyers for Huawei argued that there were no grounds on which the City could succeed. An ICS service engineer for Huawei testified and that he was responsible for the network provision. The engineer compiled a report on the day of the incident at the stadium. It was recorded that on November 18, 2015 the stadium management stated that the damage was caused by Huawei's contractors as they worked on location. The report contained Huawei's denial that they were responsible for the damage and concluded that there was no conclusive proof in respect of who was responsible for the damage. A City employee testified that while he was aware of a theory that a cherrypicker from another company could have caused the damage, 'no one placed any credibility in the theory'. He said that there was one of four entities (Cell C, Huawei and the other subcontractors) which could be liable for the damage and that he held a meeting with representatives of all four entities on November 18, 2015. However, according to court papers, the employee never asked which contractor replaced the panel and who was responsible for supervising the work on level 6.
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
MTN and Cell C defend high data prices
Poor users pay 80 times more than the rich, and cellular companies' explanations are not really convincing … Some are paying around R136 per gigabyte, while others pay around R1.65. Picture: iStock An analysis of cellular companies' data prices shows that prepaid users buying small mobile data bundles pay around R136 per gigabyte (GB), but those who can afford monthly subscription contracts for huge bundles pay as little as R1.65 per GB. It is reasonable to assume that richer consumers are signing monthly contracts and poorer consumers are purchasing the small prepaid bundles – and paying in excess of 8 000% more than the rich. We asked Vodacom, MTN and Cell C if it costs more to 'produce' a small data bundle than a large bundle, even though we knew what the answer would be. The difference in prices charged for small bundles versus large contracts is huge. In the case of MTN, a prepaid customer will have to pay R30 for 220MB worth of data, equal to R136 per GB. A contract customer who can afford R329 per month will get 100GB worth of data, paying R3.29 per GB. ALSO READ: Fibre, cheaper data and weaver birds: Ramaphosa promises innovation Different factors MTN says it is committed to digital inclusion and continues to take active steps to make data more affordable and accessible for all South Africans. 'Our pricing structure reflects a combination of factors, including usage patterns, volume, duration of access, and commercial sustainability,' it says. 'MTN offers a wide range of products tailored to different customer segments, including both prepaid and contract options. Prepaid pricing is often influenced by the short-term nature and smaller volumes of purchases, whereas contract customers commit to higher volumes over longer periods, allowing for discounted rates through economies of scale.' A spokesperson for Cell C offered the same explanation: 'Larger bundles – whether prepaid or postpaid – benefit from economies of scale and lower per-GB costs due to predictable usage and network planning efficiencies. Prepaid products offer flexibility for users with varying needs, but smaller volumes do come with higher proportional costs and fixed costs (per bundle, per customer) increase price points on lower data bundle allocations.' But it's difficult to agree to their argument of economies of scale, because the major, if not only, production cost is the fixed cost of large computers and network equipment. ALSO READ: Data prices likely to remain high, says EFF after spectrum auction ends Is there really a difference in what economists term the marginal cost to produce another GB, whether for a small prepaid user or a wealthier client who signs a 24-month contract? MTN says it has made substantial reductions in prepaid data pricing over recent years and continues to introduce affordable bundles to meet the needs of all consumers. 'Prepaid pricing reflects the flexibility and convenience it offers to customers who need to stay in control of their spending. While prepaid users may be more price-sensitive, they also display a 'need-now' purchase pattern. This pattern caters for convenience offers such as hourly, daily, three days and weekly data bundle to match their immediate needs. Prepaid [has] a variety of offers that are personalised based on customer spend pattern and location.' It says the cost to produce 1GB of data is not a fixed figure. 'It depends on several dynamic factors, including network investments, spectrum availability, infrastructure maintenance and customer usage trends/utilisation. 'Importantly, MTN continues to invest heavily in expanding and upgrading its network to deliver high-quality and affordable connectivity to all customers. 'On the cost differences between prepaid and contract data distribution, the fundamental infrastructure used to deliver data remains the same, but serving smaller, short-term prepaid bundles versus larger contract packages presents different cost and operational dynamics. 'Larger-volume, long-term packages benefit from scale and predictable usage, which often enables more favourable pricing.' ALSO READ: Malatsi takes action to lower smart devices and phone costs in SA Cell C data is cheaper It is noticeable that Cell C's data packages are cheaper than those of MTN and Vodacom, and it admits that there are big differences in prices for small and large users. 'We recognise concerns about pricing differences between prepaid and contract data. While this reflects common industry pricing models globally, we understand the broader social implications in the South African context. 'We continue to explore ways to narrow this gap through targeted promotions, value bundles, and contextual offers to increase affordability without compromising network overhead. Through My Connecta Deals, we provide some of the most competitive, best-value offers on the market, open to all customers, including prepaid customers. 'We have a significant base of prepaid users with exceptionally high average revenue per user [ARPU]. In many cases, this is even higher than our postpaid customers,' says Cell C. 'Prepaid is not only a product for the poor; it's a preference for a payment method by the informed and empowered, offering flexibility, control and value without long-term commitments. 'Customers across income brackets increasingly choose prepaid for its convenience, transparency, and the ability to match spend with lifestyle and usage needs.' Cell C says the cost of delivering 1GB varies and is a function of network utilisation by region, network conditions and input costs like spectrum, site maintenance and international bandwidth. ALSO READ: Capitec aims to disrupt mobile market with data that doesn't expire 'While commercially sensitive, we can assure you that we operate in a highly competitive environment and our pricing reflects a balance between affordability and the substantial investment required by our partners to expand and maintain infrastructure. 'This is particularly in under-served and rural areas where the cost to serve is significantly higher,' it adds. 'There are material differences in cost to serve between larger bundle allocation consumers, who are typically contract customers, and smaller bundle allocation purchasers, who may be prepaid consumers. Prepaid data carries additional fixed per-customer-per-bundle overhead related to payment processing, usage cycles, and less predictable network load. 'These contribute to a net higher unit cost in delivering smaller data allocation bundles. Nonetheless, we are actively working with our network partners to reduce disparities through technology and infrastructure innovation and upgrades,' according to Cell C. ALSO READ: Unhappy with your cellphone service provider? Here's the steps you can take The digital inclusion objective Moneyweb specifically asked the cellular companies about the social and economic impact of affordable data packages, given the need for access to information, education, job advertisements and participation in the economy. 'We agree that data access is a gateway to opportunity, education, and economic participation,' said Cell C. 'Our zero-rated access to educational platforms, job portals and key government services is one way we help bridge this gap.' It said it also continues 'to introduce low-cost bundles and community-driven partnerships to support digital inclusion'. 'We remain committed to ongoing pricing reviews to better support vulnerable communities while ensuring long-term viability and quality service offers. Cell's C's localised deal platform offers regionally tailored packages that aim to bridge the affordability gap and connect more South Africans to digital opportunity, showcasing the best deals by geographic location.' ALSO READ: Your data bundles could soon last longer – if Icasa has its way MTN also says that it recognises that data access is essential for education, employment, and economic participation. 'Hence [our] Bonus Bonanza that offers customers double airtime every time they recharge with R5 and more. This value is available to [the] prepaid customer only. 'Additionally, MTN has embarked on location-based offers to give differential pricing based on location. 'A good example is MTN GigZone that gives prepaid customers uncapped prepaid data service at R5 valid for 24 hours for townships and informal settlements to ensure everyone enjoys the benefit of a modern connected life.' It also said that MTN continues to drive digital inclusion through ongoing price reductions, zero-rated platforms for learning and job-seeking and innovative products like MoMo (its Mobile Money fintech offering). 'We remain committed to connecting the unconnected and ensuring that all South Africans have the opportunity to benefit from the digital economy.' Vodacom did not respond to questions. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Is Cell C using Pick n Pay/Boxer's strategy? Broke mobile network plans to list on JSE
As of February 2025, Blue Label's financial results revealed that Cell C remains technically insolvent, with its liabilities continuing to exceed its assets — a condition that has persisted since shortly after 2019. Blue Label acquired 45% of Cell C in 2017. Pictures: Blue Label and Cell C Facebook pages Blue Label, parent company to Cell C is looking at restructuring the business, which will allow a separation and potential future listing of struggling mobile network, Cell C on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). According to reports, Cell C's financial woes began around 2015, when it was unable to make a profit despite reselling airtime. It was during a restructuring process that created three special purpose vehicles to restore Cell C's debt, following Blue Label's acquisition of a 45% stake. Mobile network still technically insolvent The company's financial challenges intensified, and it began a restructuring process that included a recapitalisation in 2022 to reduce debt. In early 2021, Cell C began migrating its customers to roam on partner networks, specifically MTN and Vodacom, and deactivated its physical towers and RAN in June 2023. Blue Label's financial results in February 2025 showed that Cell C is still technically insolvent, meaning its liabilities exceeded its assets, which has been an issue since 2019. The financial results showed that the mobile network had a negative equity of -R3.3 billion. Negative equity means that a company will not be able to settle all of its liabilities with its assets if it is liquidated. Analysts warned Blue Label that acquiring a stake in Cell C is not a very good idea, because the South African telecommunications market is dominated by Vodacom and MTN. Plans to list the mobile network Blue Label's Stock Exchange News Service (SENS), said, 'the proposed restructuring is expected to encompass various ancillary transactions, aimed at optimising Cell C's capital structure and balance sheet in preparation for a potential separation and future listing on the JSE. 'Should Blue Label elect to implement the proposed restructuring, it is envisaged that the various restructuring steps will be inter-conditional and contingent upon the potential listing of Cell C. 'The implementation of the restructuring and potential listing will remain subject to, among other conditions, approval by the boards of Blue Label and Cell C, requisite shareholder and regulatory consents, and favourable market conditions.' How the restructuring will work • 'Airtime asset transfer: The Prepaid Company Proprietary Limited ('TPC'), a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Label which holds shares and debt claims in Cell C, will transfer Cell C airtime currently held by TPC on its balance sheet to Cell C in exchange for newly issued additional equity in Cell C. • 'Debt-to-equity conversion: TPC's outstanding debt claims against Cell C will be capitalised and converted into equity, further reducing Cell C's leverage. •' Acquisition of Comm Equipment Company Proprietary Limited ('CEC'): Cell C will acquire 100% of CEC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Label) from TPC in exchange for additional Cell C shares. CEC is a subsidiary responsible for Cell C's postpaid offerings. The internalisation will enable Cell C to assume full responsibility over its postpaid customer base, including oversight of supply chain, commercial operations, marketing, billing, credit, and collections. • 'SPV restructure: The Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) currently holding equity interests in Cell C will also be restructured as part of the broader initiative, aligning their ownership structures with the redefined capital framework.' ALSO READ: Cell C has suspended 400 workers, but it's not about race, says ICTU How does listing make money? According to the JSE, listing a company primarily benefits the company by enabling it to raise capital through public share offerings. This capital can then be used for various purposes, such as expansion, debt repayment, research and development, or gaining a competitive advantage. 'Well-established companies seeking equity funding to grow their business list on the Main Board. Almost a fifth of the Main Board companies are dual-listed. This means that a company is listed on two or more exchanges. 'If a company has a secondary listing on the JSE, it has its primary listing on another exchange and is regulated by the exchange holding its primary listing. Companies have secondary listings to enable them to raise capital in markets other than the market accessed by their primary listing.' Pick n Pay lists Boxer to make money Pick n Pay Group listed its pride and joy, Boxer, on the JSE with the aim of taking it out of its financial woes. Before the listing, Pick n Pay Group was technically insolvent; the retailer's revenue increased from R109.28 billion to R115.37 billion, while trading expenses rose from R20.15 billion to R22.55 billion. Total liabilities exceeded total assets by R183 million. However, CEO Sean Summers said the retailer has a strategy to turn the ship around, including the listing of Boxer. 'The Boxer IPO remains pivotal to our strategy, and their remarkable performance continues to prove it is an exceptional business. We are excited to see it thrive as a listed entity,' said Summers. Through Boxer's initial public offering (IPO), Pick n Pay was able to raise more than R8.5 billion from the 157.4 million shares allocated to qualifying investors at a share price of R54. Pick n Pay still owes 63% of Boxer. NOW READ: How did Pick n Pay do it? From technically insolvent to growing sales in months
