By Mpho Sadiki, Managing Director, Merchant Services, Africa at Network International and Payfast by Network

South Africa is making meaningful progress in building out its digital payments infrastructure. But there is a critical gap in how this investment is being framed. Infrastructure on its own does not create economic activity. Hyperscale adoption embracing and adopting digital payments transactions do.

For the country’s SME sector, which underpins a significant portion of employment and economic participation, the ability to move money quickly, reliably and at scale is what determines whether digital infrastructure translates into real growth.

Insights from the 2025 Payfast State of Pay Report show just how central this has become. More than 80% of merchants expect digital payments to become their primary sales channel within the next three years, yet the majority operate at a scale where cash flow is highly sensitive to disruption.

For these businesses, payments are not a back-end function. They are the mechanism through which revenue is earned, accessed and reinvested, faster digital payments ensure that this reality is achieved.

Digital infrastructure needs to reach and connect businesses

South Africa’s digital infrastructure conversation remains heavily focused on infrastructure, connectivity, platforms and storage. These are essential foundations, but they do not complete the system. The missing layer is the one that enables value to circulate. And circulate at scale

Without reliable payment infrastructure, digital ecosystems cannot convert activity into income. A completed transaction is what turns online presence into revenue, and revenue into sustainability. This is where real challenge is, South Africa through a number of interventions over the years has built scalable and world class payments infrastructure, Payshap being the most recent launch.

For SMEs operating with fewer than ten employees and limited monthly turnover, even minor disruptions such as failed transactions or delayed settlements can halt operations. In this context, payment performance is not a technical metric. It is a business continuity factor.

The market is already moving faster than the headlines

Consumer behaviour is already ahead of the payments conversation. According to the 2025 State of Pay Report, while cards remain the dominant payment method, the landscape is diversifying rapidly as consumers shift toward faster, more flexible alternatives as a matter of preference, not novelty. This isn’t a gradual drift. It’s a market actively seeking out options and embracing them.

Businesses that cannot meet these expectations risk losing sales at the point of transaction. But enabling multiple payment methods is only part of the solution. The greater challenge is ensuring that these systems are integrated, reliable and capable of supporting real-time commerce across channels.

Fragmented infrastructure creates friction. For SMEs, that friction translates directly into lost revenue and constrained growth. We see this in practice across our merchant base. Fashion brand Fenn Collection scaled nationally once predictable settlement cycles removed cash flow bottlenecks. Ticketing platform iTickets improved event payouts by consolidating its payment rails. In both cases, growth followed better payment infrastructure.

From access to participation

As digital payments infrastructure investment accelerates and modernise, the focus must shift from capacity to participation.

It is not enough to build systems that store and connect. The priority should be enabling systems that allow businesses to trade, settle and grow without interruption. And low cost to drive scale and adoption.

Payment infrastructure is increasingly becoming the layer that determines whether businesses can participate fully in the digital economy.

It is also unlocking new forms of financial access, from real-time data insights to funding linked directly to transaction activity. These are not incremental improvements. They are structural enablers of growth for businesses that have historically been underserved.

The shift that matters

Digital payments must function and be considered critical infrastructure in South Africa. As national investment accelerates in connectivity and data centres, payments are the layer that activates this infrastructure, enabling real-time commerce, expanding inclusion and supporting economic growth.

This is where initiatives such as the South African Reserve Bank’s Payments Ecosystem Modernisation programme become critical, particularly in driving lower-cost, more accessible digital payment options that can accelerate adoption among SMEs and underserved communities.

The task now is to ensure that what flows through our digital infrastructure reaches the businesses and communities that need it most. Infrastructure creates capacity. Payments create participation.  In an economy defined by millions of small businesses striving to grow, participation is everything.

South Africa does not face an infrastructure deficit, but an opportunity for stronger alignment. By recognising payment systems as a core component of national digital infrastructure, the country can unlock substantially more value from the investments already made. In a digital economy, growth is ultimately driven not only by what is built, but by how effectively value is able to move.

The post South Africa is investing in digital payments infrastructure but missing the layer that drives real economic growth appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

As businesses settle into the realities of hybrid and flexible work models, one thing becomes clear – productivity no longer depends solely on where work happens, but on how well workspaces are equipped and fit for purpose. From corporate offices to home setups, display technology has emerged as a critical enabler of focus, efficiency, and employee well-being.

Back to Work, Back to Productivity

The return to structured work routines is prompting organisations to rethink their workspace standards. Employees are moving between offices, home desks and shared environments, often using multiple devices and applications throughout the day. High-quality monitors play a pivotal role in supporting this shift by helping to minimise distractions and maintain consistency across work locations.

A well-chosen monitor can support smoother workflows and more effective collaboration, whether an employee is sifting through data at headquarters or joining a virtual meeting from their home office.

Choosing the Right Monitor Matters

The importance of display quality on daily productivity is paramount and the right monitor setup delivers tangible business benefits:

• Greater screen clarity and real estate enable employees to manage multiple windows, documents, and tools simultaneously, improving task efficiency and reducing time lost to constant switching.
• Ergonomic design helps reduce eye strain, neck tension and fatigue, supporting long-term comfort and healthier work habits over extended hours.
• Flexible connectivity options simplify device integration, allowing employees to move seamlessly between laptops, desktops and shared systems without unnecessary downtime.

Samsung Business Monitors: Purpose-Built for the Workspace

Samsung’s business monitor portfolio is designed to meet the demands of modern workplaces across industries. From productivity-focused displays to specialised solutions for data-intensive and creative work, the range supports diverse professional requirements.

Amongst its key strengths, the range includes business-ready features that support hybrid workflows, multi-device environments and collaborative use cases, reliability and durability, ensuring consistent performance, and Samsung’s proven track record rooted in display innovation and trusted by organisations worldwide.

Explore the full range of Samsung’s business monitors and their B2B-oriented features at
https://www.samsung.com/za/business/monitors/

Designed for Different Business Use Cases

No two roles work the same way and monitor choices should reflect this reality:

• Single large-format screens are ideal for finance, operations and analytics professionals who require clarity and precision when working with complex data.
• Ultra-wide displays support creative teams, developers and multitaskers who benefit from expanded horizontal space and uninterrupted workflows.
• Adjustable stands and ergonomic designs are well-suited to corporate offices, shared desks and hot-desk environments, enabling comfort for different users.

This flexibility allows organisations to standardise on a trusted brand while tailoring solutions to specific team needs.

Long-Term Value for Growing Businesses

Beyond enabling productivity, the right monitor strategy supports long-term business value. Samsung monitors are designed to help organisations build future-ready workspaces that can adapt as teams grow or work models evolve.

Energy-efficient designs and enterprise-grade performance also contribute to optimised total cost of ownership in the long run.

For additional guidance on selecting the right monitor type, particularly for hybrid or home-office environments, Samsung’s buying guide offers practical insights:
https://www.samsung.com/za/monitors/monitor-buying-guide/best-monitor-for-home-office/

The post Back to Work: Boost Your Productivity with Samsung’s Versatile Monitors appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Next-Gen 1/1.3″ Sensor Captures Professional-Level Visuals Through Hands-Free Shooting

September 23, 2025 – DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today launches the Osmo Nano. This lightweight, wearable action camera can be mounted anywhere – from hats and helmets to pet collars – with a dual-sided magnetic design. It is also equipped with a next-gen 1/1.3-inch sensor and a high-performance image processor, offering up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range. Together, the Osmo Nano empowers creators to capture creative, hands-free visuals that are on par with professional cameras. 

Effortlessly Wearable – Anywhere You Go

With its ultra-compact design, easy magnetic mounting, and versatile accessory options, Osmo Nano can be mounted anywhere. The smallest of DJI’s action cameras, the Osmo Nano camera weighs just 52g and measures approximately 57mm×29mm×28mm. Offering attachments for headbands, helmets, lanyards, hats, and more, creators can bring the Osmo Nano with them to capture content wherever they go. For water sports and outdoor adventures, the Osmo Nano camera is waterproof up to 10 meters without any additional housing, and, when paired with the Multifunctional Vision Dock, it offers IPX4-rated splash resistance, protecting against sweat, rain, and minor splashes. Shots can also be controlled remotely with the built-in OLED HD touchscreen on the Multifunctional Vision Dock. The perspectives are endless, providing another dimension of creativity and versatility to any video captured.

Image Quality Beyond Imagination

The 1/1.3-inch sensor delivers the best image quality possible for compact action cameras, and the high-performance image processor offers a superior dynamic range of 13.5 stops¹ to ensure impressive low-light performance. Osmo Nano captures every scene in crisp detail, with up to 4K/60fps video² and 4K/120fps slow motion. Osmo Nano’s 143° ultra-wide field of view fits more into every frame, so no part of the moment is ever cropped out. Osmo Nano is the only wearable camera of this size to offer 10-bit and D-Log M color performance. The 10-bit video allows the capture of up to one billion colors and 72% more color space than 8-bit standard video, providing stunning visuals not previously possible with compact action cameras. Meanwhile, the D-Log M mode preserves color and brightness information, offering greater flexibility for post-production and creative editing. In low light conditions, Osmo Nano’s SuperNight mode³ enhances image quality with noise reduction algorithms. For image stabilization, HorizonBalancing maintains the horizon level, correcting tilts within a ±30° range, and RockSteady 3.0 reduces camera shake. 

Versatile Dock Supports Remote Control, Battery Charging, and File Transfer

Osmo Nano’s Multifunctional Vision Dock acts as a display screen, a remote photo trigger, a charging station, and a high-speed file transfer station. The magnetic design allows the camera to be mounted to the dock in any direction, making it easy to switch between selfies and portraits. The dock can fast charge the main camera up to 80% battery level in only 20 minutes¹. When docked and fully-charged, the camera can record up to 200 minutes of 1080p/24fps video, and the new Endurance mode allows for the recording of up to 60 minutes of 4K/30fps (16:9) video. The Multifunctional Vision Dock features a built-in microSD card slot. It can also connect mobile devices or computers using a PD fast-charging cable for transfers up to 600 MB/s⁴.

Various Audio Options for Premium Sound 

Osmo Nano features dual built-in microphones for stereo recording, delivering clear, vivid audio for an immersive first-person audiovisual experience. OsmoAudio™ Direct Microphone Connection allows users to capture studio-quality sound by connecting the Osmo Nano directly to two DJI microphone transmitters without a receiver⁵. 

Creative Freedom with Flexible Shooting Modes

Creators have a number of Osmo Nano shooting modes and features that offer versatility, interesting composition, and the opportunity to stay in the moment:

• Horizontal & Vertical Shooting – easily switch between horizontal and vertical shooting
• Auto Recording – set shooting intervals and clip durations for automatic recording
• Gesture Control – start shooting with a nod gesture or tapping the device in auto recording mode
• Pre-Rec – automatically saves footage from just before the record button is pressed

Price and Availability

The DJI Osmo Nano is available to order from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:

• Osmo Nano Standard Combo (64GB) – 279 EUR

Includes Osmo Nano Camera (64GB), Osmo Nano Multifunctional Vision Dock, Osmo Nano Magnetic Hat Clip, Osmo Nano Magnetic Lanyard, Osmo Nano Protective Case, USB-C to USB-C PD Cable (USB 3.1), Osmo Nano Dual-Direction Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount

• Osmo Nano Standard Combo (128GB) – 309 EUR

Includes Osmo Nano Camera (128GB), Osmo Nano Multifunctional Vision Dock, Osmo Nano Magnetic Hat Clip, Osmo Nano Magnetic Lanyard, Osmo Nano Protective Case, USB-C to USB-C PD Cable (USB 3.1), Osmo Nano Dual-Direction Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount

A range of mounting options and accessories enhance the Osmo Nano filming experience. Each is sold separately.  

• Osmo Magnetic Headband
• Osmo Dual-Direction Quick-Release Foldable Adapter Mount
• Osmo Nano ND Filter Set
• Osmo Nano Glass Lens Cover
• Osmo Nano Dual-Direction Magnetic Ball-Joint Adapter Mount

DJI Care Refresh

DJI Care Refresh, the comprehensive protection plan for DJI products, is now available for Osmo Nano. Accidental damage is covered by the replacement service, including natural wear, collisions, and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs. DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to two replacements within one year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to four replacements within a two-year period. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include official warranty, international warranty service, and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit: www.dji.com/global/support/service/djicare-refresh

For more information, please refer to: www.dji.com/global/nano

 

¹ All data was tested in controlled conditions. Actual experience may vary. For more details, please refer to the product page on the official DJI website.

² 4K/60fps is not supported when filming in 4:3 aspect ratio.

³ SuperNight mode only supports 8-bit color depth and frame rates up to 30fps. It does not support the 4:3 aspect ratio.

⁴ To achieve a 600MB/s transfer speed, use the 128GB version of Osmo Nano with the included USB-C to USB-C PD cable (USB 3.1), and transfer data from the camera’s built-in storage. The 64GB version of Osmo Nano supports transfer speeds of up to 400MB/s. Make sure your computer supports USB 3.1 high-speed transfers; actual transfer speeds may vary depending on the computer model.

⁵ Direct connection to the first-generation DJI Mic is not supported. DJI microphones are sold separately.

The post DJI Launches Osmo Nano, A Hands-Free Wearable Camera with Unmatched Image Quality appeared first on Tech Scene ZA.

Mark those calendars and gear up for the ultimate gaming experience as rAge 2024 prepares to pump gamers with their annual dose of adrenaline at the Bring Your Own Computer (BYOC) LAN event. Taking place from November 29th to December 1st, 2024, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, this year’s LAN will once again be supported by the official internet connectivity partner, Clear Access.

“Clear Access is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with rAge for the highly anticipated NAG BYOC LAN, providing unparalleled connectivity for the event. Once again, we’ll be providing our cutting-edge connectivity solution to the LAN gamers. Leveraging our Neutrino product, we’ll connect the event to gaming servers worldwide, ensuring seamless gameplay. By utilising concurrent links across all undersea cables and dynamically routing traffic, we guarantee an optimal gaming experience for every participant. This year, we’re proud to once again deploy our Quark product, delivering unparalleled low latency and lightning-fast connections directly to each gamer’s device. Get ready to dominate the competition with Clear Access at rAge Expo 2024!” says Rob Nelson, Marketing Manager at Clear Access.

Michael James, Project Director for rAge, sheds light on the decision to change the venue and what it means for LAN participants: “Space and flexibility were the key reasons behind our move to the Johannesburg Expo Centre. This venue offers us massive, connected halls, conference rooms, and expansive outdoor spaces, providing the perfect setting for the BYOC LAN and the expo. It also allows us to offer a much wider range of food and beverage options to cater to everyone’s taste. Great news for gamers who are there for the whole weekend, doing what they love.”

“With each LAN ticket, participants will receive free access to the rAge Expo for all three days, plus a complimentary Day Pass ticket for a friend or family member. We’re committed to delivering an experience that’s not just about gaming but about community, innovation, and having an unforgettable time,” adds James.

BYOC LAN Details: What You Need to Know

• Dates: November 29th – December 1st, 2024
• Location: Johannesburg Expo Centre, NASREC
• Ticket Prices:
• General Pass (3-day LAN ticket): R 950 per person
• Super Pass (4-day LAN ticket): R1 250 per person

• Security: rAge and NAG LAN continue their long-time partnership with a trusted security company to safeguard hardware and personal belongings. Secure parking within the venue precinct will be available for LAN gamers throughout the weekend.
• Showers: Showers will be provided at the venue.
• Hardware: This is a BYOC event, so gamers must bring their own gaming rig—PC or console.
• Entertainment: Expect fun and casual tournaments throughout the weekend.

Whether you’re a first-time LANner or a seasoned veteran, the NAG BYOC LAN is the place to be. Join the rAge Discord community to ask questions, share stories, and connect with fellow gamers ahead of the event.

Tickets for the #rAgeExpo2024NAG BYOC LAN are available via Howler.

#escapetoplanetrage #22yearsofawesome #comeandplay #agalaxyofgeek

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