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Naledi Pandor

In light of imminent ADSL speed increases by Telkom, local Internet service provider Web Africa has launched an online tool that will allow customers to monitor line speeds and performance – as well as reset ports – without third-party intervention. Web Africa says that, while faster ADSL speeds will yield benefits, consumers may be unaware of the improved service. – ITWeb

Science and technology minister Naledi Pandor" rel=tag>Naledi Pandor has endorsed the Siemens Stiftung (foundation) competition aimed at small businesses, inventors, researchers, NGOs and technology organisations. Prize money of approximately R2 million is available to 23 winners of the six-month competition known as the “empowering people award”. Entries can be submitted within six categories: water and waste water; energy, food and agriculture; waste management and recycling; housing and construction; healthcare; and ICTs. – ITWeb

The BlackBerry Curve 9320 – aimed at the socially connected youth – is now available from third cellphone operator Cell C. BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) and Cell C recently confirmed availability of the handsets, which were announced by RIM in May. The new smartphone is available on Cell C’s Hero Deal or on a prepaid basis for R2 699. – ITWeb

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Alan Knott-Craig Jnr" />LexisNexis, a content and technology solutions company, and digital business solutions group Law Credit, equipped the Gauteng courts with WiFi connectivity recently – allowing visitors to access the Internet via a wireless connection. LexisNexis says legal professionals will now be able to access their subscribed “My LexisNexis” research platform accounts, free of charge. This follows the successful installation of a WiFi facility in the Cape High Court, last August, which allows visitors and professionals wireless access to any Internet site. – ITWeb

Mxit has partnered with Standard Bank to bring realworld payments to the mobile social network through a new application, Mxit Money. Mxit CEO Alan Knott-Craig Jnr says the new feature offers a big opportunity to monetise Mxit and to turn it into a payment platform. The Mxit Money app integrates Standard Bank’s electronic currency, Instant Money, into the social network. – ITWeb

Into Africa

Rwanda is one of four countries on the continent selected to host one of the global Start-up World competitions where local ICT entrepreneurs, innovators and early stage business leaders showcase their innovations. Start-up World is an initiative based in US to promote early stage businesses, entrepreneurship and technology through a competition to celebrate the world’s innovative start-ups. – ITWeb Africa

Zimbabwe plans to switch to electronic passports, with the country’s co-home affairs minister, Theresa Makone, saying this could happen as soon as in the next three months. “We are moving to what we call the e-passport which is readable worldwide,” said Makone. The African nation is battling with a backlog of passport applications. – ITWeb Africa

Zambia’s government has issued 10 full licences and 16 construction permits to radio and television stations across the country. Kennedy Sakeni, minister of Information and Broadcasting Services said the move taken by the government is intended to enhance participation in the affairs of the country, as well as offer people an opportunity to air their views on issues of national interest. – ITWeb Africa

Zimbabwe has completed the groundwork, which includes consultations and research, for a new information and communication technology (ICT) policy, which is to be finalised by the end of this year. Nelson Chamisa, the country’s ICT minister, said the new policy will pave the way for the effective implementation of “e-commerce” and spur development in the country through the usage and application of ICT platforms. – ITWeb Africa

Abroad

Microsoft unveils its first new logo in 25 years as it looks to unify its branding ahead of a clutch of new product releases this year. “It’s been 25 years since we’ve updated the Microsoft logo and now is the perfect time for a change,” says Jeff Hansen, GM of Microsoft’s brand strategy. – Reuters

East Kodak says it plans to sell most of its consumer and document imaging businesses and shift its focus to commercial printing as it works to emerge from bankruptcy. The company needs to raise nearly $700 million to pay back its creditors and exit bankruptcy, and initially hoped its patent sale would generate at least that much. – Reuters

Groupons’s Lee Brown, who oversees the daily deal company’s national sales, has decided to leave, following other senior executives who left the company this year. Raj Ruparell will replace Brown, who was senior VP of national sales. Groupon lost three quarters of its market value since the company’s IPO last year on concern that the growth of its main daily deal business is slowing. – Reuters