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Meet Moya Messenger – WhatsApp’s Data-Free Rival in South Africa

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Moya Messenger is the world’s first data-free mobile messaging app that is rapidly becoming a rival to WhatsApp in South Africa.

Developed by biNu, an Australian company that launched its services in South Africa in 2014, Moya Messenger was released in South Africa in July and instantly attracted lots of users, enabling them to communicate without excessive data costs.

South Africa has 18 million active social media users, almost half of whom spend most of their time on WhatsApp. WhatsApp has almost taken Mxit, Blackberry Messenger (BBM) and WeChat out of the picture in South Africa, as it is the most convenient and affordable mobile messaging app in the country.

However, despite WhatsApp’s dominance in South Africa, Moya Messenger is becoming a real rival to the app, since it provides a similar messaging experience but allows users to send unlimited text messages at no data cost, even when they have no airtime or data balance on their mobile devices.

Moya Messenger definitely looks promising in South Africa, with the cell phone market in the country currently being the 4th fastest growing in the world, raising at a rate of 50% per year, not to mention that the country’s IT industry is booming at a breakneck pace. South African IT market is the largest IT market in Africa by value.

According to The Information Technology Industry in South Africa 2017 report, the South African IT sector grew at 4% of GDP for 2017.

These statistics only prove that South Africa is a fertile ground for any startup that’s willing to look beyond. We’ve already seen many VPN services making strides to establish their servers in the country. This is not too surprising as VPN technology is primarily used to improve online security and privacy; and as we’ve seen over the years, the developing IT industries need security solutions, as at this stage the whole infrastructure could still be very susceptible to virtual security threats.

With an impressive overall growth, it’s only a question of time when we’ll see other big tech player making moves in South Africa.

Moya Messenger Functionalities

The South African challenger to WhatsApp offers data-free unlimited texting and data-free group chat, high security with automatic end-to-end encryption and automatic contact discovery for quickly connecting with Moya Messenger users.

However, there are a few drawbacks to the app. Message attachments are not data-free, which is where WhatsApp definitely wins, at least for now. Moya users can send attachments like photos, videos, and documents, but they will be preemptively warned that data costs will be incurred, so they can either allow that or switch to WiFi.

Also, for the users to actually use the app, they need to switch mobile data on. Furthermore, to send data-free text messages, the users must use specific mobile networks that are compatible with Moya Messenger. This means that they can only communicate through the app with the users in South Africa who use those mobile networks, as Moya Messenger is not available outside the country.

Moya Messenger has a reverse billing agreement with four South African major mobile network operators – MTN, Vodacom, Cell C and Telcom – which means that biNu will pay those mobile network operators for all the mobile messaging data costs.

Another drawback to Moya Messenger is that the app is currently available only for Android devices, so 20% of iPhone users in South Africa are not yet able to use the app.

Will Moya Messenger Beat WhatsApp in South Africa?

Moya Messenger exhibits significant benefits, primarily because users can communicate with one another at zero data costs, not to mention that they don’t need to load airtime or purchase data bundles to send text messages. As such, Moya presents a threat to WhatsApp, but it’s still not so clear whether or not it has what it takes to become the dominant messaging app in the country.

Nevertheless, over 10000 users have already installed the app, and the number keeps rising with each coming day. Since data tariff is very high in South Africa, it’s not a stretch to say that the app will become quite popular in the country. It has enormous potential, and more and more people realize it.

Moya Messenger is rapidly gaining a strong foothold in the South African market, but we are yet to see what the future will bring for the app. Stay tuned.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Subscribers to Enjoy Free Upgrades on Select DStv, GOtv Packages

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DStv and GOtv

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

MultiChoice Nigeria has commenced a one-month campaign tagged Open Time, offering new and existing subscribers free package upgrades.

A statement from the company disclosed that the promotion runs from June 1 to 30, 2026, and gives eligible DStv and GOtv customers access to higher subscription packages at no additional cost in the month of June.

However, these upgrades are on select DStv or GOtv packages. Subscribers will automatically be upgraded to a higher package at the price of their current subscription for the duration of the offer.

MultiChoice said the upgrade is intended to give subscribers a broader viewing experience for the month, spanning drama, sport, action and children’s programming available on the higher-tier packages.

Customers who pay for DStv Compact Plus or DStv Compact bouquets will be upgraded to DStv Premium, while DStv Confam customers will be upgraded to DStv Compact. DStv Yanga customers will receive access to DStv Confam.

Similarly, GOtv Supa and GOtv Max subscribers will receive access to the GOtv Supa Plus package, while GOtv Jolli subscribers will be upgraded to GOtv Max.

The upgrades will remain active for as long as the customer’s account is fully paid during the campaign period. At the end of the promotion on June 30, subscriptions will revert to their original packages.

Subscribers can renew or activate their accounts via the DStv and GOtv websites, the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps, USSD, banking channels or at payment points nationwide.

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Fringe Wigs Now Available at Twinkles Beauty

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Twinkles Beauty

Twinkles Beauty has added fringe wigs to its catalogue, bringing one of the most directional styles in contemporary hair fashion to its growing international customer base. The launch positions the brand to meet demand for a look that has moved steadily from editorial runways into everyday wardrobes, earning a permanent place among the styles modern women return to consistently.

The fringe wig delivers something that most other wig styles do not: an instant change to the entire aura of the face. A well-constructed fringe alters the visual proportion of the forehead, draws attention to the eyes, and produces a finish that reads as intentional and precise. Unlike the bone straight wig, which leads with length and sleekness, or the body wave unit, which leads with movement and texture, the fringe wig leads with structure at the very front of the style. It is a design decision that changes everything about how a look is perceived, and it is why the fringe has maintained its relevance across decades of changing fashion without ever feeling dated.

Twinkles Beauty was founded with a clear commercial mandate: make premium human hair accessible to women who have historically been underserved by international pricing structures and inconsistent quality standards. The brand has built its operational foundation across Nigeria & Ghana before extending its delivery network to customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and multiple additional international markets.

Every product in the Twinkles Beauty catalogue, from its frontal wigs to its precision-cut bob units and glueless options designed for everyday wear, is held to the same sourcing and construction standard regardless of the length or style category it falls under.

The fringe wig collection enters that catalogue with the same expectation. Units are constructed from premium human hair, with lace options that blend against a range of skin tones and cap architecture built for secure, comfortable wear. The collection covers multiple length options, meaning a customer who prefers the clean, above-the-shoulder finish of a shorter fringe unit and one who wants the same style at a longer, more dramatic length are both accommodated within the same launch. The fringe detail is consistent across lengths, delivering the defining characteristic of the style at every size available.

The addition reflects a pattern that has defined how Twinkles Beauty has grown its catalogue over time. New collections are introduced in direct response to what the brand’s customer base is purchasing and requesting, not simply in response to broad market trends. This intentional design means the store covers the full range of what a woman shopping for premium human hair actually wants. The collection spans from the ultra-sleek finishes that bone straight and HD lace units provide, to the textured, high-volume options that deep wave and curly units deliver, and now to the sharp, face-framing precision that the fringe collection brings.

Fringe Wigs

Shopping on Twinkles Beauty

The full fringe wig collection is available now at Twinkles Beauty. Placing an order is a straightforward process:

  1. Visit twinklesbeauty.co and click the Shop tab in the navigation menu.
  2. Browse the Wigs category and select Fringe Wigs from the available options.
  3. Choose your preferred unit and review the product specifications, including length, density, lace type, and colour.
  4. Add your selected unit to the cart and proceed to checkout.
  5. Complete payment using any of the secure payment methods displayed at the checkout stage. Pricing is finalised on the product page and does not change at checkout.
  6. Receive your order confirmation and use the Track Order feature on the website to monitor your delivery.

Customers with questions before or after purchase can reach the Twinkles Beauty support team directly through the Contact Us page. The brand also maintains an active presence on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for customers who want to see products styled before making a selection.

International customers in the US, Canada, and the UK move through the same checkout process and receive the same delivery standards as customers ordering from within West Africa. Transparent pricing, reliable logistics, and consistent product quality apply across every market Twinkles Beauty serves.

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MultiChoice Nigeria Strengthens Dealer Partnerships at Engagement Forum

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MultiChoice Dealer Partnerships

MultiChoice Nigeria, a CANAL+ company, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with its dealer network at the MultiChoice Dealer Enterprise 2.0 forum held on Monday in Lagos.

The forum brought together the company’s mega dealers across Nigeria to discuss evolving market realities, customer expectations and new initiatives designed to support long-term business growth.

In her opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho, described dealers as critical partners in the company’s growth journey and customer experience delivery.

“Our dealers remain the bridge between our business and millions of customers across the country. As the market evolves, it is important that our partnership model also evolves to ensure sustainable growth and shared value across the ecosystem,” she said.

The company unveiled enhancements to its dealer engagement across its DStv and GOtv businesses, reinforcing its commitment to supporting dealer profitability, operational growth and long-term sustainability.

Speaking on the initiatives, Chimaobi Eluigwe, Vice President, Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, said the move reflects MultiChoice Nigeria’s intention to build a stronger and more rewarding partnership while positioning the dealer network for future growth.

“We are intentional about creating opportunities that allow our dealers to grow sustainably with the business. This is about strengthening partnerships, improving value creation and ensuring our dealers remain well-positioned for the future,” he said.

Dealers at the forum welcomed the initiatives, describing them as a positive step toward strengthening collaboration and improving business confidence.

According to Cordelia Ikeanyi, Managing Director at Eastland General Resources, the renewed engagement and enhanced benefits structure demonstrate MultiChoice Nigeria’s commitment to recognising the value dealers bring to the business.

“This is a step in the right direction for dealers. The improved communication and engagement from MultiChoice have made partners feel more valued and included, and the new initiatives will support business expansion and help us explore untapped opportunities,” she said.

Also speaking at the forum, Ifeanyi Onyibo, CEO of Radac Communications Limited, noted that dealers have experienced more engagement and clearer communication in recent months, describing the renewed approach as a positive development for the dealer ecosystem.

“There has been a noticeable improvement in communication and engagement, and initiatives like this give partners greater confidence in the direction of the business,” he said.

The forum also featured a feedback session where dealers shared market insights, customer trends, and recommendations aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening customer experience across the country.

Awards were presented to top-performing dealers in recognition of their sales performance, customer service excellence and commitment to growing the MultiChoice business nationwide.

With the Dealer Enterprise 2.0, MultiChoice Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with dealers to strengthen partnerships, improve collaboration and drive shared growth across the country.

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