TCS+ | Shifting Microsoft Azure SQL Into Overdrive TechCentral podcast

T

TechCentral

1
TCS+ | MVNX on the opportunities in South Africa’s booming MVNO market 23:42

1 hour پیش23:42

23:42

For years, mobile telecommunications was dominated by a handful of large operators, or MNOs. Now, with almost 30 MVNOs, or mobile virtual network operators, serving niche consumer bases in banking, retail and education, among other sectors, the MVNO market is thriving. However, brands looking to take advantage of this boom and add mobile services to their offerings are not guaranteed success. There are several critical decisions regarding strategy, process and choosing the right technology platform that are key to building a critical mass of loyal MVNO customers. In this episode of TCS+, Daniel Swart, chief commercial officer at MVNX, an MVNO enablement specialist, discusses the opportunities and threats facing MVNOs in South Africa today. Swart Delves into: • The services MVNX, as an MVNO enabler, offers to brands looking to launch MVNO services in South Africa; • How South Africa’s MVNO market has developed since its inception in 2006 with the entry of now-defunct Virgin Mobile; • The markers of success separating successful MVNOs from those that have struggled to gain a foothold in the market; • The benefits MVNO brands reap from using an enablement platform to launch and distribute their mobile services; • The importance of understanding the competitive dynamics of the MVNO market and how new MVNOs should position themselves; • The regulatory aspects of running an MVNO; and • International MVNO trends Swart believes are likely to be emulated in South Africa. This discussion is not to be missed. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
MVNX on the opportunities in South Africa’s booming MVNO market 23:42

1 hour پیش23:42

23:42

For years, mobile telecommunications was dominated by a handful of large operators, or MNOs. Now, with almost 30 MVNOs, or mobile virtual network operators, serving niche consumer bases in banking, retail and education, among other sectors, the MVNO market is thriving. However, brands looking to take advantage of this boom and add mobile services to their offerings are not guaranteed success. There are several critical decisions regarding strategy, process and choosing the right technology platform that are key to building a critical mass of loyal MVNO customers. In this episode of TCS+, Daniel Swart, chief commercial officer at MVNX, an MVNO enablement specialist, discusses the opportunities and threats facing MVNOs in South Africa today. Swart Delves into: • The services MVNX, as an MVNO enabler, offers to brands looking to launch MVNO services in South Africa; • How South Africa’s MVNO market has developed since its inception in 2006 with the entry of now-defunct Virgin Mobile; • The markers of success separating successful MVNOs from those that have struggled to gain a foothold in the market; • The benefits MVNO brands reap from using an enablement platform to launch and distribute their mobile services; • The importance of understanding the competitive dynamics of the MVNO market and how new MVNOs should position themselves; • The regulatory aspects of running an MVNO; and • International MVNO trends Swart believes are likely to be emulated in South Africa. This discussion is not to be missed.…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | Connecting Saffas – Renier Lombard on The Lekker Network 20:39

۴ روز پیش20:39

20:39

The Lekker Network is a recently launched global business platform designed to help South African expatriates find business and investment opportunities around the world, including at home. Founded by a group of well-known businesspeople, The Lekker Network was launched in March and offers members access to a business directory, a jobs portal (for employers and job seekers), a social platform with “likeminded individuals” and events around the world for people, including non-South Africans, to meet up. Renier Lombard, a co-founder of The Lekker Network, is our guest on this episode of the TechCentral Show. He said the platform, whose ambassadors include well-known journalist and speaker Bruce Whitfield and former Springbok and now businessman Bob Skinstad, is designed to “forge connections between South African businesses and businesspeople, regardless of their location”. In this episode of TCS, Lombard unpacks: • Who founded The Lekker Network and why; • Who it is aimed at and who can join; • How much it costs and what members get for the fee; • The markets where The Lekker Network is focused – not surprisingly, the attention is on countries where there are a large number of South African expats; • How (and why) non-South Africans can join the network; and • The importance of the tech sector, including start-ups, to The Lekker Network community. Don’t miss the interview! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Connecting Saffas – Renier Lombard on The Lekker Network 20:39

۴ روز پیش20:39

20:39

The Lekker Network is a recently launched global business platform designed to help South African expatriates find business and investment opportunities around the world, including at home. Founded by a group of well-known businesspeople, The Lekker Network was launched in March and offers members access to a business directory, a jobs portal (for employers and job seekers), a social platform with “likeminded individuals” and events around the world for people, including non-South Africans, to meet up. Renier Lombard, a co-founder of The Lekker Network, is our guest on this episode of the TechCentral Show. He said the platform, whose ambassadors include well-known journalist and speaker Bruce Whitfield and former Springbok and now businessman Bob Skinstad, is designed to “forge connections between South African businesses and businesspeople, regardless of their location”. In this episode of TCS, Lombard unpacks: • Who founded The Lekker Network and why; • Who it is aimed at and who can join; • How much it costs and what members get for the fee; • The markets where The Lekker Network is focused – not surprisingly, the attention is on countries where there are a large number of South African expats; • How (and why) non-South Africans can join the network; and • The importance of the tech sector, including start-ups, to The Lekker Network community. Don’t miss the interview!…

T

TechCentral

1
TechCentral Nexus S0E4: Takealot’s big Post Office jobs plan 19:21

۷ روز پیش19:21

19:21

This is the fourth episode of a new podcast series curated by TechCentral’s editorial team and generated by artificial intelligence tools. It’s an experiment that’s in beta for now, but if it works well, we’ll consider making it a regular feature by launching a season 1. In this episode, we highlight some of the biggest technology news stories from South Africa and the world over the last week, as covered by TechCentral. Note that even using the most accurate and reliable sources, AI can and will occasionally make mistakes. In this episode, we look at: • Takealot’s talks about hiring thousands of retrenched Post Office employees to support its e-commerce expansion plans; • Why South Africans’ use of cash is costing the economy billions of rand a year, according to the Reserve Bank; • City Power’s plan to roll out electric vehicle charging stations in Johannesburg; • The Internet Service Providers’ Association’s view of communications minister Solly Malatsi’s plan to introduce equity equivalence in licensing in the ICT sector; • Intel’s pivot to the “14A” manufacturing technology and what it means in its fight with TSMC for foundry customers; • Bank Zero’s sale to Lesaka Technologies; and • The mental health impact of AI chatbots. Again, this podcast is experimental. We welcome your feedback. Would you like this podcast to become a regular feature? Is there anything you’d like us to improve? Is it too short or too long? Drop us a line at nexus@techcentral.co.za. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
TechCentral Nexus S0E4: Takealot’s big Post Office jobs plan 19:21

۷ روز پیش19:21

19:21

This is the fourth episode of a new podcast series curated by TechCentral’s editorial team and generated by artificial intelligence tools. It’s an experiment that’s in beta for now, but if it works well, we’ll consider making it a regular feature by launching a season 1. In this episode, we highlight some of the biggest technology news stories from South Africa and the world over the last week, as covered by TechCentral. Note that even using the most accurate and reliable sources, AI can and will occasionally make mistakes. In this episode, we look at: • Takealot’s talks about hiring thousands of retrenched Post Office employees to support its e-commerce expansion plans; • Why South Africans’ use of cash is costing the economy billions of rand a year, according to the Reserve Bank; • City Power’s plan to roll out electric vehicle charging stations in Johannesburg; • The Internet Service Providers’ Association’s view of communications minister Solly Malatsi’s plan to introduce equity equivalence in licensing in the ICT sector; • Intel’s pivot to the “14A” manufacturing technology and what it means in its fight with TSMC for foundry customers; • Bank Zero’s sale to Lesaka Technologies; and • The mental health impact of AI chatbots. Again, this podcast is experimental. We welcome your feedback. Would you like this podcast to become a regular feature? Is there anything you’d like us to improve? Is it too short or too long? Drop us a line at nexus@techcentral.co.za.…

T

TechCentral

1
Watts & Wheels S0E1: 'Welcome to the machine' 57:54

14 روز پیش57:54

57:54

Welcome to Watts & Wheels, a new motoring show from TechCentral that covers the latest in the world of new energy vehicles. Hosted by William Kelly and Duncan McLeod, the show explores developments in electric cars and other electrified vehicles through a South African lens. Season 0 of Watts & Wheels consists of three weekly episodes and is a pilot ahead of the likely launch of a longer first season of the show.…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS+ | First Distribution on the latest and greatest cloud technologies 11:08

14 روز پیش11:08

11:08

The pace of innovation in the cloud space is breathtaking. Gone are the days when the cloud was just about virtual machines and storage; today, it is a dynamic ecosystem, constantly introducing features that are fundamentally transforming how businesses operate, from the smallest start-ups to the largest enterprises. Preegan Chetty, Azure product manager at First Distribution, returns to TechCentral’s TCS+ to discuss some of the latest and most exciting features available in the Azure cloud environment and how businesses are leveraging those capabilities to facilitate growth. This is the third in a series of three episodes with Chetty and First Distribution. Episode one covered cloud cost optimisation in Azure and episode two looked at how businesses can manage the complexities of data residency in hybrid cloud environments. In this episode, Chetty delves into: • The benefits cloud-based IT environments offer over on-prem installations and how they help companies experiment and adopt new technologies faster; • How businesses can ensure they are able to keep pace with new technologies so they are not left behind; • How South African businesses are using the newest AI tools in Azure to build new products and services; • How to approach responsible AI development in the cloud; • How cloud AI tools can help with code modernisation; • How small businesses can take advantage of cloud technology; and • Emerging cloud technologies to keep an eye on. This discussion is not to be missed. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
First Distribution on the latest and greatest cloud technologies 11:08

14 روز پیش11:08

11:08

The pace of innovation in the cloud space is breathtaking. Gone are the days when the cloud was just about virtual machines and storage; today, it is a dynamic ecosystem, constantly introducing features that are fundamentally transforming how businesses operate, from the smallest start-ups to the largest enterprises. Preegan Chetty, Azure product manager at First Distribution, returns to TechCentral’s TCS+ to discuss some of the latest and most exciting features available in the Azure cloud environment and how businesses are leveraging those capabilities to facilitate growth. This is the third in a series of three episodes with Chetty and First Distribution. Episode one covered cloud cost optimisation in Azure and episode two looked at how businesses can manage the complexities of data residency in hybrid cloud environments. In this episode, Chetty delves into: • The benefits cloud-based IT environments offer over on-prem installations and how they help companies experiment and adopt new technologies faster; • How businesses can ensure they are able to keep pace with new technologies so they are not left behind; • How South African businesses are using the newest AI tools in Azure to build new products and services; • How to approach responsible AI development in the cloud; • How cloud AI tools can help with code modernisation; • How small businesses can take advantage of cloud technology; and • Emerging cloud technologies to keep an eye on. This discussion is not to be missed.…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS+ | First Distribution on data governance in hybrid cloud environments 12:32

14 روز پیش12:32

12:32

Data is the lifeblood of every organisation, driving innovation, enhancing customer experiences and influencing strategic decisions. But managing this invaluable asset has never been more challenging. Hybrid IT environments – where some organisational data sits in the cloud other data resides in on-premises infrastructure – only adds to this complexity. In this second episode in a series of three delving into the ins and outs of Azure cloud deployments, Preegan Chetty, Azure product manager at First Distribution, discusses the data governance procedures that ensure organisational data is stored in the most useful, cost-effective and compliant ways. The first episode centred on effective cost management techniques for the Azure cloud environment. You can watch that episode here. In this episode, Chetty delves into: • Why the complexity of data governance increases when organisations migrate from on-premises to hybrid cloud environments; • The factors organisations should consider when deciding which data they should keep where; • What Dora legislation is and how it affects the hybrid data strategies of South African organisations; • Other legislation impacting data governance in South Africa; • The tools Azure provides to help data architects structure distributed data in ways that do not have a negative impact on performance; • Data governance for disaster recovery; and • The impact data governance decisions have on an organisation’s cloud costs. Don’t miss an informative discussion! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
First Distribution on data governance in hybrid cloud environments 12:32

14 روز پیش12:32

12:32

Data is the lifeblood of every organisation, driving innovation, enhancing customer experiences and influencing strategic decisions. But managing this invaluable asset has never been more challenging. Hybrid IT environments – where some organisational data sits in the cloud other data resides in on-premises infrastructure – only adds to this complexity. In this second episode in a series of three delving into the ins and outs of Azure cloud deployments, Preegan Chetty, Azure product manager at First Distribution, discusses the data governance procedures that ensure organisational data is stored in the most useful, cost-effective and compliant ways. The first episode centred on effective cost management techniques for the Azure cloud environment. You can watch that episode here. In this episode, Chetty delves into: • Why the complexity of data governance increases when organisations migrate from on-premises to hybrid cloud environments; • The factors organisations should consider when deciding which data they should keep where; • What Dora legislation is and how it affects the hybrid data strategies of South African organisations; • Other legislation impacting data governance in South Africa; • The tools Azure provides to help data architects structure distributed data in ways that do not have a negative impact on performance; • Data governance for disaster recovery; and • The impact data governance decisions have on an organisation’s cloud costs. Don’t miss an informative discussion!…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS+ | First Distribution on cloud cost management in Microsoft Azure 13:17

15 روز پیش13:17

13:17

Organisations are flocking to the cloud for its agility, scalability and innovation potential. But while the cloud promises big things, it also presents a set of financial challenges. Many businesses find their cloud bills spiralling out of control, eroding the very benefits they sought in the first place. In this episode of TechCentral’s TCS+, Preegan Chetty, Microsoft Azure product manager at First Distribution, discusses the tools Azure provides for effective cost management and how businesses can take advantage of them to get the most out their cloud deployments without breaking the bank. Chetty delves into: • Some of the common pitfalls or hidden costs that organisations encounter when moving their workloads into the cloud and how to mitigate against these; • The different pricing models available in Azure and how organisations can leverage them; • What FinOps is and how businesses can benefit from it; • How organisational KPIs can be leveraged to manage cloud spending effectively; • How tagging can aid in cost centre management; • How to manage costs in more complex hybrid cloud environments; and • The AI tools Azure offers to aid businesses in managing their costs. This episode is not to be missed. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
First Distribution on cloud cost management in Microsoft Azure 13:17

15 روز پیش13:17

13:17

Organisations are flocking to the cloud for its agility, scalability and innovation potential. But while the cloud promises big things, it also presents a set of financial challenges. Many businesses find their cloud bills spiralling out of control, eroding the very benefits they sought in the first place. In this episode of TechCentral’s TCS+, Preegan Chetty, Microsoft Azure product manager at First Distribution, discusses the tools Azure provides for effective cost management and how businesses can take advantage of them to get the most out their cloud deployments without breaking the bank. Chetty delves into: • Some of the common pitfalls or hidden costs that organisations encounter when moving their workloads into the cloud and how to mitigate against these; • The different pricing models available in Azure and how organisations can leverage them; • What FinOps is and how businesses can benefit from it; • How organisational KPIs can be leveraged to manage cloud spending effectively; • How tagging can aid in cost centre management; • How to manage costs in more complex hybrid cloud environments; and • The AI tools Azure offers to aid businesses in managing their costs. This episode is not to be missed.…

T

TechCentral

1
Finally! Reasons the Vodacom fibre deal was blocked 48:42

17 روز پیش48:42

48:42

It’s many months late, but the Competition Tribunal has finally released its reasons document – or at least, a non-confidential version – outlining why it decided to block Vodacom’s acquisition of a co-controlling stake in fibre operator Maziv. The tribunal last October shocked the merging parties – and the telecommunications industry – when it announced it had agreed with the Competition Commission’s recommendation that the proposed multibillion-rand acquisition of Maziv, which owns Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa, be blocked on competition grounds. Vodacom, which has appealed the decision at the competition appeal court, had made an offer to buy 30% of Maziv – and possibly up to 40% of the business – to become a co-controlling shareholder alongside Remgro-controlled CIVH. The transaction was strongly opposed by a range of stakeholders, including internet service providers, which fretted about the impact on competition in South Africa’s internet access industry. Key reasons cited by the tribunal for seeking to kill the deal include: • Elimination of a competitive threat: Vodacom was identified as a potential future competitor to Maziv in fibre. Its entry would have forced Maziv to respond on price and value, benefiting consumers. • Vertical foreclosure: Dark Fibre Africa holds a dominant position in the upstream dark fibre market (estimated 80-90% national market share for metropolitan dark fibre). The tribunal found that the merged entity would have both the ability and incentive to foreclose Vodacom’s mobile rivals by offering preferential terms, raising prices or degrading service quality. • Anti-competitive bundling: The merger would create opportunities for Vodacom to bundle mobile and fibre services, leveraging its large subscriber base and Maziv’s fibre infrastructure, potentially entrenching dominance and hindering competition. Regarding public interest, the tribunal found that most claimed benefits, such as accelerated fibre roll-out and 5G deployment, were not merger-specific and would likely occur without the transaction due to Vodacom’s existing licensing obligations and market dynamics. The tribunal concluded, too, that the tendered remedies, including a divestiture for fibre overlaps and behavioural conditions for open access and non-discrimination, were insufficient, inadequate and incapable of effective monitoring and enforcement. TechCentral journalists will be unpacking the findings document in the coming days. In the meantime, the above AI-generated podcast overview of the nearly 400-page document provides insight into some of the key findings. Please be aware that because it is generated by AI, there may be an occasional error of fact in the discussion as AI tools are still prone to “hallucinations”. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | South Africa’s Sociable wants to make social media social again 23:32

18 روز پیش23:32

23:32

The digitisation of social interactions has made it easier for people to maintain contact and build online communities. However, there has been a decrease in in-person interaction that has contributed to a sense of disconnect. South African-made social media platform Sociable hopes to solve this problem by combining online engagement with in-person meetups, connecting people based on shared interests. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Sociable co-founder and CEO Jason van Dyk tells TechCentral’s Nathi Ndlovu about the importance of community and how Sociable is helping drive its development. In the show, Van Dyk delves into: • How community builders benefit from using the Sociable platform; • The features Sociable provides to communities and their members to enhance engagement; • How meeting spaces including coffee shops, bars and restaurants benefit from the in-person component of Sociable’s community meetups; • Sociable’s approach to safety for its users; • How Sociable positions itself against large social media platforms like Facebook; • Some of the most popular communities on the platform; and • The impact of AI on the social media landscape. Don’t miss the conversation! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | South Africa’s Sociable wants to make social media social again 23:32

18 روز پیش23:32

23:32

The digitisation of social interactions has made it easier for people to maintain contact and build online communities. However, there has been a decrease in in-person interaction that has contributed to a sense of disconnect. South African-made social media platform Sociable hopes to solve this problem by combining online engagement with in-person meetups, connecting people based on shared interests. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Sociable co-founder and CEO Jason van Dyk tells TechCentral’s Nathi Ndlovu about the importance of community and how Sociable is helping drive its development. In the show, Van Dyk delves into: • How community builders benefit from using the Sociable platform; • The features Sociable provides to communities and their members to enhance engagement; • How meeting spaces including coffee shops, bars and restaurants benefit from the in-person component of Sociable’s community meetups; • Sociable’s approach to safety for its users; • How Sociable positions itself against large social media platforms like Facebook; • Some of the most popular communities on the platform; and • The impact of AI on the social media landscape. Don’t miss the conversation!…

T

TechCentral

1
Nexus S0E3: Behind Takealot’s revenue surge 16:26

18 روز پیش16:26

16:26

This is the third episode of a new podcast series curated by TechCentral’s editorial team and generated by artificial intelligence tools. It’s an experiment that’s in beta for now, but if it works well, we’ll consider making it a regular feature by launching a season 1. Note that even using the most accurate and reliable sources, AI can and will occasionally make mistakes. In this episode, we highlight some of the biggest technology news stories from South Africa and the world over the last week, as covered by TechCentral. In this episode, we look at: • Takealot Group’s strong top-line performance; • The profit surge at Prosus and what’s driving it; • The over-capacity crisis hitting China’s motoring industry; • How Oracle, a dowdy database developer, got a new lease on life; • Jaltech’s decision to back solar specialist Wetility; and • The State IT Agency hits back at its critics in government; Again, this podcast is experimental. We welcome your feedback. Would you like this podcast to become a regular feature? Is there anything you’d like us to improve? Is it too short or too long? Drop us a line at nexus@techcentral.co.za. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Nexus S0E3 (beta): Behind Takealot’s revenue surge 16:26

18 روز پیش16:26

16:26

This is the third episode of a new podcast series curated by TechCentral’s editorial team and generated by artificial intelligence tools. It’s an experiment that’s in beta for now, but if it works well, we’ll consider making it a regular feature by launching a season 1. Note that even using the most accurate and reliable sources, AI can and will occasionally make mistakes. In this episode, we highlight some of the biggest technology news stories from South Africa and the world over the last week, as covered by TechCentral. In this episode, we look at: • Takealot Group’s strong top-line performance; • The profit surge at Prosus and what’s driving it; • The over-capacity crisis hitting China’s motoring industry; • How Oracle, a dowdy database developer, got a new lease on life; • Jaltech’s decision to back solar specialist Wetility; and • The State IT Agency hits back at its critics in government; Again, this podcast is experimental. We welcome your feedback. Would you like this podcast to become a regular feature? Is there anything you’d like us to improve? Is it too short or too long? Drop us a line at nexus@techcentral.co.za.…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | Tech, townships and tenacity: Spar’s plan to win with Spar2U 22:36

22 روز پیش22:36

22:36

Spar Group is determined to play a significant role in the on-demand grocery delivery space in South Africa despite coming from behind, its omnichannel executive for Southern Africa has told TechCentral. Speaking to the TechCentral Show, Blake Raubenheimer took the publication’s editor, Duncan McLeod, through the retailer’s plan to compete directly with the likes of Shoprite Holdings’ Sixty60, which gained an early market lead during the Covid lockdowns. Spar has every intention of becoming a meaningful player in app-based on-demand deliveries, according to Raubenheimer, who unpacked the retailer’s plan to gain market share in the increasingly competitive but fast-expanding segment with Spar2U. South Africa’s grocery sector has become increasingly competitive as price-conscious consumers look for value, convenience and distinctive products. Shoprite and Woolworths are keeping their rivals on their toes as they continue to sign up customers. Pick n Pay, which is also coming from behind, is aggressively targeting the space, too. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Raubenheimer discusses: * How Spar’s business model – the vast majority of stores are run by franchisees – has complicated its move into the on-demand grocery game, and how it's working to turn this to its advantage; * How Spar is working to convince consumers to try Spar2U over other on-demand services; * The group’s broader omnichannel strategy, where the retailer is positioned in the market, where it wants to get to, and how it plans to do it; * Its focus on the township and rural markets through partnerships with companies like KasiD and Delivery Ka Speed – and why it’s important; Spar’s partnership with Uber Eats; * How Spar’s SAP enterprise software implementation in KwaZulu-Natal went awry and how it impacted the retailer; and * What Spar is working on from a technology perspective. Don’t miss a fascinating discussion about how technology is transforming the retail industry in South Africa. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Tech, townships and tenacity: Spar’s plan to win with Spar2U 22:36

22 روز پیش22:36

22:36

Spar Group is determined to play a significant role in the on-demand grocery delivery space in South Africa despite coming from behind, its omnichannel executive for Southern Africa has told TechCentral. Speaking to the TechCentral Show, Blake Raubenheimer took the publication’s editor, Duncan McLeod, through the retailer’s plan to compete directly with the likes of Shoprite Holdings’ Sixty60, which gained an early market lead during the Covid lockdowns. Spar has every intention of becoming a meaningful player in app-based on-demand deliveries, according to Raubenheimer, who unpacked the retailer’s plan to gain market share in the increasingly competitive but fast-expanding segment with Spar2U. South Africa’s grocery sector has become increasingly competitive as price-conscious consumers look for value, convenience and distinctive products. Shoprite and Woolworths are keeping their rivals on their toes as they continue to sign up customers. Pick n Pay, which is also coming from behind, is aggressively targeting the space, too. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Raubenheimer discusses: * How Spar’s business model – the vast majority of stores are run by franchisees – has complicated its move into the on-demand grocery game, and how it's working to turn this to its advantage; * How Spar is working to convince consumers to try Spar2U over other on-demand services; * The group’s broader omnichannel strategy, where the retailer is positioned in the market, where it wants to get to, and how it plans to do it; * Its focus on the township and rural markets through partnerships with companies like KasiD and Delivery Ka Speed – and why it’s important; Spar’s partnership with Uber Eats; * How Spar’s SAP enterprise software implementation in KwaZulu-Natal went awry and how it impacted the retailer; and * What Spar is working on from a technology perspective. Don’t miss a fascinating discussion about how technology is transforming the retail industry in South Africa.…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS+ | AfriGIS’s Helen Hulett on how tech can help resolve South Africa’s water crisis 26:29

23 روز پیش26:29

26:29

Many municipalities in South Africa are struggling to maintain a reliable supply of clean water to households and industries. Thankfully, technology is here to help. In this episode of TechCentral’s TCS+, Helen Hulett, newly appointed chief sustainability officer at geospatial information science specialist AfriGIS, tells Duncan McLeod about the Resolve Water project that she leads and how she and her team are working with businesses and municipalities to try to address a problem that has reached crisis levels in some parts of the country. AfriGIS’s technology is able to have a real-world impact on this crisis, according to Hulett, who specialises in industrial water risk, water-related governance and social issues, and sustainability. Hulett, who has consulted with leading companies on the topic – they include the likes of Coca-Cola, Illovo Sugar Africa, Sappi, Aspen Pharmacare and Sasol – said AfriGIS offers advanced mapping and data analytics tools to address water scarcity, improve resource management and support businesses in need. In this episode of TCS+, Hulett also unpacks: • Her background and why she took the role of chief sustainability officer at AfriGIS; • What the field of geospatial information science involves and why it makes sense to apply it to this crisis; • AfriGIS’s involvement in the Resolve Water project; • How serious the water crisis really is in South Africa and what it will take to address it; • The impact of the Resolve Water project so far, and how it’s using GIS technology to achieve its goals – including mapping, real-time data analytics and collaborative partnerships; and • The role of artificial intelligence. The interview with Hulett, who is passionate about the topic of water security in South Africa, is not to be missed. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
AfriGIS’s Helen Hulett on how tech can help resolve South Africa’s water crisis 26:29

23 روز پیش26:29

26:29

Many municipalities in South Africa are struggling to maintain a reliable supply of clean water to households and industries. Thankfully, technology is here to help. In this episode of TechCentral’s TCS+, Helen Hulett, newly appointed chief sustainability officer at geospatial information science specialist AfriGIS, tells Duncan McLeod about the Resolve Water project that she leads and how she and her team are working with businesses and municipalities to try to address a problem that has reached crisis levels in some parts of the country. AfriGIS’s technology is able to have a real-world impact on this crisis, according to Hulett, who specialises in industrial water risk, water-related governance and social issues, and sustainability. Hulett, who has consulted with leading companies on the topic – they include the likes of Coca-Cola, Illovo Sugar Africa, Sappi, Aspen Pharmacare and Sasol – said AfriGIS offers advanced mapping and data analytics tools to address water scarcity, improve resource management and support businesses in need. In this episode of TCS+, Hulett also unpacks: • Her background and why she took the role of chief sustainability officer at AfriGIS; • What the field of geospatial information science involves and why it makes sense to apply it to this crisis; • AfriGIS’s involvement in the Resolve Water project; • How serious the water crisis really is in South Africa and what it will take to address it; • The impact of the Resolve Water project so far, and how it’s using GIS technology to achieve its goals – including mapping, real-time data analytics and collaborative partnerships; and • The role of artificial intelligence. The interview with Hulett, who is passionate about the topic of water security in South Africa, is not to be missed.…

T

TechCentral

1
TechCentral Nexus S0E2 (beta): South Africa's digital battlefield 27:01

25 روز پیش27:01

27:01

This is the second (and beta) episode of a new podcast series curated by TechCentral’s editorial team and generated by artificial intelligence tools. It’s an experiment for now, but if it works well, we’ll consider making it a regular feature by launching a season 1. Note that even using the most accurate and reliable sources, AI can and will occasionally make mistakes. In this episode, we highlight several key developments in South Africa's ICT sector, including the intense capex competition among Vodacom, MTN and Telkom that reveals a fierce battle for network supremacy and market share within the mobile telecommunications sector. Concurrently, the surge in mobile virtual network operators is reshaping the South African mobile market, also fostering increased competition and delivering specialised offerings for consumers. Also this week: an uproar over home affairs' proposed database fee increases; the proliferation of Starlink and other low-Earth orbit satellites present a significant threat to radio astronomy in the Karoo; and AI comes to Wimbledon. Again, this is experimental. We welcome your feedback. Would you like this podcast to become a regular feature? Is there anything you’d like us to improve? Is it too short or too long? Drop us a line at nexus@techcentral.co.za. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
S0E2 (beta): South Africa's digital battlefield 27:01

25 روز پیش27:01

27:01

This is the second (and beta) episode of a new podcast series curated by TechCentral’s editorial team and generated by artificial intelligence tools. It’s an experiment for now, but if it works well, we’ll consider making it a regular feature by launching a season 1. Note that even using the most accurate and reliable sources, AI can and will occasionally make mistakes. In this episode, we highlight several key developments in South Africa's ICT sector, including the intense capex competition among Vodacom, MTN and Telkom that reveals a fierce battle for network supremacy and market share within the mobile telecommunications sector. Concurrently, the surge in mobile virtual network operators is reshaping the South African mobile market, also fostering increased competition and delivering specialised offerings for consumers. Also this week: an uproar over home affairs' proposed database fee increases; the proliferation of Starlink and other low-Earth orbit satellites present a significant threat to radio astronomy in the Karoo; and AI comes to Wimbledon. Again, this is experimental. We welcome your feedback. Would you like this podcast to become a regular feature? Is there anything you’d like us to improve? Is it too short or too long? Drop us a line at nexus@techcentral.co.za.…

T

TechCentral

1
Nexus S0E1 (beta): Starlink, BEE and a new leader at Vodacom 59:31

۵ weeks پیش59:31

59:31

This is the first (and beta) episode of a new podcast series curated by TechCentral's editorial team and generated by artificial intelligence tools. It's an experiment for now, but if it works well, we'll make it a regular feature. Note that even using the most accurate and reliable sources (human-generated articles from TechCentral and other reliable media sources), AI can and does make mistakes. Again, this is experimental. We welcome your feedback. Would you like this podcast to become a regular feature on TechCentral? Is there anything you'd like to improve? Drop us a line at info@techcentral.co.za - we'd love to hear from you. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
S0E1 (beta): Starlink, BEE and a new leader at Vodacom 59:31

۵ weeks پیش59:31

59:31

This is the first (and beta) episode of a new podcast series curated by TechCentral's editorial team and generated by artificial intelligence tools. It's an experiment for now, but if it works well, we'll make it a regular feature. Note that even using the most accurate and reliable sources (human-generated articles from TechCentral and other reliable media sources), AI can and does make mistakes. Again, this is experimental. We welcome your feedback. Would you like this podcast to become a regular feature on TechCentral? Is there anything you'd like to improve? Drop us a line at info@techcentral.co.za - we'd love to hear from you.…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | Nomvuyiso Batyi on Starlink, BEE reform and spectrum 50:39

۵ weeks پیش50:39

50:39

What should one make of the noise surrounding the licensing (or non-licensing) of Starlink in South Africa? And what of the plans to reform the rules around black economic empowerment in the sector? To make sense of these developments – and others – TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod sat down this week with Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of the Association for Comms & Technology (ACT), an industry body that represents South Africa’s six largest telecommunications operators: MTN, Telkom, Vodacom, Rain, Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Cell C. In the interview, for the TechCentral Show, Batyi unpacked communications minister Solly Malatsi’s draft policy directive to communications regulator Icasa on so-called “equity equivalents” and why ACT believes there needs to be fairness in the licensing process. If the new rules apply to satellite operators, she said, they should apply to all licensees in the sector equally, including the big telecoms operators ACT represents. In the show, she also discussed: • Whether Starlink – and other low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite internet companies pose a threat or an opportunity for South Africa’s network operators; • The role of LEO satellite operators in South Africa’s future telecommunications mix – and can they help bridge the digital divide?; • The latest on the planned switch-off of 2G and 3G networks in South Africa, and why 3G will be the first to go; • Whether national treasury’s recent move to cut ad valorem tax on basic smartphones goes far enough – and what other measures ACT would like to see to get smartphones in the hands of everyone in South Africa; and • What is happening regarding the next spectrum auction. Don’t miss a great discussion! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Nomvuyiso Batyi on Starlink, BEE reform and spectrum 50:39

۵ weeks پیش50:39

50:39

What should one make of the noise surrounding the licensing (or non-licensing) of Starlink in South Africa? And what of the plans to reform the rules around black economic empowerment in the sector? To make sense of these developments – and others – TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod sat down this week with Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of the Association for Comms & Technology (ACT), an industry body that represents South Africa’s six largest telecommunications operators: MTN, Telkom, Vodacom, Rain, Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Cell C. In the interview, for the TechCentral Show, Batyi unpacked communications minister Solly Malatsi’s draft policy directive to communications regulator Icasa on so-called “equity equivalents” and why ACT believes there needs to be fairness in the licensing process. If the new rules apply to satellite operators, she said, they should apply to all licensees in the sector equally, including the big telecoms operators ACT represents. In the show, she also discussed: • Whether Starlink – and other low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite internet companies pose a threat or an opportunity for South Africa’s network operators; • The role of LEO satellite operators in South Africa’s future telecommunications mix – and can they help bridge the digital divide?; • The latest on the planned switch-off of 2G and 3G networks in South Africa, and why 3G will be the first to go; • Whether national treasury’s recent move to cut ad valorem tax on basic smartphones goes far enough – and what other measures ACT would like to see to get smartphones in the hands of everyone in South Africa; and • What is happening regarding the next spectrum auction. Don’t miss a great discussion!…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | The future of mobile money, with MTN’s Kagiso Mothibi 38:07

۵ weeks پیش38:07

38:07

Mobile money has an increasingly vital role to play in South Africa’s economy, despite the fact that the country boasts an advanced financial services sector. That’s the view of Kagiso Mothibi, CEO of Fintech at MTN South Africa, who was sharing his views in a recent interview with TechCentral’s TCS+ (watch it below) in which he discusses the broader fintech vision for the network operator and its role in driving innovation across the group. But what is it about mobile money services that is attracting South African consumers to products like MTN’s MoMo, and what role do these platforms fulfil in the broader financial services ecosystem? Mothibi unpacks this in detail in the interview. He also discusses: • Why South Africa has proved to be a tougher mobile money market to crack than many other countries in Africa; • How the South African market differs from others in which MTN operates; • Who the target market is for MoMo – is it the unbanked and underbanked, or does MTN also have plans to serve well-heeled customers, too? • What’s driving the growth in MoMo services in South Africa and why; • What MTN’s fintech portfolio houses today and the company’s plans to expand this in the coming years; • The recent launched of MoMo Pay, how it works and how MTN is onboarding merchants; • What pain points MoMo Pay addresses in the payments ecosystem; and • What the future holds for the fintech business in South Africa – and how product innovation locally is being deployed in other MTN markets across the continent. Don’t miss an exciting interview! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
The future of mobile money, with MTN’s Kagiso Mothibi 38:07

۵ weeks پیش38:07

38:07

Mobile money has an increasingly vital role to play in South Africa’s economy, despite the fact that the country boasts an advanced financial services sector. That’s the view of Kagiso Mothibi, CEO of Fintech at MTN South Africa, who was sharing his views in a recent interview with TechCentral’s TCS+ (watch it below) in which he discusses the broader fintech vision for the network operator and its role in driving innovation across the group. But what is it about mobile money services that is attracting South African consumers to products like MTN’s MoMo, and what role do these platforms fulfil in the broader financial services ecosystem? Mothibi unpacks this in detail in the interview. He also discusses: • Why South Africa has proved to be a tougher mobile money market to crack than many other countries in Africa; • How the South African market differs from others in which MTN operates; • Who the target market is for MoMo – is it the unbanked and underbanked, or does MTN also have plans to serve well-heeled customers, too? • What’s driving the growth in MoMo services in South Africa and why; • What MTN’s fintech portfolio houses today and the company’s plans to expand this in the coming years; • The recent launched of MoMo Pay, how it works and how MTN is onboarding merchants; • What pain points MoMo Pay addresses in the payments ecosystem; and • What the future holds for the fintech business in South Africa – and how product innovation locally is being deployed in other MTN markets across the continent. Don’t miss an exciting interview!…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS+ | AI is more than hype: Workday execs unpack real human impact 41:25

۵ weeks پیش41:25

41:25

Forget the hype, embrace the revolution! In this episode of TCS+, TechCentral speaks with Workday South Africa country manager Kiv Moodley and manager of solutions consulting Jannie Malan to dissect the critical intersection of artificial intelligence and human potential. Malan oversees the solution consulting team, engaging with prospects and clients to understand their challenges and demonstrate how Workday’s technology can enable them to achieve their vision. Both Moodley and Malan, who coincidentally joined Workday on the very day its South African office launched in 2018, brought seven years of frontline experience to the discussion, proving that AI isn't just a buzzword – it's already shaping our world. TCS+ host Jaydev Chiba sat down with the two men to discuss the topic of “Human by design: real-world AI, real human impact”. Experts note that AI, like other technologies, might be overestimated in the short term but underestimated in the long term. Overcoming initial apprehension requires understanding what AI is, and understanding helps reveal its potential to allow humans to be more productive and efficient. AI is not a silver bullet; its value is realised when it’s embedded, understood and utilised effectively. The conversation highlighted several use cases, both personal and within business. Examples ranged from leveraging tools like Grok, ChatGPT and Gemini for productivity, and even a 10-year-old programming Alexa to tell a puppy it’s mealtime. Another use case included using AI for creating a training curriculum and visuals. Moodley and Malan noted that AI is already embedded in daily life through GPS, search and recommendations. For businesses, a key trend is using AI to improve employee productivity by automating repetitive and mundane tasks, giving people more time for higher-value work. Industries show different levels of adoption, from logistics using AI for warehouse safety, to healthcare for diagnosis and treatment development, and insurance for fraud detection and client profiling. This shift shows value emerging as industries figure out where AI provides maximum benefit. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the critical need for ethical and responsible AI use. With organisations facing pressure to adopt AI, establishing AI governance is foundational. This involves potentially creating AI governance roles, executive sponsorship, governance committees and risk matrices to manage data privacy, bias and transparency. The Workday executives stressed the importance of AI functioning within a larger technology framework, requiring organisations to address data quality, security and accessibility. Critically, the concept of keeping the human in the loop was emphasised, ensuring humans make final decisions based on AI-surfaced insights. Workday itself champions transparency, providing fact sheets or model cards to explain its AI models and how data is leveraged and bias mitigated. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
AI is more than hype: Workday execs unpack real human impact 41:25

۵ weeks پیش41:25

41:25

Forget the hype, embrace the revolution! In this episode of TCS+, TechCentral speaks with Workday South Africa country manager Kiv Moodley and manager of solutions consulting Jannie Malan to dissect the critical intersection of artificial intelligence and human potential. Malan oversees the solution consulting team, engaging with prospects and clients to understand their challenges and demonstrate how Workday’s technology can enable them to achieve their vision. Both Moodley and Malan, who coincidentally joined Workday on the very day its South African office launched in 2018, brought seven years of frontline experience to the discussion, proving that AI isn't just a buzzword – it's already shaping our world. TCS+ host Jaydev Chiba sat down with the two men to discuss the topic of “Human by design: real-world AI, real human impact”. Experts note that AI, like other technologies, might be overestimated in the short term but underestimated in the long term. Overcoming initial apprehension requires understanding what AI is, and understanding helps reveal its potential to allow humans to be more productive and efficient. AI is not a silver bullet; its value is realised when it’s embedded, understood and utilised effectively. The conversation highlighted several use cases, both personal and within business. Examples ranged from leveraging tools like Grok, ChatGPT and Gemini for productivity, and even a 10-year-old programming Alexa to tell a puppy it’s mealtime. Another use case included using AI for creating a training curriculum and visuals. Moodley and Malan noted that AI is already embedded in daily life through GPS, search and recommendations. For businesses, a key trend is using AI to improve employee productivity by automating repetitive and mundane tasks, giving people more time for higher-value work. Industries show different levels of adoption, from logistics using AI for warehouse safety, to healthcare for diagnosis and treatment development, and insurance for fraud detection and client profiling. This shift shows value emerging as industries figure out where AI provides maximum benefit. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the critical need for ethical and responsible AI use. With organisations facing pressure to adopt AI, establishing AI governance is foundational. This involves potentially creating AI governance roles, executive sponsorship, governance committees and risk matrices to manage data privacy, bias and transparency. The Workday executives stressed the importance of AI functioning within a larger technology framework, requiring organisations to address data quality, security and accessibility. Critically, the concept of keeping the human in the loop was emphasised, ensuring humans make final decisions based on AI-surfaced insights. Workday itself champions transparency, providing fact sheets or model cards to explain its AI models and how data is leveraged and bias mitigated.…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | Sentiv, and the story behind the buyout of Altron Nexus 23:49

۵ weeks پیش23:49

23:49

Altron Group announced last week that it was selling its Altron Nexus business in a management buyout led by Nexus MD Louis du Toit and BriteGaze founder and technology entrepreneur Reshaad Sha. Sha and Du Toit are our guests in this episode of the TechCentral Show, where they tell TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about the acquisition and their plans for the business. As part of the acquisition – which is still subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, which should be concluded by the end of June – Altron Nexus will be rebranded as Sentiv, a portmanteau of “sentient” and “intuitive”. Sha will serve as Sentiv’s executive chairman while Du Toit will be CEO. “Together they will steer Sentiv’s transformation into a future-orientated technology partner offering intelligent, context-aware, mission-critical communications and industrial internet-of-things solutions,” according to a statement from the acquiring parties. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Du Toit and Sha explore: • How the deal came about; • The assets and businesses housed in Altron Nexus; and • The plan to turn the loss-making business around. Don’t miss a great conversation! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Sentiv, and the story behind the buyout of Altron Nexus 23:49

۵ weeks پیش23:49

23:49

Altron Group announced last week that it was selling its Altron Nexus businesses in a management buyout led by Nexus MD Louis du Toit and BriteGaze founder and technology entrepreneur Reshaad Sha. Sha and Du Toit are our guests in this episode of the TechCentral Show, where they tell TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about the acquisition and their growth plans for the business. As part of the acquisition – which is still subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, which should be concluded by the end of June – Altron Nexus will be rebranded as Sentiv, a portmanteau of “sentient” and “intuitive”. Sha will serve as Sentiv’s executive chairman while Du Toit will be CEO. “Together they will steer Sentiv’s transformation into a future-orientated technology partner offering intelligent, context-aware, mission-critical communications and industrial internet-of-things solutions,” according to a statement from the acquiring parties. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Du Toit and Sha tell McLeod about: • How the deal came about; • The assets and businesses housed in Altron Nexus; and • The plan to turn the business around. Don’t miss a great conversation!…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | Signal restored: Unpacking the Blue Label and Cell C turnaround 35:59

۶ weeks پیش35:59

35:59

TechCentral’s guests in this episode of the TechCentral Show believe Blue Label Telecoms and its affiliate (and soon to be subsidiary) Cell C present a compelling investment case. Philip Short, global portfolio manager at Flagship Asset Management – which counts Blue label as its sole South African investment – and Dylan Bradfield, portfolio manager at Sharenet, tell TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod that they believe the turnaround taking place at Cell C is real, and will have a meaningful impact on Blue Label shares. Blue shares, which have already rallied strongly – which have more than doubled in the past six months – could still have plenty of room to run, according to Short. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Short and Bradfield unpack: • Blue Label’s announcement earlier this month that it is considering a JSE listing for Cell C; • Why Cell C’s restructured operating model and strategy makes sense, and why that’s good news for Blue Label shareholders; • The role of Cell C CEO Jorge Mendes in the turnaround – and what the opportunity is for the mobile operator with its new “asset-light” model of running its network – management of its radio access network has effectively been outsourced to partners (and competitors) MTN and Vodacom; • Which operators would be most vulnerable to a resurgent Cell C; • The importance of Cell C’s strategy around mobile virtual network operators and the significance of its relationship with Capitec; • The move by Blue Label to sell Comm Equipment Company to Cell C – good move or not? • Whether Cell C can compete with Telkom, Vodacom and MTN in the business market, something Mendes has signalled his desire to do; • What the listing of Cell C could look like, what management’s focus should be before the listing and what kind of valuation the business could attract; and • How much more value could be unlocked for Blue Label shareholders. Don’t miss a fascinating discussion! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Signal restored: Unpacking the Blue Label and Cell C turnaround 35:59

۶ weeks پیش35:59

35:59

TechCentral’s guests in this episode of the TechCentral Show believe Blue Label Telecoms and its affiliate (and soon to be subsidiary) Cell C present a compelling investment case. Philip Short, global portfolio manager at Flagship Asset Management – which counts Blue label as its sole South African investment – and Dylan Bradfield, portfolio manager at Sharenet, tell TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod that they believe the turnaround taking place at Cell C is real, and will have a meaningful impact on Blue Label shares. Blue shares, which have already rallied strongly – which have more than doubled in the past six months – could still have plenty of room to run, according to Short. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Short and Bradfield unpack: • Blue Label’s announcement earlier this month that it is considering a JSE listing for Cell C; • Why Cell C’s restructured operating model and strategy makes sense, and why that’s good news for Blue Label shareholders; • The role of Cell C CEO Jorge Mendes in the turnaround – and what the opportunity is for the mobile operator with its new “asset-light” model of running its network – management of its radio access network has effectively been outsourced to partners (and competitors) MTN and Vodacom; • Which operators would be most vulnerable to a resurgent Cell C; • The importance of Cell C’s strategy around mobile virtual network operators and the significance of its relationship with Capitec; • The move by Blue Label to sell Comm Equipment Company to Cell C – good move or not? • Whether Cell C can compete with Telkom, Vodacom and MTN in the business market, something Mendes has signalled his desire to do; • What the listing of Cell C could look like, what management’s focus should be before the listing and what kind of valuation the business could attract; and • How much more value could be unlocked for Blue Label shareholders. Don’t miss a fascinating discussion!…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS+ | Switchcom Distribution, and Huawei eKit in the hands of installers 22:03

۷ weeks پیش22:03

22:03

This episode of TCS+ is the third in a series of three focused on the relationship between Switchcom Distribution and Huawei eKit as well as the networking solutions the two companies are providing for SMEs in South Africa and the rest of Africa. Dewald van Eck, networking engineer at Switchcom parent company CMVAS, and Kurt Anthony, support engineer at CMVAS, tell TechCentral’s TCS+ about their hands-on experience working with Huawei eKit in customer implementations. In this episode, Anthony and Van Eck delve into: • How the Huawei eKit benefits the network operations manager when implementing networking projects; • The problems the eKit solution solves for SMEs; • How the eKit streamlines the network setup process for SMEs; • Real-world examples of the how the eKit has helped SMEs on the ground; and • Some of the common challenges faced when supporting SMEs during project implementations. Don’t miss an informative discussion. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Switchcom Distribution, and Huawei eKit in the hands of installers 22:03

۷ weeks پیش22:03

22:03

This episode of TCS+ is the third in a series of three focused on the relationship between Switchcom Distribution and Huawei eKit as well as the networking solutions the two companies are providing for SMEs in South Africa and the rest of Africa. Dewald van Eck, networking engineer at Switchcom parent company CMVAS, and Kurt Anthony, support engineer at CMVAS, tell TechCentral’s TCS+ about their hands-on experience working with Huawei eKit in customer implementations. In this episode, Anthony and Van Eck delve into: • How the Huawei eKit benefits the network operations manager when implementing networking projects; • The problems the eKit solution solves for SMEs; • How the eKit streamlines the network setup process for SMEs; • Real-world examples of the how the eKit has helped SMEs on the ground; and • Some of the common challenges faced when supporting SMEs during project implementations. Don’t miss an informative discussion.…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | Tertius Zitzke on 4Sight’s big turnaround 39:12

۷ weeks پیش39:12

39:12

4Sight Holdings has turned the corner and has signalled this with a recent move from the AltX to the main board of the JSE. CEO Tertius Zitzke is our guest in this episode of the TechCentral Show. He tells TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about the turnaround he’s leading – not to mention the mess he inherited when he took over leadership of the business in December 2019, months before Covid hit. 4Sight has been operating largely below the radar, but the investment community has begun paying attention – and, although the shares been moving sideways for the past year, over three years they have climbed by 250%. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Zitzke unpacks: • What motivated the decision to move to the JSE’s main board; • His background, including his leadership AccTech Systems, its acquisition by 4Sight and how he became CEO of the group; • Why the business was listed originally, and how its focus has changed under his leadership; • How the turnaround was achieved – and what still needs to be done; • Where 4Sight fits into the ICT market in South Africa; • The recent acquisition of XFour Group and plans for more acquisitions; and • What’s next for 4Sight. Don’t miss an interesting discussion! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Tertius Zitzke on 4Sight’s big turnaround 39:12

۷ weeks پیش39:12

39:12

4Sight Holdings has turned the corner and has signalled this with a recent move from the AltX to the main board of the JSE. CEO Tertius Zitzke is our guest in this episode of the TechCentral Show. He tells TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about the turnaround he’s leading – not to mention the mess he inherited when he took over leadership of the business in December 2019, months before Covid hit. 4Sight has been operating largely below the radar, but the investment community has begun paying attention – and, although the shares been moving sideways for the past year, over three years they have climbed by 250%. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Zitzke unpacks: • What motivated the decision to move to the JSE’s main board; • His background, including his leadership AccTech Systems, its acquisition by 4Sight and how he became CEO of the group; • Why the business was listed originally, and how its focus has changed under his leadership; • How the turnaround was achieved – and what still needs to be done; • Where 4Sight fits into the ICT market in South Africa; • The recent acquisition of XFour Group and plans for more acquisitions; and • What’s next for 4Sight. Don’t miss an interesting discussion!…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS+ | Schneider Electric's Clive Roberts on driving digitisation in the CPG sector 40:23

۷ weeks پیش40:23

40:23

In this episode of the TechCentral Show, we chat to Clive Roberts, the consumer packaged goods (CPG) segment leader for anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric. In this discussion, Roberts unpacks the focus of the company’s segment, which covers the dynamic food and beverage industry across 24 African nations, encompassing about 1 800 manufacturers. The sector is driven by converging trends, notably in smart manufacturing and a strong emphasis on sustainability, including waste reduction and energy efficiency. Simultaneously, evolving consumer preferences for healthier options, ingredient transparency and diverse dietary needs demand agility and resilience from these manufacturers. Cost management remains a critical focus. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation, as manufacturers focused on automation and better system integration to ensure business continuity. Further challenges, such as load shedding and water curtailment, shifted the focus towards power resilience, prompting investments in solutions such as industrial UPS systems. Sustainability is a key concern, particularly for EU-headquartered companies. Manufacturers are actively working to reduce their scope-1, -2, and -3 emissions through initiatives like integrating distributed energy resources, optimising energy use and implementing variable process control. Changing consumer behaviours, driven by social media and e-commerce, are demanding rapid access to goods and direct engagement with brands. This requires efficient supply chains and agile digital systems for both inventory and logistics management. Manufacturers will need flexible production and advanced tracking capabilities to meet the demand for visibility and diverse product options. Economic recovery post-Covid-19 relies on the continued adoption of digital transformation to enhance efficiency and predictability in manufacturers’ processes. Schneider Electric is focused on providing hardware-agnostic integration, supported by organisations like the Universal Automation Organisation, to help manufacturers integrate existing equipment for unified control and accelerate digital transformation initiatives. Government policies, like the sugar tax, directly influence product innovation and reformulation, often requiring significant investment. Despite challenges, growth opportunities exist for companies that prioritise product quality, traceability and building consumer trust, potentially also allowing them to command premium prices. Roberts emphasised the value of early engagement with companies like Schneider Electric for expert guidance. He stressed that sustainability should be integral to operations and invited stakeholders to explore Schneider Electric’s offerings. The anglophone African food and beverage sector is a dynamic industry, and embracing technological advancements, prioritising consumer needs and ensuring product integrity are key to future success, he said in the interview. Don’t miss it! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Schneider Electric's Clive Roberts on driving digitisation in the CPG sector 40:23

۷ weeks پیش40:23

40:23

In this episode of the TechCentral Show, we chat to Clive Roberts, the consumer packaged goods (CPG) segment leader for anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric. In this discussion, Roberts unpacks the focus of the company’s segment, which covers the dynamic food and beverage industry across 24 African nations, encompassing about 1 800 manufacturers. The sector is driven by converging trends, notably in smart manufacturing and a strong emphasis on sustainability, including waste reduction and energy efficiency. Simultaneously, evolving consumer preferences for healthier options, ingredient transparency and diverse dietary needs demand agility and resilience from these manufacturers. Cost management remains a critical focus. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation, as manufacturers focused on automation and better system integration to ensure business continuity. Further challenges, such as load shedding and water curtailment, shifted the focus towards power resilience, prompting investments in solutions such as industrial UPS systems. Sustainability is a key concern, particularly for EU-headquartered companies. Manufacturers are actively working to reduce their scope-1, -2, and -3 emissions through initiatives like integrating distributed energy resources, optimising energy use and implementing variable process control. Changing consumer behaviours, driven by social media and e-commerce, are demanding rapid access to goods and direct engagement with brands. This requires efficient supply chains and agile digital systems for both inventory and logistics management. Manufacturers will need flexible production and advanced tracking capabilities to meet the demand for visibility and diverse product options. Economic recovery post-Covid-19 relies on the continued adoption of digital transformation to enhance efficiency and predictability in manufacturers’ processes. Schneider Electric is focused on providing hardware-agnostic integration, supported by organisations like the Universal Automation Organisation, to help manufacturers integrate existing equipment for unified control and accelerate digital transformation initiatives. Government policies, like the sugar tax, directly influence product innovation and reformulation, often requiring significant investment. Despite challenges, growth opportunities exist for companies that prioritise product quality, traceability and building consumer trust, potentially also allowing them to command premium prices. Roberts emphasised the value of early engagement with companies like Schneider Electric for expert guidance. He stressed that sustainability should be integral to operations and invited stakeholders to explore Schneider Electric’s offerings. The anglophone African food and beverage sector is a dynamic industry, and embracing technological advancements, prioritising consumer needs and ensuring product integrity are key to future success, he said in the interview. Don’t miss it!…

T

TechCentral

1
Reserve Bank fintech head Lyle Horsley on the G20 TechSprint 28:20

۷ weeks پیش28:20

28:20

One of South Africa’s responsibilities as president of the global Group of 20 (G20) nations in 2025 is to hosting the G20 TechSprint, an event that invites innovators from around the world to develop financial solutions that solve the most pressing challenges faced by central banks. The South African Reserve Bank is hosting this year’s TechSprint in collaboration with the Bank for International Settlements. Lyle Horsley, head of fintech at the Reserve Bank, joined TechCentral’s Nkosinathi Ndlovu on the TechCentral Show to talk about the competition and other initiatives spearheaded by Bank under the G20 banner. In this episode of the show, Horsley delves into: The history of the G20 TechSprint and some of the solutions developed in previous iterations of the competition; The problem statements entrants are required to centre their solutions on; How central banks balance the often-opposing concerns of innovation on one hand and strong regulation on the other; How digital identity and the principles of open finance are critical to digitised financial systems; How the global central banking community will help winners develop and scale their solutions; and Details about the format of the TechSprint, how to participate and the prizes up for grabs. Don’t miss an interesting discussion! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Reserve Bank fintech head Lyle Horsley on the G20 TechSprint 28:20

۷ weeks پیش28:20

28:20

One of South Africa’s responsibilities as president of the global Group of 20 (G20) nations in 2025 is to hosting the G20 TechSprint, an event that invites innovators from around the world to develop financial solutions that solve the most pressing challenges faced by central banks. The South African Reserve Bank is hosting this year’s TechSprint in collaboration with the Bank for International Settlements. Lyle Horsley, head of fintech at the Reserve Bank, joined TechCentral’s Nkosinathi Ndlovu on the TechCentral Show to talk about the competition and other initiatives spearheaded by Bank under the G20 banner. In this episode of the show, Horsley delves into: The history of the G20 TechSprint and some of the solutions developed in previous iterations of the competition; The problem statements entrants are required to centre their solutions on; How central banks balance the often-opposing concerns of innovation on one hand and strong regulation on the other; How digital identity and the principles of open finance are critical to digitised financial systems; How the global central banking community will help winners develop and scale their solutions; and Details about the format of the TechSprint, how to participate and the prizes up for grabs. Don’t miss an interesting discussion!…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | Dalene Steyn on Capitec’s ambitious mobile gameplan 18:52

۷ weeks پیش18:52

18:52

Boasting 1.6 million subscribers after less than three years in the market, Capitec Connect has quickly become South Africa’s largest MVNO – and it has an ambitious plan for further growth. Dalene Steyn, head of Capitec Connect, tells the TechCentral Show (TCS) that the MVNO – or mobile virtual network operator – market in South Africa is poised for further expansion as banks, retailers and other brands muscle into the mobile business through wholesale partnerships with network operators. According to Steyn, although Capitec Connect is not a loss leader for the bank, the focus for now is building a critical mass of subscribers from Capitec Bank’s customer base – Capitec Connect users must be bank clients to sign up for the service. In the interview, Steyn tells TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about: • Why Capitec Connect recently cut its prices, matching another MVNO, Afrihost AirMobile, as the cheapest MVNO provider in South Africa – spoiler: it’s all about building scale; • Why Capitec is pulling ahead in the MVNO market and how big the bank wants to be in mobile – and why it’s so important to its business; • Capitec Connect’s plans to introduce post-paid contracts later this year and how this aligns with its push into business banking services; • The company’s plans for device financing; • Its relationship with Cell C, whose network it uses to provide mobile services to its clients, and why it’s pleased with the relationship; and • The unconfirmed market talk that Capitec might buy a strategic equity stake in Cell C. Don’t miss the discussion! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Dalene Steyn on Capitec’s ambitious mobile gameplan 18:52

۷ weeks پیش18:52

18:52

Boasting 1.6 million subscribers after less than three years in the market, Capitec Connect has quickly become South Africa’s largest MVNO – and it has an ambitious plan for further growth. Dalene Steyn, head of Capitec Connect, tells the TechCentral Show (TCS) that the MVNO – or mobile virtual network operator – market in South Africa is poised for further expansion as banks, retailers and other brands muscle into the mobile business through wholesale partnerships with network operators. According to Steyn, although Capitec Connect is not a loss leader for the bank, the focus for now is building a critical mass of subscribers from Capitec Bank’s customer base – Capitec Connect users must be bank clients to sign up for the service. In the interview, Steyn tells TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about: • Why Capitec Connect recently cut its prices, matching another MVNO, Afrihost AirMobile, as the cheapest MVNO provider in South Africa – spoiler: it’s all about building scale; • Why Capitec is pulling ahead in the MVNO market and how big the bank wants to be in mobile – and why it’s so important to its business; • Capitec Connect’s plans to introduce post-paid contracts later this year and how this aligns with its push into business banking services; • The company’s plans for device financing; • Its relationship with Cell C, whose network it uses to provide mobile services to its clients, and why it’s pleased with the relationship; and • The unconfirmed market talk that Capitec might buy a strategic equity stake in Cell C. Don’t miss the discussion!…

T

TechCentral

1
Meet the CIO | Schalk Visser on Cell C’s big tech pivot 39:33

۸ weeks پیش39:33

39:33

Schalk Visser has worked in telecommunications for more than 20 years, first at Telkom, then at Vodacom and now at Cell C, where he has served as chief information and technology officer since 2020. Visser, an engineer, joined Cell C 13 years ago – during the tenure of former CEO Alan Knott-Craig – as an executive in the company’s programme management office, where he helped lead a renewal of its radio access network. TechCentral’s guest in the latest episode of the publication’s Meet the CIO podcast, Visser tells host Duncan McLeod about his career journey in telecoms before delving into his work in helping transform Cell C’s technology stack – with a focus on recent years as the operator moved to shut down its own radio access network in favour of partnerships with other mobile operators. In the interview, Visser chats about: • Where his interest in technology began; • His time with Telkom and Vodacom, including his experience helping build Vodacom’s network in Mozambique; • The changes that have occurred at Cell C in recent years and why they’re significant – including a look at the network partnership with MTN and Vodacom, and what that’s allowed the company to do differently; • His day-to-day role as head of technology at Cell C; • The role of technology in supporting what is essentially a technology business; • The changes he has brought to Cell C’s technology stack and why; • The recent ransomware attack – what happened, and what’s been done to address it; and • What’s exciting him about what’s coming down the line in telecoms technology. Don’t miss a great interview! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Schalk Visser on Cell C's big tech pivot 39:33

۸ weeks پیش39:33

39:33

Meet the CIO | Schalk Visser on Cell C’s big pivot Schalk Visser has worked in telecommunications for more than 20 years, first at Telkom, then at Vodacom and now at Cell C, where he has served as chief information and technology officer since 2020. Visser, an engineer, joined Cell C 13 years ago – during the tenure of former CEO Alan Knott-Craig – as an executive in the company’s programme management office, where he helped lead a renewal of its radio access network. TechCentral’s guest in the latest episode of the publication’s Meet the CIO podcast, Visser tells host Duncan McLeod about his career journey in telecoms before delving into his work in helping transform Cell C’s technology stack – with a focus on recent years as the operator moved to shut down its own radio access network in favour of partnerships with other mobile operators. In the interview, Visser chats about: • Where his interest in technology began; • His time with Telkom and Vodacom, including his experience helping build Vodacom’s network in Mozambique; • The changes that have occurred at Cell C in recent years and why they’re significant – including a look at the network partnership with MTN and Vodacom, and what that’s allowed the company to do differently; • His day-to-day role as head of technology at Cell C; • The role of technology in supporting what is essentially a technology business; • The changes he has brought to Cell C’s technology stack and why; • The recent ransomware attack – what happened, and what’s been done to address it; and • What’s exciting him about what’s coming down the line in telecoms technology. Don’t miss a great interview! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | Kiaan Pillay on fintech start-up Stitch and its R1-billion funding round 37:50

۹ weeks پیش37:50

37:50

Cape Town-based fintech start-up Stitch last month caught the attention of many people when it announced it was raising R1-billion (US$55-million) in a significant series-B funding round. Co-founder and CEO Kiaan Pillay is our guest in this episode of the TechCentral Show, where he tells TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about the funding round, which was led by QED Investors with participation from a range of new and existing investors. The latest round brings Stitch’s total funding to date to nearly R2-billion, or $107-million. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Pillay unpacks: • His background and why and how Stitch was founded; • How well-known South African comedian Trevor Noah became one of the participating funders in the latest funding round; • What Stitch is doing differently to other fintech and payment start-ups that has allowed to raise the quantum of funding that it has; • The significance of Stitch’s recent acquisition of Exipay – and why it’s important for Stitch to be a player in the in-person payments market; • Stitch’s plans in the cryptocurrency space; and • Why the company is focused (for now) on the South African market. Don’t miss a great discussion! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Kiaan Pillay on fintech start-up Stitch and its R1-billion funding round 37:50

۹ weeks پیش37:50

37:50

Cape Town-based fintech start-up Stitch last month caught the attention of many people when it announced it was raising R1-billion (US$55-million) in a significant series-B funding round. Co-founder and CEO Kiaan Pillay is our guest in this episode of the TechCentral Show, where he tells TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about the funding round, which was led by QED Investors with participation from a range of new and existing investors. The latest round brings Stitch’s total funding to date to nearly R2-billion, or $107-million. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Pillay unpacks: • His background and why and how Stitch was founded; • How well-known South African comedian Trevor Noah became one of the participating funders in the latest funding round; • What Stitch is doing differently to other fintech and payment start-ups that has allowed to raise the quantum of funding that it has; • The significance of Stitch’s recent acquisition of Exipay – and why it’s important for Stitch to be a player in the in-person payments market; • Stitch’s plans in the cryptocurrency space; and • Why the company is focused (for now) on the South African market. Don’t miss a great discussion!…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS+ | Switchcom and Huawei eKit: networking made easy for SMEs 24:40

۹ weeks پیش24:40

24:40

Networking equipment wholesaler Switchcom Distribution has partnered with Huawei Technologies to bring new offerings to the South African market and elsewhere in Africa. In the first episode of this series, Switchcom national sales manager Lynton Brits and Huawei account manager Tanki Lebatla told TCS+ about the rationale behind the partnership and some of the networking and backup power equipment the companies have on offer. That video is available here. In this second episode of the series, Brits is back on TCS+, this time accompanied by Jan Keyser, CEO of Konnekt SP, a provider of networking solutions to small and medium enterprises. In this episode of TCS+, Brits and Keyser delve into: • Why networking solutions providers and small and medium enterprises are draw to the Huawei networking eKit distributed by Switchcom; • The different types of networking equipment that comes with the eKit solution; • The software support Huawei provides to make network configuration easier for engineers using the eKit; • The advantages of purchasing a homogenous solution from the same brand in making network configuration easier for installers; and • Tools for managing the software-defined networks deployed using the eKit as customer need evolve over time. This insightful conversation is not to be missed, especially for SMEs looking for networking solutions and the vendors who install them. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Switchcom and Huawei eKit: networking made easy for SMEs 24:40

۹ weeks پیش24:40

24:40

Networking equipment wholesaler Switchcom Distribution has partnered with Huawei Technologies to bring new offerings to the South African market and elsewhere in Africa. In the first episode of this series, Switchcom national sales manager Lynton Brits and Huawei account manager Tanki Lebatla told TCS+ about the rationale behind the partnership and some of the networking and backup power equipment the companies have on offer. That video is available here. In this second episode of the series, Brits is back on TCS+, this time accompanied by Jan Keyser, CEO of Konnekt SP, a provider of networking solutions to small and medium enterprises. In this episode of TCS+, Brits and Keyser delve into: • Why networking solutions providers and small and medium enterprises are draw to the Huawei networking eKit distributed by Switchcom; • The different types of networking equipment that comes with the eKit solution; • The software support Huawei provides to make network configuration easier for engineers using the eKit; • The advantages of purchasing a homogenous solution from the same brand in making network configuration easier for installers; and • Tools for managing the software-defined networks deployed using the eKit as customer need evolve over time. This insightful conversation is not to be missed, especially for SMEs looking for networking solutions and the vendors who install them.…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | How Covid sparked a corporate tug-of-war over Adapt IT 38:03

10 weeks پیش38:03

38:03

Shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Tiffany Dunsdon – at the time CEO of JSE-listed Adapt IT – found herself having to fend off an unwanted takeover bid from Huge Group. Dunsdon did not feel the deal made much sense for Adapt IT – a fast-growing enterprise software services provider whose share price, like many others at the time, had been knocked lower by the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. The Huge Group approach was opportunistic, said Dunsdon. So, instead of entertaining the approach from Huge Group, she set about engineering a very different deal: one involving Canadian-listed Constellation Software: Constellation subsidiary Volaris Group would buy out Adapt IT and delist it from the JSE. Dunsdon, who was recently appointed as acquiring group leader at Omegro – a portfolio company within Volaris Group that houses Adapt IT – joins Duncan McLeod on the TechCentral Show for an update following the conclusion of the sale. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Dunsdon also discusses: • Adapt IT’s performance since its acquisition and delisting; • The Huge Group hostile approach and how that played out inside Adapt IT; • The timeline of events that led to the acquisition by Volaris Group; and • What’s next for Adapt IT and Omegro. Don’t miss the conversation! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
How Covid sparked a corporate tug-of-war over Adapt IT 38:03

10 weeks پیش38:03

38:03

Shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Tiffany Dunsdon – at the time CEO of JSE-listed Adapt IT – found herself having to fend off an unwanted takeover bid from Huge Group. Dunsdon did not feel the deal made much sense for Adapt IT – a fast-growing enterprise software services provider whose share price, like many others at the time, had been knocked lower by the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. The Huge Group approach was opportunistic, said Dunsdon. So, instead of entertaining the approach from Huge Group, she set about engineering a very different deal: one involving Canadian-listed Constellation Software: Constellation subsidiary Volaris Group would buy out Adapt IT and delist it from the JSE. Dunsdon, who was recently appointed as acquiring group leader at Omegro – a portfolio company within Volaris Group that houses Adapt IT – joins Duncan McLeod on the TechCentral Show for an update following the conclusion of the sale. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Dunsdon also discusses: • Adapt IT’s performance since its acquisition and delisting; • The Huge Group hostile approach and how that played out inside Adapt IT; • The timeline of events that led to the acquisition by Volaris Group; and • What’s next for Adapt IT and Omegro. Don’t miss the conversation!…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS | From fibre to clean tech: Khudu Pitje on New GX Capital’s next chapter 48:23

11 weeks پیش48:23

48:23

New GX Capital, one of the principal investors in Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa parent CIVH, recently announced it was launching a R2.4-billion clean-tech investment fund in partnership with RMB Ventures. To unpack the details of the new fund and why it’s being established, New GX Capital founder and CEO Khudusela Pitje joined TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod in the latest episode of the TechCentral Show for a wide-ranging conversation. In the interview, Pitje chatted about the fund – called the Airnegize Capital Fund – and its plans to invest in renewable energy and water and gas infrastructure across Africa. New GX Capital and RMB Ventures have described the fund as “one of the largest of its kind on the continent”. The fund has secured R2.4-billion in initial commitments, with the companies targeting a further R1.6-billion before financial close in the coming months. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Pitje expands on: • His career background and the formation of New GX Capital; • The role his father, the late HM Pitje, a businessman and former mayor of Mamelodi, played in his life and career choices; • His role in helping build Dark Fibre Africa and CIVH; • Why he feels the decision by the competition authorities to block the acquisition by Vodacom of a 30% co-controlling stake in Maziv – a subsidiary of CIVH that houses Vumatel and DFA – was wrongheaded; • The role New GX Capital plays today, as well as its investment philosophy; • What led to the creation of the Airnegize Fund with RMB Ventures; and • The role and future of black economic empowerment in South Africa. Don’t miss a fascinating conversation! TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
From fibre to clean tech: Khudu Pitje on New GX Capital’s next chapter 48:23

11 weeks پیش48:23

48:23

New GX Capital, one of the principal investors in Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa parent CIVH, recently announced it was launching a R2.4-billion clean-tech investment fund in partnership with RMB Ventures. To unpack the details of the new fund and why it’s being established, New GX Capital founder and CEO Khudusela Pitje joined TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod in the latest episode of the TechCentral Show for a wide-ranging conversation. In the interview, Pitje chatted about the fund – called the Airnegize Capital Fund – and its plans to invest in renewable energy and water and gas infrastructure across Africa. New GX Capital and RMB Ventures have described the fund as “one of the largest of its kind on the continent”. The fund has secured R2.4-billion in initial commitments, with the companies targeting a further R1.6-billion before financial close in the coming months. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Pitje expands on: • His career background and the formation of New GX Capital; • The role his father, the late HM Pitje, a businessman and former mayor of Mamelodi, played in his life and career choices; • His role in helping build Dark Fibre Africa and CIVH; • Why he feels the decision by the competition authorities to block the acquisition by Vodacom of a 30% co-controlling stake in Maziv – a subsidiary of CIVH that houses Vumatel and DFA – was wrongheaded; • The role New GX Capital plays today, as well as its investment philosophy; • What led to the creation of the Airnegize Fund with RMB Ventures; and • The role and future of black economic empowerment in South Africa. Don’t miss a fascinating conversation!…

T

TechCentral

1
Meet the CIO | Yosheen Padayachee's unconventional journey into tech leadership 52:03

11 weeks پیش52:03

52:03

Yosheen Padayachee, group IT director at Tsebo Solutions Group, is our guest in this episode of TechCentral’s Meet the CIO. -- Yosheen Padayachee was named as one of the top 100 most influential women in technology in 2024 and has been recognised among the Cyber 50 leaders in cybersecurity in Africa. Padayachee, who serves as group IT director at workplace management solutions company Tsebo Solutions Group, is TechCentral’s guest in this episode of Meet the CIO. Previously CIO for Africa at Momentum Metropolitan Holdings, Padayachee is pursuing a doctorate in technology innovation. She shares her story in this interview. She unpacks: • How her career pivoted from healthcare into IT and IT management; • Her career journey so far, which has included roles in the banking sector at Nedbank and FNB, and important lessons she’s learnt along the way; • The role of IT at Tsebo Solutions Group; • The big technology projects she’s currently helping lead; • Her insights on cybersecurity in modern organisations, and why security must be embedded at the foundation of all digital innovation; • The impact of AI on the ability of companies to protect themselves from cyber adversaries; and • Why gender diversity in the male-dominated technology industry is vital – and what needs to be done to encourage more young women to choose technology as a career. Don’t miss this insightful conversation. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Yosheen Padayachee's unconventional journey into tech leadership 52:03

11 weeks پیش52:03

52:03

Yosheen Padayachee, group IT director at Tsebo Solutions Group, is our guest in this episode of TechCentral’s Meet the CIO. -- Yosheen Padayachee was named as one of the top 100 most influential women in technology in 2024 and has been recognised among the Cyber 50 leaders in cybersecurity in Africa. Padayachee, who serves as group IT director at workplace management solutions company Tsebo Solutions Group, is TechCentral’s guest in this episode of Meet the CIO. Previously CIO for Africa at Momentum Metropolitan Holdings, Padayachee is pursuing a doctorate in technology innovation. She shares her story in this interview. She unpacks: • How her career pivoted from healthcare into IT and IT management; • Her career journey so far, which has included roles in the banking sector at Nedbank and FNB, and important lessons she’s learnt along the way; • The role of IT at Tsebo Solutions Group; • The big technology projects she’s currently helping lead; • Her insights on cybersecurity in modern organisations, and why security must be embedded at the foundation of all digital innovation; • The impact of AI on the ability of companies to protect themselves from cyber adversaries; and • Why gender diversity in the male-dominated technology industry is vital – and what needs to be done to encourage more young women to choose technology as a career. Don’t miss this insightful conversation. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
TCS+ | Inside MTN's big brand overhaul 31:11

13 weeks پیش31:11

31:11

The Better Connection. Everywhere You Go. Or simply just Y’ello. Brand identity matters, and MTN South Africa – one of South Africa’s most valued brands – is keenly aware of that fact. Indeed, when a big consumer brand changes its brand positioning, it’s always a big deal – not only because of the work involved behind the scenes but also because it helps shift the narrative for that brand in small but important ways in the public consciousness. For a handful of times in its storied, 31-year history, MTN has refreshed its brand image. And it’s just hit the “play” button on the latest overhaul. In this episode of TechCentral’s TCS+ business technology podcast, MTN South Africa GM for residential and post-paid services Bertus van der Vyver unpacks the company’s latest brand identity and why it made the decisions it did. In the podcast, Van der Vyver chats about: • Whether brand ends up influencing strategy, or the other way around; • How the new brand positioning – the payoff line is Together We Make Moves – aligns with MTN’s ongoing efforts around customer experience, network innovation and its service offerings; • How consumers will experience the brand refresh; • How the changes tie into MTN’s social and business commitments; and • How MTN’s new brand identity will allow the company to differentiate itself in the market, including in relation to its competitors. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the value and importance of branding. TechCentral…

T

TechCentral

1
Inside MTN's big brand overhaul 31:11

13 weeks پیش31:11

31:11

The Better Connection. Everywhere You Go. Or simply just Y’ello. Brand identity matter, and MTN South Africa – one of South Africa’s most valued brands – is keenly aware of that fact. Indeed, when a big consumer brand changes its brand positioning, it’s always a big deal – not only because of the work involved behind the scenes but also because it helps shift the narrative for that brand in small but important ways in the public consciousness. For a handful of times in its storied, 31-year history, MTN has refreshed its brand image. And it’s just hit the “play” button on the latest overhaul. In this episode of TechCentral’s TCS+ business technology podcast, MTN South Africa GM for residential and post-paid services Bertus van der Vyver unpacks the company’s latest brand identity and why it made the decisions it did. In the podcast, Van der Vyver chats about: • Whether brand ends up influencing strategy, or the other way around; • How the new brand positioning – the payoff line is Together We Make Moves – aligns with MTN’s ongoing efforts around customer experience, network innovation and its service offerings; • How consumers will experience the brand refresh; • How the changes tie into MTN’s social and business commitments; and • How MTN’s new brand identity will allow the company to differentiate itself in the market, including in relation to its competitors. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the value and importance of branding.…

87 subscribers

مشابه TechCentral

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminium Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (newest model) built for relaxation, 10.1" vibrant Full HD screen, octa-core processor, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB, Black

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

پادکست هایی که ارزش شنیدن دارند

TechCentral « » TCS+ | Shifting Microsoft Azure SQL into overdrive