Author: Editor
By Muggie van Staden, MD and CEO of Obsidian Systems Many people believe that automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) will eventually replace all of us. Some managers might even joke that they are likely to substitute a poor performing staff member with a well-written script. But more realistically, technology will only take over certain roles leaving us to focus on delivering more strategic value. Take the automotive sector as an example. Many decades ago, Japanese manufacturers used technology to replace specific roles when it came to assembling cars. This fundamentally reinvented the way cars are built with…
By Howard Feldman It was almost as though she just couldn’t take it anymore. While the 96-year-old monarch continued to work, to engage with the future prime ministers and perform whatever state functions her frail body would allow her to, the rest of the world debated the concept of “quiet quitting”. And so, as though in a final act of defiance and strength and after accepting Boris Johnson’s resignation and meeting with Liz Truss, she exited this world, leaving us to continue our important conversations about working less. Queen Elisabeth II will always be known for her commitment to service.…
The annual tax season commenced on 1 July and is in full swing. For most taxpayers, this time of the year is usually associated with a considerable amount of stress as they deal with the pressure of having to file returns by a deadline and then worry about whether and how much they will have to pay over to the government in taxes. Then there is also the ever-present fear of being audited, which adds another layer of anxiety to the mix. This year, however, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has tried to alleviate the pressure on individual taxpayers…
By Frik van der Westhuizen, CEO of EQPlus South Africa is currently experiencing a massive shortage of ICT skills. According to recent research, the country lacks at least 70 000 ICT professionals which is further exacerbated by the declining number of graduates. The 2022 Critical Skills List published by government at the beginning of the year highlights the need for ICT talent ranging from data scientists and software developers to network analysts and cybersecurity specialists. Addressing this is no easy task. The 2021 ICT Skills Survey reinforced the perception that the skills gap here is widening. Its authors suggested that addressing…
Demystifying the Foods Landscape A new podcast series hosted by broadcast journalist Redi Tlhabi will give listeners key insights and a greater understanding of the major issues around the state of our food nation. As the world faces complex issues around food, sustainability, waste, and how retailers and consumer choices alike impact our planet, gaining an understanding of the food landscape has never been more important. To address this, Woolworths is proud to announce the launch of its podcast series, Food for Thought – Demystifying the Foods Landscape, hosted by award-winning broadcast journalist, Redi Tlhabi. The Food for Thought podcast…
By Yunus Scheepers, Chief Technology Officer at SilverBridge Holdings According to McKinsey, the tech-enabled insurer of the future will bear little resemblance to the institutions that exist today. Digitalisation, cloud computing, robotic process automation, and the Internet of Things are just some of the elements influencing the direction of the industry. But perhaps the most crucial is how changing customer expectations puts the pressure on insurers to adapt to become more digitally-driven. Whether it is claims processing or underwriting, analysing data or developing personalised solutions, insurance has moved beyond the traditional paper-based environment. It has become an industry that more…
The EPC regulations published in December 2020 mandate the display of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for all sport facilities such as stadiums larger than 1 000m2 (if they are state-owned) or 2 000m2 (if they are privately-owned). With the December 2022 deadline for compliance with the regulations looming, owners of these properties should already be taking steps to ensure that they obtain certification for their facilities. Getting a sport facility certified does not have to be an intimidating exercise. The selection and appointment of a SANAS accredited EPC inspection body is the first step. A list of such inspection bodies can…
Monika Iuel, who is Wesgro’s Chief Destination Marketing Officer, is encouraged by new growth in the return of international and domestic visitors to the Cape. Commenting on behalf of the Best Of Wine Tourism & Ambassador Awards, of which Wesgro is the custodian, she says: “The recent rise in tourism arrivals certainly bodes well for South Africa’s wine tourism sector.” According to the latest airport statistics, passengers through Cape Town International Airport rose substantially since the start of the pandemic. Domestic terminal passenger movement reached a recovery rate of 75% in April 2022 when compared to the same month in…
African Resonance, a leading provider of payment infrastructure that specialises in providing an entire value chain solution for terminal and merchant estate management, says Android-based payment terminals provide significant revenue-generating opportunities for South African merchants regardless of size. By enhancing these point-of-sale (PoS) terminals with value-added business applications, merchants can generate incremental revenue and ultimately improve the customer experience by giving tailored services unique to their business. “The world of PoS terminals has been around for more than 40 years. As technology evolved, so too have the devices consumers used to transact with merchants. While terminals have been predominantly Linux-based,…
By Ross Hickey, Founder and CEO of Trinity IoT With companies embracing digital transformation, the well-known practice of managing SIMs and devices to mitigate against out-of-control data costs and inefficient use of business application devices take on new importance. Today, many businesses require a combination of device and connectivity management to form the cornerstone of their output. Device and connectivity management can be defined as the process of controlling, monitoring, maintaining, and configuring devices and SIMs remotely. If access to device data through cellular connectivity is the lifeline of a company’s business model, then device management is the key to…