Ocean economy faces pressure, fragmentation
The Strait of Hormuz remains virtually closed, with effects spreading through the global economy within weeks by disrupting energy flows, raising prices and increasing financial pressure on developing countries, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) warns in its second...
Vehicle sales continue strong
New vehicle sales continue to surge in South Africa despite global and regional conflicts, local floods and droughts. The March figure of 58 060 vehicles reflects a 17,3% improvement over March 2025. Brandon Cohen, chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’...
Intel delivers open, scalable AI performance
MLCommons released its latest MLPerf Inference v6.0 benchmarks, showcasing results across four key benchmarks for Intel’s GPU Systems. Intel’s AI systems featured Intel Xeon 6 CPUs and Intel Arc Pro B70 graphics, demonstrating accessible AI workload solutions across...
Outcome‑focused workflow set to overtake assistive AI
By 2028, over half of all enterprises will stop paying for assistive intelligence (such as copilots and smart advisors) and instead will favor platforms that commit to workflow results, according to Gartner. In this emerging model, humans move from completing work...
AI-driven and omnichannel communication on the rise in SA
In its latest Messaging Trends Report 2026, communications platform Infobip says its 20-year analysis of 3,8-trillion messages reveals a rise of omnichannel and AI-driven communication in South Africa. Drawing on data from 628-billion mobile interactions in 2025 - and...
Europe cautioned to stay ahead in the quantum race
In the second quarter of 2026, Brussels is expected to release the first draft for a Quantum Act, a document that should pave the way for Europe to become the leader in quantum technology. To stand a real chance against the US and China, the bloc must move beyond...
Air passenger numbers were up in February
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for February 2026 global passenger demand with the following highlights: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 6,1% compared to February 2025. Total capacity, measured in...
With salaries, it’s not about the number, it’s about the delivery
For most candidates, the salary question feels like the riskiest moment in an interview: tense, awkward, and full of second-guessing. Many approach it defensively, often lowballing out of fear, or naming an overly-ambitious figure without foundation. But understanding...
AI is not expensive. Uncontrolled AI is
There is a pattern I keep seeing in boardrooms and project meetings. The question is framed as, “How much will AI cost us?” The better question is, “What will happen if we do not control how we use it?” By Karl Fischer, chief technology officer of Obsidian Systems AI...
Can automated vehicles be accountable for violations?
Many forward-thinking individuals propose that autonomous vehicles will improve road safety as problematic driver behaviour, which contributes to 90% plus crashes, will be eliminated. A recent incident may cause some to doubt this, however. A seemingly routine traffic...
Residential demand management could reshape SA’s energy system
As South Africa navigates ongoing energy constraints and rising electricity costs, attention is increasingly turning to a less visible but significant contributor to electricity demand – residential water heating. “Electric geysers are the largest energy loads on...
Trust is what will make or break AI voice agents
South African businesses are showing real interest in AI voice agents, and for good reason. By Bruce von Maltitz, CEO of 1Stream The technology has come a long way and can now respond quickly, hold more natural conversations and create a better, locally relevant...