Influence the next frontier in gender parity
While global progress on gender equality in business leadership has stalled, South Africa is moving in the opposite direction – but although the country has largely solved representation, there’s a new gap emerging: influence. The latest SNG Grant Thornton Women in...
Governments keen on AI for routine decision-making
At least 80% of governments will deploy AI agents to automate routine decision-making, enhancing efficiency and service delivery by 2028, according to Gartner. “Government CIOs are under growing pressure to embed AI into decision-making capabilities rapidly and...
Manufacturing resilient despite financial strain
South Africa’s manufacturing industry has long been a cornerstone of the country’s economy and despite its decline over the last few years it is still providing significant employment and supporting business activity. However, the sector now faces a critical juncture,...
SA biotech makes critical molecule for lab-grown meat
A local biotechnology firm says it will produce a key molecule used internationally to grow meat products more sustainably following the successful industrial scale‑up of the molecule’s production process in CSIR bioreactors. Immobazyme, a South African start-up,...
Digital anxiety climbs as workers stay online after hours
A new Kaspersky survey undertaken in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region reveals that digital anxiety is becoming a defining feature of modern work culture, as employees don’t disconnect even during their free time and vacations. According to the...
Bitcoin, gold tipped for significant gains
Bitcoin and gold are currently sending different signals as both build a case for gains, predicts Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group. His bullish predictions come as Bitcoin trades around $74 000 to $75 000 - near recent highs - while gold holds close to $5 000 an ounce...
Consumers start questioning GenAI in marketing
Half of US consumers (50%) say they would prefer to give their business to brands that do not use GenAI, according to a new survey by Gartner. In this survey, “brands that use GenAI” refers to brands incorporating GenAI in consumer-facing messages, advertising, and...
Home Affairs rolls out MEETS visa scheme
The Department of Home Affairs has launched the new Meetings, Exhibitions, Events and Tourism Scheme (MEETS), a visa reform designed to boost South Africa as a global destination for international conferences, exhibitions, sporting tournaments and major cultural and...
Organisations fail to prepare adequately for cyberattacks
It’s an all too familiar occasion in all offices when the fire alarm sounds and an official announces it is a drill, followed by a collective sigh instead of engagement. People slowly stand up, grab their coffees and smartphones, and shuffle toward the fire escape...
Why AI voice agents are being met with open arms
For years, the South African contact centre industry has been building the foundations of digital customer service, writes Bruce von Maltitz, CEO of 1Stream. While the traditional automated systems that aided them have served us well, we have now reached a massive...
AI success hinges on strategy, skills and organisational maturity
Organisations rushing into artificial intelligence (AI) without a clear strategy and the right internal capability risk overpromising, underdelivering, and ultimately damaging their credibility in the market. According to Lebo Masola-Mnjama, talent manager at Dariel,...
Healthcare AI without infrastructure is digital load shedding
When a power grid cannot meet demand, the result is not a gradual decline, it’s instability. By Heny Adams, country manager at InterSystems South Africa Healthcare systems are now approaching a similar inflexion point with artificial intelligence. AI introduces new...