Are we upholding Section 14 in the digital age
As South Africa commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Constitution (21 March), we are celebrating a document that was designed to protect the inherent dignity of every citizen. In 1996, the threats to that dignity were largely physical. Today, however, our lives...
Hybrid working spurs part-timers to rejoin the workforce
With the current focus on driving economic growth, an International Workplace Group (IWG) report reveals the potential of hybrid work to boost productivity and bring more skilled labour into the workforce. IWG’s new data highlights that 44% of former part-time workers...
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...