What's Next with Aki Anastasiou

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, North-West University (NWU) Professor Anné Verhoef discusses the NWU AI Hub, of which he is the director. The NWU AI Hub was launched at the beginning of 2025, with Verhoef at the helm, to provide groundbreaking solutions to South Africa's biggest AI problems. Verhoef is a professor in philosophy and the former director of the NWU School of Philosophy, which forms part of the university's Humanities faculty. He has a strong involvement in ethics, which has prepared him to head up the NWU AI Hub. In this interview, Verhoef begins by discussing the reason for the NWU AI Hub and its biggest successes so far. He highlights the measures NWU is taking to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI within the university. Verhoef then explains how NWU is prioritising student development to ensure its graduates remain competitive in the workforce of the future. He concludes by sharing insights into NWU's AI literacy courses and how students have responded to these initiatives.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Nomvuyiso Batyi and Naveed Kashif discuss the evolution of the telecommunications market and how AI is reshaping RAN infrastructure in South Africa. Batyi is the Chief Executive Officer of the recently established Association of Comms and Technology – a non-profit company dedicated to addressing ecosystem issues within the broader ICT sector. Before this, she worked in roles at the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, ICASA, and Primedia Broadcasting. Kashif is the Head of Nokia's Southern African Market Unit for Mobile Networks at Nokia. He boasts an impressive 27-year track record in the telecommunications industry, having held leadership roles at companies like Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent, and IBM. He holds an MBA focused on International Management from Vlerick Leuven-Gent Management School. In this What's Next interview, Batyi explains what the Association of Comms and Technology does, and Kashif explains Nokia's role in the African telecommunication industry. Kashif then outlines how AI is changing how Radio Access Networks (RANs) operate, and Batyi unpacks the challenges in optimising RAN infrastructure in Africa. She also discusses the role of policy-making in accelerating growth and change in the South African telecommunications industry. They concluded the interview by outlining how they expect the South African telecommunications industry to evolve in the coming years.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Videsha Proothveerajh discusses how Vodacom Business is leveraging new technologies to offer superior services to its customers. Proothveerajh is the Director of Vodacom Business at Vodacom South Africa and boasts over 25 years of experience in the technology and telecommunications industries. She assumed her current role at Vodacom South Africa in 2024 and leverages her extensive experience and expertise to ensure Vodacom Business sits at the top of the enterprise telecommunications industry. In this What's Next interview, Proothveerajh explains the importance of Vodacom Business being crowned South Africa's Most Trusted Enterprise Telecommunications Provider in the MyBroadband Awards. She unpacks the key areas she believes Vodacom Business stands apart in the enterprise telecommunications industry, and highlights the company's most significant achievements since she joined it. Proothveerajh also discusses how Vodacom Business is leveraging new technologies like AI and machine learning to deliver improved value to its South African clients. She concludes the interview by sharing Vodacom Business's plans for the future.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Jordaan Burger discusses the modern challenges facing CFOs. Burger is the Sage Vice President of Finance for the Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region, and has worked in the finance industry for over 20 years. He joined Sage in 2019 as the Financial Director for the Africa and Middle East region, and was promoted to his current position in 2021. In this What's Next interview, Burger discusses how the CFO role is evolving in South Africa. He unpacks the new challenges and responsibilities that have emerged, and explains how these changes have led to CFOs having a greater impact on the C-Suite. Burger also outlines how CFOs can balance their organisations' current finances with the need for growth. He then notes the importance of automation for generating growth opportunities, and explains how Sage can assist with this. Burger concludes the interview by sharing his vision for the future of finance, and the role Sage will play in this.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner discusses how the digital bank improves customers' lives through enhanced banking services. Kallner has been with Discovery since 1996 and began by working on various marketing, actuarial, and strategic projects. In 2006, he was appointed as the Chief Marketing Officer for Discovery Limited and later rose to the position of Chief Executive Officer for Discovery Life in 2016. Kallner also briefly served as the CEO of Discovery SA before being appointed to his current position as Discovery Bank CEO in 2021. In this What's Next interview, Kallner explains how Discovery Bank has achieved such excellent growth and why he predicts Discovery Bank will enjoy R3 billion in generated profits by 2029. He then discusses how banking can improve people's lives, using the recently revealed Discovery AI as a key example of this. Kallner unpacks how Discovery AI will provide customers with a more personalised, seamless, and secure banking experience. He concludes the interview by sharing other additions to Discovery Bank - including the Discovery 911 service and the new additions to the Vitality Money offering.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Bertus van der Vyver discusses MTN's updated brand positioning and the importance of the phrase “Today We Make Moves.” Van der Vyver is the General Manager for Residential and Postpaid at MTN South Africa. Before taking on his current role in April 2023, he held many executive roles in the South African telecommunications industry across the industry's largest players. Through this experience, Van der Vyver has developed strong commercial acumen and the ability to solve problems and make the right decisions in high-pressure situations. In this What's Next interview, van der Vyver discusses the important role MTN has played in connecting South Africans over the decades. He then unpacks MTN's updated brand positioning, which focuses on the phrase “Today We Make Moves.” Van der Vyver expands on how MTN is working to address the digital divide in South Africa through access to connectivity and technology. He then discusses the moves MTN is making to build better connectivity offerings for its South African customers. Van der Vyver concludes the interview by sharing a message with South Africans who want to take charge of their future through technology.

In this What's Next interview, Zhou unpacks the incredible growth HONOR has experienced in South Africa. He then reveals HONOR's Project Alpha Plan, which is the company's new corporate strategy that will transform HONOR from a smartphone manufacturer to a leading AI device ecosystem company. Zhou unpacks the three steps that this plan entails and discusses how they encourage collaboration between global technology giants for the good of technology users. He explains that HONOR believes we are at the intersection between the digital and the AI ages, and that this necessitates a new mindset. Zhou then talks about HONOR's new Magic7 Pro smartphone, which features a cutting-edge AI photography engine. He unpacks the HONOR Magic7 Pro's deepfake identification technology, which helps users protect themselves against malicious parties who leverage deepfake technology. Zhou concludes the interview by discussing HONOR's sponsorship of Bafana Bafana.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Sannesh Beharie and Lukhanyo Zahela discusses the importance of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Beharie is the Managing Executive for SME and Mobile Products at Vodacom Business. He has over 17 years of experience in fixed and mobile telecoms, having worked at South Africa's most prominent industry players and held executive roles in Sales, Business Development and Product Development. Zahela currently serves as the Acting Executive Head of Department for Security at Vodacom Business. He is an adept leader in security technology with an unwavering passion for innovation and profitable growth within the sector. In this What's Next interview, Beharie and Zahela discuss the reasons that SMEs often overlook cybersecurity. Beharie explains that many SMEs have two major misconceptions about cybersecurity — that they're too small to be targeted, and that cybersecurity is too expensive. He also unpacks the major cybersecurity threats the SMEs face in 2025 — noting that many of these are becoming more sophisticated. Zahela then discusses the benefits of investing in a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy for SMEs. He explains how Vodacom Business can help SMEs enhance their cybersecurity posture, as well as how SMEs can enjoy secure network access for hybrid working set-ups through Vodacom Business. Beharie then explains how SMEs can balance the costs of cybersecurity with the importance of it to their business. Both experts conclude the interview by providing their most impactful advice for SMEs relating to cybersecurity.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Elani van der Laan discusses the emerging financial trends in the legal industry. Van der Laan is the Head of Legal and Accounting Sectors, Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank and boasts nearly 15 years of experience working in the legal sector. This began with her working as a Candidate Attorney, then as an Attorney, for Strydom and Bredenkamp Inc. in 2010. Following this, she worked at Leahy and van Niekerk Attorneys Inc. as an Attorney, and then became a Director at Leahy Attorneys Inc. Van der Laan took on her current position at Standard Bank Group in 2021. In this What's Next interview, van der Laan discusses how new technologies are changing the legal sector in South Africa. She expands upon the biggest challenges facing legal professionals in South Africa, and how Standard Bank is solving these challenges through unique financial solutions for its small to medium-sized law firm clients Van der Laan then unpacks Standard Bank's future plans to expand its legal financial solutions, and concludes the interview by giving advice to legal professionals on how to grow their businesses.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Gerhard Hartman discusses how technological innovations like AI have the ability to transform finance departments for the better. Hartman is the Regional Vice President for Medium Business at Sage Africa and the Middle East. He has worked at Sage for nearly 20 years and has extensive experience helping SMBs achieve their full potential. In his current role, Hartman is leading Sage's strategic expansion of its accounting, human resources, and payroll businesses across Africa and the Middle East. In this What's Next interview, Hartman discusses why financial professionals should be excited about AI, rather than worried about it. He reveals where AI can offer the most value to CFOs and finance departments. Hartman then discusses the other tech skills that CFOs should prioritise to keep up with the rapid advancement of the finance function. He also shares how CFOs must break down silos to adapt to the changing business landscape, as well as how the CFO role will continue to evolve in the years ahead. Hartman concludes the discussion by explaining how CFOs can prepare themselves today for the finance department of the future — all while maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, John van Kan discusses the importance of incorporating new technologies into Standard Bank's healthcare banking solutions. Van Kan is the Head of Healthcare Sector, Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank and has worked in the banking sector since 2000. In this What's Next interview, van Kan explains how Standard Bank plays a key role in South Africa's healthcare sector. He discusses the major milestones it has achieved in the medical banking sector, and how Standard Bank is adapting to the industry's biggest challenges. Van Kan also explains how Standard Bank supports private medical practices, and reveals several initiatives the bank plans to introduce to support the South African healthcare sector further. He additionally details Standard Bank's view on the NHI, noting the positives it may offer to South Africans. Van Kan concludes the interview by sharing his advice for healthcare professionals and business owners to strengthen their financial resilience and grow in a competitive industry.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Nielle Truter and Bob Aoun discuss how AI has been implemented in HP Poly devices to deliver an improved user experience. Truter is the Chief Operating Officer at Headset Solutions — a trusted distributor of HP | Poly products. In this role, he has forged long-term customer relationships and spearheaded new business development. His approach to business integrates rigorous business planning with astute analytical skills. Aoun is the Sales Director for Middle East and Africa region for HP Poly. He firmly believes that equipping employees with the right tools is critical to a business's success — including hybrid working tools that help professionals thrive. Aoun holds an MBA from the Université Panthéon Sorbonne and boasts a strong ICT skill set that ranges from operations management to pre-sales. Learn more about Headset Solutions: http://www.headsetsolutions.co.za/ In this What's Next interview, Truter and Aoun expand on the ways HP Poly has integrated AI into its products — and how this differentiates their products. Aoun unpacks the new AI-powered devices that HP Poly recently launched at ISE Barcelona, as well as several AI-focused updates to existing products. Truter elaborated on the features of HP Poly AI-powered products which most impress prospective and existing clients, and how these features benefit South African businesses. Aoun shares predictions on the workplace of the future and reveals ways in which HP Poly is designing its products to adapt to this workplace. Anyone keen to chat to Nielle and his team about the latest HP Poly products available to them, can reach out on www.headsetsolutions.co.za

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Elani van der Laan discusses Standard Bank's tailored solutions for accounting and professional services businesses. Van der Laan is the Head of Accounting & Legal Sectors, Business and Commercial Banking and has held the position since 2021. She boasts nearly 15 years of experience working in the legal sector and has held several notable positions at leading companies. In this What's Next interview, van der Laan shares how Standard Bank is supporting accounting businesses with financial products that meet the needs of this sector. She outlines the process that Standard Bank goes through to develop new and relevant solutions that meet the needs of small and medium-sized accounting businesses in South Africa. Van der Laan then unpacks the biggest challenges in the sector from Standard Bank's perspective and explains how ESG and sustainability goals factor into this. She concludes the interview by sharing her advice for accounting businesses that want to stay competitive and meet their goals.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, David Plink discusses the importance of implementing a connected HR ecosystem for your business. Plink is the CEO of the Top Employers Institute and boasts over 25 years of HR industry experience. He has honed his skills across various HR themes, including general, commercial, and change management while working for global, results-driven companies. In this What's Next interview, Plink explains how the Top Employers Institute empowers companies with daily HR insights. He discusses how the connected HR ecosystem is evolving, and the role the Top Employers Institute is playing in this process. Plink then unpacks the most significant HR trends of 2025, and how these trends are impacting the HR function. He explains what differentiates excellent HR practices from the rest, and the benefits of implementing a connected HR ecosystem. Plink concludes the interview by explaining how the Top Employers Institute can help businesses embrace a connected HR ecosystem.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Prasanth Seevnarayan discusses the importance of having a high-quality mattress. Seevnarayan is the CEO and Executive Director at Lylax and Serta South Africa. He is a visionary South African entrepreneur who has founded and led many successful businesses across several industries. One of these businesses is Lylax, which is a family business that has been manufacturing premium mattresses and bases in South Africa for 40 years. In this interview, Seevnarayan unpacks the Lylax and Serta mattress brands, noting that they have been in South Africa for 40 years and 25 years respectively. He explains why it is important for South Africans to sleep on a high-quality mattress. Seevnarayan then explains how customers must approach buying the right mattress for their needs – whether this is online or in-person. He then highlights various interesting innovations that set Serta and Lylax mattresses apart from the competition in South Africa. Seevnarayan concludes the interview by revealing how MyBroadband readers can buy the latest high-tech mattresses

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Bonga Gumede discusses Altron Digital Business's latest report, which focuses on embracing key technology trends. Gumede is the Executive: Retail GTM at Altron Digital Business. He brings a wealth of experience to his role, where he crafts strategic growth solutions tailored to the South African retail landscape. Gumede has a track record of leveraging digital tools to enhance retail operations, customer engagement, and profitability. In this What's Next interview, Gumede discusses a new Altron Digital Business guide titled “Future-Ready Retail: Embracing Key Tech Trends.” He discusses the key findings of the report, including the fact that 73% of South African businesses see edge computing as crucial for digital transformation. Gumede then discusses the report's findings regarding how AI and machine learning are being used to optimise stock replenishment and reduce wastage, before unpacking other key findings from the guide. With these insights in mind, Gumede explains how Altron Digital Business is positioned to help South African businesses take advantage of the latest business technology trends. He also discusses which emerging technologies he thinks will play a key role for successful South African retailers in 2025, and concludes by discussing the most important thing local retailers can do to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Mohammed Mosam discusses how CFOs can leverage automation to improve their businesses. Mosam is the Regional Product Marketing Director for Sage Africa and Middle East (Sage Intacct) and boasts over 30 years of industry experience. This includes working as a Support Consultant at Pink Software, Director for Support and IT Operations at Brilliant Business System, and Divisional Director for Sage Pastel Accounting. In this interview, Mosam outlines what CFOs and finance leaders should look for in financial software without having to get rid of their existing investments. He explains what automation comprises in the financial sector, and how CFOs can use it to add more value to their businesses. Mosam then unpacks why finance departments should be excited about advances in AI and reveals where he thinks AI can offer the most value for finance functions. He also notes how the roles and responsibilities of CFOs are evolving beyond historical expectations. Mosam concludes the interview by explaining how CFOs and finance leaders can adapt to these new responsibilities.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Tracker COO Duma Ngcobo discusses South African crime statistics relating to business-owned vehicles. Ngcobo is a veteran executive with over 20 years of experience in the technology and telecommunications industries. In his current role as Chief Operating Officer at Tracker, which he assumed in 2021, Ngcobo formulates and implements strategies that promote operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. This includes leading initiatives that have successfully improved customer experience, reduced costs, and enhanced the company's market standing. In this What's Next interview, Ngcobo discusses the importance of the vehicle crime statistics Tracker recently published, and explains why hijacking business vehicles is so popular with criminals. He then explains how Tracker is leveraging the power of AI to improve business vehicle safety for its clients. Ngcobo also discusses geofencing, explaining how it can be used to protect businesses against vehicle-related crimes. He highlights other emerging technologies Tracker is investigating to protect its clients from malicious parties. Ngcobo concludes the interview by discussing what he believes the government and lawmakers can do to reduce business vehicle crime in South Africa.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Professor Waldo Krugell unpacks what South Africans should expect from the 2025 Budget Speech. Krugell is a Professor in Economics at the North-West University's Potchefstroom campus. He holds an MSc in Economics and completed his PhD focusing on the geographical economy of South Africa. In this What's Next interview, Krugell discusses the general economic sentiment in South Africa ahead of the 2025 Budget Speech, and unpacks what can be expected for the NHI in the budgetary allocation. He outlines his predictions for tax changes and his thoughts on how the expansion of the Basic Income Grant will be funded. Krugell then reveals his expectations for further information about the R940 billion infrastructure investment President Ramaphosa has previously spoken about. He concludes the interview by sharing how, based on his expectations, the rating agencies will react to the 2025 Budget Speech, and the relevance of recent issues between President Ramaphosa and President Trump.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Macrocomm Group CEO Sivi Moodley unpacks the company's 20-year journey to becoming an industry leader. Moodley founded Macrocomm Group in 2005 and has since turned the company into a premier force in the smart solutions sector – focusing on the Internet of Things (IoT) and driving innovation across the African continent. He boasts a diverse career history, having worked in healthcare, retail, communications, marketing, advertising, and IoT. In this interview, Moodley unpacks Macrocomm Group's exciting 20-year journey in South Africa. He discusses the significant milestones the company has reached along the way, and how the company has created a holistic portfolio of services across energy management, water management, food security, safety, and health. Moodley then expands on Macrocomm Group's contributions to the smart utilities sector and its role in strengthening South Africa's energy infrastructure – including in underserved communities. He also shares his thoughts on how Macrocomm Group has helped drive advances in the South African IoT and IoE fields. Moodley then unpacks the upcoming projects he's excited about, including the company's continued international expansion. He concludes the interview by sharing his advice for South African entrepreneurs looking to achieve success.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Morne Kroukamp discusses Dell's redesigned PC portfolio and its partnership with Qualcomm Technologies. Kroukamp is a Field Product Marketing Manager at Dell Technologies. He has worked at Dell Technologies for over 16 years and has accrued experience in various roles – such as internal sales, product specialist, account executive, and field product manager. In this What's Next interview, Kroukamp unpacks the new range of redesigned Dell AI PCs and how they leverage the latest silicon innovations to ensure industry-leading PC capabilities across software, manageability, security, and sustainability. He reveals the three simplified categories for the company's PCs: • Dell – for everyday users • Dell Pro – for professional users • Dell Pro Max – for maximum performance He then discusses Dell Technologies' partnership with Qualcomm and how it aligns with Dell Technologies' goal of becoming the leading PC brand in the AI revolution. Kroukamp explains that the Qualcomm Snapdragon X series processors are transforming the Dell PC landscape by integrating AI into its PCs through a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) – enhancing performance and improving battery life. He also discusses how Dell Technologies is leading innovation in the PC monitor sector and announced several new monitors and monitor technologies at CES 2025 – including the world-first 32-inch IPS Enhanced Black Display with QD-OLED panel technology. He concludes the interview by explaining how the Dell PC ecosystem is a key priority for the company, ensuring that Dell Technologies caters to every working style and all employees.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Abraham van der Merwe discusses how South Africans can save on electricity with Stage Zero. Van der Merwe is the founder and CEO of Stage Zero — a renewable energy provider that specialises in embedded generation and energy storage solutions for residential and commercial customers. He is an accomplished investor with over 20 years of experience in the embedded systems and telecommunications industries. In this What's Next interview, van der Merwe reveals what led to the creation of Stage Zero and how it differs from other South African solar providers. He explains why load-shedding ceased in 2024, how this impacted the market, and his thoughts on the future of load-shedding in South Africa. Van der Merwe then details how Stage Zero helps its clients install solar and notes the process and advantages of going off-grid. He concludes the interview by unpacking Stage Zero's plans for the future and how those interested in its offerings can get in touch.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Deloitte's Mohammed Shaikh discusses the shifting media consumption landscape in Africa. Shaikh is a Partner in Assurance Services, Audit, and Assurance at Deloitte Africa. He also serves as Deloitte Africa's Media and Entertainment Sector Lead, where he helps clients navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities within the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) industry. In this What's Next interview, Shaikh discusses the evolution of media consumption in Africa over the past ten years. He explains that both global and local streaming platforms have entered the African market, and provides insight into how media and entertainment companies can navigate this dynamic landscape. Shaikh then reveals several key trends in the African media industry, including the rise of local content, competition with social media platforms, and the power of fandoms and communities. He concludes the interview by discussing how media companies and streaming platforms can partner with telcos and banks to deliver better consumer value.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Justin Hume discusses the key features of the new Samsung Galaxy S25 smartphones. Hume is the VP of Mobile Experiences at Samsung South Africa and has worked in the cellular industry since 1997. In 2012, Hume rejoined Samsung South Africa as the Product and Marketing Director and quickly rose through the ranks. He soon became the Chief Marketing Officer and then the Director of Integrated Mobility before taking on his current role. In this What's Next interview, Hume discusses the most exciting features of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series smartphones. He explains how Samsung has improved the AI capabilities of the S25 smartphones by introducing multimodal AI agents, which work together to give users a more natural and comprehensive AI-powered experience. He expands on why Samsung is so heavily focused on delivering this better AI experience to its smartphone customers. Hume then discusses the photographic capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series smartphones and explains how AI tools contribute to better photos — both during the shot and in post-editing. He also covers the various performance enhancements to the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, including a new chipset explicitly designed to run these smartphones' multimodal AI agents effectively. Hume concludes the interview by detailing the look, feel, and robustness of the Galaxy S25 smartphones, as well as how the pre-order process works.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, NTT DATA's Chris Wiggett unpacks the latest trends in business intelligence and AI that South African businesses must be aware of. Wiggett is the Head of AI and Data Analytics at NTT DATA Middle East and Africa. He has fourteen years of experience in data analytics and is well-known for his thought leadership in Advanced Analytics. Wiggett is also obsessed with the future of data science, with a particular passion for the business insights it generates. In this What's Next interview, Wiggett unpacks the latest trends in data and business intelligence that are currently shaping the industry. He highlights that data-driven decision-making has been spoken about for a long time, but with the rise of AI, it is finally being realized in practice and at scale. Wiggett explains how NTT DATA differentiates itself through its proven processes and extensive experience implementing powerful AI and business intelligence solutions that generate real client value. He then emphasizes the importance of effective data access controls, ensuring that the right people, teams, and tools have access to all the data they need, while avoiding giving out data access when it is unnecessary. Wiggett also talks about the importance of implementing guard rails for AI tools, and explains why it is crucial that organizations promote inter-departmental collaboration and coordination to ensure that the full value of data-driven insights and AI is achieved. He concludes the interview by discussing what he is most excited about in the fields of AI and data analytics in the future.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Tumi Mothoagae discusses how AI helps Liberty to streamline the claims process for its clients. Mothoagae is the Divisional Executive for Claims Management at Liberty Group South Africa and has worked at the company for 13 years. During this time, she has held the roles of Team Manager and Financial Advisor – having joined the company after being an Associate Lecturer at Wits University. In this What's Next interview, Mothoagae discusses how Liberty has integrated technology into its claims processes – ensuring death and funeral claims can be processed in under 20 minutes, and lifestyle claims can be processed within 24 hours. She explains how this is enabled by the use of AI, which pulls extensive data from multiple sources. Mothoagae then discusses the challenges Liberty faced when implementing automation into its claims processes – including dealing with increased claims volumes due to COVID-19 – as well as how employees benefit from having repetitive processes removed. Mothoagae concludes the interview by unpacking the metrics which show how successful the integration of modern technologies has been for Liberty.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, MiWay CEO Burton Naicker discusses the latest trends in South Africa's insurance industry. Naicker's professional journey began in the banking industry, before transitioning into the insurance sector when he was appointed as a Legal Recoveries Advisor at Telesure. In the years which followed, Naicker progressed to senior management roles in the claims environment – culminating in him being appointed as the CEO of SIAS in 2010. In this What's Next interview, Naicker discusses his journey to becoming the CEO of MiWay – explaining how the insurance industry has evolved over the past 20 years. Naicker then discusses the highlights of his tenure as MiWay CEO, as well as the biggest selling points of MiWay as an insurance provider in South Africa. He also unpacks the major trends he is seeing in the local insurance industry, and provides his top advice to South African insurance clients. Naicker concludes the interview by revealing his biggest goals for 2025 as MiWay CEO.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Metacom CMO Marius Visser discusses the company's impressive range of SCADA, IoT, and router products. Visser is a 22-year veteran of the communications industry, who joined Metacom in 2010. Before this, he worked at MTN for six years as a Solution Consultant and Business Development Manager. He also worked at Psitek for six years as an Executive for its Access to Voice department. Visser then joined Metacom as the Executive of Business Development for Europe and Africa. He has since been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer, and was also appointed to the company's board as a shareholding director in 2023. Visser is passionate about offering innovative connectivity solutions that meet the needs of Metacom's clients. He details the company's newest router range, which it launched last year, and discusses how popular these products have been. Visser then discusses the MC7000 enterprise router – outlining why it is the best enterprise router on the market. He also reveals the emerging technologies that Metacom is keeping an eye on for its future innovations. Visser shares several examples of how Metacom has helped its clients succeed, too, thanks to its superior connectivity solutions. He concludes the interview by discussing the initiatives and products Metacom is going to launch in 2025.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Ryan Switala discusses the technologies Liberty is using to improve its life insurance products. Switala is the Head of Simple Life Solutions at Liberty and has worked at the company for 18 years — beginning as an Actuarial Specialist in 2006. He then held several notable positions at Liberty before being appointed to his current role — including Head of Risk for Product Development, Actuarial Consultant for Group Reinsurance, and Chief Specialist for Partner Integration. In this What's Next interview, Switala discusses how Liberty's digital transformation strategy is helping make life insurance more accessible to its clients. He unpacks the powerful technologies that are being used to streamline the customer journey and make life insurance easier to understand for the average South African. Switala then expands on Liberty's use of AI and machine learning to deliver ever-evolving, highly personalised client experiences. He concludes the interview by sharing the most exciting digital innovations that Liberty plans to incorporate into its life insurance offerings.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Shenge Buthelezi discusses Vodacom's extensive MVNO offerings. Buthelezi is the Managing Executive of Wholesale and Carrier Services at Vodacom South Africa. He has worked at Vodacom for over 16 years and has held several important roles in the company's Wholesale and Carrier Services business unit during this time – including Executive Head, Programme Manager, and Account Manager. In his current role, Buthelezi leads this business unit and is focused on fostering, maintaining, and growing strategic partnerships that grow revenue and profitability for Vodacom South Africa. In this What's Next interview, Buthelezi discusses what makes Vodacom Business South Africa's most trusted enterprise telecommunications provider, in South Africa. He then focuses on the company's MVNO offering and the signing of its first MVNO partner: Mr Price Mobile. Buthelezi explains why Vodacom has entered the MVNO industry and why the network provider is a great partner for companies that want to launch their own MVNO. He highlights that Vodacom has built a mobile virtual network enablement platform to support its MVNO offering. Buthelezi concludes the interview by discussing the many exciting opportunities Vodacom's wholesale business is working on moving forward.

In this Driving Sustainability with Aki Anastasiou interview, SolarAfrica Energy's Brandon Horn discusses Electricity 2.0 – a new virtual power solutions suite for South African businesses in the commercial and industrial sectors. Horn is the Head of Commercial at SolarAfrica Energy and boasts over 16 years of experience working for multinational corporations in local and international markets. This has included working at Puma Energy, Brent Oil, and Centurion Systems. In this Driving Sustainability interview, Horn explains why volatile electricity price increases are an upcoming crisis for South Africa, and reveals the major drivers behind these rises. He then unpacks what businesses can do to combat electricity tariff increases, before discussing SolarAfrica's Electricity 2.0 suite – including why a business will choose it over other power solutions. Horn outlines how a business can start wheeling energy through Electricity 2.0, and what businesses must look out for when choosing an electricity wheeling provider. He concludes the interview by noting how to get in touch with SolarAfrica to learn more about Electricity 2.0.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, First Technology's Barry Neethling discusses the power of AI technologies in the workplace. Neethling is the Chief Technology Officer at First Technology Group – and has worked at the company for 40 years. He is an expert in assisting South African companies to get the best value for their Microsoft licenses, and has been involved in licensing for about 30 years. In this What's Next interview, Neethling discusses why it is important for South African businesses to experiment with and embrace the latest AI technologies – like Microsoft Copilot. He unpacks the major security and privacy concerns that come with AI tools accessing company data, and explains how businesses can address these challenges. Neethling then discusses the potential benefits of AI in the workplace – including its impact on productivity and employee satisfaction, and how AI can be used as a “superpower.” He provides his view on the pace of technological change and the future capabilities of AI, and concludes the discussion by giving advice to people who are hesitant about embracing AI and other new technologies. Website: www.firsttech.co.za LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-technology-national/

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, gicom's Stefan Hilger discusses how retailers can improve their profitability by using SAP solutions. Hilger is a Co-Founder of gicom and an Executive Member of its board, where he is responsible for the company's Sales and Marketing division. He has spent over 25 years working to ensure that his global clients optimise their financial agreements, margins, and profitability. In this What's Next interview, Hilger shares how retailers can use SAP solutions in an increasingly competitive market to improve their profitability. He explains how gicom plays an important role in this process, before revealing the key elements of good negotiating when trying to improve supplier terms. Hilger expands on how SAP solutions help with this process, as well as the role of technology in retail negotiations in general. He concludes the interview by outlining how SAP helps businesses anticipate market changes that can have a material impact on their profitability

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Liberty's Kedibone Chuene discusses the latest insurance trends in South Africa. Chuene is the Chief Risk Product Marketing Specialist at Liberty and has over 16 years of industry experience. During this time, she has worked at several leading companies — including m-Cubed, Alexforbes, Guardrisk, and Nedbank. In this What's Next interview, Chuene discusses the latest insurance industry trends — including several trends impacting women. She also notes how these trends have influenced Liberty's service offerings in different ways. Chuene then explains how Liberty has adapted to changing market conditions and client needs, and reveals the future innovations and initiatives clients can expect to see in the insurance industry. She concludes the interview by outlining how interested listeners can learn more about Liberty's insurance products.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Thabiso Hlatshwayo discusses how OpenText helps South African retailers drive innovation and improve customer engagement. Hlatshwayo is the Solution Consulting Senior Manager at OpenText Africa, and has over a decade of experience in high-tech industries. He leads a team of highly-experienced consultants who are responsible for designing multifaceted technology solutions that serve the needs of OpenText's clients. In this What's Next interview, Hlatshwayo explains how OpenText enables retailers to streamline their operations using automation. He reveals how automation makes it faster to move from the product ideation stage to the product realisation stage, as well as how retailers can use real-time data to improve decision-making across their operations and customer engagement systems. Hlatshwayo then discusses how OpenText's low-code platform accelerates innovation while maintaining the agility that retailers need, as well as how OpenText enables seamless collaboration between IT teams and business decision-makers. He also unpacks the benefits retailers receive from embracing a cloud deployment model in their tech stack – including how it helps retailers personalise customer interactions while maintaining operational efficiency. Hlatshwayo concludes the interview by providing examples of how companies are leveraging the full power of OpenText's solutions to grow their businesses

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, ZTE's Charles Yang discusses the success of the Mossel Bay 5G Ultra-range Maritime Coverage Project — executed by MTN and ZTE. Yang is the Director of Marketing and Solutions at ZTE South Africa, and plays a key role in the development and execution of projects like the Maritime Coverage Project. Yang and ZTE approached MTN after identifying Mossel Bay Harbour as the best location to run the project — thanks to its popularity as a tourism destination and role as an economic hub. In this What's Next interview, Yang unpacks what the Mossel Bay 5G Ultra-range Maritime Coverage Project entailed. He discusses the major goals that they achieved, as well as the biggest challenges ZTE and MTN faced. Yang then expands on how ZTE and MTN overcame the typical range limitations of 5G technology to expand connectivity 22km out to sea. He details the future plans of ZTE and MTN to leverage this technology in other South African coastal regions, and explains how the project aligns with ZTE's long-term vision for Africa. Yang concludes the interview by revealing the response to the successful project in the Mossel Bay region.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, PEP's Helmuth Luttig unpacks the value that PAXI offers to businesses through its business-to-door courier service. Luttig is the Chief Executive for Commercial at PEP South Africa and boasts over 15 years of industry experience. This includes serving as the Commercial Director and General Manager for Financial Services at Ackermans, as well as the COO at Capfin. In this What's Next interview, Luttig details the benefits of PAXI's business-to-door courier service. He discusses how PAXI's network of over 2,800 counter points benefits clients, before revealing how the service integrates into companies' existing shipment and delivery management processes. Luttig then explains how PAXI ensures reliability and prioritises the safety of all delivered packages, as well as how the service can be adapted to the needs of various business types. He also outlines how PAXI differentiates itself from its competitors, in terms of its pricing and service offerings. Luttig concludes the interview by explaining the steps PAXI has taken to ensure all deliveries happen smoothly this Black Friday.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Accenture's Aadil Jappie explains why retailer need to implement a powerful cloud ERP system. Jappie is the SAP Retail Capability Lead for Accenture Africa and is a seasoned IT executive with over 20 years of experience. He excels at building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, and has worked with retailers from across South Africa, the UK, and Europe. In this What's Next interview, Jappie explains why retailers must move to a cloud ERP system – focusing on SAP S/4HANA as an example. He then outlines how Accenture helps its clients overcome their biggest operational challenges when transitioning to S/4HANA, while ensuring they make the installation as cost-efficient as possible. Jappie shares the recent innovations he's seen in the retail ERP space, too, and explains how these new technologies help retailers stay a step ahead of their competitors. He concludes the interview by unpacking the trends he expects to emerge in the ERP cloud industry.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Absa's Msizi Khoza discusses the challenges that African nations face in securing adequate climate finance - and how they can advocate for themselves at the upcoming COP29 conference. Khoza is CIB Managing Executive for ESG at Absa and leads the company's extensive responsibility related initiatives. He has held several notable roles at Absa during his career, including Principal of Structured Asset Finance, and Chief of Staff to the Absa Group CEO. In this What's Next interview, Khoza discusses the main challenges African nations face in securing adequate climate finance and details the goals and structures African nations should advocate for at COP29. He outlines the alternative financial strategies African countries should be considering, and reveals how the shift from climate loans to grant-based funding has impacted climate resilience and debt sustainability on the continent. Khoza then explains how African governments can mobilise domestic resources to fund climate initiatives if the COP29 negotiations fail to deliver the desired results. He concludes the interview by unpacking the role of national determined contributions (NDCs) in attracting international funding and investment.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Technology Corporate Management (TCM) solution experts Phillip Ambartzakis and Vishnu Naidoo discuss IBM's use of AI and machine learning for power and storage management. Ambartzakis is a Senior Account Executive for External Sales at TCM, and has been in the IT industry for almost three decades. He has worked with IBM products and solutions since 1998. Ambartzakis was initially an IBM Advisory Telesales Brand Specialist, before becoming an IBM X-Series Sales Specialist in 2003 - and ultimately an IBM System X Brand Manager. Naidoo is the Technical Solutions Architect for Pre-Sales at TCM. He started his career as a Technical Support Engineer at IMS in 1991, and joined IBM as an IT Specialist in 1998. In his position at TCM, he specialises in data centre infrastructure and prides himself on meeting the solution design needs of TCM's customers. In this What's Next interview, Ambartzakis and Naidoo discuss IBM's use of AI and machine learning to improve Power Systems efficiency and Storage management. Naidoo talks about the key innovations in IBM's Power Systems and Storage solutions that empower customers to confront their business challenges. He also explains how IBM is integrating AI and machine learning into its Power Systems and Storage products to enhance performance, and unpacks the advancements being made in performance tuning. Ambartzakis details the key features that differentiate IBM Power Systems from competing solutions and architectures. He also provides insight into how IBM is addressing storage efficiency to benefit their customers – including through data compression and energy consumption. Find out more about IBM Power10 here: https://power.tcminsights.co.za/powersolutions Find out more about IBM FlashSystem here: https://storage.tcminsights.co.za/storeagesolutions

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Master Power Technologies CEO Menno Parsons discusses the company's founding and incredible success in Africa. Since founding Master Power Technologies in 1999, Parsons' leadership has been instrumental in the company's strong growth. Over the past 25 years, the company has expanded to more than 16 countries and completed over 150 data centre projects. In this What's Next interview, Parsons explains why he decided to start Master Power Technologies and reveals the key factors that have led to its success in Africa. He discusses how designing, building, and operating data centres in Africa differs from other parts of the world — before highlighting the importance of research and development for retaining a competitive edge. Parsons then outlines the opportunities he sees for Master Power Technologies to expand into markets outside of Africa. He concludes the interview by unpacking the key emerging trends he believes will become important for the data centre industry moving forward.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, MVN-X CEO Valde Ferradaz discusses the value his company brings to the South African MVNO industry. Ferradaz is a highly respected and experienced business leader in the telecommunications industry, having held key positions at prominent technology companies before joining MVN-X. In this What's Next interview, Ferradaz explains what MVN-X does and how it has established itself so strongly in the South African MVNO market. He discusses how the MVNO business model is currently evolving to meet consumer needs, and reveals the factors driving the diversification of the MVNO ecosystem. Ferradaz then explains that MVN-X is carrier and product agnostic, and reveals why this is beneficial to businesses that want to launch their own MVNO. He also shares his thoughts on businesses ‘bolting' on MVNOs to their existing businesses, and expands on MVN-X's role as an enabler in helping businesses launch a successful MVNO. Ferradaz concludes the interview by outlining the process of starting your own MVNO with MVN-X.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Brian Armstrong discusses the emerging technologies impacting the South African financial landscape. Armstrong is an independent Non-Executive Director at Old Mutual and Professor in the Chair of Digital Business at Wits Business School. He is regarded as one of Africa's foremost ICT industry leaders and has over 30 years of top-level management experience. In this What's Next interview, Armstrong discusses how technology is reshaping the landscape of financial inclusion in developing economies like South Africa. He outlines the role traditional financial institutions play in the digital evolution of the financial sector, and reveals the most promising digital innovations helping to connect unbanked populations with financial services. Armstrong then explains how fintech startups and established financial institutions can collaborate to improve financial inclusion, before unpacking the potential risks and challenges of rapid digitalisation in the financial sector. He also unpacks the key policy and regulatory changes needed to support the digital evolution of financial services in South Africa. Armstrong highlights the importance of mobile technologies and digital wallets in driving financial inclusion in underserved communities. He concludes the interview by revealing how data analytics and machine learning can help create more personalised and accessible financial products for diverse populations

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Kevin Aron discusses the exciting changes coming to Medshield's benefits and contributions for 2025. Aron is the Principal Officer for Medshield Medical Scheme and boasts over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry where he held multiple key positions across several major financial and healthcare businesses. These include Acting Chief Operating Officer at MSO, Private Equity Specialist at Investec, Financial Director at Solution Health Risk Management, Strategic Adviser at Mediclinic, and many more. In this What's Next interview, Aron outlines what Medshield is, how long it has been around, and its current position in the market. He details the changes Medshield has made to its benefits and contributions for 2025, highlighting how these minimise members' out-of-pocket expenses. Aron then discusses the factors driving the rapid increase in healthcare costs and explains how Medshield is trying to negate this. He also explains the role new technologies are playing in improving Medshield's services, as well as how these technologies enable better preventative care. Aron concludes the interview by discussing how the company will continue to grow in the year ahead.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Connect SA Sales Director Charlene George discusses the company's end-to-end customer experience services. George oversees Connect SA's sales strategy and execution, and manages the company's team of account managers and business development managers. She has over 20 years of IT industry experience, which she acquired working at global technology companies such as IBM, Dell EMC, Oracle, and Cisco Systems. In this What's Next interview, George discusses Connect SA's vendor-independent approach to custom service solutions and explains how this benefits clients. George then reveals how Connect SA customises its solutions to meet each client's needs. She explains how businesses can identify areas for improvement in their existing customer service systems, and reveals the different areas of the customer experience journey for which Connect SA offers solutions. George concludes the interview by discussing the innovative new technologies that can be used to solve the biggest customer service challenges of South African businesses.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Vodacom Business Chief of Sales Peter Malebye discusses how the company became a leader in the IoT sector. Malebye is a respected leader in the South African IoT industry. Before taking on his current role, he was the BCX Managing Executive responsible for industrial and commercial IoT and operational technology commercialisation. Malebye has also worked for major technology brands Nokia, Absa, MTN, Alcatel, and Accenture. He is passionate about discovering how Vodacom Business can help organisations succeed in a digital world and believes technology is a key enabler for young people to participate meaningfully in the knowledge economy. In this What's Next interview, Malebye discusses the importance of Vodacom being crowned South Africa's Most Trusted Enterprise Telecommunications ProviderMobile Network Operator. He explains how this has helped Vodacom Business become a leader in the IoT industry, and unpacks the other factors that have contributed to Vodacom Business's success in this sector. Malebye then talks about the hurdles that Vodacom Business has faced along the way, before unpacking the major milestones the company has celebrated in the IoT sector.

In this What's Next interview, Ross discusses the 2024 SingularityU South Africa event. She explains what the event is about and why Old Mutual has decided to sponsor it. Ross then highlights how Old Mutual prioritises sustainability and creates solutions that prioritise people. She also unpacks Old Mutual's obsession with championing financial wellness in Africa and highlights Old Mutual's focus on embracing technology and data-driven insights.

In this episode of What's Next with Aki Anastasiou, Merchant Capital Founder and CEO Dov Girnun shares his insights on the incredible entrepreneurial opportunities in South Africa and the unmatched resilience of homegrown entrepreneurs. A disruptive innovator, Girnun began his career in London's financial sector before his ambition to start his own business brought him back to South Africa. Recognising a gap in funding for small and medium sized businesses, he and his founding partners created Merchant Capital, an innovative solution tailored to address the unique funding challenges faced by SMEs. In the What's Next interview, Girnun recounts his journey from startup founder to supporting the growth of nearly 50,000 SMEs. Built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, Merchant Capital offers a firsthand understanding of the obstacles business owners face. Girnun emphasises that South African entrepreneurs are not only resilient; they are world-class and have the potential to compete on a global stage. He also highlights the role entrepreneurship plays in solving the country's challenges and offers insight into the types of SMEs Merchant Capital supports. Girnun notes the strong, positive sentiment within the local market and the growing opportunities to fuel entrepreneurship in South Africa.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Ernst Fonternel discusses the importance of putting customers first. Fonternel is MTN South Africa's Chief Consumer Officer and boasts over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. During this time, he has worked in many important roles - including as Senior Manager at MTN Group, Chief Marketing Officer at MTN Zambia, and Chief Marketing Officer at MTN Uganda. In this What's Next interview, Fonternel explains why it is important for MTN to put its customers first and how it achieves this through its world-class mobile services. He reveals how MTN is also leveraging chatbots to improve customer experience, and using AI to create personalised mobile plans. Fonternel then explains how customers can take advantage of customisable MTN mobile plans, before discussing how MTN uses data-driven technologies to ensure optimal network performance. He concludes the interview by explaining how MTN is addressing inequality and helping underserved South Africans access the connectivity they need to thrive

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Altron Group CTO Dr Bongani Mabaso discusses the company's impressive performance, growth, and profitability. In his current role, Dr Mabaso leads Altron's group-wide technology function, product designs, and innovation strategies. Dr Mabaso was previously the CEO of SITA and the CIO of Digital and Customer Journeys at Standard Bank CIB, before joining Altron Group. Dr Mabaso talks about Altron Group's stance on AI, as well as how it has embedded AI into its products and businesses. Dr Mabaso then discusses the opportunities for the public and private sectors to work together and unlock government data to serve the people of South Africa. He concludes the interview by discussing the technology trends and growth opportunities that he and Altron Group are excited about moving forward – including hybrid cloud and AI.

In this What's Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Resilient Innovations CEO Willem Olivier discusses the value of Disaster Recovery as a Service, backup as a service, and work area recovery spaces. Olivier explains why it is important for South African businesses to embrace DRaaS and how Resilient Innovations clients weren't affected by the recent CrowdStrike outage. He then reveals that Resilient Innovations recently built its own DRaaS and backup facility. Olivier also explains the difference between DRaaS and BaaS, before outlining the pitfalls of relying exclusively on your existing cloud provider's disaster recovery and backup mechanisms. He talks about work area recovery, too, and explains how it helps businesses get back up and running when disaster strikes. Olivier concludes the interview by explaining how businesses can attend the launch of the new Resilient Innovations DRaaS facility.