Author: Chris Anu

Last week, Prof Arthur Mutambara, director of the University of Johannesburg’s Institute for the Centre of Knowledge, launched his new book, Deploying Artificial Intelligence to Achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The significance of AI was underscored by the diverse and engaged audience at the launch. In attendance were curious students, representatives from the Chinese embassy, UN officials, members of the judiciary, and mobile phone and technology executives who joined virtually. Each has a strong stake in AI, creating fertile ground for stimulating and lively discussion: Students asked how AI could assist with research without undermining their creativity. They worried…

Spreadsheets and outdated tech hamstring your business. You probably didn’t leave your cushy corporate job for the joys of working longer hours. The dream was freedom, wasn’t it? More time for the kids’ cricket matches, the occasional weekday round of golf and maybe even a holiday that doesn’t involve answering e-mails in the hotel’s WiFi zone.But here’s the rub: instead of freedom, many South African business owners find themselves shackled. Not by a ball and chain, but by something far less shiny yet deceptively innocent… spreadsheets.Key takeaways:Spreadsheets and outdated tech hamstring your business and your freedom.A single system approach stops…

Demand for employees skilled in the use of AI has surged 77% in South Africa in the past year. According to Pnet’s Job Market Trends Report for August 2025, employers are on the lookout for AI-specific skills for roles that will help them build technologies to run their businesses. The need of AI skills across traditional professions such as marketing and finance is also increasing quickly. “AI is no longer confined to specialist positions. From software developers and data scientists to marketers, financial clerks and content creators, the demand for AI expertise is reshaping career paths across sectors. Employers and…

Digify Africa’s learning pathway on its Kitso Bot aims to provide digital skills to ECD centres. Digify Africa has unveiled a new learning pathway on its Kitso Bot – a WhatsApp learning bot – aimed at equipping early childhood development (ECD) centre owners and practitioners with digital and business management skills.The Kitso Bot was first launched as a tool for parents and teachers to promote internet safety and digital literacy. Its expansion into business skills for ECD centres is part of a wider effort to strengthen early education in SA.According to Digify Africa, the “Digital Foundations for ECD Success” course…

Huawei has announced the launch of its Service Upgrade Program, making it the first consumer electronics company to provide a comprehensive package of free services for its users. The programme includes expert solutions, cleaning and refresh, device diagnosis, system renewal and round-trip shipping – all at no extra cost. Unlike the traditional model built on “basic service fees plus value-added premiums”, Huawei’s initiative shifts the focus squarely onto consumers by significantly reducing the maintenance costs they face. The Service Upgrade Program marks a new, consumer-centric paradigm in device care, redefining what customers can expect from after-sales support. Consumer-centric, free-of-charge services…

Lionel Dartnall, country manager: SADC, Check Point South Africa. The bring your own device (BYOD) model remains deep-seated in workplaces, but most organisations continue to manage it reactively, leaving gaps in security despite advances in AI and zero trust frameworks.This is according to Arthur Goldstuck, CEO of World Wide Worx, and Lionel Dartnall, country manager: SADC at Check Point South Africa, who were speaking about the state of the BYOD model.Goldstuck said most companies adopted BYOD policies only after problems arose, rather than planning from the outset. “Most companies have managed BYOD haphazardly and integration has usually been reactive: policies…

Namibian racing driver Adriaan Nel Paratus South Africa is proud to support Namibian racing driver Adriaan Nel as he competes in the MSA Formula 4 Championship in South Africa. As a co-sponsor with Paratus Namibia, Paratus SA is helping Nel pursue his dream while inspiring the next generation of African motorsport talent. Nel, a seasoned driver with more than 15 years of experience, has won multiple national titles in Namibia and competed successfully in regional championships across Southern Africa. He has also gained international recognition in e-sports, representing Namibia at the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia, Spain. In addition…

Africa’s education sector was the most targeted by cyber attackers during August this year, says Check Point. During the month of August 2025, Africa reported the highest average volume of cyber attacks. Africa’s education sector remains the most attacked industry, with 4 178 weekly incidents, according to research by Check Point Software Technologies.The cyber security company’s threat intelligence unit, Check Point Research, released its Global Threat Intelligence Report for August, which showed that organisations worldwide faced an average of 1 994 cyber attacks per week. While this marked a 1% decline from July, it represented a 10% increase year over…

Rapid changes in the payments landscape across Africa are challenging traditional banks, which are being forced to adapt quickly to new modes of facilitating transactions such as mobile money and cryptocurrencies. This is according to the Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) Payments in Africa white paper released last week, which found that increased competition from fintech companies and a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape are among the many challenges faced by traditional banks across the continent. “The increasing prevalence of digital technologies, including mobile money and fintech solutions, is driving financial inclusion while simultaneously disrupting existing payment systems,” said…

E-commerce turnover is expected to exceed R130 billion by the end of 2025, potentially capturing 10% of SA’s total retail market for the first time. Local remains lekker for South African online shoppers, as Naspers-owned e-commerce group Takealot maintains its grip on the market.This is despite international e-commerce retailers – such as Amazon, Shein and Temu − descending on local shores. This is according to insights in the 2025 Online Retail in South Africa study, conducted by World Wide Worx, in partnership with Mastercard, Peach Payments and Ask Afrika. The research examines online shopping data from 2023 to 2024.The findings…