TCS | Deep impact: Dean Furman on the implications of China's DeepSeek

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#Business #South Africa #TechCentral #Tech

57:50

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about a year ago 48:30

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China’s DeepSeek rocked US technology stocks last month after the company appeared to have developed an artificial intelligence model akin to OpenAI’s most advanced ChatGPT models at a tiny fraction of the cost.
Stocks like Nvidia, Google and Microsoft cratered on the news as it raised serious questions about whether the tens of billions – if not hundreds of billions of dollars – that Big Tech is pouring into AI infrastructure makes sense and whether China is further ahead than many people had realised.
To unpack the potential implications of DeepSeek and the rise of Chinese AI models, TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod spoke to South African AI expert and keynote speaker Dean Furman to unpack the subject is greater detail – including what it could mean in the South African context.
In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Furman discusses:
• Whether China – and DeepSeek specifically – just upended the economics of AI;
• Whether American Big Tech firms should be worried;
• DeepSeek’s strengths and weaknesses in relation to AI tools from the likes of Google, Meta Platforms and OpenAI;
• Chinese government censorship of DeepSeek’s results and whether this matters to users outside China;
• The significance of DeepSeek’s models being released using an open-source licence and what this means for the future development of AI; and
• How far the world is from AGI, or artificial general intelligence.
It’s a fascinating discussion – be sure not to miss it! TechCentral

258 episodes

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TCS | Deep impact: Dean Furman on the implications of China's DeepSeek

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published about a year ago

M4A•Episode home

258 episodes

#Business #South Africa #TechCentral #Tech

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1
TCS | How Covid sparked a corporate tug-of-war over Adapt IT 38:03

1 day ago38:03

38:03

Shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Tiffany Dunsdon – at the time CEO of JSE-listed Adapt IT – found herself having to fend off an unwanted takeover bid from Huge Group. Dunsdon did not feel the deal made much sense for Adapt IT – a fast-growing enterprise software services provider whose share price, like many others at the time, had been knocked lower by the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. The Huge Group approach was opportunistic, said Dunsdon. So, instead of entertaining the approach from Huge Group, she set about engineering a very different deal: one involving Canadian-listed Constellation Software: Constellation subsidiary Volaris Group would buy out Adapt IT and delist it from the JSE. Dunsdon, who was recently appointed as acquiring group leader at Omegro – a portfolio company within Volaris Group that houses Adapt IT – joins Duncan McLeod on the TechCentral Show for an update following the conclusion of the sale. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Dunsdon also discusses: • Adapt IT’s performance since its acquisition and delisting; • The Huge Group hostile approach and how that played out inside Adapt IT; • The timeline of events that led to the acquisition by Volaris Group; and • What’s next for Adapt IT and Omegro. Don’t miss the conversation! TechCentral…

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1
TCS | From fibre to clean tech: Khudu Pitje on New GX Capital’s next chapter 48:23

6 days ago48:23

48:23

New GX Capital, one of the principal investors in Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa parent CIVH, recently announced it was launching a R2.4-billion clean-tech investment fund in partnership with RMB Ventures. To unpack the details of the new fund and why it’s being established, New GX Capital founder and CEO Khudusela Pitje joined TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod in the latest episode of the TechCentral Show for a wide-ranging conversation. In the interview, Pitje chatted about the fund – called the Airnegize Capital Fund – and its plans to invest in renewable energy and water and gas infrastructure across Africa. New GX Capital and RMB Ventures have described the fund as “one of the largest of its kind on the continent”. The fund has secured R2.4-billion in initial commitments, with the companies targeting a further R1.6-billion before financial close in the coming months. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Pitje expands on: • His career background and the formation of New GX Capital; • The role his father, the late HM Pitje, a businessman and former mayor of Mamelodi, played in his life and career choices; • His role in helping build Dark Fibre Africa and CIVH; • Why he feels the decision by the competition authorities to block the acquisition by Vodacom of a 30% co-controlling stake in Maziv – a subsidiary of CIVH that houses Vumatel and DFA – was wrongheaded; • The role New GX Capital plays today, as well as its investment philosophy; • What led to the creation of the Airnegize Fund with RMB Ventures; and • The role and future of black economic empowerment in South Africa. Don’t miss a fascinating conversation! TechCentral…

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Meet the CIO | Yosheen Padayachee's unconventional journey into tech leadership 52:03

8 days ago52:03

52:03

Yosheen Padayachee, group IT director at Tsebo Solutions Group, is our guest in this episode of TechCentral’s Meet the CIO. -- Yosheen Padayachee was named as one of the top 100 most influential women in technology in 2024 and has been recognised among the Cyber 50 leaders in cybersecurity in Africa. Padayachee, who serves as group IT director at workplace management solutions company Tsebo Solutions Group, is TechCentral’s guest in this episode of Meet the CIO. Previously CIO for Africa at Momentum Metropolitan Holdings, Padayachee is pursuing a doctorate in technology innovation. She shares her story in this interview. She unpacks: • How her career pivoted from healthcare into IT and IT management; • Her career journey so far, which has included roles in the banking sector at Nedbank and FNB, and important lessons she’s learnt along the way; • The role of IT at Tsebo Solutions Group; • The big technology projects she’s currently helping lead; • Her insights on cybersecurity in modern organisations, and why security must be embedded at the foundation of all digital innovation; • The impact of AI on the ability of companies to protect themselves from cyber adversaries; and • Why gender diversity in the male-dominated technology industry is vital – and what needs to be done to encourage more young women to choose technology as a career. Don’t miss this insightful conversation. TechCentral…

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TCS+ | Inside MTN's big brand overhaul 31:11

20 days ago31:11

31:11

The Better Connection. Everywhere You Go. Or simply just Y’ello. Brand identity matters, and MTN South Africa – one of South Africa’s most valued brands – is keenly aware of that fact. Indeed, when a big consumer brand changes its brand positioning, it’s always a big deal – not only because of the work involved behind the scenes but also because it helps shift the narrative for that brand in small but important ways in the public consciousness. For a handful of times in its storied, 31-year history, MTN has refreshed its brand image. And it’s just hit the “play” button on the latest overhaul. In this episode of TechCentral’s TCS+ business technology podcast, MTN South Africa GM for residential and post-paid services Bertus van der Vyver unpacks the company’s latest brand identity and why it made the decisions it did. In the podcast, Van der Vyver chats about: • Whether brand ends up influencing strategy, or the other way around; • How the new brand positioning – the payoff line is Together We Make Moves – aligns with MTN’s ongoing efforts around customer experience, network innovation and its service offerings; • How consumers will experience the brand refresh; • How the changes tie into MTN’s social and business commitments; and • How MTN’s new brand identity will allow the company to differentiate itself in the market, including in relation to its competitors. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the value and importance of branding. TechCentral…

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TCS | How South Africa's Milkor became a global player in drone innovation 59:19

5 weeks ago59:19

59:19

A company with its headquarters in Pretoria has designed and built an advanced drone that can attain speeds of 250km/h, reach altitudes of up to 30 000ft and travel more than 4 000km before having to return to its base. The company, Milkor, is a South African defence equipment and cybersecurity specialist that was founded all the way back in 1981. Its newly developed Milkor 380 System unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) – in essence, a giant drone – has a cruising altitude of 10 000ft, a wingspan of 18m and a maximum payload of 220kg. The drone has a flight time of up to 35 hours and can be used for border surveillance, maritime surveillance, strategic reconnaissance and information gathering operations, among other things. To talk about the UAV, Milkor communications director Daniel du Plessis sat down with Duncan McLeod on the TechCentral Show recently and shared more details about its capabilities. Other than the Milkor 380, the interview also covers topics including: * Milkor’s founding in the 1980s, and how the company shifted focus in the democratic era – it got its start, and may still be best known for, manufacturing the world’s first six-shot 40mm grenade launcher, which is widely used around the world; * The company’s other products – for land, air and sea operations – as well as what’s involved in conducting advanced R&D and manufacturing in a market like South Africa; * The people who work for Milkor, and the sort of skills the company is looking for (and how it’s finding them); * The role of UAVs in modern warfare and defence operations; and * Why Milkor has entered the cybersecurity space. Don’t miss a fascinating interview! TechCentral…

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TCS | Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner on tech, AI and the future of banking 37:06

6 weeks ago37:06

37:06

Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner believes technology is fundamental to the company’s success. Kallner, an actuary who joined Discovery in its early days as a medical insurance company and who has held various senior leadership roles over the years, tells TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about the group’s decision to launch a bank when it did. He shares how the business is doing – spoiler: it’s trending well ahead of schedule – and what comes next. He tells the TechCentral Show about: • How Discovery Bank is doing financially and how it’s tracking against its business plan; • Its client base – who they are and who the bank is targeting as its clientele (the answer may surprise you); • Why Discovery launched a bank into what was already a competitive market and what it’s doing differently to its rivals to attract people to switch; • The learnings from Discovery Health and Discovery Vitality, and how Discovery Bank has leveraged these in its products and services; • Discovery Bank’s technology stack, why it chose the IT solutions it did, and why it built much of its banking solution in-house; • What’s next from Discovery Bank in terms of solutions; and • The bank’s plans with AI – and why it believes AI could be a gamechanger. Lastly, Kallner, a prolific reader, shares two of his favourite non-fiction books with the TechCentral audience. Don’t miss a great discussion! TechCentral…

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Across South Africa in an EV: how one man did it before charging stations 40:35

7 weeks ago40:35

40:35

Shaun Maidment crossed South Africa in an electric car, a BMW i3, before there was a network of charging infrastructure along the national routes – and he has a heck of a story to tell about his adventure. Charging infrastructure along South Africa’s national routes is now so commonplace that a cross-country trip in an EV is a daily occurrence. But this was not always the case, and drivers in the early days of EVs in South Africa often had to rely on their wits and the kindness of strangers to keep their batteries charged on long-distance trips. Maidment is one of South Africa’s original EV enthusiasts. As the proud owner of what was once officially recognised as the highest-mileage BMW i3 in Africa – it now has 365 000km on the clock – he dared to travel across the length and breadth of South Africa long before charging infrastructure was commonplace. Maidment tells the TechCentral Show’s Nkosinathi Ndlovu about: • What inspired him in 2017 to take his first drive from Johannesburg to Cape Town in an EV; • How he planned the trip, knowing that at the time there were not enough charging stations along the way; • Some anecdotes from his travels, including the interesting people he met along the way; • What his travels have taught him about the best way to drive an EV; • How much mileage he is getting out of his i3 compared to when it was new; and • His thoughts on the future of electric mobility in South Africa. Maidment’s insights on EVs are based on years of personal experience. This episode of the show is not to be missed. TechCentral…

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Meet the CIO | Kerissa Varma on what it takes to be a top CISO 43:57

7 weeks ago43:57

43:57

Being a chief information security officer (CISO) in 2025 is a daunting role, but one that TechCentral’s guest in this episode of the Meet the CIO relishes. Kerissa Varma, who was recently appointed as chief cybersecurity advisor in Africa for Microsoft, previously served as group CISO at Vodacom and before that as group CISO at Old Mutual. She understands what it takes to be a leading CISO. She tells Meet the CIO about what’s involved in being a leader in enterprise cybersecurity, why she is passionate about developing female talent in the industry – she heads the South African chapter of Women in Cybersecurity – and what it takes to “make it” in what is very much still a male-dominated industry. Varma chats about her experience as group CISO at Old Mutual and Vodacom. She also unpacks: • How she became a leader in the enterprise security space; • The role of a CISO in the modern enterprise – and why interpersonal skills are just as key as understanding technology; • The top functions and priorities of today’s CISO; • Strategies to fight the cybercrime scourge – including a look at how South African companies should be dealing with ransomware; • Artificial intelligence and how it is transformation the infosec space – the impact, the threat and the opportunity; • Quantum computing and the impact it could have in years to come; • The gender imbalance in the infosec space and why it’s a concern to her; • Skills development in cybersecurity in South Africa; and • Her new role at Microsoft. Don’t miss a fascinating conversation. And if you missed any of the previous episodes of Meet the CIO, you can find them here. TechCentral…

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TCS+ | Snode CEO Nithen Naidoo on the cybersecurity opportunity 37:08

8 weeks ago37:08

37:08

Nithen Naidoo, founder and CEO of Snode Technologies, shares valuable insights on Snode and the cybersecurity space with TechCentral’s TCS+. -- Snode evolved from a consultancy to a product-focused company almost by accident. The product was developed on the ground, which led to the philosophy of customer-led design, emphasising solutions that directly addresses the problems customers are experiencing. In this episode of TechCentral’s TCS+, founder and CEO Nithen Naidoo unpacks the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and not letting fear dictate decisions. He believes South Africans are more than capable of building world-class technology and that the cyber landscape offers opportunities to innovate without requiring large investments. He stresses the importance of adopting technology securely to propel businesses forward. Nithen has learnt the importance of collaboration and acknowledges that there are still many problems in the cybersecurity industry that are yet to be solved. What Snode does today Snode has grown to cover over eight million devices and protect systems and companies across six continents with a team of 60 staff. The company’s mission is to “solve cyber”. It has developed a platform that is highly automated and is moving towards autonomous security operations. This platform is designed to address the high costs of managing cybersecurity and the need for better automated solutions. Snode’s technology uses metadata around packets instead of the data packets themselves for threat detection, which allows for privacy preservation. It leverages advances in machine learning and AI for innovation-driven security solutions. They also use mathematics as a fast and accurate method for threat detection. Furthermore, they use digital twin technology to simulate different types of scenarios, enabling predictive and prescriptive analytics for customers. This technology automatically classifies assets and understands their value to a business by using data from both internal and external sources. The company’s solutions extend to both IT and OT (operational technology) environments, with a focus on the convergence of the two. Snode’s technology is protocol-independent and can eavesdrop on communications without needing proprietary information, which is beneficial in environments like industrial IoT and medical IoT. Snode’s focus on continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) moves beyond traditional risk and vulnerability management. It looks at a company’s security through the lens of the asset, enriching available siloed data with the much-needed context to manage a company’s exposure holistically. What the future holds Snode aims to be a leader in the cybersecurity industry, acknowledging that the sector still has valuable problems to solve. Its vision is not just for South Africa, but for the whole of the African continent. Naidoo says he wants to create a secure environment for African entrepreneurs to drive innovation. Snode already has a global reach, with a presence across six continents, and is working with the defence and critical national infrastructure sectors in a number of countries. Snode plans to expand its approach to cybersecurity, using predictive capabilities for broader applications such as preventative maintenance in the OT environment and improving safety in various industries. It aims to change the traditional view of cyberthreats, moving towards a unified approach across threat management, vulnerability management and penetration testing. Read more on techcentral.co.za. -- This episode is sponsored. TechCentral…

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1
TCS | Why the CompCom wants Google to pay up 23:38

9 weeks ago23:38

23:38

The Competition Commission is girding itself for a fight with Big Tech companies like Google and Meta Platforms after publishing its provisional findings in its investigation into the impact that Big Tech has had on the South African news media sector. To unpack the provisional report, which was published on Monday, Competition Commission senior analyst and technical lead Donnavan-John Linley joined the TechCentral Show to discuss the findings. He chats about how the commission is attempting to assist local publishers deal with the rise of competing social media platforms owned by US tech giants and why the regulator is determined to intervene in the market to support the funding of journalism in South Africa in the digital age. Linley tells TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about: • Why the Competition Commission decided to initiate its probe into digital platforms and the impact these platforms are having on South Africa’s news media; • The findings contained in the provisional report and why the commission reached the conclusions it did – including its recommendation that Google pay as much as R500-million/year in “compensation” over a three- to five-year period in an effort to level the playing field; • The likely reaction from Big Tech to the commission’s proposals, and what might happen if they don’t agree to play ball; • The risk of provoking a backlash from the Donald Trump administration – already Trump has accused the EU of using antitrust fines levied on US tech companies as a form of taxation and threatened retaliation in response; • How the proposed compensation of the local news media might work, and who would be eligible to receive the funding from Google; • The impact of artificial intelligence on the South African media industry and how the commission has dealt with this in its provisional report; and • Whether the commission’s findings amount to regulatory overreach – are the proposals it has made really warranted, or is the media industry simply experiencing capitalism’s “creative destruction” that will ultimately drive innovation in news media? Don’t miss a great interview! TechCentral…

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TCS | New player in township fibre market offers 100Mbit/s for R9/day 22:25

11 weeks ago22:25

22:25

South Africa has a new player chasing the township fibre broadband market: Wire-Wire Networks has deployed fibre to 15 800 homes in Thembisa (previously Tembisa), a sprawling township in central Gauteng. CEO JP Schmidtke joined the TechCentral Show earlier this week to share exclusive details about the company’s growth plans and to talk about the business opportunity for fibre companies in South Africa’s vast township economy. Schmidtke said Wire-Wire Networks – like other industry players such as Vumatel, Fibertime and Frogfoot – believes townships present the next big expansion opportunity for fibre network operators, though the business model is rather different to the one used to deploy infrastructure in the suburbs. Wire-Wire is offering uncapped fibre – delivered over a meshed Wi-Fi network from fibre endpoints in each home or dwelling, starting at R5 for an hour of uncapped internet access at 100Mbit/s (limited to a single device). Other price plans, which are all uncapped and offer 100Mbit/s, include: • R9 for a one-day plan that connects one device • R39 for a one-week plan that connects one device • R119 for a one-month plan that connects one device • R449 for a one-month plan that supports eight devices • R1 120 for a one-month plan that supports 12 devices Subscribers can connect anywhere in Thembisa where Wire-Wire has coverage and so are not confined to connecting to the network in the vicinity of their own homes. There are no contracts or connection charges, and Wire-Wire provides a “free-to-use” Wi-Fi router and UPS (designed to keep the internet working even during load shedding and other power outages). The fibre is trenched, not delivered aerially, as it the case in many township deployments. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Schmidtke unpacks how Wire-Wire was formed, talks about its future plans and explains how it hopes to make low-cost fibre broadband profitable in township settings. Wire-Wire’s leadership team consists of Schmidtke as well as fibre industry expert Hendrik Opperman, head of projects (external) Succeed Bvuma, head of technical David Radebe and head of projects (internal) Susan Hattingh. Don’t miss the discussion! TechCentral…

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TCS | Zimi Charge CEO Michael Maas on electrifying SA’s logistics fleets 25:34

11 weeks ago25:34

25:34

South African logistics firm Bakers SA recently deployed the first electric trucks to its fleet of more than a thousand vehicles. Working with Stellenbosch-based EV charging and software company Zimi Charge, Bakers’ deployment points a potential future in South Africa in which planet-warming trucks are replaced with electric alternatives. Michael Maas, CEO of Zimi Charge, recently joined Duncan McLeod on the TechCentral Show to talk about the company’s solutions, its deployment for Bakers SA and its expansion plans. In this episode of the show, Maas unpacks: • The projects with Bakers SA, what Zimi Charge supplied and how it works in practice; • The background to Zimi Charge and its focus on deploying both EV charging stations and building the software stack around them; • The current state of EV charging infrastructure in South Africa and what more needs to be done to support the growing number of EVs on South African roads; and • The market opportunity for Zimi Charge. Don’t miss a great discussion! TechCentral…

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TCS | Deep impact: Dean Furman on the implications of China's DeepSeek 48:30

12 weeks ago48:30

48:30

China’s DeepSeek rocked US technology stocks last month after the company appeared to have developed an artificial intelligence model akin to OpenAI’s most advanced ChatGPT models at a tiny fraction of the cost. Stocks like Nvidia, Google and Microsoft cratered on the news as it raised serious questions about whether the tens of billions – if not hundreds of billions of dollars – that Big Tech is pouring into AI infrastructure makes sense and whether China is further ahead than many people had realised. To unpack the potential implications of DeepSeek and the rise of Chinese AI models, TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod spoke to South African AI expert and keynote speaker Dean Furman to unpack the subject is greater detail – including what it could mean in the South African context. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Furman discusses: • Whether China – and DeepSeek specifically – just upended the economics of AI; • Whether American Big Tech firms should be worried; • DeepSeek’s strengths and weaknesses in relation to AI tools from the likes of Google, Meta Platforms and OpenAI; • Chinese government censorship of DeepSeek’s results and whether this matters to users outside China; • The significance of DeepSeek’s models being released using an open-source licence and what this means for the future development of AI; and • How far the world is from AGI, or artificial general intelligence. It’s a fascinating discussion – be sure not to miss it! TechCentral…

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TCS | We test drive South Africa’s cheapest electric car 34:24

12 weeks ago34:24

34:24

Enviro Automotive has launched South Africa’s most affordable electric car yet, the Dayun S5 Mini SUV – and TechCentral has taken the vehicle for a test drive. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, we are joined by Environ Automotive executives Gideon Wolvaardt and Francois Malan to unpack the new Chinese EV and why they believe the S5 Mini is a gamechanger for South Africa’s motoring industry. The four-seater compact SUV features a 31.7kWh ternary lithium battery, offering a range of about 300km and a top speed of 115km/h, making it ideal for urban commuting. The vehicle has a modern interior equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, multifunction steering wheel and a digital instrument panel. Convenience features include central locking, electric windows and air conditioning that can be operated remotely via an app, allowing drivers to start the vehicle before entering. In this episode of TCS, TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod takes the car for a test drive and shares his views on the build and ride quality – and much more! TechCentral…

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TCS | 'Activist CEO' Adam Craker on iqbusiness, the GNU and fixing Joburg 35:56

13 weeks ago35:56

35:56

Adam Craker has strong views on what’s needed to turn around South Africa’s fortunes and fix its biggest city, Johannesburg, which has fallen into a state of disrepair. The CEO of iqbusiness, a digital integrator in the Reunert stable formed recently though the merger of IQbusiness and +OneX, is our guest in this episode of the TechCentral Show. Craker – whose career has seen him working for the likes of Accenture, Merchants, Dimension Data and Super Group – tells TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about his plans for iqbusiness post-merger, how it fits in with Reunert’s overall growth plans and why the transaction made sense. He also unpacks: • His take on the government of national unity and why he remains bullish about South Africa’s prospects; • The news that government is considering listing some of South Africa’s state-owned enterprises on the JSE; • His biggest concerns about the country’s future; and • What needs to be done to save Joburg – and the role of the Jozi My Jozi initiative. Don’t miss a great conversation! TechCentral…

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TCS+ | Shifting Microsoft Azure SQL into overdrive 24:37

13 weeks ago24:37

24:37

Microsoft Azure SQL is a fully managed and scalable cloud database service – and its myriad benefits mean your company should be considering it if it isn’t already using it. To unpack this in more detail, Preegan Chetty, Microsoft Azure product manager at First Distribution, and Silicon Overdrive Microsoft business executive Jody Roberts join TechCentral’s business technology show TCS+. In the episode, they unpack: • The relationship between First Distribution and Silicon Overdrive; • Silicon Overdrive’s market focus; • What Azure SQL is and how it’s helping companies with their digital transformation initiatives; • Why many South African businesses run SQL Server databases, usually on-premises, and what the advantages are of moving these databases into the Microsoft Azure cloud; • The cost advantages of shifting, and what’s involved in doing so; • The security considerations of shifting from on-premises SQL Server to Azure SQL; • The features that make Azure SQL particularly secure; • Use cases of businesses leveraging Azure SQL; and • Azure SQL Database vs SQL Managed Instance vs SQL Service on Azure virtual machines – the differences between these options, and why businesses should choose one over another. Don’t miss the discussion. -- TCS+ episodes are sponsored. TechCentral…

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TCS+ | Just how secure is your cloud database? 12:17

19 weeks ago12:17

12:17

In the second episode of this series about migrating to Microsoft Azure SQL, the focus turns to what’s involved in moving from SQL Server to Azure SQL, and First Distribution’s Preegan Chetty returns to unpack the key priority of securing databases in the cloud. If you missed episode 1 in the series, you can find it here – or dive straight into this interview. Preegan Chetty, who is Microsoft Azure product manager at First Distribution, unpacks: • What makes Azure SQL a secure choice for companies today, including features such as data encryption (when data is at rest or in transit), threat detection and firewall protection; • Why companies shouldn’t simply assume that the cloud is secure because it’s being managed by a hyperscale cloud services provider; • Azure SQL’s performance, and the optimisations that can be done to make the system fly; and • The role of AI in cloud database management. Don’t miss any of the episodes in this insightful series. TechCentral…

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TCS+ | Moving from SQL Server to Azure SQL – what you need to know 14:34

19 weeks ago14:34

14:34

Is your company thinking about modernising its IT infrastructure? Is it planning to migrate from an on-premises Microsoft SQL Server database to the cloud-based Azure SQL solution? Then this podcast is for you. In this two-part series, we delve into greater detail on what’s involved in a cloud database migration. First Distribution’s Microsoft Azure product manager Preegan Chetty is our guest in the studio for this episode. He unpacks: • The risks and opportunities involved in the migration; • What companies need to be aware of before they even embark on a migration to Azure SQL; • How Microsoft helps companies with their migration projects; and • The top motivating factors driving companies to migrate away from an on-premises SQL Server solution to Azure SQL. Don’t miss this informative discussion – and be sure to catch episode 2 in this series with First Distribution. TechCentral…

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TCS | Meet the team behind Matric Live, South Africa’s App of the Year 27:14

19 weeks ago27:14

27:14

Matric Live is a study tool to help students in grades 10-12 supplement their in-class learning with additional exercises – and even get exam practice via a digital platform. And it recently won the FNB App of the Year award amid stiff competition from the likes of Checkers Sixty60 and TFG’s Bash. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, Matric Live CEO Kagisho Masae and chief technology officer Lesego Finger tell TechCentral’s Nathi Ndlovu about their journey as a start-up and the growth Matric Live has gone through in the last few years. They delve into: • The inspiration behind the Matric Live app and the problem it seeks to solve for students; • The journey from app idea to full-fledged live system and the challenges faced along the way; • How the application is being monetised while keeping access to the platform free for its users; • The impact Matric Live has had on South African students; • Some success stories about students who have used the app; • Upcoming features to look forward to on the application; • The vision Masae and Finger have for the future of their business; and • The significance of winning the App of the Year award. Masae and Finger tell an inspiring story of battling against the odds and succeeding at solving one of the most foundational problems confronting South African society: the dissemination of quality education to all corners of the country. Don’t miss a great conversation! TechCentral…

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TCS+ | Bolt doubling down on safety for riders and drivers 13:23

19 weeks ago13:23

13:23

The operating environment in South Africa for ride-hailing services like Bolt is fraught with complexity, while the country’s crime problem only contributes to the challenge of getting passengers safely from A to B. This complexity is compounded by the nuances of operating in different areas. Municipal districts have different permitting requirements, while competitive elements from other transport sector players, like taxi associations, presents further challenges. Fulfilling a ride request in the Cape Flats at 11pm is a different proposition to one in Sandton at 2pm. Simo Kalajdzic, senior operations manager at Bolt South Africa, tells TechCentral’s business technology show, TCS+, about how Bolt is approaching these challenges. He delves into: • The overall problem that Bolt is trying to solve for South Africans; • Bolt’s strategic approach to safety on the platform; • The £100-million investment into safety Bolt has pledged at a global level; • The technological solutions baked into the Bolt app for both drivers and passengers; • The industry-wide collaborations Bolt has undertaken to address safety from an ecosystem perspective; • How drivers and riders are empowered to be safe on the platform; • Feedback from a recent stakeholder engagement meeting held in Cape Town; and • Bolt’s long-term vision for safety in the South African context. This episode is not to be missed! TechCentral…

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TCS | Springboks rugby deal: the tech plan behind the audacious bid 49:25

20 weeks ago49:25

49:25

Well-known South African technology entrepreneur Stafford Masie is one of the key backers behind an audacious bid to buy a stake of up to 40% in the South African Rugby Union (Saru)-owned entity that owns the commercial rights to the Springboks brand. Masie, who chairs JSE-listed Altvest Capital – a key player in the consortium making the bid – joins the TechCentral Show with Altvest CEO Warren Wheatley to unpack the plan and what spurred it, and to explain why tech is central to the bid. The bid comes after member unions of SA Rugby last week rejected a plan to sell a 20% in the commercial rightsholder to US-based Ackerley Sports Group for US$75-million. Ackerley has until the end of the year to submit a revised offer, but Wheatley and Masie told TechCentral that they do not expect a deal with the American firm will succeed. The South African consortium is made up of Altvest as well as EasyEquities, RainFin and 27four Investment Managers. In a statement, the consortium explained that if its bid is successful, it will list the special purpose vehicle that has been created to do the deal on the JSE and allow investors to buy shares. This is not dissimilar to Altvest’s business model, which sees it taking stakes in companies on behalf of public shareholders who participate in the economic benefits thereof. “Worth thinking about for the tech community is that our platform allows for ‘crowdfunding’ in a regulated environment that allows for participation in a funding round to anybody with disposable income – from first-time users or customers, all the way through to regulated institutions and pension funds,” Wheatley explained. In this episode of TCS, Masie and Wheatley unpack: • The background to their consortium’s Springboks bid – and why the consortium members came together; • How the bidders will work with SA Rugby to commercialise the rights, assuming their bid is successful; • How the deal could affect broadcast partners; and • Why they believe the deal could be used as a platform for technology innovation in South Africa. It’s an interesting discussion – don’t miss it! TechCentral…

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TCS | Reserve Bank’s big payments shake-up – an interview with Tim Masela 50:22

20 weeks ago50:22

50:22

The South African Reserve Bank is working with its peers in the Southern African region to drive financial inclusion by digitising cash and making instant payments across borders an everyday reality. In this episode of the TechCentral Show (TCS), Tim Masela, head of the National Payments System department at the Reserve Bank – he has been with the Bank for the past 30 years – tells TechCentral’s Nathi Ndlovu about the efforts it is making to create a “cash smart” society not only in Southern Africa but across the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) region. Masela unpacks: • Why the introduction of non-bank fintechs into the national and regional clearance and settlements systems is important; • The importance of designing “fit for purpose” regulations that allow fintech to remain nimble and innovative; • A detailed explanation of how the payments and settlements system worked historically, including how it has evolved in the digital era; • The efforts the Reserve Bank and its regional counterparts are undertaking to standardise financial legislation and regulation across Sadc; - The importance of the Transactions Cleared on an Immediate Basis (TCIB) platform, which facilitates PayShap-style instant payments across borders; - The challenges that currency conversion poses in facilitating instant payments across borders; - Findings from the National Payments Study conducted by the Reserve Bank and released in September; - What a “cash light” and “cash smart” society are and why the Reserve Bank believes this is desirable; and - Where the Reserve Bank stands on crypto assets and the road to their incorporation into South Africa’s National Payments System. Do not miss this insightful and informative episode. TechCentral…

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TCS+ | Beware the Toxic Cloud Trilogy – a discussion with Tenable 22:47

21 weeks ago22:47

22:47

Companies moving to the cloud – and those already there – need to be aware of the Toxic Cloud Trilogy, three pitfalls in cloud computing that must be avoided. Bernard Montel, technical director at exposure management company Tenable for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, recently unpacked this for TechCentral’s audience in an episode of TCS+ (watch or listen to the interview below). Montel unpacked what the three risk factors are that make up the Toxic Cloud Trilogy – critical vulnerabilities, excessive permissions and public exposure – and how to deal with each of them effectively. Tenable recently published its 2024 Tenable Cloud Risk Report, which examines findings by the Tenable Cloud Research team based on telemetry from millions of cloud resources across multiple public cloud repositories. In this episode of TCS+, Montel discusses: • Tenable, its history and its focus areas in the information security industry; • Why companies should take the Toxic Cloud Trilogy seriously, and how it amplifies risk for organisations; • The key findings in Tenable’s Cloud Risk Report and what they mean in practice, including addressing the Toxic Cloud Trilogy; and • How Tenable Cloud Security can help companies overcome the Toxic Cloud Trilogy. If you’re involved in protecting your organisation’s data and assets in the cloud, don’t miss this important discussion. TechCentral…

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TCS+ | Why your company needs network monitoring as a service 33:02

21 weeks ago33:02

33:02

Trace Network Operations, founded in 2016, provides bespoke network solutions in network management and network monitoring. Company founder Darryl Theron saw a gap in the market for a company that provides leading solutions in this space, stemming from his many years of experience in the pan-African infrastructure market. This episode of TechCentral’s TCS+ business technology podcast, hosted by Jaydev Chiba, delves into how Trace Network Operations supports its customers in the areas of network management and network monitoring as a service (NMaaS) with Theron and his colleague, Gert van Deventer. The company’s solutions are built around a product called StableNet, a carrier-grade network management and monitoring system that is built from the ground up. Trace Network Operations also uses other technologies, including the Red Hat Ansible automation platform, Cubro, Sophos, NetWitness and FNT. The company’s solutions are designed to help businesses solve problems such as: • Lack of visibility into network activity: Many businesses lack the tools and expertise to monitor their networks effectively. This can lead to problems such as security breaches, performance issues and outages. • Difficulty in troubleshooting problems: When problems do occur, it can be difficult to identify the root cause and resolve them quickly. • Lack of automation: Many network management tasks are still performed manually, which is time-consuming and prone to errors. Trace Network Operations addresses these issues by providing a comprehensive suite of NMaaS solutions that includes: • Network monitoring: StableNet provides real-time visibility into network activity, allowing businesses to identify and resolve problems quickly. • Network management: The company’s solutions help businesses to automate many network management tasks, such as configuration management, change management and fault management. • Security monitoring: It integrates solutions such as NetWitness and Cobra to provide comprehensive security monitoring and management. Trace Network Operations offers its solutions on a flexible basis, allowing businesses to tailor the level of service that best meets their needs. The interview also includes a few case studies of how Trace Network Operations’ solutions have been used to provide value and benefits for companies. TechCentral…

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TCS+ | Obsidian’s Muggie van Staden on the power of ITSM 24:57

21 weeks ago24:57

24:57

Information technology service management (ITSM) is more than another buzzword. It’s a concept that helps organisations design and deliver IT services to customers and, when well executed, it can have a huge impact on productivity as well as customer and employee experience. But too often companies don’t do it right, leading to headaches and lost productivity. To unpack the topic, Muggie van Staden, MD at open-source enterprise software specialist Obsidian Systems, joins TechCentral’s TCS+ to discuss the latest trends in ITSM and what they mean for South African organisations. Van Staden unpacks: • The concept of ITSM and what it involves; • How successful companies utilise ITSM to better manage customer experience, free up IT resources, align IT with business goals, enhance security and risk mitigation, foster scalable growth, and accelerate digital transformation; • The emerging trends in ITSM that are shaping how organisations manage their IT services and IT infrastructure; • The role of artificial intelligence and automation in ITSM; • The shift to Agile and DevOps integration; and • Where Obsidian fits into the ITSM picture. Don’t miss a fascinating conversation with a leader in the ITSM space in South Africa. TechCentral…

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TCS | Datafree’s plan to make R1-billion/year from ‘free data’ 24:18

21 weeks ago24:18

24:18

Datafree Technologies, the company behind popular zero-rated messaging tool MoyaApp, has an ambitious plan to build a R1-billion/year business by tapping to the APN market provided by the mobile operators. In this episode of the TechCentral Show (TCS), Datafree chief commercial officer Kruben Pillay tells Duncan McLeod about the company’s plan to build a software-as-a-service-based APN – or “access point name” – to sell to businesses. An APN is a gateway that allows a mobile device to connect to the network and the internet. Datafree describes itself as a specialist in “mobile data optimisation” that “identified the opportunity to empower inclusive mobile connection by removing the data cost barrier to engage mobile audiences”. To do this, it uses reverse-billing technology for data, not dissimilar to the way toll-free numbers work for phone calls. Although many people use or are at least aware of MoyaApp, much less is known about Datafree. In this episode of TCS, Pillay tells McLeod more about the business. He also unpacks: • His history in the telecommunications industry, including his time at Vodacom and Telkom; • How MoyaApp is doing; • Datafree’s R1-billion/year APN opportunity; and • How APNs work, why companies use them (and why they sometimes run into issues) and Datafree’s APN services for business. Don’t miss the interview! TechCentral…

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TCS+ | How to stop a data disaster – a discussion with Veeam 43:17

22 weeks ago43:17

43:17

Veeam is helping organisations in South Africa and the rest of the African continent safeguard their most valuable asset: their data. In this episode of TechCentral’s TCS+, four senior executives from Veeam unpack the latest trends in data resilience and protection, and explore how African organisations can better protect themselves against a data disaster. To unpack this in detail, TCS+ is joined in this two-parter episode by Veeam’s: • Mena Migally, regional vice president, Europe, the Middle East and Africa; • Brendan Widlake, regional director and country manager, Africa; • Ian Engelbrecht, head of technical sales, Africa; and • Lisa Strydom, senior manager for channel and alliances, Africa. Topics covered in the discussion include: • The unique challenges that businesses in Africa face when it comes to securing and managing their data; • The role of data resilience in helping African businesses maintain continuous availability of their data in the face of growing cyberthreats. • Securing on-premises and cloud-based environments and the challenges involved in doing so; • How Veeam works with local partners to ensure African businesses optimise their data protection strategies and build resilience; • How Veeam helps companies deal with ransomware attacks, both before and after they happen; and • The emerging trends and innovations in data resilience and protection. For more information on Veeam’s portfolio of data resilience solutions, including backup, recovery, cloud data management and disaster recovery, visit Veeam’s data resilience portfolio. TechCentral…

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TCS+ | Inside Eswatini’s big fibre roll-out plans 6:32

22 weeks ago6:32

6:32

Eswatini is on a mission to roll out high-speed fibre broadband infrastructure for its citizens. According to Themba Khumalo, MD of The Eswatini Posts & Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC), the landlocked territory will draw lessons from leaders in national fibre roll-out in other markets as it deploys infrastructure to the population. In this episode of TCS+, filmed on-site in Cape Town during Africa Tech Week, Khumalo delves into: • The role of EPTC Eswatini; • Features unique to Eswatini that make the challenge of a national fibre roll-out a little easier than it might be in other territories; • EPTC’s national fibre strategy; • How the population will benefit from the speed upgrades that a fibre roll-out will enable; • The proposed timelines for the competition of the national fibre roll-out; and • The role government will play in accelerating infrastructure roll-out. Don’t miss the conversation. TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS+ | What Google Cloud solutions mean for companies in Africa 29:59

23 weeks ago29:59

29:59

In the final episode of a three-part interview series with TechCentral’s TCS+, Digicloud Africa executives unpack what Google Cloud’s solutions mean for end-user organisations in Africa. Digicloud Africa is Google Cloud’s enablement partner on the continent, and the company’s CEO, Gregory MacLennan, and head of technical operations Louis van Schalkwyk return to the show to chat about what Google Cloud software can do for businesses that deploy it. In episode 1 of this series, we had a look at Digicloud, what it does, and its relationship with Google. In episode 2, we looked at the company’s reseller partner model, what it involves and how it works with its reseller partners. (LINKS TO SHOWS TO BE INSERTED WHEN AVAILABLE.) In the final episode, MacLennan and Van Schalkwyk unpack: • The Google Cloud advantage relative to other cloud and enterprise software solutions; • How companies can use Google Cloud to innovate and grow their businesses; • The importance of using open IT infrastructure like Google’s – and what this means for collaboration and information security; • What Google Cloud offers in specific sectors, including education; • Examples of African enterprises and government agencies doing interesting things with Google Cloud technology; • How Digicloud Africa works with resellers to offer Google Cloud solutions to companies, educational institutions and government – and how Digicloud supports those resellers in client engagements and deployments; and • Becoming a Google Cloud reseller through Digicloud and what’s involved. Don’t miss insightful interview, and the others in this series! TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS+ | Pinnacle’s Jacque Visagie – AI will transform SA business 26:38

23 weeks ago26:38

26:38

Pinnacle, one of South Africa’s leading technology distributors, is going all-in on AI. The company, which represents some of the leading brands in the artificial intelligence space, is working closely with its vendors and channel partners to help local companies embrace the potential of the technology and expand employee productivity. Jacques Visage, GM for AI and Services at Pinnacle, is the man leading this charge, and he’s TechCentral’s guest in this episode of TCS+. He unpacks why Pinnacle sees AI as a strategic imperative and how it is positioning itself as an AI leader in the distribution space. In the discussion, Visagie chats about: • Pinnacle’s go-to-market strategy around AI and how it is working with its channel partners to provide AI solutions to businesses; • The company’s key partners and technology providers; • How conversations around AI in corporate South Africa have changed since the launch two years ago of OpenAI’s ChatGPT; • What South African companies are doing with AI – and what they want to do with it in future; and • The top-of-mind issues around AI in the C-suite and the biggest use cases we’re seeing so far in corporate South Africa. Don’t miss this important and insightful conversation! TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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Meet the CIO | The Capital Hotels’ José Soares – from gamer to director of IT 57:09

24 weeks ago57:09

57:09

José Soares, director of IT at The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts, fell in love with computers when his dad brought home a Sinclair ZX81. Through a series of upgrades – from the Commodore 64 to early Apple machines and eventually his first PC – Soares developed a passion for gaming and technology. Meet the CIO is presented by Wipro That passion led him to co-found a mobile gaming company and eventually to pursue a career in IT management. Our guest in the latest episode of Meet the CIO, Soares tells TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about the journey that led him to The Capital Hotels group. Soares also discusses: • The assets owned by the group and why it’s focus is a little different to other companies in the hospitality industry; • What the group’s IT stack looks like, and the big projects Soares is leading; • How the internet and modern technology have transformed the hospitality industry; • His strategic priorities as head of IT; • The role of artificial intelligence in the hospitality industry, and how The Capital Hotel is approaching AI; • The qualities that make for a good CIO; and • The importance of developing the next generation of IT talent. Don’t miss a great conversation! TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS+ | Binance on the role of cryptocurrencies in digitising money 14:35

24 weeks ago14:35

14:35

The digitisation of money is helping drive financial inclusion and improve access to complex financial services in South Africa and the rest of the African continent. In this episode of TCS+, Hannes Wessels, GM for South Africa at Binance, explains the role cryptocurrencies are playing in the digitisation of cash as well as the potential that blockchain technology offers in enhancing the security of digital transactions. In this episode, Wessels delves into: • The trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of digital banking in South Africa; • How Binance is capitalising on the growth of mobile banking and other advancements in financial technology; • Examples of how blockchain technology can enhance transaction security; • How decentralised finance can make financial services accessible to everyone in Africa; and • How Binance is contributing to the digital cash revolution. Don’t miss this exciting episode of TCS+. TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS+ | How to become a Google Cloud reseller in Africa 23:30

24 weeks ago23:30

23:30

In the second part of a three-part interview series with TechCentral’s TCS+, Digicloud Africa executives unpack how African ICT companies can become reseller partners for Google Cloud in Africa. Digicloud is Google Cloud’s chosen enablement partner for Africa and works closely with the US technology giant to deliver its services across the continent – through a network of resellers. In this episode of TCS+, Digicloud Africa CEO Gregory MacLennan and head of technical operations Louis van Schalkwyk unpack what’s involved in becoming a reseller partner to Digicloud Africa and Google Cloud. The two men chat about: • Digicloud Africa’s role as the African enablement partner for Google Cloud; • Google Cloud’s go-to-market strategy in Africa and how it works through Digicloud Africa to support a network of resellers across the continent; • How the relationship between Google Cloud, Digicloud and its resellers partners operate in the context of serving end-user customers; • How IT companies can sign up to become Google Cloud resellers through Digicloud – the requirements and what’s involved; • How Digicloud supports specialisation by its reseller partners; and • The challenge of managing a network of resellers across a continent as vast as Africa. Don’t miss the interview, or the others in this insightful series with Digicloud Africa. TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS+ | Introducing Digicloud, Google Cloud’s partner in Africa 15:32

25 weeks ago15:32

15:32

Digicloud Africa has a big role to play in the African ICT ecosystem as Google Cloud’s enablement partner on the continent. Two of Digicloud’s top executives recently sat down for an interview with TechCentral’s TCS+ to unpack the business, its relationship with Google, and how it serves its reseller partners and their clients in adopting Google Cloud services. Gregory MacLennan, Digicloud’s CEO, and Louis van Schalkwyk, the company’s head of technical operations, tell TechCentral about the business and why Google Cloud services are seeing strong demand across Africa. In this first of a succinct three-part series with Digicloud, MacLennan and Van Schalkwyk discuss: • The history of Digicloud and how it became Google Cloud’s enablement partner for Africa; • How the partnership with Google Cloud works, and why Google chooses to work through reseller partners in smaller markets like those in Africa; • The solutions on offer from Google via Digicloud; and • How companies can become Google Cloud resellers through Digicloud Africa – and why the company is encouraging more entities to sign up and go through the process of accreditation (and what’s involved). Don’t miss the interview! TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS+ | Arctic Wolf – weighing up in-house vs outsourced SOCs 28:00

25 weeks ago28:00

28:00

In this episode of TCS+, TechCentral speaks with Jason Oehley and Andre den Hond, regional sales manager and senior sales engineer, respectively, at Arctic Wolf, a company specialising in cybersecurity operations. They discuss the benefits of partnering with a cybersecurity provider versus building an in-house security operations centre (SOC). The conversation begins by focusing on the critical role of security operations in ensuring business continuity. Every organisation requires a certain level of security, which can vary based on what employees are doing and what the organisation is focused on. Security operations are about finding the right balance between the actual security level and the required level – enough to be protected but without overspending. The speakers then explore the challenges of building an in-house SOC. The biggest challenges they see with customers trying to build a SOC are skills shortages, identifying and integrating the right security tools, and a lack of comprehensive visibility across the organisation's attack surface. They find that organisations often struggle to find the right skills and tools, and even if they do, it can be difficult to retain skilled security professionals. Customers also experience alert fatigue from too many alerts from their security tools. Partnering with a provider like Arctic Wolf can help address these challenges. Arctic Wolf will work and integrate with the customer's existing security tools and team, providing 24/7 monitoring and threat detection. This removes the burden of building and managing an SOC from the customer, allowing them to focus on business risk and strategic security management. Arctic Wolf’s “concierge delivery model” helps customers continuously improve their security posture through a collaborative, partnership approach. This includes vulnerability management, security awareness training and incident response capabilities. This approach contrasts with a product-centric approach, which the speakers argue is not enough in today’s threat landscape. The speakers conclude by discussing future trends in cybersecurity. They predict a consolidation in the cybersecurity market, with smaller companies being absorbed by larger ones. They also believe that the threat landscape will become more complex as attackers leverage AI and other advanced techniques. They stress the importance of a proactive and comprehensive approach to security, and the value of partnering with a security provider that can help organisations stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape. Don’t miss this informative and important discussion! TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS | The story of Telviva, with David Meintjes and Rob Lith 41:28

26 weeks ago41:28

41:28

The world of telephony might not be particularly sexy, but it is an industry that has changed fundamentally in the past 20 years. And David Meintjes and Rob Lith of Telviva, a South African company specialising in cloud-based unified communications solutions for businesses, has been at the forefront of the technology changes that have swept through the industry in that time. In this episode of the TechCentral Show, the pair tells TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod about the journey from the early days of the business – when it was known as Connection Telecom – to the cloud-based telephony specialist it is today, as Telviva. In the interview, Meintjes and Lith chat about: • The evolution of Connection Telecom, its original mission, and how the business evolved into the unified communications as a service (UCaaS) provider it is today; • How the telephony market in South Africa has changed beyond recognition over the past 20 years; and • Telviva’s international expansion plans and its strategy around acquisitions. There’s plenty more in this interview with two ICT industry legends – don’t miss it. TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS | Andrew Middleton on the state of rooftop solar in South Africa 27:57

26 weeks ago27:57

27:57

South Africa’s rooftop solar installation industry has a bright future and is on track for its second-best year on record, despite the suspension of load shedding in March. That’s according to Andrew Middleton, co-founder and CEO of GoSolr, one of South Africa’s largest rooftop solar installation companies, who spoke to TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod on the TechCentral Show (TCS) earlier this week. According to Middleton, citing figures from Eskom, 749MW of rooftop solar capacity has been installed in South Africa this year, taking the total to 5.9GW. Some 162MW of new rooftop solar was added in the third quarter, down 267MW from the same three months in 2023, when load shedding was frequently at stage 4 or higher. The figures are contained in the latest quarterly report published by GoSolr on the state of the industry. In his interview with TCS, Middleton unpacks: • The impact of the suspension of load shedding on the rooftop solar industry; • What’s driving consumers to consider solar at home today; • The impact of the adoption of electric vehicles on the demand for home solar – and what sort of solar installation consumers who own or are thinking of buying an EV need to consider; • The state of play in the municipalities around feed-in tariff structures – an update on Cape Town, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Nelson Mandela Bay and more; • The future role of embedded generation systems in communities – the way forward and the hurdles that might be encountered; and • Why government was wrong to withdraw the tax rebate on solar panels and to impose higher taxes on their importation. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the state of South Africa’s rooftop solar industry. TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS | Sandile Dube on Equinix and South Africa’s data centre boom 21:12

27 weeks ago21:12

21:12

Nasdaq-listed Equinix has completed construction of the first phase of a new data centre in Johannesburg, part of a R7.5-billion commitment to building cloud infrastructure in South Africa and the rest of the continent over the next five years. The company’s South African MD, Sandile Dube – a former country manager at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and a former executive at Dimension Data (now NTT Data) – tells TechCentral Show host Duncan McLeod about the new Johannesburg data centre, which is located in Isando on the East Rand, and what type of clients it’s hoping to attract. In the interview, Dube chats about: • Equinix’s African investment plans and where it intends to build data centre facilities and why; • The Isando data centre and what it offers; • The Equinix company and its investment focus – including its investments in West Africa; • Whether there is an overbuild of data centres taking place in South Africa. Can market demand sustain the level of investment taking place?; and • How Equinix differentiates itself in an increasingly crowded market. Don’t miss a great interview! TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS | Lesaka’s Lincoln Mali on the fintech opportunity in South Africa 22:16

27 weeks ago22:16

22:16

Lincoln Mali has been at the helm of Lesaka Technologies Southern Africa, a fintech with a sizeable footprint in Southern Africa’s informal markets, since 2021. One of his main tasks has been to turn the company’s finances around by reigning in business units that were haemorrhaging cash in the past. Lesaka’s latest set of financial results suggests it’s making progress. In this episode of TechCentral Show, Mali speaks to TechCentral’s Nathi Ndlovu about: • Lesaka’s latest financial results, breaking down each of the group's key business units; • The resilience of Lesaka’s loans business; • The importance of data analytics in driving Lesaka’s merchant lending business; • The impact of the interest rate cycle on business; • How the digitisation of cash is progressing in the informal market; • Lesaka’s acquisition strategy, including the recent blockbuster purchase of Adumo; and • The rationale behind Lesaka’s primary listing on the Nasdaq in the US (it has a secondary listing on the JSE). Don’t miss this fast-paced episode of the TechCentral Show. TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS+ | Switchcom and Huawei forge new alliance 9:08

28 weeks ago9:08

9:08

Networking equipment wholesaler Switchcom Distribution has partnered with Huawei Technologies to bring new offerings to the South African market and elsewhere in Africa. In this episode of TCS+, Lynton Brits, national sales manager at Switchcom, and Tanki Lebatla, account manager at Huawei, tell TechCentral’s TCS+ business technology show about the partnership and what it means for the market. In the show, Brits and Lebatla delve into: • The networking and backup power solutions offered by Switchcom through its partnership with Huawei; • The training and implementation support Huawei provides to Switchcom and what that means for Switchcom’s reseller clients; • How the two companies are shoring up the supply chain to ensure that customers have enough stock; • The guarantees Huawei and Switchcom offer clients on the hardware, as well as the process for swap-outs and replacements; and • The hardware innovations and capabilities of Huawei’s networking and backup power products. This interview is not to be missed, especially for builders of networks or owners of large-scale infrastructure that cannot afford to be without power. TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS+ | CYBER1 Solutions on choosing a managed security service provider 48:52

28 weeks ago48:52

48:52

In this episode of TCS+, TechCentral speaks to CYBER1 Solutions executives Jayson O’Reilly, the company’s MD, and Akeel Sayed, head of its managed services division, about the benefits and challenges of using a managed security service provider (MSSP). The conversation starts by discussing the growing complexity of cybersecurity and the financial motivations driving cybercriminals. With the underground economy expanding, MSSPs must constantly adapt to new attack methods. Early adopters of cutting-edge technology may take on higher risks, but they also build knowledge that benefits future clients, reducing their exposure to emerging threats. The proliferation of security operations centres in South Africa, now numbering more than 30, is driven by skill shortages and the need for assurance. Many organisations still lack visibility into their network environments, which the experts identify as a key issue. Understanding what’s connected to a network and which applications are in use is essential but often overlooked. MSSPs also help clients manage budget constraints and meet compliance requirements while keeping pace with fast-moving technological change. South Africa is seen as a testing ground for cybercriminals targeting the broader African market. Clients now prefer flexible, short-term investments over long-term contracts due to the evolving threat landscape. The experts stress the importance of MSSPs staying relevant by challenging vendors and adapting their offerings to new threats like artificial intelligence. A major concern is the lack of governance in many industries, especially those with strict compliance needs. Organisations are realising the need to think like attackers and continuously evolve their defences. AI is highlighted as a significant disruptor, with MSSPs now focused on securing AI algorithms and leveraging AI to enhance security operations. The podcast discussion compares MSSPs with in-house security teams, noting that MSSPs offer greater agility and a broader range of expertise. In-house teams often face resource constraints and difficulty staying up to date with new technologies. MSSPs, on the other hand, focus on governance and outcomes, allowing businesses to prioritise other critical needs. The experts underscore the need for collaboration across the cybersecurity industry. MSSPs can share anonymised insights across clients, helping create a unified defence against attackers. Ultimately, MSSPs provide value by evolving their offerings, focusing on outcomes and using collective experience to keep clients secure in an ever-changing threat landscape. Don’t miss a great discussion. TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS | The Solly Malatsi interview – BEE, SOEs and Starlink 43:00

29 weeks ago43:00

43:00

Communications minister Solly Malatsi, a DA MP and the first non-ANC politician to hold the key technology portfolio in the democratic era, has been in the job for three months – sufficient time to get a broad handle on the big issues. In this first interview with the TechCentral Show, TechCentral editor Duncan McLeod asks Malatsi a range of questions about the sector, including his views on how he plans to address some of the more intractable problems in his inbox. The interview, which was recorded on Friday, 4 October – shortly before he announced he was issuing a policy direction to communications regulator Icasa that could see a big change to empowerment rules governing licensing in the sector – covers a wide range of topics, from Elon Musk’s Starlink to the ongoing feud between the SABC and Sentech. Other topics covered in the interview include: • The minister’s engagements with Starlink and the recent meeting in New York between Musk and President Cyril Ramaphosa; • His views on black economic empowerment and why his top priority is reducing the cost of data and ensuring more South Africans can connect affordably to the internet and online services; • His plan for private sector participation in the Post Office, and whether the company is really worth saving; • The war between the SABC and Sentech, and how it can be resolved; • Future funding models for the SABC and the future of TV licences in South Africa; • The problems at the State IT Agency, and what the focus should be of government’s central IT procurement and services provider; • The planned merger of Sentech and Broadband Infraco and why he believes it needs to happen; • Government’s 40.5% stake in Telkom and what should happen to it; • The road to digital migration and whether there is still a need for terrestrial television in 2024; • 2G and 3G switch-off in South Africa and whether this should be mandated by the government; and • The legislative programme for the department of communications & digital technologies. Don’t miss the interview! TechCentral…

TechCentral (main feed)

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TCS+ | Hypa Fibre and its aspirations for the aspirational market 8:34

29 weeks ago8:34

8:34

Hypa Fibre is a fibre internet service provider focused on underserved markets in South Africa’s townships. John Githinji, national head of sales at Hypa, which is a subsidiary of telecommunications provider Vox, tells TechCentral’s business technology show TCS+ that the company is using its presence in underserved markets to plug gaps beyond internet services. In this episode of TCS+, Githinji delves into: • What Hypa is and its relationship with Vox; • The death and disability benefit Hypa offers free of charge to its paying customers; • Why Hypa’s customers take advantage of its death benefits instead of opting for a traditional insurance company; • Who qualifies for Hypa’s death and disability benefit; and • The costs associated with the offering. This episode of TCS+ is not to be missed! TechCentral…

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Meet the CIO | Standard Bank Group’s Jörg Fischer – mission-critical IT 1:05:03

29 weeks ago1:05:03

1:05:03

At more than R23-billion/year, Standard Bank Group has the biggest IT budget of any company in South Africa – and quite possibly in the whole of Africa. The man charged with ensuring the continent’s largest financial services provider is spending that money optimally is group CIO Jörg Fischer, who is TechCentral’s guest in this episode of Meet the CIO, the publication’s monthly interview series presented by Wipro, where, instead of focusing on the vendors of technology, we interview the end users of IT – banks, retailers, manufacturers and more – about how they’re using modern technology to grow their businesses and drive their strategic agendas. Meet the CIO is presented by Wipro In this episode of Meet the CIO, Fischer chats about the technology function at Standard Bank Group, the role of a CIO in the financial services industry, the big strategic IT projects which the bank is involved with – and much, much more. Among other topics, Fischer discusses: • The career trajectory that resulted in him becoming a top IT leader; • Why Standard Bank Group spends as much as it does on IT, and where that spending is directed; • How IT aligns with the group’s strategic focus areas; • The decision to migrate to SAP’s core banking solution, what was involved, the lessons learned and how the platform is working for the bank in 2024; • What Standard Bank’s technology stack looks like, and its investment in the cloud; • What makes a good CIO in 2024, including the skills that are important in the role; • How Standard Bank is approaching AI – and what it can actually achieve for the bank and its clients; • How technology is changing the banking industry; • Standard Bank’s approach to cybersecurity; and • How Standard Bank attracts and retains IT talent. Don’t miss a fascinating conversation that provides great insight into how IT has become mission critical in modern banking. TechCentral…

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TCS+ | Network Platforms’ Warwick Ward-Cox – IP wrangler 27:58

30 weeks ago27:58