Author: Contributor
by Wim Delva The term “data science” was coined by scientists working at the social networks LinkedIn and Facebook in 2008. A few years later, they dubbed it “the sexiest profession of the 21st century”. This relatively new, interdisciplinary field is a blend of statistics, computer science, mathematics, engineering and subject matter knowledge. In fact, any and all subjects qualify. Its proponents believe it will transform every aspect of society. Many of the disruptive, game-changing innovations that are grounded in data science are intended to improve people’s quality of life as well as the efficiency of processes and services. Examples…
The concerning rise in battery theft and vandalism at cell phone towers across the country requires a stronger and more concerted drive to clamp down on syndicates and opportunistic criminals. According to MTN, which recorded 125 incidents of battery theft last week from 74 the week before, a greater fightback is needed to avoid the costs of replacing batteries and fixing damaged infrastructure being passed on to consumers. The worst-hit areas are currently Soweto, Tembisa, Vereeniging, and Parktown, however, this is a national problem affecting all mobile networks. “Battery theft and related vandalism are costing MTN hundreds of millions of…
by Wim Naudé Most discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) are characterised by hyperbole and hysteria. Though some of the world’s most prominent and successful thinkers regularly forecast that AI will either solve all our problems or destroy us or our society, and the press frequently report on how AI will threaten jobs and raise inequality, there’s actually very little evidence to support these ideas. What’s more, this could actually end up turning people against AI research, bringing significant progress in the technology to a halt. The hyperbole around AI largely stems from its promotion by tech-evangelists and self-interested investors. Google…
Why satellite is a better “off-grid” option by Dr Dawie de Wet Most network architects won’t actually consider satellite as an option. For them, the only alternative is LTE. The reason satellite is not considered an alternative is mainly due to bad past experiences and personal perceptions fuelled by old information or hearsay. The satellite industry is a very specialised and niche industry and hence not part of the mainstream tech publications and info channels. At the same time, it doesn’t mean that just because you don’t know about the latest satellite technologies that it won’t work and is not…
With two weeks left before branch filing opens, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has encouraged taxpayers to beat the queues by filing their returns on the SARS MobiApp and eFiling. The revenue said it has paid out R3.5 billion in refunds during Tax Season for eFilers and users of the SARS MobiApp from 1 July to date. “During the first week of July, R1.5 billion in refunds were validated and released,” the revenue said. SARS encouraged taxpayers to file their returns on the SARS MobiApp and eFiling, and assured them that their claims will be attended to and resolved…
by Bhaskar Chakravorti As the public and government regulators around the world discuss whether and how to manage the power of technology companies, one idea that keeps coming up is breaking up these large conglomerate corporations into smaller pieces. Public distrust for tech companies has shifted to talk of antitrust action against them. Facebook, for instance, might then have to compete with Instagram for photo-sharing and WhatsApp for messaging – rather than owning both. The idea has managed to garner support from both Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, and Republican President Donald Trump. However, advocates and opponents of breaking…
by Ayanna Howard, Ph.D The Singularity (with a capital S) is a doomsday vision that has cast artificial intelligence (AI) and its robot sister-in-crime as evil villains bent on the irreversible and immeasurable disaster to the human condition. Whether we need to worry about the big S or not really isn’t the issue, rather the primary concern today should focus on how do we capitalize on the impact of AI in the now and the foreseeable future. Yes, there are challenges with the deployment of AI in various applications and industries, but there are also amazing opportunities as well. Following are two areas…
by Benjamin Roberts, Jare Struwig, Narnia Bohler-Muller, and Steven Gordon Powerful new technologies are emerging that will continue to affect individuals in multiple ways. This has led to references to a Fourth Industrial Revolution – a new era involving the application of digitisation and automation to different areas of society and everyday life. This revolution is one that presents distinct opportunity. But it also presents major risk and human costs. These changes have become a growing point of discussion in most countries in the world. In South Africa the debate has drawn in policymakers, business and unions. But the voices…
Eskom’s Group Treasurer will leave the power utility at the end of August. In a statement on Monday, Eskom announced the resignation of Andre Pillay, who has been with the utility since 2011 when he was appointed as Senior Manager for Funding Execution in the Eskom Treasury department. He was subsequently promoted to General Manager (Group Treasurer) in September 2016. The utility said Pillay’s contribution to the successful execution of treasury mandate has been immeasurable adding that it appreciates the role he played in ensuring that Eskom’s funding plans were successfully executed year after year. The utility has asked Pillay…
Startupbootcamp (SBC) AfriTech today announced the eleven best tech startups (three of whom are from South Africa) selected to be the latest cohort in the globally renowned, multi-corporate backed accelerator programme. SBC AfriTech is the African leg of a global family of industry-focused accelerators and this is the third year that it will be held on the continent. The top 11 startups chosen for the SBC AfriTech 2019 cohort are: Databotics (South Africa) incorporates Robotics Process Automation, giving customers a streamlined solution geared towards generating value for their client base with the least amount of operational effort. Rentoza (South Africa)…