Author: Gugu Lourie

Kagiso Modise, Executive: Technology Lifecycle Management & NMS Operations at Openserve brought the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into sharp focus. He was speaking at the at the Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) at Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park. Modise emphasised how AI can be harnessed to drive sustainability efforts globally while navigating the delicate balance between resource use and environmental responsibility. His speech emphasised the critical role technology must play in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to social inequality. The butterfly effect:…

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Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi highlighted South Africa’s leadership in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive economic growth and social change. Malatsi delivered a speech at the 27th Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) at Kruger National Park. Recognising SATNAC as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration within the ICT sector, Malatsi expressed deep appreciation for the event’s legacy of innovation. “SATNAC has become a beacon of innovation and collaboration in our ICT sector, a platform that has grown over the years into a vital space for research, discussion, and partnership between industry, government,…

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Prepare to be dazzled as Sandton welcomes its newest and most exciting dining destination: Vaagh Sandton. Launching on the 18th of October 2024, Vaagh is more than just a restaurant; it’s a fusion of culinary mastery and world-class live entertainment that promises to redefine your night out. Located in the chic Parkmore district, Vaagh offers an extraordinary experience where every evening feels like a grand celebration. The restaurant’s meticulously curated menu by renowned Chef Nas is a symphony of flavours, designed to delight even the most discerning palates. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere where…

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The Empire Partner Foundation (EPF), under the leadership of its founder, Nathan Mariemuthu, stands as a beacon of hope for young South Africans, empowering them to unlock their potential and pursue greatness. Speaking at EPF Tech Awards held in Montecassino this weekend, Mariemuthu emphasised the vital role EPF plays as a partner foundation in nurturing young innovators and giving them the confidence to become leaders in their fields. “I have a birthday every day,” Mariemuthu remarked in his speech. “I don’t look forward to one specific day because every single day of my life, I get to meet incredible young…

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The Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) continues to make significant strides in creating an environment where innovation thrives, and visionaries are empowered to shape Africa’s future. With a powerful presence at the 2024 EPF Tech Awards, Joanna Govender, CEO of EPF Tech Fund and EPF, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to supporting young African innovators and expanding its footprint across southern Africa. In her opening remarks, Govender drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s focus on youth empowerment and education, emphasising that “by investing in our youth, we invest in the future of Africa.” This vision aligns with EPF’s broader mission to create opportunities…

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Justin Hughes, HR Executive for HR Operations at Openserve, shares his thoughts on why SATNAC is important. In the latest episode of TFS Bag of Words, Justin Hughes talks about how Openserve’s involvement in SATNAC helps improve Africa’s telecommunications infrastructure. SATNAC 2024, hosted by Telkom, will be held from 6–9 October at the Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park. This year’s theme is “The AI-Driven Hyperconnected Future: Co-creating Shared Value,” focusing on how AI is changing the industry. In this episode, Hughes also discusses Openserve’s commitment to supporting research and development in the ICT sector through SATNAC. You…

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For over 27 years, Telkom’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) programme has been a beacon of progress in South Africa’s ICT industry, playing a critical role in developing the nation’s talent pool and addressing crucial technological gaps. Established in 1997, the CoE initiative is designed to empower students by fostering research, innovation, and skills development, particularly in the fields of Computer Science and Engineering (CS&E). By enabling access to advanced education and research opportunities, Telkom’s CoE programme has significantly contributed to the creation of a future-fit, skilled workforce that is driving South Africa’s digital transformation. A visionary programme rooted in collaboration…

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Tune in to the latest episode of TFS Bag of Words, featuring Uri Zisser, Regional VP Customer Business Executive at Amdocs, as he explores how Amdocs supports talent development through the Southern Africa Telecommunication Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC). Returning to the African tech scene, SATNAC 2024, hosted by Telkom, will take place from 6–9 October at the Skukuza Rest Camp in the heart of the Kruger National Park. This year’s theme, “The AI-Driven Hyperconnected Future: Co-creating Shared Value,” will bring insightful discussions and innovative research on the transformative role of AI. In this episode, Zisser explains how Amdocs leverages…

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The long-running legal battle between Vodacom and Nkosana Makate, the inventor of the “Please Call Me” (PCM) service, will reach the Constitutional Court on 21 November 2024. In a notice of set down, the top court said: “Please take notice that the above matter has been set down for hearing on Thursday, 21 November 2024 at 10h00.” Vodacom is seeking to appeal a previous ruling that ordered the company to pay Makate “fair compensation” for his idea, which was developed in 2001 while he was employed at the company. Despite the service generating significant revenue, Makate has been fighting for…

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StarSat, operated by OnDigital Media (ODM), confirms that earlier today, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), accompanied by the South African Police Service (SAPS), entered its Midrand offices and disconnected services. During this process, not only were ODM’s services impacted but also those of StarTimes Media’s pan-African broadcast. As the service provider to ODM and a subsidiary of the larger StarTimes Group, StarTimes Media holds a valid individual electronics communication network service (ECNS) licence for transmissions across Africa. “While we acknowledge ICASA’s mandate to shut down ODM’s South African services, we are appalled by the manner in which…

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