Author: Staff Writer
Customer experience has fundamentally changed. In fact, today it is in a state of constant evolution alongside the development of technologies such as generative AI, automation and personalised computing. Technology is shifting the way businesses facilitate the customer experience, be it through customer touchpoints such as built-in games, chatbots, personalised shopping experiences or otherwise. From insurance, to banking, retail and even public services, customers are becoming more expectant of digital and tech-enabled experiences that make their interactions with businesses more seamless, stress-free and pleasurable. Here are six ways businesses will leverage tech to ensure these experiences for consumers in 2024.…
Africa has emerged as a hub for fintech innovation as multiple factors converge to catalyse transformative change within the financial services sector, with South Africa serving as an entry point into the continent for numerous providers. “The absence of traditional banking infrastructure in many regions has paved the way for innovative fintech solutions to fill the gaps and meet the diverse financial needs of the population, with mobile penetration rates supporting a digital-first shift in how Africans transact and bank,” says Mia Pieterse, Partner and fintech specialist at Mazars in South Africa. Additional factors driving fintech growth on the continent…
Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), celebrates its five-year partnership between Sage Foundation and GirlCode. GirlCode, a registered non-profit organisation, is committed to empowering young girls and women in the technology field by equipping them with the skills they need to become proficient software developers, readying them for careers in the technology sector. Sage Foundation will support 1,000 aspiring young South African GirlCoders this year, enabling them to acquire coding and technology skills, which include education and mentorship focused on developing their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills. “It’s…
For more than a century, Rooibos has solely grown in the botanically diverse Cederberg region of the Western Cape, and nowhere else in the world. That is until now… A new action-packed survival game, called Enshrouded, has Rooibos growing in the virtual Nomad Highlands – an expanse of land located in the heart of the game that is filled with valuable resources. German-based gaming developer, Keen Games, recently launched Enshrouded via early access for Windows PC users on 24 January, which requires players to obtain resources, such as Rooibos to survive. According to Keen Games, Enshrouded, has already attracted more…
The concept of smart cities has become more prevalent over the last decade as more cities around the world adopt the Internet of Things (IoT) to increase operational efficiency, share information and improve both infrastructure and the safety and quality of life of citizens. “While South African cities may not be as prepared as their global counterparts to adopt IoT into the running of municipalities, the private sector is more than ready to embrace smart city technology into their businesses,” says Rodney Taylor, Managing Director of Guardian Eye. While many may think that smart city technology is all about connectivity,…
Two budding SA young scientists have received awards at the 2024 Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF), after successfully showcasing their research projects to judges and their peers at the National Taiwan Science Education Centre in Taipei. Johannes Jacobus (Jaco) Deysel, a Grade 11 learner at Hoërskool Jim Fouché in the Free State’s Bloemfontein region was awarded the Third Award in the Computer Science and Information Engineering category; while Lethabo Molobi, a Grade 12 learner at Zinniaville Secondary School in the North West’s Bojanala region, was awarded the Fourth Award and the Viewer’s Choice Award in the Behavioural and Social Sciences…
Starting today, Google is introducing a fresh mobile experience for Gemini and Gemini Advanced (formerly Google Bard). This entails the launch of a dedicated Gemini app on Android and integration within the Google app on iOS. Initially available exclusively in English within the US, this update will extend to South Africa in English starting next week. With Gemini on your phone, you can type, talk or add an image for all kinds of help while you’re on the go: take a picture of your flat tyre and ask for instructions, generate a custom image for your dinner party invitation or…
The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has brought about an insight on the e-commerce and this in turn has also created a platform for criminals to target unsuspecting victims, especially those using e-hailing services and selling or buying products on social media, particularly “Facebook Marketplace”. This trend has become a point of concern for some time, especially in Loate and Rietgat policing precincts. In an effort to address this criminal trend, a task team of detectives was established in Tshwane District to deal with these cases. The team has continued to make inroads in arresting suspects in connection to this robberies…
Impact Amplifier, with the financial support of Google.org, today launched its African Online Safety Platform (AOSP). The Africa Online Safety Platform is an Africa-wide project and part of Impact Amplifier’s broader intention to address African Online Safety at a systemic level. The African internet safety ecosystem is hindered by several issues, key among them is the lack of a central repository of all the online safety research that has been conducted on a broad spectrum of issues in Africa; lack of a central repository for education material for the plethora of online safety challenges relevant for African users; the absence…
The Shoprite Group invites high-performing students keen to join the retail industry to apply for its comprehensive bursary programme. Students enrolled for degree studies in Accounting, Biological Sciences, Criminology, Information Technology, Logistics and Supply Chain, Retail Business Management, Food Sciences as well as Agricultural Sciences can apply for funding between 1 February and 30 April 2024. The comprehensive bursary covers tuition and accommodation. Employment after graduation is guaranteed, giving beneficiaries a seamless entry into the business allowing them to learn from the industry’s top talent, experts and mentors. In addition, bursary holders receive a monthly grocery allowance and enjoy access to…