What's Next with Aki Anastasiou

What's Next
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  • Technology
  • Updated Semiweekly

What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou is South Africa’s most popular technology show. The who’s who of South Africa’s technology and business world are interviewed on the show.

  1. 9h ago

    Biscay Mulaudzi on building South Africa's own cloud

    South African cloud services are gaining importance as businesses focus more closely on data sovereignty, cybersecurity, predictable costs, and local support. Biscay Mulaudzi, Chief Executive Officer at Gole Cloud and Bottomline IT, explains why he built a locally hosted cloud platform designed for South African businesses, SMMEs, and individual consumers. Mulaudzi discusses how Gole Cloud keeps customer data within South African data centres while offering predictable rand-based pricing and locally supported services. He also explains why smaller businesses need access to secure cloud infrastructure without the large capital investment required to build and maintain their own environments. Cybersecurity is another major focus. Mulaudzi outlines Gole Cloud's 24/7 security monitoring, information security controls, backup services, and ransomware recovery approach, while stressing the importance of protecting customer data and complying with POPIA. The conversation also explores Gole Cloud's AI ambitions, including automated cloud migrations and plans to expand local AI infrastructure. 0:00 Intro 3:07 Building a South African cloud platform 7:00 Cloud services for SMMEs 9:01 What makes Gole Cloud different 12:19 Why small businesses need the cloud 16:21 Protecting customer data 20:47 Gole Cloud's AI plans Follow MyBroadband: X - https://twitter.com/mybroadband Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mybroadband Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mybroadband/ Website - https://mybroadband.co.za/news/ #CloudComputing #Cybersecurity #DataSovereignty

    Biscay Mulaudzi on building South Africa's own cloud

  2. 4d ago

    Gregory MacLennan on why AI still needs a human in the loop

    AI can deliver real business value, but companies need more than licences and hype to turn the technology into measurable returns. Gregory MacLennan, CEO of Digicloud Africa, explains how South African businesses can adopt AI practically, using tools such as Gemini in Google Workspace without requiring large specialist teams. He discusses how Gemini can support everyday work across Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, including multilingual communication, research, and decision-making. MacLennan also explains why AI should augment employees rather than replace human judgement, particularly when information is being sent externally or important decisions are being made. The conversation also tackles cybersecurity and data governance. MacLennan warns that employees using unapproved public AI tools can expose sensitive corporate information, making standardisation, education, and responsible AI policies increasingly important. He also explains why effective change management is essential when rolling AI out across different departments, and why the next phase of AI adoption will depend heavily on how well people learn to use the technology. 0:00 Intro 1:12 Turning AI hype into business value 2:21 Gemini inside Google Workspace 4:13 Breaking down language barriers 6:36 Why humans must stay in the loop 8:39 AI security and data risks 13:01 Using AI for better decisions 15:42 Managing AI adoption Follow MyBroadband: X - https://twitter.com/mybroadband Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mybroadband Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mybroadband/ Website - https://mybroadband.co.za/news/ #ArtificialIntelligence #GoogleWorkspace #DigitalTransformation

    Gregory MacLennan on why AI still needs a human in the loop

  3. 5d ago

    What's Next - Andrew Dawson on how technology can help small businesses grow

    Small business growth increasingly depends on using connectivity, data, cloud services, and AI to work smarter and compete more effectively. Andrew Dawson, Managing Executive: Small, Medium and Diversified Business at Telkom Business, explains how technology can help South African SMEs become more efficient, resilient, and prepared for future opportunities. Dawson discusses why small business owners often struggle with limited resources and the need to manage everything from IT to HR themselves. He explains how reliable connectivity has evolved from a basic utility into the foundation for cloud applications, digital customer journeys, IoT, and data-driven decision-making. The conversation also explores where businesses should begin with AI. Dawson recommends starting with clearly defined problems, establishing governance and data safeguards, and introducing AI gradually rather than adopting technology simply because competitors are doing it. He also explains why technology itself will not determine which businesses succeed. Critical thinking, leadership, and the ability to apply technology to well-understood problems will remain key competitive advantages. 0:00 Intro 1:27 Telkom Business's new strategy 3:56 Challenges facing South African SMEs 5:59 Connectivity as a business advantage 8:33 Building a business for the future 11:58 Where businesses should start with AI 14:25 Technology solutions for small businesses 17:23 What will define successful businesses Follow MyBroadband: X - https://twitter.com/mybroadband Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mybroadband Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mybroadband/ Website - https://mybroadband.co.za/news/ #SmallBusiness #ArtificialIntelligence #TelkomBusiness

    What's Next - Andrew Dawson on how technology can help small businesses grow

  4. Sep 23

    Jan-Jan Bezuidenhout on Metrofibre’s next chapter in connectivity

    In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Jan-Jan Bezuidenhout – Chief Executive Officer at Metrofibre about his journey from investment banking and private equity into leading one of South Africa’s fastest-scaling fibre operators. Jan-Jan shares how curiosity, decisive leadership and a generalist mindset have shaped his career, and why building an agile, entrepreneurial culture remains central as Metrofibre continues to expand. The conversation explores Metrofibre’s plans to merge with sister companies Octotel and RSAWEB, creating a formidable national competitor in fibre-to-the-home and enterprise connectivity. Jan-Jan also outlines the company’s focus on expanding into underserved communities, the impact of broadband access on economic opportunity, and how maintaining customer-centric service excellence is key to long-term success.

    Jan-Jan Bezuidenhout on Metrofibre’s next chapter in connectivity

  5. Sep 22

    What’s Next presented by SGS - Nico Engelbrecht on digital materials testing at SGS

    Digital materials testing is transforming how South African roads, bridges, airports, and municipal infrastructure are built and maintained. Nico Engelbrecht, Business Manager for SGS South Africa Industries & Environment, explains how construction laboratories have evolved from manual testing and paper-based reports to digitised systems, automated reporting, and advanced inspection technologies. The discussion explores SGS Matrolab’s scale, independence, technical expertise, and commitment to science-based results. Engelbrecht explains how laboratory information management systems, digital data collection, and drone-based inspections help engineering clients work more efficiently and make informed decisions. He also discusses SGS’s involvement in major South African infrastructure projects, including bridge construction on the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast. Looking ahead, Engelbrecht expects laboratories to become strategic partners that help clients manage risk, improve quality, and use advanced analytics and predictive insights. He also shares practical advice for young engineers entering the materials testing industry. 0:00 Intro 1:30 How materials laboratories have evolved 3:05 Supporting Southern African infrastructure 5:41 What differentiates SGS Matrolab 7:15 Digital systems and drone inspections 8:09 Integrity, competence, and accountability 11:18 The future of materials testing Follow MyBroadband: X - https://twitter.com/mybroadband Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mybroadband Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mybroadband/ Website - https://mybroadband.co.za/news/ #MaterialsTesting #Infrastructure #Engineering

    What’s Next presented by SGS - Nico Engelbrecht on digital materials testing at SGS

  6. Sep 17

    Morné Laubscher and Nabeel Rajab on fighting AI cyberattacks with AI

    AI cyberattacks are forcing businesses to rethink cybersecurity as criminals increasingly use the same powerful technology available to defenders. Morné Laubscher, Chief Technology Officer at Logicalis, and Nabeel Rajab, Cisco Security Solutions Manager, explain how artificial intelligence is reshaping the cybersecurity battle for South African organisations. They discuss why traditional security approaches are struggling against AI-powered threats, particularly as businesses accumulate multiple disconnected security tools and huge volumes of data. Rajab walks through how a modern ransomware attack can move from a malicious link to compromised devices, networks, and critical company data without immediately being detected. The conversation also explores how AI can connect security signals and automate responses at machine speed. Laubscher explains why identity has become a major security frontier, while Rajab outlines the importance of zero trust and operating on the assumption that a breach could already have occurred. They also discuss managed cybersecurity services and how businesses without large internal security teams can access specialist skills and technology. 0:00 Intro 1:41 How serious is the cyber threat? 4:01 Why traditional cybersecurity is failing 5:16 Fighting AI attacks with AI 8:13 Identity and zero-trust security 9:42 How a ransomware attack works 15:05 Detecting and stopping attacks with AI 20:29 What businesses should do now Follow MyBroadband: X - https://twitter.com/mybroadband Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mybroadband Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mybroadband/ Website - https://mybroadband.co.za/news/ #Cybersecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #Ransomware

    Morné Laubscher and Nabeel Rajab on fighting AI cyberattacks with AI

  7. Sep 13

    Fred Zhou and Lionel Chen on HONOR's robot phone and Magic V6

    HONOR’s robot phone and Magic V6 show how the smartphone maker is pushing foldables, AI, and mobile content creation into new territory. Fred Zhou, CEO of HONOR South Africa, and Lionel Chen, Product Marketing Manager at HONOR South Africa, discuss the company’s rapid local growth and the technology behind its latest devices. They unpack the newly launched HONOR Magic V6, including its ultra-thin foldable design, 6,660mAh battery, fast charging, flagship processor, improved hinge, and productivity features. Zhou also explains why booming AI infrastructure demand is placing pressure on global memory supply and contributing to rising smartphone prices. The conversation then turns to HONOR’s robot phone, which combines AI with a built-in multi-axis gimbal camera designed for content creators. Chen explains how HONOR’s partnership with ARRI brings professional cinema colour science, LUTs, and video capabilities to the device, which is also expected to reach South Africa in future. 0:00 Intro 1:06 HONOR’s growth in South Africa 4:30 HONOR Magic V6 unveiled 8:18 Why smartphones are getting more expensive 14:40 Inside the Magic V6 design 19:08 HONOR’s new tablets and laptops 21:23 The HONOR robot phone and ARRI partnership Follow MyBroadband: X - https://twitter.com/mybroadband Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mybroadband Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mybroadband/ Website - https://mybroadband.co.za/news/ #HONOR #MagicV6 #Smartphones

    Fred Zhou and Lionel Chen on HONOR's robot phone and Magic V6

  8. Sep 9

    Jaco van der Merwe on building software faster with AI

    AI software development is allowing companies to build applications significantly faster, while fundamentally changing how engineering teams work. Jaco van der Merwe, CEO of DVT, explains how artificial intelligence is transforming software and data engineering, with some projects already showing productivity improvements of around 50% and certain contained use cases moving even faster. He distinguishes between AI augmentation, where people use tools to improve their existing workflows, and AI-native development, where agents generate specifications, architecture, code, and automated testing while humans oversee the process. van der Merwe also discusses the importance of governance, preventing AI drift, and managing token costs so that productivity gains do not create unnecessary expenses. The conversation explores how roles such as business analysts and software engineers are evolving, why strong technical fundamentals still matter, and what junior developers should learn as AI becomes embedded in software development. van der Merwe also explains why cheaper, faster development could make previously unaffordable business ideas viable. 0:00 Intro 2:56 How AI is changing software engineering 5:12 AI augmentation vs AI-native development 7:06 Inside DVT’s AI-built teams 8:59 Governing AI-generated software 11:52 Managing AI token costs 17:14 How software engineering skills are changing 23:12 The future of software development Follow MyBroadband: X - https://twitter.com/mybroadband Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mybroadband Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mybroadband/ Website - https://mybroadband.co.za/news/ #ArtificialIntelligence #SoftwareDevelopment #AgenticAI

    Jaco van der Merwe on building software faster with AI
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What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou is South Africa’s most popular technology show. The who’s who of South Africa’s technology and business world are interviewed on the show.

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