What's Next with Aki Anastasiou
What's Next with Aki Anastasiou is a popular South African technology podcast hosted by Aki Anastasiou. It features interviews with prominent figures from South Africa's technology and business sectors, covering trends, innovations, and industry insights. The show is known for its broad appeal and insightful conversations with leading experts.
Episodes
What’s Next presented by SGS – Johan Eksteen on AI, Compliance, and Digital Trade
In this episode of What’s Next, presented by SGS, Aki Anastasiou is joined by Johan Eksteen, Business Manager for Connectivity & Products for Sub-Saharan Africa at SGS South Africa. They unpack the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape for imported and locally distributed products, and why compliance is becoming more complex as technologies converge and global trade expands. Eksteen explains how s
Vukani Mngxati on Microsoft's AI future in South Africa
AI in South Africa is entering a defining phase as businesses and workers adapt to rapid digital change. Vukani Mngxati, CEO of Microsoft South Africa, explains what comes next.
Mngxati discusses why artificial intelligence represents the most profound technology shift he has seen during his career and how AI is changing the way services are delivered, employees work, and organisations build new
What's Next presented by Old Mutual Corporate - Marvin Nair on investment strategies
South Africa’s two-pot retirement system has changed how members engage with retirement savings, but withdrawal timing can have major long-term consequences. Marvin Nair, Old Mutual Corporate Investment Solutions Executive, explains how greater access to the savings pot is reshaping retirement investment strategy.
He discusses why sequence-of-return risk matters when members withdraw during marke
Zahir Cajee on Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and AI-powered foldables
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 devices bring slimmer designs, larger displays, and deeper AI integration to Samsung’s newest foldable smartphone range.
Zahir Cajee, MX Lead of Product and Commercial at Samsung South Africa, explains how the Galaxy Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 serve different users. He compares the compact Fold 8’s content-focused design with the Fold 8 Ultra’s productivity, multit
Nicky Downing on responsible AI governance and business trust
AI governance is becoming essential as businesses automate more decisions and connect artificial intelligence to sensitive corporate data.
Nicky Downing, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Guideline BizTech, explains why organisations must build trust, ethics, and accountability into AI systems from the beginning. She introduces RUBIQ Hub, an AI-first digital trust platform designed to help e
Mirian Lin on enterprise data protection and AI-ready storage
Enterprise data protection is becoming critical as South African organisations adopt AI, expand storage, and defend against ransomware.
Mirian Lin, Account Manager at Synology, explains how the company is growing beyond its traditional NAS and SMB base to serve enterprise customers in South Africa. She discusses rising demand across mining, government, manufacturing, media, and education, where s
What’s Next presented by Old Mutual Corporate - The future of member engagement beyond Two-Pot
South Africa’s two-pot retirement system is transforming how employees engage with retirement savings, digital tools, and financial education.
Michelle Acton, Chief Customer Officer at Old Mutual Corporate, explains how the two-pot system has driven a major increase in direct member engagement across South Africa. She discusses how retirement fund members are using digital channels to check balan
Salvador Anglada on AI-powered financial inclusion in Africa
AI-powered financial inclusion is helping millions of underserved consumers access credit through alternative data and advanced risk modelling.
Salvador Anglada, Chief Executive Officer at Optasia, explains how the company uses artificial intelligence to provide small, unsecured loans at scale across 38 countries. He discusses how alternative data can create credit profiles for people excluded fr
What's Next powered by Deloitte - Andre Vermeulen on AI, human advantage and the future of work
AI and the future of work are transforming every business—but people remain the biggest competitive advantage. Deloitte explains why organisations that combine human expertise with AI will lead the next wave of innovation.
Andre Vermeulen, Partner | Human Capital Leader Consulting Services at Deloitte Africa, joins What's Next powered by Deloitte to unpack the key findings from Deloitte's latest
Soul Abraham on AI, smarter insurance and the future of customer experience
AI is transforming insurance faster than ever. Soul Abraham explains how Old Mutual Insure is using artificial intelligence to improve customer experience, reduce costs and make insurance more accessible for South Africans.
Soul Abraham, CEO of Old Mutual Insure, joins What's Next to discuss how one of South Africa's oldest insurers is preparing for an AI-powered future. Drawing on nearly two cen
Graham Parker on AI, legacy systems and practical digital transformation
AI and legacy systems don't have to be at odds. Graham Parker explains how businesses can modernise existing technology, unlock value from their data and adopt AI without expensive rip-and-replace projects.
Graham Parker, Executive Chairman at Britehouse, joins What's Next to discuss how organisations can cut through the AI hype and focus on practical business outcomes. Drawing on decades of expe
Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen on craftsmanship and modern luxury
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen – Lexus Brand Ambassador about craftsmanship, humility and the discipline behind excellence. From growing up on a farm to earning global culinary recognition, he reflects on how consistency, patience and refinement shaped his journey long before the accolades followed.
The conversation explores his philosophy
Van Zyl Botha on connecting the unconnected through fibre expansion
Fibre expansion in South Africa's secondary towns is transforming communities. Van Zyl Botha, co-founder and CEO of the Herotel Group, joins Aki Anastasiou to discuss bridging the digital divide outside major metros. Botha details how the network operator evolved from consolidating local wireless ISPs into an infrastructure powerhouse deploying high-speed fibre across 180 municipalities.
The con
Riaan Esterhuysen on Lexus electrification and the future of luxury EVs
In this episode of What’s Next, host Aki Anastasiou speaks with Riaan Esterhuysen, Senior Manager of PR and Corporate Communications at Lexus South Africa, about the brand’s long-standing electrification journey and the future of luxury EVs in South Africa. Riaan reflects on his career with Toyota and explains how Lexus has evolved from pioneering hybrid SUVs with the RX in 2006 to launching fully
Kuben Nair on youth employment, AI and South Africa's jobs future
Youth unemployment in South Africa remains one of the country's biggest challenges, but AI, digital platforms, and new growth sectors could help change the trajectory.
Kuben Nair, Chief Technology Officer at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, joins What's Next to discuss practical solutions for connecting young South Africans with work opportunities. Nair explains how SA Youth – the country’s
What's Next powered by Deloitte - Omeshnee Naidoo on AI readiness for African CIOs
Artificial intelligence is reshaping business strategy, but why are so few AI projects delivering measurable ROI? Omeshnee Naidoo, CIO Programme Leader for Africa at Deloitte, joins What's Next powered by Deloitte to unpack the findings from Deloitte's Tech Trends 2026 report and what they mean for African technology leaders.
Naidoo explains how African CIOs can use AI, cloud computing, and impro
What's Next presented by Sigfox South Africa – Gregory Rood on the future of smart connectivity
What if IoT connectivity didn’t require expensive long-term contracts or constant monitoring? In this episode, Sigfox South Africa CEO Gregory Rood explains how a new “single-use communication” model is transforming the way businesses think about connected devices.
The discussion explores how ultra-low-cost IoT tags can send alerts only when critical events happen — such as a package being opened
Robert Gwerengwe on electrification and the future of mobility finance
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Robert Gwerengwe – CEO of WesBank about the forces reshaping South Africa’s vehicle finance and mobility landscape. Gwerengwe reflects on the leadership experiences that shaped him, from building new operations abroad to gaining broad banking exposure, and outlines his vision for a more inclusive, future-focused WesBank.
The conversation ex
Leon Theron on Lexus's pursuit of perfection in luxury motoring
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Leon Theron – Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Lexus South Africa about how the brand balances luxury, performance and long-term strategic focus in a highly competitive premium market. Leon unpacks Lexus’s pursuit of perfection, the craftsmanship that defines the brand, and why customer experience sits at the heart of its commer
Siliziwe Mafika on building resilient and agile finance functions
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Siliziwe Mafika – Director of Finance & Performance Leader at Deloitte Consulting about the realities facing African CFOs in one of the world’s most complex operating environments. From currency volatility and regulatory shifts to supply chain pressure and fragmented markets, Mafika explains why resilience, rapid scenario planning and decisi
Jacques Liebenberg on AI-powered surveillance and smarter security systems
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Jacques Liebenberg – Brand Executive of Security, Surveillance & Infrastructure at Pinnacle about how AI is transforming the security landscape in South Africa. From advanced facial and license plate recognition to intelligent analytics that distinguish between real threats and false alarms, Liebenberg explains how modern surveillance has ev
Celiwe Ross on how Old Mutual & Singularity are driving exponential tech access in SA
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Celiwe Ross – Group Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer at Old Mutual about the upcoming Singularity South Africa Summit and why exponential technologies demand a new kind of leadership. Ross unpacks how the summit brings together global futurists, technologists and local business leaders to explore AI, biotechnology and human
Dietlof Maré on expanding fibre access and connecting South Africa
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Dietlof Maré – CEO of Maziv about his entrepreneurial roots, leadership journey and the bold expansion shaping South Africa’s fibre future. From early days selling at flea markets to leading major telecom operations across Africa, Maré reflects on the importance of passion, sincerity and decisive leadership in building high-performing teams
How organizations are struggling to scale AI successfully
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki sits down with Morné, Chief Technology Officer at Logicalis, to unpack how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping modern business. The discussion explores why many organizations are struggling to keep pace with AI adoption, despite the enormous pressure to innovate and remain competitive. Drawing from recent CIO research, Morné explains that while business
How Blu Label Unlimited reinvented itself
In this episode of What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou, Aki sits down with Blu Label Unlimited co-founders and joint CEOs Brett and Mark Levy for an in-depth conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, innovation, and one of South Africa’s most remarkable corporate turnaround stories.
The Levy brothers reflect on their journey from selling car stereos while still in school to building Blu Label
AI in healthcare_ Transforming patient safety, access, and quality of care
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou is joined by Prof. Sabelile Tenza of North-West University and Dr. Richard Greenhill, Founder of SmartSigma AI, for a powerful discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping global healthcare systems. From overwhelmed hospitals and clinician burnout to diagnostic delays and fragmented care, the conversation highlights the immense pressures fac
Nico van der Merwe on ethical accounting and building South Africa’s financial future
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Professor Nico van der Merwe – Deputy Director in the School of Accounting Sciences at North-West University – about the role of ethical, future-ready accountants in strengthening South Africa’s financial systems. Nico reflects on his academic journey and the university’s success in producing top-performing graduates, while highlighting how
Habib Mahakian on leadership, AI, and South Africa’s technology future
In this episode of What’s Next, Dell Technologies South Africa Vice President and Managing Director Habib Mahakian reflects on his 25-year journey in the technology industry, from studying computer engineering in Jordan to leading businesses across the Middle East and Africa. He shares how curiosity, problem-solving, and a passion for leadership shaped his career, while also discussing the early d
Dillan Fernando on putting customer-first technology at the heart of Tracker
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Dillan Fernando – Chief Executive Officer at Tracker about how the company is redefining itself as a technology business built around customer care. Dillan explains why being in front of customers, understanding their real challenges, and delivering tailored data-driven solutions sits at the heart of Tracker’s strategy. From B2C vehicle trac
Neil Colquhoun on scaling Epson and growth across Africa & emerging markets
What does it take to lead a global technology business across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia—while navigating constant geopolitical shifts and fierce competition? In this episode, Neil Colquhoun, President of Epson META-CWA, shares a rare, inside look at scaling operations across 80+ countries.
This conversation is for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers who want real insight
Bradley Sacks on building fintech infrastructure and thriving in uncertainty
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Bradley Sacks, CEO of Araxi, to unpack his remarkable journey from South Africa to the global financial stage. With decades of experience spanning law, investment banking, and technology, Sacks shares the formative lessons that shaped his career, the value of hard work and mentorship, and how his early exposure to business influenced hi
Nazia Pillay on how business AI is transforming enterprise in Southern Africa
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Nazia Pillay – Managing Director for SAP Southern Africa about her journey within SAP and her leadership during a pivotal era of cloud, AI and digital transformation. From starting as a graduate consultant during a major platform transition to now steering SAP’s regional strategy, Nazia reflects on how hands-on customer experience shaped her
Alan Turnley-Jones on driving innovation and growth across MEA
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Alan Turnley-Jones – CEO at NTT DATA MEA about his 25-year journey from early IT enthusiast to leading one of the region’s most influential technology businesses. Alan reflects on the evolution from Dimension Data to NTT DATA, how the organization has broadened its capabilities across cloud, consulting, applications, and AI, and why continuo
Smangele Nkosi on leadership, AI, and driving South Africa’s digital future
In this inspiring episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Smangele Nkosi, General Manager and Country Leader for South Africa at Cisco, to explore her remarkable journey through the ICT industry and the leadership lessons that shaped her career. From her early ambitions in healthcare to becoming a key figure in digital transformation, Nkosi shares how purpose, people, and trust have
Jorge Mendes on driving growth and innovation at Cell C
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Jorge Mendes – Chief Executive Officer at Cell C to discuss his journey from call centre agent in 1994 to leading one of South Africa’s major telecommunications operators. Jorge shares how his early customer-facing experience shaped his leadership philosophy, his passion for rebuilding businesses, and why he believes in being an ally to
Sigfox South Africa CEO on AI-powered asset tracking without GPS
AI-powered tracking without GPS sounds impossible—until you see how it’s already transforming real-world operations. In this episode, Sigfox South Africa CEO Gregory Rood explains how next-generation IoT networks are redefining asset tracking in environments where traditional systems fail.
From vehicle recovery in high-risk areas to monitoring critical infrastructure and logistics, the conversati
Robert Koen on building Amazon and empowering entrepreneurs in South Africa
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Robert Koen, Managing Director of Amazon Sub-Saharan Africa, about building Amazon’s online store in South Africa and the vision behind becoming the country’s most loved retailer. Robert shares insights into Amazon’s rapid growth, its focus on delivery precision, expanding product selection, and the importance of trust in winning over South
Truecaller’s Mmathebe Zvobwo on Fighting Scam Calls in South Africa
In this episode of What’s Next, host Aki Anastasiou speaks to Mmathebe Zvobwo, Director of Market Development for South Africa at Truecaller, about the alarming rise in spam and scam calls—and how technology is being used to fight back.
With South Africans receiving billions of spam calls annually and losing over R40 billion to scams, Zvobwo explains how fraud has become an industrialised global
Yugen Naidoo on leadership, resilience and driving tech innovation in South Africa
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Yugen Naidoo, General Manager at Lenovo South Africa, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, and purpose. From humble beginnings in a small town on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast to leading Lenovo’s operations across Southern Africa, Yugen reflects on the formative moments that shaped his journey — including early ac
Hector Beyers on the future of AI-driven software development in South Africa
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Hector Beyers, CEO and founder of Codehesion, following the company’s win at the prestigious MyBroadband Awards for Best Software Development Company. Hector shares what the recognition means for his team and unpacks the core philosophy behind Codehesion’s success — combining strong technical execution with collaborative, client-focused part
Mark Wayne and Greg McDonald on the great VM reset and hybrid cloud strategy
In this episode of What’s Next, host Aki Anastasiou is joined by Mark Wayne, Head of Solutions at iOCO, and Greg McDonald, Sales Director at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, to unpack the “great VM reset” and what it means for organisations rethinking their virtualisation and cloud strategies.
They discuss the rising cost pressures around traditional virtualisation, why hybrid-by-design is becoming e
Gerrie van Zyl on how AI could transform healthcare in South Africa
Healthbridge founder, chairman, and Chief Innovation Officer Gerrie van Zyl joins Business Talk to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare and why South Africa is well positioned to innovate in the sector. Speaking from Atlanta’s Tech Square, one of the world’s leading AI hubs, he explains how his team uses global innovation insights to build solutions for South Africa’s hea
Hylton Kallner on Discovery Bank’s rapid growth and super bank strategy
Hylton Kallner, CEO of Discovery Bank, joins the show to discuss the bank’s strong interim results and the strategy driving its rapid growth. With client numbers, deposits, and revenue all rising sharply, Kallner explains how Discovery Bank’s shared value model, full-service digital banking platform, and broader Discovery ecosystem are helping attract new customers and deepen engagement with exist
Jason Oehley on the future of cyber resilience in South Africa
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Jason Oehley, Regional Sales Manager at Arctic Wolf, about why cyber security remains the number one risk facing businesses today. With South Africa ranked among the most targeted countries globally, Jason unpacks the latest threat trends, including the rise of data extortion, the continued impact of ransomware, and how attackers are increas
What's Next presented by Sigfox South Africa - Gregory Rood on the future of IoT innovation
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Gregory Rood, CEO of Sigfox South Africa, about the powerful but often invisible role Sigfox plays in the Internet of Things ecosystem. As a zero-G network built for ultra-low power, long-range connectivity, Sigfox enables devices to operate for years on battery while collecting and transmitting critical data. From monitoring water levels an
Andre Nepgen on the future of renewable energy in South Africa
In this episode, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Andre Nepgen, CEO of Discovery Green, to unpack the rapidly evolving renewable energy landscape in South Africa. Andre explains how Discovery Green procures large-scale wind and solar projects and wheels that clean energy to businesses, helping them reduce costs, lock in long-term price certainty, and lower carbon footprints. With electricity prices h
Justin Hume on Samsung Galaxy S26, Agentic AI, and on-device privacy
In this episode of What’s Next, host Aki Anastasiou is joined by Justin Hume, Samsung South Africa’s Vice President of Mobile Experience, to unpack the launch of the new Galaxy S26 range and what Samsung’s latest AI upgrades mean for everyday users. They explore Samsung’s on-device AI approach, the shift toward agentic AI assistants that work across apps, and the industry-first privacy display on
Aliyah Allie on the future of innovation-driven healthcare in South Africa
In this episode, we sit down with Aliyah Allie, Executive Head at X, bigly labs by Dis-Chem, to explore how Dis-Chem is transforming from a traditional pharmacy retailer into a fully integrated health authority. Aliyah unpacks the role of Executive Head at X, bigly labs as Dis-Chem’s innovation hub, driving progress across data, digital platforms, automation, and customer-centric design to improve
Craig Nowitz and Ryan Martyn on tech price spikes in South Africa
RAM, SSDs, GPUs, CPUs — the tech building blocks behind everything from laptops to media players — are getting harder to source and more expensive by the week. On What’s Next, host Aki Anastasiou is joined by Craig Nowitz (CEO) and Ryan Martyn (Co-founder, Sales & Marketing Director) from Syntech Distribution to unpack what’s really behind the supply crunch — and why it’s not a “COVID-style” blip.
David McDonald on how solar, wheeling & energy trading are reshaping SA business power
South Africa’s energy crisis isn’t just about keeping the lights on — it’s about cost, strategy, and long-term competitiveness. This podcast cuts through the noise to explain how power, policy, and private innovation are reshaping business in real time.
Hosted by Aki Anastasiou, the show is built for business leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers who need clarity on complex issu
Precious Nduli on how tech and AI are transforming the future of insurance
In this episode of What’s Next, Precious Nduli, Chief Commercial Officer at Discovery Insure, joins Aki Anastasiou to unpack how technology, telematics, and data-driven insights are transforming the insurance landscape. She explains how Discovery Insure incentivizes safer driving through real-time behaviour tracking, fuel rewards, and innovative features like impact alerts and sleep-related risk a
What's Next – Nicolaas Hanekom on how smart air conditioning is reshaping modern home living
In this episode of What’s Next, Nicolaas Hanekom, Sales Lead for Digital Air Solutions at Samsung South Africa, joins Aki Anastasiou to unpack how consumer expectations around home air conditioning have transformed in recent years. Nicolaas explains why air conditioners have become essential, all-year appliances focused on comfort, efficiency, and seamless integration within the modern smart home.
Hector Beyers on how quality software and AI will shape the future of business
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Hector Beyers, CEO and founder of Codehesion, to unpack the remarkable growth of his software development company. Beyers shares how his passion for computer engineering and early leadership experience shaped his entrepreneurial journey, leading him to build a business focused on high-quality custom software, strong development processe
Amantha Naidoo on how AI and transformation are reshaping South African business
In this episode of What’s Next, Amantha Naidoo, Managing Executive at NTT DATA South Africa, joins Aki Anastasiou to discuss her career journey and the forces shaping modern transformation. She shares how her background in engineering, consulting and culture change led her to NTT DATA, and why timing, purpose and the desire to lead meaningful change made this the right step in her career. Amantha
Hylton Kallner on how Discovery Bank is redefining SA's digital banking future
In this conversation, Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner unpacks the remarkable growth of South Africa’s fastest-growing bank and the shared-value model powering its success. He explains how Discovery Bank’s full-service digital approach, industry-leading security, seamless ecosystem integration and customer-first design have reshaped the banking experience for nearly one and a half million clients
Nicolette Mashile & Yande Nomvete on how Binance is driving crypto education in Africa
This episode of What’s Next brings together financial literacy advocate and author Nicolette Mashile and Yande Nomvete, Africa Operations Manager at Binance, for an in-depth discussion on crypto adoption in South Africa. They unpack the success of The Getting Crypto Show, the growing appetite for digital assets on the continent, and why education remains the most important tool for avoiding scams
Absa experts on how digital assets will transform Africa’s financial landscape
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou is joined by a panel of experts to unpack the Africa Digital Assets Report 2025. The discussion features Rob Downes, Head of Digital Assets at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB); Juanetta Furusa-Matelakengisa, Head of Digital Product, Carbon Banking at Absa CIB; and Zanele Thembisile Baloyi, Senior Researcher at Krutham. Together, they explor
Nick Yarham on how TP-Link is powering South Africa’s connected future
In this episode of What’s Next, we speak with Nick Yarham, Head of Operations at TP-Link South Africa, following the company’s remarkable achievement of winning the MyBroadband Award for Best Networking Brand for the second year in a row. Nick shares what this recognition means for the team, why South Africans continue to trust TP-Link, and how the brand focuses on solving real-world connectivity
Cliff de Wit on how AI readiness will shape the future of African businesses
In this episode of What's Next, we sit down with Cliff de Wit, Group Chief Innovation Officer at Accelera Digital Group, to unpack the rapid acceleration of AI and the growing readiness gap facing modern organisations. Cliff reflects on his journey from Microsoft to leading large-scale technology initiatives and now helping businesses across Africa and beyond adapt to a world where AI is reshaping
Sharon Leong on how Thompsons Travel is redefining the future of corporate travel
In this episode of What’s Next, we speak with Sharon Leong, Chief Executive Officer at Thompsons Travel, about how corporate travel has transformed and what modern businesses need to prioritise heading into 2026. Sharon reflects on the company’s 40-year legacy and explains how technology, mobile tools and smart booking systems are reshaping business travel—making it faster, more seamless and more
Angela Blackburn on how Medshield is elevating healthcare with smarter 2026 benefits
Medshield’s Chief Operating Officer, Angela Blackburn, joins us to give more detail on Medshield’s 2026 product and benefit enhancements and what members can expect in the year ahead. From a lower-than-average contribution increase to a strengthened GCR rating and unlimited hospital access across all plans, Medshield is focused on value, stability, and affordability during a time when healthcare c
James Lanigan on how Luno is driving trust and innovation in South African crypto
In this episode of What’s Next, host Aki Anastasiou speaks with James Lanigan, CEO of Luno, following the company’s recognition as 'Best Crypto Exchange' at the MyBroadband Awards. James reflects on Luno’s journey from its South African origins to becoming a trusted global platform with over 16 million users. He explains how simplicity, trust, and innovation have been key to Luno’s success, emphas
Dell Technologies Forum Johannesburg 2025 – Insights from leading voices driving the future of tech
Dell Technologies Forum 2025 brought together leaders, innovators, and experts from across the continent to unpack the future of technology, digital transformation, and AI. In this special edition of What's Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks with Dell executives and partners about sustainability, e-waste initiatives, AI-driven modernization, multicloud strategies, and the growing role of data in shaping
Luis da Silva on how Healthbridge transforms healthcare through intelligent innovation
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks with Luis da Silva, CEO of Healthbridge, about how the company is redefining healthcare through purposeful AI innovation. With a 26-year legacy in health IT, Healthbridge is empowering doctors and medical practices by simplifying workflows, enhancing patient care, and reclaiming valuable time through intelligent automation.
Luis explains how H
Rashid Tar-Mahomed on Vodacom’s simplified plans and evolving digital strategy
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks with Rashid Tar-Mahomed, Managing Executive for Products and Services within the Consumer Business Unit at Vodacom South Africa. Rashid explains how Vodacom has transformed its postpaid portfolio by simplifying its plans from ten to four, making it easier for customers to choose the right option while providing greater value in a challenging ec
Richard Simpson discusses the future of business messaging with BulkSMS
In this episode, we sit down with Richard Simpson, Managing Director at Celerity, to uncover the fascinating journey from civil engineering to pioneering global business messaging. Richard shares how a simple need to send weather updates in 1999 sparked the creation of BulkSMS, a platform that has since transformed how businesses communicate. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted global sol
EY’s Hennie Human on digital transformation and business growth
In this insightful conversation, Hennie Human, Managing Partner of EY's Africa Consulting Business, shares valuable lessons from his 25-year career working across diverse industries. He emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven projects, understanding industry context, and fostering true collaboration with clients to create impactful solutions.
Hennie also explores the challenges and opportunit
Romulen Pillay on how Philips is using AI to transform healthcare in South Africa
In this episode of What's Next with Aki Anastasiou, we speak with Romulen Pillay, Managing Director of Philips Southern Africa, about the latest findings from Philips’ global Future Health Index report. Now in its 10th year, the study surveyed 16,000 patients and 2,000 healthcare professionals across 16 countries, including South Africa, to explore how AI is transforming healthcare delivery. Romul
Muzzafar Nagvadari on Standard Bank’s SimplyBLU & the Future of Digital Payments
In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks with Muzzafar Nagvadari, Executive Head: Merchant Solutions Sales and Service SA at Standard Bank Group, about how digital payments are transforming South Africa’s business landscape. Muzzafar explains how the rapid rise of contactless, mobile, and e-commerce transactions is changing the way merchants operate and how businesses can adapt to mee
Michael Otten discusses Oneplan's growth, innovation & the future of insurance
In this episode of What's Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Michael Otten, CEO of Oneplan, to explore how the company has transformed the South African insurance landscape over the past 15 years. Michael shares insights into Oneplan’s journey from its early days as a traditional short-term insurer to becoming an innovator in health, pet, gap, and motor insurance. He discusses the unique challeng
Frikkie van Loggerenberg on estate planning, wills, and securing your legacy
In this episode of What's Next, we welcome back Frikkie van Loggerenberg, Head of Investment Strategy and CEO of IFSA. He shares valuable insights into the most common questions clients ask financial advisors, with a strong focus on wills, estate planning, and understanding the true costs involved in winding up an estate. Frikkie highlights why these fundamentals are at the core of sound financial
Dion Govender on the impact of IS³ X-Change 2025 and Africa's industrial future
In this episode of What's Next, we welcome Dion Govender, Managing Director of IS³, to discuss the upcoming IS³ X-Change 2025 conference. Taking place on 28–29 October in Cape Town, this premier event showcases future-ready industrial automation insights and solutions tailored for Africa. Powered by global expertise and enriched with local knowledge, X-Change 2025 promises to deliver measurable va
Ben Janse van Rensburg on how PayInc powers South Africa's payment ecosystem
In this episode, we dive into the role of PayInc. (formerly BankservAfrica) at the heart of South Africa’s payments ecosystem. With 53 years of experience, PayInc. has been instrumental in building and maintaining the country’s payment infrastructure. Today, it processes nearly 400 million transactions a month, ensuring that payments are secure, reliable, and always on. From card swipes to instant
Ashif Black on the key benefits of choosing inDrive over other ride-hailing services
In this episode, we sit down with Ashif Black, Country Representative of InDrive South Africa, to explore how the company is reshaping the ride-hailing industry with fairness, transparency, and freedom of choice. Ashif shares the story of InDrive’s origins, how its unique negotiation model empowers both drivers and passengers, and why low commissions and fair pricing are central to its mission. He
MAZIV’s Dietlof Mare on the Vodacom transaction and South Africa’s fiber future
In this episode, we welcome Dietlof Mare, CEO of MAZIV, the company behind South Africa’s largest open-access fiber networks, including Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa. With the Competition Appeal Court’s approval of MAZIV’s landmark merger with Vodacom, the company is entering a defining chapter in its mission to connect more South Africans. Dietlof shares insights on the challenges of fiber rollou
Zoho’s Andrew Bourne on AI, innovation, and business growth in South Africa
In this conversation, Andrew Bourne, Regional Head for Zoho in Southern Africa, unpacks what makes Zoho unique in the global tech space. He explains how Zoho serves over 113 million users worldwide, with a strong local presence in South Africa, offering region-specific integrations and billing in rand. Andrew highlights Zoho’s user-friendly, scalable environments—from no-code to pro-code—and its c
LSD Open’s Deon Stroebel on cloud modernization and business innovation
In this discussion, Deon Stroebel, Chief Innovation Officer at LSD Open, explains how the company helps organizations modernize through cloud-native solutions, Kubernetes, containers, and automation. With over 25 years of experience, LSD Open has guided leading businesses in banking, telecoms, and media through successful digital transformation journeys, ensuring modernization drives measurable RO
Martha Lamola on innovation and operational excellence at Vodacom Business Ventures
In this episode, Aki Anastasiou speaks with Martha Lamola, Operations Director for Vodacom Business Ventures and Partnerships, about how Vodacom is driving innovation while ensuring operational excellence across its enterprise ventures. Martha explains how Vodacom combines “basic brilliance” with forward-looking technologies to deliver trusted solutions that businesses can rely on. She highlights
SAS South Africa’s David Cosgrave on trustworthy AI and local impact
In this episode of What's Next, we sit down with David Cosgrave, Country Manager for SAS South Africa, to reflect on the company’s 30-year legacy in the country and its role in shaping the local technology and data landscape. David shares his journey stepping into the role, the privilege of leading during such a milestone year, and how SAS has built strong ties with South African businesses, unive
IFSA’s Frikkie van Loggerenberg on estate planning and financial success
In this episode of What's Next, we welcome Frikkie van Loggerenberg, Head of Investment Strategy and CEO of IFSA. Frikkie shares the fascinating story behind the origins of IFSA and how the company has evolved from its beginnings as an advisory business into a specialized investment management firm with a strong focus on estate planning. He explains why many individuals fall into the trap of “quic
