What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou

00:20:58

Deon Koegelenberg from Agile Bridge on AI and the...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/08/28

AI-powered software development is rapidly changing how South African businesses build technology, automate processes, and compete globally.Deon Koegelenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Agile Bridge, explains how artificial intelligence is accelerating software delivery and helping organisations unlock more value from their technology investments. He compares the current AI shift with earlier technology waves such as broadband, cloud computing, and the rise of always-on connectivity. The

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00:12:54

What’s Next presented by SGS – Johan Eksteen on AI,...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/08/25

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 stricter requirements, increased documentation, and faster product cycles are forcing businesses to

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00:26:22

Vukani Mngxati on Microsoft's AI future in South Africa

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/08/21

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 technology. He also outlines Microsoft South Africa’s responsibility to make AI adoption inclusive. The

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00:21:25

What's Next presented by Old Mutual Corporate -...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/08/18

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 market downturns, and how selling assets at depressed prices can permanently reduce participation in a later

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00:33:31

Zahir Cajee on Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/08/07

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, multitasking, camera, and performance capabilities, while the Flip 8 prioritises portability, self-expression,

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00:34:03

Nicky Downing on responsible AI governance and...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/08/06

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 enterprises adopt AI responsibly, securely, and at scale. The discussion examines why many AI projects

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00:16:34

Mirian Lin on enterprise data protection and AI-ready...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/08/04

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 secure storage, backup, and data protection are central to digital transformation. The conversation

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00:16:35

What’s Next presented by Old Mutual Corporate - The...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/08/03

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 balances, update personal details, submit claims, and better understand their long-term savings. The

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00:26:52

Salvador Anglada on AI-powered financial inclusion in...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/07/28

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 from traditional banking systems, supporting more than 32 million credit decisions each day. The

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00:22:34

What's Next powered by Deloitte - Andre Vermeulen on...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/07/17

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 Global Human Capital Trends report. He explains why organisations must rethink traditional ways of

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00:36:23

Soul Abraham on AI, smarter insurance and the future...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/07/16

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 centuries of insurance expertise, he explains why building a modern data platform was the foundation for

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00:26:46

Graham Parker on AI, legacy systems and practical...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/07/15

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 experience building and scaling enterprise software businesses, he explains why successful AI adoption

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00:19:50

Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen on craftsmanship and...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/07/14

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 of modern luxury as emotional connection rather than status. He shares why simplicity, authenticity and

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00:46:31

Van Zyl Botha on connecting the unconnected through...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/07/01

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 conversation covers Herotel’s vertically integrated model, explaining how handling infrastructure

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00:18:24

Riaan Esterhuysen on Lexus electrification and the...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/06/30

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 electric battery-electric vehicles like the Lexus RZ. The discussion explores Lexus’s “multi-pathway”

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00:27:37

Kuben Nair on youth employment, AI and South Africa's...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/06/25

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 largest online youth recruitment platform, managed and operated by Harambee, helps work seekers and

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00:22:14

What's Next powered by Deloitte - Omeshnee Naidoo on...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/06/23

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 improved connectivity to leapfrog traditional infrastructure challenges and accelerate digital

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00:37:51

What's Next presented by Sigfox South Africa –...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/06/22

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, medicine going out of temperature range, or a shipment being tampered with. Instead of continuous

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00:35:10

Robert Gwerengwe on electrification and the future of...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/06/17

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 explores electrification, the rise of Chinese vehicle brands, flexible mobility models and the growing

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00:25:20

Leon Theron on Lexus's pursuit of perfection in...

What"s Next with Aki Anastasiou ·

2026/06/15

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 commercial success. The conversation explores Lexus’s multi-path approach to electrification, its selective

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