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 Healthbridge’s early partnership with Google and its dedicated Innovation Lab have helped it stay ahead of the curve, integrating AI into everyday clinical interactions. From ambient listening that transcribes patient consultations in real time to AI-driven insights that reduce administrative burdens, Healthbridge is showing how technology can amplify rather than replace healthcare professionals.
They also explore the future of value-based care, how AI can help align incentives across the healthcare ecosystem, and why empathy, adaptability, and collaboration remain vital as the industry transforms.
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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 economy. The new RED Core plans now include lifestyle benefits such as funeral cover, device insurance, and entertainment subscriptions.
By integrating connectivity, financial services, and entertainment, Vodacom aims to deliver a seamless digital experience that meets the customer's changing lifestyle needs. He shares how ongoing customer feedback and international trends guide Vodacom’s innovations as the company continues to simplify, innovate, and lead South Africa’s digital transformation.
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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 solution, Richard explains how SMS remains one of the most reliable and effective communication tools today.
We also explore the evolution of Celerity, the parent brand behind BulkSMS, and its latest innovation: Kero, a rich business messaging platform that takes customer engagement beyond text. Richard explains how new technologies like RCS are shaping the future of communication, why SMS is still far from “dead,” and how Celerity continues to stay ahead with secure, scalable, and innovative messaging solutions.
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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 opportunities businesses face in 2025, from cybersecurity and the talent gap to the rise of AI, automation, and cloud-native platforms. He explains how EY helps organizations embrace digital transformation, avoid common pitfalls, and unlock real value by keeping people, processes, and technology aligned for the future.
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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. Romulen shares how artificial intelligence is already helping to address South Africa’s healthcare challenges—from staff shortages to improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
He also discusses the growing optimism among South African healthcare professionals about AI adoption and the need to bridge the “trust gap” between patients and technology. Romulen highlights how AI can reduce administrative burdens, improve waiting times, and ultimately allow doctors to spend more meaningful time with patients. The conversation also explores the importance of collaboration, preventative care, and responsible data use to ensure that AI adoption remains human-centric and beneficial for both healthcare providers and patients.
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.
South Africa