What's Next with Aki Anastasiou

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

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#CloudComputing #Cybersecurity #DataSovereignty

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

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#ArtificialIntelligence #GoogleWorkspace #DigitalTransformation

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

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#SmallBusiness #ArtificialIntelligence #TelkomBusiness

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.

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

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#MaterialsTesting #Infrastructure #Engineering