What's Next with Aki Anastasiou

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

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#ArtificialIntelligence #SoftwareDevelopment #AgenticAI

In this eye-opening episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Prof Danny Myburgh, Associate Professor of Practice of the Workwell Research Unit for Economic, Management Sciences at NWU and a leading digital forensics and cybercrime expert, to unpack the growing threat of cybercrime. From business email compromise and ransomware attacks to large-scale data breaches, Prof Myburgh explains how hackers infiltrate organisations, why South Africa is increasingly targeted, and the staggering scale of global financial losses driven by cybercriminal syndicates.

The conversation goes deeper into the human side of cybercrime—highlighting how simple mistakes, phishing scams, and social engineering open the door for attackers. Prof Myburgh also reveals the dark reality behind global cybercrime networks, including forced labour in scam hubs, and offers practical advice on how businesses and individuals can protect themselves. From AI-driven threats to cryptocurrency laundering, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the risks—and the critical steps needed to stay secure in an increasingly digital world.

Nurse leadership could be one of the most effective ways to improve patient care and strengthen South Africa’s healthcare system.

Prof Siedine Coetzee, DST/NRF Research Chair in Nursing Science at NWU, explains why the environment nurses work in has a direct effect on their wellbeing, job satisfaction, patient safety, and quality of care.

Her research shows that staffing and resources remain major problems across public and private healthcare, but effective nurse leadership can have an even greater influence on outcomes. She discusses high levels of burnout, why nurses leave the profession, and how poor working environments create a cycle that places greater pressure on those who remain.

Coetzee also explains the Nurse Lead initiative, which brings together NWU, the National Department of Health, academics, and frontline nurses to develop stronger nursing leaders. The goal is to give nurses a greater voice in hospitals and healthcare policy while improving the environments in which they work.

0:00 Intro
1:13 What is failing nurses in South Africa?
3:03 Why nurse leadership matters
5:59 Nurse wellbeing and patient safety
8:38 What a good nursing environment looks like
11:47 Turning research into better leadership
15:47 Building the next generation of nurse leaders
18:34 The future of nursing in South Africa

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#Nursing #Healthcare #SouthAfrica

South African software company Globetom quietly powers millions of MTN customer interactions while building technology for the emerging AI economy.

Philip Stander, Group CEO at Globetom, explains how the company grew from a telecoms-focused systems integrator into a technology business serving customers across telecommunications, aviation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.

Stander reveals how Globetom processes roughly 125–150 million customer interactions and more than a billion systems integration events on MTN’s network each day. He also explains the company’s integration-platform-as-a-service technology and why standardised APIs are becoming increasingly important as enterprises move away from monolithic software systems.

The conversation explores Globetom’s expansion into global aviation through cloud-based analytics and AI, as well as its strategy to become an AI-centric organisation. Rather than competing directly with major AI hyperscalers, Globetom is focusing on integrating models, enterprise data, and applications to create usable intelligence for customers.

0:00 Intro
0:40 The story behind Globetom
2:54 Powering MTN behind the scenes
5:03 Globetom’s telecoms advantage
7:17 Expanding into global aviation
9:25 Where consumers encounter its technology
12:44 Globetom’s AI strategy
17:57 Building South African engineering talent

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#ArtificialIntelligence #MTN #SouthAfricanTech

Pi by MTN is bringing subscription-style connectivity to South Africans with flexible mobile and home plans managed entirely through a digital platform.

Ernst Fonternel, Chief Consumer Officer at MTN South Africa, explains how Pi by MTN was designed around simplicity, transparency, and self-service. Customers can sign up digitally, activate an eSIM, change plans from month to month, purchase additional data or voice bundles, and manage multiple lines from a single account.

The discussion covers Pi by MTN’s approach to value, including multi-line discounts, 12-month data rollover, data sharing, and flexible subscription management. Fonternel also explains how mobile and home connectivity are being brought together, with fixed wireless access already available and fibre and AirFibre planned for the platform.

Looking ahead, Pi by MTN aims to become a broader digital lifestyle platform, bringing additional subscriptions into one place while introducing AI-powered customer support and recommendations.

0:00 Intro
0:25 What is Pi by MTN?
1:38 Simplifying mobile connectivity
4:47 Digital onboarding and eSIM
8:05 Early customer response
11:41 Value, discounts, and data rollover
13:53 Home connectivity
18:34 What’s next for Pi by MTN

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#PiByMTN #MTNSouthAfrica #MobileConnectivity