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...
Thabiso Hlatshwayo on how OpenText is driving innovation in the South African retail sector
In this What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Thabiso Hlatshwayo discusses how OpenText helps South African retailers drive innovation and improve customer engagement.
Hlatshwayo is the Solution Consulting Senior Manager at OpenText Africa, and has over a decade of experience in high-tech industries.
He leads a team of highly-experienced consultants who are responsible for designing multifaceted technology solutions that serve the needs of OpenText’s clients.
In this What’s Next interview, Hlatshwayo explains how OpenText enables retailers to streamline their operations using automation.
He reveals how automation makes it faster to move from the product ideation stage to the product realisation stage, as well as how retailers can use real-time data to improve decision-making across their operations and customer engagement systems.
Hlatshwayo then discusses how OpenText’s low-code platform accelerates innovation while maintaining the agility that retailers need, as well as how OpenText enables seamless collaboration between IT teams and business decision-makers.
He also unpacks the benefits retailers receive from embracing a cloud deployment model in their tech stack – including how it helps retailers personalise customer interactions while maintaining operational efficiency.
Hlatshwayo concludes the interview by providing examples of how companies are leveraging the full power of OpenText’s solutions to grow their businesses
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ZTE’s Charles Yang on the huge success of the Mossel Bay 5G Ultra-range Maritime Coverage Project
In this What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, ZTE’s Charles Yang discusses the success of the Mossel Bay 5G Ultra-range Maritime Coverage Project — executed by MTN and ZTE.
Yang is the Director of Marketing and Solutions at ZTE South Africa, and plays a key role in the development and execution of projects like the Maritime Coverage Project.
Yang and ZTE approached MTN after identifying Mossel Bay Harbour as the best location to run the project — thanks to its popularity as a tourism destination and role as an economic hub.
In this What’s Next interview, Yang unpacks what the Mossel Bay 5G Ultra-range Maritime Coverage Project entailed.
He discusses the major goals that they achieved, as well as the biggest challenges ZTE and MTN faced.
Yang then expands on how ZTE and MTN overcame the typical range limitations of 5G technology to expand connectivity 22km out to sea.
He details the future plans of ZTE and MTN to leverage this technology in other South African coastal regions, and explains how the project aligns with ZTE’s long-term vision for Africa.
Yang concludes the interview by revealing the response to the successful project in the Mossel Bay region.
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PEP executive Helmuth Luttig unpacks the business advantages of PAXI deliveries
In this What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, PEP’s Helmuth Luttig unpacks the value that PAXI offers to businesses through its business-to-door courier service.
Luttig is the Chief Executive for Commercial at PEP South Africa and boasts over 15 years of industry experience.
This includes serving as the Commercial Director and General Manager for Financial Services at Ackermans, as well as the COO at Capfin.
In this What’s Next interview, Luttig details the benefits of PAXI’s business-to-door courier service.
He discusses how PAXI’s network of over 2,800 counter points benefits clients, before revealing how the service integrates into companies’ existing shipment and delivery management processes.
Luttig then explains how PAXI ensures reliability and prioritises the safety of all delivered packages, as well as how the service can be adapted to the needs of various business types.
He also outlines how PAXI differentiates itself from its competitors, in terms of its pricing and service offerings.
Luttig concludes the interview by explaining the steps PAXI has taken to ensure all deliveries happen smoothly this Black Friday.
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Accenture’s Aadil Jappie explains why retailers need to adopt a cloud ERP system
In this What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Accenture’s Aadil Jappie explains why retailer need to implement a powerful cloud ERP system.
Jappie is the SAP Retail Capability Lead for Accenture Africa and is a seasoned IT executive with over 20 years of experience.
He excels at building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, and has worked with retailers from across South Africa, the UK, and Europe.
In this What’s Next interview, Jappie explains why retailers must move to a cloud ERP system – focusing on SAP S/4HANA as an example.
He then outlines how Accenture helps its clients overcome their biggest operational challenges when transitioning to S/4HANA, while ensuring they make the installation as cost-efficient as possible.
Jappie shares the recent innovations he’s seen in the retail ERP space, too, and explains how these new technologies help retailers stay a step ahead of their competitors.
He concludes the interview by unpacking the trends he expects to emerge in the ERP cloud industry.
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Absa’s Msizi Khoza on how African countries must approach COP29
In this What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Absa’s Msizi Khoza discusses the challenges that African nations face in securing adequate climate finance - and how they can advocate for themselves at the upcoming COP29 conference.
Khoza is CIB Managing Executive for ESG at Absa and leads the company’s extensive responsibility related initiatives.
He has held several notable roles at Absa during his career, including Principal of Structured Asset Finance, and Chief of Staff to the Absa Group CEO.
In this What’s Next interview, Khoza discusses the main challenges African nations face in securing adequate climate finance and details the goals and structures African nations should advocate for at COP29.
He outlines the alternative financial strategies African countries should be considering, and reveals how the shift from climate loans to grant-based funding has impacted climate resilience and debt sustainability on the continent.
Khoza then explains how African governments can mobilise domestic resources to fund climate initiatives if the COP29 negotiations fail to deliver the desired results.
He concludes the interview by unpacking the role of national determined contributions (NDCs) in attracting international funding and investment.
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