Podcast
What's Next with Aki Anastasiou
Hosted by What's Next · EN
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.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Jacques Liebenberg on AI-powered surveillance and smarter security systems
5d ago00:27:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Jacques Liebenberg – Brand Executive of Security, Surveillance & Infrastructure at Pinnacle about how AI is transforming the security landscape in South Africa. From advanced facial and license plate recognition to intelligent analytics that distinguish between real threats and false alarms, Liebenberg explains how modern surveillance has evolved from reactive monitoring to proactive, automated protection. The discussion also explores how these technologies are reshaping business operations beyond traditional security — enabling heat mapping in retail, queue management, gun detection, thermal monitoring in mining, and smarter access control. As AI, cloud connectivity and automation continue to advance, Liebenberg outlines a future where surveillance systems are more accurate, more integrated and increasingly central to both safety and operational efficiency.
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Celiwe Ross on how Old Mutual & Singularity are driving exponential tech access in SA
6d ago00:20:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Celiwe Ross – Group Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer at Old Mutual about the upcoming Singularity South Africa Summit and why exponential technologies demand a new kind of leadership. Ross unpacks how the summit brings together global futurists, technologists and local business leaders to explore AI, biotechnology and human potential — not as abstract concepts, but as practical tools for transformation. The conversation also explores how Old Mutual is embedding AI across customer journeys, underwriting and internal operations, while preparing its workforce for a radically different future of work. Ross shares her perspective on leadership in volatile times, the reshaping of organisational structures, and why curiosity, experimentation and democratized access to technology are essential if South Africa is to leapfrog into a more inclusive digital economy.
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Dietlof Maré on expanding fibre access and connecting South Africa
1w ago00:34:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Dietlof Maré – CEO of Maziv about his entrepreneurial roots, leadership journey and the bold expansion shaping South Africa’s fibre future. From early days selling at flea markets to leading major telecom operations across Africa, Maré reflects on the importance of passion, sincerity and decisive leadership in building high-performing teams and scaling complex businesses. The conversation unpacks Maziv’s recent milestones, including the integration of Vodacom’s fibre assets, the acquisition of Herotel, and the acceleration of fibre rollout into secondary towns and underserved communities. Maré also shares his perspective on AI, the critical role of quality connectivity, and why sustainable, high-performance networks are essential to unlocking economic opportunity across South Africa.
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How organizations are struggling to scale AI successfully
2w ago00:20:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki sits down with Morné, Chief Technology Officer at Logicalis, to unpack how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping modern business. The discussion explores why many organizations are struggling to keep pace with AI adoption, despite the enormous pressure to innovate and remain competitive. Drawing from recent CIO research, Morné explains that while businesses are eager to embrace AI, many are failing to implement it strategically, leading to stalled pilot projects, wasted investment, and a lack of measurable business value. The conversation also dives into the growing risks and leadership challenges tied to AI transformation, including cybersecurity threats, governance, data management, and the ongoing shortage of digital skills. Morné emphasizes that AI success is no longer just a technology issue — it is a leadership responsibility that requires collaboration, clear governance, responsible scaling, and continuous learning. The episode concludes with practical advice for CIOs and executives on how to embed AI securely and effectively into everyday business operations while preparing organizations for the rapidly evolving digital future. Logicalis CIO Report - https://www.za.logicalis.com/cio-report-za
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How Blu Label Unlimited reinvented itself
3w ago00:58:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou, Aki sits down with Blu Label Unlimited co-founders and joint CEOs Brett and Mark Levy for an in-depth conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, innovation, and one of South Africa’s most remarkable corporate turnaround stories. The Levy brothers reflect on their journey from selling car stereos while still in school to building Blu Label into a multi-billion-rand fintech and technology powerhouse. They unpack the difficult seven-year journey of rescuing Cell C from collapse, explain Blu Label’s evolution beyond telecoms into fintech and energy, and reveal exciting new innovations including their upcoming integrated voucher platform and Blu Energy strategy. It’s a candid and inspiring discussion about leadership, culture, risk-taking, and building businesses that solve real-world problems.
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AI in healthcare_ Transforming patient safety, access, and quality of care
3w ago00:36:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou is joined by Prof. Sabelile Tenza of North-West University and Dr. Richard Greenhill, Founder of SmartSigma AI, for a powerful discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping global healthcare systems. From overwhelmed hospitals and clinician burnout to diagnostic delays and fragmented care, the conversation highlights the immense pressures facing healthcare worldwide — and how AI is emerging as a critical tool to support, not replace, medical professionals. The guests unpack how AI can improve early diagnosis, reduce administrative burdens, and act as a “second set of eyes” for clinicians, ultimately enabling better patient outcomes. The discussion also explores the unique challenges and opportunities within South Africa and the broader African context, where resource constraints are driving innovative, mobile-first solutions. Prof. Tenza emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, patient trust, and local data relevance, while Dr. Greenhill highlights the need for adaptable skills, informed skepticism, and equitable AI deployment. Together, they paint a compelling picture of a future where technology and human expertise work hand-in-hand — ensuring healthcare systems are not only more efficient, but also more inclusive, ethical, and responsive to real-world needs.
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Nico van der Merwe on ethical accounting and building South Africa’s financial future
4w ago00:17:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Professor Nico van der Merwe – Deputy Director in the School of Accounting Sciences at North-West University – about the role of ethical, future-ready accountants in strengthening South Africa’s financial systems. Nico reflects on his academic journey and the university’s success in producing top-performing graduates, while highlighting how a lack of ethical financial oversight can lead to corporate failures, weakened public trust, and broader economic consequences. He emphasizes that accounting is not just technical, but deeply tied to responsibility, transparency, and accountability across both the private and public sectors. He also shares insights on how the profession is evolving in the age of AI, where automation is reshaping traditional roles and placing greater importance on critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and ethical leadership. Nico explains how NWU prepares students through challenging, real-world learning experiences that build resilience and integrated thinking. From developing corporate citizens to encouraging continuous professional development, he outlines how collaboration between education, industry, and government is essential to cultivating accountants who can drive sustainable growth and improve governance in South Africa.
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Habib Mahakian on leadership, AI, and South Africa’s technology future
4w ago00:32:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Dell Technologies South Africa Vice President and Managing Director Habib Mahakian reflects on his 25-year journey in the technology industry, from studying computer engineering in Jordan to leading businesses across the Middle East and Africa. He shares how curiosity, problem-solving, and a passion for leadership shaped his career, while also discussing the early days of personal computing and the rapid evolution of technology over the past two decades. The conversation also explores leadership, artificial intelligence, and South Africa’s growing importance in the global tech landscape. Habib highlights the country’s strong infrastructure, talent, and innovation potential, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and continuous learning. Beyond business, he offers personal insights into balancing a demanding global career with family life.
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Dillan Fernando on putting customer-first technology at the heart of Tracker
4w ago00:14:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Dillan Fernando – Chief Executive Officer at Tracker about how the company is redefining itself as a technology business built around customer care. Dillan explains why being in front of customers, understanding their real challenges, and delivering tailored data-driven solutions sits at the heart of Tracker’s strategy. From B2C vehicle tracking to complex B2B fleet solutions, he shares how the company’s expanded product portfolio is shaped directly by customer needs. The conversation explores innovations such as AI-powered analytics, advanced camera systems, in-cab alcohol detection, engine and fuel monitoring, and fully integrated end-to-end solutions. Dillan outlines his vision for Tracker as a technology-led organization that combines predictive intelligence, IoT capabilities, and meaningful data insights — while staying firmly committed to face-to-face engagement and a customer-first culture.
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Neil Colquhoun on scaling Epson and growth across Africa & emerging markets
4w ago00:28:35Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to lead a global technology business across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia—while navigating constant geopolitical shifts and fierce competition? In this episode, Neil Colquhoun, President of Epson META-CWA, shares a rare, inside look at scaling operations across 80+ countries. This conversation is for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers who want real insight into expansion strategy, regional prioritisation, and building relevance in emerging markets—especially across Africa. From investing in local talent and innovation hubs in Johannesburg to feeding customer insight directly into global R&D, you’ll hear how technology, sustainability, and leadership intersect in practice. Colquhoun also breaks down how Epson is rethinking customer relationships, competing beyond price, and embedding a startup mindset inside a legacy global business. If you want a clearer view of how serious companies approach growth, innovation, and long-term value in complex markets, this is a conversation worth your time. Follow the show to stay ahead.
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