TechCentral Podcast
Interviews with leaders in South Africa's ICT industry.
12
NOV
Interview: Huawei Enterprise Group's Alex Du Min and Pinnacle's Fred Saayman
Promoted podcast | In this episode of the podcast, TechCentral talks to Alex Du Min, MD of the Huawei Enterprise Group in South Africa, and Fred Saayman, Pinnacle’s Huawei business unit executive.
Du Min talks in detail about how Huawei got its start, expanded rapidly into new areas, its establishment in South Africa and how the company is building its brand in the country.
He then delves into the Huawei Enterprise Group, what it does and its expansion plans in South Africa.
Saayman talks about Pinnacle’s relationship with Huawei, the nature of the partnership and what its role is as a value-added distributor.
He explains the pressure points facing South African businesses and the areas of strongest demand from clients.
Disclaimer: This is promoted content that may have been paid for by the party concerned
Du Min talks in detail about how Huawei got its start, expanded rapidly into new areas, its establishment in South Africa and how the company is building its brand in the country.
He then delves into the Huawei Enterprise Group, what it does and its expansion plans in South Africa.
Saayman talks about Pinnacle’s relationship with Huawei, the nature of the partnership and what its role is as a value-added distributor.
He explains the pressure points facing South African businesses and the areas of strongest demand from clients.
Disclaimer: This is promoted content that may have been paid for by the party concerned
09
NOV
Interview: Luno country manager Marius Reitz
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod interviews Luno South Africa country manager Marius Reitz.
In the interview, they discuss the cryptocurrency market and where it’s going. Has the value of bitcoin bottomed? Where is it going next? Will it ever be a widely accepted transactional payment mechanism? And what are the pitfalls people should be aware of when investing in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Reitz also talks about the history of Luno – from its founding in South Africa to the various investment rounds it has gone through to its expansion into 40 markets around the world. He gives his view on where the business is going, in both South Africa and abroad.
He explains why Luno only offers access to two cryptocurrencies – bitcoin and ether – and talks about why the company has been reluctant to add new coins to its portfolio of offerings.
The conversation turns to how the perception of crypto investing has changed and how people use the Luno platform today compared to a year ago. It also touches on security and how Luno keeps its customers’ investments secure from cybercriminals.
Don’t miss the discussion.
In the interview, they discuss the cryptocurrency market and where it’s going. Has the value of bitcoin bottomed? Where is it going next? Will it ever be a widely accepted transactional payment mechanism? And what are the pitfalls people should be aware of when investing in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Reitz also talks about the history of Luno – from its founding in South Africa to the various investment rounds it has gone through to its expansion into 40 markets around the world. He gives his view on where the business is going, in both South Africa and abroad.
He explains why Luno only offers access to two cryptocurrencies – bitcoin and ether – and talks about why the company has been reluctant to add new coins to its portfolio of offerings.
The conversation turns to how the perception of crypto investing has changed and how people use the Luno platform today compared to a year ago. It also touches on security and how Luno keeps its customers’ investments secure from cybercriminals.
Don’t miss the discussion.
07
NOV
Interview: The Foschini Group CIO Brent Curry
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod interviews Brent Curry, chief information officer of The Foschini Group (TFG), about the launch of a new online marketplace called myTFGworld.com.
In the interview, Curry explains why the retailer has decided to create a unified marketplace for its 22 brands and why it's planning to add another 40 affiliate brands by 2020.
He talks about the South African e-commerce market, why TFG is investing heavily in online retail and where he thinks the online shopping is going.
Curry also talks about Black Friday, which is taking place on 23 November, and what investments the company has had to make in its systems to ensure the day happens without any hiccups.
It's a fascinating discussion. Don't miss it!
In the interview, Curry explains why the retailer has decided to create a unified marketplace for its 22 brands and why it's planning to add another 40 affiliate brands by 2020.
He talks about the South African e-commerce market, why TFG is investing heavily in online retail and where he thinks the online shopping is going.
Curry also talks about Black Friday, which is taking place on 23 November, and what investments the company has had to make in its systems to ensure the day happens without any hiccups.
It's a fascinating discussion. Don't miss it!
24
OCT
Interview: Project Isizwe CEO Duduzile Mkhwanazi
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod interviews Project Isizwe CEO Duduzile Mkhwanazi on the non-profit's plans for rolling out free Wi-Fi in South Africa following the dissolution of the company's agreement with the City of Tshwane.
Mkhwanazi, who joined Project Isizwe from the Democratic Alliance 19 months ago, explains what happened in Tshwane, and why the company is no longer involved in the city's Wi-Fi project.
She talks about the company's origins, the work it is still involved with and its expansion plans.
In the podcast, Mkhwanazi explains Project Isizwe's business model, what role founder Alan Knott-Craig still plays and some of the opportunities it is pursuing, including in the area of TV white-spaces spectrum (it was involved with Microsoft in a trial of this technology in Limpopo).
Don't miss the discussion.
Mkhwanazi, who joined Project Isizwe from the Democratic Alliance 19 months ago, explains what happened in Tshwane, and why the company is no longer involved in the city's Wi-Fi project.
She talks about the company's origins, the work it is still involved with and its expansion plans.
In the podcast, Mkhwanazi explains Project Isizwe's business model, what role founder Alan Knott-Craig still plays and some of the opportunities it is pursuing, including in the area of TV white-spaces spectrum (it was involved with Microsoft in a trial of this technology in Limpopo).
Don't miss the discussion.
16
OCT
Interview: Aerobotics CEO James Paterson
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod interviews James Paterson, co-founder and CEO of Aerobotics, a Cape Town-based company that pairs drone and satellite imagery with artificial intelligence to help farmers improve their yields.
Focused specifically on tree crops, Aerobotics can analyse individual trees, measure their health and whether anything is affecting them, advising farmers about potential problems and how to fix them.
The business, which enjoys the backing of Nedbank, has plans to expand beyond South Africa and has already set up teams in the US states of Florida and California.
In the podcast, Paterson explains how the company got its start, how the technology works and how it goes to market.
Founded by Paterson and his business partner Benji Meltzer (who serves as chief technology officer), Aerobotics' software, Aeroview, allows tree-crop farmers to identify early-stage problems in their orchards. Used in conjunction with the Aerobotics’ Aeroview Scout App on their smartphone, farmers are able to locate problem areas on a tree-by-tree basis.
Don't miss the interview.
Focused specifically on tree crops, Aerobotics can analyse individual trees, measure their health and whether anything is affecting them, advising farmers about potential problems and how to fix them.
The business, which enjoys the backing of Nedbank, has plans to expand beyond South Africa and has already set up teams in the US states of Florida and California.
In the podcast, Paterson explains how the company got its start, how the technology works and how it goes to market.
Founded by Paterson and his business partner Benji Meltzer (who serves as chief technology officer), Aerobotics' software, Aeroview, allows tree-crop farmers to identify early-stage problems in their orchards. Used in conjunction with the Aerobotics’ Aeroview Scout App on their smartphone, farmers are able to locate problem areas on a tree-by-tree basis.
Don't miss the interview.
10
OCT
Interview: eMedia Holdings CEO Andre van der Veen
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod interviews Andre van der Veen, CEO of e.tv and Openview parent company eMedia Holdings on South Africa's long-delayed digital terrestrial television migration project.
Van der Veen explains why he believes it is possible to complete the digital migration programme by 30 September 2019 and what would be needed to meet that deadline.
He expands on why eMedia launched Openview, a free-to-air satellite platform, and why a "hybrid" model of both satellite and terrestrial broadcasting is needed to complete digital migration in short order.
Why did eMedia launch Openview? Are the broadcasters ready for the digital switch-over? Is it feasible to cancel terrestrial digital broadcasting for a satellite-only model? And what happened to e.tv's fight with MultiChoice over encryption?
Van der Veen answers these questions and more in the podcast. Don't miss it!
Van der Veen explains why he believes it is possible to complete the digital migration programme by 30 September 2019 and what would be needed to meet that deadline.
He expands on why eMedia launched Openview, a free-to-air satellite platform, and why a "hybrid" model of both satellite and terrestrial broadcasting is needed to complete digital migration in short order.
Why did eMedia launch Openview? Are the broadcasters ready for the digital switch-over? Is it feasible to cancel terrestrial digital broadcasting for a satellite-only model? And what happened to e.tv's fight with MultiChoice over encryption?
Van der Veen answers these questions and more in the podcast. Don't miss it!
09
OCT
Interview: Explore Data Science Academy's Shaun Dippnall
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod interviews Shaun Dippnall, co-founder of the Explore Data Science Academy, on the launch of Explore 10X, a programme to develop new fintech businesses in South Africa.
Launched in partnership with Rand Merchant Investment's AlphaCode, the programme intends selecting 20 aspiring fintech entrepreneurs and taking them through a rigorous mentorship and training schedule to develop their ideas into businesses.
In the podcast, Dippnall talks about the background to the Explore Data Science Academy, why it partnered with AlphaCode and the sort of talent it's looking for to take part in Explore 10X.
Don't miss it!
Launched in partnership with Rand Merchant Investment's AlphaCode, the programme intends selecting 20 aspiring fintech entrepreneurs and taking them through a rigorous mentorship and training schedule to develop their ideas into businesses.
In the podcast, Dippnall talks about the background to the Explore Data Science Academy, why it partnered with AlphaCode and the sort of talent it's looking for to take part in Explore 10X.
Don't miss it!
03
OCT
Interview: EOH CEO Stephen van Coller
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod interviews newly appointed EOH Holdings CEO Stephen van Coller on the group's disappointing 2018 financial results.
Van Coller, who joined EOH on 1 September from MTN Group, explains why he decided to take on the role and what his plans are for the business.
He talks about his background in corporate and investment banking and in telecommunications and how that expertise will be brought to bear in EOH.
How quickly will EOH be returned to its former glory? What structural and governance issues still need to be addressed in the business? Will it continue to be as acquisitive as it has in the past? How will it restore the confidence of investors, many of whom have been badly burnt in the past 18 months? Van Coller answers all of these questions and more in the podcast.
Don't miss it!
Van Coller, who joined EOH on 1 September from MTN Group, explains why he decided to take on the role and what his plans are for the business.
He talks about his background in corporate and investment banking and in telecommunications and how that expertise will be brought to bear in EOH.
How quickly will EOH be returned to its former glory? What structural and governance issues still need to be addressed in the business? Will it continue to be as acquisitive as it has in the past? How will it restore the confidence of investors, many of whom have been badly burnt in the past 18 months? Van Coller answers all of these questions and more in the podcast.
Don't miss it!
02
OCT
Interview: Vivaldi CEO Jon von Tetzchner
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod interviews Jon von Tetzchner, CEO of Vivaldi Technologies, the company behind the Vivaldi Web browser.
Von Tetzchner, who co-founded Opera Software and was CEO of the Norwegian company until 2010, talks about why he quit Opera, why he founded Vivaldi and where the project is going.
In the podcast, he talks about browser development over the past 25 years, including the rise of Netscape, Internet Explorer and Chrome, the role Opera played in the industry, and why he’s excited about Vivaldi and the user base the company is attracting – over a million active users and growing.
Von Tetzchner elaborates on his recent criticism of Microsoft’s decisions to promote its Edge Web browser over rivals in Windows 10 and cautions that Google has started behaving in a similar way to Microsoft.
He talks about Vivaldi’s plan to integrate an e-mail client into Vivaldi – and why they’re doing it – and reveals more about the plan to develop a mobile version of the application. He also expands on the recent release of version 2.0 of Vivaldi and user reaction to it so far.
It’s a fascinating discussion. Don’t miss it!
Von Tetzchner, who co-founded Opera Software and was CEO of the Norwegian company until 2010, talks about why he quit Opera, why he founded Vivaldi and where the project is going.
In the podcast, he talks about browser development over the past 25 years, including the rise of Netscape, Internet Explorer and Chrome, the role Opera played in the industry, and why he’s excited about Vivaldi and the user base the company is attracting – over a million active users and growing.
Von Tetzchner elaborates on his recent criticism of Microsoft’s decisions to promote its Edge Web browser over rivals in Windows 10 and cautions that Google has started behaving in a similar way to Microsoft.
He talks about Vivaldi’s plan to integrate an e-mail client into Vivaldi – and why they’re doing it – and reveals more about the plan to develop a mobile version of the application. He also expands on the recent release of version 2.0 of Vivaldi and user reaction to it so far.
It’s a fascinating discussion. Don’t miss it!
28
SEP
Interview: CrashDetech CEO Jaco Gerrits
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod interviews technology entrepreneur and app developer Jaco Gerrits about his company’s app, CrashDetech, which automatically detects if the user has been involved in a car accident.
The app, which uses various technologies built into modern smartphones such as accelerometers, coupled with machine learning, to detect if you have been involved in a serious crash.
Offering various tiers, from a free option to an Elite subscription plan, the app can automatically despatch paramedics if you are unable to call for help.
Developed by programmers in Cape Town, Centurion, India and the Ukraine, CrashDetech can pinpoint your location, despatch the nearest ambulance and even provide you with a lawyer if needed.
In the podcast, Gerrits explains how the technology works, the company’s plan to internationalise it, what was involved in developing the app, how much it costs and what motivated him to develop it.
The app, which uses various technologies built into modern smartphones such as accelerometers, coupled with machine learning, to detect if you have been involved in a serious crash.
Offering various tiers, from a free option to an Elite subscription plan, the app can automatically despatch paramedics if you are unable to call for help.
Developed by programmers in Cape Town, Centurion, India and the Ukraine, CrashDetech can pinpoint your location, despatch the nearest ambulance and even provide you with a lawyer if needed.
In the podcast, Gerrits explains how the technology works, the company’s plan to internationalise it, what was involved in developing the app, how much it costs and what motivated him to develop it.
25
SEP
Interview: Brett and Mark Levy on the future of Blue Label Telecoms
In this episode of the podcast, Duncan McLeod interviews Blue Label Telecoms co-founders and co-CEOs Brett and Mark Levy on the future of the JSE-listed group.
The brothers speak about the sharp fall in the group's share price and what might be causing its decline. They also talk about why they bought 45% of Cell C, and why they believe the market is underestimating the potential not only of the mobile operator but also the synergies available across the broader group.
They talk about the complexity of Blue Label's latest financial results -- were its latest reported numbers too complex for ordinary investors to understand?
And they provide their views on where South Africa's telecommunications market is headed. In the podcast, Brett Levy says he believes the industry will be completely transformed in the next 24-36 months.
The brothers talk about Cell C's possible listing in 2020 and the potential for consolidation in the sector.
Lastly, Mark Levy talks about Blue Label's international businesses in India and Mexico.
It's a great discussion. Don't miss it!
The brothers speak about the sharp fall in the group's share price and what might be causing its decline. They also talk about why they bought 45% of Cell C, and why they believe the market is underestimating the potential not only of the mobile operator but also the synergies available across the broader group.
They talk about the complexity of Blue Label's latest financial results -- were its latest reported numbers too complex for ordinary investors to understand?
And they provide their views on where South Africa's telecommunications market is headed. In the podcast, Brett Levy says he believes the industry will be completely transformed in the next 24-36 months.
The brothers talk about Cell C's possible listing in 2020 and the potential for consolidation in the sector.
Lastly, Mark Levy talks about Blue Label's international businesses in India and Mexico.
It's a great discussion. Don't miss it!
18
SEP
Call: Naspers CEO Bob van Dijk on the MultiChoice unbundling
Naspers Group CEO Bob van Dijk, together with Naspers video entertainment CEO Imtiaz Patel and MultiChoice South Africa CEO Calvo Mawela, held a media call on Tuesday morning to discuss Naspers's plan to unbundle MultiChoice and list it on the JSE.
In the call, Van Dijk explained the rationale for the decision, while Patel set out why he believes MultiChoice is well positioned for the future, despite the competitive threats posed by international online streaming services like Netflix.
In the call, TechCentral asked Van Dijk why Naspers has decided not to retain a stake in MultiChoice following the unbundling and what the group's plans are for Showmax operations beyond Africa (which are not included in the planned listing of MultiChoice Group on the JSE).
In the call, Van Dijk explained the rationale for the decision, while Patel set out why he believes MultiChoice is well positioned for the future, despite the competitive threats posed by international online streaming services like Netflix.
In the call, TechCentral asked Van Dijk why Naspers has decided not to retain a stake in MultiChoice following the unbundling and what the group's plans are for Showmax operations beyond Africa (which are not included in the planned listing of MultiChoice Group on the JSE).
