Kaya 959 Tech & Innovation

Telkom’s R100 Million AI Institute: Building SA’s Digital Future

Loading player...
Telkom CEO Serame Taukobong discusses the company’s landmark R100 million pledge to launch the Telkom AI Institute — a national platform aimed at building AI and digital skills, accelerating innovation, and expanding participation in the digital economy. He explains why “connectivity without capability only gets South Africa halfway there,” how AI is creating a new digital divide, and what the Institute means for young people, small businesses, and the country’s Vision 2030 ambitions.
14 Jul English South Africa Technology · Business

Other recent episodes

Inside the AI Graveyard: Why Good Ideas Die in Corporate Boardrooms

Otinga CEO Francois van der Merwe exposes “innovation theatre” — the corporate habit of running AI pilots, prototypes and presentations that never reach customers or deliver value. We unpack why ideas die in committees, how to spot fake innovation early, and how leaders can turn AI concepts into measurable business…
1 Sep 15 min

The Quiet Giant Transforming Payroll & Deskless Workforce Management

Jem COO Caroline van der Merwe joins us to unpack how the fast‑growing fintech is reshaping payroll, earned‑wage access, and deskless workforce management in South Africa. Fresh off an $8.4m Series A round led by Quona Capital, Caroline explains Jem’s mission, its tech backbone, and why empowering deskless workers is…
25 Aug 16 min

Fleet Electrification Arrives: What SA Businesses Must Decide Now

South Africa’s new energy vehicle transition is accelerating — and 2026 is the year fleet electrification becomes a real business decision. FNB Commercial’s Sustainable Finance Head Linda Musonda joins Kaya Biz to unpack the commercial realities behind NEVs: total cost of ownership, charging infrastructure, pilot programmes, incentives, and what logistics,…
11 Aug 9 min

Building Global EdTech in SA

Teach Me 2 has been named to TIME’s World’s Top EdTech Companies 2026 — a major milestone for South African innovation. Founder Nick Miller shares how the company scaled past 1 million tutoring lessons, expanded into 50+ countries, and built resilience in a challenging local environment. He also discusses AI’s…
4 Aug 22 min
All episodes