In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks with Luis da Silva, CEO of Healthbridge, about how the company is redefining healthcare through purposeful AI innovation. With a 26-year legacy in health IT, Healthbridge is empowering doctors and medical practices by simplifying workflows, enhancing patient care, and reclaiming valuable time through intelligent automation. Luis explains how Healthbridge’s early partnership with Google and its dedicated Innovation Lab have helped it stay ahead of the curve, integrating AI into everyday clinical interactions. From ambient listening that transcribes patient consultations in real time to AI-driven insights that reduce administrative burdens, Healthbridge is showing how technology can amplify rather than replace healthcare professionals. They also explore the future of value-based care, how AI can help align incentives across the healthcare ecosystem, and why empathy, adaptability, and collaboration remain vital as the industry transforms.

In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks with Rashid Tar-Mahomed, Managing Executive for Products and Services within the Consumer Business Unit at Vodacom South Africa. Rashid explains how Vodacom has transformed its postpaid portfolio by simplifying its plans from ten to four, making it easier for customers to choose the right option while providing greater value in a challenging economy. The new RED Core plans now include lifestyle benefits such as funeral cover, device insurance, and entertainment subscriptions. By integrating connectivity, financial services, and entertainment, Vodacom aims to deliver a seamless digital experience that meets the customer's changing lifestyle needs. He shares how ongoing customer feedback and international trends guide Vodacom’s innovations as the company continues to simplify, innovate, and lead South Africa’s digital transformation.

In this episode, we sit down with Richard Simpson, Managing Director at Celerity, to uncover the fascinating journey from civil engineering to pioneering global business messaging. Richard shares how a simple need to send weather updates in 1999 sparked the creation of BulkSMS, a platform that has since transformed how businesses communicate. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted global solution, Richard explains how SMS remains one of the most reliable and effective communication tools today. We also explore the evolution of Celerity, the parent brand behind BulkSMS, and its latest innovation: Kero, a rich business messaging platform that takes customer engagement beyond text. Richard explains how new technologies like RCS are shaping the future of communication, why SMS is still far from “dead,” and how Celerity continues to stay ahead with secure, scalable, and innovative messaging solutions.

In this insightful conversation, Hennie Human, Managing Partner of EY's Africa Consulting Business, shares valuable lessons from his 25-year career working across diverse industries. He emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven projects, understanding industry context, and fostering true collaboration with clients to create impactful solutions. Hennie also explores the challenges and opportunities businesses face in 2025, from cybersecurity and the talent gap to the rise of AI, automation, and cloud-native platforms. He explains how EY helps organizations embrace digital transformation, avoid common pitfalls, and unlock real value by keeping people, processes, and technology aligned for the future.

In this episode of What's Next with Aki Anastasiou, we speak with Romulen Pillay, Managing Director of Philips Southern Africa, about the latest findings from Philips’ global Future Health Index report. Now in its 10th year, the study surveyed 16,000 patients and 2,000 healthcare professionals across 16 countries, including South Africa, to explore how AI is transforming healthcare delivery. Romulen shares how artificial intelligence is already helping to address South Africa’s healthcare challenges—from staff shortages to improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care. He also discusses the growing optimism among South African healthcare professionals about AI adoption and the need to bridge the “trust gap” between patients and technology. Romulen highlights how AI can reduce administrative burdens, improve waiting times, and ultimately allow doctors to spend more meaningful time with patients. The conversation also explores the importance of collaboration, preventative care, and responsible data use to ensure that AI adoption remains human-centric and beneficial for both healthcare providers and patients.

In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks with Muzzafar Nagvadari, Executive Head: Merchant Solutions Sales and Service SA at Standard Bank Group, about how digital payments are transforming South Africa’s business landscape. Muzzafar explains how the rapid rise of contactless, mobile, and e-commerce transactions is changing the way merchants operate and how businesses can adapt to meet evolving customer expectations. He also discusses the growing demand for unified commerce systems that bring together in-store, online, and mobile payments for greater efficiency and insight. Muzzafar introduces SimplyBLU, Standard Bank’s smart payment and business management platform designed to simplify and streamline operations for SMEs. By integrating payment acceptance, inventory tracking, invoicing, and real-time analytics, SimplyBLU enables businesses to make data-driven decisions, improve customer experience, and scale effectively. He also shares advice for SMEs on managing costs, enhancing security, and embracing innovation to stay competitive in the digital economy.

In this episode of What's Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Michael Otten, CEO of Oneplan, to explore how the company has transformed the South African insurance landscape over the past 15 years. Michael shares insights into Oneplan’s journey from its early days as a traditional short-term insurer to becoming an innovator in health, pet, gap, and motor insurance. He discusses the unique challenges of serving South African consumers and how technology, from digitization to AI, is reshaping the way insurance products are delivered and experienced. The conversation also dives into Oneplan’s differentiators, such as real-time access to insurance funds via prepaid cards and their customer-first approach that simplifies complex processes. Michael highlights the growing demand in health and pet insurance, the importance of gap cover, and how bundling products creates greater value for clients. Looking ahead, he shares his perspective on future trends, including the evolving role of AI in training, customer engagement, and product innovation, while keeping the human element at the heart of service delivery. Oneplan is sold by Oneplan Brokers (Pty) Ltd and administered by Oneplan Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd, authorised financial services providers FSP43627 and FSP43628. Oneplan is not a benefit option regulated by the Medical Schemes Act, but a short-term insurance product underwritten by Bryte Insurance Company Limited a licensed insurer and an authorised FSP(17703).

In this episode of What's Next, we welcome back Frikkie van Loggerenberg, Head of Investment Strategy and CEO of IFSA. He shares valuable insights into the most common questions clients ask financial advisors, with a strong focus on wills, estate planning, and understanding the true costs involved in winding up an estate. Frikkie highlights why these fundamentals are at the core of sound financial planning and how they connect directly to securing your legacy. The discussion also explores common mistakes people make when relying on DIY solutions or AI for estate planning, and why professional guidance is crucial for peace of mind. Frikkie explains IFSA’s client-first approach, emphasizing planning before products, face-to-face relationships, and ongoing support — including managing estates after clients pass on. Whether your estate is large or small, this conversation underlines why it’s never too early to plan properly.

In this episode of What's Next, we welcome Dion Govender, Managing Director of IS³, to discuss the upcoming IS³ X-Change 2025 conference. Taking place on 28–29 October in Cape Town, this premier event showcases future-ready industrial automation insights and solutions tailored for Africa. Powered by global expertise and enriched with local knowledge, X-Change 2025 promises to deliver measurable value for every stakeholder. We explore IS³’s role as the exclusive AVEVA Select Partner in sub-Saharan Africa, the challenges facing industrial businesses in 2025, and how digital transformation, AI, and cloud-driven solutions are reshaping industries. Dion also highlights what makes this year’s X-Change different, from customer success stories to fresh formats and international participation, making it the must-attend event for organizations looking to stay competitive and unlock real value. Registration discount codes: - 1 Exhibitor: Exh1MBL50 - 2 Exhibitors: Exh2MBL50 - Delegate: DelMBL50\\ Sign up here: https://evolve.eventoptions.co.za/register/is%C2%B3x-change2025/details?utm_source=MyBroadband&utm_medium=Interview&utm_term=September+2025

In this episode, we dive into the role of PayInc. (formerly BankservAfrica) at the heart of South Africa’s payments ecosystem. With 53 years of experience, PayInc. has been instrumental in building and maintaining the country’s payment infrastructure. Today, it processes nearly 400 million transactions a month, ensuring that payments are secure, reliable, and always on. From card swipes to instant transfers, their systems quietly power the economy while supporting financial inclusion for millions. We also explore the evolution of payments over the past five decades, the technology behind high-availability systems, and how PayInc. is modernizing through cloud, microservices, and AI-driven innovation. With a focus on resilience and scalability, their work keeps South Africa’s financial systems running 24/7, even during peak times like paydays and Black Friday.

In this episode, we sit down with Ashif Black, Country Representative of InDrive South Africa, to explore how the company is reshaping the ride-hailing industry with fairness, transparency, and freedom of choice. Ashif shares the story of InDrive’s origins, how its unique negotiation model empowers both drivers and passengers, and why low commissions and fair pricing are central to its mission. He also highlights the platform’s expansion across South African cities and the value it brings to communities through affordable, accessible, and transparent mobility. The conversation also touches on safety, global presence, and innovation, with Ashif explaining how InDrive ensures driver and passenger protection, leverages insights from its operations in over 800 cities worldwide, and adapts technology to local needs. Beyond rides, InDrive is expanding into courier, delivery, and intercity services, while creating new opportunities for youth and drivers in South Africa.

In this episode, we welcome Dietlof Mare, CEO of MAZIV, the company behind South Africa’s largest open-access fiber networks, including Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa. With the Competition Appeal Court’s approval of MAZIV’s landmark merger with Vodacom, the company is entering a defining chapter in its mission to connect more South Africans. Dietlof shares insights on the challenges of fiber rollout, the scale of investment required, and the impact that expanded connectivity can have on communities and the broader economy. The discussion also explores how the transaction unlocks capital and infrastructure needed to accelerate fiber expansion, particularly into underserved areas. Dietlof highlights the importance of balancing competition with public interest, while ensuring open access remains at the core of MAZIV’s model. With plans to reach millions more homes and businesses, he unpacks how enterprise fiber, 5G backhaul, and community connectivity will play a critical role in South Africa’s digital future.

In this conversation, Andrew Bourne, Regional Head for Zoho in Southern Africa, unpacks what makes Zoho unique in the global tech space. He explains how Zoho serves over 113 million users worldwide, with a strong local presence in South Africa, offering region-specific integrations and billing in rand. Andrew highlights Zoho’s user-friendly, scalable environments—from no-code to pro-code—and its cost-efficient approach by owning every layer of its tech stack and building solutions entirely in-house. The discussion also dives into Zoho’s long-standing use of AI, emphasizing how its advanced assistant, Zia, transforms business operations. From churn prediction and sentiment analysis to powerful analytics insights and custom AI agents, Zia empowers businesses to boost productivity and make data-driven decisions. Andrew also stresses Zoho’s privacy-first approach, cost optimization, and flexibility, positioning its AI ecosystem as an enabler of innovation and growth for organizations of all sizes.

In this discussion, Deon Stroebel, Chief Innovation Officer at LSD Open, explains how the company helps organizations modernize through cloud-native solutions, Kubernetes, containers, and automation. With over 25 years of experience, LSD Open has guided leading businesses in banking, telecoms, and media through successful digital transformation journeys, ensuring modernization drives measurable ROI while avoiding common pitfalls of cloud adoption. Deon also shares insights on the importance of modernization, the human role in technology, and why businesses should embrace AI responsibly. He emphasizes how AI, automation, and cloud technologies can augment people rather than replace them, enabling greater efficiency, scalability, and innovation. By pairing human expertise with advanced tools, organizations can unlock faster growth, reduce risk, and remain competitive in an evolving digital landscape.

In this episode, Aki Anastasiou speaks with Martha Lamola, Operations Director for Vodacom Business Ventures and Partnerships, about how Vodacom is driving innovation while ensuring operational excellence across its enterprise ventures. Martha explains how Vodacom combines “basic brilliance” with forward-looking technologies to deliver trusted solutions that businesses can rely on. She highlights how trust, infrastructure, and innovation work together to build long-term partnerships with clients. The conversation explores real-world examples of Vodacom’s impact, such as IoT-driven solutions in energy management and agriculture that are transforming industries in South Africa and beyond. Martha also shares insights on the future of enterprise telecommunications, including the role of cloud migration, AI, cybersecurity, and 5G in shaping growth opportunities across the continent.

In this episode of What's Next, we sit down with David Cosgrave, Country Manager for SAS South Africa, to reflect on the company’s 30-year legacy in the country and its role in shaping the local technology and data landscape. David shares his journey stepping into the role, the privilege of leading during such a milestone year, and how SAS has built strong ties with South African businesses, universities, and graduates. From training more than 40,000 professionals to partnering with top institutions, SAS has become deeply embedded in the nation’s business and skills ecosystem. The conversation also explores SAS’s global legacy of nearly 50 years and its evolution from a statistical programming language to a global leader in analytics and AI. David discusses how the company is embracing the future with cloud technology, predictive and generative AI, and its focus on trustworthy AI for business-critical decision-making. With decades of experience in enabling organizations to unlock real value from their data, SAS continues to shape the future of analytics in South Africa and beyond.

In this episode of What's Next, we welcome Frikkie van Loggerenberg, Head of Investment Strategy and CEO of IFSA. Frikkie shares the fascinating story behind the origins of IFSA and how the company has evolved from its beginnings as an advisory business into a specialized investment management firm with a strong focus on estate planning. He explains why many individuals fall into the trap of “quick and dirty” financial planning, and highlights the importance of building a proper foundation through holistic advice, lifestyle analysis, and long-term strategies instead of simply focusing on products. The conversation dives deep into the role of estate planning as the cornerstone of financial success. Frikkie outlines common mistakes people make—such as not having a will, underestimating liquidity needs, or assuming their estate is too simple to require planning—and explains how IFSA takes a different, independent approach. With a national network of advisers and a client-first philosophy, IFSA helps individuals structure their investments, retirement planning, and estates in a way that aligns with their wishes and safeguards their legacy.

In this episode of What's Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Cornelia van Heerden, Executive for Customer Experience and Services at MTN South Africa, to discuss how the company is strengthening its commitment to customers. Cornelia shares insights into how MTN is listening closely to customer feedback, tackling frustrations one step at a time, and ensuring that the human element remains central even as technology and automation play a bigger role. She also highlights MTN’s rollout of facial biometric solutions, a major step in fraud prevention that balances stronger security with reduced friction for customers. From AI-driven customer support to enhanced SIM swap and OTP protection, Cornelia explains how MTN is using innovation to build trust, improve service, and create a safer, more seamless experience for millions of customers every day.

In this episode, we welcome back Jonathan Hurvitz, CEO of Teljoy, to catch up on the company’s remarkable journey. Jonathan reflects on his 11 years with the business, its growth, and the key factors that have helped Teljoy thrive despite economic challenges. From building a strong internal culture to leveraging 56 years of customer data, Teljoy has evolved to stay relevant while keeping its core mission intact—creating accessibility for South Africans through its rent-to-own model. We also explore how the business has adapted to changing consumer needs, embraced new technologies, and expanded its offerings beyond TVs to include everything from kitchen appliances to premium furniture. Jonathan also dives into the growing appeal of rent-to-own in today’s economic climate, highlighting its flexibility, peace of mind, and cost-saving benefits compared to traditional credit. We discuss the company’s expansion into baby goods, the long-term relationships built with customers, and how their referral and loyalty programs turn satisfied clients into brand ambassadors. With exciting initiatives like a competition to win a Suzuki Swift, Teljoy continues to innovate while staying true to its original values from 1969. This conversation is a fascinating look at how a heritage brand remains modern, customer-focused, and resilient in a rapidly changing world.

Marc du Plessis is the Executive Head of LookSee Platform at Standard Bank Group. Du Plessis is a business operations and revenue management veteran with over a decade of industry experience. He previously served as Spark Media CEO from 2016 until 2018 and achieved 25% annual growth for the company. This resulted in him winning the 2018 Top Media Sales Business Award. Du Plessis was then appointed Group Executive: Digital Businesses at CTP-Caxton Limited in 2019. Most recently, he joined LookSee and Standard Bank in 2021 to begin his current role. Du Plessis prides himself on being a hands-on operating executive and boasts core expertise in digital enablement and as an entrepreneurial growth enabler. In this episode of What's Next, Du Plessis discusses the main reason why South African’s are investing in solar energy in 2025.