Author: Editor

By early July, South Africans had already experienced the equivalent of 170 days of rolling blackouts. For construction companies, the subsequent investments in alternative energy sources and rising costs for electricity and fuel have influenced everything from project costs and timelines to their approach to business. “The repercussions for construction have been significant. Costs for fuelling machinery, lighting sites, heating, and transportation have ballooned and contributed to higher construction costs. Beyond that, investors have become more cautious to take on new construction projects. This has not only resulted in a decline of construction investments but also seen a reduction in…

By Dr Annemarie Lombard The post-COVID-19 ‘new normal’ is radically different to life as we once knew it … your working environment has expanded beyond just the computer screen and office and it is possible to work virtually from anywhere as per the hybrid model. But there is a price to pay for this hybrid existence. Your eyes are in another kind of lockdown on your screen, particularly when you are in digital meetings. And your ears are trying to contest with the distractions of your screaming toddler, a hungry teenager (in my case), a barking dog, an irritable spouse,…

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, Redstor, a born-in-the cloud software vendor and provider of the smarter cloud backup platform of choice for managed service providers (MSPs), is putting the spotlight on its commitment to gender equality and female empowerment. Dedicated to nurturing a diverse talent pool, Redstor has established the Women’s Impact Network (WINTribe). This initiative, conceived by women for inclusivity and diversity, also engages male allies in its mission. It aims to create an atmosphere where everyone, irrespective of gender, can flourish. Central to the WINTribe ethos is the establishment of a workspace that values diverse perspectives and…

As South Africa commemorates Women’s Month this August, the spotlight falls on the accomplishments and influence of women in the data science field at Remote Metering Solutions (RMS). Lisa van der Merwe, a data scientist at the organisation, shares insights into her unique journey in the realm of data science, and how her background in engineering and statistics has helped her rise to the challenge in this rapidly evolving field. While her roots lie in engineering, Lisa’s fascination for the intricacies of mathematical statistics gradually captivated her. Her brief experience as an educator, where she witnessed her students’ authentic inquisitiveness,…

The advent of AI reporters, as showcased by platforms such as NewsGPT.ai, has heralded a significant shift in the realm of journalism. As these technologies rise in prominence and capability, journalism schools across the globe are gearing up for a transformation unlike any before. A Paradigm Shift in Journalism Education No longer constrained to traditional reporting techniques, cutting edge journalism schools are now embracing a new curriculum that amalgamates human creativity with machine intelligence. Key highlights include: Integrative Learning: Courses now emphasize the synergy between AI-driven reporting and human analysis, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to work alongside AI counterparts. Ethics…

Dylan Cairns, Marketing Manager for Partner Acquisition in the UK and EMEA at Redstor With the cybersecurity landscape continually evolving, it is more important than ever for local businesses to keep pace with the changes. The increasing prevalence of threats like phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and ransomware, underscores the need for innovative solutions that span both virtual and physical realms. Furthermore, physical security technology is no longer confined to conventional devices. The advent of smart security is transforming the way we protect assets. Cameras, beams, motion detectors, and sensors are now imbued with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning…

In the age of advancing technology, the field of journalism is poised to undergo a groundbreaking transformation. With the emergence of NewsGPT, a powerful AI language model designed specifically for news generation, we are on the brink of a new era in news reporting. This article explores the potential impact of NewsGPT and how it will revolutionize the way we consume news. Unbiased and Efficient Reporting: NewsGPT is on a journey to deliver unbiased and fact-based news reporting. By eliminating human biases and preconceptions, this AI-powered platform aims to provide objective and comprehensive coverage. With its ability to process vast…

By Ilse Swanepoel, COO at Remote Metering Solutions As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, it is more important than ever to recognise the pivotal role that women play in achieving the nation’s net zero targets. The fight against climate change demands active participation and leadership from women, and to make this a reality, we must break down barriers and create an environment that fosters their advancement. Education lies at the heart of empowering women to take the lead in climate action. By promoting equal access to education, particularly in fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), we can equip…

By Howard Feldman God started it.  God was one of the first that we know of who used His words for good. Pretty much right in the beginning of the whole book of Genesis we are told that He said: “Let there be light.” And indeed, there was.  Light. Words were used to create the world. Which means that they have immense power, not only to build, but also to break. Magicians know this too. The well-known phrase uttered by anyone who knows anything is “Abra Cadabra”, which comes from Aramaic. “Abra” is the Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew “avra”…

By Portia Mabaso, Technical Account Manager at Redstor Access to IT skills will be the key to unlocking future business innovation and growth. Unfortunately, many companies in South Africa and the rest of the continent are being limited by a lack of skills. Statistics show that 90% of children in Africa leave school without learning any basic digital skills. Addressing the IT skills shortage is therefore critical if businesses are to remain relevant in today’s digital marketplace. This is according to Redstor, a born-in-the cloud software vendor and provider of the smarter cloud backup platform of choice for managed service…