The CIO Revolution: How GenAI is Transforming the Job Description

Get ready for the biggest shake-up in the tech industry: generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is here to stay, and CIOs are leading the charge. At the annual ITWeb Brainstorm CIO Banquet, held in Sandton, we got a sneak peek at the latest survey results, and the picture is clear: GenAI adoption has more than doubled among South African CIOs in the past year.

But what does this mean for the CIOs themselves? Are they poised to take on even more responsibilities, or are they feeling the pressure of these rapidly changing times?

According to the survey, 38% of CIOs have already adopted GenAI, up from just 16% last year. And this isn’t just a passing trend – GenAI is here to stay, with 50% of respondents saying it’s being used in cyber security, 43% in employee productivity, and 38% in knowledge management.

But what does this mean for the CIOs themselves? Will they be shouldering even more responsibilities, or will this be a case of "out with the old, in with the new"? The survey suggests that 59% of CIOs are 40-50 years old, with 26.6% already 50-60. Will they be content to stick with the status quo, or will they be looking to retire, move up to the CEO role, or make a bold move to another country?

And what about the threat of emigration? 76% of CIOs say they plan to stay in South Africa – a heartening result, considering the often-dour outlook on the brain drain and emigration of taxpayers from the country.

But what about cyber security? 55% of CIOs now have responsibility for their companies’ security, up from 49% last year. Is this a sign that the CIO is becoming even more vital to the organization, or simply another sign that the buck stops with them?

The survey results are in, and the implications are clear: the CIO role is evolving at a breakneck pace. Will they be able to adapt, or will they be left behind in the dust? The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: GenAI is here to stay, and the CIOs who can harness its power will be the ones leading the charge.

The Full Report

Get access to the preliminary results of the ITWeb Brainstorm CIO Survey 2024 by downloading the presentation slides here.

The Rise of the Dragon: How China Is Conquering the Electric Vehicle Market and Leaving German Car Makers in the Dust

For years, Chinese consumers lapped up German luxury cars like Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW. But now, a new era has dawned, and the tides of power have shifted. As the world’s largest market, China is dominated by local brands like BYD, Xpeng, and Geely, with younger, tech-savvy buyers abandoning traditional selling points like horsepower and handling for lightning-fast charging and sleek, high-tech infotainment systems.

Ryan Xu, a 36-year-old entrepreneur, owns a Porsche 911 and a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, but her views on German cars have soured. "The software systems in the Taycan are terrible," she says. "It’s just an electrified Porsche – and that’s it." Like many others, she’s made the switch to a Chinese brand, opting for an ET5 from NIO, which offers a more luxurious interior design, smooth voice controls, and the ability to greet her kids by name as they climb in.

As Chinese manufacturers focus on domestic sales, German car makers face an existential threat. With over 40 factories across China, they’re too big to fail, but they risk becoming also-rans in the EV market, which is expected to surge to 20% of global sales by 2030.

While Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW are struggling to adapt, Chinese manufacturers are gearing up for a massive push into Europe, showcasing their latest tech at the Paris auto show. The stakes are high, as Huawei’s rotating CEO, Guolph Handrian, revealed in a recent interview, "We’re not going to leave any opportunity to the opposition."

But can Germany’s Big Three survive this intense pressure from the East? The writing is on the wall: less than 10% of Chinese car buyers choose German EVs, and without a dramatic change of strategy, the slump risks turning into a rout. The German government, too, has already warned the country’s car makers that they need to adapt or face the consequences. As one analyst quipped, "They’re hoping to be too big to fail – but that’s exactly what got them into trouble in the first place."

Indeed, the path forward is treacherous, with Chinese manufacturers eager to disrupt the status quo. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown between titans, as the world’s leading economies clash in a high-stakes battle for market share, innovation, and technological superiority. Will Germany’s car makers emerge victorious, or will the dragon of China breathe new life into the industry? Only time will tell.

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The Shady World of Telemarketing Exposed

In a shocking turn of events, the Information Regulator (InfoReg) has cracked down on direct marketing firms, revealing a sinister world of spam calls, consumer complaints, and ethical lapses. Led by the unflappable Pansy Tlakula, InfoReg is hell-bent on enforcing the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), ensuring that the curtain finally pulls back on these dirty tactics.

But, what’s the solution to this telemarketing pandora’s box? Enter OmniContact, a revolutionary platform that threatens to turn the tables on the industry. This game-changing technology automates repetitive tasks, minimising human error and data breaches, while ensuring compliance with the POPI Act.

The cat’s out of the bag: telemarketing tactics are out of control, with calls bombarding consumers’ inboxes and voices non-stop. But, in a desperate bid to stay ahead of the curve, firms are resorting to dirty tricks, including misleading marketing and data harvesting. It’s time to stop the juggernaut of bad behaviour and put consumers first.

OmniContact, developed by Saicom, is more than just a system – it’s a movement towards responsible marketing practices. Van Vollenhoven, chief infrastructure at Saicom, explains how OmniContact can transform customer interactions, providing a framework for ethical marketing and compliance with the POPI Act. "The POPI Act has a profound effect on direct- and tele-marketing… Companies must prioritise data protection and privacy in their operations, leading to a more respectful and responsible marketing environment," he warns.

Will the industry listen or continue to ignore the warning signs? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the gloves are off, and it’s time for a shake-up. The Direct Marketing Association of Southern Africa (DMASA) is caught in the crosshairs, as it scrambles to promote ethical marketing practices and ensure its members align with regulatory standards.

SHOCK SEXY Move: SA E-Commerce Giant Pargo To Conquest Rest of Africa

[Image: Pargo CEO Lars Veul, looking like a boss]

The South African click-and-collect company Pargo is on a mission to take over the rest of the continent, its CEO, Lars Veul, revealed in an interview. And we’re not just talking about a gentle, casual expansion – no, no, no. We’re talking about a FULL-ON, ALL-OUT CONQUEST.

But don’t just take our word for it. The numbers are on their side. Africa is projected to have over 500 million e-commerce users by 2025, with a whopping 17% annual growth rate. That’s like, HOOKED.

But how, you ask? Well, it’s all about the trifecta of internet penetration, smartphone adoption, and digital financial services, especially mobile money. And Pargo is ready to lap up this growth like a boss.

So, what’s the plan, Lars? "We’re looking at an expansion strategy to move into multiple markets," he said. "We’re already operational in Egypt, but we’re eyeing the main economies in Africa. And we’ll follow our existing clients into new markets, because, well, where else would they go?"

And what about the pick-up points, you ask? Oh, they’ve got over 4,000 of those babies spread across South Africa, including spazas in townships. That’s a lot of parcels to deliver. And don’t even get us started on Amazon – they’re already partnering up with Pargo to make it easier for their customers to get their online goods.

Now, we know what you’re thinking. "But is this a good thing? I mean, won’t they, like, disrupt the whole e-commerce landscape?" To which we say, "Uh, probably not." But hey, at least they’re not going to let the market get them down.

The Game-Changer: Unpicking SA’s Rotten Web of Regulations

The exclusivity of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector has long been a thorn in the side of efforts to bridge the digital divide. As the government sets its sights on liberalizing regulatory hurdles, will the proposed changes usher in a new era of growth and innovation, or will it be a recipe for chaos?

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has identified the need to revamp the regulatory environment, acknowledging that the current framework has stifled growth and investor enthusiasm. His strategy to simplify policies and ease regulatory burdens is a step in the right direction. By doing so, he can create an environment that fosters innovation, attracts new players, and stimulates competition.

The question on everyone’s lips is: what will be the impact of lower regulatory hurdles on the ICT sector? Will it lead to a surge in investment, akin to the sort of boom seen in other sectors? Or will the fears of local operators materialize, leading to a backlash against the reform?

For Wits, the current BEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) regime, while well intentioned, has become a hindrance to growth. “Lowering regulatory barriers will not only make it easier for foreign players to enter the market but also allow local entrepreneurs to scale their businesses,” he suggests.

On the other hand, Andre Wills, MD of Africa Analysis, thinks that the relaxation of BEE conditions will lead to a rush of new players entering the market, which may disrupt the status quo. “However, this could also bring in fresh perspectives, drive innovation, and lead to more inclusive growth,” he warns.

Mark Walker, IDC South Africa country manager, believes that the key lies in striking a balance between promoting growth and ensuring that local businesses are not left behind. “Reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, while providing incentives for local investment and training programs, could be a winning formula.”

While the jury is still out on the specifics of the plan, one thing is certain: the current regulatory landscape has obstructed growth and innovation in the ICT sector. By shaking things up, Malatsi has positioned himself to reap the benefits of a more liberalized environment, one that can unlock the sector’s true potential.

As SA hurtles towards a technology-driven future, it’s imperative that the country gets it right. Will the proposed changes be the catalyst for growth, or will they fall flat? Only time will tell.

Wake-up Call for SA: “Get with the Times or Get Left Behind”

The Electric or the Road?

As “Murphy’s Law” would have it, South Africa has historically been stuck in neutral gear when it comes to electric vehicles. But President Cyril Ramaphosa has just thrown a football into the stadium, and it’s now or never for the country!

In an impassioned speech, Ramaphosa declared that SA needs to “stop stalling and start switching” to electric vehicles. Why? Because “if we don’t, we’ll be left in the dust!” His simple but stark message is a litmus test for the auto industry: can South Africa pivot fast enough to keep up with global trends?

The stats are daunting: according to a recent report, other African countries like Egypt and Ethiopia have already outrun us in the electric vehicle production stakes. That’s 110,000 SA jobs at stake – not to mention our global competitiveness. Your move, SA!

The Plot Thickens

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana recently unveiled a new EV policy, but with a significant catch: it won’t kick in until 2026. That’s like waiting until the rest of the world has already sped off into the distance! The frustration in the motoring industry is palpable, and rightfully so – uncertainty is killing progress.

The Stakes are Higher Than Ever

The decision is now clear: South Africa must double down on electric vehicles to avoid being left behind. The question is, are we up for the challenge? Can we adapt and innovate, or will we remain stuck in the slow lane of the 20th century?

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