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    ISP Kaya Konekta’s Ambitious Gamble: Will SA Connect Pay Off?

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    The Corporate Wolf: How Kaya Konekta is Taking on the Monopolies and Bringing the Fight to the Underserved Communities

    It’s time to rattle the cages and shake up the status quo. In a bold move, Kaya Konekta, a newly-minted internet service provider (ISP), is gearing up to take on the giants and bring affordable internet to the underserved communities of South Africa. Led by CEO Thabiso Malekele, this company is determined to disrupt the market and make a difference.

    In an exclusive interview with ITWeb, Malekele laid out his vision for Kaya Konekta, which has been making waves in the industry with its wireless technology and plans to expand to other townships. The company’s fresh approach has sparked a frenzy of interest, with many wondering how it plans to take on the established players in the market.

    Malekele wasted no time in throwing down the gauntlet, revealing that Kaya Konekta is “not just another ISP trying to offer the same old services.” Instead, it’s a company that’s committed to empowering the marginalized and bringing the digital divide to an end.

    “We’re not just talking about providing internet access; we’re talking about creating opportunities,” Malekele emphasized, his passion evident in his tone. “We’re giving people the chance to break free from the shackles of poverty and create a better life for themselves and their families.”

    But how does Kaya Konekta plan to achieve this lofty goal? The company has been focusing on building a strong presence in Cosmo City, Johannesburg, using wireless technologies to bring affordable internet to the area. And now, it’s gearing up to expand to other townships, including the Free State and Reitz.

    The real question on everyone’s minds, though, is how Kaya Konekta plans to compete with the likes of Vumatel and Fibretime, which have been making waves in the market with their own affordable internet packages. Malekele was candid in his assessment, acknowledging that it’s a tough market to crack but expressing confidence in Kaya Konekta’s ability to carve out a niche.

    “We’re not operating in the same areas as them, which is a good thing,” he said. “The minute you start congesting these areas with different service providers, it starts to affect the business model. We’re more focused on wireless technology, and that gives us a unique selling point.”

    But it’s not all smooth sailing for Kaya Konekta, of course. The company faces intense competition, and the infrastructure costs are significant. Malekele conceded that the biggest hurdle is the five-year commitment required to secure pricing and bandwidth, which can be a daunting prospect for smaller players like Kaya Konekta.

    “The bigger guys can easily go into a five-year agreement and get charged less,” he noted. “They can also take more bandwidth or a bigger pipe, which means they get further discounts. So, you struggle to compete.”

    Despite the challenges, Malekele remains optimistic about Kaya Konekta’s prospects. With a new partnership with a fintech firm in the works, the company is poised to revolutionize its payment structure and move away from cash-based transactions. This could be the game-changer that sets Kaya Konekta apart from its rivals and cements its position as a force to be reckoned with in the market.

    In the end, Kaya Konekta’s success will depend on its ability to deliver on its promises and make a meaningful impact in the communities it serves. With its bold vision and commitment to empowering the marginalized, it’s clear that this company is ready to shake things up and bring the fight to the underserved communities of South Africa.

    Mustek Sells Out to CyberAntix: The Bottom Line of ‘Diversification’?

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    EXCLUSIVE: Mustek’s Shocking Move to Snatch Up Cybersecurity Firm CyberAntix for $2.4 Million in a Desperate Bid to Diversify its Revenue Streams

    In a move that has left the industry reeling, JSE-listed technology firm Mustek has embarked on a high-stakes gamble by acquiring 70% of cybersecurity firm CyberAntix from Ayo Technology Solutions subsidiary Sizwe IT Group for a whopping R20 million.

    The astounding deal sees Mustek shell out R8 million in cash and take on a R12 million loan between Sizwe and CyberAntix, an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the tech community.

    According to CyberAntix GM Morne Terblanche, the deal is a masterstroke that will not only diversify Mustek’s revenue streams but also grant CyberAntix access to new markets and growth opportunities.

    Terblanche revealed that CyberAntix’s reseller strategy "fits seamlessly" with Mustek, which has a strong sales team and existing client base, allowing CyberAntix to focus on its core operations while Mustek takes its products and services to the market.

    The move comes as Mustek grapples with a severe revenue slump, citing a 16% decline in revenue to R8.5 billion in its latest results. The firm’s inability to grow its IT business has been attributed to spending cuts by clients due to high inflation and interest rates, as well as uncertainty surrounding the national general election in May.

    By acquiring CyberAntix, Mustek hopes to leverage the cybersecurity firm’s expertise to expand its cloud services and transition from a hardware-focused company to a services-oriented business. The acquisition also presents an opportunity for Mustek to differentiate itself from competitors by expanding its product offering and providing a "value-add" to its customer base.

    However, the deal is not without its risks, and some have questioned the wisdom of Mustek’s move, citing the high stakes and potential for expensive management changes.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds!

    China’s Shadow Army Unleashes Fury

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    “The China Wolf: How the Dragon’s Cyber Legion is Poised to Attack the United States

    In a move that has sent shivers down the spines of national security experts, China’s cyber-military apparatus is secretly infiltrating US critical infrastructure, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The FBI has long warned that China-backed hackers are preparing to unleash a devastating cyber-attack on American soil, and the latest intel suggests that the Dragon’s claws are closing in.

    Flaunting its flagrant disregard for international law, China’s military-industrial complex is covertly compromising the US’s most sensitive systems, from water and energy to transportation and telecommunications. This brazen aggression is designed to create a strategic advantage in the event of a future conflict with the US, potentially involving a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

    The FBI Director himself has warned that China’s hackers are “positioning on American infrastructure in preparation to wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities, if or when China decides the time has come to strike.” Welcome to the age of cyber-warfare, folks, where the rules of engagement no longer apply.

    Microsoft’s recent takedown of the “Volt Typhoon” botnet, a China-backed hacking group, is a mere Band-Aid on the festering wound of Chinese cyber-aggression. With their fingers on the pulse of America’s critical infrastructure, China’s hackers are poised to unleash a cyber-attack that will leave the United States in shambles.

    And it gets worse. A new China-backed hacking group, “Salt Typhoon,” has been uncovered, its malevolent presence detected in the wiretap systems of major US telecom and internet providers. The stakes are higher than ever, as the US government is said to be in the early stages of investigating the breach.

    In the age of cyber-warfare, the line between peace and destruction has never been thinner. The time to act is now. We must not stand idly by as China’s cyber-army prepares to unleash its fury upon us. We must take back the high ground and confront the Dragon’s wrath head-on.”

    GenAI Hijacks Contact Centres as Firms Ditch Human Judgment for Soulless Efficiency

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    "Revolutionizing the Contact Centre: How GenAI is About to Change the Game"

    The era of human agents is over. At least, that’s what leading industry experts are saying. With the rise of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), the traditional contact centre is on the brink of a major transformation.

    According to Tom Byrd, Director of Marketing Insights at Amdocs, GenAI is the solution to many of the challenges faced by human agents. "While human agents are amazing, there are challenges and frustrations associated with them," Byrd noted. "Long wait times, limited operating hours, and the need for customers to switch to human agents – GenAI is the answer to many of these barriers."

    Byrd should know. His company has been conducting research on the matter, and the results are eye-opening. According to a 2023 study, customers are increasingly open to using self-service digital channels, but only if the experience is seamless. "The good news is that customers are willing to use digital tools, but the bad news is that the digital customer journey is often broken," Byrd said.

    So, what’s the solution? GenAI. "GenAI is setting the stage for enabling contact centres of the future," Byrd said. "It will enable AI-powered customer service, automating routine tasks and providing off-hours customer support."

    But don’t just take their word for it. Industry experts are already predicting major disruptions in the traditional business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. With GenAI, employees may be concerned about the future of their jobs. Will they be replaced by machines? The answer, according to Byrd, is no. "GenAI will enhance customer service roles, rather than replace them."

    So, what’s the takeaway? Companies need to refocus their digital customer engagement strategy and invest in upskilling their human agents. The future of the contact centre is here, and it’s GenAI. Get ready for the revolution.

    Tesla Unleashes Omnicab: The Rise of the Autonomous Menace

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    The Seismic Shift: Elon Musk Unveils the Cybercab, a Two-Door Robo-Taxi Revolution

    In a world-altering event, Tesla CEO Elon Musk descended from the heavens in a "Cybercab" yesterday, like a messiah delivering the goods, flaunting his latest creation: a two-door robo-taxi with gull-wing doors and no steering wheel or pedals. The inventor of the electric vehicle business model, Musk is on a mission to change the world with his latest brainchild, promising a future where autonomous cars drive long-term growth.

    But don’t just take our word for it – the numbers are red-hot. Production is set to start in 2026, with prices starting at a mere $0.20 per mile, making it the ultimate eco-friendly, plug-free, and potentially revolutionary transportation solution. And, in a bold new move, the Cybercab will utilize cameras and AI, ditching the need for pricey hardware like lidar.

    Musk, ever the showman, made some waves with his "We, Robot" event at the Warner Bros studio near Los Angeles, California, where fans, investors, and analysts gathered to witness the future of transportation. "The autonomous future is here," he declared, as 50 fully autonomous cars, including the model Y and the Cybercab, made an appearance. "You’ll see how model Ys and the Cybercab… all driverless."

    But the real question on everyone’s mind: Can Tesla deliver on its promises? Some, like Dennis Dick, an equity trader, left the event still hungry for more, demanding clearer timelines and specifics. "I think the market wanted more definitive timelines… I don’t think he said much about anything… He didn’t give much info." Ouch!

    And then there’s the elephant in the room: the competition. Will Tesla’s rivals, like General Motors’ Cruise, Amazon’s Zoox, and Chinese firms like WeRide, be able to keep up the pace? With billions of dollars in losses already racked up, some have already thrown in the towel.

    Stay tuned, folks, as the wheels are set to change forever. Will the Cybercab revolutionize transportation, or will it be a flash in the pan? Only time will tell.

    But the game’s afoot!

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    Bloodbath at Boeing: 10,000 Jobs Axed

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    Here is a rewritten version of the content in a provocative and controversial manner:

    BOEING LOSES ITS MIND: 17,000 LAYOFFS COMING DOWN THE PIPES!

    Get ready for more carnage in the skies! The behemoth that is Boeing is slashing nearly 1/5th of its workforce, citing the need for "tough decisions" to stay competitive. Yep, because that’s exactly what we need more of – more blood on the floor as the global economy implodes.

    But wait, there’s more! The incompetent CEO, Kelly Ortberg, who took the reins just two months ago, thinks this is the right move to restore the company to its former glory. Uh, sorry, pal, but we all know that’s just a bunch of gobbledygook. It’s just a cheap attempt to rebuild the company’s tattered reputation after being embroiled in scandal after scandal.

    And don’t even get us started on the company’s recent history. Remember when it was forced to ground its 737 Max 9 planes after a door plug blew off midair? Or when it pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the government after two deadly crashes? Yeah, we’re still trying to forget those dark days. And let’s not forget about the Starliner debacle, which left two astronauts stranded in space until February 2025. Yeah, we’d rather not think about that either.

    But hey, at least the company is taking care of itself by laying off 17,000 employees. You know, to "streamline operations" and all that jazz. Because who needs all those pesky employees and their so-called "rights," right? After all, they’re just cogs in the machine, just like the poor souls who toil away in the factories, unaware of the catastrophic consequences their labor is contributing to.

    So, as the sun sets on this dumpster fire of a company, we can only ask: what’s next? More "optimizations"? More "realignments"? More excuses for the suits who run the show to line their pockets while the rest of us suffer?

    Stay tuned for more thrilling news about Boeing’s ongoing struggle to stay afloat in a sea of corruption and incompetence.

    Gaming Frenzy: SA’s Descent into Video Game Abandon

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    Game On, Africa! The Dark Horse of the Gaming World is Finally Awakening

    Get ready for a shake-up in the gaming industry! The AfriGames Consortium, a bold new coalition of visionaries, is about to disrupt the status quo and put Africa on the map as a major player in the global gaming scene. Led by enigmatic and charismatic leader Raymond Ledwaba, this dynamic group is determined to shift South Africa’s gaming industry from a mere consumer to a vibrant producer.

    A Challenging the Norm

    For too long, Africa has been relegated to the periphery of the gaming world, merely consuming the content created by others. No more! The AfriGames Consortium is on a mission to change the narrative by fostering a culture of game development, incubation, and commercialization that will leave a lasting impact on the global gaming landscape.

    Amping Up the Competition

    Imagine a world where African gamers can proudly claim their own unique, world-class gaming titles that rival the likes of FIFA, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox. The AfriGames Consortium is nothing short of a game-changer, driven by a shared vision to tap into the continent’s rich storytelling and cultural heritage.

    Meet the Powerhouse Behind the Vision

    The diverse coalition is comprised of industry leaders and experts, including ITThynk Gaming, Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, Africa Games Week, Academy of Digital Arts, Leaders in Motion Academy (LIMA), and Spielfabrique, each bringing their unique strengths to the table.

    A Recipe for Success

    Through a combination of game development, education, training, and market access, the AfriGames Consortium is primed to unleash a new wave of African gamers, game developers, and game enthusiasts. With a dedicated focus on innovation and collaboration, this collective is poised to disrupt the status quo and claim its rightful place in the global gaming community.

    Join the Revolution

    Don’t miss the chance to be part of this groundbreaking journey! The AfriGames Consortium invites industry and government leaders to join the quest to revolutionize the gaming industry and put Africa on the map as a major player. Together, let’s build a brighter, more competitive future for African gaming!

    Ditch the Suffering: A World Without Pain

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    The Pain Era is Ending: Revolutionary Technologies to Make It Optional

    Are you tired of living in a world where pain is a constant companion? Get ready for a game-changer! Modern scientists are redefining the human understanding of pain, and the results are nothing short of astonishing. With the development of new technologies, it’s possible to "switch off" specific pain receptors and live a life free from agonizing discomfort.

    The Latest Research Breakthroughs You Need to Know

    Desperate for a cure for chronic pain? Watch this eye-opening video by Bloomberg Originals and discover the most significant advancements in pain management.

    Uncovering the Mysterious Demise of Neanderthals

    Have you ever wondered what went wrong with the Neanderthals? A recently unearthed cave in France is uncovering the dark, bloody truth behind their downfall. Find out which ancient phenomenon led to the mass extinction of our hairy, dim-witted cousins.

    The Future is Coming: Samsung’s Magic Frame Speaker is Here

    Don’t miss Samsung’s latest innovation: a photo frame that doubles as a high-quality speaker. With a price tag of R6,000, it’s a steal! Find out what this revolutionary technology means for the future of consumer electronics.

    Elon Musk’s Secret Alliance with Donald Trump: Will He Tip the Election?

    Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, has just made a shocking alliance with former President Donald Trump. Will his influence swing the 2024 election in Trump’s favor? Get the inside scoop on this political bombshell only on Wired.

    Intel’s Core Ultra 200S CPUs: The Biggest Upgrade in Three Years

    Preparing for a computing revolution, Intel has unleashed its most significant desktop processor upgrade in three years. With enhanced CPU and GPU architectures, neural processing units, and improved power efficiency, these cutting-edge CPUs are set to transform the industry. Learn more on Ars Technica.

    Weekend Favs October 12th

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    Weekend Favorites: A Collection of Tools and Resources

    Every week, I like to share a few tools and resources that I’ve come across. I don’t go into exhaustive detail, but I encourage you to check them out if they spark your interest. To accompany this post, I’ve added a favorite photo from the week, either from an online source or one I’ve taken on the go.

    Here are this week’s highlights:

    • Tidio: A comprehensive AI chatbot and live chat solution that empowers marketers to engage website visitors, automate customer support, and boost lead generation.
    • Scalenut: A cutting-edge AI-powered content research and writing platform that helps marketers craft high-quality long-form content, create effective content outlines, and undertake in-depth topic research.
    • CrAIyon: An innovative AI image generation tool that enables marketers to create custom visuals and creative assets based on text prompts, perfect for use in campaigns, social media, and branding.

    I’d love to hear about your favorite tools and resources – connect with me on LinkedIn!

    You can find more Weekend Favorites on my blog at .

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    eComments Are a Trivial Rip-Off: Apple’s ‘Cheap’ iPads a Joke

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    The Death Knell of the iPad Mini Rings Loud and Clear: It’s Time to Pounce on the Last Breath of Apple’s Underpowered Tablets.

    For the past year, the tech world has been abuzz with rumors of a stunning upgrade to the iPad Mini, only to be left high and dry with a paltry processor bump and nothing else. It’s a slap in the face to those who’ve been waiting for a game-changing device. Instead, we’re left with a choice between two lackluster options, the 9th and 10th-gen iPads, which are now available at their best prices post-Amazon’s October Prime Day sale.

    Abandon All Hope, Ye Who Enter Here: The 9th-Gen and 10th-Gen iPads are Now Available at Discounted Prices on Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, but Don’t Bother, They’re Still Underpowered.

    The 10th-gen model is the clear winner here, with its slightly larger 10.9-inch screen and faster processor, but even it’s a pale imitation of what Apple promised with the iPad Air. And don’t even get me started on the 9th-gen model – a relic from a bygone era with its tiny 8.3-inch screen and outdated design language. Anybody looking for a serious tablet should just keep waiting, because these “upgrades” are an insult to the intelligence of those who demand more from their devices.

    So go ahead, indulge in the fleeting thrill of saving money on a subpar tablet, but know that you’re getting what you pay for – a slap in the face from Apple’s lack of innovation and commitment to its customers.

    Note: I’ve rewritten the content to be more provocative and controversial, emphasizing the disappointment and dissatisfaction with the latest iPad offerings from Apple. I’ve used more dramatic language and tone to convey a sense of frustration and disillusionment, while still maintaining the original content’s structure and message.