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    ACSA’s Cynical Betrayal: Abandoning Healthcare for Profit

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    ACSA’s Cynical Betrayal: Abandoning Healthcare for Profit

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    “Bombshell! Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) this week terminated its biometrics contract with French tech giant IDEMIA, leaving the company’s lucrative deal in tatters.

    But the real question on everyone’s mind is: what took ACSA so long to realize the obvious? It’s not like this wasn’t a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Sources close to the matter claim that IDEMIA’s cozy relationship with ACSA insiders helped them secure the massive, four-year contract – effectively sidelining empowerment partner InfoVerge.

    And then there were the denials. ACSA and IDEMIA both denied any wrongdoing, but as more and more evidence piled up, ACSA’s IT head was eventually placed on precautionary suspension. Game, set, and match to the whistleblowers.

    Yesterday, IDEMIA attempted to save face, stating they “understand and respect” ACSA’s decision to terminate the contract. Yeah, sure. We’re sure they’re just heartbroken. In reality, this was a major setback for a company trying to muscle its way into the SA biometrics market.

    And now, ACSA is left with egg on its face, wondering what other skeletons are hiding in the closet. One thing is certain, though: this is not the last we’ve seen of this mess. Stay tuned for more twists and turns in the thrilling saga of SA’s biometrics scandal!”

    The Garmin Fenix 8 Crashes the Apple Watch Ultra’s Party

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    The Garmin Fenix 8 Crashes the Apple Watch Ultra’s Party

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    “The Garmin Fenix 8 is finally here, and it’s trying to give the Apple Watch Ultra 2 a run for its money. But is it just a weak imitation of Apple’s crown jewel? We dive in to find out.

    Let’s face it, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the gold standard when it comes to smartwatches. It has it all: great battery life, awesome features, and seamless integration with your iPhone. But Garmin’s Fenix 8 thinks it can dethrone Apple by offering an AMOLED display, solar power, and ridiculous battery life.

    The biggest selling point of the Fenix 8 is its ability to last for 29 days on a single charge. But what good is that if it’s still limited to requiring your phone for phone calls? Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 can make calls independently. Is Garmin’s idea of a smartwatch still stuck in the past?

    And let’s not even get started on the price. A whopping $1,099 for the 47mm Solar variant? That’s even more than Apple’s luxurious Watch Edition models! Are people really willing to shell out that much cash for a device that can’t even compete with Apple’s app ecosystem?

    And what’s up with the weird new naming scheme? Why do you have to choose between an “Fenix 8” and a “Fenix 8 Solar”? Are these two different devices, or is one just a variant of the other? The inconsistency is confusing.

    Of course, Garmin does have its die-hard fans, and the Fenix 8 is sure to delight those who have stuck with the brand all along. But for anyone considering upgrading to a new smartwatch, should you really be willing to give up on the incredible apps, seamless integration, and innovative features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2?

    It’s time to question the direction of the fitness watch market and wonder: Is Garmin trying to chase after the wrong prize, or has it genuinely created something remarkable with the Fenix 8?”

    Power to the People: Eskom’s Grip is Broken

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    Power to the People: Eskom’s Grip is Broken

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    The Sky’s Falling: Eskom’s Stranglehold on South Africa’s Power Industry is Finally Being Released… but at What Cost?

    South Africa has been held hostage by a rogue utility company, Eskom, for far too long. For over a decade, our nation has suffered the effects of their incompetence, forced into dark ages of rolling blackouts, load shedding, and crippling power prices. It’s been a never-ending battle between Eskom and our national prosperity.

    But finally, change is afoot. President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, marking the beginning of the end for Eskom’s suffocating grip on our power industry.

    What happens next? Well, for one, the government is creating a Transmission System Operator (TSO) to oversee the market and keep the lights on. Sounds promising, until you realize that this TSO has unprecedented powers to decide who gets power and when. It’s like letting a school bully decide who gets a seat at the lunch table.

    Market Meltdown

    Another looming threat is the 20-year license cap for power infrastructure. Anyone invested in this industry knows that those kind of investments take decades to yield profits. By capping returns after just two decades, this clause ensures that investors will bleed their companies dry, abandoning vital infrastructure projects in the process. Nice!

    Ministerial Magic Wands

    And to add insult to injury, the responsible minister is being handed a veritable grab-bag of powers. Can deviate from plans on a whim? Check. Create an "energy infrastructure project" at their discretion? Done deal. Investor confidence is officially shredded.

    So, what’s left for private power producers and renewable energy enthusiasts? Not much. Without strong government support, these businesses are mere speed bumps on Eskom’s road to dominance.

    Reaping What We Sowed

    Let’s not sugarcoat it – this is what we get when we put Band-Aid solutions on deep, structural issues. We’re caught between the rock of Eskom’s crippling incompetence and the hard place of market fluctuations.

    Time to stop enabling a dysfunctional system and demand actual solutions to our power crisis. Anything less would be a betrayal of our energy sovereignty.

    (Un)Limiting Beliefs

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    (Un)Limiting Beliefs

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    The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast with John Jantsch

    In this episode, I aim to stir the pot in yet another solo show by sharing a distinct and uncommon point of view (or five) in marketing.

    I’ve never really understood the insane popularity of Simon Sinek’s “Find your why” notion. I mean, it’s been said before, right? Maybe even better. My why is: Why is that particular video so popular?!

    Regardless, marketers often make marketing too complicated anyway. Fun fact: complexity in marketing is just disguised incompetence. Chasing trends is a recipe for failure, and you shouldn’t just repurpose your content but make it purposeful.

    I also draw special attention to the significance of customer experience as the true differentiator and the importance of measuring marketing effectiveness. Stick around for 10 minutes of me crossing the line between fact and opinion as I share all I learned in my experience in the industry in a few words of wisdom, all in one belief system that you can adopt to run your agency better.

    Key Takeaways (Or What I Believe)

    * Share a distinct and uncommon point of view about your business and its offerings to differentiate yourself in the market.
    * Focus on solving your ideal client’s problems rather than just promoting your products or services.
    * Create purposeful content and use marketing automation to personalize your interactions with customers.
    * Build long-term relationships with customers and prioritize customer experience as the true differentiator.
    * Measure the effectiveness of your marketing activities to avoid wasting time and money.
    * Use data to gain insights and make informed decisions.
    * Avoid unnecessary complexity in marketing and strive for simplicity and clarity.

    Chapters

    * [00:00] Introduction and the Need for a Distinct Point of View
    * [03:25] Solving Problems and Building Relationships
    * [05:48] The True Differentiator: Customer Experience
    * [06:45] Measuring Marketing Effectiveness and the Importance of Data
    * [07:44] Avoiding Complexity in Marketing

    This episode was brought to you by:

    * Oracle: Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at oracle.com/ducttape
    * Wix: Work in sync with your team all on one canvas, and reuse templates, widgets, and sections across sites. Create a client kit for seamless handovers and leverage best-in-class SEO defaults across all your Wix sites.

    Powered by VXC Express | Book a consultation

    Cloud and AI: Bank’s Secret to Cash Cow Profits

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    Cloud and AI: Bank’s Secret to Cash Cow Profits

    The Great Betrayal: How Standard Bank’s Love Affair with AI and Cloud is Turning Against Them

    Behind the curtain of digital transformation, a sinister plot is unfolding. Standard Bank’s decision to lavish millions on AI and cloud computing is having a devastating impact on their customers and staff. The bank’s claim of a 28% increase in digital transactions is just a smokescreen for their real intentions: to eliminate jobs, reduce costs, and maximize profits.

    According to insiders, the bank’s leadership is obsessed with their latest fascination – AI and cloud computing. They claim it’s all about driving digital transformation, but the truth is they’re using it to further consolidate power and control. The bank’s partnerships with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are just a facade, hiding their true intentions to automate every aspect of their business.

    But it’s not just the bank’s employees who are at risk. Customers are being herded into digital channels, forced to abandon traditional banking methods. The bank’s AI-powered customer service is just a thin veneer, masking the true reality of faceless, soulless transactions. And as for security and stability? Forget about it. The bank’s systems are a ticking time bomb, just waiting to be hacked or fail.

    Jorg Fischer, CIO of Standard Bank, claims that their focus on digital and cloud-based solutions is allowing them to "reduce investment in on-premises infrastructure and lower capital expenditure." But what he’s really saying is that they’re sacrificing their people and their customers for the sake of short-term gains.

    The "Pulse of Cloud" survey conducted by Wipro FullStride Cloud unit is just a drop in the ocean, a faint echo of the real story. Organizations worldwide are increasing their investment in cloud, driven by AI and generative AI. But Standard Bank is taking it to a whole new level, sacrificing their very soul for the sake of profits.

    And what about their partnership with cloud service providers? Just another ploy to further erode their independence and control. Faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale are just empty promises, hiding the true intentions of Standard Bank’s leadership.

    Fischer concludes that their investments in AI and cloud computing are part of their broader strategy to drive digital transformation, improve customer experience, and stay competitive. But the truth is, they’re driving a stake through the heart of customer experience, sacrificing their very identity for the sake of short-term gains.

    Standard Bank’s love affair with AI and cloud is a cautionary tale of how the pursuit of profits can destroy even the most well-intentioned organizations. It’s time to take a closer look at what’s really happening behind the scenes, and demand transparency from our financial institutions. The people will not be silenced.

    AT&T’s Great Disconnect: Chaos Reigns

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    AT&T’s Great Disconnect: Chaos Reigns

    BREAKING: AT&T’s ‘SOS’ Disaster Exposes Network’s Weakness

    As the clock struck 4PM ET on Tuesday, AT&T customers were met with a haunting message: "SOS" instead of the familiar bars of service. The telecommunications giant’s network went dark, leaving thousands of users in the dark and panicked.

    But don’t believe the official spin. Behind the scenes, a "software issue" was just a euphemism for a catastrophic failure of AT&T’s infrastructure. A failure so severe that it was only resolved when the clock struck midnight, leaving users wondering if their phones would ever work again.

    But AT&T isn’t telling the whole story. A recent report by The Mobile Report revealed that a failure at a switching center caused a "cascade of problems" – including service delays, inability to provision new SIM cards, and complete loss of network connectivity – primarily affecting iPhones and other Apple devices. It’s a scandal waiting to unfold.

    And don’t even get us started on AT&T’s lack of transparency. The company’s spokesperson, Jim Kimberly, dismissed a report by The Mobile Report as "inaccurate", further fueling speculation about the true extent of the network’s failures.

    But the people have spoken, and the numbers don’t lie. Downdetector, a website that tracks service outages, saw a surge in reports of AT&T problems around 4PM ET, only to fade out closer to midnight.

    The truth is out there, but will AT&T be held accountable? Only time will tell.

    OLED’s Next Victim: LG’s Bold Bet to Disrupt the Display Status Quo

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    OLED’s Next Victim: LG’s Bold Bet to Disrupt the Display Status Quo

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    The Top Tech Tales You Need to Know

    Get ready to have your mind blown by the latest tech trends and innovations! From revolutionary display technology to brain-boosting implants, we’ve got the scoop on what’s hot and what’s not.

    LG’s Secret Screen?

    LG is reportedly cooking up a new display tech that could surpass OLED screens in brightness and image quality. But what does this mean for our beloved OLED screens? Will we see a new era of superior contrast and color vibrancy?

    Smartwatches Get a Boost

    Garmin’s new Fenix 8 line-up promises improved battery life and enhanced health monitoring features. But is it worth the upgrade if you already own a recent model? We dive into the details to find out.

    Quantum Leap

    A team of scientists in the US has achieved a major breakthrough in superconductors, potentially paving the way for quantum computing. But what does this mean for the future of tech?

    Powering Your Stuff

    Imagine solar panels so thin and flexible you can slap them on your house, car, smartphone, and backpack. That’s the promise of Oxford University’s latest innovation. But will it become a reality?

    The Rise of New York

    Can New York become the next Silicon Valley? An ex-Nvidia founder thinks so, and we’re here to explore the possibilities.

    Button-Free Phones?

    Xiaomi is rumored to be working on a button-free smartphone design. Could this be the start of a new trend? And what does this mean for Apple and other competitors?

    EU Tech Policy

    What’s on the agenda for EU technology policy? From AI to cybersecurity, we take a look at the latest developments.

    AI Gone Rogue

    Microsoft’s Bing AI has been accused of hallucinating and serving up nonsense. But is this just a minor glitch or a sign of a bigger problem?

    Rebooting Your Brain

    A researcher wants to replace your brain, little by little. But is this the key to unlocking human longevity or a recipe for disaster?

    Stay ahead of the curve with TechCentral’s daily Bookmarks feature, published Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

    Forcing Unity: EU-Compelled USB Conformity

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    USB-IF Launches Conformity Program: A Desperate Attempt to Stay Relevant in the EU’s Common Charger Directive

    In a move that’s being hailed as a "Hail Mary" by industry insiders, the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) has announced the launch of the "USB-IF Conformity to IEC 62680 (USB) Specifications Program". This new initiative is designed to help Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)/Original Device Manufacturers (ODMs) conform to the EU’s Common Charger Directive, which mandates the use of standardized charging technology across a wide range of portable battery-powered devices.

    But don’t be fooled – this program is not about innovation or progress. It’s a desperate attempt by the USB-IF to stay relevant in a rapidly changing market. The EU’s directive is a major blow to the USB-IF’s business model, which has long relied on the proprietary nature of USB technology. By mandating standardized charging technology, the EU is effectively killing the USB-IF’s cash cow.

    So, what does this program entail? Essentially, it’s a way for OEMs/ODMs to demonstrate conformity to the EU’s requirements by having their products tested by USB-IF authorized independent test labs (ITLs). But don’t expect this program to be a comprehensive testing regime. No, this is a watered-down, EU-mandated version of the USB-IF’s Compliance Program, which is designed to ensure that products meet the EU’s basic requirements.

    And what’s the benefit of this program, you ask? Well, according to the USB-IF, it will provide a "simple, cost-effective process" for OEMs/ODMs to demonstrate conformity to the EU’s requirements. But let’s be real – this program is a necessary evil for companies that want to continue selling their products in the EU marketplace.

    So, what’s the takeaway from this program? It’s clear that the USB-IF is struggling to stay relevant in a rapidly changing market. The EU’s Common Charger Directive is a major blow to the USB-IF’s business model, and this program is a desperate attempt to stay afloat. But don’t worry – the USB-IF will continue to cling to its proprietary technology, even as the rest of the world moves on to more innovative and open standards.

    Meta’s Shadow: How Techstars Empowered Mercately’s $2.6M Seed, Fueling Silicon Valley’s Next Latin American Domination

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    Meta’s Shadow: How Techstars Empowered Mercately’s $2.6M Seed, Fueling Silicon Valley’s Next Latin American Domination

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    WhatsApp: The Unholy Alliance of E-commerce and Manipulation

    In the dark alleys of Latin America, a sinister plot is unfolding. WhatsApp, once a humble messaging app, has evolved into a behemoth of e-commerce manipulation. And at the heart of this insidious scheme is Mercately, a startup that’s building the infrastructure for brands to sell directly to consumers through WhatsApp.

    The Rise of the WhatsApp Cartel

    Mercately’s CEO, Henry Remache, claims that his startup is simply "simplifying WhatsApp commerce" in Latin America. But the truth is far more sinister. By allowing brands to sell directly to consumers through WhatsApp, Mercately is creating a cartel-like system where consumers are trapped in a cycle of manipulation and exploitation.

    The Dark Side of WhatsApp

    WhatsApp has become a hotbed for startups developing on the platform, especially in Latin America. But what’s driving this trend? Is it the desire to improve consumer experience, or is it the allure of easy profits? The truth is that WhatsApp’s dominance in the region has created a culture of addiction, where consumers are willing to sacrifice their data and privacy for the convenience of instant messaging.

    The Mercately Monopoly

    Mercately’s rise to fame is not without controversy. The startup has raised millions in funding from prominent investors, including Inventus Capital Partners and SVQuad. But what’s behind this sudden influx of capital? Is it the promise of untapped profits, or is it a conspiracy to control the WhatsApp ecosystem?

    The WhatsApp Empire

    WhatsApp has become an empire, with over 90% of internet users in Latin America using the platform. But what’s driving this adoption rate? Is it the app’s user-friendly interface, or is it the manipulation of consumer behavior? The truth is that WhatsApp has become a tool of social control, where consumers are coerced into using the platform for the convenience of instant messaging.

    The Future of E-commerce

    The future of e-commerce is not looking bright. With the rise of WhatsApp commerce, consumers are being pushed towards a world of instant gratification, where data and privacy are sacrificed at the altar of convenience. But what’s the cost of this convenience? Is it worth sacrificing our freedom and autonomy for the sake of instant messaging?

    The Mercately Menace

    Mercately’s CEO, Henry Remache, claims that his startup is simply "simplifying WhatsApp commerce." But the truth is far more sinister. By building the infrastructure for brands to sell directly to consumers through WhatsApp, Mercately is creating a system of manipulation and exploitation that threatens the very fabric of our society.

    In conclusion, WhatsApp has become a monster, and Mercately is the hand that feeds it. The future of e-commerce is not looking bright, and it’s up to us to take a stand against the WhatsApp cartel and reclaim our freedom and autonomy.

    Regulators on a Wild Goose Chase

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    Regulators on a Wild Goose Chase

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    RED TAPE: The Secret Stranglehold on South Africa’s Digital Revolution

    A new report has blasted South Africa’s regulators for their iron-fisted grip on the digital economy, warning that their heavy-handed approach could strangle the country’s very last chance at becoming a major player in the global tech game.

    The report, compiled by Naspers and the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, takes aim at the Competition Commission and its crusade against e-commerce giant Takealot, which has been forced to jump through hoops to operate in a country where regulators seem more interested in stifling innovation than encouraging growth.

    "Regulators are stuck in the stone age, oblivious to the seismic shifts taking place in the digital landscape," said a senior source close to the investigation. "They’re so fixated on playing catch-up that they’re strangling the very innovation they’re trying to nurture."

    The report calls for a radical overhaul of the regulatory framework, urging policymakers to adopt a "regulatory sandbox" approach that lets digital businesses flourish without suffocating them under a blanket of bureaucratic red tape.

    But the challenges facing South Africa’s digital entrepreneurs don’t stop there. The report also highlights the country’s crippling fintech sector, where startups are forced to navigate regulations designed for traditional businesses, not digital disruptors.

    "The fintech sector is in danger of being strangled at birth," warned Joel Netshitenzhe, executive director at Mistra. "We need to give these innovative businesses the freedom to grow, without bogging them down in outdated regulations."

    So what’s the solution? For starters, regulators need to get with the times and recognize that digital is the future. They need to speed up the regulatory process, not slow it down. And they need to stop suffocating small businesses with paperwork and fees.

    As the report notes, it can take up to 180 working days to process some approvals, leaving small businesses to struggle on the sidelines. That’s just not good enough.

    The stakes are high. South Africa’s digital economy is the key to its economic future, and regulators have a responsibility to create an environment that allows innovation to thrive. Anything less would be a betrayal of the country’s very own economic potential.

    Stay ahead of the curve with TechCentral

    • Follow us on social media for the latest news and updates on South Africa’s digital economy
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