BOMBSHELL: SABC+ Grabs Half a Million New Sign-Ups in Just 3.5 Months!

But How Long Can This Winning Streak Last?

In a shocking move, SABC+ has unleashed a tidal wave of new registrations, with a whopping 500,000 subscribers joining the platform in just 3.5 months!

But what’s behind this meteoric rise? We dive deep into the numbers to uncover the secrets behind SABC+’s success.

From Revamp to Victory: SABC+’s winning formula

The revamped platform, launched in July, has been a game-changer, offering catch-up content, video on-demand, and live streaming of TV channels and radio stations. And with its new looks, SABC+ is raking in the subscribers!

But it’s not just the revamp that’s working magic. The SABC has also been flexing its marketing muscles, pumping out promotional efforts and partnering with big events like the 2024 Paris Olympics, Afcon 2023/2024, and popular shows like B’Dazzled.

SABC’s Future: D-To-H Satellite Solution on the Horizon?

But in a move that’s got everyone talking, the SABC is on the hunt for a partner to launch its own direct-to-home satellite solution, set to take on the likes of Openview. Could this be the game-changer that secures SABC+’s future?

And What About Finances?

But what about the SABC’s budget woes? In a surprising move, the public broadcaster has announced plans to pivot to satellite, citing the analogue switch-off and revenue losses for the switchoff. Will this move pay off, or will the SABC’s financial woes persist?

Stay Tuned: The Battle for TV Supremacy Has Just Begun!

South Africa is About to Give Up on the "Dinosaur" of a Car Industry – Electric Vehicles are the Future!

Warning: You’re about to witness a revolution in the making. Get ready to have your mind blown!

At the South African Auto Week, President Cyril Ramaphosa dropped some atomic bombshell news: the government is working on a white paper to revitalize the country’s automotive industry, and it’s all about electric vehicles!

Think about it: electrify your ride, and Jabulani your future!

According to the President, the world is moving away from internal combustion engines, and South Africa must adapt – or risk going the way of the dinosaurs. But, here’s the good news: EVs present a massive opportunity for industrialization and job creation, while promoting green energy and skills development.

So, what does it take to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles? Simple: manufacturers need incentives, and consumers need lower prices and tax rebates. That’s right, folks, the government is willing to do what it takes to make EVs accessible to all, not just the 1%.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, National Treasury, and Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources are all working together to ensure South Africa becomes a globally competitive automotive hub. Get ready for a new energy vehicle policy that’s inclusive of alternative technologies like hybrids and plug-in hybrids!

The game-changer? South Africa is about to take a bold step towards a greener, more sustainable future – and it’s about to leave the competition in the dust! Who’s ready to cruise into the 21st century?

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The Top Tech Stories That Will Blow Your Mind!

Microscopic Marvels Take Center Stage

"Get ready to gaze into the tiny and the unknown! A stunning new collection of microscopic photographs has been unveiled, showcasing the intricate world of water fleas, embryos, and more. Prepare to have your mind blown!"

The Electric Revolution in Africa Has Only Just Begun

"Think electric vehicles are just for cars? Think again! In Africa, e-bikes and e-motorcycles are leading the charge, revolutionizing urban transportation, reducing emissions, and putting the brakes on fuel expenses. The future is electric, and it’s coming fast! Read more on The Economist (behind paywall)."

The Feds Are Cracking Down on Banxso

"Financial drama has reached a fever pitch! The Financial Intelligence Centre has collapsed on Banxso, freezing their accounts and suspecting them of running a ‘criminal enterprise.’ But Banxso claims they’re the victims of hackers and are offering refunds. What’s really going on? Get the inside scoop on Moneyweb."

Starship is About to Change the Game… Literally

"Get ready to blast off to the cosmos! SpaceX’s Starship has just launched, marking a major breakthrough in space exploration. This marvel of engineering could make space travel cheaper, more frequent, and just plain cool! Read more on The Economist (behind paywall)."

X is About to Use Your Posts for AI Training (And There’s No Opting Out!)

"Hey, creators! You might want to think twice about posting on X. The platform has just changed its terms of service to allow them to use your content for AI training, no opt-out necessary. Creators are crying foul. What’s at stake? Read more on 80 Level."

The Next Big Thing in Sci-Fi is Coming!

"Get ready to binge-watch the new season of Silo, a post-apocalyptic drama that’s taken the world by storm. The second season premieres November 15. Watch the trailer now and get ready to be hooked!"

How Do Messaging Apps Make Money? The Answer Might Surprise You!

"Ever wonder how WhatsApp makes money? (Aside from being free, of course.) Get the inside scoop on how they do it, and what it means for the future of messaging apps. Read more on BBC News."

23andMe’s Board Resigned in One Day. What Happened?

"What do you do when you lose a $6 billion valuation in a single year? 23andMe’s board of directors found out. Get the inside story of what went wrong and how the company is trying to bounce back. Read more on Fortune."

Bluesky Just Won Half a Million New Users in One Day!

"What’s behind the rush to Bluesky? With X’s new blocking policy tanking their platform, users are flocking to the alternative. Get the inside scoop on what this means for the future of social media. Read more on Mashable."

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.