“Warning: the South African Post Office is on the Brink of Collapse and Parliament is Warning of the Catastrophic Consequences.

As the clock ticks towards “day zero”, where the Post Office’s funds are expected to dry up, there’s a growing sense of panic and urgency. But instead of taking drastic measures, the communications minister is peddling a privatisation scheme that’s eerily reminiscent of the government’s previous mishandlings.

While Malatsi claims his plans are about “seeking private financial and operational partners”, some insiders suggest this is a thinly veiled attempt to pawn off a strategic national asset to foreign investors.

Meanwhile, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications is having none of it. In a blistering rebuke, chairperson Khusela Sangoni-Diko warns that any move towards privatisation would be a betrayal of the public trust and a disservice to the millions who rely on the Post Office for basic services.

“You can’t just sacrifice our national interest to please Wall Street fat cats!” she thunders. “We need a bold vision that puts people before profits!”

As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the South African Post Office is in deep trouble and someone needs to take action – fast.

But who will rise to the challenge and put the needs of the many before the profits of the few?

Will it be Malatsi and his Privatisation Puppeteers?

Or will it be Sangoni-Diko and the rebels fighting to preserve a national institution?

Stay tuned, as the fate of the South African Post Office hangs precariously in the balance…”

UBISOFT ON THE BLOCK: Tencent and Guillemot Family Eye Up the Frenzied French Videogame Developer

The Ultimate Power Play?

In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the gaming industry, Tencent Holdings and Ubisoft’s founding Guillemot family are reportedly considering a potential buyout of the beleaguered French videogame developer. Yes, you read that right – Ubisoft, the maker of Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, could be on the chopping block.

Market Mayhem

Ubisoft’s shares have plummeted a whopping 54% this year, wiping out over €700 million from its market value. The company’s struggling to recover from a pandemic-era production crunch that led to delays and cancellations of popular titles. Last month, Ubisoft’s shares hit a 10-year low after the company slashed its outlook due to weaker-than-expected sales.

A Match Made in Heaven?

Tencent, China’s gaming giant, already owns 9.2% of Ubisoft’s net voting rights, while the Guillemot family holds around 20.5%. The two parties are said to be exploring options to stabilize the company and boost its value. A potential buyout could be the answer to Ubisoft’s prayers, or a sinister plot to take control of the company’s lucrative IPs.

The Plot Thickens

Minority shareholders, including AJ Investments, have been pushing for either a take-private or a sale to a strategic investor. Tencent and the Guillemot family are also weighing other alternatives, including teaming up to take Ubisoft private. But with Ubisoft’s market value at a historic low, the timing couldn’t be more crucial.

Stay Tuned

Will Tencent and the Guillemot family follow through on their plans to buy out Ubisoft? Only time will tell. In the meantime, gamers and industry insiders alike are on edge, wondering what the future holds for one of gaming’s most beloved franchises.

Related:

Massive hike in Xbox Game Pass prices in South Africa

The Silent Rebellion: Women in Tech Unleash Fury on the Status Quo

Get ready for a dose of reality: women in tech are still fighting a battle against sexism, underfunding, and unconscious bias. Despite the rosy promises of progress, a staggering 50.8% of women in the tech sector have experienced sexism in the workplace. Yes, you read that right – half of all women in tech have faced explicit or implicit discrimination.

According to a recent Web Summit report, women are fed up with the same old excuses and lack of tangible change. A whopping 56% of women believe the industry isn’t doing enough to tackle gender inequality, and 69% are dissatisfied with their government’s efforts to address the issue.

So, what’s the root of the problem? Lack of funding, unconscious gender bias, and the pressure to choose between family and career are just a few of the hurdles women in tech face daily. It’s no wonder that 51% of respondents feel unfairly compensated compared to men.

But here’s the kicker: despite all the challenges, a remarkable 76% of women surveyed feel empowered to hold or apply for a leadership position. It’s a powerful message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

One woman who has spoken out against the status quo is Carolyn Quinlan, VP of community at Web Summit. She believes that while progress is slow, more women are stepping up to lead the charge. "It’s frustrating that issues like sexism, unfair pay, and imposter syndrome keep appearing, but I can’t help but feel hopeful," she says.

The Web Summit report highlights the importance of addressing these issues head-on. It’s time for the industry to acknowledge the elephant in the room and take concrete steps to create a more inclusive and equitable environment.

So, will you join the silent rebellion?

The AI Bubble Has Popped

Apple’s latest iPhone launch was met with a collective shrug from the tech world. Gone are the days of excitement and wonder as we were promised a future of limitless possibilities with artificial intelligence (AI). But the truth is, AI has lost its luster. It’s no longer the magic bullet that’s going to revolutionize our lives.

The AI Hype Train Has Left the Station

The tech giants are still trying to peddle AI as the next big thing, but the market is no longer buying it. Apple’s attempt to rebrand its AI capabilities as “Apple Intelligence” was met with yawns from consumers. Even the tech enthusiasts at Wired couldn’t muster up any excitement over the new features. It’s clear that AI has reached its “wonderment phase” and it’s time to move on.

The Emperor’s New Clothes

Apple’s AI features are a mishmash of existing functions that are already available in popular third-party apps. The company’s attempt to create a seamless experience is nothing more than a PR stunt. The new iPhones don’t even include the promised AI features, which will likely be rolled out in stages. It’s a classic case of overhyping a product to drive sales.

The AI Bubble Has Burst

The tech industry has invested hundreds of billions of dollars in AI, but it’s clear that the return on investment is not yet justified. The industry is still $500 billion short of making back its investments, and the projected revenue for 2024 is a paltry $100 billion. It’s time to slow down and rethink the AI hype.

The Future of AI

The future of AI is not in the fancy chatbots or writing assistants, but in the real-world applications that can actually make a difference. The concept of “context-aware computing” has been around for decades, but it’s only now starting to become a reality. Apple’s Visual Intelligence feature is a step in the right direction, but it’s still a long way from being a game-changer.

The AI Hype Has to Stop

It’s time for the tech industry to stop hyping AI as the next big thing and start delivering real value to consumers. The AI bubble has popped, and it’s time to move on to more innovative and practical applications of technology.

The Dark Side of AI: How It’s Manipulating Your Customer Experience

Imagine a world where AI-generated chatbots are your new BFFs, and influencer farms are the new infomercials. Sounds like a utopia, right? Wrong. Behind the scenes, AI is manipulating your customer experience, and businesses are either oblivious or complicit in this sinister game.

Dion Chang, CEO of Flux, a trends analysis firm, recently delivered a keynote presentation at the ITWeb CX Summit 2024, where he exposed the dark underbelly of AI’s influence on customer experience. Chang warned that AI has created a culture of instant gratification, where consumers expect businesses to "come to them" and offer seamless, automated services.

But what’s the cost of this convenience? The rise of "hermit consumers" who prefer digital companies that offer instant services, and the proliferation of "influencer farms" that peddle products on social media channels. These farms are like factories, with hundreds of influencers engaging with their audience in real-time, aiming to facilitate instant transactions.

And then there’s the issue of fake influencers, who use AI technology to create fake personas and deceive their followers. Chang pointed out that the difference between fake influencers and their genuine counterparts is significant, and that this presents a major challenge for businesses and customers.

But the scariest part? The mass customisation of products and services, where AI algorithms monitor your online behavior and adjust prices accordingly. This is not just about personalisation; it’s about manipulation. And with the rise of Generation Alpha, who know exactly what they want and when they want it, businesses must be prepared to compete in this new landscape.

So, what’s the solution? Integrated customer service is key, said Chang. Businesses must be agile, flexible, and customer-centric, offering seamless services that meet the demands of the digital age. Anything less is a recipe for disaster.

The question is, are you ready to face the dark side of AI and its impact on your customer experience?

Eskom’s Dirty Little Secret: Diesel-Fueled Power Station Running Rampant

Eskom’s attempt to stave off power cuts in South Africa has led to a dirty little secret: the utility is relying heavily on diesel-fueled auxiliary turbines to keep the lights on. And it’s not just a temporary fix – these polluting power plants are running at full capacity, spewing toxic fumes into the air and lining the pockets of Eskom’s executives.

The utility’s excuses are as flimsy as the excuses they give for their lack of investment in renewable energy. “Higher-than-expected electricity demand driven by cold weather” is just a fancy way of saying they’re not doing their job. And don’t even get us started on the “plant outages” that have led to this situation. It’s like they’re intentionally sabotaging the grid to justify their reliance on dirty energy.

The Diesel Bonanza

Eskom’s diesel-fueled power plants are guzzling fuel like there’s no tomorrow. And with diesel prices through the roof, it’s no wonder they’re raking in the cash. But at what cost? The air we breathe is getting dirtier by the day, and our planet is paying the price.

The Outlook: More of the Same

Eskom’s promise of no load shedding through to the end of March 2025 is just a hollow promise. They’ll keep relying on these dirty power plants until they’re forced to do otherwise. And when that day comes, it’ll be too late. The damage will be done, and our planet will be left to suffer the consequences.

Don’t Miss: The State’s Solution to Eskom’s Power Price Hike Pain

But don’t worry, the state has a solution to Eskom’s power price hike pain. And it’s not a solution that involves investing in renewable energy or reducing our reliance on dirty power plants. No, it’s a solution that involves… well, you’ll just have to read the article to find out.