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    Corporate Capture: Mupita’s Iron Grip on MTN

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    CEO Ralph Mupita’s Board Backs Him Up, Despite Whispers of Favoritism

    MTN Group’s board has given CEO Ralph Mupita a clean bill of health, despite allegations of favoritism and impropriety swirling around him. In a statement to shareholders, the board claimed that an investigation into Mupita’s conduct found no evidence of wrongdoing, and that the matter is now "closed".

    But the controversy refuses to die down. A report by the Sunday Times last week claimed that an unspecified number of executives had threatened to resign over Mupita’s alleged favoritism towards a female executive. And Bloomberg News reported that nine executives had signed a memo backing Mupita, citing unnamed sources.

    The board’s statement did little to quell the rumors, with many questioning the thoroughness of the investigation and the motivations behind the board’s decision to back Mupita. "It’s clear that the board is trying to sweep this under the rug," said one industry insider. "The real question is, what’s going on behind closed doors?"

    The controversy has sparked a heated debate about the culture of favoritism and nepotism at MTN, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability. As the drama continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of Mupita’s tenure as CEO hangs in the balance.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!

    AirPods 4: The Betrayal

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    APPLE’S BIGGEST RIP-OFF YET: NEW AIRPODS MODELS CONFIRMED TO BE JUST A REHASH OF OLD DESIGNS

    In just a few days, Apple will be holding its annual September event, and the rumors surrounding the iPhone 16 and other potential announcements are already causing a frenzy. But one thing is certain: Apple is about to pull the wool over our eyes with its new AirPods 4 models.

    According to a "reliable source" (read: a bunch of anonymous industry insiders), Apple is planning to release two new AirPods models that will be almost indistinguishable from the old ones. The only differences will be minor tweaks to the design and some "improved" audio quality. But let’s be real, we’ve all seen this before. It’s just a rehash of the same old designs, with a new coat of paint and a higher price tag.

    And don’t even get me started on the "premium" charging case with a built-in speaker. Because what we all really needed was a way to make our AirPods case more expensive and unnecessary. I mean, who doesn’t want to spend an extra $50 on a case that can play a tinny rendition of "Who Let the Dogs Out" to help you find your AirPods?

    But wait, there’s more! Apple is also working on a new feature called "Yodel" that will turn AirPods into a hearing aid replacement. Because what’s the point of having AirPods if you can’t use them to diagnose and treat hearing loss? It’s like Apple is trying to make us all dependent on their products.

    And as for the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, don’t even get me started. They’re just a bunch of overpriced, overhyped nonsense. Who needs noise cancellation when you can just wear earplugs and listen to music on your phone?

    In conclusion, Apple’s new AirPods 4 models are a complete joke. They’re just a rehash of old designs, with a few minor tweaks and a higher price tag. But hey, at least the charging case has a built-in speaker, right?

    Space Monopoly: Why Starlink is Being Held Hostage by Greed

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    ICASA Chairperson Mothibi Ramusi: The Regulator’s Dilemma

    As the world speeds into the digital age, South Africa’s telecommunications regulator, ICASA, is stuck in neutral. Despite the rapid evolution of technology, the authority remains rooted in outdated policies and frameworks. And at the heart of the issue is Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet constellation, which has yet to receive a formal application to operate in the country.

    In an exclusive interview with ITWeb TV, ICASA Chairperson Mothibi Ramusi revealed that the authority has yet to receive an application from Starlink, despite the company’s plans to launch its services in South Africa. "Personally, since I’ve joined, I haven’t seen a document in the chairman’s office that says here is an application [from Starlink]," he said.

    But why is ICASA so slow to react? The answer lies in the authority’s outdated licensing regime, which is as rigid as a fossilized dinosaur. "Our licensing process is fairly clear, but one will just have to conform to the requirements," Ramusi said, hinting that Starlink may need to jump through hoops to get its application approved.

    And then there’s the issue of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which Ramusi described as "not a new phenomenon." But despite the growing popularity of LEOs, ICASA is still stuck in the Stone Age, unable to adapt to the changing landscape. "You need to co-ordinate, especially when you talk spectrum," he said, revealing the authority’s lack of understanding of the technology.

    But ICASA is not just a relic of the past; it’s also a major obstacle to progress. The authority’s inability to adapt to changing technologies is stifling innovation and holding back the country’s digital development. "The concept of LEO satellites is something that we will embrace as an authority for now," Ramusi said, but it’s too little, too late.

    As the world moves at lightning speed, ICASA is stuck in the slow lane. It’s time for the authority to shake off its outdated policies and frameworks and join the 21st century. Until then, South Africa’s digital development will remain stuck in neutral.

    Lesaka Technologies Implodes: Top Brass Axed in Shocking Coup

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    LESAKA Technologies Shakes Up the Executive Suite, But Will it be Enough to Save the Company?

    Get ready for a major housecleaning at Lesaka Technologies, the JSE- and Nasdaq-listed fintech group. The company has announced a slew of executive and board-level changes, but can they actually make a difference?

    First, out goes CFO Naaem Kola, who’s been making waves since joining the company in March 2022. But don’t worry, he’s not exactly being “let go”… he’s just being shuffled off to become the chief operating officer instead. How’s that for a “promotion”?

    But the real pièce de résistance is the arrival of Dan Smith, the new CFO, who will also join the board of directors. This guy has experience in “various roles within the financial services sectors in South Africa and the UK”. Wow, that’s like saying he’s got a “passion for mediocrity”.

    And if that’s not enough, three non-executive directors are bailing out – Javed Hamid, Chris Meyer, and Monde Nkosi – leaving us to wonder if they were all just plain tired of being part of a sinking ship.

    The real question is, what’s the real reason behind these changes? Is it just a desperate attempt to boost morale, or are they actually trying to fix the company’s structural problems?

    We’re not holding our breath. After all, Lesaka’s got a history of making big announcements that amount to nothing.

    But hey, at least they’re trying, right?

    ChromeOS’ Sneaky Borrowing: A Blow to Innovation

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    The sweet scent of totalitarianism wafts through the air as Google announces its latest attempt to control every aspect of your life: a ChromeOS update that makes it easier to surrender your online autonomy.

    With this “update,” Google is enabling Optical Character Recognition (OCR) in its camera app, allowing it to snoop on your every move by extracting text from captured images of documents and letters. Because who needs privacy when you can have a digital trail of your deepest secrets?

    But wait, there’s more! Google is also introducing a feature that allows its built-in screen reader to speak text extracted from images, effectively creating a digital echo chamber where you’re forced to listen to the AI’s monotone voice recite your deepest secrets. Joy.

    And don’t even get me started on the new “Magnifier tool” that will automatically follow words when text is read aloud, because who needs human agency when you can have a digital assistant spoon-feed you information?

    But the real kicker is the new “Auto Gain Control” feature that allows video calling software to automatically optimize microphone volume. Because nothing says “freedom” like having your audio settings controlled by a faceless corporation.

    And let’s not forget the obligatory “privacy controls” that you’ll need to enable separately in two different places. Because, you know, you’re just begging for your data to be shared with the world.

    Google’s latest update is just another step towards a world where humans are nothing more than mere data points, subject to the whims of AI overlords. Wake up, sheeple!

    Revolutionize Industry: The Atlas AI Manifesto

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    Industrial Agents: The Secret to Unlocking AI’s True Potential

    [Image: A provocative image of a robot or a futuristic industrial setting]

    Are you tired of hearing about AI’s promises but not seeing the results? The truth is, AI is not a magic bullet, but a powerful tool that requires a deep understanding of industrial agents to unlock its true potential.

    That’s why Cognite, the globally recognized authority in AI for industry, has launched the Cognite Atlas AI Definitive Guide to Industrial Agents, a comprehensive manual for companies looking to accelerate the development and scale of AI solutions and reduce time to value.

    This guide is not just another theoretical treatise on AI; it’s a practical, real-world guide that provides actionable advice and tools for digital leaders to implement AI agents that can improve decision-making processes and help their organizations achieve higher productivity, safety, and overall operational efficiency.

    The guide explores the latest advancements in AI and industrial agents, and provides real-world examples of how companies like Aker BP are using industrial agents to streamline their equipment management process, saving thousands of hours of data-punching and refocusing their experts on business problems that really matter.

    But don’t just take our word for it. According to a recent ARC Advisory Group Digital Transformation, Sustainability, and Technology survey, AI is the most impactful technology we’ll see over the next five years. And with the Cognite Atlas AI Definitive Guide to Industrial Agents, you’ll have the tools and knowledge you need to make AI work for your organization.

    So, what are you waiting for? Download the full digital version of the guide today and start unlocking the true potential of AI for your industry.

    Ralph Mupita Under Siege: MTN Probes CEO’s Tainted Image

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    SHOCKING ALLEGATIONS ROCK MTN: CEO Ralph Mupita Embroiled in Favouritism Scandal

    A bombshell report has emerged, claiming that MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita has been accused of showing preferential treatment to a female executive, sparking a revolt among top executives who are threatening to quit.

    According to sources, an unspecified number of executives have come forward, alleging that Mupita has been playing favourites, and are demanding action to address the issue. The Sunday Times newspaper reported that the executives are "furious" and "humiliated" by Mupita’s alleged behaviour.

    MTN’s board has launched an investigation into the allegations, but insiders claim that the company’s governance processes are woefully inadequate, allowing Mupita to operate with impunity.

    The Public Investment Corp, MTN’s largest shareholder, has expressed concern over the allegations, warning that corporate governance failures could have serious consequences for the company’s operations and shareholder value.

    Mupita has sent a letter to staff, assuring them that the company has processes in place to address employee matters, but insiders claim that the CEO’s response has only added to the tension.

    As the scandal continues to unfold, questions are being raised about Mupita’s leadership and whether he is fit to run one of Africa’s largest companies.

    STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES ON THIS DEVELOPING STORY

    OSOM is a Failure: Dead by Friday

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    "OSOM: The Epic Fail of the Century"

    OSOM Products, the would-be savior of the tech world, has finally breathed its last breath. Android Authority was the first to blow the whistle on this corporate catastrophe, and now we’re left to wonder what went so horribly wrong.

    A Recipe for Disaster

    OSOM was doomed from the start, peddling its "revolutionary" privacy-focused smartphone like a snake oil salesman peddling a cure-all tonic. But instead of delivering a game-changing device, the company got bogged down in legal quagmires and internal conflicts. It’s a miracle they managed to release anything at all.

    From One Disaster to Another

    The company’s attempt to pivot to a Web3-focused device was an embarrassing failure, and its first-party phone was just a pipe dream. Instead, OSOM lent its tech to some obscure Solana project, because that’s exactly what the world needed – more Web3 nonsense.

    The Real Failure: Customer Acquisition

    But the biggest failure of all was OSOM’s complete inability to attract customers. Despite its best efforts, the company remained a nobody, with no phone to speak of and a bunch of half-baked products that nobody wanted.

    The CEO’s Ego Trip

    CEO Jason Keats had a plan to sell the company to HP, but it backfired spectacularly. Apparently, the market was having none of it. Instead, Keats is now left to shut down the company and lay off even more employees. Who could have seen that coming?

    The Final Nail in the Coffin

    "Unfortunately, given the bleak market climate for fundraising for consumer electronics startups, we were unable to raise a new round," Keats says. Yeah, no kidding. Who in their right mind would invest in a company that can’t even manage to launch a phone?

    The 7 Ways You Might Be Doing Email Wrong

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    The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast

    Episode Overview

    In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Jay Schwedelson, a leading marketing expert in the US known for his research-backed approach. He’s the Founder of SubjectLine.com, a top-ranked free subject-line rating tool, and has tested over 15 million subject lines. Jay also founded GURU Media Hub, hosting the GURU conference, the world’s largest email marketing event, attracting over 50,000 attendees annually. His popular podcast, "Do This, Not That!: For Marketers," is a top-rated marketing podcast in the US. Through Outcome Media, Jay’s team runs over 40,000 campaigns annually for top global brands. He’s been recognized as a top industry leader and inducted into the Hall of Fame at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications.

    Key Takeaways

    • Subject Lines: Your subject lines are crucial for getting emails opened. Starting the subject line with a number or fully capitalizing the FIRST WORD can increase open rates, and using an ellipsis or a question mark at the end of the subject line can also pique curiosity.
    • Call-to-Action Buttons: CTAs should be written in the first person to increase click-through rates. The language should focus on what’s in it for your recipient rather than what you want.
    • Timing: We all know the timing of your email depends on the type and target audience. Newsletters do well at the start of the week, while offer-based emails may perform better on weekdays or weekends. Or do they?
    • ESPs: The selection of an ESP should be based on your business’s specific needs. Different ESPs specialize in various types of email marketing, such as B2C or B2B. When you’re tempted to blame your ESP, ask if you chose wisely.
    • Landing Pages: Email and landing pages should be closely connected. Emails should direct recipients to specific landing pages that are optimized for conversion. Social proof, such as testimonials, can make your landing pages more compelling.
    • List Hygiene: List hygiene is essential for maintaining email deliverability. Hard bounces should be immediately removed from the list, and soft bounces should be monitored and removed after multiple occurrences.
    • AI: AI is expected to significantly impact email marketing in the future. Apple’s iOS 18 will introduce AI-driven email bucketing, which will affect how emails are categorized and displayed on mobile devices.

    Chapters

    [00:00] Introduction and Background of Jay Schwedelson
    [03:09] Optimizing Call-to-Action Buttons
    [05:22] Timing Email Sends for Different Types of Emails
    [07:05] Creating a Seamless Connection Between Email and Landing Pages
    [09:04] Maintaining List Hygiene for Better Email Deliverability
    [17:04] The Future of Email Marketing: AI and Email Bucketing
    [19:19] Conclusion and Contact Information

    More About Jay Schwedelson

    Check out his Website
    Visit Guru Conference
    Add him on LinkedIn

    This Episode Was Brought to You By

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    Decoding Revolution: Hackathon Ignites Fury on Continent

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    “Decoding the Future: 10 Years of Empowering Young Women in Tech”

    It’s time to take notice of the coding queens of Africa! For 10 years, GirlCode has been revolutionizing the tech industry by empowering young women to take charge and own their coding skills. Their annual hackathon has become the go-to event for showcasing the best of Africa’s coding talent.

    But what makes this year’s event truly historic is its expansion beyond South Africa’s borders. For the first time, GirlCode’s pan-African hackathon has brought together over 10 cities across the continent, creating a vibrant tapestry of innovation and inclusivity.

    The theme was simple yet powerful: “Harnessing the Power of Technology to Address Pressing Global Challenges.” The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provided the blueprint for the participants’ submissions. And the results? Absolutely mind-blowing!

    From PrincessCare’s solution to improve menstrual health access to Binary Brains 1’s app to encourage farmers to donate surplus produce, the hackathon saw some of the most creative and impactful solutions emerge. And then there were the winners. Ah, the winners!

    For their outstanding submissions, the winners will receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a trip to America! But what does it take to be a GirlCode winner? Zandile Mkwanazi, the founder and CEO of GirlCode, spills the secrets: “It’s all about showcasing their skills, pushing boundaries, and taking risks. We’re looking for game-changers, not just coders.”

    The stakes are high, and the rewards are sweet. But what drives GirlCode’s mission? “Empowering women to take their rightful place in Africa’s digital economy is our mantra,” Mkwanazi asserts. “We want to create a world where every woman has access to opportunities and can thrive in tech.”

    And thrive they will. GirlCode’s success has sparked a fire within Vuma, a major supporter of the initiative. Bongekile Tlhakanye, the head of department for service management, echoes Mkwanazi’s sentiments: “Empowering young girls means empowering communities. When we create opportunities for women, we create a better world.”

    The future is now. The future is bright. And the future belongs to the coding queens of Africa.