Software Sharpens Teeth of Cybersecurity Firm, Fangs Out in Court

A killer update has landed cyber security firm CrowdStrike in a bloody fight with Delta Air Lines, after a faulty software update brought the world to its knees in July.

The deadly update, unleashed globally on July 19, triggered a global outage, canceling flights, paralyzing banks, hospitals, and hotels. It was like the zombie apocalypse, but instead of slow-moving, undead, it was fast-moving, digitally armed and dangerous… and completely untested.

CrowdStrike thinks it’s being unfairly targeted, and has taken to the courts to prove that they didn’t cause the chaos. But Delta Air Lines believes they are to blame, and is seeking damages of over $500 million… and that’s not even counting the emotional distress, reputational harm, and future revenue losses.

"The software update was a ticking time bomb, just waiting to blow up in our faces," said a defiant Delta Air Lines in a statement. "And CrowdStrike knew it, knew it, knows it… and yet, they still unleashed it on the world, causing untold harm to millions of people."

But CrowdStrike is firing back, saying that Delta’s own response to the crisis was slow, and that their own technology contributed to the delays in getting operations back on track. The firm is seeking a declaratory judgment, plus legal fees, and some justice.

The battle has only just begun, with the US transportation department investigating the incident, and the original article’s author, David Shepardson, reminding us that "if CrowdStrike had tested the faulty update on even one computer before deployment, it would have crashed."

Stay tuned for the latest updates on this tech nightmare!

The Great Brain Drain: How South Africa’s Skilled Labour Exodus is Fuelling the Skills Shortage Horrors

The latest instalment in the never-ending tale of woe for South Africa’s struggling tech industry: a survey from the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) has revealed that the country’s skills shortage is reaching new heights, with employers more likely to prioritize experience over qualifications.

The Data: A Disaster in the Making

The survey, sponsored by Software One Experts SA, found that:

• 47% of employers are prioritizing professional experience over formal education when recruiting new staff.
• 27% of employers have current AI/ML skills shortages, with 32% expecting shortages in the future.
• 19% of employers are struggling with data science skills gaps, 22% with data storage, and 27% with information security/cyber security.

It’s a bleak picture, but let’s not sugarcoat it. The great brain drain is real, and it’s fuelling the skills shortage.

The Silent Refugees: The Unstoppable Forces Behind the Exodus

While some might see the migration of skilled labour from South Africa as a simple case of supply and demand, there’s more to it. The survey reveals that the silent refugees – those who have given up on the country’s talent-rich tech landscape and seek better opportunities abroad – are driving the exodus.

• 49% of ICT practitioners are considering working remotely for an employer or client overseas.
• 9% plan to do so, and 11% already do.
• 8% describe themselves as digital nomads, living the dream (or nightmare, depending on your perspective) of perpetual travel and endless work opportunities.

The writing is on the wall. The exodus of skilled labour from South Africa is a ticking time bomb, waiting to detonate and further exacerbate the skills shortage crisis.

The Fix: A Plea for Change

What can be done to stop the rot? For a start, IITPSA CEO Tony Parry has a stern warning: "The lack of progress in broadening STEM education and training programmes not linked to employment continues to contribute to the skills gaps. We need coordinated efforts to make candidates more work-ready when they enter the labour force, as well as more qualified educators to help academic institutions produce a larger pipeline of ICT professionals."

In other words, the problem is not just about educating more people, but about making those people more employable. It’s a complex web of education, training, and upskilling that requires urgent attention.

The Solution: Revolutionize the Way We Think About Skilled Labour

We need to rethink the way we approach skilled labour in South Africa. It’s time to break free from the shackles of traditional education and instead focus on work-integrated learning, short courses, and certifications. We must also recognize the value of remote work and the gig economy in bridging the skills gap.

It’s not a question of "either-or" – it’s a question of "and". We need education, training, and upskilling to go hand in hand. Anything less will only lead to a never-ending cycle of skills shortages and brain drain.

The Future: A Glimmer of Hope?

All hope is not lost. The IITPSA survey reveals that 65% of employers believe skills gaps have a moderate or high impact on their businesses. This means that there’s still time to act, to adapt, and to revolutionize the way we approach skilled labour in South Africa.

It’s time to wake up to the reality of the skills shortage crisis and start building a brighter, more sustainable future for our country’s tech industry. The clock is ticking.

Telecoms Chaos Ensues as Tribunal Slams the Brakes on Vodacom’s Greedy Grab for Maziv

In a shocking move, the Competition Tribunal has sparked a firestorm of controversy by blocking Vodacom’s audacious attempt to acquire a controlling stake in Vumatel’s parent company Maziv. The bombshell decision has left many wondering if this is the beginning of the end for the long-overdue consolidation of South Africa’s telecommunications industry.

The deal, once touted as a groundbreaking transaction that would bring much-needed investment to underserved areas of the country, has been met with a resounding "no" from the tribunal. The news has sent shockwaves through the industry, dealing a devastating blow to Maziv’s plans to plough R10 billion into the deployment of fibre networks in townships and other areas that have been left in the dark for far too long.

The move is a crushing setback for Maziv and its shareholders, who had banked on the deal to bring in the much-needed cash injection to drive their plans forward. The relented hopes and dreams of the company’s executives must be now replaced with the harsh reality of a significant setback.

The tribunal claims that the proposed merger would have had far-reaching consequences, but what’s clear is that the decision has already sparked outrage among industry insiders, who are warning that this could lead to a future of fragmentation and inaction in the sector.

As the dust settles, it’s clear that this is a war cry for the telecommunications industry. Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to unfold.

Here’s the rewritten content in a more provocative and attention-grabbing style:

Uncovering the Shocking Amount Maziv Has Spent on Fiber

You Won’t Believe the Bill

Since its inception, Maziv, the parent company of Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) and Vumatel, has blown an astonishing R30 billion on putting fiber under our feet. Yes, you read that right. That’s more than triple the R9.1 billion budget allocated to higher education institutions in South Africa!

Maziv Has Fiber Plans, and More of It!

But how’s it going to fund the next phase of growth? They’ve got at least another R10 billion allocated to reach unserved and underserved communities across South Africa. This infrastructure buildout will bridge the digital divide, making faster, reliable, and high-speed internet accessible to every Tom, Dick, and Harry!

A Game-Changer for Rural Areas, You Ask?

The news is more fantastic than anyone imagined! The R99 prepaid fiber service, called Vuma Key, launched last year, has resonated deeply with users who have flocked to purchase this groundbreaking service. Affordability has become more of an oxymoron with the arrival of high-speed fiber connectivity!

Unlocking Growth Opportunities for ALL South Africans!

But before you assume Maziv just started now, the duo (DFA and Vumatel) has since passed 400,000 commercial buildings and connected schools with free high-speed internet. In essence, making life more digitally inclusive across SA! This digital goldrush can unlock economic progress for countless communities.

Key Partnerships Are the Unlocked Formula!

According to the head of communications at Maziv, partnerships (gasp!) are a game-changer! Connecting dots across SA’s government, internet service providers (ISPs), and every possible partner in between: Vumatel has snagged an astonishing 75 ISP partners; DFA sits comfortably among these with connections to 75 mobile network providers, including some pretty well-known players in this arena. So, hold onto your hat!

Don’t forget, in under 1 year, Maze launched a whopping R400 million fiber expansion project within Dark Fibre Africa – no slouch!

Who Will Unlock SA’s Unlimited Digital Potential?

So many have waited; some too long, some for ages, while a few know not yet, for true! To be sure the message doesn’t fall too silent; "BritelinkMCT, – fibre infrastructure planning and construction arm delivers 23 000 home installations per month!"

You have your clues!

Can South Africa reach internet heaven on its side?

And don’t hesitate – Vumatel just dropped hints they’ve built fiber for nearly 75 ISPs ( mobile networks?! Ahhhhh!), leaving more and many other things up for your interpretation)

Vumatel is putting this ‘ tsunami of the growth rate, to’ build its Fiber Infrastructure…

For sure it won’t grow! The last you might think – they were about as you are already – not sure you still haven’t tried this but what could I tell her I hope!

The Golden Handshake: EOH’s CEO Exits with a Whopping R15-Million Bonus

In a bombshell revelation, it emerged that EOH Holdings paid its former CEO, Stephen van Coller, a staggering R15-million in exit bonuses, on top of his already hefty salary and bonuses. The payout, revealed in the company’s annual financial statement, has left many questioning the company’s remuneration policy.

But what was even more shocking was that the payment was not part of a negotiated exit deal, but rather a goodwill gesture from the company’s board, in recognition of Van Coller’s decision to forgo a bonus when he joined EOH from MTN Group in 2018.

The payment, which amounts to almost 2.5% of EOH’s interest-bearing bank loans, has left some shareholders fuming, especially given the company’s troubled financial situation. The annual financial statement revealed that the company struggled with a distressed balance sheet, with Van Coller’s time at the company focused on selling off assets to right the ship.

But the real kicker is that the payment comes amidst controversy over EOH’s remuneration policy. In 2023, the company failed to secure 75% approval for its remuneration policy, with only 50% of shareholders voting in favor. This has led to concerns that the company is prioritizing executive payouts over shareholder value.

It’s no wonder that the payment has raised eyebrows. The total payout, including long-term share incentives, topped R32 million, making it a lucrative exit for Van Coller. The question is, what does this say about the company’s priorities? Is it truly committed to its shareholders, or is it more concerned with padding its executives’ pockets?

The answer lies in the details, but one thing is certain: EOH’s decision to part ways with R15 million has left some serious questions hanging.

HQ ALERT

Retail giant Pick n Pay is SIZZLING WITH SUCCESS

Get this – they’ve just reported a 60.6% YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASE in online sales, fueled by the rise of their ASAP! app and Pick n Pay Groceries on the Mr D app, available at 550 stores nationwide!

But that’s not all, folks! Their clothing division is also KILLING IT, with a 9.8% increase in sales, despite “difficult market conditions”. And if you thought that was enough, their online platform is BEATING THE COMPETITION, with a 60.6% year-on-year increase in sales!

CEO Sean Summers is being tight-lipped about it, but sources close to the company say they’re EXPECTING TO REDUCE TRADING LOSSES IN THE PICK N PAY SEGMENT BY AS MUCH AS 50% BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

What’s behind this success? It seems the secret ingredient is their NEW AI-ASSISTED SEARCH TOOLS in the ASAP! app, which helps customers find products instantly, even if they make a typo. And with over 25,000 searchable products and product alternatives, it’s no wonder they’re dominating the online retail space!

So, stay tuned for more updates on this retail giant’s explosive growth, and get ready to join the ASAP! revolution!