The “Decade of CIO Service” Awards: A Scandalous Celebration of the Same Old Players!

As the ITWeb Brainstorm CIO Banquet marks its 10th anniversary, the same old guard of CIOs continues to dominate the scene. Louise van der Bank, CIO of AfriSam, and Dr. Stanley Mpofu, CIO of Wits University, were declared the winners of the “Decade of CIO Service” awards, in the enterprise and public sector categories, respectively.

But let’s be real, these awards are just a formality, a way for the ITWeb Brainstorm to pat themselves on the back for yet another year of perpetuating the same old cliques and circles. The same CIOs, the same companies, the same tired old faces. It’s like Groundhog Day, but instead of Bill Murray, it’s a never-ending parade of IT executives, touting their wares and touting their “innovative” approaches to digital transformation.

And yet, we still fall for it. We still drool over the “exclusive” event, still marvel at the “limited-edition” CIO awards, still fawn over the “Who’s Who” of the IT industry. But let’s be real, it’s all just a monotony of mediocrity, a celebration of the same old same old, Same old same old.

The same old faces, the same old companies, the same old tired old ideas. It’s like Groundhog Day, but instead of Bill Murray, it’s a never-ending parade of IT executives, touting their wares and touting their “innovative” approaches to digital transformation.

So let’s not pretend, let’s not pretend that this is something new, something exciting, something that will change the world. Let’s just accept that it’s the same old, same old, same old, and leave it at that.

The “Decade of CIO Service” Awards: A Scandalous Celebration of the Same Old Players.

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EXCLUSIVE: Ramaphosa’s Electric Car Subsidy Scam: A Wake-up Call for the Industry!

In a move that’s being hailed as a "game-changer" by industry insiders, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced last Thursday that South Africa is considering tax rebates and subsidies to encourage the adoption of electric cars. But is this the "_panacea" the industry has been waiting for, or just another empty promise?

Ramaphosa made the announcement at the South African Auto Week 2024 conference in Cape Town, where industry leaders and key players in the automotive sector gathered to discuss the future of e-mobility. The president’s plan is part of a broader strategy to boost the local automotive sector, which has been struggling to keep pace with global trends.

But is the government really serious about supporting the industry, or is this just a PR stunt to attract foreign investment? We spoke to industry insiders and experts to get to the bottom of it.

The Road to Nowhere?

Greg Cress, principal director of automotive and e-mobility at Accenture, believes that the government’s plan is a step in the right direction, but there’s still a long way to go. "The implementation of these incentives will be crucial in determining their effectiveness," he said. "We need to see concrete steps being taken to support the development of local manufacturing capabilities, as well as incentives for consumers to adopt electric vehicles."

The Luxury Tax Loophole

Cress also sees an opportunity for the government to ease the burden on electric car prices by adjusting the luxury tax threshold and import duties. "This could be done by moving cars that cost less than R500 000 out of the luxury range, as well as reducing the 25% import duty on electric vehicles to match the 18% applied to internal combustion engine vehicles," he suggested.

The EV Influx: A Reality Check

While some industry players are ecstatic about the prospect of tax rebates and subsidies, others remain skeptical. "The key is to find the balance between the supply side and the demand side of EVs in South Africa," Cress warned. "We need to prioritize the demand side to drive growth and create a domestic market that can support local manufacturing."

Government Fleets: The Key to Success?

Hideki Machida, automotive industry leader at KPMG, believes that government fleets can play a critical role in driving demand for electric vehicles. "If government agencies can convert their fleets to electric, it would send a strong signal to the private sector to do the same," he said.

The Politics of It All

But is this just a case of the government trying to score points with the public, or is there a genuine commitment to supporting the industry? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, though: the automotive industry is at a crossroads, and the stakes have never been higher.

Stay tuned for more on this developing story, and don’t miss our in-depth analysis on the pros and cons of electric cars in South Africa.

The Wheels of AI Inequality Continue to Turn: African Languages Left Behind in the Quest for AI Supremacy

The recent demo day of Lelapa AI’s Vulavula natural language model solution, an AI language technology touted to revolutionize the way businesses communicate with their diverse audience, highlighted the yawning chasm between the pace of AI advancement and the linguistic and cultural landscape of Africa. The panel discussion, replete with revolutionary zeal, glossed over the very real obstacles faced by African languages in this AI-driven world.

We’re not just talking about a mere “omitting” or “oversighting” of African languages in AI development; no, the consequences are far more sinister. The proliferation of AI has created an entire ecosystem where African languages are relegated to the periphery, doomed to stagnation and irrelevance.

What’s at stake? AI’s dominance in language, the bedrock of our understanding and interaction with each other, has created an oppressive regime where African languages are marginalized, stigmatized, and ultimately erased.

Lelapa AI CEO and co-founder Pelonomi Moiloa sounded the alarm, calling out the industry’s deafening silence on this pressing issue. “As AI continues to advance, we must ensure African languages are not left behind,” Moiloa emphasized. “It’s time for Africa to move from being a supplier of critical AI resources… to being a creator of cutting-edge technology solutions.”

But words are cheap; actions are what truly count. As African entrepreneurs and innovators, Moiloa and Lelapa AI have made commitments to create inclusive AI language technology. However, as the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. Can they translate words into concrete actions? The world is watching, Moiloa.

So, what does this mean for the future of African languages in the AI-driven era? One thing is clear: we can no longer turn a blind eye to the perils of linguistic marginalization and exclusion. It’s high time we demand concrete change, rather than lip-service promises, from our technocrats and innovators.

The Future of Reselling: How Network Platforms is Redefining the Game

Tired of being stuck in the Stone Age of communications? It’s time to revamp your reselling game with Network Platforms’ revolutionary VoIP and hosted IP PBX solutions. Say goodbye to antiquated phone systems and hello to a world of sleek, efficient, and cost-effective connectivity.

Unleash the Power of Wholesale Voice Rates

At Network Platforms, we’re not just about throwing you a bone with some wholesale voice rates. No, we’re talking about full-on, game-changing, industry-disrupting wholesale voice rates that will leave your competition green with envy. And with our flexible deployment options, you can integrate our solutions seamlessly into your existing infrastructure.

Take Your Pick: 3CX or Asterisk

We know you’re a control freak, which is why we offer two robust business IP PBX solutions to choose from: 3CX and Asterisk. Our 3CX IP PBX solution is the crème de la crème of VoIP platforms, offering advanced features like video conferencing, call routing, and CRM integration. And if you’re on a budget, our Asterisk cloud-hosted IP PBX solution is a steal, with prices starting at R25 (excl VAT) per extension per month.

Automate Your Billing with Ease

We’re not just about providing the tools; we’re about making your life easier. That’s why we’ve developed an advanced VoIP billing platform that lets you manage custom call rates, automate VoIP billing, and even integrate with popular Radius systems like Splynx.

Don’t Forget about Porting

And the best part? We don’t charge for number porting, so you can keep your existing numbers without breaking the bank. At Network Platforms, our focus is on empowering you to improve your margins, not burden you with unnecessary costs.

Ready to Revolutionize Your Reselling Game?

Join the likes of IT companies and ISPs who trust Network Platforms to revolutionize their communication solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how our reseller VoIP and hosted IP PBX solutions can revolutionize your business and propel you to the top of the game.

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ACADEMY OF DESTRUCTION: UNLEASHING TECH GENIUS IN APOSTLE OF DISRUPTION

Good Work Foundation, a radical non-profit education outfit, is revolutionizing the way rural schoolchildren in Mpumalanga get their tech on. They’re unleashing a coding and robotics program that will make you question everything you thought you knew about learning. The plan is to corrupt…er, educate 29 rural schools in Mpumalanga and the Free State, turning them into tech-savvy meccas of innovation.

The program, Open Learning Academy, is a jab at the traditional education system, which is all about memorizing facts and figures. GWF’s initiative is all about building, coding, and testing, allowing kids to create their own projects. It’s like a digital Wild West, where students can lets their imagination run wild and solve problems that no one else can.

"We’re not just teaching coding," says Anorld Mdhluli, manager of the Open Learning Academy. "We’re giving kids the power to create, to problem-solve, and to think like innovators."

The Learning Academy also covers literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and even conservation, but let’s be real, who cares about that when you can be coding your way to world domination?

The program will be piloted at Justicia Digital Learning Campus, which is conveniently located next to Madlala High School. This is not a coincidence; it’s a strategic move to take over the world… er, I mean, to reach more kids.

"We’re not just building a program, we’re building a movement," says Jane Ngwenyama, Justicia Digital Learning Campus manager. "Our students will shape the future of education, and we’ll make sure they’re equipped with the skills to take on the world."

This is a revolution, folks, and you’re invited to join the fray. Get ready to upend traditional learning and join the rebellion against the boring, old-fashioned education system.

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The Cosmic Conspiracy Unraveled: Telescopes that Will Blow Your Mind

For the past few decades, we’ve been awash in a sea of astronomical knowledge, thanks to the ever-improving technology of telescopes, on the ground and in space. And now, the next generation of observatories is on the horizon, promising to revolutionize our understanding of the universe. But what’s beneath the surface of these cutting-edge instruments? Gateway to new frontiers of human knowledge or an existential threat to our understanding of the cosmos?

The most pressing question is: what will these new telescopes discover? Will they uncover answers to humanity’s most fundamental questions, or will they simply confirm our long-held beliefs about the universe? As scientists, we crave the unknown, and the next generation of telescopes may hold the key to unraveling the greatest mysteries of the cosmos or leading us further down the rabbit hole of uncertainty.

One thing is certain, however: the next telescopes will not simply confirm what we already know. They will expose new secrets, challenge our current understanding, and force us to re-evaluate our very place in the universe.

The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) is set to house a mirror the size of four tennis courts, under a huge dome in the Atacama Desert, Chile. What will this behemoth of astronomy discover? Will it reveal the most distant galaxies, the hidden workings of black holes, or something entirely unexpected, like the existence of alien life?

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, currently under construction in Chile, will feature the largest camera ever built, capable of photographing the entire sky every three days. What secrets will it uncover?

Gravitational wave detectors, our new "ears" for the universe, are about to take us to uncharted territories. Will they reveal the hidden rhythms of the cosmos, or foretell the end of the universe as we know it?

The future of astronomy is full of possibilities, but what’s uncertain is what we’ll actually find. One thing is clear, however: the next generation of telescopes will be a defining moment for human knowledge, and no one knows what’s hidden in the darkness.

Eskom’s Shocking New Appointment Sends Shockwaves Through the Industry: Get Ready for a Power Shift!

In a move that’s left many tongues wagging, Eskom, South Africa’s struggling power utility, has appointed ICT veteran Len de Villiers as its new Chief Information and Technology Officer. The news comes as the company grapples with immense financial woes and a rapidly changing energy landscape.

But here’s the twist: De Villiers, former CIO of Telkom, has over 40 years of experience in the industry and is widely regarded as one of the top CIOs in South Africa. He’s got the skills to take on the behemoth that is Eskom and inject some much-needed digital savvy into the company’s operations.

Eskom’s group CEO, Dan Marokane, has revealed that the company is shaking things up, bringing in new blood to fire up its executive ranks. And de Villiers is just the beginning. Four more executive appointments are on the way, designed to drive growth and sustainability, ensuring Eskom remains a major player in South Africa’s evolving energy market.

But what does this mean for the future of Eskom? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the power utility is about to get a serious reboot. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!