http://www.brainstormmag.co.za/

ITWeb Brainstorm South Africa, 326 Rivonia Boulevard, Edenburg, Johannesburg (2025)

01/12/2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is fast becoming the engine room of modern business, and companies that learn to harness it now are pulling ahead. From sharper decision-making to faster operations and personalised customer experience, AI isn’t just a competitive advantage anymore; it’s the difference between staying relevant and being left behind.

According to IDC’s 2025 CEO Priorities Research, more than 85% of Fortune 500 companies use Microsoft AI solutions to shape their future, with 66% of CEOs reporting measurable business benefits from GenAI initiatives, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

To explore this further, Brainstorm Magazine in partnership with Cloud on Demand and Microsoft Africa hosted an exclusive C-Suite Executive Roundtable themed “Using AI to get the most out of your business” on 25 November, 2025 at Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff.

The discussion delved into how organisations are navigating the AI-powered business landscape. Personalisation, automation, and operational efficiency emerged as strong themes of the discussion.

One participant stressed the importance of learning how to work smarter and leverage AI to maximise limited time, reinforcing the event’s relevance to organisations trying to optimise processes.

Several attendees also pointed out the value of gaining South African and sector-specific perspectives on AI adoption, cutting through global noise to understand its local application.

The discussion also revealed a collective interest in how AI and automation can be used to increase efficiency, differentiate offerings in a crowded market, and drive smarter operations - powered by genuine curiosity, collaboration, and the human touch behind the technology.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the roundtable, and to our sponsors for their valuable support.

This roundtable discussion will be featured in the next issue of Brainstorm magazine, available at leading retail stores and online: https://brainstorm.itweb.co.za/

20/11/2025

In a landscape where threats multiply faster than organisations can respond, cyber security has become a maze of tools, alerts, and overlapping risks.

Leaders are no longer struggling with a lack of information - the real challenge is cutting through the noise. As attacks grow more sophisticated and environments more interconnected, companies are grappling with complexity that often obscures the very threats they’re trying to stop.

The pressing question now is not whether you have enough security, but whether you have the clarity to make it work.

To discuss this further, ITWeb Brainstorm South Africa in partnership with Check Point Software Technologies hosted an exclusive C-Suite Roundtable themed “Cutting Through Cyber Complexity” on Tuesday, 18 November, 2025 at Signature restaurant, Johannesburg.

This intimate gathering brought together a group of senior executives for an engaging and insight-rich discussion, we explored the increasing complexity of today’s cyber landscape from fragmented security architectures and resource constraints to the rapid evolution of threats that demand faster, smarter responses.

Participants explored the growing challenge of securing AI in the enterprise, highlighting how malicious actors are leveraging increasingly sophisticated tools. Attackers now use AI to generate phishing emails, create convincing personas, and execute prompt-injection attacks that bypass conventional security systems.

Participants also highlighted critical importance of governance. Organisations must define clear policies for AI use, covering what types of prompts are allowed, how outputs should be handled, and who owns responsibility for monitoring.

Insider threats were also a major concern. Several speakers warned that criminals are increasingly targeting insiders.

Throughout the session, shared real-world challenges, practical strategies, and forward-looking perspectives on how organisations can streamline their security environments, reduce noise, and drive meaningful resilience. The conversation highlighted the urgent need for simplification, visibility, and integrated security ecosystems that empower teams rather than overwhelm them.

We appreciate the insightful contributions from all participants who joined the roundtable, and extend our gratitude to Check Point Software Technologies for making the discussion possible.

For more on this discussion, get your hands on the next edition of Brainstorm magazine, available in leading retail stores and online: https://lnkd.in/d5jQPb2Y

19/11/2025

As organisations push to modernise, managed services are undergoing a major shift - from reactive support functions to proactive, intelligence-driven engines that enable transformation. This Johannesburg edition marks the second leg of Brainstorm’s C-suite roundtable series on modern managed services, hosted in partnership with Liquid C2 and Microsoft Africa at the Four Seasons Hotel.

The discussion brought together CIOs, senior technology leaders, and industry experts to explore how modern managed services are transforming business operations. The focus was on driving agility, resilience, and innovation through strategic IT partnerships, AI, automation, and advanced cloud management.

Most of the attendees highlighted the need to understand how organisations are navigating data governance, cloud complexity, rising cyber risks, and the shifting role of managed services in the age of AI.

One of the attendees raised concerns about indigenous data governance, specifically around how African countries can retain ownership of their data, build machine-learning tools in local languages, and avoid simply handing “our crown jewels” to hyperscalers such as AWS, Azure and Google. This led to broader concerns about accountability, control and the long-term implications of feeding local data into foreign systems.

Another theme that emerged was the need for more transparency from vendors. Representatives from manufacturing, government and financial services expressed a desire to understand which vendors are genuinely delivering value versus merely selling attractive narratives.

One of the liveliest debates centred on whether cybersecurity should be outsourced. Banking representatives argued that cybe security is too strategic to entrust to third parties, while others shared experiences where outsourcing security functions such as SOCs proved beneficial, offering cost-efficiency, continuous threat-monitoring and access to scarce expertise.

Liquid C2 shared its comprehensive, single-provider managed services model, spanning cloud management, cybersecurity, connectivity, and productivity tools, including Microsoft 365 services and Teams Voice, all supported by an extensive African network infrastructure.

For those who may have missed this discussion, it will be in the next edition of Brainstorm magazine, available at leading retail stores and online: https://brainstorm.itweb.co.za/

17/11/2025

South Africa’s banking sector is undergoing a digital revolution — and on 1 November 2025, Old Mutual South Africa finally jumped into the competitive ring, launching OM Bank to the public. On the November cover of Brainstorm magazine, we sat down with Ray Deftereos and Suvania Moodliar from OM Bank, who say their modern tech stack gives them a real shot at outpacing the incumbents, despite their millions of customers.

We also feature:

Ø Raymond Ledwaba, CEO of ITTHYNK Smart Solutions, who tells us about how he left a high-paying job at Absa to build video games. Now he’s helping to build SA’s gaming ecosystem.

Ø Martina Madali, CIO at Arena Holdings, who talks about reviving media through smart tech leadership, legacy platforms and innovation.

Ø Jason Maidwell, director and co-founder at Linked, explains how their app supports startups by giving them workflows, infrastructure and a Launchpad, using tools like Flutter, Supabase, GitHub and automation.

Ø David Hirsch, CEO of (Pty) Ltd, discusses making refurbished devices (laptops, tablets, phones) affordable and accessible, while combating the stigma of second-hand tech.

Ø TJ Hanekom, COO at Africonology Solutions, and Tim Keys, MD at The Sales Institute, explore how Microsoft Copilot is being used in business - the promise, the pitfalls, and whether the GenAI hype is paying off.

Ø Kerissa Varma, chief security advisor at Microsoft Africa, warns that cybercriminals are exploiting trust on platforms like Teams, Slack, and Google Workspace, using impersonation and phishing to infiltrate organisations.

Ø We speak to Lars Veul, CEO and co-founder of Pargo; Ashlin Govender, head of commercial operations at Delivery Ka Speed SA (DKS); and Chante Venter, CEO/co-founder at Wise Move SA, who discuss logistics and delivery in South Africa, tackling bad addresses, customer behaviour, and where the logistics sector needs to go to meet real-world demand.

For these and more insightful and thought-provoking articles, grab your copy of Brainstorm magazine at leading retail stores or online: https://brainstorm.itweb.co.za/

13/11/2025

Modern Managed Services: Going Beyond Business as Usual

In today’s hyper-connected, always-on digital economy, “business as usual” no longer cuts it. Modern managed services have evolved far beyond traditional IT support; they’re now strategic enablers of agility, resilience, and innovation. From predictive monitoring and AI-driven automation to end-to-end cloud orchestration, modern managed services empower organisations to move faster, scale smarter, and focus on what truly matters: delivering value.

ITWeb Brainstorm, in partnership with C2Africa and Microsoft, hosted a C-suite roundtable on 6 November, 2025 at the Bistro Sixteen82 in Cape Town.

Not only was the session interactive and insightful, it also provided a platform for networking with industry peers.

The discussion kicked off with attendees sharing their hopes and expectations for the session's outcomes.

One of the attendees’ key expectations was finding a managed service provider that fits within their company's strategic vision and can quickly adapt to their specific environment, noting their experience with many previous providers.

Another participant emphasised the importance of integrated managed services. He stressed the need for a comprehensive package that addresses all aspects of a business rather than isolated solutions for specific areas like cybersecurity or cloud.

Challenges with managed services was another issue, including the struggle to integrate new solutions with existing legacy systems. One attendee emphasised the need to remodel these integrations into a full-service stack that effectively functions for the company, ensuring seamless operation between old and new technologies.

We would like to thank our guests for sharing their expertise, and our sponsors for making this platform possible.

This roundtable discussion will be featured in an upcoming issue of Brainstorm magazine, available at leading retail stores and online: https://lnkd.in/d5jQPb2Y

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10/11/2025

As data becomes the new currency of the digital economy, today’s datacentres are under pressure to do more, and do it faster. The race is on to break through legacy limits and build infrastructure that’s not just bigger, but smarter and more efficient. From AI-driven optimisation to sustainable design, the next generation of datacentres is redefining what’s possible in performance, scalability, and speed.

ITWeb Brainstorm South Africa, in partnership with First Distribution and Microsoft Africa, recently hosted an exclusive First Distribution-Partner C-Suite Executive Roundtable on "Breaking Barriers to Bigger, Faster, Smarter Datacentres" at Table Seven Restaurant in Cape Town.

The discussion brought together esteemed leaders from the technology, retail, and financial services sectors to explore how the next generation of datacentres is reshaping the digital landscape.

The conversations dived into how organisations are breaking barriers to create bigger, faster, and smarter datacentres that power AI, cloud computing, and real-time data analytics. It was an interactive session with attendees sharing insights on scaling operations, driving efficiency, and leveraging innovative infrastructure to deliver smarter customer experiences and unlock new growth opportunities.

From cutting-edge case studies to forward-looking strategies, the discussion provided a platform where bold ideas met action, and collaboration sparked innovation.

If you missed this discussion, catch up on the insights in the next issue of Brainstorm magazine: https://brainstorm.itweb.co.za/

10/11/2025

As artificial intelligence ( ) reshapes the digital landscape, the line between innovation and vulnerability is growing thinner. From predictive analytics to autonomous systems, AI is revolutionising how organisations operate, and how cybercriminals attack. In this new era, navigating security isn’t just about stronger firewalls or smarter tools; it’s about staying one step ahead of machines that learn faster than humans can react.

To discuss this topic further ITWeb Brainstorm South Africa, in partnership with First Distribution and Microsoft Africa, recently hosted an exclusive First Distribution-Partner C-Suite Executive Roundtable Themed "Navigating Security in the age of AI" at the Radisson RED in Cape Town.

The intimate gathering brought together established leaders from the technology, retail, and financial services sectors to exchange insights, share experiences, and explore the future of business in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The roundtable featured engaging discussions on how AI, data analytics, and cloud solutions are reshaping customer experiences, streamlining operations, and driving new growth opportunities. Participants examined how strategic partnerships with First Distribution and Microsoft are enabling innovation and helping organisations stay competitive in a fast-changing market.

From practical success stories to forward-looking strategies, attendees shared valuable perspectives on digital transformation, partner enablement, and creating value in a connected ecosystem.

The session concluded with a relaxed sunset boat cruise along Cape Town’s coastline, an ideal setting for continued networking and reflection.

Thanks to our incredible guests for sharing their expertise and to our sponsors for making this platform possible.

This roundtable discussion will be featured in the next issue of Brainstorm magazine, available at leading retail stores and online: https://brainstorm.itweb.co.za/

31/10/2025

Next-Generation Public Services: Bringing Everyone on the Digital Transformation Journey

ITWeb Brainstorm South Africa, in partnership with Business Connexion - Pty Ltd, Openserve & Telkom, hosted an exclusive BCX C-Suite Executive Roundtable Dinner at Signature Restaurant Umhlanga, Durban on 28 October 2025.

Esteemed IT executives came together to explore how the next generation of data centres is redefining digital transformation enabling more connected, efficient, and inclusive public services.

The discussions centered on Next-Generation Public Services, how next-gen data centres, AI, Big Data, and cybersecurity are enabling governments to deliver services that are faster, smarter, and more inclusive. South Africa is already making strides, climbing from 65th to 40th in the UN e-Government Index, digitising over 250 public services, with more than 130 live on the National e-Government Portal.

But transformation isn’t just about technology it’s about people. Digital literacy and leadership are essential to manage data responsibly, drive efficiency, enhance service delivery, and strengthen citizen trust. Despite advances in AI, Big Data, and cybersecurity, these remain some of the biggest challenges in government transformation.

We would like to thank our guests for their expertise and our sponsors for making this platform possible.

31/10/2025

The digital era is rapidly transforming the way governments operate, demanding a new level of agility, adaptability and digital literacy within the public sector.

ITWeb Brainstorm hosted the Public Sector ICT Forum on Tuesday 28 October, 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Umhlanga, in partnership with Business Connexion - Pty Ltd, Openserve, and Telkom.

The Public Sector ICT Forum, under the theme: “Digital literacy and leadership for public service excellence”, brought together leaders, civil servants and ICT professionals to address how digital skills and leadership can drive excellence in service delivery.

The forum also highlighted the growing need for a digitally enabled workforce, capable of managing technology-driven governance processes while embracing a culture of innovation within the KZN province.

The day began with warm welcome and introductions from our MC, alex mthiyane, setting the tone for a dynamic and insightful forum. We heard welcome remarks from Dr Stanley Mgobansimbi Mpofu, CIO of Wits - University of the Witwatersrand, followed by a sponsor address from Mpho Hlefana, Chief Marketing Officer at Business Connexion - Pty Ltd.

The program featured thought-provoking fireside chats, including discussions with Mpilo Sibiya, Chief Director of Provincial ICT at the KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s Office, and Hlubi Mthimkhulu, Senior ICTG at Dube TradePort Corporation, exploring the importance of digital literacy, agile leadership, and a future-ready public sector workforce.

We also heard an inspiring case study from Khetha Cele, Group CIO at Ithala Development Finance Corporation, on building a culture of innovation, accountability, and service excellence within the province.

A dynamic panel discussion followed, featuring Ntuthuko Ndamane (KZN Department of Transport), Nomazwi Mhloma (eThekwini Municipality), and Faith Burn (Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa). The conversation highlighted strategies to leverage digital governance and accountability to create a connected, secure, and citizen-centric government.

The forum concluded with closing remarks and next steps from our MC, leaving attendees inspired and energised to drive digital transformation in the public sector.

Thanks to all our speakers, partners, and attendees for making this forum such a success.

24/10/2025

South Africa's datacentre market is poised for growth, projected to expand from $2.16 billion in 2024 to $3.40 billion by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.85%.

Colocation has become a critical component of business continuity, scalability, and digital transformation in SA, according to reports. Therefore, collaboration between enterprises, service providers, and datacentre operators to address growing digital infrastructure demands is important.

To explore this topic further, Brainstorm magazine and Africa Data Centres hosted an exclusive C-suite executive roundtable themed, “What are you looking for in your colocation provider?” at Signature restaurant in Morningside, Johannesburg.

Industry leaders discussed the evolving role of colocation, highlighting its strategic importance in enabling hybrid and multicloud environments. They also noted the increasing demand from enterprises that want the flexibility of the cloud while maintaining control over critical workloads. They also stressed that modern colocation providers must support diverse connectivity options, edge computing, and strong security measures. Interconnection was highlighted as a key differentiator for colocation facilities.

During the discussion, energy efficiency and sustainability were highlighted as major decision drivers, alongside cost. They also delved into the impact of SA’s energy constraints, saying that colocation partners need to guarantee uptime through renewable energy integration and efficient cooling technologies.

The discussion emphasised assessing colocation partners on resilience, redundancy, and environmental responsibility. It was also highlighted that many organisations are choosing local colocation facilities for regulatory compliance and performance reliability.

If you missed this discussion, catch up on the insights in the next issue of Brainstorm magazine: https://lnkd.in/d5jQPb2Y

20/10/2025

In a rapidly evolving threat landscape, Security Operations Centre as a Service (SOC-as-a-Service) is emerging as a powerful solution for organisations looking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture without the heavy cost of building an in-house SOC.

According to industry experts, the shift toward SOC-as-a-Service is being driven by the growing complexity of cyberattacks, a shortage of skilled security professionals, and the need for faster response times.

To explore this topic further, Brainstorm Magazine in partnership with Cloudmania, Liquid C2, and Microsoft hosted an exclusive C-Suite Executive Roundtable themed “The Value of SOC-as-a-Service” on 1 October, 2025 at Signature Restaurant.

The discussion brought together tech industry leaders and experts within the reseller community to share real-world experiences, challenges, and insights around cybersecurity. The conversations went beyond theory, delving into how companies are starting security conversations with their customers, the maturity of IT estates they manage, and the tangible benefits SOC-as-a-Service can bring—from enhanced threat detection to reduced operational risk.

What became clear during the roundtable is that cyber threats spare no one: even small- and medium-sized businesses are under constant risk, and the cost of a breach can be devastating. Guests shared stories of overcoming common stumbling blocks, exploring practical strategies for advancing cyber maturity, and the evolving nature of the cyber conversation over the years.

We would like to thank all our guests for contributing to such an insightful discussion, and to our sponsors for making this gathering possible. We reinforced a critical truth: cybersecurity isn’t just a technical requirement—it’s a business imperative, and SOC-as-a-Service is an essential enabler for resilience and growth.

ITWeb Brainstorm South Africa

01/12/2025

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