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Driving scalable, secure innovation in a decade-long ICT partnership between The Aurum Institute and Datacentrix

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LnT Desk
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Driving scalable, secure innovation in a decade-long ICT partnership between The Aurum Institute and Datacentrix
Arshad Hassim, The Aurum Institute

The Aurum Institute, an innovative African non-profit organisation focused on health research and systems, has partnered with leading hybrid IT systems integrator and managed services provider, Datacentrix, for over a decade to ensure robust, scalable and secure ICT infrastructure.

From enabling a rapid cloud transformation during the Covid-19 pandemic to remaining flexible and supportive in the face of recent US funding policy changes, this long-standing relationship has proven invaluable to Aurum’s operational resilience and digital agility.

According to Charmaine Kotze, Datacentrix Account Manager, the partnership between Aurum and Datacentrix began in 2015 following a competitive tender process. “Since then, the relationship between the two organisations has matured into a strategic alliance that supports Aurum’s dynamic, project-driven environment,” she explains.

Scalable support for a fast-moving NGO

As a health-focused NGO with a head count that frequently scales up and down in response to new project grants, Aurum needed a technology partner that could offer flexibility and rapid response. Datacentrix has fulfilled this need through a fully managed ICT environment that includes end-user hardware procurement, immutable backups, networking, remote support and cloud services.

Arshad Hassim, Group CFO at Aurum, clarifies that the organisation’s projects and programmes cover a wide range of activities, including programmatic implementation and technical assistance for HIV/AIDS and TB prevention, care and treatment services throughout the health system in South Africa, HIV prevention clinical research studies, TB and HIV vaccine studies and large-scale TB prevention programmes.

“Essentially, Aurum partners with governments, the private sector and civil society to design and deliver high-quality care and treatment to people in developing communities. Trusted by major global funders, we receive grants to implement programmes that reflect our core philosophy, to take research into policy, and then take the same policy into practice.

“One of our biggest challenges therefore is to remain agile enough to be able to scale up very quickly for certain projects and then, once those projects are concluded, scale back down again.”

Cristian Pieterse, The Aurum Institute

“We operate in a very fluid environment; at certain points our headcount will swell by hundreds of people and then, once projects are completed, it can shrink again by 30 percent,” continues Cristian Pieterse, HOD: ICT Operations & Infrastructure at Aurum. “Datacentrix’s clear understanding of Aurum’s business and its specific requirements in this sense allows us to achieve this.

“Datacentrix has supported us with everything from large-scale hardware rollouts to agile remote support for staff across South Africa. Their support model has also helped us to increase our support SLA metrics,” Pieterse states.

“Today, over 90 percent of our ICT support is handled remotely. This has been a real game changer for Aurum, as previously there was a requirement for engineers across our offices throughout South Africa, or our users might have had to drive hundreds of kilometres potentially to have a laptop repaired. Not only has this allowed us to save costs, but we’re able to support more people, with a better level of service.”

As both Group CFO and executive IT sponsor, Hassim sees the partnership’s value beyond technology.

“Datacentrix has supported Aurum with cost optimisation, risk mitigation and compliance, while also aligning with our NGO-specific needs, like maximising Microsoft’s Tech for Social Impact programme.

“What sets Datacentrix apart is their partnership approach. We have a direct line to senior management, right up to the Group CEO, Ahmed Mahomed, and when challenges arise, we come together quickly to find practical solutions. It goes beyond a supplier-client relationship; it’s truly a partnership based on trust, responsiveness and shared goals.”

A pandemic-prompted cloud leap

While the partnership pre-dated the pandemic, Covid-19 was a defining moment in Aurum’s digital journey and Datacentrix played a key role in guiding the organisation through its cloud transformation.

“Before Covid, we had no cloud roadmap and, with the national lockdowns, we really had to think on our feet,” says Pieterse. “Datacentrix helped us rapidly migrate more than 2,000 users to the cloud, as we adopted Microsoft’s cloud approach, including the use of Teams for instance. Datacentrix also assisted with moving our data across to SharePoint, in a project spanning a few years.

“Our Microsoft cloud adoption now sits above 80 percent, well above average for organisations our size.”

Preparing for the future

Looking ahead, Aurum and Datacentrix are exploring new frontiers, including AI and improved end-user cybersecurity training, with support from Datacentrix’s socio-economic development initiatives.

“We’re working with Datacentrix on cybersecurity awareness campaigns aimed at end users, including training and certification. Keeping staff aware and vigilant is critical,” says Pieterse.

Through shared purpose, agility and a deep understanding of Aurum’s operating environment, Datacentrix has become more than an IT supplier, it’s a long-term strategic partner.

“Our partnership with Datacentrix has spanned a decade, and one factor that has made for an excellent journey together is the fact that they are always willing to listen to what we’d like to achieve, and collaborating with us, instead of just telling us what they think we should do,” Pieterse adds.

“We wouldn’t still be working together if we didn’t believe in the value Datacentrix brings to the table,” says Hassim. “In tough times, like during the Covid crisis or the recent US government funding cuts, Datacentrix has stood by us. That’s when ‘fair-weather friends’ reveal themselves, as do – such as in this case – true partnerships.”

“Datacentrix is a strategic partner committed to enabling client success, especially in mission-driven environments like that of The Aurum Institute,” comments Natasha Oosthuizen, Commercial Business Unit Sales Manager at Datacentrix.

“Supporting an agile, high-impact organisation such as Aurum over the past decade has meant deeply understanding their operational realities and adapting our services to meet their evolving needs. We’re proud to contribute to the vital work Aurum does in advancing healthcare across Africa, and look forward to continuing this impactful partnership,” she concludes.

For more information on Datacentrix, please visit www.datacentrix.co.za

A Timeless Twist: Elevate Your Whisky Cocktails with ANGOSTURA® bitters

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LnT Desk
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A Timeless Twist: Elevate Your Whisky Cocktails with ANGOSTURA® bitters

Whisky continues to reign supreme in South Africa, with locals sipping their way through nearly 39 million litres each year, earning it the title of the country’s most-loved spirit.

From the rich, warming embrace of a Boulevardier to the smooth, sophisticated finish of a Manhattan, there’s one secret ingredient that has consistently elevated whisky cocktails over the years: ANGOSTURA® bitters. This iconic staple, with its distinctive and complex flavour, doesn’t just complement whisky…it truly transforms it.

As whisky continues its impressive ascent in popularity, so too does the appreciation for expertly crafted cocktails that highlight its unique character. ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters is absolutely essential for unlocking the full depth, balance, and complexity in your favourite whisky serves. Whether you’re a fan of bourbon, rye, or exploring local craft whiskies, just a few dashes of these celebrated bitters can elevate your drinking experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

Shake Up a Classic: The Perfect Whiskey Sour

For a vibrant, crowd-pleasing cocktail that’s always in style, look no further than the Whiskey Sour:

Ingredients:

  • 50 ml whisky
  • 25 ml fresh lemon juice
  • 15 ml simple syrup
  • 2 dashes ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters
  • Ice

 Method:

Combine whisky, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well-chilled. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lemon wheel or a classic cherry.

Explore New Depths: Beyond the Aromatic

Ready to expand your cocktail horizons? ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters introduce a delightful warm, nutty richness to contemporary whiskey creations, while ANGOSTURA® orange bitters provide a bright, citrusy lift, perfect for zestier serves.

Whether you’re playing host at home or showcasing your mixology skills behind the bar, ANGOSTURA® bitters empowers you to unlock the full, incredible potential of whiskey cocktails…one dash at a time.

For more inspiring recipes, cocktail ideas, and product information, visit www.angosturabitters.com or follow Angostura South Africa on Instagram @AngosturaZA and Facebook at Angostura South Africa.

Leading with logic: How Africa’s top tech exec is shaping SOFTSWISS’s next phase in SA

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LnT Desk
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Leading with logic: How Africa’s top tech exec is shaping SOFTSWISS’s next phase in SA
Deputy CTO Sergey Kastukevich

It’s been a breakthrough year for global iGaming software provider SOFTSWISS. Following a strong debut at Africa Tech Week and Deputy CTO Sergey Kastukevich being named CTO of the Year for the EMEA region at the 2025 Oracle Excellence Awards, the company has cemented its African ambitions. But while Kastukevich has scaled software systems across four continents, he sees South Africa as more than just another expansion opportunity.

“South Africa is a very interesting region,” he says. “Despite the challenges, there are strong digital fundamentals – Amazon, Oracle and major data centres are already here. Growth is outpacing other African markets. It reminds me of the UAE, where 80% of GDP now comes from tech, finance and tourism, not oil.”

This aligns with SOFTSWISS’s core strategy: establishing itself in developing but digitally advanced markets.

“There’s a strong engineering community we want to tap into, entirely new product niches emerging, and space for fresh ideas. We don’t just want to participate – we want to help shape the ecosystem,” Kastukevich explains.

Building in, not just expanding to

SOFTSWISS is applying its learnings from scaling operations in Latin America to the South African market – but there’s no copy-paste approach.

“There’s no playbook,” says Kastukevich. “We treat every market as a process of continuous adaptation – and security comes first.”

That means building from the ground up using a secure-by-design model.

“We strictly manage both virtual and physical access, run secure code reviews, vulnerability testing, and behavioural monitoring. If there are repeated failed logins, our SOC is immediately alerted. These are non-negotiables – every market launch, every business line, begins with these foundations.”

Locally, SOFTSWISS has adapted its systems to South Africa’s diverse connectivity landscape – where everything from 3G phones to high-end devices must be supported.

“People shouldn’t be held back by infrastructure limitations. Our frontend is optimised for fast loading, even on slower connections. We use CDNs and partner servers to localise static content and deliver speed. UX consistency is critical.”

This technical flexibility is matched by a leadership philosophy that prioritises experimentation over rigidity.

“The pace of change means engineers need space to try, fail and try again – fast. My job is to provide that space and make sure the board understands why it matters.”

Innovation, not for novelty’s sake

While Kastukevich embraces emerging technologies, he’s wary of hype cycles.

“AI’s having its moment again, but we’ve been here before – in the 1980s and 2000s. The difference now is we finally have the computing power. Still, it’s not about novelty. We only implement what solves real problems.”

SOFTSWISS uses an internal “tech radar” to manage this: a system to track technologies at various stages – being observed, tested, adopted, or discarded.

“We measure everything. For example, with AI-assisted coding, tasks are tagged and developers log how long it would’ve taken without AI. That way we can calculate time saved, effort reduced, and actual ROI.”

And ethics remains central.

“We embed transparency, data control, and explainable algorithms into everything we build. That’s the only way to scale responsibly – especially across jurisdictions.”

From CTO to translator-in-chief

While Kastukevich leads a large technical team, he sees his role as less about directing every solution and more about enabling them.

“I don’t need to be on the front lines of every cutting-edge tool. I need to build an environment where the best ideas emerge – and where they get supported.”

That means translating tech into business logic.

“When I present something like data governance to the board, I don’t talk about frameworks. I show how it improves reporting, speeds up operations, and increases accuracy. It becomes a business priority, not just an IT one.”

“That’s what innovation leadership looks like, in my mind – turning strategy into culture, and culture into capability.”

For SOFTSWISS, this combination of global best practice, local responsiveness, and human-centred tech leadership is helping lay the groundwork for a resilient South African operation.

And if the past year is anything to go by, it’s a model built to scale.

Help fight hunger this Mandela Day with Checkers Sixty60 and Meals on Wheels

By
LnT Desk
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Every winter, millions of South Africans go to bed hungry. Meals on Wheels sees this daily – a parent skipping meals so their child can eat, or an elderly neighbour quietly asking if there’s “just a little something” left.
This Mandela Day, one simple act can make a real difference: from 14-18 July you can help by donating non-perishable food items to Meals on Wheels via the Checkers Sixty60 platform (web or app). Checkers will match every donation and refund your delivery fee.
This initiative has collected food to the value of almost R2.7 million since launching four years ago – that’s over 207,000 cans of baked beans or more than 150,000 packets of rice.
“Previous contributions from our Mandela Day partnership with Checkers Sixty60 have kept some Meals on Wheels branches running for up to three months – and in some areas, the support has sustained operations for as long as a year,” says Gershon Naidoo, Programmes Director for Meals on Wheels South Africa.
“As food insecurity continues to rise – so does our goal for this year. With your support, we hope to reach even more people.”
Donate from anywhere in South Africa by opening the Sixty60 platform (web or app), typing one of the three listed locations – Meals on Wheels Plumstead, Meals on Wheels Gillitts or Meals on Wheels Yeoville – into the delivery address bar and placing your order. A dedicated ‘Deliver Kindness’ section in the app highlights the most-needed grocery items, helping your donation go even further.
“Uplifting the communities we serve is central to our purpose, and tackling food insecurity remains a key focus of our sustainability efforts. Through our partnership with Meals on Wheels, and thanks to the incredible generosity of our Sixty60 customers, we’re seeing just how powerful collective action can be,” – Sanjeev Raghubir, Chief Sustainability Officer at the Shoprite Group.
Meals on Wheels operates 173 kitchens across all nine provinces in South Africa, collectively providing more than 200,000 meals daily to individuals who need them most.

Hidden immunity hijackers you didn’t know about

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FUTURELIFE®
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And How Smart Nutrition Can Help

Stress, sniffles and sudden sick days… ever noticed how you always seem to come down with something right after a big presentation or just as your holiday starts? It’s not your imagination. Stress can temporarily weaken your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to illness. Think of your immune system as your body’s internal security team – always on duty, quietly defending against everyday threats. But like any good team, it needs support to stay strong and effective.

Bianca Jonischkeit, dietitian at FUTURELIFE®, explains that several factors can play a role in weakening your immune system. We are all generally aware that poor sleep and nutrition, as well as prolonged stress, are common culprits. But some other surprising contributors can also affect our immunity.

Did you know that:

1. Ongoing physically strenuous exercise/ activity without adequate recovery can suppress your immune system.

2. Certain medications or health conditions, like diabetes, TB, malaria, cancer and HIV/AIDS, can make it harder for your body to fight off germs and infections.

3. A healthy gut microbiome helps your immune system stay strong and balanced. But if that balance is disrupted, your immune system can become too weak, making you more prone to illness.

4. Age affects immunity, and as you get older, your immune system naturally gets slower and less effective. On the other hand, young children have immature immune systems, and their bodies are still learning how to recognise and respond to germs.

“Immunity isn’t just about avoiding illness; it’s also about building long-term resistance,” says Bianca. “The reality is that your immune system depends on consistent, healthy habits. It’s about everyday choices that aid your body over time, and nutrition can play a significant role in enhancing immune health. While no single food or supplement can prevent illness, certain nutrients may enhance the body’s natural defences.”

Vitamins A, C, D, E and B vitamins, plus minerals such as zinc, iron and selenium, all play important roles in supporting immune function. These can be found in everyday foods such as citrus fruits, spinach, sweet potatoes, bananas, carrots, lentils, eggs, and seeds.  For those continually on the go, the trick is choosing convenient, nutrient-dense foods.  For example, after a tough workout or physically strenuous day at work, a well-balanced meal that includes protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, as well as fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants, can aid your body’s recovery and immune function.

Bianca notes that the road to a healthy immune system isn’t about perfection but about finding healthy options that fit into your lifestyle. For example, starting your day with a wholesome breakfast, snacking on nuts, fruit or yoghurt, and aiming for a colourful plate at dinner can all support immune health in simple, sustainable ways. Including berries and colourful fruits and vegetables – ‘eating the rainbow’- as part of your daily meals also ensures a varied, nutrient-rich diet.

While some factors that can weaken your immune system may come as a surprise, the steps to support it don’t have to be complicated. Small, smart choices – getting adequate high quality sleep, moderate exercise, eating foods that nourish you, and staying hydrated – all add up to a stronger, more resilient you.

“Your immune system is already working incredibly hard behind the scenes. Sometimes it just needs a little extra help to keep doing its job well,” Bianca concludes. “And honestly? It can be as simple as making thoughtful food choices that are realistic, sustainable, and fit your lifestyle while giving your body what it needs to build resilience.”

For more tips and articles on healthy nutrition or to view the full range of FUTURELIFE® products, visit www.futurelife.co.za.

Reforming global financial architecture is critical for gender equality and right to health

By
Shobha Shukla – CNS
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Reforming global financial architecture is critical for gender equality and right to health

While governments have committed to deliver on Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, inequalities, injustices and deadly divide between the Global North and Global South nations (and within rich and poor nations) has jeopardised progress on SDG goals and targets – including gender equality and right to health – both of which are fundamental human rights.

“If we do a reality check, in the current times, we are in a dysfunctional international financing architecture – with countries in the Global South facing the brunt. We are increasingly facing challenges to mobilise resources for our own development. Because most of the countries in the Global South are in the cycles of perennial debt – which they have to keep servicing to international financial institutions. This results into austerity measures which include countries cutting down on public services, access to health services, education services, social protection services, among others,” said Sai Jyothirmai Racherla, Deputy Executive Director, Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW).

“While it impacts the general population, marginalised communities, and poor people, the impact on women and girls in all their diversity across the strata is much higher. Data tells us that developing countries are seeing a record high debt servicing costs in 2023. This is straining low- and middle-income economies. This is compounded by a US$ 4 trillion annual investment gap for SDG achievement in developing countries,” she added.

In 2024, official development assistance from 30 DAC nations (developed nations that provide aid to developing countries) declined by 7.1% in real terms – the first drop in five years – reaching only US$ 212.1 billion (0.33% of combined gross national income). UN target for developed countries is to allocate 0.7% of their gross national income as official development assistance but it dipped to less than half to 0.33%.

Poor investment in social sector fails us in economic sector too

“When there are poor social investments in the social sector then it does not contribute to the economic sector. Domestic resource mobilisation for the public sector for social protection, health, and education is less too. With declining official development assistance and perennial debt cycles, the impact becomes even more severe. This is going to impact gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights at so many different levels,” said Sai of ARROW.

Sai was delivering her keynote address at SHE & Rights (Sexual Health with Equity & Rights) session on the theme: “Did the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development deliver on gender equality & feminist agenda?”, organised around UN inter-governmental High Level Political Forum (HLPF 2025) and 13th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025). HLPF 2025 will review SDG3 (health and wellbeing), SDG5 (gender equality) among others.

SHE & Rights session was co-hosted by International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) 2025, Family Planning News Network (FPNN), Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion (CeHDI), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR), Asia Pacific Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media) and CNS.

Governments did not deliver on feminist agenda but Feminist Forum gives hope

The 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) of the United Nations concluded a week ago in Seville, Spain. But FfD4 did not achieve its objective of restructuring the global economy and financial system, to benefit all equitably, including women, girls and all gender diverse peoples. FfD4 failed to guarantee long-term, flexible, inclusive, equitable financing for development. FfD4 looked into women and girls as merely ‘economic potentials’ for ‘economic benefits’ without really addressing the fundamental barriers to gender justice, including labour rights, safeguards for corporate abuses and preventing gender-based violence in the workplace.

“Feminist agenda refers to a gender transformative economic system that is based on rights to justice, care, and equality for everyone urgently. This was central to the Political Declaration of Feminist Forum held before the FfD4 began in Seville, Spain. But FfD4 failed to deliver on gender equality and feminist agenda,” said Sai Jyothirmai Racherla of ARROW.

Feminist Forum’s Political Declaration also called for deescalating wars and ending territorial invasions and genocide – “nothing less from this is acceptable,” rightly stressed Sai.

Sai feels that FfD4 conference outcome document was a mix bag, “as it was a diluted version of the vision and ambition of the Action Agenda adopted at 3rd International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD3) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (2015), and also of Monterrey Consensus adopted at the 1st International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD1) in Monterrey, Mexico (2002), as well as Doha Declaration on financing for development (2008). FfD4 outcome document also compromised the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) 1994 and the Beijing Declaration and its Platform for Action 1995 commitments.”

Empowerment of women and girls, economic value inherent in unpaid care work, and references to eradicating gender-based violence were mentioned in FfD4 outcome document but the broader and deeper aspects of gender equality or sexual and reproductive health and rights were missing in the FfD4 outcome document.

“From the very beginning, the demand to reform international financing architecture was undeniably strong, to realise gender-just economy in which financing for development will result in equitable outcomes for all, in terms of fair distribution of resources within countries – and in between countries. We need to reform international financing architecture to promote social, economic, and environmental justice and strengthen democracy and multilateralism equitably. This was not achieved at FfD4,” said Sai.

Reality check on gender equality and health

“2 pregnant persons die every minute. 700 women die unnecessarily from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth every day, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. To reach the global target of less than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, nearly 700,000 maternal deaths need to be prevented between 2024 and 2030,” said Sai.

The current international financial architecture is not working and does not guarantee long-term, flexible, inclusive, equitable financing for development. “We need to restructure global economic governance to centre feminist leadership, Global South parity, and the meaningful leadership of civil society and marginalised communities. This includes democratising decision-making across all the international financial institutions and multilateral development banks, including through the urgent reform of the voting systems of the IMF and the World Bank. This is part of Political Declaration of Feminist Forum held before FfD4 too,” she added.

In Asia-Pacific, household health expenditures (SDG indicator 3.8.2) remain high, placing families under financial strain and limiting access to essential services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the percentage of people in South-East Asia spending more than 10% of their total household income on health has increased, rising from 13.1% in 2010 to 16.1% in 2019.

“Global poverty reduction is virtually at a standstill. Around 9% of people worldwide lived in extreme poverty in 2022. While social protection coverage has reached a milestone of covering half the world’s population, low-income countries have shown almost no improvement since 2015 – with coverage rates of 9.7%, with poorest within these countries left behind,” said Sai of ARROW.

Polycrisis

“Global South is also in an age of poly-crisis. For example, the climate crises are becoming real. Just the Asia-Pacific region in the Global South, accounts for 40% of global natural disaster events. These natural disasters further increase the burden of unpaid domestic work for women who have to invest more hours in securing water, food, and energy for cooking and heating the homes. The closing or underfunding of public services such as health centres, schools, and water provision facilities due to debt crises and increasing debt service payments, is further exacerbated in extreme climate events, and natural disasters. Simply put in the context of disasters, the health services are just not accessible for women and girls,” rightly says Sai.

Hope lies in the people and communities

Even if inter-governmental FfD4 disappointed, hope lies in people and communities. “Moving forward, Feminist Forum’s Political Declaration calls for funding and resourcing genuine multi-stakeholder feminist platforms and partnerships with women’s civil society, especially from the Global South. It is important to ensure civil society leadership and engagement in these processes like FfD4. We are also asking for eliminating all economic policy conditionalities that are attached to aid because these conditionalities promote austerity, privatisation and deregulation. We do not want conditionality when it comes to loans. There should be no loans in the first place (for development assistance), rather these should be grants,” said Sai.

“We must reform financial architecture so that it can guarantee long-term flexible, inclusive, and equitable financing for development. We also need to restructure the global economic governance because currently it is very Global North heavy. We need to have Global South parity. We need to include democratisation of the decision-making processes across the international financial institutions and the multilateral development banks,” she added.

“We are not going to stop until we deliver on gender equality. We will continue to do our work to demand for a right-based, environmentally-just, decolonial, intersectional, sustainable, and person-centred economic model. We need such an economic model in current times where care, reparations, redistribution and accountability remain central,” rightly said Sai Jyothirmai Racherla of ARROW.

Shobha Shukla – CNS (Citizen News Service)

(Shobha Shukla is the award-winning founding Managing Editor and Executive Director of CNS (Citizen News Service) and is a feminist, health and development justice advocate. She is a former senior Physics faculty of prestigious Loreto Convent College and current Coordinator of Asia Pacific Regional Media Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT Media) and Chairperson of Global AMR Media Alliance (GAMA received AMR One Health Emerging Leaders and Outstanding Talents Award 2024). She also coordinates SHE & Rights initiative (Sexual health with equity & rights). Follow her on Twitter @shobha1shukla or read her writings here www.bit.ly/ShobhaShukla)

–              Shared under Creative Commons (CC)

Why Authentic Leadership is the New Business Imperative in 2025

By
LnT Desk
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Why Authentic Leadership is the New Business Imperative in 2025
Jacqueline van Rooijen, Director at Ycagel Transformation Coach

With trust in leadership declining across many sectors and employee burnout continuing to rise globally, a new leadership narrative is emerging, one rooted in radical authenticity, not performance. According to industry trends (just check out the narratives on social media), authenticity has become one of the top qualities employees now expect from their leaders. And the results are clear: real leadership drives real impact.

In today’s hybrid, fast-paced world of work, where team members often feel disconnected and overwhelmed, leadership expert and business consultant Jacqueline van Rooijen, is calling on executives and emerging leaders alike to “ditch the mask and lead with more soul – terrifying as it might be.”

“Authenticity isn’t about oversharing or being flaky, it’s about integrity, emotional consistency, and having the courage to be real,” says van Rooijen. “It’s not soft. It’s strategic.”

Why Authenticity Matters More Than Ever

Multiple peer-reviewed studies continue to show that authentic leadership increases psychological safety, team engagement, and overall job satisfaction. Employees led by authentic leaders report greater trust in leadership, higher motivation, and lower turnover. In an AI, post-pandemic world, trust is no longer given – it’s earned. And that starts with leaders who are willing to show up honestly, especially when the pressure is on.

Practical Hacks to Lead More Authentically

Van Rooijen shares five key practices leaders can implement immediately:

1. Conduct a Personal Values Audit: Identify your core values and assess whether your leadership decisions are aligned with them. Authentic leaders act from their convictions, not just convenience.

2. Practice Radical Listening: Create intentional space in meetings to ask: “What am I not seeing or hearing right now?” Then pause. Authenticity starts with listening, not reacting.

3. Name the Hard Stuff: Leaders don’t need to have it all together, but they do need to name what’s real. A simple “I don’t have the full answer yet” can humanise leadership and foster trust.

4. Stop Speaking in Bullet Points: Start telling stories. Vulnerable, values-driven storytelling helps teams connect not just to a leader, but to the ‘why’ behind the work.

5. Get Feedback from People Who’ll Tell You the Truth: Authenticity is a mirror you can’t hold alone. Ask peers, team members, and mentors where your impact and your intent might not be aligned. (Forward-thinking leaders are moving beyond ‘Yes Men’ and echo chambers.)

As companies grapple with rising attrition and employee disengagement, authenticity is no longer a buzzword – it’s a benchmark.

Van Rooijen, who works with leadership teams across various sectors to support this shift through workshops, coaching, and executive sessions, concludes: “The future of leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about building cultures where it’s safe to ask the right questions.”

World Youth Skills Day -15 July 2025: Why South Africa’s youth need both digital and networking skills to compete in an AI-driven world

By
Fifi Sali
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World Youth Skills Day -15 July 2025: Why South Africa’s youth need both digital and networking skills to compete in an AI-driven world
Fifi Sali, Human Capital Executive at MAZIV

World Youth Skills Day, observed globally on 15 July, was created to shine a spotlight on one of the most pressing issues facing young people today: how to become employable in an economy that’s shifting faster than most people can keep up with. In South Africa, youth unemployment is hovering at crisis levels, increasing from 44,6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 46,1% in the first quarter of 2025. The conversation around skills development must go beyond access to cover not just digital and technology-related skills, but the benefits of being able to network, too.

AI is already embedded in the way we work and live and is already changing the job market with routine roles being automated. While this creates panic in some sectors, it’s also opening doors to entirely new career paths, but only for those prepared to adapt. Coding, data analytics, AI operations and ethical governance are just some of the areas where demand is exploding. Yet, according to Stats SA, 3.4 million young South Africans are not formally employed, enrolled in formal education institutions, or participating in any structured training, highlighting that many don’t have a roadmap to these opportunities.

The power of networking in a digital age

Networking skills have become just as important as technical ones. AI is increasingly taking over everyday tasks, from basic administrative tasks to parts of customer service, meaning the human edge now lies in how we connect, think critically and communicate.  A study conducted by NapoleonCat shows that as of March 2025, approximately 25.7% of South Africa’s population used LinkedIn. While LinkedIn usage in South Africa is significant and growing, it’s not as high as some other social media platforms such as WhatsApp or Facebook – suggesting that many young people aren’t fully tapping into professional networks that could help them carve out pathways into new roles and industries. Beyond your LinkedIn connections, networking is really about building meaningful relationships, to collaborating across disciplines, and to engaging with mentors, peers and future employers in ways that open doors.

Networking online

It is imperative that we start building those capabilities early on in the youth, especially in under-resourced communities where access has historically been limited. By doing this, we can help young people adapt faster than any algorithm can predict, keeping them competitive and connected in a fast-changing job market.

From an organisational perspective, skills development shouldn’t be seen as a tick-box corporate initiative or a side project. It should rather be embedded into how we think about infrastructure, education, employment and succession planning. The only way to ensure South African youth are not left behind is to prepare them for an economy where tech and relationships go hand in hand.

At MAZIV, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when young people are given access to learning and the tools to connect to opportunity. This commitment is realised through our fibre-to-the home company, Vuma, which delivers targeted learnership and internship programmes. What young people need now is consistent investment, clear direction and champions who understand that fibre, AI and digital tools mean nothing if the people meant to benefit from them don’t have the skills or support to plug in.

Digital tools might run the systems, but it’s people who shape the outcomes. If we don’t equip our youth with both tech and human skills, we’re holding them and the country at large back from fulfilling, successful futures.

Redefining Fine Dining with an Immersive Edible Orchestra Experience

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LnT Desk
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Redefining Fine Dining with an Immersive Edible Orchestra Experience

This August, South Africa’s fine dining scene is about to become surreal. Naan Sense is an orchestra on your palate. An exclusive, multi-sensory experience where Durban Indian cuisine is reimagined through luxury fine dining and molecular gastronomy, delivering a truly immersive culinary event.

Explore our seven exotic acts through interactive courses paired with a synchronised live orchestra and complemented by artisanal beverages. Guests are invited to journey into immersive dining worlds: The Jungle Garden, a thoughtfully curated vegetarian experience, or The Beach Front, featuring seafood. We’re breaking the rules and deconstructing complex flavours.

Before either journey, guests can enjoy Silk Hour, a sensorial prelude that perfectly sets the tone for the extraordinary performance ahead.

Expect to experience one course blind folded and in pure silence. Expect a nostalgic fever dream. Expect to never want to leave.

The premiere of this extraordinary experience takes place on 16 August 2025 at Shepstone Gardens, Johannesburg.

This isn’t fine dining. It’s edible performance art.
Request your seat at https://www.naansensesa.co.za/

Vodacom Business partners with NAVIC to fight crime and save lives

By
LnT Desk
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Vodacom Business partners with NAVIC to fight crime and save lives
Prince Hlatshwayo, Vodacom Business Executive Head of AWS Cloud Solutions

In efforts to prevent criminal activity and help law enforcement apprehend wrongdoers, Vodacom Business has partnered with the National Vehicle Intelligence Cloud (NAVIC) to leverage technology in the interest of public safety.

Powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) via Vodacom Business, NAVIC’s real-timecloud-based vehicle intelligence platform helps public and private security organisations to access and act on important vehicle intelligence with verified alerts processed in seconds. Navic.Cloud integrates data from Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, processes this information, and cross-references it with Vehicle of Interest (VoI) databases and third-party sources, such as the South African Police Services. Alerts are verified through the NAVIC Alert Room as well as providing vital human oversight through the NAVIC National Operations Centre (NNOC), in line with police protocol.

“As an organisation that is impact-focused, Vodacom is always thinking about how we can have a positive effect on the communities in which we operate. The collaboration between NAVIC, Vodacom Business and AWS showcases how technology can be harnessed to assist our law enforcers, increase public safety and benefit South African citizens. As NAVIC continues to expand its ecosystem, we hope to share more wins with them and continue to transform lives,” says Vodacom Business Executive Head of AWS Cloud Solutions, Prince Hlatshwayo.

“Our national operations centre works closely with public and private security agencies and is involved in fighting all manner of crimes, from hijacking to human trafficking,” says André Snyman, Director and head of sales at NAVIC. “The technology has also integral in solving a number of kidnapping cases, and the NAVIC platform was recently used to help the SPCA rescue 21 dogs and several cats that were being mistreated. Working with our neighbourhood watch groups, we even managed to help reunite an elderly man suffering from dementia who went missing. Vodacom Business has been instrumental in helping us achieve this, providing the necessary AWS infrastructure and support to power NAVIC’s operations.”

NAVIC, currently stores around seven billion license plate reads and associated metadata on the AWS cloud, with an average of over 120 million new image reads per month. This massive data processing capability is made possible by AWS’s near real-time data processing and AI-driven insights, which are crucial for the timely and effective use of ANPR technology.

By using AWS cloud services, NAVIC can better manage costs while scaling operations, making it possible to handle vast amounts of data without compromising on performance or security. This scalability ensures that NAVIC can further expand its ANPR camera network and grow the number of users contributing to and utilising the system. The Vodacom Business partnership with AWS also offers benefits to the NAVIC team, such as local currency billing, extended invoice terms, and tailored solutions that meet specific needs.

“At Vodacom Business, we believe that meaningful partnerships are the cornerstone of impactful innovation. Our collaboration with NAVIC and AWS is a powerful example of how combining expertise and technology can drive real change across South Africa,” Hlatshwayo.

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