Home Blog

Thought Leadership: Beyond the Big Cat: Why Cheetah Conservation Is Really About Saving Whole Landscapes

Every year on 4 December, we recognise two important dates on the global conservation calendar: International Cheetah Day and Wildlife Conservation Day. While one highlights a flagship predator and the other celebrates broader biodiversity, their goals are fundamentally aligned. In ecological terms, the condition and behaviour of indicator species such as cheetahs often reveal the health of the wider ecosystem. Their sensitivity to environmental change makes them reliable gauges of ecological integrity.

Cheetahs as ecosystem barometers

After more than a decade working across reserves in the Waterberg, it has become clear to me that cheetahs are not only charismatic apex mesopredators – they are also functional bioindicators. When a cheetah begins to show signs of stress, the cause is seldom isolated. It usually reflects broader environmental pressures: declining prey numbers, habitat degradation, anthropogenic disturbance, changes in interspecific competition, or emerging genetic constraints within small populations. Cheetah ecology, therefore, offers a diagnostic lens through which we can interpret the overall health and resilience of the landscape.

Science at the heart of conservation

At Mabula, our management decisions are grounded in rigorous, science-based research and long-term ecological monitoring. We assess predator–prey dynamics, diet composition, and behavioural patterns, while tracking shifts in vegetation and hydrological systems to ensure ecosystem resilience under changing climatic conditions. Mabula also contributes to the Southern African Cheetah Metapopulation Project, a collaborative initiative designed to enhance genetic diversity and population stability through strategic translocations between reserves. Much of this work is deliberate and meticulous, but it is this consistency that delivers tangible, measurable recovery – results, rather than hope alone.

A regional model for resilient populations

Between 2017 and 2025, Mabula facilitated 15 cheetah translocations, strengthening populations across South Africa and Mozambique. Many relocated females have produced multiple litters, and several males are contributing valuable genetic diversity far beyond the Waterberg. Every healthy cub born elsewhere from a Mabula lineage is evidence of landscapes functioning as interconnected systems rather than isolated fragments. It affirms that evidence-based decision-making has real, far-reaching impact.

Conservation as a collaborative endeavour

None of these successes are achieved in isolation. Universities, NGOs, provincial authorities, partner reserves, and local communities all play essential roles in driving effective conservation outcomes. In my experience, the most meaningful collaboration stems from the exchange of knowledge and best practices. No single reserve – regardless of resources – can ensure the long-term survival of a species alone. The Waterberg’s conservation achievements rest on coordinated efforts, continuous learning, and shared accountability.

The significance of Conservation Days

International Cheetah Day asks us to focus on a species that, despite its iconic status, remains Africa’s most threatened big cat. It reminds us that ecosystems are fragile, yet recoverable.

Wildlife Conservation Day underscores that no species can persist without protecting the environment that supports it.

Together, these observances highlight a core ecological truth: the condition of cheetahs mirrors the health and integrity of the landscapes they inhabit.

Looking ahead

 The challenges facing conservation – climate variability, habitat loss, and human–wildlife conflict – are significant and ongoing. Yet there is reason for optimism. Long-term, science-led, and collaborative strategies continue to prove that resilient ecosystems and viable wildlife populations can thrive when conservation is implemented with intention and commitment.

Cheetahs remind us that ecosystems can be fragile, yet remarkably resilient when conservation works.

Observing these days is an invitation to reflect, to support, and to participate in this shared effort. And for that, today is worth celebrating.

 

 

Cruising with curiosity

0

When Nirosha Sidat, Country Manager (Africa) for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), observes that “more and more guests are looking for an experience rather than booking a destination”, she’s describing a fundamental shift in how today’s passengers travel by sea. Modern cruises are no longer a floating hotel that deposits you at famous landmarks – they’re a bridge connecting onboard experiences with the living, breathing communities that make each port so distinctive.

For South African travellers it’s a compelling way to see the world, one where you embrace lifelong learning, explore like a local and dine like a king.

And it’s not limited to expedition-style cruises with resident botanists, biologists or historians on board either. Your 2026 cruise to the Med, Eastern Europe or the Caribbean might just offer far more than meets the eye.

Balancing luxury and learning

The age of the “floating hotel” is giving way to a more profound travel philosophy. Cruise lines are expertly balancing the traditional allure of a luxury holiday with an increasing demand for intellectual and cultural enrichment. Guests are not merely spectators (gazing out from the bow or lazing at the pool); they are active participants in a journey of discovery. This trend of “immersive travel,” or deeply understanding a destination by slowing down and getting a real taste of its local culture, is gaining significant popularity.

But what does this actually look like on board? Sidat explains that cruises now include expert-led lectures, documentaries and workshops.

“It’s about combining the thrill of exploring new horizons with the quiet satisfaction of learning something new. It could be lectures on history, language or geology or even hands-on art workshops and cooking classes. Each designed to enrich your understanding of a destination – and enhance shore excursions.”

Cultural dining

While expansive breakfasts and family-friendly buffets are still an important part of the cruise experience, specialist restaurants and guest chefs are now firmly on the menu. For Sidat, it’s a celebration of global flavours and local heritage – one that allows guests to embark on a gastronomic adventure linked to the regions they visit.

This means that a Mediterranean cruise might offer locally sourced menus and regional dishes, or a Caribbean voyage may feature flavours that echo vibrant island culture.

NCL’s Free at Sea™ package – now back by popular demand – gives guests unparalleled value. For example, on a standard seven-night cruise, Free at Sea™ delivers: unlimited open bar with premium spirits, 150 minutes of high-speed internet, shore credits and three multi-course specialty dining experiences for the first and second guest on the reservation.

And there is plenty to choose from, including premium steakhouses, French bistros, hibachi-style venues, authentic Italian cuisine and so much more.

“Our Free at Sea™ package covers what matters most to guests,” says Sidat. “Yes, that means a comprehensive drinks package and free Wi-Fi, but it also makes cultural exploration that more accessible, enriching and affordable!”

Go local

Of course, it all culminates in extraordinary shore excursions. The kind facilitated by local guides, allowing guests to fully engage with indigenous communities, explore natural wonders, and visit areas that were once considered out of reach for the typical cruise tourist.

Turkey, for example, brings the opportunity to cross two continents in one day, wander Istanbul’s ancient neighbourhoods, rest beneath a 700-year-old plane tree and taste Kanlica’s legendary yoghurt – sweet, simple, unforgettable – before the ship calls you back.

In Santorini you might find yourself sipping coffee in Pyrgos, wandering Megalochori’s winding alleys and cobbled lanes, before making music at the Museum of Musical Instruments (where you’ll learn how bouzoukis are handcrafted and try playing one yourself). Best of all? You can cap it off at generations-old Gavalas Winery, tasting traditional wine perfectly paired with local meze.

Slovenia, meanwhile, promises a fragrant herb garden on a 19th-century farm – and traditional Slovenian dishes shared over local stories and sweeping views.

Time to explore

Importantly, today’s cruises also give you plenty of free time to explore new ports and vibrant cities.

Sidat explains that NCL sails from many of Europe’s most iconic cities, including Barcelona, Lisbon, Portugal, Rome, Athens, Copenhagen, Denmark and others.

“In 2026, NCL will have nine ships sailing across the Med, Greek Isles and North Europe regions, including Norwegian Viva, one of our newest ships,” says Sidat. “These itineraries let you explore multiple countries in a single voyage, with extended port stays that give you real time to discover culturally rich destinations.”

About Norwegian Cruise Line
As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line® has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 59 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes.  Today, the company continues to deliver curated, effortless experiences that cater to every type of traveler – from seasoned cruisers to families of every size. With award-winning entertainment, globally inspired dining and thoughtfully designed accommodations, including solo staterooms, Club Balcony Suites, and The Haven by Norwegian®, the brand’s exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept, NCL ensures every guest enjoys a seamless and personalized journey. To further deliver guests with more value, the Company’s signature Free at SeaTM package provides added benefits and inclusions such as unlimited open bar; specialty dining credits; high-speed Wi-Fi; and shore excursions credits. Its fleet of 20 contemporary ships sail to nearly 350 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 021 200 6586 or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.

Norwegian Cruise Line is a wholly owned subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. To learn more, visit www.nclhltd.com.

 

How To Build Retail Resilience In The Festive Season, In The Instant Of Power Outages

0

The festive season is a golden quarter for retailers, but in regions like South Africa, where power instability is a reality, the threat of downtime looms large. Even brief outages can lead to significant revenue loss and operational chaos. The solution requires building a resilient, intelligent infrastructure that ensures business continuity and enhances customer experience, no matter the circumstances. This is where edge computing becomes a retailer’s most valuable player.

The Challenge: Downtime is Not an Option

For retailers, every moment of uptime counts. When the power goes out, traditional point-of-sale (POS) systems fail, in-store analytics go dark, and the seamless customer journey grinds to a halt. According to industry models, the cost of downtime can run into thousands of rands per hour, a figure that skyrockets during peak trading periods. With the festive rush approaching, retailers cannot afford to be unprepared. They need a strategy that moves beyond reactive fixes to proactive resilience.

Power-Efficient, Always-On Operations

Modern retail demands compute power at the source, in the store, where transactions happen and data is generated. Lenovo’s ThinkEdge portfolio, featuring the power-efficient SE350 and SE450 servers, is engineered for these demanding environments. Built to withstand the realities of branch locations, including fluctuating power, these devices provide the in-store computing necessary to run critical applications locally.

This “offline-first” approach means that even if the connection to the central network is lost, your POS systems continue to operate seamlessly. Transactions are processed, inventory is managed, and the customer experience remains uninterrupted. With remote management capabilities, IT teams can monitor and control these devices from anywhere, ensuring that even unmanned stores remain fully operational.

From Raw Data to Retail Intelligence with Edge Analytics

Resilience is only half the story. Real magic happens when you use edge computing to unlock new insights. By keeping data at the store, retailers can run sophisticated analytics like computer vision and video analytics in real-time.

Imagine optimising store layouts that analyse foot traffic patterns to understand how customers navigate your store and optimise product placement.

Reducing queue times by automatically detecting long queues and alerting staff to open additional checkouts. Or personalising your experiences by using anonymised data to understand customer demographics and preferences, enabling targeted promotions.

Running these analytics at the edge dramatically reduces latency, providing instant insights that would be impossible with a cloud-only model. Secure, reliable branch connectivity is ensured through SD-WAN, which intelligently routes traffic and protects sensitive data.

Introducing Resilience-as-a-Service

Modernising hundreds of stores can seem daunting, especially with tight budgets. This is why Resilience-as-a-Service was introduced through the TruScale offering. This flexible, subscription-based model eliminates heavy upfront capital expenditure and provides a scalable path to modernisation.

With TruScale, retailers get quick install kits that are standardised, pre-configured edge solutions that can be rolled out rapidly across all branches. SLA-backed uptime that is guaranteed performance and reliability, backed by world-class support. And scalable rollouts, that ensure you pay for what you use and scale your infrastructure as your business grows, ensuring a predictable operational expense.

A Festive Season Built on Uptime

The time to prepare is now. By implementing a standardised edge stack, retailers can accelerate their modernisation journey, drastically reduce recovery times, and build a network of stores that are intelligent.

The first step is to assess your risk. Quantify the potential cost of downtime for your specific business to build a compelling investment case. Next, standardise your edge by adopting a consistent, power-efficient edge hardware stack like the Lenovo ThinkEdge SE350/SE450.

Then, embrace “as-a-service” through a flexible model like Lenovo TruScale to accelerate deployment without the upfront cost. Finally, unlock the potential of edge analytics by using in-store compute to power real-time insights that optimise operations and drive revenue growth.

Communities in northern KwaZulu-Natal Celebrate New Chapter in Sustainable Fishing

0

The KwaSokhulu and Nyembe communities in northern KwaZulu-Natal celebrated a long-awaited milestone when non-profit organisation WILDTRUST’s Small-Scale Fishers and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Project hosted events to present fishing rods to local fisherfolk.

By equipping fishers with rods, the initiative seeks to promote a culture of sustainable harvesting and reduce reliance on harmful or illegal fishing practices, such as gillnetting. Community members expressed their excitement at the positive impact this shift will bring. Velani Mjadu, a fisherman from Nyembe, shared: “Having these fishing rods will be very beneficial to us. I believe this is a start to a greater future for the Nyembe fishing community.”

The Small-Scale Fishers and MPAs Project, under which this initiative falls, has an overarching goal to improve the management and sustainability of small-scale fisheries in South Africa. It aims to generate working examples of positive relationships between Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and vulnerable rural fishers who live within, or adjacent to, MPAs and rely on natural resources for their livelihoods and food security. At the same time, the project increases awareness of the benefits of MPAs to small-scale fishers, while exploring how tangible benefits can be delivered to and perceived by communities living nearby. Through this work, the project highlights the role of MPAs in improving socio-ecological resilience for coastal communities and identifies the threats and key actions needed to support both small-scale fishers and MPAs.

The project also aims to promote exchange and dissemination of information amongst and to fishers as well as opportunities for dialogue and engagement between local fishers and government, through support for knowledge and awareness-building workshops. To bring the aspect of knowledge building and awareness, these events not only included the handover but also educational outreach. Fishers received resource material on responsible handling practices for sharks and rays, ensuring that if these apex species are caught accidentally, they can be released safely. In addition, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority and officers from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife engaged with the communities. Trueman Buthelezi from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife highlighted the laws governing sustainable harvesting and explained how specific species may be harvested responsibly.

Each day concluded at the beach, where seasoned fishers shared hands-on training with their peers on rod use. Special emphasis was placed on including women, who traditionally do not fish with rods. For many, this was an empowering step toward broadening their livelihood opportunities. Tholakele Mnguni, a mussel harvester from KwaSokhulu, remarked: “We are happy with these rods, especially for the women in this community, because mussel harvesting is seasonal. Having these rods will allow us to fish when it’s off season for mussel harvesting.”

The successful roll-out of this initiative was made possible through the generous support of ICONIQ, Oceans 5, and the Blue Action Fund. Together with WILDTRUST and its partners, these efforts mark a significant step towards empowering small-scale fishing communities while protecting marine biodiversity for generations to come.

Col’Cacchio Invites South Africans to Create the Countries Next Iconic Pizza with MSC Cruises & Schweppes

0

This summer, South Africans aren’t just choosing what’s on the menu…they’re creating it! Col’Cacchio, the Italian-inspired, South African-loved restaurant group, has launched its boldest campaign yet: a nationwide invitation for pizza lovers to design the flavours that will define the future of gourmet pizza in Mzansi.

In a first-of-its-kind movement across South Africa, Mauritius and Namibia, customers are encouraged to tap into their identity, culture and creativity by crafting a pizza that reflects the flavours they love most. Whether it’s proudly local, globally infused, or totally unexpected, this is a celebration of food.

With the theme ‘Can your pizza earn the Chef’s Kiss?’ Col’Cacchio is shifting the role of diners from consumers to co-creators – giving everyday South Africans a chance to be taste-makers, trendsetters and even menu architects. The most-loved creations may secure a coveted place on a future Col’Cacchio menu.

Entries can be developed in-store or via delivery, and submitted online with a name that expresses the story behind the slice.

To turn up the heat, Col’Cacchio has joined forces with MSC Cruises and Schweppes – rewarding top talent not only with national bragging rights, but with the chance to win a luxury cruise experience and exciting summer prizes that elevate the season.

This summer, Col’Cacchio is not just serving delicious pizza, they’re serving opportunity, creativity, and unforgettable experiences.

Think you’ve got the combination that deserves the chef’s kiss? 

Head to your nearest Col’Cacchio, build your signature pizza, give it a name, and submit your entry online to join the nationwide flavour challenge. Order, share, vote, and champion your favourite creations all summer long.

Step into the kitchen with Col’Cacchio. Bring the heat. Bring the imagination. Bring your Chef’s Kiss.

Col’Cacchio: Italian inspiration, South African heart… and sealed with a Chef’s kiss.

Get Ready for 2025 Spotify Wrapped: Bigger, Bolder, and More Revealing

0

The wait is over for fans across the continent. It’s time to look back at the sounds, stories, and voices that defined your year with 2025 Spotify Wrapped – our annual thank-you to fans, artists, creators, and authors across the continent and around the world.

From Afrobeats in Lagos and amapiano in Johannesburg to Gengetone in Nairobi and gospel in Accra, Wrapped turns your listening into a personal highlight reel of the year in audio. Spotify first introduced Wrapped in its current form in 2015, and every year since, we’ve evolved it based on what listeners tell us matters most to them.

For 2025, the experience is more captivating, layered, and revealing than ever before. We’re going bigger and bolder, combining the classic data stories you love with new interactive ways to connect with and share the sounds that made your year unmistakably yours.

How to access your 2025 Wrapped

To get a personalised Wrapped experience, you’ll need to have:

  • Streamed at least 30 songs for more than 30 seconds each, and
  • Listened to at least five different artists this year.

Streams from Private Mode or from songs or playlists you’ve excluded from your Taste Profile don’t count toward eligibility. Eligible listeners across Sub-Saharan Africa can access their personalised 2025 Wrapped experience exclusively in the Spotify mobile app (iOS and Android). The experience is available for both Free and Premium users in nearly all markets where Spotify is live in SSA.

Just make sure your Spotify app is updated to the latest version, then:

  • Look for the Wrapped feed at the top of your Home screen, or Search for “2025 Wrapped” in the app.

Inside the 2025 Wrapped experience

This year, we’ve kept the Wrapped classics you know and added nearly a dozen new and updated ways to go deeper into the voices and stories that shaped your year – from the local artists you kept on repeat to the global hits you couldn’t escape.

We’re also bringing fans together with interactive features that turn your listening data into playful, shareable moments. Plus, new controls let you:

  • Adjust the speed of your experience, and
  • Jump back to specific moments without starting over from the beginning.

Your Wrapped is as individual as your fingerprint: the stories you see are based on your listening across the year.

As you explore your Wrapped, you’ll see share cards for your data stories. Just tap “Share” to send them directly to friends using Spotify Messages, or post them to your favourite social channels and show off your year in listening.

From returning favourites to brand-new features, here’s what’s in store.

The classics

  • Minutes Listened See the total time you spent listening across music, podcasts, and audiobooks this year.
  • Top Songs and accompanying playlist See your top five songs of the year and unlock your personalised Your Top Songs 2025 playlist – now showing how many times you streamed each of your top 100 tracks.
  • Top Artists Discover up to your top five artists of the year – whether that’s a local breakout act, a regional favourite, or a global superstar.
  • Top Genres This fan favourite is back to spotlight the genres that shaped your sound this year, from Afrobeats and amapiano to hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and more.
  • Top Podcasts See up to your top five podcasts of the year and revisit the shows that kept you informed, entertained, or inspired.

What’s new

  • Listening Age This story compares the release years of the tracks you listen to most with others in your age group.
  • Top Song Quiz Think you know which track soundtracked your year? Test yourself with this interactive quiz and guess your No. 1 song.
  • Top Albums For the first time, Wrapped spotlights the albums you kept coming back to again and again.
  • Top Artist Sprint Watch the race for your No. 1 artist. This story visualises how your top five artists shifted in your personal rankings month by month.
  • Fan Leaderboard Think you’re one of your favourite artist’s biggest fans? This year, you might see where you rank among their listeners worldwide, based on your total minutes listened.
  • Clubs This story celebrates the streaming habits that defined your year. You’ll be sorted into one of six Clubs—each representing a unique listening style—and see the role you play in that community.
  • Listening Archive Get personalised snapshots of your most memorable streaming days. Powered by AI, this feature delivers up to five unique reports based on your daily listening. (Available in English in select markets.)
  • Wrapped Party: For the first time ever, we’re introducing Wrapped Party – a new interactive feature that turns your listening data into a live competition you can play with friends. It’s the latest way to level up Wrapped, making it more exciting and fun than ever. To join Wrapped Party, visit the Wrapped Hub on the platform, search for ‘Wrapped Party’ in Spotify, or access it at the end of your personalized experience.

Spotify also offers personalised Wrapped experiences for artists and songwriters and podcast creators. Through their own individualised Wrapped microsites, they can explore how fans listened and connected with their work this year.

Your one-stop Wrapped feed

Your Wrapped feed—accessed at the top of your Home screen—is your hub for all things 2025 Wrapped. Here, you can:

  • Revisit your personalised data stories,
  • Explore “Best of” playlists curated by Spotify editors (including African and global highlights), and
  • Find any special messages from artists, podcasters, and authors—all in one place.

Wrapped around the globe

The celebration doesn’t stop in the app. Around the world—and across Sub-Saharan Africa—Spotify is taking Wrapped into the real world with pop-up experiences and special activations that bring the spirit of Wrapped offline, giving fans new ways to celebrate the artists and moments that defined their year.

This year, your Wrapped is a reflection of you: unmistakably personal, deeply local, and connected to a global community of listeners. So go ahead; dive in, explore your stories, and share your 2025 Spotify Wrapped with the world.

 

Makhaya Ntini, Nqaba Peter and the SA20 Trophy Ignite the Western Cape as the Countdown Continues

0

Stellenbosch came alive with colour, rhythm and SA20 excitement today as the SA20 Schools Tour arrived at Pieter Langeveldt Primary School. With just 24 days to go until Season 4 lights up South Africa, learners were treated to an unforgettable celebration of cricket, entertainment and youth energy.

A major highlight of the day was the arrival of SA20 Legend Makhaya Ntini, one of South Africa’s most celebrated fast bowlers. Learners erupted as he stepped onto the field, sharing stories, engaging with the children and inspiring the next generation with his trademark presence and warmth.

Joining him was Paarl Royals’ player, Nqaba Peter, who brought the cricket action to life through demonstrations, fun Q&A moments and interactions that showcased the excitement of SA20 on and off the field.

20th player Leandie,Nqaba Peter from Paarl Royals_Cricket Legend Majkhaya Ntini

Entertainment surged as DJ Bravo delivered a high-energy performance that had the school buzzing. The morning was led by Leandie Durandt, an actor, TV presenter and motivational speaker who forms part of the SA20 20th Player campaign, an initiative that brings influential personalities into the heart of the league to connect cricket with culture, entertainment and youth energy. Leandie hosted activities, drove chants and kept learners fully engaged from start to finish, carrying the SA20 spirit into the community ahead of the new season.

The excitement peaked with the appearance of the SA20 Trophy, as learners lined up for photos and celebrated their connection to the upcoming season.

Pieter Langeveldt Primary School

With world-class cricket, entertainment, music and family activities, the Western Cape is gearing up for its most exciting SA20 summer yet. MI Cape Town return to Newlands and Paarl Royals to Boland Park for their five home games, with tickets selling fast across all fixtures.

For all the team fixtures visit www.sa20.co.za/matches

In addition to world-class cricket, SA20 will offer a full festival atmosphere throughout the season, with lots of activities for families, from live music, interactive fan zones, dance moments to “Put Your Hands Up”, the chance to win a car, and the massive R2 million Catch a Million challenge, where fans can win their share by taking a clean one-handed catch.

20th player Leandie and Pieter Langeveldt Primary School

The SA20 Final at Newlands on Sunday 25 January is also approaching a full sell out. General access tickets are sold out, but a limited number of premium hospitality packages remain available. These include the best views, world class catering and a halftime performance by Will Linley.

Hospitality packages can be secured at www.sa20.co.za/hospitality.

Tickets for all matches are available at tickets.sa20.co.za or directly from the stadium ticket office.

For more information, follow #SA20 on all platforms: Twitter @SA20_League, Facebook @SA20League, Instagram @sa20_league, TikTok @sa20_league and YouTube @SA20_League.

Cloud + Data = AI

0

Cloud has become the backbone of modern business, but its true value only fully emerges when paired with data and artificial intelligence (AI). As Jaap Scholten, Head: Group Hybrid ICT Strategy at Datacentrix and COO at eNetworks, a wholly owned Datacentrix company and ISP, explains, the cloud is often the unsung hero – quietly enabling data, the raw material from which intelligence is forged.

From cloud adoption to intelligent transformation

Too often, Scholten explains, cloud adoption is seen as a tick-box exercise, focused on moving applications from on-premises to the cloud. “But the real opportunity here lies in transformation and at the heart of this is data. If cloud is the behind-the-scenes champion, then data is the golden thread weaving intelligence throughout the enterprise.

“At the end of the day, AI is only as effective as the data it consumes, and the cloud is essentially the ecosystem where this data converges. By unifying structured and unstructured data from across the enterprise, organisations unlock richer insights.”

Cloud powers AI at scale

For AI to deliver enterprise-grade value, it needs infrastructure that can handle unpredictable workloads, vast data volumes and complex integrations. “Unfortunately traditional IT infrastructures can limit the speed, volume and flexibility required to make AI impactful,” Scholten notes.

cloud

“What is required is a cloud-native architecture able to provide the elasticity, connectivity and continuous data flows that allow AI to operate seamlessly across the business, detecting anomalies, trends and opportunities as they happen.”

While technology provides the foundation, the true measure of cloud-enabled AI lies not in the tools themselves but in the tangible business outcomes they enable, he adds.

Turning potential into performance

Yet, while the combination of cloud and AI unlocks enormous potential, success is not a given.

Organisations must navigate a set of practical and strategic challenges to realise meaningful value. These include reliable connectivity, safeguarding data, addressing cultural shifts and proving clear return on investment (ROI).

“These hurdles require deliberate planning and execution,” Scholten continues. “Only by tackling them head-on can businesses turn cloud-native AI into a sustainable competitive advantage.”

By aligning scalable cloud infrastructure, intelligent AI capabilities and a strong data-driven culture, businesses can unlock new levels of agility, innovation and resilience.

“Many companies might wonder where to start,” says Scholten. “The first step is a strong data strategy. Piloting AI use cases early and embedding governance throughout the cloud are also essential. Addressing challenges upfront ensures the transformation remains both secure and sustainable.

“The message is clear: organisations that embrace cloud-native AI today will define the competitive edge of tomorrow.”

For more information on Datacentrix’s cloud services and Hybrid IT offering, please visit https://www.datacentrix.co.za/cloud-services.html

The HIV Inequality Women Didn’t Choose. But Can Change

0

HIV remains one of South Africa’s most urgent public health challenges, yet its impact is not evenly experienced. Women, particularly adolescent girls and young women, continue to carry a disproportionate share of new infections. As the world marks World AIDS Day this month, the call for a more equitable human-centred, and prevention-focused HIV response grows ever stronger.

Jessica Bates, Dis-Chem Integrated Health Executive, says the day is a reminder of progress, but also of the stark disparities that persist. “Not everyone experiences the epidemic equally, and it’s crucial that we interrogate the underlying factors that put women at increased risk and take action to shift this trajectory,” she says. Bates emphasises the need for a fundamental shift in how prevention is approached.

Despite advances at national level, structural inequalities, entrenched social norms, and gaps in the health system continue to limit women’s access to prevention tools and comprehensive care. Biological vulnerability, age-disparate relationships, gender-based violence, economic dependence, stigma, and limited awareness or availability of prevention options such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) all compound women’s risk.

“We need to move from a narrative rooted in fear and stigma to one grounded in empowerment and access,” Bates says. “Women deserve healthcare that reflects their realities – whether in clinics, communities, or in their day-to-day interactions with the health system. By strengthening person-centred, tech-enabled, and nurse-led models of care, we can meaningfully expand prevention options and reshape the future of HIV for women in South Africa.”

Although PrEP is highly effective—reducing HIV acquisition by up to 99% when used consistently—uptake among women remains low. Many are unaware of it, struggle to access it, or face social barriers that hinder ongoing use. National data shows that over 1.4 million people in South Africa had initiated PrEP across more than 4,000 public health sites by February 2024. While this represents significant progress, it still falls short of the potential to protect more women before they are exposed to risk.

A transformed HIV response must prioritise accessible, proactive, and integrated care. This includes embedding prevention into routine maternal and child health visits, expanding community-based and nurse-led care models, and ensuring that prevention tools are affordable, acceptable, and easy to access.

As conversations around HIV continue to evolve, one truth remains: women in South Africa did not choose the inequality that increases their risk. But with inclusive, affordable, and accessible healthcare, meaningful change is within reach.

Winners of the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards 2025

0

Now in its seventh year, the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards continue to celebrate the designers, makers, and changemakers shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and creative fashion ecosystem in South Africa and across the continent.

Wanda Lephoto won the Changemaker Award presented by Bash for 2025. Wanda takes home a R100 000 cash prize. Aidan Peters of Klein Muis won the Emerging Designer Award presented by H&M, and also takes home R100 000.

All the winners and finalists of the last seven years have been included into Twyg’s new online directory of sustainable and ethically made clothing, textiles and accessories: https://twyg.co.za/directory/

Appointed for 2025–2027, the new Twyg Awards jury brings together six respected voices from South Africa, Kenya, Germany, and the United States. Collectively, they represent experience across fashion, sustainability, climate, business, and design.

The 2025 jury includes Martina Glomb (Germany), Bee Diamondhead (South Africa), Idelle Taye (United States/Cameroon), Stella Hertantyo (South Africa), Silvia Tonui (Kenya) and Bielle Bellingham (South Africa). The judging process was adjudicated by John Shija and Elisabeth Makumbi.

Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards 2025

It’s thanks to our sponsors and partners that Twyg is able to shine a light on sustainable and ethical fashion designers. Our 2025 partners include Polo South Africa, Bash, H&M South Africa, Mohair South Africa, Merchants on Long, Plantify and Church House.

The winners and finalists of the 2025 edition of the Twyg awards are as follows:

Accessory Award

Winner: Earth Age

Finalists: Changing Facets and Nic&Nic

Emerging Designer Award presented by H&M

Winner: Klein Muis

Finalists: Casbeth and Makhudai

Adian Peters from Klein Muis with H&M’s Lauren Hartzenberg

Innovative Design and Materials Award presented by Polo South Africa

Winner: Ballo

Finalists: Sealand and Botanical Nomad

Trans-seasonal Design Award

Winner: Wanda Lephoto

Finalists: Boyde and MmusoMaxwell

Merchants on Long Pan-African Artisanal Award

Winner: WOTE K.I Design

Finalists: AAKS and Reform Studio

Tastemaker Award

Winner: Innocent Ndlovu

Finalists: Lethabo ‘Boogy’ Maboi and Yasmin Furmie

Student Award

Winner: The_Collectn

Finalists: Carlize van Zyl and The Odd

Retail Award

Winner: Thrift Fest

Finalists: The Sewing Café and Vintage with Love

Wanda Lephoto _ Transseasonal award and changemaker winner

Changemaker Award presented by Bash

Winner:  Wanda Lephoto

The Emerging Designer Award presented by H&M South Africa winner will receive R100 000 from H&M South Africa, while the Changemaker Award presented by Bash winner will receive R100 000 from Bash (TFG). Both investments directly support the growth of sustainable fashion businesses in South Africa.

Winners were announced on Thursday 27 November 2025 at an event held at Church House in Cape Town, hosted by Khensani Mohlatlole, writer, fibre artist, and fashion historian.