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SONA 2025: Suppple champions Africa-centric AI to drive business, communities & innovation

SONA 2025: Suppple champions Africa-centric AI to drive business, communities & innovation
Prof. Eldrid Jordaan, Co-Founder & CEO at Suppple.

Cape Town, South Africa – As AI reshapes the global digital landscape, Africa is stepping forward to define its role in the Information Age. At a SONA-livestream and post-SONA networking event, co-hosted with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Suppple delivered a bold message: Africa needs AI that reflects its diversity, languages and ambitions.

Global AI models often overlook Africa’s unique cultural, linguistic and informational contexts. Suppple’s seeek.ai however, is leading the charge to correct this imbalance. Designed to be much more than a chatbot, seeek.ai is an AI-powered search and knowledge platform that bridges Africa’s digital divide by sourcing trusted information tailored to the continent’s realities. “With seeek.ai, Africa is defining AI on our terms,” said Eldrid Jordaan, CEO of Suppple. “We’re creating technology that speaks our language, understands our cultures, and supports sustainable growth – because AI should serve Africa, not sideline it.”

Seeek.ai is already shaping the future of African AI, with key features that include:

  • Trusted source validation: seeek.ai draws information from curated, verified datasets ensuring accuracy and trust.

  • Multilingual and culturally aware technology: supporting multiple African languages, it breaks down digital barriers in a world where most of the internet is dominated by just 10 global languages.

  • Mobile-first design: optimised for Africa’s mobile-first population, making reliable AI-driven knowledge accessible to millions.

  • A strategic knowledge hub: a tool for governments, businesses, and educators seeking actionable, structured insights.

Suppple beta-tested seeek.ai with Fundza, South Africa’s only and largest literacy platform serving over 4 million users, mostly GenZers during the December 2024 and January 2025 period. The results were fascinating, offering unique insights into how young African users interact with AI-driven search. Without any prompting or explanations, users quickly engaged with seeek.ai, showing a natural curiosity and ease of use. Their searches were overwhelmingly directed at Fundza’s content, underscoring the value of seeek.ai’s specialised training.

Since seeek.ai had been trained on Fundza’s vast library of content, users experienced an enriched and enhanced search experience, unlocking deeper engagement and discovery within the platform. In comparison to traditional AI models, seeek.ai stands out by offering instant, context-driven responses and handling localised content with greater precision and ethical alignment – key features that demonstrate its ability to serve African users effectively.  “We’re in a new era where access to information is power, and Africa must control its share of that power,” Jordaan emphasised. “With seeek.ai we’re creating AI that doesn’t only provide answers, it builds digital sovereignty for our future.”

With its early success at Fundza sparking interest from academia, publishers, and key industries, seeek.ai is poised to become a strategic tool for organisations looking to transform archives of knowledge into searchable, monetizable and interactive digital hubs.

Seeek.ai is a movement driving Africa’s digital transformation. With Suppple at the helm, the continent is gaining the tools to lead, innovate and shape its future on its own terms. The Information Age rewards those who design its systems, and Africa is tepping forward. Suppple’s vision extends beyond search: the company envisions AI-powered technology enhancing civic engagement, improving access to government services, and solidifying Africa’s role as a creator of AI solutions.

Seeek.ai is a movement. With Suppple at the forefront, Africa is gaining tools to lead, innovate, and define its digital future on its own terms. The Information Age rewards those who design its systems, and Africa is stepping forward.

FWF and Lapalala Wilderness School: Empowering Communities Through Environmental Education

FWF and Lapalala Wilderness School: Empowering Communities Through Environmental Education
FWF and Lapalala Wilderness School

In the heart of South Africa’s Limpopo province, where rich biodiversity thrives and conservation challenges persist, Lapalala Wilderness School (LWS) is shaping a future where people and nature co-exist in harmony.

What makes LWS unique is that it’s not only educating minds but also inspiring a deep and lasting respect for the natural world. Through its far-reaching programmes, LWS instils the belief that conservation is not just about protecting wildlife – it is about creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF) has been a steadfast supporter of LWS for over six years, ensuring that education and conservation go hand in hand. “At Ford South Africa, we are committed to supporting organisations like the Lapalala Wilderness School that are making a difference in conservation as well as environmental awareness and education,” said Lynda du Plessis, manager of the Ford Wildlife Foundation.

Lapalala Wilderness School

Founded in 1981, the 50 000-hectare Lapalala Wilderness Reserve is a ‘Big Five’ nature reserve in Limpopo and offers experiential learning opportunities that connect children, youth, and educators with the natural world.

The school is a leader in environmental education and conservation in South Africa, offering a tertiary education in Nature Conservation along with social responsibility programmes that focus on youth development and community outreach.

Supported by the FWF, LWS has expanded its reach beyond its award-winning eco-friendly facilities by taking environmental education to rural communities. In the first six months of 2024 alone, its FWF-sponsored Ford Ranger covered over 13 000km transporting supplies, personnel, and conducting outreach activities, thereby making meaningful connections and inspiring action in remote areas.

Ford Wildlife Foundation’s Support for Lapalala Wilderness School

“Providing locally built Ford Ranger Double Cab 4x4s to environmental education, conservation and research organisations empowers them to expand their reach, and give young people the knowledge and passion needed to safeguard our natural heritage” said du Plessis.

FWF provides the Ford Rangers to partner organisations for two years, backed by Ford’s extensive dealer network. These capable vehicles enable conservation teams to access remote locations, ensuring that vital environmental education efforts continue without interruption. LWS received its newest Ford Ranger in December 2024, further strengthening its ability to deliver impactful programmes.

Community Outreach Programme: Bridging Education and Conservation

LWS’s community outreach programme is a cornerstone of its mission. The school delivers interactive lessons on biodiversity, sustainable resource use, and human-wildlife coexistence through workshops and field excursions. It identifies promising individuals from rural communities, providing mentorship, leadership training, and conservation education.

“We are deeply grateful to the Ford Wildlife Foundation for its generous support of Ford Rangers to Lapalala Wilderness School over the years. Having a capable and dependable Ford Ranger significantly aids in transportation and the dependable organisation of daily activities such as environmental education, sustainable school programs, and outreach initiatives,” said Mashudu Makhokha, MD of Lapalala Wilderness School.

“This contribution plays a vital role in supporting our conservation efforts, community outreach, and environmental education programs. Additionally, the Ford Ranger ensures the safety of our staff while assisting with essential conservation work,” Makhokha said.

LWS has launched creative projects that engage communities in preserving the environment while addressing socio-economic challenges. Birding clubs at the school inspire eco-tourism and conservation careers, while a reading club promotes literacy by distributing donated books. The Good Green Deeds Project fosters sustainable practices through community clean-ups and environmental advocacy in partnership with local government. Soccer tournaments serve to foster teamwork and play an important role in crime prevention and health awareness.

Following the official opening of new school facilities in late 2022, LWS has operated entirely from the new site since 2023. The school has had more than 4 000 participants through its doors, offering hands-on encounters with the natural world. The new facilities were highly commended at the World Architecture Festival and won the Limpopo Architecture Award.

In 2023, 23 fee-paying schools participated in programmes at LWS, encouraging children to think about a greener future, while 2 200 children from 34 community schools engaged in over 2 150 hours of educational activities and interactive wilderness walks.

LWS supports 60 schools through the Sustainable Schools Programme, tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and waste. Six groups of university students completed the practical component of their conservation curricula at Lapalala, while 125 learners from 62 Waterberg schools participated in a public speaking competition for World Rhino Day.

Sustaining the Vision

By fostering environmental awareness, leadership, and action, LWS is not limited to teaching conservation – it is cultivating a culture of care and responsibility for our planet. With continued partnerships and a shared commitment to sustainability, LWS looks forward to expanding its reach and inspiring future generations to protect and cherish the world around them.

For over 30 years, Ford South Africa has actively participated in wildlife and ecosystem conservation efforts in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Ford Wildlife Foundation was established in 2014, and currently supports 28 projects across South Africa and one project in Mozambique. This comprises 17 conservation projects, seven research projects and five environmental education projects. For more information on the Ford Wildlife Foundation and its supported conservation projects, please click here: https://www.ford.co.za/about-ford/wildlife-foundation/

From sceptic to believer: why this German luxury car owner made the switch to a Chinese vehicle

From sceptic to believer: why this German luxury car owner made the switch to a Chinese vehicle
JAECOO J7

Chinese cars have long been criticised, often unfairly so. The latest models from China are a far cry from the admittedly inferior products that reached South African shores more than a decade ago. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, advanced safety features, and stylish exterior design, the new crop offers a luxurious experience at an appealing price tag.

Unsurprisingly, an increasing number of South Africans are making the switch, trading in their vehicles from well-known premium brands for the latest Chinese models. Adele, a first-time Chinese car owner, is one such example. After owning three German luxury cars from the same brand, she recently purchased a JAECOO J7 Vortex. 

Adele and her husband had done their research, reading several reviews before they decided to check the J7 out in person. They were immediately impressed by the styling and the quality of the interior. But the advanced safety features and technology sealed the deal. “We went for a test drive and were hooked immediately. My five-year-old son even commented that it drives better than my previous car,” she laughed. 

“It’s a very different experience with the technology. At first, it takes some getting used to—there aren’t many buttons to press inside—but now we’re really enjoying it,” Adele adds, referring to the central touchscreen that operates most of the vehicle controls. 

While Chinese cars have often been associated with poor quality, Adele was surprised by the materials and overall feel of the J7. “I’ve always believed that you can feel the quality of a car when you close the door. The sound it makes says a lot about the build. I always look at it when we’re purchasing a new car,” she added, commenting on the solid feel of the J7’s doors. 

Another key factor in her decision was the price. Adele had contemplated replacing her German luxury car with a new model but was put off by the increasingly high costs. “The prices keep rising. They base the price on the quality of the product. Sure, it’s a German car, but technology-wise, it doesn’t feel like they’re improving much,” she says. The J7, on the other hand, offered an appealing combination of advanced features at a competitive price. 

Jaecoo J7

Initially, Adele was sceptical about the quality of Chinese vehicles. “I thought they looked good, but I wasn’t sure about the quality. I knew a few people who drove Chinese cars, like Cherys, and they said they were happy with them.” She noticed an increasing number of these vehicles on the road and figured these automakers must be doing something right. “When you hear ‘made in China,’ you automatically think of certain things, but look at how many things in our lives come from China.”

As a mother to a young boy, Adele’s main concern was safety. Unsure about the safety standards of Chinese vehicles, her worries were quickly alleviated when she learned more about the J7’s safety features. “The J7 has all the airbags and driver assistance features you could ask for. The safety features are incredible; it warns me of vehicles in my blind spots and other drivers following too closely. It’s so advanced.”

What really surprised Adele, though, was the amount of attention she’s received since purchasing the J7. “I’ve never gotten so many compliments about a car. Everywhere I stop—whether it’s at the shops or in a parking lot—people comment on it. You can see people staring everywhere you stop, and I’ve had countless people telling me how amazing the car looks or wanting to look at the interior. This has never happened with my previous cars. It’s definitely turning heads.”

Switching from a German luxury vehicle to a Chinese car might seem like a downgrade to some, but for Adele, her JAECOO J7 has proven to be a pleasant surprise. 

Digital risks & cybercrime trends to be on the lookout for in 2025

Digital risks & cybercrime trends to be on the lookout for in 2025
Yonela Ntshobane, Financial Lines and Cyber Underwriter at SHA Risk Specialists

Data has become an increasingly lucrative commodity to cyber criminals and businesses worldwide face a growing prevalence of cyber threats fueled by artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology. Costs following incidents of such a nature can be very high. According to the IBM 2024 Cost of Data Breach report, data breaches in SA now cost R53.10 million per incident, on average. This figure is up from R49.45 million in 2023.

Yonela Ntshobane, Financial Lines and Cyber Underwriter at SHA Risk Specialists, explores the most prominent cyber risks for 2025 and offers insights into proactive strategies to mitigate these threats: “While businesses navigate regulatory and operational challenges, they must prepare for increasingly automated and deceptive cyberattacks.”

The biggest emerging cybercrime trends in 2024

According to the IBM Cost of Data Breach Report, in South Africa, stolen or compromised credentials was the most prevalent initial attack vector, representing 17% of breaches. This was followed by Phishing at 12% of cases and business e-mail compromise was at 10% of breaches studied. Ntshobane identifies three threats that were particularly concerning within the corporate landscape in 2024:

1.     Business email compromise (BEC)

Business Email Compromise has become increasingly and continues to remain on the radar as a predicted major loss driver for 2025. “Through sophisticated social engineering methods, the use of AI, deepfake technologies and honest human error, threat actors have been highly successful in gaining access to corporate networks using business email compromise tactics such as phishing to bait clients,” says Ntshobane.

2.     Supply chain attacks

These attacks have increased in frequency particularly in organisations lacking proper network segregation. “If a threat actor gains access via an exposure point in one division, they will be able to gain access to the entire organisation’s network,” explains Ntshobane

Gartner estimates that by 2025, 45% of organizations worldwide will have experienced attacks on their software supply chains which represents a three-fold increase from 2021. Due to the risk that these types of attacks pose and the fact that cyber criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in orchestrating these attacks, Gartner reports that 44% of organizations will substantially increase year-over-year spend on supply chain cybersecurity.

3.     Data Breaches

High profile incidents involving companies like MOVEit, MGM, and T-Mobile exposed records belonging to hundreds of millions of individuals, triggering lawsuits and significant financial settlements.  In South Africa the average cost of a data breach incident rose to R53.10 million up from R49.45 million in 2023.

The report further highlights that 49% of breaches involved data stored across multiple environments, including public cloud, private cloud and on-premises. Breaches of this nature were reported to be the costliest at R59 million on average and took approximately 263 days to identify and contain. 

What businesses can learn from these trends

Cyber security needs to be a proactive, organisation-wide priority. Training and awareness must become central to risk management, with many companies investing in phishing simulations, social engineering education, and other preventative measures. These initiatives address the root cause of 95% of all data breaches: human error.

Additionally, consulting with experts in cyber security, legal frameworks and risk management will prove invaluable. “Business should ensure that they are taking the initiative to implement proper governance and security standards across all environments as the cost of the cyber breach and post incident ramifications far outweighs the costs of implementing the appropriate risk management measures upfront,” says Ntshobane

The most prominent cyber risks and preparation strategies for 2025

Looking ahead, we anticipate that the following risks will be on the rise:

1.     Increased data breaches

The widespread adoption of AI will empower cyber criminals to launch more sophisticated, automated attacks. Businesses must prioritise governance and security standards across all environments, including cloud platforms.

2.     Deepfake technology 

Deepfake technology which is technology used by criminals to manipulate media (photos and videos) which makes it very difficult to establish what is real and what is curated by the cybercriminal.   Companies will need to invest in tools, training and resources to help employees distinguish real information versus false information.

To prepare for these risks, businesses are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach and prioritise cyber security and risk management within their organisations. Some of the key areas and security measures a business should pay importance to are:

·       Awareness training

·       Password management

·       Malware protection

·       Back ups

·       Security patching

·       Restrictions to the use and installation of unsupported software

·       Firewalls

·       Due diligence performed when onboarding supplier or vendors

How the insurance industry is adapting

The insurance industry is embracing technology to enhance data analysis, risk assessment and to automate underwriting processes. “Our role extends beyond offering cyber insurance; we strive to educate the market about cyber security and its associated risks,” says Ntshobane. Insurers are investing in keeping pace with emerging threats and providing tailored risk transfer solutions to clients.

“Cyber is a highly specialised field which makes it very important to collaborate with the experts in cyber security, law firms, insurers and consultants to ensure that informed decisions

and investment are being made for your business in this area. We encourage businesses to find the right partners to advise them appropriately. concludes Ntshobane.

 

Four challenges facing South African businesses

Four challenges facing South African businesses
Anne-Marie Pretorius, Director at Bizmod

The business landscape has faced unprecedented challenges, specifically intensifying in the past five years with the rapid rise of hybrid working, artificial intelligence (AI), and the integration of innovative tools like virtual reality (VR). These transformative forces fundamentally reshape how companies operate, pushing them to adapt to new technologies while balancing elements like productivity, employee engagement, and ever-evolving customer expectations.

Anne-Marié Pretorius, Director at Bizmod, says that as South African businesses navigate this complex and somewhat overwhelming environment, they are confronted with both the opportunities and the challenges of a rapidly changing digital world. “The pressure is on to not only conform to new ways of working but also innovate and develop strategies taking advantage of burgeoning technologies,” says Pretorius.

She outlines four key challenges that South African businesses are navigating:

Remote and hybrid working

As more large organisations, including Nedbank and Arena Holdings, in South Africa mandate a return to the office, tensions are rising between employees and employers. Providing a hybrid work environment not only enhances employee retention but can also serve as a powerful recruitment tool for attracting top talent.

On the flip side, employers have struggled in recent years to cultivate a strong culture and promote collaboration among employees when they are not working together in person.

The rise of generative AI

In South Africa, the use of generative AI has significantly increased, reflecting a broader global trend driven by technological advancements and the growing accessibility of AI tools. Pretorius says that while AI cannot replicate the deep knowledge and understanding that experienced workers bring to a business, overlooking the opportunities that AI might offer businesses could be short-sighted.

She cautions that while AI relies on historical data, which may not always reflect current business realities, there are significant risks associated with its use. AI-generated insights can sometimes be inaccurate, misleading, or unethical, potentially leading to poor or harmful decisions if not carefully managed by skilled professionals.

The constant cybersecurity threat

In the latest CSIR survey, 47% of organisations reported encountering one to five cybersecurity incidents over the past year, highlighting the increasing threat of cyber-attacks that businesses of all sizes face. To safeguard their valuable data and systems against these evolving threats, especially AI-driven phishing and social engineering attacks – companies must invest in robust cybersecurity measures. As these cyber threats continue to rise, so does the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals capable of defending against increasingly sophisticated attacks. The survey also revealed a significant skills gap, with 63% of cybersecurity positions remaining partially or fully unfilled.

Team Building, Team Collaboration

Skills shortages

The shortage of IT skills is growing, and organisations are needing to find new ways to recruit, train, retain, and upskill employees. The IDC (International Data Corporation) predicts that by 2026, more than 90% of organisations worldwide will experience a shortage of IT skills, amounting to some $5.5 trillion in losses caused by product delays, impaired competitiveness, and loss of business.

The rapid emergence of new technologies and tools is resulting in a gap between employee skills and technologies, as individuals struggle to keep up.  In addition, STEM curriculums need to be timeously updated to allow for the changing technologies, the skills gap will continue to widen.

“It’s more than evident that businesses that achieve the fine balance of effectively managing a hybrid workforce and embrace the opportunities that digital transformation can bring will be better equipped for future growth and prosperity,” says Pretorius ends.

For more information visit Bizmod’s website

INTRODUCING AYANA: Redefining South African Womenswear with Bold, Accessible Fashion

INTRODUCING AYANA: Redefining South African Womenswear with Bold, Accessible Fashion
AYANA

A new era of style is here. AYANA, South Africa’s most exciting womenswear brand, is set to make waves with its fearless, fashion-forward designs—crafted to empower women and redefine self-expression.

Rooted in confidence, individuality, and effortless sophistication, AYANA was created to revolutionise South African fashion—one statement-making piece at a time. The brand delivers daring yet timeless designs, seamlessly blending high-end aesthetics with affordability. Whether she’s a working professional, a creative, or simply a woman who owns her style, the AYANA woman is bold, unapologetic, and always ahead of the curve.

“Fashion isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how it makes you feel. AYANA empowers women to embrace their personal style and express their authenticity with confidence,” says Sheri-Lee Brown, Buying & Creative Manager at AYANA.

The debut collection embodies the brand’s ethos, offering a thoughtfully curated range of versatile, statement-making pieces designed to transition effortlessly from day to night. From striking silhouettes and vibrant hues to elevated wardrobe essentials, every piece is crafted to inspire self-assurance and individuality. True to its “top-to-toe” approach, AYANA also offers matching footwear and accessories, ensuring a complete, curated look.

AYANA

Mark your calendars: AYANA officially launches on 27 February 2025, with 32 stores across South Africa plus an online store. Proudly part of the PEPKOR Speciality family—alongside established brands such as Refinery, SPCC, Dunns, and Tekkie Town—AYANA reinforces the group’s commitment to innovation and expanding South Africa’s fashion landscape.

With a bold vision to lead South African womenswear, AYANA is set to disrupt the industry with its distinct aesthetic and unwavering commitment to affordability. By bridging the gap between high-end fashion and accessibility, AYANA ensures that every woman can embrace her personal style—without compromise.

AYANA

“AYANA is more than just a clothing brand—it’s a movement. Every woman should feel fearless in her fashion choices, and we’re here to make that possible, without breaking the bank,” says Karla Roodt, Marketing Manager at AYANA.

Join the movement. Redefine your style with AYANA.

Shop AYANA: www.ayana.co.za | #WeAreAyana

Love in Every Form: How to Wine and Dine Your Significant Others This Valentine’s Day

Love in Every Form: How to Wine and Dine Your Significant Others This Valentine’s Day
Wine and Dine

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers, it’s a celebration of all the people who make life sweeter, softer and more fabulous. Whether it’s a whirlwind romantic escape, a laughter-filled getaway with your bestie, or simply treating yourself, Valentines Day is the ultimate day to add a little more love to your life. The Capital Hotels, Apartments & Resorts has something special waiting for you. This February, let love take centre stage with experiences designed to make your heart skip a beat.

Romance, relaxation and ocean breezes at The Capital Pearls:

Picture this: the Indian ocean stretching endlessly before you, the scent of sea salt in the air, and a getaway designed for romance. This year, The Capital Pearls is rolling out the red carpet for love, with experiences tailored for dreamy escapes and indulgent moments.

If you are planning: An all-inclusive romantic retreat

For those looking to dial up the romance, this package delivers it all:

  • Gourmet breakfast and dinner — Because love starts with a delicious meal.
  • A romantic turndown — Step into a room adorned with thoughtful touches to set the mood.
  • Couple’s back, neck & shoulder massage — Melt away stress and soak in the serenity together.

When: Valid for February 2025
Where: The Capital Pearls
Price: Starting from R4,750 per night

A Valentine’s Feast for Two

No need to pack a suitcase—just bring your appetite and your special someone for a Braai & Seafood Buffet that’s all about indulgence.

Price: R550 per person

Where: The Capital Pearls, LEVEL 5
For bookings: [email protected] or +27 (0) 31 945 0000

Valentine’s Day

Mbombela: Love, luxury and starry nights:

Tucked away in the heart of Mpumalanga, The Capital Mbombela offers a perfect mix of seclusion and elegance. Whether you’re celebrating new love, long-lasting romance, or the best friendship of your life, this getaway is crafted for unforgettable moments. This package includes:

  • A 1 Bedroom Apartment — Your own private oasis.
  • Breakfast for two — Because nothing beats waking up to a delicious meal.
  • Honeymoon turndown — Love is in the details, and we’ve taken care of them all.
  • A bottle of sparkling wine on ice — Pop, fizz, clink, here’s to love and light!
  • Some nibbles — Sweet, savoury, and made for sharing.

When: Valid for February 2025
Where: The Capital Mbombela
Price: Starting from R3,400 per night
For bookings: [email protected] or +27 (0) 13 813 9000

Zimbali: An enchanted evening of love and laughter:

For those who believe love is best celebrated with good food, great company, and a touch of magic, The Capital Zimbali invites you to an unforgettable harvest-styled dinner. Whether you’re an in-house guest, a local resident, or someone who simply loves a reason to celebrate, this is an evening not to be missed.

What’s in store:

  • A welcome drink on arrival — Start the night on a sparkling note.
  • A canapé platter to kick things off — Small bites, big flavours.
  • Intimate harvest food stations — A feast designed for leisurely indulgence.
  • Dancing under the stars — Let the music guide your steps.
  • Live entertainment — Because love deserves a soundtrack.

When: Wednesday, 14 February
Time: 6 pm – 10 pm
Where: The Copper Restaurant and Bar
Price: R1,200 per couple
For bookings: [email protected] or +27 (0)32 538 5000

Want to spend the night at the resort? From R4 600 per night, you can enjoy accommodation in a Luxury Garden Room for 2 people, breakfast and a couple’s back, neck and shoulder massage.

The City of Love in the Heart of Mzansi

Who says romance needs a beachfront or a countryside retreat? Sometimes, love thrives in the heartbeat of the city—where skyline views, fine dining, and plush stays create the perfect urban escape. The best part of it all, you’re still within reach of some of the country’s best nightlife. At The Capital Melrose, Empire, The Capital On Bath, and The Capital Trilogy, the city’s energy meets intimate luxury.

Your Valentine’s retreat could include:

  • A stylish Standard Room for two — Your private love nest in the city.
  • Breakfast included — Because every great love story deserves a delicious start.
  • Romantic turndown — Let the city lights set the mood while we take care of the details.
  • Sparkling wine — Because nothing says “I love you” like a toast to the good times.

When: Valid Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in February
Where: The Capital Melrose, The Capital Empire, The Capital On Bath, The Capital Trilogy

Price: From R2,225

A Touch of Romance in The Shadow of Table Mountain

Some love stories deserve a setting as bold as they are. At The Capital 15 on Orange and The Capital Mirage, romance reaches new heights—literally. With chic design, sweeping city views, and an atmosphere that oozes sophistication, these two locations are perfect for couples who want luxury with an edge.

ORANGE – EMERALD LOUNGE

Your trip will include:

  • Sophisticated Standard Room for two — A space as stylish as your love story.
  • Breakfast included — Because love (and adventure) starts with a good meal.
  • Romantic turndown — The city’s glow outside, candlelit ambience inside.

When: Valid Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in February
Where: The Capital 15 on Orange, The Capital Mirage

For bookings: www.thecapital.co.za/deals/valentines-day-2025

Beyond AI: the soft skills SA learners need to have for tomorrow’s jobs

Beyond AI: the soft skills SA learners need to have for tomorrow's jobs
Muziwenkosi Zwane , CEO of RAYS OF HOPE

While artificial intelligence and digital technologies have come to dominate conversations on what the future job market might look like, the latest predictions from the World Economic Forum (WEF) indicates the need to focus on ‘soft skills’ in equal measure.

In its Future of Jobs report, the WEF highlights the growing importance of skills such as analytical thinking, resilience and emotional intelligence. These competencies are particularly relevant in the South African context, with over 45% of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 not engaged in formal employment, education or training according to Statistics South Africa.

Additionally, the rise of automation and digital transformation across industries has intensified the demand for workers who can not only operate advanced technologies but also navigate uncertainty with creativity and problem-solving skills. Employers increasingly prioritise emotional intelligence, teamwork and adaptability – qualities that are essential for thriving in diverse and fast-evolving work environments.

Holistic learning

Holistic learning provides a foundation for developing these critical soft skills and emphasises the development of the whole child, including their emotional, social and cognitive abilities. This is the approach adopted by Rays of Hope, a community-driven NGO, which, says its CEO, Muziwethu Zwane, is the key to empowering children to thrive in the dynamic future world of work.

“The future of work is not just about technical expertise. It’s about equipping individuals with the ability to adapt to change, which is inevitable as we know, to solve complex human-centric problems that computers simply can’t, and to collaborate effectively,” says Mr Zwane. “Rays of Hope take this holistic approach to education by ensuring that the child is not only academically competent in maths or English but is also supported in developing other crucial life skills that will help them thrive in the future.”

soft skills

Rays of Hope’s Whole Child Model takes a holistic approach to education, focusing on physical, emotional, nutritional and cognitive development, fostering a culture of well-being. “At ECD level, for instance, children engage in interactive play and are exposed to other targeted interventions that aim to foster creativity, critical thinking and social interaction from an early age,” says Dikeledi Phiri.

Building skills for the future workforce
The growing emphasis on soft skills is reshaping how educational institutions and policymakers approach curriculum development. While technical skills remain important, preparing learners for a future defined by rapid change requires a balanced approach that equips them with human-centric capabilities.

The global shift toward hybrid and remote work environments further highlights the importance of communication and adaptability. Employers increasingly seek workers who can manage virtual collaborations, navigate cultural diversity and maintain productivity in flexible work settings.

“South Africa’s challenges, while significant, present an opportunity to reimagine education in a way that equips learners for a rapidly evolving job market, and by fostering soft skills alongside academic knowledge, the country can empower its youth to thrive as resilient and innovative leaders in a world where human potential remains the greatest asset,” concludes Mr Zwane.

20 years of Google Maps: Here’s how South Africans have mapped their world

20 years of Google Maps: Here's how South Africans have mapped their world
20 years of Google Maps

Twenty years ago, Google Maps started helping us explore the world, navigate unfamiliar roads and discover hidden gems. You’ve played a large part in making all of this possible — from helping add new businesses to sharing insightful reviews and photos (and exploring incredible global imagery with Street View!). To celebrate 20 years of mapping the world[and South Africa], we’ve highlighted a selection of places that sparked conversation and inspired the ‘explorer’ within South Africans!

Foodie finds: The most-reviewed restaurants

From burgers to coffee, scenic farms to pretty and pink cafes, here are some of the most-reviewed eateries in South Africa across a range of cuisines from the past two decades:

Most Reviewed Restaurant:

Most Reviewed Cafe:

Crowd-pleasers: The most-reviewed visitor attractions

You explored more than just menus! Some of your most-reviewed destinations in South Africa included:

Most Reviewed Visitor Attraction:

Most Reviewed Museum:

Most Reviewed Park:

You can view a full list and assets of the top reviewed places: top 5 places and top 10 places

Here is a list of our Top 20 Tips on how to make the most of your travel adventures with Google Maps.

We’ve also included a brief fascinating timeline of Google Maps history here

Methodology

The “most-reviewed” spots are based on places with under 10 locations within a category that have the most reviews and a rating over 4.0 stars on Google Maps. The “most photographed” spots are based on places that have the most photos and videos on Google Maps.

The Mommy Club is back and it’s bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever!

The Mommy Club is back and it's bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever!
The Mommy Club
The Mommy Club returns with its highly anticipated third season, streaming exclusively on Showmax from 15 February. New episodes will drop every Saturday, bringing viewers closer than ever to the glitzy world of South Africa’s most glamorous moms. The flagship show was the first in the franchise, followed by The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice, and now The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad, which will stream exclusively on Showmax from 14 March.
Season 3 of The Mommy Club is about to turn up the heat with four bold new ladies – Mrs J, Noksie, Pheladi, and Vuyi – joining Hermajesty and Mrs Sande, along with some appearances from Mrs Mops, Nozipho Ntshangase and Rosette Ncwana.
We caught up with Noksie, who spilt the tea on her Mommy Club journey, her real-life motherhood hustle, and the scandalous moments this season that’ll have you gagging. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!
What made you decide to join The Mommy Club?
I joined The Mommy Club because I wanted to connect with other moms, build friendships, learn a thing or two, and also use the opportunity to put my real estate business on the map.
How does watching the show compare to actually being on it?
Honestly, watching the show is definitely more fun than being on it! There’s no emotional attachment when you’re just watching, so it’s just pure entertainment. Being on it, though, was a whole different experience.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through your experience on the show?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to walk away from certain situations. Not everything deserves a reaction, and sometimes the best choice is to just let things go.
Who’s your favourite mommy from all the seasons so far?
My favourite mommy on the show has to be Nunurai. She’s just got this energy and vibe that I really connect with.
What can viewers expect from you this season?
I’m bringing youthful energy and wisdom. I’m here to show that not everything deserves a reaction. Sometimes, the best way to handle things is with grace and a little bit of silence.
Why should people tune in to The Mommy Club?
People should definitely watch the show – it’s bound to be entertaining! You won’t want to miss the drama and all the unexpected twists and turns!
See everything on Showmax in February here, including four editions of Love Island for Valentine’s, which is always must-see television, alongside new seasons of The Bachelorette and beloved local favourites like Mna’kwethu: Happily Ever After? and The Bala Family.
Join the conversation:
#MommyClubShowmax
Watch the trailer: