South Africans are ditching cash for digital wallets and the benefits of the move to digital are especially attractive when you’re travelling outside the republic. Your smartphone helps you to pay quickly and easily on the go, while giving you better visibility into costs and spending.
TCL offers some travel money tips for Android users:
Set up Google Pay before you leave
Google Pay is a handy digital wallet where you can store most South African debit and credit cards. Once you’ve put a card onto Google Pay, you can use it to make contactless payments in most countries where the digital wallet is accepted. You can tap and pay on transport systems like the locals. Always test your setup with a small local transaction before you depart to make sure it works. Also, keep your plastic card nearby in case you want to make a payment at a retailer or restaurant that can’t accept Google Pay.
Minimise transaction and conversion fees
When travelling, international fees can quickly add up. Some banks offer global accounts where you can save in foreign currencies and transact with a global card with lower transaction fees. If you don’t have a global account, be sure to select the option to pay or draw money in local currency rather than rand when at points of sale or ATMs overseas. This avoids bad exchange rates.
Get a global travel card
Many South African banks offer prepaid travel debit cards. You can load them up with multiple currencies before you start your journey. You can usually manage the cards and top them up with more money direct from your bank’s Android app. The best part? Not worrying that the rand will get weaker while you’re travelling. Plus, the fees at the point of sale or ATM will generally be a bit lower.
Stay secure
Digital payments are safer than carrying cash, but you still need to stay alert. Be sure that you have your phone locked with biometrics or a secure PIN, so that no one else can access to your digital wallet or digital banking apps. You should also enable Find My Device to track your phone if it is lost or stolen. Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking – use a VPN or stick to mobile data for sensitive transactions.
Don’t forget these useful apps
There are a lot of apps that can help you manage your money while you’re travelling. Xe shows live exchange rates so you can instantly see how much you’re really paying. It’s useful for checking the rand-to-euro/dollar/pound rate before accepting a rate at a foreign ATM or shop.
Shyft by Standard Bank offers a range of international management tools. You can order multi-currency Shyft Mastercard debit cards to use while travelling overseas and save up to on card fees. You can use your physical Shyft forex card to withdraw local currency from any Mastercard supported ATM in the country you’re visiting.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer knocking at the door of healthcare—it’s already in the room. From faster diagnoses to personalised treatment and streamlined administration, the potential of AI to revolutionise care is undeniable. However, as a doctor working at the intersection of product development, clinical risk, and strategy, I believe the real conversation isn’t whether AI has value. It’s whether we understand how to use it responsibly.
Because if we get that wrong, we don’t just risk inefficiency or a poor experience; we risk losing trust.
Human Judgement Will Always Matter
Clinical judgement isn’t just data-driven, it’s sensory, relational, and deeply human. When you sit in front of a doctor, you’re not just listing symptoms. You’re being seen. Your energy, body language, tone of voice and the look in your eyes are all clinical inputs too.
These are the subtleties that AI cannot yet grasp. And maybe it shouldn’t. Because part of what makes human healthcare so powerful is its ability to catch what can’t be coded.
AI, when used well, should be something complementary, not a replacement. But this depends on something critical: trust. And trust is earned through responsible use, through validated, evidence-based implementation that holds AI to the same standards we apply to medicine itself.
When Should AI Lead, and When Should It Support?
This isn’t a binary question. The answer, like so much in medicine, is context-specific.
If an AI tool has been rigorously tested and proven to outperform traditional diagnostics in a particular area—then it should lead. But if its accuracy is unclear, still under development, or has not been shown to be superior, traditional investigations and management must take the lead.
We can’t treat AI like a mystical black box. It’s just another tool in our clinical toolkit. Like any test, its usefulness depends on how well it performs—and whether the system around it is ready to implement it responsibly.
Personalisation Can’t Exist Without Patient Participation
AI has the power to personalise care faster than ever. But personalisation without patient involvement isn’t personal, it’s transactional.
As clinicians, we still need to interpret the AI’s suggestions and communicate them clearly. Especially in communities where AI can feel foreign or even threatening, transparency is key. Patients deserve the right to understand how their care is being shaped.
And if they’re not comfortable? That’s their right, too. AI must exist within a framework of informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and choice.
Efficiency Must Make Space for Empathy
AI is already reducing administrative burden, helping automate documentation, appointment management, and triage. But what we do with that saved time matters.
If we use AI to free up time, we must reinvest it into the human moments that matter most which are conversations, listening, trust-building. Efficiency is only valuable if it enhances the parts of medicine that machines can’t replicate.
Ethics Can’t Play Catch-Up
We’re moving faster than the regulations are. South Africa doesn’t yet have a comprehensive AI healthcare regulatory framework. And globally, most countries are still catching up.
This leaves us with an even greater responsibility: self-regulation grounded in professional ethics. The use of AI should not strip away our obligation to engage with empathy or respect patient dignity. If anything, it raises the stakes.
We must question not just what AI can do, but what it should do—and ensure that ethical complexity is part of the rollout, not an afterthought.
What’s Holding Us Back?
Often, it’s not the technology, it’s the infrastructure around it.
In some cases, medical aids don’t cover AI-enhanced diagnostics, making it harder to adopt even when tools outperform traditional ones. And if patients don’t understand how the tech works, or feel alienated by it, uptake slows down.
We’ve seen AI work well especially in image-based diagnostics like CT scans and X-rays. But for other conditions, like mental health or chronic lifestyle-related diseases, there is still a long road to walk. The tech may be ready but the system around it isn’t always.
The Road Ahead
I believe AI in healthcare is not just inevitable, it’s essential. We need it to address the growing pressures on our systems, to improve access, and to elevate standards of care.
But it will take time. It will take collaboration. And it will take a commitment to keeping patients and professionals at the centre of the system, not just the software.
As a doctor, a product leader, and a student of this evolving field, I’m excited about the future, but I’m also cautious. It’s also going to be very interesting because this isn’t just about adopting new tools. It’s about reimagining care – something to be done responsibly.
Johannesburg’s most anticipated fashion event, Braam Fashion Week, is set to make its grand return on 31 May 2025 at the iconic PlayGround Braamfontein. Now in its fifth edition, this biannual showcase continues to elevate local talent, shining a spotlight on emerging designers, models, and makeup artists who are redefining the boundaries of style and creativity. With an expanded programme that includes a pre-show, main fashion showcase, and a lively after-party, this year’s event promises to be a landmark celebration of culture and design.
“I AM FASHION”
Braam Fashion Week has evolved into more than just a runway show, it’s a cultural movement and a platform for self-expression. This year’s theme, “I AM FASHION,” embodies the spirit of individuality and artistry that defines the event. It’s both a bold statement and an open invitation to celebrate the transformative power of fashion as a form of identity and storytelling.
The Winter/Fall 2025 edition will feature collections from some of Johannesburg’s most promising designers, each unveiling their unique vision through daring silhouettes, intricate craftsmanship, and innovative designs. These showcases will highlight the originality and diversity of Johannesburg’s thriving fashion scene, bringing bold creativity to life on the runway.
This must-see event caters to both fashion lovers and cultural enthusiasts, offering a fusion of style and music in one spectacular day. The after-party will come alive with an exciting lineup of performances, blending diverse sounds to create an unforgettable experience.
Come and experience the latest trends and designs brought to life on the runway, while immersing yourself in a vibrant world of culture and creativity. BRAAM FASHION WEEK FALL/WINTER 2025 promises to captivate and inspire with its showcase of exceptional talent, innovation, and endless entertainment.
Event Details
Date and Time:May 31, 2025, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Venue: The Playground, 73 Juta St, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000 Tickets: Starting from R100.00 – Available atComputicket
Bronwyn Abrahams, Industry Expert and Founder of QOJ Consulting
In today’s digital economy, the ability to “influence” has never been more powerful, or more scrutinised. For marketers, brands, and creators alike, there’s an increasing urgency to do more than capture attention. We must earn trust in spaces where campaigns can easily prioritise virality over value. But the truth is, real influence stems from integrity and connection.
South Africa’s influencer, now content creator, economy is growing rapidly, but so too is public demand for transparency and ethical practices. According to the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB), complaints related to misleading influencer content have steadily increased, particularly where sponsored posts were not disclosed or where exaggerated claims could not be substantiated. The ARB, in collaboration with the Marketing Association of South Africa and other stakeholders, has reinforced the requirement that all paid partnerships must be clearly labelled and that any statements made in marketing content must be supported by evidence. Failure to comply can result in reputational damage, content takedowns, and in some cases, legal action under the Consumer Protection Act.
Recently, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) imposed a R700,000 fine on African Bank for a misleading loan advertisement. The advertisement misrepresented the nature of the loan product by implying it was an investment rather than a credit product, reports the Daily Maverick. This misrepresentation violated advertising regulations and consumer protection laws, highlighting the importance of accurate and transparent marketing practices in the financial sector.
Bronwyn Abrahams, industry expert and founder of QOJ Consulting, notes that ethical influencer marketing is not only a compliance requirement, but also a business imperative. “Trust is the real currency,” she says. “If audiences begin to feel deceived, the entire ecosystem starts to lose credibility. Brands need to remember that influence isn’t just about what you say, it’s about what people believe.”
Rather than push a product or service through influencer content, the focus of a campaign with Sanlam Credit Solutions, for example, was placed on educating consumers, offering useful, practical tools such as access to credit scores and personalised dashboards. The campaign’s success was not only measured by conversions alone, but by community engagement and the volume of users accessing free financial literacy resources that will benefit them. Ethical, transparent communication can drive both awareness and meaningful action which creates brand affinity and supports credibility.
“For brands and agencies, working with influencers can no longer be a transactional relationship based solely on reach. It needs to be strategic, values-aligned, more organic and above all, honest,” Abrahams says. “This is no longer a “nice to have,” It is a fundamental expectation from both consumers and regulators. Agencies, brands and creators who fail to adapt risk more than just backlash, they risk irrelevance,” she concludes.
Many industry experts are calling for stronger vetting processes and stricter contracts between brands and influencers. Clearer briefing documents, built-in fact-checking protocols, and post-campaign reviews should become standard across agencies. Influencer education is also key. Many micro- and nano-influencers enter partnerships without a full understanding of their legal responsibilities under South African law.
As South Africa’s digital landscape matures, influence must evolve with it. The future of influencer/ content creator marketing, lies not in the loudest voice, but in the most trustworthy one.
When I’m asked why more Chief Information Officers are turning to Ivanti, I usually start with the numbers:
80% faster ticket resolution through automation
30–40% lower software licence costs via tool consolidation
94% patch compliance in under 10 days
480+ IT staff hours saved per month
These aren’t just metrics. These reflect a broader shift in enterprise IT: the urgent need for simplification.
Enterprises today are overwhelmed. The average organisation now manages between 45 and 75 separate IT tools. According to Ivanti’s Tech at Work 2024 report, 71% of IT and security teams say their tech stack is too complex. This is not just eating into budgets; it’s damaging agility, security, and the overall employee experience.
Ivanti is the reset button.
At Think Tank Software Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how Ivanti helps enterprises in South Africa simplify their digital environments by merging IT Service Management (ITSM), Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), cybersecurity, and Digital Employee Experience (DEX) into one intelligent, integrated platform.
One Platform. Multiple Wins.
A recent IDC study revealed that legacy tools consume 70%ofITbudgets.³ Ivanti addresses this by consolidating fragmented systems into a single pane of glass, improving visibility, reducing costs, and streamlining support.
In one engagement, a client replaced 15 overlapping tools, cut licence fees by 35%, and improved service levels within six months.
Built for Flexible Work
Ivanti’s 2024 report shows that 1 in 3 employees believe their company isn’t adequately prepared for remote work. That’s a sentiment we’ve encountered across multiple industries and helped resolve.
Through Ivanti, we’ve enabled:
Onboarding times reduced from 90 minutes to under 10
Incident response times cut by 62%
Secure, scalable onboarding for remote teams
Security That Doesn’t Burn Out Your Team
74% of IT leaders now feel more vulnerable than ever before.⁴ Ivanti’s self-healing capabilities and automated patch management dramatically reduce risk—without overwhelming your internal teams.
In a financial services deployment we led:
Security risk exposure dropped by 70%
Silent IT failures were identified and resolved automatically, before users raised a single ticket
Why Think Tank Software Solutions?
As South Africa’s only Ivanti Premier Partner, we don’t just implement solutions, we align them to your business strategy. Our approach is consultative, agile, and ROI-driven.
What we’ve delivered for our clients:
40% fewer support tickets within three months
3x improvement in compliance across endpoints
6–9x ROI in the first year
Less Noise. More Orchestration.
Ivanti isn’t just another IT tool, it’s an orchestration layer. It brings your entire digital ecosystem into sync, enabling IT teams to work smarter, respond faster, and drive measurable business value.
In a future defined by how seamlessly everything connects, Ivanti leads. And we help our clients lead with it.
About the Author
Greg Strydom is the Managing Director of Think Tank Software Solutions, South Africa’s only Ivanti Premier Partner. He leads a team of enterprise IT specialists focused on enabling resilience, automation, and digital transformation across the continent.
As technological development transforms global education, the education sector in South Africa faces a critical challenge: how to deliver personalised, inclusive, and differentiated learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of every student.
“As classrooms grow more diverse, both in learning styles and abilities, schools must adopt innovative approaches to ensure no student is left behind. Adaptive learning technologies offer a powerful solution, enabling educators to tailor instruction while fostering an inclusive environment,” says Andrea Kruger, EdTech specialist at ADvTECH Schools. Kruger recently delivered a keynote address at the 15th Cutting Edge Technologies in Education Practice Conference in Greece, on Empowering Inclusive Education.
Adaptive learning technologies use data-driven insights to customise educational content, pacing, and assessments to suit individual student needs. These tools, ranging from intelligent tutoring systems to learning management platforms, allow educators to differentiate instruction without overwhelming their workloads.
ADvTECH’s own adaptive Intelligent Tutoring System, ADvLEARN, exemplifies this approach by using AI to personalise learning pathways, ensuring each student progresses at their own pace. This system supports data-informed teaching while promoting learner autonomy across subjects.
For students, this means a learning experience that feels tailored, engaging, and supportive, whether they’re mastering foundational skills or tackling advanced concepts. For teachers, it provides real-time feedback to adjust strategies, ensuring every student progresses.
ACCESSIBILITY OF ADAPTIVE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES IN SOUTH AFRICA
ADvTECH leverages cutting-edge tools like Microsoft Learning Accelerators to enable adaptive learning and differentiation across its schools, says Kruger. But while these may not be accessible to all South African schools, cost-effective and free alternatives can enhance student outcomes and drive tech-enabled learning nationwide.
“Resource-restricted schools can absolutely integrate adaptive learning technologies by starting small, leveraging free or low-cost tools, and prioritising teacher training and inclusivity. While they may not match the scale of a global best practice ecosystem, the core principles—pedagogy-driven tech, inclusivity, and adaptability—apply universally,” says Kruger.
Additionally, by tapping into partnerships, open resources, and community support, these schools can deliver personalised learning that transforms student outcomes, proving that innovation is possible even with limited means.
HOW TO INTEGRATE ADAPTIVE LEARNING TECH INTO THE CURRICULUM
“The success of adaptive learning hinges on intentional implementation,” says Kruger.
“Technology must not dictate educational strategy but rather enhance it. Schools should prioritise tools that align with their pedagogical goals, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Moreover, inclusivity must remain at the heart of these efforts, ensuring that technology bridges gaps for students with diverse needs, including those with learning difficulties or language barriers.”
Kruger says a successful implementation of adaptive learning technology needs to consider the following:
Put pedagogy first: Choose technologies that support your teaching goals, fostering skills like critical thinking and creativity. Avoid tools that prioritise rote learning or dictate classroom strategies. For example, platforms with real-time analytics can help teachers tailor lessons dynamically while maintaining educational quality.
Champion inclusivity: Select adaptive tools that cater to diverse learners, including students with disabilities, language barriers, or varying academic needs. Technologies should bridge gaps, ensuring every student—from those needing extra support to those ready for advanced challenges—feels included and empowered.
Empower educators: Invest in teacher training to build confidence in using adaptive technologies. Tools like data dashboards can streamline administrative tasks, freeing teachers to focus on instruction. Free or low-cost training resources, such as UNESCO’s ICT Competency Framework, can support this in resource-constrained settings.
Adopt cost-effective solutions: Resource-restricted schools can leverage free or low-cost platforms like Khan Academy, Moodle, or Kolibri, which offer personalised learning and offline capabilities. Mobile-first apps, such as Quizlet, can also deliver adaptive content using widely available smartphones, maximizing access in underserved areas.
Stay adaptive and innovative: Regularly evaluate and update your tech practices to align with global trends and local needs. Encourage a culture of agility by piloting small-scale projects, assessing outcomes, and scaling successful initiatives. This ensures long-term relevance in a fast-evolving EdTech landscape.
Engage communities: Involve parents, students, and local stakeholders to build trust in adaptive learning. Transparent communication about its benefits—such as improved engagement and equity—can foster buy-in.
From a young age, many South African boys learn that expressing vulnerability puts them at risk of shame, rejection, or even bullying and physical violence. Across the country’s diverse communities, patriarchal norms and assumptions still dominate. While gender equity efforts bring the harm this does to women and girls into the spotlight, the many ways that the patriarchy also hurts boys and men is so often lost in the shadows. One of the biggest harms to our boys comes from seemingly innocuous social conditioning encapsulated in the “boys don’t cry” mantra.
Media, parents, teachers, role models, peers and other community members may all be involved in perpetuating traditional gender norms that disadvantage South African boys when it comes to their emotional well-being and the proper development of their emotional and social intelligences. The International Day of the Boy Child is celebrated on 16 May 2025, and brings attention to the importance of boys’ well-being and the challenges they face.
Jaco van Schalkwyk, Founder of The Character Company (TCC), a non-profit organisation working with boys with absent fathers, says, “After working closely, for around thirteen years, with hundreds of boys and men, what stands out for me is a lack of fundamental competencies on how to identify and deal with our emotions. This is an issue for boys and men that is being compounded, generation after generation.
“There’s a longstanding lack of emotional literacy passed from father to son – not just the lack of safe spaces, but the scarcity of words to express challenging emotions. Playing out in today’s context, men are silent because they have become tentative about not just celebrating masculinity but speaking about it. There’s confusion about what is acceptable when it comes to modern masculinity and men are, perhaps not stepping up enough to help boys, because we are unsure of what to do or say ourselves when it comes to being accepted as a good man in society.”
‘Big boys don’t cry’ can have unintended consequences Every year, since 2019, multiple researchers and official reports have concluded that male South Africans are four to five times more likely to die by suicide than their female counterparts. Rates of depression, anxiety and social isolation are soaring amongst South African youth. Discouraging men and boys from expressing normal human emotions and seeking help for mental health challenges only increases the risks of destructive behaviours such as substance disorders and gender-based violence.
Jaco says, “Pressures from all corners of society, traditional and contemporary, mean that men are not doing enough to teach boys about the fundamentals of vulnerability. And, vulnerability is scary, because we fear that being vulnerable will hurt us particularly as males. Where are the men creating safe spaces for our boys to be vulnerable and to grapple with challenging feelings? It’s rare, like in the TCC programme, instead of being widespread in our homes and schools and communities.”
What happens when there are too few safe spaces for boys? For our young boys, this means existing in a world where the men who are supposed to model healthy masculinity for them and guide deep conversations with them are not there. Not always because they are unwilling but sometimes because they don’t know how to deal with emotion and vulnerability themselves and feel insecure because they don’t have the answers.
Jaco points out: “We are talking about a crisis with boys, but too many men don’t have experience in surrounding themselves with other men in safe spaces where they can have these critical, vulnerable conversations about masculinity and the modern challenges. We see this play out in the TCC programme, where our volunteer mentors are themselves going through immense personal learning as they guide our boys through our values-based curriculum. It’s one of the reasons that becoming a TCC mentor is so fulfilling.
“Men need to learn that maybe you don’t have all the answers, because who does? What we do know is that confronting vulnerabilities signals courage not weakness. That alone, gives men a significant capacity to bravely hold a safe space for boys who undeniably deserve our support as they navigate a world that has become much more complicated and scarier for boys and men.”
Google’s annual I/O developer conference is a hub for exciting product updates. This year, “The Android Show: I/O edition” offered an early preview of Android’s future. Packed with groundbreaking news, these updates will transform our Android interactions. Android, the world’s most popular OS with over 3 billion active devices, continues to innovate, bringing practical benefits and new possibilities.
For people in Africa, these advancements promise easier, safer, and more personal digital lives. Let’s dive into how Android’s latest offerings empower users across the continent:
1. Your Device, Your Canvas: The Expressive Evolution of Android and Wear OS
Tired of a generic phone look? Android 16 and Wear OS 6 introduce Material 3 Expressive, a significant design makeover. It’s about making your devices truly personal and easier to use. Imagine animations reacting to your touch, like icons subtly shifting when you dismiss a message, making interactions feel alive. Born from research with over 18,000 users, the result is beautiful, enjoyable interfaces.
Customize phone colours and quick settings – place your flashlight for easy access. On smartwatches, the design wraps smoothly around round screens, and your watch face theme will colour the entire system. For users in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, where personal expression is key, this means technology that truly reflects you.
Availability: Coming to Android 16 and Wear OS 6. Pixel devices first later this year, then other manufacturers.
2. Driving Just Got Smarter: Gemini Becomes Your Ultimate Co-Pilot
Remember when your car was just for driving? Now, with Gemini, Google’s smart AI assistant, coming to your car, every journey becomes more productive and enjoyable. Whether you use Android Auto with your phone or have a car with Google built-in, Gemini is designed to be your ultimate co-pilot.
Imagine talking naturally to your car, without needing to remember specific commands. You can ask Gemini to find the best local food along your route and even get summaries of reviews. If you’re messaging a friend who prefers a different language, Gemini can remember to always translate your messages for them. It can even help you find the location of your child’s soccer game that got buried in your email!
But Gemini isn’t just for navigation. On longer drives, you can ask it to summarise the news, or give you a quick rundown of a book for your book club. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend riding shotgun, ready to help with anything from finding a charging station near a park to helping you prepare for a big meeting.
This smart integration means less distraction and more convenience, making your time on the road in Nairobi, Johannesburg, or Lagos more efficient and fun.
Availability: Android Auto in coming months; Google Built-in later this year (new Lincoln Nautilus, Renault R5, Honda Passport).
3. Beyond the Phone: Gemini Smarts Extend to Your Watch, TV, and More
Gemini’s intelligence is expanding beyond your phone to your Wear OS smartwatch, TV, and future Android XR smart glasses. On your Wear OS watch, get help hands-free: set gym locker reminders while baking or find restaurant details from an email. Google TV will get Gemini later this year for movie recommendations or educational content for kids.
Future Android XR headsets (starting with Samsung) will use Gemini for immersive experiences like vacation planning. Expect personalized, proactive help for a seamless, intelligent experience across your Android devices. Gemini Live’s camera and screen sharing capabilities are available now for Android users (no Advanced subscription required).
Availability: Wear OS in coming months. Google TV later this year. Android XR with Samsung’s first headset later this year.
4. Never Lose Anything Again: Find Hub for All Your Belongings
Android’s “Find My Device” is evolving into Find Hub, a central spot to locate tagged items and track friends and family (with permission). Easily track luggage, keys, or confirm a loved one’s safe arrival from one app. Find Hub supports more devices and Bluetooth tags (July, Mokobara, Pixbee). Ultra-wideband (UWB) tech (first on moto tag) offers precise tracking down to a few feet.
Later this year, satellite connectivity arrives for supported devices, enabling tracking without mobile coverage – ideal for adventures. Airline partnerships (e.g., British Airways, Singapore Airlines) will help locate luggage by sharing tag locations. For those in Africa facing varied network coverage or frequent travel, Find Hub is a powerful tool.
Availability: Rolling out with new compatible devices/tags later this month (UWB on moto tag). Satellite connectivity later this year. Airline partnerships early next year.
Android has championed RCS (Rich Communication Services) for simple, reliable, feature-rich messaging, regardless of phone type. Success is clear: over a billion daily RCS messages in the U.S. alone enable high-quality photo/video sharing and improved group chats. RCS offers features like read receipts, typing indicators, and large file sharing directly in your standard messaging app for seamless communication.
Availability: Globally available within Google Messages.
6. Smarter App Management: Google Play Protect Gets More Intelligent
Malicious apps are a constant threat, and Android is making it even harder for them to hide and cause trouble. Google Play Protect, Android’s built-in security scanner, is getting smarter to keep you even safer.
One tricky tactic used by bad apps is to hide or change their icon, making them hard to find and remove from your device. Now, Google Play Protect’s live threat detection will spot this sneaky behaviour and alert you, so you can easily remove the unsafe app.
Google Play Protect also checks every app before it’s installed on your device, no matter where you download it from. It uses advanced on-device machine learning to quickly identify new and emerging threats. This means if an app shows suspicious patterns – like trying to steal information or control your device – Play Protect can warn you before you even install it! These rules are updated frequently to ensure you’re protected from the latest malware.
These updates mean better, faster protection against unwanted and harmful apps, keeping your phone and data safe without you having to do anything extra.
Availability: Google Play Protect updates for faster malware detection (using new on-device rules) are now available globally for all Android users with Google Play services. Live threat detection for hidden app icons will be available for Google Pixel 6+ and a selection of new devices from other manufacturers in the coming months.
7. Comprehensive Mobile Theft Protection: Stronger Than Ever
The loss or theft of a phone can be devastating, not just for the device itself, but for the sensitive information it contains. Android has been a leader in theft protection, and these new updates make it even harder for thieves to access your data or reset your device.
Building on last year’s comprehensive suite of features, Android is further hardening its Factory Reset protections. This means that if a thief tries to wipe your phone without your authorization, key functionalities will be restricted. You’ll also get more control over the Remote Lock feature, with the addition of a security question to prevent unauthorized actions.
A key new protection in Android 16 targets a common scam tactic: thieves trying to access one-time passwords (OTPs) on your locked screen. In high-risk scenarios – when your phone isn’t connected to Wi-Fi and hasn’t been recently unlocked – Android will hide OTPs on your lock screen. This ensures that only you can see them after unlocking your device, protecting your online accounts.
These continuous improvements demonstrate Android’s commitment to keeping your personal and financial information safe, even if your phone falls into the wrong hands.
Availability: Hardened Factory Reset protections and enhanced Remote Lock (with security question) are coming later this year. OTP lock screen protection (hiding OTPs in high-risk scenarios) will be available in Android 16. Identity Check for Pixel and Samsung One UI 7 devices is expanding to more manufacturers on supported Android 16 devices.
Anticipation is building as SAPHILA 2025, the African SAP User Group’s (AFSUG) flagship local SAP user conference, approaches. Set to take place from 01 to 03 June 2025 at Sun City in South Africa’s North-West Province, the event will bring together business and technology leaders from across the continent for two days of innovation, insight and high-impact networking.
Key sponsors returning for the 2025 edition include SAP Africa, Deloitte and NTT DATA; all reaffirming their commitment to Africa’s growing SAP ecosystem and the digital transformation of local enterprises.
SAP spotlighted as Collaboration Sponsor
SAP once again takes pride of place as the event’s Collaboration Sponsor, maintaining its enduring partnership with AFSUG and continued commitment to the growth of Africa’s SAP community through the SAPHILA platform.
Nazia Pillay, ad interim managing director for SAP in Southern Africa
Nazia Pillay, ad interim managing director for SAP in Southern Africa, says: “SAPHILA is a critically important customer and partner event for SAP, in that it provides an unparallelled, one-stop shop for all our African customers and partners. We’d like to thank AFSUG for driving this flagship industry and networking event, suited to any customer or partner wishing to know the latest about SAP, its AI vision, future focus, product offerings and solutions.
“When it comes to the SAP Africa events calendar, SAPHILA is arguably the most important networking opportunity of the year,” she adds.
NTT DATA pledges support as Diamond Sponsor
Pillay’s sentiments are echoed by Lauren Wortmann, vice president: applications and cloud at NTT DATA Middle East and Africa, SAPHILA 2025’s Diamond Sponsor, who highlights the strategic value that the event brings. “SAPHILA is all about bringing SAP users and vendors together to connect, create and collaborate. It provides a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge on the latest innovations, implementations and best practices in the SAP world.
“NTT DATA Middle East and Africa has taken up Diamond sponsorship of SAPHILA 2025 for good reason. As a global SAP Managed Services partner, it gives us incredible brand visibility and allows us to showcase our expertise and thought leadership through keynotes and workshops.
Lauren Wortmann
“SAPHILA is also packed with engaging activities, including evening socials, a golf day and exclusive deal room access, providing an excellent platform for attendees to engage with a diverse range of high-profile contacts. This kind of engagement really fosters a collaborative environment where industry leaders can discuss real-time data and business value.
“The event’s expert keynote presentations and workshops can also provide a real edge,” Wortmann continues. “SAPHILA 2025 is the place to be if you want to stay updated on the latest tech advancements and make valuable connections.”
Deloitte confirmed as Executive Suite and C-Suite sponsor
Koosh Panday, senior manager & SAP project director, Enterprise Technology and Performance (ETP) at Deloitte Africa and SAPHILA 2025 chair, sees SAPHILA 2025 as a catalyst for growth, skills development and innovation across the continent.
Koosh Panday
“SAPHILA brings significant value to both the local SAP ecosystem and the broader technology industry. It promotes networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration among local SAP professionals, partners and customers. It also drives innovation by showcasing the latest SAP solutions and technologies, enabling attendees to stay ahead of industry trends and best practices.”
From a broader industry perspective, Panday notes the role that SAPHILA plays in highlighting the transformative potential of SAP technologies across various sectors – driving digital transformation, improving business processes and creating value across industries, as well as facilitating cross-industry collaboration.
“As a trusted SAP systems integrator and with a transformation alliance between the two businesses, Deloitte’s sponsorship of SAPHILA 2025 aligns with our commitment to support the local SAP community and contribute to its growth and success,” Panday adds.
“At this year’s event, Deloitte will showcase how our capabilities in areas such as digital transformation, cloud solutions and data analytics can help organisations achieve their strategic goals and drive business success. We encourage people to register for SAPHILA 2025 as it offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the latest SAP trends and innovations, through expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities.”
“SAPHILA represents the heartbeat of Africa’s SAP community,” continues Conrad Steyn, senior associate director, ERP at Deloitte Africa. “On a broader scale, SAPHILA amplifies Africa’s voice in the global technology industry, highlighting how cutting-edge technologies – such as AI, cloud and sustainable ERP – are being adopted and adapted for local impact.
“Our presence at SAPHILA 2025 reflects our belief that digital transformation is not just about technology; it’s about people, collaboration and purpose. As Deloitte, we are proud to support a platform that positions South Africa as a dynamic hub of enterprise technology innovation,” he adds.
Visitors to Deloitte’s Executive Lounge at SAPHILA 2025 will have the opportunity to:
Gain firsthand knowledge of the latest SAP advancements and strategic directions.
Network with peers and potential partners from across the African SAP ecosystem in a relaxed, comfortable setting.
Discover cutting-edge technologies and solutions, such as SAP S/4HANA, RISE with SAP and Business Technology Platform (BTP), which can drive business transformation.
Connect directly with Deloitte leadership and subject matter experts.
Engage in focused discussions about the latest ERP trends and challenges.
Enjoy dedicated networking opportunities with clients and other key stakeholders.
Also on show will be Deloitte’s capabilities across Apple Vision, UiPath, AWS and its longstanding SAP alliance.
Strong sponsor line-up for SAPHILA 2025
AFSUG CEO Amanda Gibbs comments: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with global technology leaders who share AFSUG’s vision for a more connected, digitally empowered Africa. SAPHILA 2025 will once again provide the ultimate platform for collaboration, learning and progress.
“In addition to extending our thanks to SAP, Deloitte and NTT DATA, we would also like to welcome EY, Google and Syntax as Gold Sponsors; our Silver Sponsors Accenture, FIRtech, HCL Technologies, IBM, Mediro ICT, Neptune Software Africa (NASA), PwC, SAP SE, Vodacom, Deloitte and AWS, and Worksoft; and SAPHILA 2025’s Bronze Sponsors Accely, AppConverge, BCX, Consnet, JiVS powered by Data Migration International, Decision Inc, Edge Information Solutions, EPI-USE Labs, GlueData, G3G, Integrove, K5 Business, LRS Output Management, Nihilent, OneConnect, OpenText, SEIDOR, smartShift, Stratfore Tech, Tano Digital Solutions and VOQUZ Labs.
“Special mentions also go to our Golf Sponsor Zimele Technologies; Coffee Sponsor iOCO; Microsoft, an Executive Experience Sponsor, Said Salim Bakhresa & Company as the official Prize Sponsor, Charging Station Sponsor Engaged Business Consultants, EY and GlueData for the eagerly anticipated Masterclass sessions, as well as Heineken and Mercedes-Benz.”
SATSA has launched a new toolkit and five category-specific Codes of Good Practice, marking another milestone in the industry’s journey towards global best practices and enhanced safety standards.
“SATSA’s first set of guidelines was released in 2023,” says Hannelie du Toit, SATSA COO. “It introduced a new level of compliance in a sector that was, at that point, largely unregulated. Today’s launch gives more adventure operators the tools they need to meet international safety standards – and visitors peace of mind when they’re booking adventures and activities.”
The new resources, which are being shared publicly for the first time at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025 – and live on SATSA’s website – cover five important categories:
Aerial Non-Flight Activities (including zip lines, rope courses, canopy tours, and suspension bridges)
Boat-Based Activities (including whale watching, shark cage diving and other marine-based activities)
Paddling & Rafting Activities (on flat water, flowing water and oceans, including rafts, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards)
Hiking & Trekking Activities (from short day walks to multi-day expeditions)
These documents are open to public comment and are intended to spark dialogue, encourage industry input, and ensure broad-based ownership of the standards that will define the future of Southern Africa’s adventure tourism.
A Risk, Safety and Incident Management Toolkit has also been added, broadening the arsenal of existing resources. Currently, the resource library consists of a Self-Regulation Road Map, a General Code of Good Practice Guide and Checklist, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Participant Care.
First-of-its-kind self-assessment tool and updated resources
In another exciting development, SATSA has introduced a Self-Assessment Tool for adventure operators in Southern Africa. Designed to measure alignment with global best practices, the tool is freely available. It provides operators with a detailed benchmark of their operations across key areas, including safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Operators who complete the assessment will also receive tailored feedback, practical tips, and links to additional resources – all at no cost.
In line with this, all SATSA adventure tourism resources have been reviewed and updated to reflect current international standards and evolving market demands. The full range of toolkits and the self-assessment tool can be accessed via the SATSA website.
Hannelie du Toit, COO SATSA
“What’s really exciting is the level of industry input and buy-in. Right from the very beginning in 2023, industry experts have really leaned in to offer their expertise and support, including the team at Dirty Boots, SATIB Insurance Brokers, and Nick Shaw, SATSA’s Adventure Chapter Chair,” says du Toit.
As du Toit explains, what makes the approach unique is its fluid, collaborative nature. The toolkits include publication and review dates, allowing for honest feedback, additional input, and ongoing updates as standards evolve and technology advances. The framework actively encourages industry feedback, creating a living document that grows with the industry.
“The new documents align with international best practice, incorporating elements from ISO standards, European standards, Australian frameworks and input from the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) Travel Life programme,” says Nick Shaw, Adventure Chapter Chairperson.
Economic impact across all regions
Adventure tourism plays a crucial role in South Africa’s broader tourism strategy, particularly in addressing geographic diversity, job creation, youth development, and tourism prosperity.
While traditional tourism hotspots like Cape Town and Kruger National Park have recovered strongly post-pandemic, regions like the Eastern Cape, which has so much potential as an adventure destination – have lagged far behind.
David Frost, CEO SATSA
“There’s a reason this initiative is called ‘101 Adventures’,” says SATSA CEO David Frost: “While New Zealand may call itself the adventure capital of the world, South Africa offers a far more diverse range of adventure experiences with superior products – closer to 104 at last count – we just need to position ourselves better globally. These toolkits are a critical step in that direction.”
Next steps
Alongside the launch of the “101 Adventures Southern Africa” toolkits and self-assessment tool, SATSA is conducting a comprehensive Adventure Tourism Industry Survey to better understand the sector’s size, economic contribution, and employment statistics. All adventure tourism operators are encouraged to participate by completing the survey here.
A webinar scheduled for 28 May at 12:00 will guide operators through the toolkits, the self-assessment process, and how to attain certification. Regular quarterly webinars will follow, providing ongoing support and updates.
“This initiative is about positioning Southern Africa as the premier global adventure destination,” says Frost. “We have the industry will – now we’re creating a framework that will drive growth, ensure safety, and spread tourism benefits to every corner of our region.”
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