Mandela Day and the Digital Divide: A call for action beyond 67 minutes

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16 July 2025

Mandela Day and the Digital Divide: A call for action beyond 67 minutes — Ernst Wittmann, TCL Regional Manager for Southern & East Africa

Mandela Day (18 July) encourages South Africans to spend 67 minutes of their time giving back to their communities, or one minute for each of the 67 years former President Nelson Mandela dedicated to public service and fighting for human rights. One of the ways that individuals and companies can make a positive difference is by helping to bridge the digital divide.

We have made some dramatic strides in making data and devices more affordable and accessible over the past decade. The expansion of LTE and 5G coverage means that many urban, peri-urban and even rural areas now have access to fast mobile networks. More public Wi-Fi hotspots are being rolled out across the country.

There is also plenty to celebrate in terms of device innovation. Manufacturers produce cost-effective smartphones that still long battery life, reliable performance, and large screens, meaning that even entry level users can have a great experience with their devices. Plus, 4G/LTE phones have become standard and prices of 5G devices are tumbling.

Tax relief sparks hope for broader access

Regulatory interventions are also making a positive difference. For example, the government’s recent decision to drop the 9% ad valorem (luxury) tax on smartphones under R2,500 is a pivotal moment for digital inclusion. For many families managing tight monthly budgets, this could make the difference between staying disconnected or finally stepping into the digital world.

This small but significant policy shift recognises that smartphones are essential tools for modern life and that data is as important to development as water and electricity. It opens the door for industry players like TCL to deliver more affordable, feature-rich devices without compromising on quality. We hope that the government will keep reviewing this tariff in future years to align with inflation.

Digital progress leaves millions behind

The result of all this progress is that people from all walks of life are using digital tools in creative and meaningful ways. Yet there are still millions of South Africans who don’t have access to the basic digital tools they need to participate in the digital world. This locks them out of educational resources, economic opportunities and personal services that many of us take for granted.

In some rural communities and informal settlements, mobile network coverage is often patchy or unreliable. Data costs, while declining, are still unaffordable for many. A prepaid user paying per MB faces high effective rates, and low-income earners often must choose between buying data or other essentials.

We can still do more to close the digital divide. Government and industry have already done much to build digital inclusion, but there is certainly scope for more innovation.

There are numerous ways that individuals and businesses can make a contribution:

Donate or refurbish quality used tech

Passing a smartphone or notebook to someone else when you upgrade is a powerful way to make a difference. Companies can partner with certified refurbishers and community organisations to ensure devices are safe, secure, able to efficiently run modern applications, and distributed where they’re needed most.

Sponsor community access points

Support the setup of internet hubs in schools, libraries, and community centres. These shared spaces can offer free Wi-Fi, device charging and basic IT support.

Build inclusive products and services

Companies should strive to build websites and apps that work well on low-end devices and limited connections to ensure they leave no customers or community members behind.

Mentor small business owners

Teaching a young entrepreneur or microbusiness owner how to use WhatsApp for business, set up card payments acceptance or use productivity apps can help them take their business to the next level.

Donate data to a student or NGO

Donating data to learners or NGOs working in education can have a direct impact on their lives.

Turning Mandela Day into a digital inclusion checkpoint

Real impact doesn’t happen in a single day, but Mandela Day reminds us to keep going. We believe that Mandela Day can be a valuable annual checkpoint for digital inclusion.

This could include publishing progress reports, showcasing new public-private partnerships, and tracking access metrics. We should be bold and ambitious in the targets we set for digital inclusion because it is a powerful accelerant for economic inclusion and socioeconomic development.

Bernini x Glamour: A Sophisticated New Season of Lifestyle Moments

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LnT Desk

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16 July 2025

Bernini x Glamour: A Sophisticated New Season of Lifestyle Moments

Bernini, South Africa’s only real sparkling spritzer made from wine, is proud to announce the return of its partnership with Glamour Magazine, ushering in a fresh chapter of elegant, lifestyle-led events designed for modern women who live life beautifully, their way.

This year’s partnership builds on the success of last year’s collaboration, promising even more beautiful experiences designed to inspire and delight.

The first stop on this journey? Glamour’s Most Glamorous, an iconic celebration of style, confidence, and real connection, held at the luxurious Langhams Lifestyle Estate in Fourways, Johannesburg. The perfect setting for Bernini Mimosa: our real sparkling spritzer blended with real orange juice and delicate bubbles that’s redefining brunches and beyond.

Because the perfect mix isn’t just in the can, it’s in the moment. It’s about friends coming together to make unforgettable memories by embracing life with audacity and elegance, one delicious sip at a time. The perfect mix is brunch, friends, and new Bernini Mimosa. Now available in both a sophisticated 500ml can and a sleek 300ml option, designed for those who appreciate both sophistication and convenience.

‘Bernini is about real connections, effortless sophistication, and showing up as your full self, whether you’re dressing up for drinks on the town, or keeping it casual with friends,’ says Slate Solomons, Assistant Brand Manager for Bernini SA. ‘This partnership with Glamour is the perfect platform to bring this to life.’

Together, Bernini and Glamour will host a curated series of events throughout the year, each one an opportunity to enjoy real moments, real connections, and unmistakable style.

Stay tuned to Bernini and Glamour’s official platforms for more on what’s next.

#TheRealSparklingSpritzer
#MadeFromWine
#BerniniMimosa

Bernini supports responsible drinking and encourages all South Africans to consume alcohol responsibly. Alcohol Not for Persons Under 18 Years.

About Bernini

Bernini is a range of real sparkling spritzers made from wine with flavours, perfectly served ice-cold from the bottle, in a flute or coupe glass for any occasion with the squad. This premium sparkling alcoholic grape beverage is for women who have the audacity to live a little. From sunset drinks, summer picnics, brunches and lunches, poolside parties, and girls’ nights in or out on the town. Available at all major retailers in a sleek 300ml Can and a sophisticated 500ml Can for additional value. Follow #BerniniMimosa #RealSparklingSpritzer #PerfectlyMixed on Bernini’s socials to find out more.

For more information, visit bernini.co.za or follow Bernini on social media:

Instagram: @BerniniSA
Facebook: BerniniSA
Twitter: @BerniniSA
YouTube: BerniniSA

Young Chefs Opening Doors To The World

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LnT Desk

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16 July 2025

Young Chefs Opening Doors to the World — 1st Hot Chef - CAPE GRACE REACHING FOR YOUNG STARS CHEF OF THE YEAR_ Mia Wicomb CTIA - CHEFS TRAINING & INNOVATION ACADEMY

The chefs, bartenders and hospitality stars of the future, take their first steps on a journey that will take the winners across the globe in the Reaching for Young Stars 2025 competition.

When young chefs in training take part in the Reaching for Young Stars competition organised by Showcook it’s about so much more than proving their skills. They are gaining enviable opportunities to take on the world. The initiative, now in its 17^th year, involves star students from eight of Cape Town’s top culinary and hospitality schools and, with the help of sponsors such as San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, Cape Grace, KitchenAid, Lancewood, and WWF, exposes them to the expectations of the global culinary stage, preparing fledgling chefs to take off to destinations all over the world.

San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, add their prestigious sponsorship here as part of their global commitment to the culinary arts, with a view to developing young chefs for those careers. Contributing their international reputation and association with fine dining, they are integral partners in elevating the competition’s culinary standards to a global level.

This year the event was hosted by Cape Grace; a hospitality partner very much invested in nurturing the new generation. “Events like Reaching for Young Stars remind us why investing in youth development is vital for the growth and sustainability of our industry – we’re not just hosting a competition, we’re nurturing the future leaders of hospitality,” said Leon Meyer, General Manager of Cape Grace.

1st Beverage CAPE GRACE REACHING FOR YOUNG STARS BEVERAGE STUDENT OF THE YEAR_ Elijah Brauer INTERNATIONAL HOTEL SCHOOL (IHS) & LA MOTTE

Reaching for Young Stars has a number of categories, so that the students, whether aspiring hot chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, hospitality all-rounders, baristas and bartenders, all have a chance to showcase their talents. As the winners were announced in June other aspects of their future careers were highlighted.

“In a world that is more connected than ever, your skills in hospitality, cuisine, and service are a form of global diplomacy,” said Ryan Smith, MP in his keynote speech at the awards ceremony. “Through every dish you plate, every table you set, and every experience you manage, you tell a story of our nation – one of resilience, innovation, and immense talent. I see daily how much value there is in cultural exchange – and food and hospitality are some of our most powerful tools. Whether you work in Knysna or Kyoto, in Cape Town or Copenhagen, you are helping to build bridges across cultures.”

2nd Annika Ebersohn (Beverage) CTIA – CHEFS TRAINING & INNOVATION ACADEMY & ANTHONIJ RUPERT WYNE

Among the winners recognised were Mia Wicomb, crowned Cape Grace Reaching for Young Stars Chef of the Year; Anja Buchner, Ultimate Lancewood Pastry Chef of the Year; and Elijah Brauer, Cape Grace Reaching for Young Stars Beverage Student of the Year. Annika Ebersohn, who came second in the beverage category, received the award for Best ClemenGold Gin Cocktail with Sanpellegrino Italian Sparkling Drinks for her gin sour using Clemengold gin, a fennel and celery stock syrup homemade bitters, and a garnish of Sanpellegrino Italian sparkling Drinks Limonata foam. She and Mia Wicomb together also won two of the food and wine pairing categories.

Sustainability was spotlighted too in the award presented by WWF Sassi recognising sustainability awareness demonstrated throughout the competition and presented to the team from International Hotel School, Arthur Houston, Matthew Constant and Elijah Brauer (who were each placed in the top three in their various categories). “Chefs are key to driving change, creating dishes that inspire and create awareness!” said Pavs Pillay of WWF-SASSI.

1st ULTIMATE LANCEWOOD YOUNG STAR PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR_ Anja Büchner CTIA – CHEFS TRAINING & INNOVATION ACADEMY

The aspirations of the young chefs are wide-ranging: Mia dreams of running her own restaurant; Arthur of establishing a culinary scholarship for aspiring chefs; Matthew of opening a Michelin-star restaurant; Annika or working as a private chef and studying further in culinary arts in Switzerland; Elijah of opening a restaurants focussed on exceptional guest experiences and employee satisfaction; Anja of opening a patisserie where she can train aspiring chefs and give people a second chance. Other goals include research and development in the food industry, travelling the world to work with chefs they admire, or establishing a community bakery to upskill young people.

Seven of the winning young chefs have already won themselves a first step on the way to fulfilling their dreams. They will soon be spreading their wings to overseas destinations with three-month internships at prestigious hotels and chateaus in France and in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA. Following that experience they will also be invited to take up three-week internships in a top South African hotel, broadening their practical experience immeasurably and preparing them for their future careers. San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna wishes them well on their various journeys.

The future now: Adidas reveals the CLIMACOOL LACED

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LnT Desk

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15 July 2025

The future now: Adidas reveals the CLIMACOOL LACED

adidas has revealed the next exploration of a totally new shoe-making process with the arrival of the CLIMACOOL LACED. Designed and printed as a single piece, built seamlessly layer by layer and blending upper and midsole elements through a single material, the shoe delivers a soft and adaptive fit complemented by a breathable and comfortable experience.

The CLIMACOOL LACED is the result of a deep understanding of footwear combined with design innovation. A unique printing process has been used to create a unique outcome in fit, feel and look. This new approach to shoe making results in a product where form follows function, inspired by transformative lattice structures in architecture and delivering 360° airflow. The seamless structure of the shoe means no breaks or joins, no resistance and no compromises.

Initially, CLIMACOOL LACED arrives in a bold and distinctive off white contrasted with a black lacing system, delivering the same experience as the CLIMACOOL shoe but with a more flexible and adjustable fit. The material breathes as it moves, providing cooling that helps to keep the wearer comfortable. Whilst the design focuses on revolutionary simplicity, with features like ghost stripes on the lateral parts of the shoe stripping it back to the essentials.

The CLIMACOOL shoe revealed in 2024 was the first exploration of the advanced and unique ADDITIVE manufacturing process allowing adidas to create a pinnacle expression of CLIMACOOL technology. The new process is a step forward in printing, allowing for precise tailoring of all zones of a shoe to deliver different benefits. The creation of the CLIMACOOL shoe takes approximately 24 hours and includes spinning, baking, and compression using high-tech polymers.

ADDITIVE manufacturing has unlocked new possibilities for footwear creation. In lifestyle footwear, the process allows for the creation of highly breathable, integrated fit elements, and soft yet stable underfoot conditioning. Future explorations in performance will allow adidas to create bespoke products specific to athlete needs.

Available from adidas.co.za selected retailers and adidas stores.

The case that could change AI forever – and why South African technology companies should pay attention

By

Kate Beretta and Ashleigh Brink

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15 July 2025

The case that could change AI forever – and why South African technology companies should pay attention — Left to right: Kate Beretta, Partner and Ashleigh Brink, Senior Associate, Bowmans, South Africa

A recent landmark ruling by a California court has delivered legal clarity on a defining question in the era of generative AI: can large language models (LLMs) be trained on copyrighted works without the rights holder’s consent?

In Bartz v. Anthropic, a United States (U.S) federal judge in the Northern District of California held that training an AI model on lawfully acquired copyrighted books constituted “fair use” under U.S. copyright law. For jurisdictions like South Africa (SA), where the copyright law regime remains under review, the judgment provides timely comparative insight. With the Copyright Amendment Bill (B-13 2017) close to finalisation, this case offers a valuable reference point for lawmakers, practitioners and technology businesses navigating the uncertain interface between innovation and intellectual property.

Understanding Bartz

The plaintiffs in Bartz were a group of authors who alleged that Anthropic, the developer of the Claude large language model (LLM), had infringed their copyrights by using their books as part of its AI training data. According to the complaint, Anthropic had sourced books in two ways: first, by downloading millions of titles from pirate websites; and second, by lawfully acquiring physical copies of copyrighted books, scanning and storing them digitally in a central library for training purposes.

The court drew a key distinction between these two data sources. It held that works obtained through piracy could not qualify for fair use protection, but the use of lawfully acquired books (even if scanned and digitised) could be permissible, provided the use met the standard of “transformative” use under U.S. fair use doctrine.

The court reasoned that:

“The purpose and character of using copyrighted works to train LLMs to generate new text was quintessentially transformative. Like any reader aspiring to be a writer, Anthropic’s LLMs trained upon works not to race ahead and replicate or supplant them — but to turn a hard corner and create something different.”

The court also rejected the authors’ argument that AI training would result in a flood of infringing outputs that compete with their works. It likened the concern to a broader fear of technological progress, stating:

“Authors contend generically that training LLMs will result in an explosion of works competing with their works… but Authors’ complaint is no different than it would be if they complained that training schoolchildren to write well would result in an explosion of competing works.”

What the court did not decide

The plaintiffs did not allege that the LLM’s outputs infringed their copyrights, so the question of output liability was not before the court. The ruling is therefore limited to the legality of using copyrighted materials as training data— not to what the model ultimately produces. While the court was willing to accept that the training process, in isolation, was fair use, it left open the possibility that model outputs, depending on their content, could give rise to infringement claims in future litigation.

South African law

Under SA’s current Copyright Act No. 98 of 1978, the answer would almost certainly be different. SA law follows a closed-list “fair dealing” approach, which allows limited, purpose-specific exceptions, such as for private study, criticism, review, or news reporting. Training an AI system on copyrighted materials would likely not qualify under any of these exceptions, meaning that such training would likely infringe the copyright in such materials.

However, the Copyright Amendment Bill, in its current form, proposes the introduction of a U.S.-style fair use clause. The proposed section 12A would allow unauthorised uses of copyrighted works, provided they are fair, based on a four-factor analysis: the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the work, the amount used, and the effect on the market. The framing of fair use under the Bill is largely aligned with the U.S. fair use definition, allowing for a far broader and more flexible allowance for justifiable use of copyrighted materials outside of a formal licence.

If adopted, the fair use clause could allow SA AI developers and startups to train models on copyrighted datasets in circumstances similar to Bartz, particularly where the use is transformative and does not compete directly with the original works.

Implications for tech developers

While the Bartz ruling is not binding in SA, it is highly relevant for local companies exploring generative AI. The increasing availability of powerful open-source LLMs, such as Meta’s LLaMA and Mistral, is levelling the global playing field. This presents a unique opportunity for SA businesses, including startups, to fine-tune or build upon these models using locally relevant data. However, doing so raises complex copyright considerations, particularly around the legality of training data. The Bartz judgment, and the potential adoption of a fair use provision under SA’s Copyright Amendment Bill, could pave the way for local developers to responsibly train and deploy AI systems.

After the Bartz ruling, three key considerations emerge for SA technology companies:

Lawful data sourcing

Under the current Copyright Act, even the use of lawfully acquired copyrighted content for AI training may fall outside the scope of permissible “fair dealing” exceptions. Until local courts confirm a fair use defence in similar circumstances, developers should avoid broad or indiscriminate web scraping, particularly where the copyright status of material is ambiguous or the content may have been uploaded without permission. As a general rule, AI developers should focus on building training datasets using:

content in the public domain (e.g. government publications, works where copyright has expired);

content that is openly licensed (such as via Creative Commons or public datasets);

non-copyrightable information (like data points, mathematical formulae, or legal citations); and

proprietary content only where they have secured appropriate licences.

Should the Copyright Amendment Bill be enacted, and SA courts adopt a similar stance to Bartz, there may be scope to use lawfully acquired copyrighted works in training, such as subscription-based academic articles, or purchased eBooks, provided that the use is fair, transformative, and does not displace the original market and importantly, that the output is not substantially similar to the original work. A case-by-case assessment will be required. Until then, legal input and clear data governance protocols are essential to mitigate infringement risk.

Output risk

Even if training is lawful under a fair use standard, outputs that reproduce protected works could still infringe copyright. Developers should implement guardrails to detect and limit substantial reproductions in model outputs, and legal teams should monitor emerging jurisprudence on this issue.

Contracts

Businesses offering or deploying generative AI tools should revisit their customer contracts and internal policies. This includes clarifying permitted training datasets, IP ownership of outputs, limiting liability for generated content, and addressing third-party rights in both training and deployment phases.

Looking ahead

As the court in Bartz observed, “The technology at issue was among the most transformative many of us will see in our lifetimes.” The ruling signals a shift in how courts may approach the balance between copyright enforcement and technological advancement.

In this evolving landscape, SA businesses engaging with generative AI should not wait for legal certainty. Now is the time to strengthen data governance, revisit licensing strategies, cater for AI risks in contracts and build internal policies that anticipate both legal risks and commercial opportunities. As the legislative framework takes shape, those who anticipate its direction, and align their strategies accordingly, will be best positioned to thrive in a market increasingly shaped by AI.

Even as quantum threats to cybersecurity loom, going back to basics is where battles are won

By

Richard Ford

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15 July 2025

Even as quantum threats to cybersecurity loom, going back to basics is where battles are won — Richard Ford, Chief Technology Officer at Integrity360

Despite the escalating sophistication of AI-generated threats and the looming specter of quantum computing capable of shattering current encryption, the organisations staying ahead of the curve are those getting the fundamentals of cybersecurity hygiene right.

Recognising the escalating challenge, a significant 97% of cybersecurity professionals anticipate an increase in AI-generated attacks. However, this collective awareness also provides a powerful impetus for organisations to invest in advanced protective measures and training.

Integrity360’s latest 2025 Cyber Security Trends & Predictions Report offers a sobering but invaluable look at the threats faced (and overcome) in 2024 and provides insights into the strategic imperatives for the remainder of 2025.

The warnings of 2024 can be the learnings of 2025

The past year served as a potent reminder of cybercrime’s pervasive reach. Data from Integrity360’s internal tools and services, coupled with wider industry statistics, paints a picture that should motivate all organisations to up their games – as many are successfully doing:

Vulnerability hotspots: A significant 50% of vulnerabilities identified by Integrity360 were of high severity, with a surprising 33% of exploit attempts targeting vulnerabilities from as far back as the 2010s. This highlights the critical importance of consistently addressing fundamental security hygiene, an area ripe for improvement and significant impact.
The human element remains critical: Globally, 67% of successful cyberattacks stemmed from human error or phishing, with 68% of all breaches involving a human element in 2024 (ISACA Journal; Verizon). This underscores that technology alone cannot solve the problem if the human layer remains vulnerable.
AI’s dual-edged sword: While 95% of organisations adopted AI or machine learning in their cybersecurity measures in 2024 (Gartner), 74% of IT security professionals reported a significant impact from AI-powered threats (Darktrace). The rapid advancement of AI provides both powerful defensive tools and new avenues for sophisticated attacks, with 97% of cybersecurity professionals fearing AI-generated security incidents (Deep Instinct).
Escalating costs: The average ransom demanded in a ransomware attack reached $2.73 million – almost $1 million more than in 2023 (Varonis). Furthermore, a mere 8% of businesses who paid ransoms received all their data in return (Sophos), demonstrating that paying up is rarely a solution.

The incidents of 2024 served as a powerful reminder, underscoring the urgent need for robust, proactive security measures that empower organisations to protect their assets effectively. Major attacks included:

February: Change Healthcare, a critical component of the US healthcare system, suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted operations for weeks. A $22 million ransom was paid, and patient data for a “substantial proportion” of Americans was exposed, highlighting the severe consequences of attacks on critical infrastructure and highly private personal details.
May: Dell disclosed a data breach exposing information on 49 million customers, including names, physical addresses, and order details, after a threat actor exploited their partner portal.
June: Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, confirmed a massive data breach affecting 560 million customers, with hackers demanding a $500 000 ransom. The incident, traced to a third-party cloud data warehouse, exposed names, addresses, email addresses, and even partial credit card details.
Others: Other significant incidents included the Ascension Health system ransomware attack, a major data breach affecting 270 000 UK military personnel, and the CDK ransomware attack on the automotive software industry, which led to over $1 billion in financial losses despite a reported $25 million ransom payment. Even Transport for London experienced a cyberattack, compromising sensitive customer data for around 5 000 individuals.

The cybersecurity landscape of 2025 is defined by complexity, convergence, and the relentless pace of innovation – both defensive and offensive. Organisations can strategically overcome these challenges by shifting from a reactive posture to a proactive, integrated security strategy, which is now more paramount than ever before. Looking towards 2026, a strategic sense of urgency should propel organisations to build adaptable and resilient cyber defences.

Flight Centre Travel Group Extends Partnership with Brand Ambassador Anele Mdoda

By

LnT Desk

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15 July 2025

Anele Mdoda

Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa has announced the renewal of its brand ambassador partnership with award-winning broadcaster and media personality Anele Mdoda for another two years. With authenticity and credibility more vital than ever in today’s travel sector, Flight Centre’s continued partnership with Anele demonstrates its commitment to genuine relationships over fleeting endorsements.

Anele – one of South Africa’s most recognisable radio and television voices – has been a loyal Flight Centre client since 2014. Over more than a decade, she has trusted the brand with her work trips, family holidays, and global adventures. Her passion for travel and knack for storytelling have made her an authentic advocate for discovering new destinations.

“Anele embodies everything we stand for at Flight Centre: curiosity about the world, authenticity, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to making every journey count. She shares our belief that travel revolves around connecting people through extraordinary experiences built on trust,” commented Sibongile Keswa, Marketing Manager at Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa.

“Anele doesn’t just inspire – she delivers real results for our business. For example, when she travelled to Dubai with the help of our Travel Experts, we saw a 15% uplift in destination interest and a 115% increase in sales for properties she stayed at. During her Mauritius travels, and our Week of the Wedding Dress campaign with Anele and the Club, we achieved an incredible 116% increase in property sales. This remains by far the highest impact we’ve seen from any ambassador partnership.”

Anele responded:

“Flight Centre is the travel partner I trust for every journey, whether it’s work, adventure, or precious family time. What I love most is that Flight Centre understands that travel agencies aren’t just selling destinations – they’re selling trust. That peace of mind is priceless when you’re chasing memories around the world. I’m thrilled to continue as an ambassador for the next two years because this partnership feels like an extension of my passport. Flight Centre doesn’t just book flights; they open up the world, and I love being part of that story.”

As this renewed collaboration continues into 2027, both Anele and Flight Centre look forward to helping even more travellers turn their dream journeys into reality, with expert support at every step.

Protecting your skin: a winter wellness essential

By

LnT Desk

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15 July 2025

Protecting your skin: a winter wellness essential

As the chilly season approaches, moisturising our bodies must become a top priority to avoid itchy, tight or uncomfortable skin. From head to toe, our bodies deserve support and proper care, in order to look and feel our best. With the colder months in full swing, it’s time to think about skincare proactively. Your body’s skin faces many daily challenges and neglecting it can create harmful consequences.

Why your body needs daily moisturising care

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It forms a protective barrier, helps regulate temperature and supports overall health. When it’s not cared for properly, that barrier weakens, which can lead to dryness, irritation and flare-ups of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

Dry and sensitive skin is more common than many people realise. Globally, nearly half of all people report having moderately to very sensitive skin. That’s a clear sign that skin sensitivity isn’t rare, and that body moisturising should be a daily habit, not an occasional fix.

Choosing the right care for your skin needs

Not all skin has the same needs. Some people are looking for everyday hydration while others need something richer and more targeted. Choosing the right product can help your skin stay healthy, smooth and protected.

For daily care of sensitive skin

Eucerin pH5 Soft Body Cream is specially formulated to restore moisture, soothe sensitivity and support the skin’s natural defences. It contains ingredients like Dexpanthenol and Glycerin to keep skin hydrated and comfortable, and it absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky finish. It’s suitable for everyday use and gentle enough for the whole family.

For very dry or tight skin

Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 5% Cream and 10% Lotion offer intensive moisturisation with long-lasting results. Both are enriched with Urea, Gluco Glycerol and a blend of natural moisturisers that help the skin retain moisture and repair its barrier. The 10% Lotion is ideal for rough patches, flakiness and deeply dry areas that need extra attention.

Make moisturising part of your daily routine

No matter your skin type, it’s best to apply moisturiser directly after bathing while your skin is still damp. This helps seal in hydration and gives the product time to work. With regular use, you’ll notice the difference in how your skin feels and behaves.

Give your body all the skincare attention it needs, because your body works hard to protect you. It faces weather, clothing friction, hot water and more, especially during the winter months. Nourishing your body’s skin isn’t just a luxury, it’s a smart way to maintain comfort, confidence and overall well-being.

Take a little extra time each day to care for your whole skin. With the right moisturiser and a simple routine, healthy and hydrated skin is within reach all year round.

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

By

LnT Desk

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15 July 2025

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

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

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

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

Scalable support for a fast-moving NGO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A pandemic-prompted cloud leap

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

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

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

Preparing for the future

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By

LnT Desk

-

15 July 2025

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

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

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

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

Shake Up a Classic: The Perfect Whiskey Sour

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

Ingredients:

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

Method:

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

Explore New Depths: Beyond the Aromatic

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

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

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

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

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