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How digital infrastructure will power the G20 Summit and our future

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How digital infrastructure will power the G20 Summit and our future

As South Africa prepares for the G20 Summit, global attention will focus not just on our hospitality but also on our ability to showcase a robust and seamless digital infrastructure, the foundation for businesses, governments, and citizens to excel on the world stage.

Reliable networks, energy-resilient systems, cloud platforms, and managed services are no longer optional; they form the foundation that enables the country to perform at its best, even in the face of the unexpected.

The G20 Summit: a real-time stress test

Hosting the G20 is a live demonstration of South Africa’s digital systems under pressure. Every connection, dataset, and decision requires infrastructure that is resilient, secure, and scalable.

Delegates and decision-makers expect instant, uninterrupted access to dashboards, communications, and collaborative tools. Operations and security teams rely on ICT systems to monitor logistics, traffic, and safety in real time. Even international media coverage hinges on stable, high-speed networks. A single glitch can impact not only the summit but also the country’s reputation on the global stage.

Why strong digital infrastructure matters

Digital infrastructure isn’t just technology; it connects people, businesses, and the economy. Its strength shapes business operations, citizen access to services, and government decisions, especially when under global scrutiny.

For the 2025 G20 Summit, South Africa faces high stakes: an estimated 25,000 delegates, including Heads of State, ministers, support staff, and media from over 40 countries, will be in Gauteng Province. Each secure, reliable connection depends on robust digital infrastructure. Imagine a scenario where a critical network failure occurs right as a key plenary session is about to broadcast live. The result would not only disrupt communication among delegates and hamper real-time media coverage but also potentially cast doubt on South Africa’s technological capabilities on a global stage.

The strategic value: what good Infrastructure Unlocks

Strong digital infrastructure does more than keep systems running. It creates a foundation for national performance and global credibility, unlocking five connected pillars:

  • Resilience: Operations continue smoothly, regardless of the challenges that arise.
  • Competitiveness: Reliable networks attract investment and enable global collaboration.
  • Innovation: AI, IoT, and cloud technologies thrive on a solid, scalable foundation.
  • Inclusion: Connectivity bridges urban-rural divides, expanding access to education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
  • Trust: Smooth systems build credibility, both locally and internationally, signalling that South Africa is ready for complex global engagement.

Each pillar feeds the others. For instance, resilience enables innovation, which drives competitiveness, which fosters trust, forming a self-sustaining loop of growth and capability.

ASI Connect is a South African ICT group delivering integrated solutions across IT infrastructure, telecoms, energy, and managed services.

Our mission is to connect business to purpose by powering resilient, inclusive digital infrastructure. Ahead of the G20 Summit, this means:

  • Energy-resilient networks that ensure continuous connectivity even during load-shedding.
  • Managed ICT services that maintain smooth operations, instant coordination, and secure data handling.
  • Secure cloud and data platforms that enable real-time decision-making and collaboration.

By integrating technology, people, and processes, ASI Connect enables seamless business operations, efficient government coordination, and continuous citizen connectivity. This unified infrastructure positions South Africa as globally ready.

The G20 Summit highlights a single priority: South Africa’s future depends on robust digital infrastructure from real-time operations to seamless global connectivity. Our economy, people, and reputation are at stake.

ASI Connect transforms infrastructure beyond cables and servers by connecting business, government, and purposeful innovation, powering South Africa today and preparing it for smart, connected economies tomorrow.

Entrepreneurial success starts with access and mentorship

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Entrepreneurial success starts with access and mentorship

South Africa’s entrepreneurs are the engine of economic growth, but too often they’re locked out of the very industries and markets their ideas could transform. Breaking through these barriers requires access, mentorship and the right connections.

That’s why in the DHL Route to Market 2025 competition, the real reward is helping entrepreneurs break barriers and gain access to value chains beyond their network. Through high-level training, direct engagement with decision-makers and honest, practical feedback, entrepreneurs gain something no cash prize can buy: the relationships and insights that open doors to real market opportunities.

Here’s what this year’s top three logistics innovators had to say about the experience so far:

  1. Freddy Mahhumane – KasiD Township Delivery Service

As the founder of KasiD, Freddy Mahhumane is transforming township logistics through a digital, community-driven ecosystem that connects local restaurants, retailers, and drivers to customers through interlinked mobile apps. Built around township realities — not suburban assumptions — KasiD empowers youth drivers, gives small businesses digital visibility, and integrates township commerce with broader supply chains.

“The training session at GIBS was a real eye-opener,” says Mahhumane. “Defining my business’s core values has been a critical part of KasiD’s growth since then. The judges were open, honest, and practical — helping me understand what to expect and how to position myself.”

“The real value of Route to Market is access — to knowledge, to networks, to leaders who want to see small businesses succeed. That kind of opportunity is worth far more than any cash prize.”

2. Marko Marais – Hibosolve

Through Hibosolve, Marko Marais has created a platform that connects clients and transporters instantly, using automation to generate quotes, apply margins, and manage deliveries — all without manual intervention. By digitising a traditionally slow process, he’s bringing transparency and efficiency to every step of the supply chain.

“The first training session completely changed my way of thinking,” Marais reflects. “It helped me see my business differently and really understand its core value. When I met the judges, they were relaxed, engaging, and genuinely invested — that openness made it easy to learn from them.”

“The chance to engage with industry leaders directly is absolutely invaluable. It’s access and feedback that most small business owners never get.”

3. Sokrates Oosthuizen – Gridiron Logistics

As the founder of Gridiron Logistics, Sokrates Oosthuizen manages a modern fleet that transports temperature-sensitive goods — from pharmaceuticals to frozen foods — across Southern Africa. Built on sustainability, precision, and trust, Gridiron represents the next generation of compliant, efficient cold-chain transport.

“The DHL Route to Market experience has been incredibly valuable because you get to speak to people who have vast amounts of knowledge and experience — you can’t put a price tag on that,” says Oosthuizen. “Understanding how they think about business and entrepreneurs in this industry has been eye-opening.”

“You shouldn’t enter this competition for prize money. It’s about knowledge, perspective, and relationships that can change how you see your business — and your future.”

Real access. Real networking. Real opportunity.

The DHL Route to Market category embodies what this initiative stands for: real access, real relationships, and real growth. As South Africa strengthens its local supply chains, these entrepreneurs are not just competing — they’re connecting with the leaders who can help them scale their impact across the logistics industry.

Radio Veteran Tholi B Joins Jacaranda FM as Integration Specialist, Programming

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Radio Veteran Tholi B Joins Jacaranda FM as Integration Specialist, Programming

 Jacaranda FM is excited to announce the appointment of broadcast veteran Tholi B as the new Integration Specialist, Programming. Tholi B brings a wealth of experience from both on-air and management roles across South Africa’s leading radio stations, joining the team to enhance the station’s programming and cross-platform integration strategies. 

In this new role, Tholi B will report directly to Programming Manager Ravi Naidoo, focusing on aligning content across all platforms and ensuring seamless integration between programming and commercial interests. 

Tholi B is a highly respected name in the radio industry, boasting an impressive career that spans two decades. He successfully led Power 98.7 as its Managing Director and served as Station Manager at Capricorn FM. His journey began at YFM, and he has held senior roles at Primedia Broadcasting. Beyond his management expertise, Tholi B is a recognized on-air personality, having presented shows on popular stations including YFM, 947, and Power 98.7. He is also an accomplished DJ, with several successful music singles released during his career.

“I’m genuinely excited to be joining the dynamic team at Jacaranda FM. This station has a fantastic legacy built on delivering feel-good content and connection, and I look forward to contributing my experience to an organisation that is clearly committed to innovation and connecting with its audience,” Tholi B says. “This is a brilliant opportunity to leverage my passion for both the creative and strategic sides of radio, and I can’t wait to contribute to the station’s sound and future.”

Ravi Naidoo, Programming Manager at Jacaranda FM, adds “I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Tholi B to the Jacaranda FM family and to work with him again,” Ravi Naidoo adds. “Tholi B possesses that rare combination of strategic insight and creative flair, gained from both behind the scenes and in front of the microphone. I have had the privilege of seeing his passion, creativity and deep understanding of radio programming firsthand in the past, and I am incredibly excited to be working alongside him again to drive our programming forward.” 

With Tholi B joining the programming team, Jacaranda FM continues to invest in the talent and expertise that drive its distinctive sound and strategic growth. His extensive industry experience and fresh perspective will ensure Jacaranda FM remains the definitive destination for feel-good radio across South Africa. 

The overlooked risks of everyday connectivity

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The overlooked risks of everyday connectivity

That free Wi-Fi you’re using could end up costing you a lot more money than your hotspot data if it has been compromised, says Richard Frost, Head of Technology Solutions and Consulting at Armata Cyber Security

Connectivity has become as much a part of society and everyday living as same-day deliveries and WhatsApp calling. So much so, that most people don’t think twice before joining a free Wi-Fi network or switching on Bluetooth in the car. These are everyday conveniences that connect people to cars, music, shopping, taxis, and each other, but they also connect cybercriminals to bank accounts, systems and devices. The overlooked risks of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and smart devices can turn convenience into compromise very, very quickly.

In 2025, cheap Bluetooth chips used in a wide variety of devices, from mobile phones to medical equipment, were shipped with undocumented commands in the chips themselves. Commands that introduced a vulnerability to all devices using them by potentially opening a back door into their systems. It’s not the only Bluetooth issue on the market either, the BlueSDK used in millions of modern vehicles permits remote code execution by attackers. Translated, it means that hackers could get into systems and remotely control a person’s car.

The technology itself is designed to be as convenient and accessible as possible. It is also very easy to hack. Most forms of Bluetooth compromise tend to be from man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, BlueBorn attacks, device impersonation, human error and the exploitation of outdated Bluetooth protocols. And the technology can misfire, even without criminal intent. Calls can swap cars, music can stop playing in one and start in another, and these are the most innocuous examples. George Mason University USENIX Security Symposium 2025 published research on the nRootTag Bluetooth location tracking vulnerability which showed how the technology could be weaponised for mass device tracking. Imagine hackers knowing where you live, having access to your smart home, or following your activities on your device?

Best practice for Bluetooth, despite its convenience, is to switch it off when it’s not in use. The same goes for public Wi-Fi. Free connectivity is supposed to be a benefit, but it has become more of a lure. If you scan for networks and connect to, for example, a Wi-Fi that has the same sounding name as the café you’re sitting in without verifying the address with the store manager, you could be connecting to a criminal’s laptop instead. They’re providing a free and accessible connection using a 3G card while quietly running a sniffer which is monitoring everything you do, from passwords to banking transactions. It’s the classic free bandwidth trap which can have a devastating impact.

These sniffers, which are essentially network security tools, are capable of intercepting and analysing data travelling across a network. They’re very useful for cybersecurity teams as they play a pivotal role in identifying potential malicious data theft, but are also very much used by cybercriminals to get the data they want. According to the World Economic Forum Cybersecurity Outlook 2025, free and public Wi-Fi locations are among the riskiest for credential and data theft incidents using sniffers for MITM and session hijacking.

These risks are growing for people using smart devices or building smart homes. Cameras, doorbells, and IoT devices are meant to add security, but when they are misconfigured or poorly secured themselves, they can create the opposite. There have been multiple incidents where camera manufacturers have experienced hosting outages or platform flaws, resulting in users being able to access video feeds from cameras belonging to other customers. One of the most well-known is the Wyze camera glitch where a third-party caching error during the restoration of AWS services led to a mix-up across user and device authentication. Approximately 13,000 users got thumbnails of other people’s cameras.

These incidents highlight how something as simple as a design flaw or an unexpected vulnerability can have potentially damaging consequences. They also underscore the importance of being aware. Of recognising where the risks lie and understanding how to manage them proactively, not just after something has gone wrong. For both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi best practice is to turn these options off on your devices when not in use. Always verify Wi-Fi networks directly with a company or staff before connecting so you know you’re not sitting on a false network, and add to this a privacy screen for both your phone and your laptop so you don’t have people shoulder surfing while you work. Finally, check your devices – all of them – to ensure they are correctly configured, updated and that any cloud storage solutions you use have strong security practices.

The lesson is simple. Convenience without control is a security risk. The same tools that make life easier also create vulnerabilities because people rarely realise how much management they actually need. The smallest habits, toggling a switch, covering a lens, questioning a network name, can make the difference between staying connected and being compromised.

Safilo Debuts in South Africa with Exclusive Media Showcase

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Safilo Debuts in South Africa with Exclusive Media Showcase

Safilo Group, the Italian-born global eyewear leader with over 90 years of heritage, has successfully hosted two exclusive media engagements in South Africa – on 9 October at The Palazzo Hotel, Johannesburg, and 16 October at The Cellars-Hohenort, Cape Town.

The elegant brunch events introduced leading fashion, lifestyle, and business media to Safilo’s world of luxury, fashion, sport, and lifestyle eyewear. Each occasion showcased the Group’s diverse global portfolio, highlighted key market trends, and featured a major announcement – the forthcoming launch of Victoria Beckham Eyewear in 2026.

The highlight of both mornings was the unveiling of Victoria Beckham Eyewear. A refined luxury collection for women that embodies confidence, sophistication, and timeless elegance. Blending Beckham’s signature minimalist design with Safilo’s renowned Italian craftsmanship, the line will debut globally next year.

“With icons like Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs, and now Victoria Beckham, Safilo strengthens its position at the very heart of luxury eyewear,” said Cindy Veldsman, Country Manager for Safilo South Africa.

The presentations also explored the global style movements defining eyewear today:

  • Bold shapes and fashion integration through Marc Jacobs, Etro, Carolina Herrera, and Kate Spade.
  • Self-expression and mood through David Beckham, Levi’s, Missoni, Moschino, and Polaroid.
  • Everyday culture and celebrity-driven style via Carrera, Carrera Ducati, Polaroid, and Tommy Hilfiger.
  • Innovation, sustainability, and heritage demonstrated by BOSS and HUGO’s timeless precision, Under Armour’s performance design, and eco-conscious collections from Polaroid and Levi’s.

Safilo also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, spotlighting initiatives such as The Ocean Cleanup Sunglasses (crafted from Pacific Ocean plastic waste), Polaroid Renew (made with recycled materials), and Under Armour Eyewear (using 50% recycled Tritan Renew). The Group has pledged that by 2025, 25% of all new collections will use certified sustainable materials, and by 2030, it will reduce direct emissions by 70% while achieving 100% renewable electricity.

Founded in 1934 in Italy, Safilo Group is one of the world’s leading players in the eyewear sector, operating across 40+ countries, distributing in 70 partner markets, and present in nearly 100,000 points of sale globally. Its portfolio includes house brands Carrera and Polaroid, alongside licensed collections for BOSS, Hugo, Carolina Herrera, David Beckham, Tommy Hilfiger, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Etro, Missoni, Moschino, Levi’s, Under Armour, and Victoria Beckham (launching 2026). Guided by its purpose – See the world at its best — Safilo continues to blend Italian heritage with global innovation.

Astron Energy and ORT SA Honour Tomorrow’s Innovators at the 2025 Let Kidz Code Year-End Exhibition

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Astron Energy and ORT SA Honour Tomorrow’s Innovators at the 2025 Let Kidz Code Year-End Exhibition

This year’s Let Kidz Code exhibition was a resounding success as it showcased the power of innovation, creativity, and youth empowerment in South Africa’s classroom. The programme, powered by Astron Energy and implemented by ORT SA, equips learners with the essential coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and creative thinking through hands-on technology projects. By empowering students to design solutions to real-world challenges, Let Kidz Code helps build confidence, digital competence, and a passion for innovation.

Both winning projects came from Michael Mkhwanazi Primary School from the East Rand, demonstrating the incredible innovation and teamwork of its young coders.

The Judges’ Choice Award went to Crime Stopper, an emergency alert (panic button) system designed for learner safety. When in distress, a student can trigger the system to send instant SOS messages to both parents and local police, ensuring rapid response during emergencies.

The Audience Choice Award went to:  Ambulance Roll Call, — a system that connects schools directly with hospitals and parents when a child falls ill. It provides instant notifications about a learner’s health status, allergies, or medical emergencies, ensuring timely communication and parental awareness.

Beyond the projects, the exhibition highlighted the growing importance of digital literacy in South Africa’s education system. Poovan Chetty of the Gauteng East District and Ms. Pinkie Khomo, Principal of Phumlani Primary School, each delivered heartfelt remarks about the need to nurture technology skills from an early age. Their messages underscored a shared belief: when young people are given the tools to understand technology, they are better equipped to shape their own futures.

ORT SA CEO, Ariellah Rosenberg said:,

“Over the years, we’ve seen Let Kidz Code alumni go on to achieve incredible things, taking what they’ve learned further, and becoming role models in their communities. Their success is proof that when corporate and education sectors work hand in hand, we build a generation capable of shaping a better future.”

This year’s exhibition was a powerful reminder that South Africa’s next generation of innovators is already here, creative, compassionate, and ready to code for good.

redAcademy and Flash Group collaborate to empower the next generation of tech talent

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redAcademy and Flash Group collaborate to empower the next generation of tech talent

redAcademy has partnered with Flash Group, a South African fintech company, to close the business’ critical senior tech talent gaps. redAcademy will work closely with Flash Group to help them develop the skills they need without putting any additional pressure on their existing teams.

Flash Group has a massive tech team but is always on the hunt for senior tech talent. “When our recruitment team did an analysis of the skills we needed and the amount of talent out there, it was clear that there was a large pool of junior candidates, but there was a very real shortage of people with more experience,” says Melissa Stemmers, Learning & Development Manager at Flash Group.

“We knew we needed people who could hit the ground running, but we just couldn’t find them,” she explains. Given the lack of experienced tech talent, brands like Flash Group are also competing with other businesses for skilled professionals, which can make the hiring process costly and time-consuming. So, Flash Group decided to take a different approach.

“We revisited this pool of junior talent and looked for a way to upskill them quickly so they can add value to the business from day one,” she says.

redAcademy’s Skills-Integration-as-a-Service (SIaaS) model was the right fit for Flash Group because it enables them to access a pool of junior talent with real-world experience without having to provide on-the-job training themselves. redAcademy offers custom training that fully immerses junior tech talent in company culture. As part of the programme, candidates work on their clients’ live projects, delivering work and capacity ahead of schedule, thereby gaining real-world experience and adding value to the business from day one.

“This doesn’t mean that we don’t have any input on the training,” says Stemmers. “We get a say in the curriculum, what our candidates are working on, and we even do some mentoring from afar, but redAcademy handles everything else.”

The approach is closely aligned with Flash Group’s purpose to make people’s lives easier and expands on the fintech brand’s continued efforts to address the needs of the informal economy. “Through this partnership, we are spreading our outreach efforts even further by really building talent from the ground up,” says Stemmers.

Jessica Hawkey

At redAcademy, it’s so important for us that our candidates aren’t just tech-ready, but also culturally aligned with the organisations they will be placed in, says Jessica Hawkey, MD of redAcademy.  According to her, redAcademy is currently in the Discovery Phase with Flash Group and is working on everything from recruiting candidates to customising the course curriculum ahead of the project’s official launch in January 2026

“Flash Group wants to invest locally – in the local market and in local talent – which is exactly what we want to do as well,” concludes Hawkey. “This project is such a good fit for both of us because we’re closely aligned in our missions, which is not only to support the community with the solutions we offer, but also to recruit from that community and then offer young people the opportunity to build a real career path.”

Shoprite Group uses new tech to hire employees within 7 km of their homes

Shoprite Group
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Shoprite Group uses new tech to hire employees within 7 km of their homes
  • To localise and streamline its recruitment and job creation processes, the Shoprite Group has developed a centralised platform in partnership with a South African SMME.
  • It simplifies applications and prioritises nearby jobs for applicants to reduce hiring time, improve matching, and bring recruitment closer to home.
  • On average, new hires now live just 7 km from their workplace, which has significant benefits for job seekers and store managers.

The Shoprite Group, South Africa’s largest private employer, has rolled out an advanced digital recruitment platform designed to connect people with jobs in their own communities.

By matching candidates to stores close to their homes, it makes it easier to apply for jobs, cuts travel costs and reduces safety risks – while at the same time giving hiring managers faster ways to find the right people.

In a country struggling with a severe unemployment crisis, the Shoprite Group is committed to economic growth and betterment through job creation. The Group created 8 723 new jobs this past financial year and is on track to sustain this trajectory. Innovative digital tools play an important supportive role in the Group’s drive to hire new talent and start long-term careers.

Bringing jobs closer to home

The Group’s internal target is to hire employees who live within 15 km of a store, but with the help of this new technology, the current average is just 7 km. It reduces the time and money employees spend travelling, strengthens retention, and helps ensure jobs are more accessible to people in the communities the Group serves.

For applicants, the system streamlines the hiring process and makes interviews more accessible. For recruiters, it standardises assessments, accelerates screening and scheduling, and creates a local talent pool.

Supporting small businesses through Next Capital

The in-house system is the result of a multi-year project brought to life by a local, supported by Shoprite Next Capital, the Group’s enterprise and supplier development division.
SMME, OTB Group (OTB), supported by Shoprite Next Capital, the Group’s enterprise and supplier development division.

After identifying OTB as the preferred local tech partner, Shoprite Next Capital provided milestone-based funding to get the undertaking off the ground. This investment enabled OTB to expand its team, meet the Group’s deployment deadlines, and develop a scalable solution tailored to the retailer’s needs.

“Our new recruitment platform addresses a critical need for greater job access. In developing this platform, the Shoprite Group specifically sought out a South African SMME to digitalise the hiring process for all our supermarkets. By actively supporting OTB in fulfilling this business need, we are expanding our efforts to assist small suppliers beyond our retail operations, and to help power our retail operations,” says Maude Modise, Enterprise and Government Relations Executive at the Shoprite Group.

The project has already created at least six permanent jobs within OTB, while including hosting, security and support partners that have generated a further 12 indirect jobs. This is just one example of how the Group prioritises partnering with local suppliers.

“As South Africa’s largest private employer, we recognise that our almost 170 000 employees are not the only people impacted by our retail operations. It is imperative that we continue being deliberate in our support of small businesses to help grow the economy, and, in this case, to develop a recruitment platform that enables us to provide jobs closer to home, in the very communities that we serve,” says Modise.

BASA and Eastern Cape Liquor Board Partner to Empower Women Brewers

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BASA and Eastern Cape Liquor Board Partner to Empower Women Brewers

The Beer Association of South Africa (BASA), in partnership with the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB), hosted a successful Skills Development and Training Initiative aimed at empowering black entrepreneurs, particularly women in the province’s brewing sector.

This follows a request from the Eastern Cape Liquor Board to BASA to help address the lack of diversity in the province’s brewing industry. Out of 22 registered brewers, only one was black. The initiative was therefore designed to upskill and support black-owned brewing enterprises, while encouraging greater participation of women across the beer value chain.

To deliver the programme, BASA partnered with Brewsters Academy, an accredited brewing and training institution, to conduct the skills sessions. In addition, the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) were invited to present on financial and non-financial support services available to SMMEs. The programme also featured Mr. Chris Heacon, experienced brewer and owner of Emeraldvale Brewery, who shared valuable insights on running a sustainable brewing business.

In his remarks, Mr. Tyali from the Eastern Cape Liquor Board highlighted the importance of compliance and legal operation for small businesses. He encouraged participants to register their businesses, engage regularly with the Board, and consider forming cooperatives to strengthen their collective voice and access to opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the Department, Mr. Ngatiane from DEDEAT said:

“We are pleased to collaborate efforts with BASA for the economic empowerment of our people. It is our wish as DEDEAT to see our people participating through the value chain of beer production. The purpose of the LRED grant fund is to provide funding to enterprises which are not able to access funding from commercial banks as a result of liquidity challenges, lack of credit history, collateral, as well as high gearing.”

Adding to the spirit of the event, Apiwe Nxusani-Mawela, Founder of Brewsters Academy, shared:

“It was an honour to witness the energy and ambition of young people and women in the Eastern Cape as we explored entrepreneurial opportunities within the beer value chain. As Brewsters Academy, we are proud to walk alongside these future entrepreneurs, future game changers. This is how transformation begins, with opportunity, support, and belief.”

BASA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Charlene Louw, attended the event and delivered the keynote address. She underscored the importance of building an inclusive and balanced beer market, noting the wide range of opportunities available in the value chain – from farming and agro-processing to logistics, brewing, and distribution.

“The pie is big enough for everyone,” said Mrs. Louw. “We want to see more women and black entrepreneurs participating meaningfully in this sector. Initiatives like these are essential in opening doors, building capability, and ensuring sustainable transformation in the beer industry.”

The event received overwhelming participation and positive feedback, with a strong turnout of women entrepreneurs eager to professionalize and grow their brewing businesses.

The BASA Skills Development and Training Initiative forms part of BASA’s ongoing commitment to promote inclusivity, entrepreneurship, and responsible industry growth across South Africa’s beer value chain.

From Mamodibe to Buang: The Woman Behind the Warrior in Outlaws

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From Mamodibe to Buang: The Woman Behind the Warrior in Outlaws

Mamodibe Ramodibe makes her Outlaws debut this season as Buang, a fierce and determined young woman caught under Tladi and Nyakallo’s rule.

Buang storms onto the scene ready to shake up the Biyela family but, in a twist of fate, she finds herself falling for the enemy. Her unexpected romance sets the stage for the tangled web of love, loyalty, and betrayal that defines the new season.

Known for her standout performances in Black Tax, MTV Shuga, GO! and more, Mamodibe opens up about stepping into Buang’s world, working alongside Thandolwethu Zondi again, and more.

Watch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkiy7vl911w

There’s a new romance brewing between Mthunzi and Buang, but their love faces many obstacles. In a parallel universe, if you were Buang’s friend, what advice would you give her about her relationship with Mthunzi? I’d definitely affirm her in what she’s pursuing. The heart wants what it wants. Despite what society says about who should or shouldn’t be together, you can’t undo a decision the heart has already made. I’d encourage her to go for it. What value do the naysayers really add or subtract from what already exists between them? All the obstacles are external, which means there’s something worth taking a risk for. She should definitely pursue it.

You portray younger characters so convincingly: from Arebeng (13) on MTV Shuga to Sihle Dlamini (18) on Black Tax. Buang also seems younger than you. When preparing for younger roles, what do you watch or read to get into character? It was much easier to portray teen characters when I was under 25 because I was closer to that late-teen phase. Now that I’m older and living a more adult life, it takes a lot more effort. I have to re-enter those spaces to pick up on lingo, energy, and mannerisms. It’s made me realise how detached you become from young people once you’re working and dealing with adult responsibilities.

The trick isn’t to strip anything away emotionally but to remember how emotions translate differently at different ages. For example, I have more agency now than a 16-year-old, who still has to answer to her parents. So I have to revisit my younger self and remember how impulsive, outspoken, or erratic I was, whereas now I’m more measured and choose my words carefully.

It’s about tapping into familiar memories but also recognising that a 16-year-old in 2025 isn’t the same as one in 2012. So I do a lot of observation and research, and I also work closely with a performance coach for guidance on things that now feel out of reach. Sometimes you just need that reminder to reconnect with certain instincts.

You’ve reunited with Thandolwethu Zondi, whom you previously worked with on GO!. How has it been reconnecting on Outlaws Season 2, and what do you appreciate most about him as a fellow actor? It’s honestly been such a blessing. I don’t believe in coincidences: I think our first big collaboration on GO! laid the foundation for what we’re doing now on Outlaws. GO! had such heavy themes, so coming into Outlaws felt natural. We already had a solid professional base that allowed beautiful, authentic moments to unfold effortlessly.

What I love about Thando is that he’s still in that “everything is new” learning phase. Working with someone whose eyes are wide open reminds me to stay teachable and find freshness in things I already know.

There was definitely pressure because we both knew people would compare the chemistry from GO! to Outlaws. This challenge was breeding ground for artistic exploration.

You’ve been in the industry since you were 16. If you could tell your younger self everything you’ve achieved so far, how would she react? Oh, I’d cry. I cry over everything! [Laughs]. She’d definitely break down and wail all day.

It would be so affirming because, at 16, I was still exploring. I was always artistic: debating, musicals, plays, and I was on YOTV at the time. But I went to a traditional school, not an art-focused one, so I didn’t get to formally study the craft early on. At home, my parents supported me but still expected top grades, so I had to balance both worlds.

If I could talk to my younger self now, I’d tell her to keep going. Stay the course; it all works out beautifully.

Some actors take on roles for the paycheck, while others do it because the character truly resonates. What was it about Buang that made you say, “Yes, I want to bring her to life”?

Fun fact: aside from my dream of becoming a comedy star (yes, I highly rate comedy!), I’ve always wanted to play an action hero.

So when Buang came along, it felt like an answered prayer. I’d been asking for a physically demanding role, and she was exactly that: she rides horses, handles guns, fights, and has this tough, warrior-like presence. I thought: that’s my girl; bring it on!

But what I loved even more was her depth. Often, you get a tough character with little emotional range, but Buang has both. She’s physically strong yet emotionally complex. That balance was exciting. And she doesn’t look or feel like anyone else on screen; she’s different, and I’m drawn to that. I love a challenge.

 

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Lifestyle and Tech is at the forefront of current news and trends covering business, technology, personal finance, travel, fashion and smart living. We aim to deliver quality content that inspires your life and influences the way you decide to live it

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At Lifestyle and Tech, we believe in the trust of our audience. Hence, we cordially welcome suggestions to make this platform user-friendly.
You can kindly contact us for the following:

  • If you are keen to write for us
  • If you have any questions
  • If you have press releases

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