Tech Talk with Vodacom

Is AI really going to take over the world? How does 'humane technology' affect the social platforms we share our lives with every day? And what exactly do we mean when we say 'Don't worry, it’s in the cloud'? On Tech Talk with Vodacom, our motto is ‘Trending tech made simple’. We tackle some of the biggest questions in tech with some of the smartest people in the industry in the hopes of making it a little less intimidating for us all.

Tech To Protect Your Pets: A Groundbreaking Facial Recognition App

In this episode, we speak to Raman Rajoo, who went beyond his comfort zone and changed career paths to create a facial recognition app for cats and dogs.

11-26
30:35

Digital Evolution: Motivation For Embracing Technology And Adopting AI

Charlene Rolls was making waves in her role as the editor of major print brands like You and Drum magazine. However, her strong belief in the potential of technology to positively impact the industry led her to explore technological avenues, ultimately causing her to pivot away from print and become the Head of Accelerated AI Adoption at Media 24. Here she shares the details of her evolution from print to digital, her challenges and triumphs in driving AI adoption at Media 24, and the importance of exploring and experimenting with new technology and how it can make the working environment more productive and efficient.

10-16
40:04

When Culture and Tech Collide

Modern technology has affected our lives in multiple ways: it streamlines our shopping experiences, allows us to skip queues, and even offers us instant and full access to music and media. But over the years, technology and culture have also developed a relationship that has seen one affect the other to fascinating effect. In this episode of Tech Talk with Vodacom, we speak to tech fundi, DJ and influencer Deshnie Govender about this relationship, touching on how tech has affected culture and how culture has done the reverse on tech. We also touch on how this affects the future of content, media and the way we consume it.

05-22
40:04

From The Nokia 3310 To The iPhone 15: Take A Trip Down Cellphone Memory Lane With Us

From the old bricks to feature phones, early smartphones, and the modern supercomputers we carry in our pockets today, mobile phones have come a long way. In this episode of Tech Talk with Vodacom, we're taking you down mobile phone memory lane with tech journalist and mobile phone expert Nafisa Akabor. We look back at the good and the bad of mobile phones, while also turning an eye to the revolutionary present and the exciting future.

05-31
36:45

Too Much Of A Good Thing: The True Impact Devices And Screentime Have On Mental Health

We interview Dr. Skye Scott, a doctor and mental health enthusiast, to delve into the medical risks and advantages associated with technology and mobile devices.

11-29
24:05

Defending the Digital Realm: Unmasking Cybersecurity Fatigue

In this episode of Tech Talk with Vodacom, we are duscussing Cybersecurity Fatigue, what it is, it’s tell tale signs, and how to prevent it from eroding your business’s online safety. So, grab your headphones, pour yourself a strong cup of coffee (or tea), because in today's interconnected world, staying secure is not just an option – it's a necessity.

10-24
25:46

Can Robots Think? Exploring the creative possibilities of STEM

In a world driven by tech innovations the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields have become the go to learning streams for our school going youth. Collectively known as STEM, these fields are the at the centre of innovation and the driving force behind robotics, computing and the ever changing landscape of AI, all of which serve as the building blocks for the future.   In this episode of Tech Talk, we speak to Dr. Natalie Raphil, the founder of Robots Can Think, a fintech company using AI for good around the world, about the diverse fields driven by STEM.

09-27
24:06

OK, computer: How ChatGPT is rewriting the future

Artificial Intelligence has become an integral part of our everyday lives, changing how we communicate, work, and even make decisions. And one particular technology has captured the attention and imagination of people worldwide—ChatGPT. Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT is an autonomous language model that can engage in dynamic and responsive conversations with humans, just like you and me. In this episode of Tech Talk with Vodacom, we speak with Deon Heunis, Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer of Swipe iX, about the potential ChatGPT and autonomous AI has to build the future of the internet.

07-13
21:07

Virtual frontiers: Harnessing the power of Virtual Reality in Africa

Virtual reality has begun blending in thoroughly with our daily lives in recent years. But what does Virtual Reality look like in a continent as varied, unique and challenging as Africa? Our guest is Walid Kilonzi, a pioneering Extended Reality Producer based in Kenya who works with academic institutions and creative spaces to create the next generation of African Extended Reality creators and developers.

04-05
24:59

Introducing the Metaverse

There’s currently no escaping the internet’s favorite buzzword – The Metaverse, but according to recent estimates, the metaverse is set to become an $800 billion market by 2024, and with tech giants like Microsoft, Apple and Google and Facebook investing millions into it, we thought it was time to find out what it's all about. With that in mind, we sat down with several experts in the field of tech, to try and pin down what the Metaverse is and why you should know all about it.

07-20
19:43

Video games: Creating perfection from pixels

In this Tech Talk with Vodacom episode, we talk game development with Evan Greenwood, creative director of game development studio, Free Lives.  On average there are over 2.3 billion people playing games worldwide, and that number is only getting bigger with the advent of cloud gaming services. But within this enormous industry, how do smaller developers keep their drive, passion and ultimately, their business running – while juggling ever-changing technology and the challenges of interactivity, while still trying to keep it all fun?

06-12
23:30

South African eSports: Ready player 1, 2 ,3 .....

COVID-19 has of course had a massive global effect on how we do business and most industries have needed to pivot. But some areas have thrived in this time of uncertainty, none more so than esports, or competitive gaming. More people have picked up a controller during this pandemic and the esports industry has taken note. In this episode, we talk to Sam Wright (aka Tech Girl), an esports host and shoutcaster, about the growing trend of eSports, in South Africa and abroad.

12-06
28:12

Olwethu Leshabane: Parenting in the digital age

Olwethu Leshabane is a mom, doula, women empowerment and maternal health advocate, tv personality, blogger, style enthusiast and digital media entrepreneur. On her blog - Art of Superwoman - she explores the possibilities of the perfect balance between being a wife, motherhood and entrepreneurship. In the first episode of Tech Talks with Vodacom's second season, we speak with Olwethu about the challenges and possibilities of parenting in a digital age. 

10-06
26:36

Shifting gears: Connected cars and the road to the future

With vehicles becoming more sophisticated and more connected, it may well be that in a few years’ time, a car will look nothing like it does today. In this episode, we speak with Dr Joost Kessels, Division Head Product Engineering - Volkswagen South Africa, about the future of Connected Cars. 

05-06
23:27

Hello computer: Are chatbots the future of conversation?

Picture a future where calls to customer service are replaced by a quick and cheerful chat on your favourite messaging app. A helpful bot will be on the other end of the conversation, asking what you need, digesting the data and hopefully, solving your problem. As more and more businesses adopt chatbot technology, the more likely this future is. In the latest episode of Tech Talk with Vodacom, we speak to Antoine Paillusseau, CEO of FinChatBot, about the inner workings of these friendly virtual assistants.

04-08
28:23

Finance and Technology: The Rise of the Super App

Fintech. What it is? Is it safe? And how can it change our world? In the latest episode of Tech Talk, we speak with Jenny Pather, Executive Head: Trading Bridge at Vodacom Financial Services, about the relationship between finance and tech. From mobile banking and insurance to cryptocurrency and investment apps, we look at the broad applications of tech and finance.

12-09
26:30

Good gaming habits for kids (and their parents)

In episode 4 of Tech Talk with Vodacom, we speak with Pippa Tshabalala, veteran of South African gaming and online culture, about the responsibilities parents have with their children’s gaming habits. We also look at some of the surprising benefits video games can have on childhood development.

11-05
32:30

The Future is in the Cloud

What is the cloud? Where is the cloud? Are we in the cloud right now? These are all questions you've probably heard or even asked yourself. The term 'cloud computing' is everywhere. But what exactly are we talking about when we say 'don't worry, it's saved on the Cloud'? In this episode, we speak with Kabelo Makwane - Managing Executive, Cloud and Hosting Vodacom Business, about the future of Cloud Computing.

10-21
26:05

From Rural Roots to Boardrooms: A Woman’s Journey in Tech Leadership

In this special Women's Month episode of Tech Talk with Vodacom, we speak to Martha Lamola, Operations Director at Vodacom Business Ventures. A trailblazer in South Africa’s tech industry, Martha shares her inspiring journey from being the only black female engineer in the mining sector to leading purpose-driven digital transformation at Vodacom.She reflects on what it means to lead as a woman in tech, the importance of mentorship, how to create psychologically safe workplaces, and why diversity is not just a checkbox, but a business and societal imperative.Tune in for a powerful conversation about breaking stereotypes, nurturing future leaders, and connecting people for a better future.

08-17
41:31

Unlocking Extraordinary Business

In this special episode of Tech Talk with Vodacom, host Brett Haggard speaks to Videsha Proothveerajh, Director of Vodacom Business, about how Vodacom empowers business to lead, not just compete!Recently named MyBroadband’s Most Trusted EnterpriseTelecommunications Provider of the Year for 2025, Vodacom Business continues to place connectivity at the heart of its offering. But their story goes far beyond that.

07-11
27:14

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