Tech Talk with Vodacom

Artificial intelligence has gone from buzzword to daily tool in record time. But as AI becomes woven into how we work, communicate, and make decisions, one question grows louder: Who is protecting us from the bad things AI can do, and do we know enough about it to use it safely?

In the latest episode of Tech Talk with Vodacom, we sit down with Johan Steyn, a leading advocate for human-centred AI and one of South Africa's most respected voices on AI governance. We explore what regulation should look like in a country that doesn't yet have a dedicated AI regulator — and whether we even need one.

He also unpacks the important role people play in the evolving AI landscape, the dangers that come with having AI readily available, and who is actually responsible if AI does cause harm.

We also discuss the importance of educating people about AI, and how we can protect our children in the digital age.

For decades, smart homes were the stuff of sci-fi — voice-activated everything, rooms that knew your temperature before you did, security systems that never blinked. Here's the thing: that future isn't coming. It's already here.

In this episode, we sit down with Rishie Dukhantie, Portfolio and Commercial Specialist at Vodacom, to explore how IoT and AI have quietly moved from cinema screens into our living rooms, pockets, and daily routines. We unpack the security gadgets keeping homes safe without a guard in sight, the personal health devices tracking vitals in real time, and the convenience layer that ties it all together — saving people time they didn't know they were losing.

Rishie also speaks about how Vodacom is positioning itself at the centre of South Africa's connected living shift. Whether it's a smart camera that flags a visitor before you reach the door, or a health wearable that nudges you to move, the thread is the same: technology that buys back your hours.

Tune in to find out how accessible intelligence is already reshaping everyday life — no movie ticket required.

At just 22 years old, Zainaaz Hansa has built an app, won Vodacom's Code Like a Girl competition, and earned a place on the Vodacom Discover Graduate Programme. Now she is making her mark in cybersecurity — and she is just getting started.

In this episode, Zainaaz joins us to share her story: how she went from building an app for past exam papers to a career in cybersecurity, and the role her family's support played in getting her there.

She also talks about the educational lifeline Vodacom gave her, and why she believes every young person deserves the right opportunity to make their dreams real.

Whether you are a student, a technophile, or someone who simply loves a story about grit and possibility — this one is for you.

Digital footprints have become as essential as phone connections for modern businesses, yet many SMEs neglect this crucial aspect to their detriment. In this episode, we have Kamogelo Selepe, proposition specialist at Vodacom Business, who enables SME growth through integrated ICT solutions. Join us as we discuss the reason every business needs a strong digital presence and practical strategies for SMEs to establish an online footprint successfully in today's competitive digital marketplace environment, while maximising growth opportunities for sustainable business success and profitability.

In an age where the internet has made shopping from home a breeze, many experts have predicted the end of the brick-and-mortar store as we know it. But physical stores have shown resilience, and are now offering sci-fi movie-level tech advancements that are making it worthwhile to go to the store.

Vodacom has taken the lead with this, equipping several of their physical stores with tech advancements and solutions to make them more efficient and fun to visit. Here we speak to Sam Botha, Managing Executive of Retail Operations and Branded Channels at Vodacom. She discusses the future of tech-enhanced physical stores, what kind of tech is driving this revolution, how this tech benefits consumers and why you should still go to a store.

AI fraud is no longer theoretical - it’s personal, persuasive, and increasingly difficult to detect. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Natalie Raphil, a trusted voice in AI ethics and founder of Robots Can Think, to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping the fraud landscape.

From tournament hubs in local townships to activations for high-profile brands and even university bursaries for tournament achievers, Mettlestate is on a mission to take gaming to the next level in South Africa by legitimising it as a sport, pushing for it as a potential career, and providing alternative opportunities for higher education to those who may not have access to it.

In this episode, we speak to Barry Louzada, founder of Mettlestate, about gaming in South Africa, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and how his organisation is striving to make it as relevant as other mainstream sports in South Africa.

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.

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.

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.