Tech Talk with Vodacom

Family, Education and Gender Barriers: How Zainaaz Hansa Went From Tech Upstart to Vodacom Rising Star 22.06.2026 32min

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.

LISTEN: Why SME's Should Have A Digital Footprint 20.03.2026 22min

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.

Future of Retail: How Vodacom's Advanced Technology Revolutionizes Store Visits 12.03.2026 25min

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.

How Deep Does AI Fraud Go? Inside Deepfakes, Digital Doppelgängers and the New Face of Scams 05.02.2026 40min

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.

How Mettlestate Is Changing The Gaming Landscape In South Africa 08.01.2026 38min

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.

Tech To Protect Your Pets: A Groundbreaking Facial Recognition App 26.11.2025 30min

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.

Digital Evolution: Motivation For Embracing Technology And Adopting AI 16.10.2025 40min

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.

From Rural Roots to Boardrooms: A Woman’s Journey in Tech Leadership 17.08.2025 41min

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.

Unlocking Extraordinary Business 11.07.2025 27min

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.

When Culture and Tech Collide 22.05.2025 40min

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.

Poppy Tshabalala, Get to know the Trailblazer in South African Tech 01.08.2024 32min

In honour of Women's Month, we celebrate the phenomenal women making strides in South Africa's tech industry. Today, we shine a spotlight on Poppy Tshabalala, Managing Executive of Public Enterprise at Vodacom Business.

Exploring the Future with Dr. Natalie Raphil on AI and Robotics in Africa 26.07.2024 31min

In the latest episode of Tech Talk with Vodacom, we are joined by Dr. Natalie Raphil, a renowned expert in AI and robotics. Together, we delve into the transformative impact of these technologies across Africa and the innovative advancements driving this change. Dr. Raphil shares her insights on how AI and robotics are reshaping industries, enhancing productivity, and fostering unprecedented innovation on the continent. Tune in to discover the future of technology in Africa and the remarkable possibilities it holds.

From The Nokia 3310 To The iPhone 15: Take A Trip Down Cellphone Memory Lane With Us 31.05.2024 36min

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.

Synergies Unleashed: Navigating the Evolution of State-Owned Enterprises in South Africa through Vodacom's Strategic Partnerships 15.04.2024 20min

In this podcast episode, Lesego Molwantwa, the Executive Head of state-owned entities at Vodacom, delves into the dynamic landscape of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa and the role of strategic partnerships.

Too Much Of A Good Thing: The True Impact Devices And Screentime Have On Mental Health 29.11.2023 24min

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.

Defending the Digital Realm: Unmasking Cybersecurity Fatigue 24.10.2023 25min

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.

Can Robots Think? Exploring the creative possibilities of STEM 27.09.2023 24min

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.

Coding a new narrative: The importance of women in tech 16.08.2023 26min

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, the need for diverse perspectives has never been more crucial. From data scientists to engineers and entrepreneurs, women are rewriting the code of the tech industry. However, the path to gender equality is far from simple. It requires not only recognising and addressing biases but also cultivating an environment where all voices are not just heard but valued. In this episode of Tech Talk with Vodacom, we speak with Dr Ntombi Mhangwani, the Executive Head of Marketing at Vodacom Business, about the importance of diversity in business and technology.

OK, computer: How ChatGPT is rewriting the future 13.07.2023 21min

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.

Virtual frontiers: Harnessing the power of Virtual Reality in Africa 05.04.2023 24min

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.