What's Next with Aki Anastasiou

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433

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou is South Africa’s most popular technology show. The who’s who of South Africa’s technology and business world are interviewed on the show.

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60 recent

June 15, 202625 min

Leon Theron on Lexus's pursuit of perfection in luxury motoring

In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Leon Theron – Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Lexus South Africa about how the brand balances luxury, performance and long-term strategic focus in a highly competitive premium market. Leon unpacks Lexus’s pursuit of perfection, the craftsmanship that defines the brand, and why customer experience sits at the heart of its commercial success. The conversation explores Lexus’s multi-path approach to electrification, its selective dealership strategy built around guest experience, and how disciplined brand alignment from Japan to South Africa protects its premium positioning. From hybrid leadership to bespoke showroom environments, Leon shares how Lexus continues to evolve while staying true to what makes it distinct in the luxury automotive space.

June 11, 202621 min

Siliziwe Mafika on building resilient and agile finance functions

In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Siliziwe Mafika – Director of Finance & Performance Leader at Deloitte Consulting about the realities facing African CFOs in one of the world’s most complex operating environments. From currency volatility and regulatory shifts to supply chain pressure and fragmented markets, Mafika explains why resilience, rapid scenario planning and decision velocity have become essential capabilities for modern finance leaders. The conversation explores how finance functions must move beyond traditional monthly reporting cycles toward real-time insight, connected data infrastructure and AI-enabled decision-making. Mafika also unpacks the shift in talent required for the future — where finance, data science and engineering converge — and why the next generation of CFOs must translate technology into tangible business action to stay competitive.

June 5, 202627 min

Jacques Liebenberg on AI-powered surveillance and smarter security systems

In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Jacques Liebenberg – Brand Executive of Security, Surveillance & Infrastructure at Pinnacle about how AI is transforming the security landscape in South Africa. From advanced facial and license plate recognition to intelligent analytics that distinguish between real threats and false alarms, Liebenberg explains how modern surveillance has evolved from reactive monitoring to proactive, automated protection. The discussion also explores how these technologies are reshaping business operations beyond traditional security — enabling heat mapping in retail, queue management, gun detection, thermal monitoring in mining, and smarter access control. As AI, cloud connectivity and automation continue to advance, Liebenberg outlines a future where surveillance systems are more accurate, more integrated and increasingly central to both safety and operational efficiency.

June 4, 202620 min

Celiwe Ross on how Old Mutual & Singularity are driving exponential tech access in SA

In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Celiwe Ross – Group Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer at Old Mutual about the upcoming Singularity South Africa Summit and why exponential technologies demand a new kind of leadership. Ross unpacks how the summit brings together global futurists, technologists and local business leaders to explore AI, biotechnology and human potential — not as abstract concepts, but as practical tools for transformation. The conversation also explores how Old Mutual is embedding AI across customer journeys, underwriting and internal operations, while preparing its workforce for a radically different future of work. Ross shares her perspective on leadership in volatile times, the reshaping of organisational structures, and why curiosity, experimentation and democratized access to technology are essential if South Africa is to leapfrog into a more inclusive digital economy.

June 2, 202634 min

Dietlof Maré on expanding fibre access and connecting South Africa

In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Dietlof Maré – CEO of Maziv about his entrepreneurial roots, leadership journey and the bold expansion shaping South Africa’s fibre future. From early days selling at flea markets to leading major telecom operations across Africa, Maré reflects on the importance of passion, sincerity and decisive leadership in building high-performing teams and scaling complex businesses. The conversation unpacks Maziv’s recent milestones, including the integration of Vodacom’s fibre assets, the acquisition of Herotel, and the acceleration of fibre rollout into secondary towns and underserved communities. Maré also shares his perspective on AI, the critical role of quality connectivity, and why sustainable, high-performance networks are essential to unlocking economic opportunity across South Africa.

May 29, 202620 min

How organizations are struggling to scale AI successfully

In this episode of What’s Next, Aki sits down with Morné, Chief Technology Officer at Logicalis, to unpack how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping modern business. The discussion explores why many organizations are struggling to keep pace with AI adoption, despite the enormous pressure to innovate and remain competitive. Drawing from recent CIO research, Morné explains that while businesses are eager to embrace AI, many are failing to implement it strategically, leading to stalled pilot projects, wasted investment, and a lack of measurable business value. The conversation also dives into the growing risks and leadership challenges tied to AI transformation, including cybersecurity threats, governance, data management, and the ongoing shortage of digital skills. Morné emphasizes that AI success is no longer just a technology issue — it is a leadership responsibility that requires collaboration, clear governance, responsible scaling, and continuous learning. The episode concludes with practical advice for CIOs and executives on how to embed AI securely and effectively into everyday business operations while preparing organizations for the rapidly evolving digital future. Logicalis CIO Report - https://www.za.logicalis.com/cio-report-za

May 21, 202658 min

How Blu Label Unlimited reinvented itself

In this episode of What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou, Aki sits down with Blu Label Unlimited co-founders and joint CEOs Brett and Mark Levy for an in-depth conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, innovation, and one of South Africa’s most remarkable corporate turnaround stories. The Levy brothers reflect on their journey from selling car stereos while still in school to building Blu Label into a multi-billion-rand fintech and technology powerhouse. They unpack the difficult seven-year journey of rescuing Cell C from collapse, explain Blu Label’s evolution beyond telecoms into fintech and energy, and reveal exciting new innovations including their upcoming integrated voucher platform and Blu Energy strategy. It’s a candid and inspiring discussion about leadership, culture, risk-taking, and building businesses that solve real-world problems.

May 18, 202636 min

AI in healthcare_ Transforming patient safety, access, and quality of care

In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou is joined by Prof. Sabelile Tenza of North-West University and Dr. Richard Greenhill, Founder of SmartSigma AI, for a powerful discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping global healthcare systems. From overwhelmed hospitals and clinician burnout to diagnostic delays and fragmented care, the conversation highlights the immense pressures facing healthcare worldwide — and how AI is emerging as a critical tool to support, not replace, medical professionals. The guests unpack how AI can improve early diagnosis, reduce administrative burdens, and act as a “second set of eyes” for clinicians, ultimately enabling better patient outcomes. The discussion also explores the unique challenges and opportunities within South Africa and the broader African context, where resource constraints are driving innovative, mobile-first solutions. Prof. Tenza emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, patient trust, and local data relevance, while Dr. Greenhill highlights the need for adaptable skills, informed skepticism, and equitable AI deployment. Together, they paint a compelling picture of a future where technology and human expertise work hand-in-hand — ensuring healthcare systems are not only more efficient, but also more inclusive, ethical, and responsive to real-world needs.

May 15, 202617 min

Nico van der Merwe on ethical accounting and building South Africa’s financial future

In this episode of What’s Next, Aki Anastasiou speaks to Professor Nico van der Merwe – Deputy Director in the School of Accounting Sciences at North-West University – about the role of ethical, future-ready accountants in strengthening South Africa’s financial systems. Nico reflects on his academic journey and the university’s success in producing top-performing graduates, while highlighting how a lack of ethical financial oversight can lead to corporate failures, weakened public trust, and broader economic consequences. He emphasizes that accounting is not just technical, but deeply tied to responsibility, transparency, and accountability across both the private and public sectors. He also shares insights on how the profession is evolving in the age of AI, where automation is reshaping traditional roles and placing greater importance on critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and ethical leadership. Nico explains how NWU prepares students through challenging, real-world learning experiences that build resilience and integrated thinking. From developing corporate citizens to encouraging continuous professional development, he outlines how collaboration between education, industry, and government is essential to cultivating accountants who can drive sustainable growth and improve governance in South Africa.

May 14, 202632 min

Habib Mahakian on leadership, AI, and South Africa’s technology future

In this episode of What’s Next, Dell Technologies South Africa Vice President and Managing Director Habib Mahakian reflects on his 25-year journey in the technology industry, from studying computer engineering in Jordan to leading businesses across the Middle East and Africa. He shares how curiosity, problem-solving, and a passion for leadership shaped his career, while also discussing the early days of personal computing and the rapid evolution of technology over the past two decades. The conversation also explores leadership, artificial intelligence, and South Africa’s growing importance in the global tech landscape. Habib highlights the country’s strong infrastructure, talent, and innovation potential, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and continuous learning. Beyond business, he offers personal insights into balancing a demanding global career with family life.