Latest news with #Goldstuck
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Businesses embrace GenAI in SA – but strategy, skills lagging
This dramatic rise positions GenAI as the fastest-moving digital trend in the country. According to the findings, South African enterprises are rapidly integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into their operations. Picture: iStock A new report has revealed that the informal and unregulated usage of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) by businesses in South Africa poses a threat to both them and their employees. The report, produced by World Wide Worx and Dell Technologies, surveyed over 100 medium and large-sized enterprises nationwide. Gen AI According to the findings released on Thursday, South African enterprises are rapidly integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into their operations, but most are doing so without formal strategies, dedicated leadership, or the infrastructure required to maximise value and minimise risk. This dramatic rise positions GenAI as the fastest-moving digital trend in the country. World Wide Worx CEO and principal analyst of the study, Arthur Goldstuck, said that in a rush to adopt the fast-growing technology, there is a need for organisations to take the foundational steps of planning and governance. 'Many organisations are simply unaware of the gaps they're leaving in their systems, said Goldstuck. 'The risk goes beyond the technical, and includes reputational, ethical, and operational vulnerability. While the first step of technology adoption is well underway, our survey demonstrates there is room for operational growth.' ALSO READ: WATCH: 'Gen AI solves problems that were too expensive to solve' – Cyborg Anthropologist Findings According to the report's findings, AI adoption has brought clear benefits to the organisations using it, with 86% of GenAI users citing increased competitiveness as a result of using AI tools. The report also showed that 83% reported improved productivity, while 66% saw enhanced customer service. On the other hand, the report raised the alarm over 'shadow AI' – the unsanctioned use of GenAI by employees without oversight. It showed that 32% of businesses correctly report informal or unregulated GenAI use, while a further 20% report a mix of official and unofficial GenAI use. 84% say oversight is an important or very important factor in the success of GenAI deployment. Caution The report cautioned that South Africa could find itself divided by the ability to use GenAI wisely and scale deployments as the technology matures. 'There's a real risk of a GenAI disconnect in South Africa between those who use GenAI deliberately, strategically and ethically, and those who use it blindly or not at all,' Goldstuck said. Goldstuck said as companies race to embed GenAI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT into business functions, most are overlooking deeper transformation through infrastructure, skills and internal capability. He said holistic AI infrastructure, combined with people and processes, is critical to scaling AI deployments and clearly connecting them to tangible return on investment. ALSO READ: Organisations encouraged to empower employees with AI fluency
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
South African enterprises are rapidly adopting Generative AI but without formal strategies, study finds
IOL South African enterprises are rapidly integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into their operations. Image: Pexels South African enterprises are rapidly integrating Generative AI (GenAI) into their operations, but most are doing so without formal strategies, dedicated leadership, or the infrastructure required to maximise value and minimise risk. This is the key finding of the South African Generative AI Roadmap 2025, based on a study by World Wide Worx in collaboration with Dell Technologies and Intel. Arthur Goldstuck, the CEO of World Wide Worx and principal analyst of the study, released the report on Thursday. The report, which surveys over 100 mid-sized and large enterprises across industry sectors, shows that GenAI adoption has climbed from 45% of large enterprises in 2024 to 67% in 2025. This dramatic rise positions GenAI as the fastest-moving digital trend in the country. However, in a rush to adopt the fast-growing technology, there is a need for organisations to take the foundational steps of planning and governance. Doing so will more clearly connect AI to people and processes and help organisations reap genuine, sustaining return on investment. 'Many organisations are simply unaware of the gaps they're leaving in their systems,' said Goldstuck 'The risk goes beyond the technical, and includes reputational, ethical, and operational vulnerability. While the first step of technology adoption is well underway, our survey demonstrates there is room for operational growth.' According to the report's findings, AI adoption has brought clear benefits to the organisations using it: Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 86% of GenAI users cite increased competitiveness as a result of using AI tools. 83% report improved productivity. 66% see enhanced customer service. Yet, behind these numbers lies an operational gap: Only 14% of organisations have a formal company-wide GenAI strategy. Just 13% have implemented governance or ethical frameworks in the form of guardrails for safety, privacy and bias mitigation. 39% cite high implementation cost as the primary barrier to GenAI adoption. AI maturity requires foundations 'The roadmap aims to help guide stakeholders to fully understand the scope of GenAI, and to build transparent strategies that deliver on its promise without placing enterprises at risk,' says Goldstuck. 'What's most startling is that many companies think using a GenAI tool is the same as having an AI strategy.' As companies race to embed GenAI tools like Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT into business functions, most are overlooking deeper transformation through infrastructure, skills and internal capability. Holistic AI infrastructure, combined with people and processes, is critical to scaling AI deployments and clearly connecting them to tangible return on investment. Shadow AI The report raises the alarm about 'shadow AI' – the unsanctioned use of GenAI by employees without oversight. Currently: 32% of businesses report informal or unregulated GenAI use. of businesses report informal or unregulated GenAI use. A further 20% report a mix of official and unofficial GenAI use. further report a mix 84% say oversight is an important or very important success factor for GenAI deployment. Critical governance measures include clear principles for oversight, accountability, and responsible use. It enables organisations to build trust, reduce risk, and drive long-term value. 'The current use of GenAI is largely taking place in a regulatory and ethical vacuum,' Goldstuck warns. 'The longer this continues, the more harm can be caused, to both businesses and individuals, before these guardrails are in place. 'Without governance, organisations are walking blindfolded into a future shaped by AI. That might be exciting, but it is not sustainable.' The roadmap also identifies two areas of opportunity: Business and Societal impact : Over 75% of respondents have no measures in place to monitor or reduce the energy use and footprint of GenAI. Skills development : A massive 87% of businesses have committed to GenAI upskilling or training of employees. The report cautions that South Africa could find itself divided by the ability to use GenAI wisely and scale deployments as the technology matures. Goldstuck said, 'There's a real risk of a GenAI disconnect in South Africa between those who use GenAI deliberately, strategically and ethically, and those who use it blindly or not at all.' BUSINESS REPORT
Eyewitness News
4 days ago
- Eyewitness News
Slow laptop? 4 ways to power it back up to optimum speed...
If your laptop is super slow it might be because it fills up with unwanted, duplicated, and large files, explains Goldstuck. To get laptops back to optimum speed, Goldstuck says these four tips might help: Store large files on a hard drive separately from the laptop. Delete any duplicated files. Close all start-up programs which use live/system memory. If you're using a Windows PC, go to 'settings', find 'battery and power management' - you'll find a setting for 'normal usage' or 'performance usage' - ensure the laptop is set from 'balanced mode' to 'performance' or 'high performance mode'. Boosting your laptop's power is a few clicks away.
IOL News
12-07-2025
- IOL News
SAPS slammed for delays in social media hate speech case
Goolam Muhammed Suliman Vawda, 49, has been using the social media alias @goolammv to discredit and threaten journalists, government officials, entrepreneurs, and politicians from South Africa for six years. Image: Supplied LAW enforcement inefficiencies are once again under scrutiny as the South African Police Service (SAPS) drags its feet in investigating a high-profile social media abuse case involving former Intelligence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu. Sisulu laid a criminal complaint on July 21, 2024, at the Roodepoort Police Station against Goolam Mohammed Sulieman Vawda, who is widely believed to be behind the controversial X (formerly Twitter) handle @goolammv — an account accused of spreading hate speech, cyberbullying, and defamatory statements targeting political figures and private citizens alike. A year later, the case remains stagnant, with no progress communicated by the Gauteng police. SAPS failed to provide any update when approached for comment in May, and has not responded to subsequent queries. This comes despite allegations that Vawda fled the country shortly after the case was opened, allegedly relocating to Mauritius, where he continues to operate the X account. Digital analyst and World Wide Worx CEO Arthur Goldstuck described the state's handling of such cases as deeply concerning. He said the country's Cybercrimes Act and Protection from Harassment Act offer legal pathways to address online abuse, but implementation remains a major hurdle. 'Law enforcement often lacks the digital forensics expertise and dedicated resources to pursue these cases effectively,' said Goldstuck. 'That gap between the legal framework and practical enforcement is where justice collapses.' He warned that unless SAPS is trained and resourced to trace digital footprints and secure admissible evidence, victims will continue to suffer while perpetrators act with impunity. 'It's not just about the law being there. It's about having the ability and the will to use it.' Goldstuck noted that key steps — such as securing digital evidence to link an individual to an online persona — were either ignored or delayed, weakening the potential for successful prosecution. 'If forensic experts had been engaged early on, a proper digital trail could have been established, which is now much harder to reconstruct.' Police have yet to respond despite numerous requests for an update on Sisulu's case.
Daily Maverick
24-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Trainer vs tech: Tailoring your fitness approach for optimal results and motivation
Feeling stuck this winter, battling to lose weight, or trying to up your game? Fortunately, there are an increasing number of smartwatches and fitness apps that track your progress, guide your workouts, and keep you motivated. Whether you're starting from scratch or chasing peak performance, today's tools are smarter than ever; think wearable tech, AI-powered apps, or an experienced professional trainer. But with so many options promising transformation, how does one choose? Fitness wearables and apps offer real-time data, goal tracking, and 24/7 motivation, all from your wrist. Meanwhile, professional trainers offer tailored plans, accountability, emotional support, and a sharp eye on your form. Then there's the hybrid route: blending digital feedback with in-person expertise. The fitness tech industry's booming. The American College of Sports Medicine ranks wearables as the world's top fitness trend for 2025, followed closely by mobile apps. South Africans are catching on fast. 'Wearables have gone from glorified tracking devices to powerful health companions,' says Arthur Goldstuck, founder of World Wide Worx and author of The HitchHiker's Guide to AI. A fitness tracker for every pocket Goldstuck says there's a fitness wearable for every budget, from basic trackers to devices offering detailed health metrics. Even if you're not tech-savvy at first, most people get the hang of it over time. While Apple, Samsung and Garmin dominate the market, Goldstuck swears by his Huawei GT4. It tracks his sleep, heart rate, VO2 max, and even offers tips for improvement and recovery. 'I prefer my smart watch because it fits in with my lifestyle. It's made me more mindful of my activity, especially when I'm travelling,' he says. Most devices link to apps like MyFitnessPal, Strava, and Nike Training Club. Strava is a favourite for runners and cyclists with its performance insights and social sharing features. Nike Training Club offers guided workouts (for free), while FitOn has on-demand sessions from yoga to strength training. Many also include community forums or achievement badges for added motivation. South Africa's superstar and 2025 Comrades winner, Gerda Steyn, also opts for fitness wearables over a trainer. Steyn has won four consecutive Comrades marathons. With so much information available online she prefers to be her own coach, relying on her Garmin Forerunner 965 and heart rate monitor. Once she has worked out a training plan, she sticks to it. Whether she's training in France, Dullstroom or Johannesburg, Steyn logs every detail, from pace to resting heart rate, both digitally and in a notebook. This helps her track her progress. 'You have to do the work, no one can do it for you,' she says. Her husband is her sounding board, but when she needs a boost, she joins a running club. Even this year's brutally hot Comrades held no surprises — her game plan had her covered. Why some people need more than an app But for those who find tech too daunting, or struggle to break a habit and stay motivated, the answer might lie in the right expert. Lee Archer, a sport scientist and co-owner of Fitpro, and Kirsty Elliott, Head of Sport Science at Semli (Sport Exercise Medicine & Lifestyle Institute) both stress the same point: don't just pick anyone, and do your research. Vet their qualifications and approach. Ask yourself: do they 'get' you? Can they work to your needs and goals? Archer believes that fitness professionals, whether it is a personal trainer, sport scientist or biokineticist, offer more than expertise. While fitness tech offers convenience, it's no substitute for the insight, motivation and consistent tracking of a skilled professional. They provide structure, keep you motivated, create a unique programme for you, and offer continuous assessment. Elliott cautions that although the advancement in tech is impressive, it often makes assumptions. The numbers on your watch or device give you a guide, but not necessarily the whole truth. Which expert should you trust with your health goals? Elliott breaks it down like this: if you're looking to get fitter or just starting out, a personal trainer, especially one at a major gym, is a great place to begin. These trainers all have accredited qualifications, and many are experienced and passionate about helping clients hit their goals. Some trainers might have only done shorter courses, but bring plenty of skill and dedication to the job. Sport scientists usually work with athletes, digging into their strengths and weaknesses to improve performance. Then there are biokineticists, qualified healthcare professionals who design safe, step-by-step exercise plans for people recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or heart issues; but they're not just for clinical rehab, anyone can benefit from their tailored approach. Each of these professionals has something unique to offer, and the right fit depends on your goals, needs, and where you are in your fitness journey. 'How a biokineticist gave me my life back' Erna Matthee, a 47-year-old General Manager at Data-Shack, knows this first hand. After battling obesity, pre-diabetes, and chronic pain for years, she'd tried everything, fad diets, fasting, diet pills, apps. Nothing stuck. 'I realised I was addicted to food and couldn't break old habits.' Then she met a biokineticist. Unlike an app, she offered compassion, accountability, and a custom plan tailored to Matthee's physical and emotional needs. They meet twice a week. Her programme is gradually adjusted as they go along. When Matthee feels she's slipping, her trainer is there to guide her back on track. 'It's the hardest thing I've ever done,' says Matthee. 'But for the first time, I feel supported, and I'm not in this alone.' Matthee's not at her goal yet, but she's off chronic meds and can enjoy her life again. For her, no app could ever replace the human connection, emotional and spiritual care and advice she receives. She says that 'for anyone out there battling with similar issues it's never too late to start and remember there is no quick fix that works forever'. Smashing limits with the right support team Alwande Sikhosana, South Africa's number one wheelchair tennis player, echoes that sentiment. After becoming disabled due to a failed surgery in childhood, he rose through the ranks with sheer grit. But his breakthrough came after working with a sport scientist. She identified his weak points, designed a programme tailored to his unique needs, and collaborates closely with his tennis coach to ensure peak performance. From fine-tuning his strength to helping him manoeuvre his chair more effectively on court, she's made a tangible difference. Sikhosana says he doesn't have a top-of-the-range wheelchair, but with the right people in his corner, he focuses on what he can control. 'Tech is great,' he says, 'but having someone who believes in you and works with your reality is even better.' Whether you lean toward wearables, a fitness professional, or a bit of both, the health benefits of exercise are indisputable. It's never too late to start—and with so many options available, there's a workable solution for everyone. DM
