Latest news with #service delivery
National Post
5 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Netcracker and Swisscom Win TM Forum Excellence Award for Pioneering Autonomous Operations Program
Article content Swisscom's Successful Creation of Autonomous Network Domains to Accelerate Growth and Maximize Agility Recognized With Impact & Innovation Award During DTW Ignite in Copenhagen Article content WALTHAM, Mass. — Netcracker Technology announced today that, along with its customer Swisscom, it has received the TM Forum Excellence Award for Impact & Innovation during DTW Ignite in Copenhagen. The joint entry was recognized for Swisscom's groundbreaking operations transformation, which the operator embarked on to create more value for its customers and shareholders and drastically cut service delivery times. Article content Article content With Netcracker as its strategic partner, Swisscom set out on an ambitious transformation program encompassing network and IT that would simplify its path to autonomous networking across the company. The approach was based on the decomposition of its OSS into many smaller autonomous operational domains based on the TM Forum ODA framework. Article content Using Netcracker's Domain Automation solution, IP Transport was the first domain to be fully modernized and automated, incorporating advanced intent-based Service Orchestration, real-time Resource Inventory and AI/ML. The cloud-native solution brought numerous benefits to Swisscom, including shorter time to market, increased service stability, cost reductions and improved efficiencies. Article content Swisscom and Netcracker further innovated with the creation of a domain automation blueprint to maximize tool sharing, best practices and standards across all domains. In addition, offering IT-as-a-Service allows domain teams to rapidly modernize and deploy additional domains to deliver efficient replication and scale across the organization. Article content 'We've worked closely with Netcracker for years, and our bold transformation approach and proven success with the IP Transport domain is creating the path for autonomous networking company wide,' said Rudolf Strijkers, Enterprise and Security Architect at Swisscom. 'With modular architecture and IT-as-a-Service, we're accelerating domain and cross-domain automation to bring agility and efficiency across our business. We could not be more gratified to receive this very prestigious award as validation of our joint work with our partner Netcracker.' Article content 'The judges were very impressed with the significant improvements in service rollout, cost savings and advanced automation,' said Joann O'Brien, VP, Digital Ecosystems at TM Forum. 'We congratulate Netcracker and Swisscom on this groundbreaking project.' Article content 'Netcracker is proud to be part of Swisscom's pioneering work to modernize and automate its network through such an ambitious transformation,' said Ari Banerjee Chief Strategy Officer at Netcracker. 'Our deep collaboration together with our intelligent automation solutions are helping Swisscom achieve operational excellence that will help them stay at the forefront of innovation.' Article content Netcracker Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation, has the expertise, culture and resources to help service providers around the world transform their businesses to thrive in the digital economy. Our innovative solutions, value-driven services and unbroken delivery track record have enabled our customers to grow and succeed for more than three decades. With the latest technological advancements in key areas including 5G monetization, AI, automation and vertical industries, we help service providers to reach their transformation goals, advance their telco to techco evolution and realize business growth and profitability. To learn more, visit Article content Article content Article content Article content Media Article content Article content Article content
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
EGSH processing +14.7K transactions in first year, powers Dubai's Zero Bureaucracy Vision
By uniting essential services under one roof and supporting the UAE's Zero Government Bureaucracy initiative, EGSH is changing how individuals and companies interact with the public sector. DUBAI, UAE – Emirates Government Services Hub (EGSH), Dubai's one-stop destination for essential governmental services, announced the successful completion of its first full year of operations, marking a significant milestone in its mission to redefine the standards of government service delivery in the UAE. Since its launch on July 11, 2024, EGSH has become a pivotal partner for the business community, processing 14,703 transactions and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the nation's vision of a seamless, pro-business environment. In its inaugural year, EGSH has been instrumental in facilitating growth and efficiency for over a thousand individual and corporate clients. The hub has forged strategic partnerships with more than 20 leading real estate agencies, prominent free zones, including IFZA Dubai Free Zone, and a diverse range of consulting firms. This rapid establishment of a robust partner network underscores the market's demand for high-calibre, streamlined service processing. EGSH offers include Dubai Economy Services, Dubai Land Department services and registration, AMER Services, TASHEEL Services, Real Estate Trustee Services, and Notary Services. The most popular, according to EGSH, are the issuance of Golden Visas and Property Transfers. EGSH's operational capacity was underscored by a record-setting performance, completing over 300 Real Estate Trustee Office transactions per day. Among these, a notable case involved the successful completion of 58 real estate deals for a single client within one business day, which underscores the company's commitment to eliminating bureaucratic barriers and empowering real estate professionals to close deals swiftly and confidently. With Dubai's real estate market growing by 22.5% in 2025, the streamlined services offered by hubs like EGSH are becoming increasingly vital to sustain and support this sector. 'We are proud to celebrate EGSH's first full year of operations, which reflects our commitment to driving efficiency and excellence in government service delivery,' said Omar Al-Quasem, Senior Administrative Manager at EGSH. 'Our ability to process thousands of transactions and handle high-volume cases with precision demonstrates the value we bring to both individuals and businesses. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to continuously enhancing service speed, accessibility, and integration for all our clients.' EGSH's performance directly supports the UAE's ambitious national strategies, including the 'Zero Government Bureaucracy' (ZGB) programme. By reducing processing times and simplifying procedures, EGSH embodies the objectives of the ZGB programme, contributing to a world-class business environment and enhancing the global competitiveness of Dubai. About Emirates Government Services Hub (EGSH) Emirates Government Services Hub (EGSH) is Dubai's one-stop destination for essential governmental services. Its comprehensive service offerings include Dubai Economy Services, Dubai Land Department services and registration, AMER Services, TASHEEL Services, Real Estate Trustee Services, and Notary Services. Owned by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai Royal family, the EGSH office is strategically located at the Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha. EGSH combines efficiency, transparency, and innovation to deliver essential government services under one roof. Businesses benefit from streamlined operations, paperless workflows that align with the UAE's sustainability goals, and fast processes that complete most documentation within a single day.
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa's economy reignites urgent mental health focus
Despite early optimism for South Africa's economic growth, mounting challenges, including political tensions within the government of national unity, evolving (and sometimes devolving) diplomatic relations with the US, and service delivery concerns in key metropolitan areas, have led economists to adjust their growth forecasts downward. This shift is placing considerable strain on vulnerable sectors, which now face the dual pressures of an uncertain economic climate and the accelerating transition toward a tech-driven future that could fundamentally reshape industries and employment patterns. Mehnaaz Olla, manager of the Mancosa School of Healthcare "As South Africa grapples with deepening social and economic challenges, mental health must remain a priority," says Mehnaaz Olla, manager of the Mancosa School of Healthcare (SOH). Addressing these concerns through targeted support and awareness initiatives will be crucial in enabling individuals and businesses to navigate this evolving landscape with resilience. Navigating a challenging economic climate Since mid-2022, South Africa has faced a deeply disruptive economic climate, leaving many businesses financially distressed and forced into liquidation. While overall liquidations declined by 3.7% in the first quarter of the year compared to 2023, compulsory liquidations surged by 32% in January and February, an alarming indicator of sustained financial strain across key industries. "The mounting economic pressures have had a profound impact on mental health, with business owners, executives, and employees grappling with the stress of financial instability, job insecurity, and the emotional toll of navigating volatile market conditions. As South Africa faces continued economic uncertainty, it is imperative to prioritise mental health support, equipping individuals and businesses with the tools to manage stress, maintain resilience, and adapt to evolving challenges," says Olla. Executives Despite the harsh reality of the economic environment that executives navigate, shareholders often feel that the buck stops with them and that they must find a way to effectively navigate the situation they find themselves in. "There is an expectation that executives must always appear composed, confident and in control, even when everything around them is shifting. The fear of appearing weak or vulnerable creates a culture where silence becomes the default. This 'strong leader' persona may look admirable on the surface, but it often breeds isolation, and this is why sometimes leadership roles can be inherently lonely. The higher up you go, the fewer safe spaces there are to open up. With this, the stigma around mental health persists, reinforced by the idea that strength and struggle can't coexist, says Olla. The always-on executive culture is intensified during economic downturns, restructuring, and market volatility, where leaders face relentless pressure to cut costs, drive efficiency, and ensure survival. These demands contribute to decision fatigue, chronic anxiety, and corporate burnout, potentially undermining the very strategic clarity and stability organisations need most. "In times like this, the demands on leadership don't just increase – they become relentless. Even confident, seasoned leaders may begin to internalise the weight of setbacks, questioning their judgement. This creates a quiet and sustained stress response, which, over time, leads to burnout – the kind that's a slow erosion of energy, focus, and emotional resilience. "To keep everything afloat, leaders may lose the very perspective and wellness needed to lead effectively. Without intentional space for rest, support and mental reset, even the most capable leaders risk burning out, taking strategic stability down with them. As we progress, mental health must be recognised as a fundamental pillar of economic infrastructure rather than a peripheral wellness concern," says Olla. Students, learners and educators We are well aware of the impact of technology on the job market, where there is the ever-present threat of robots and technology replacing human jobs. However, the effect of technology on mental health is also telling within the education sector. "Technology is reshaping education, but not without cost to mental health. Students are preparing for a future that feels increasingly unpredictable with the need to be employable, adaptable and even exceptional in ways that even the current job market struggles to define. Students may face anxiety about whether their skills will still matter in a few years or if they're already falling behind. "To add to that, many students push themselves to juggle side hustles with upskilling and gaining work experience, with hopes of staying competitive. There's constant pressure to be more and to do more, leading to exhaustion and burnout," says Olla, who adds that, in a world where success is increasingly linked to adaptability and digital fluency, students may begin to second-guess themselves if they don't fit a specific mould. This challenge requires strong leadership and mentorship. The role of educators has shifted from being the gatekeepers of knowledge to helping learners and students critically asses easily accessible information. They are also expected to act as guides to students who are very uncertain about their future. Educators have historically fulfilled this role. However, the environment was vastly different from what it is today, leaving educators unsure about their capabilities to make a meaningful impact on every student. "Tertiary education providers, employers and policymakers can collaborate to redefine employability in a way that prioritises both relevance and student well-being. Tertiary education providers should consider embedding transversal skills into their curricula, supporting diverse career paths and creating academic environments that protect mental health. "Employers can adjust their focus to valuing sustainable growth over excessive credentials and recognising non-traditional experiences. Policymakers must ensure access to mental health support, not just for students but also for the workforce. True readiness for the future is about whether students can adapt, collaborate, and thrive without sacrificing their well-being," says Olla. Limited support Olla points out that the challenges discussed above are pressing and growing at a rapid rate. This is concerning for South Africa as access to support is very limited. A 2009 study points out that nearly 20% of South African adults reported that they were suffering from impaired mental health. The study adds that less than a quarter of this population seeks treatment to address these conditions. "While this study paints an alarming picture, there are questions about whether more South Africans are experiencing mental health issues than the 20% reported in the study. There is a significant stigma attached to mental health issues in some cultures, with patients reportedly facing serious discrimination when they seek treatment. With this in mind, how many South Africans are reluctant or hesitant to report suffering from these issues?" asks Olla. She adds that this is not the extent of the alarming situation that mental health patients find themselves in. The World Health Organisation's Global Health Observatory Data Repository reports that there are only 1.52 psychiatrists for every 100,000 South Africans. Furthermore, 73% of these psychiatrists operate within the private sector, and only 50% of South Africa's public hospitals have psychiatrists on staff. "These are focused on the large public health facilities in urban areas. This leaves mental health patients in rural areas with minimal support," says Olla. Taking the lead In an era marked by economic uncertainty, leadership pressure, and mounting mental health challenges, the SOH is stepping forward with purpose. "Through its commitment to education, awareness, and innovation in mental wellness, the SOH is equipping students, future healthcare executives, and communities with the tools needed to thrive, not just survive, in a volatile environment. The SOH is fostering emotional resilience, challenging stigma, and driving dialogue that places mental health at the heart of sustainable development. In doing so, Mancosa is responding to current challenges while contributing to the development of leadership within healthcare education," says Olla.
The Herald
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Herald
TVET college students to help resuscitate metro's ailing vehicle fleet
Aspiring mechanical engineers from Kariega's Eastcape Midlands TVET College have already been given their first major task — repairing Nelson Mandela Bay's vehicle fleet. On Tuesday, the college launched a partnership with the municipality in which 14 third-year mechanical engineering students will help fix some of the city's vehicles sitting broken down in the four depots. The launch was attended by mayor Babalwa Lobishe. Eastcape Midlands TVET College's director for partnerships and linkages, Lindithemba Sdeba, said they had come up with the concept of tackling societal problems through TVET-driven solutions. 'We once fixed beds at Uitenhage Provincial Hospital, and had a similar programme with the department of correctional services at St Albans Prison where we fixed cars and sewing machines. 'Today, we handed over 14 students who will be going to the four depots looking at cars that can be fixed, what the quick fixes are and run diagnostic tests and see who can help in giving parts needed. 'Our goal is to help the municipality speed up service delivery and we feel we can assist if we can quickly [fix] these vehicles.' Sdeba said the municipality's fleet department was under siege, with only two mechanics employed in the entire metro. 'The programme will run as long as there is a need.' A recent report looking into the city's fleet management raised serious concerns about its services, with the report alleging that vehicles were deliberately damaged for the municipality to spend millions on the leasing of vehicles. The Herald
The Herald
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Cogta minister Hlabisa determined to fight local government decay
' Numerous municipalities continue to grapple with systemic challenges such as service delivery failures, fiscal mismanagement and governance breakdowns. 'The harsh reality is that several municipalities are unable to repair potholes, ensure access to clean water, or provide reliable waste management. Others fail to use grants effectively. This is unacceptable, and the review of the white paper provides a blueprint for transformative change,' he said. The minister believes the local government sphere will benefit from critically questioning the structure and existing systems of local government. ' We have 257 municipalities. Some are financially unsustainable, lacking any revenue base — an outcome of legacy design flaws in our system. As we reshape local government to be fit for purpose, we must seriously consider whether maintaining non-viable municipalities is justifiable.' The eighth administration has identified local government as a key driver of its strategic priorities, and with the local polls coming up in 2026 Hlabisa described the timing of the review as urgent. 'The pillars are structural reforms to enhance operational efficiency and accountability, deepened community participation and inclusive governance, ethical leadership, anti-corruption initiatives and strengthened intergovernmental co-ordination.
