In an era where technology intertwines with daily life, AI emerges as a double-edged sword, cutting through the fabric of society with both promise and peril. As AI reshapes industries, it also casts a long shadow over fundamental human rights and ethical business practices. Consider the tale of a facial recognition system inaccurately flagging an innocent individual as a criminal suspect – and worse still, flagging individuals based on racial biases. Such instances underscore the urgent need for vigilance and responsibility in the age of AI.

The AI revolution and the rule of law

AI technologies are reshaping the legal landscape, introducing novel forms of digital evidence and altering traditional concepts of the rule of law. Courts worldwide grapple with the admissibility of AI-generated evidence, while law enforcement agencies increasingly rely on facial recognition and predictive policing tools, raising profound concerns about fairness, transparency, and accountability. The erosion of legal protections and standards in the face of AI’s opaque algorithms threatens the very foundation of justice, emphasising the need for regulatory frameworks that keep pace with technological advances.

The transformative power of AI in the legal domain is both fascinating and alarming. With the increasing spread of fake news, elections can be marred by misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech. AI advances can be key in orchestrating verification campaigns, as a pilot project conducted by the United Nations Development Programme in Zambia’s 2021 elections showed. In the United States, the use of AI in predictive policing and sentencing algorithms has sparked debate over fairness and bias. Studies, such as the 2016 ProPublica report, have highlighted how algorithms can inherit and amplify racial biases, challenging the very notion of impartial justice.

These issues underscore the necessity for legal systems worldwide to adapt and ensure AI technologies uphold the highest standards of equity, accuracy and transparency.

Intersectionality of AI and human rights

The impact of AI on human rights is far-reaching, affecting everything from freedom of expression to the right to privacy. For instance, social media algorithms can amplify or suppress certain viewpoints, while automated decision-making systems can deny individuals access to essential services based on biased data. Automated content moderation systems on social media platforms can also inadvertently silence marginalised voices, impacting freedom of speech. The deployment of mass surveillance technologies in countries like China similarly raises severe privacy concerns, illustrating the global need for AI governance that respects and protects individual rights.

These examples highlight the critical need for AI systems that are designed and deployed with a deep understanding of their human rights implications. Ensuring that AI technologies respect and promote human rights requires a concerted effort from developers, policymakers, and civil society.

Closer to home, the issue of digital and socioeconomic divides further complicates the intersectionality of AI and human rights. AI-driven solutions in healthcare and agriculture, for example, have shown immense potential to bridge socio-economic gaps. The balance between leveraging AI for societal benefits whilst protecting individual rights is a delicate one, necessitating nuanced governance frameworks.

Whilst these frameworks are still nascent in many jurisdictions around the world, the United Nations has prioritised efforts to secure the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet. In 2021, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted the UN resolution on the promotion, protection and enjoyment of human rights on the Internet, which resolution was heralded as a milestone and recognises that all of the rights people have offline must also be protected online.

This resolution came off the back of other UN resolutions, specifically condemning any measure to prevent or disrupt access to the internet and recognising the importance of access to information and privacy online for the realisation of the right to freedom of expression and to hold opinions without interference.

In 2023, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said the digital world was still in its early days. Around the world, more children and young people than ever before are online, either at home or at school, but depending on birthplace, not everyone has this chance.

The digital divide means a staggering 2.2 billion children and young people under 25 around the globe still do not have access to the Internet at home. They are being left behind, unable to access education and training, or news and information that could help protect their health, safety and rights. There is also a gap between girls and boys in terms of access to the Internet. He concluded by saying “It may be time to reinforce universal access to the Internet as a human right, and not just a privilege”.

Corporate responsibility in the AI era

For corporations in South Africa, Africa, and globally, AI introduces new risk areas that must be navigated with caution and responsibility. General Counsel, the world over, are required to investigate and implement strategies around issues of privacy, data protection, and non-discrimination which are paramount, as the misuse of AI can lead to significant reputational damage and legal liabilities. Corporations must adopt ethical AI frameworks and corporate social responsibility initiatives that prioritise human rights, demonstrating a commitment to responsible business practices in the digital age.

Corporations stand at the frontline of the AI revolution, bearing the responsibility to wield this powerful tool ethically. Google’s Project Maven, a collaboration with the Pentagon to enhance drone targeting through AI, faced internal and public backlash, leading to the establishment of AI ethics principles by the company. This example demonstrates the importance of corporate accountability and the potential repercussions of neglecting ethical considerations in AI deployment. It also highlights that influential corporations hold a significant level of leverage in their environments. This leverage should be used to progress respect for human rights across the value chain.

The challenge of regulation

Regulating AI presents a formidable challenge, particularly in Africa, where socio-economic and resource constraints are significant. The rapid pace of AI development often outstrips the ability of regulatory frameworks to adapt, leaving gaps that can be exploited to the detriment of society. Moreover, regulatory developments in the Global North often set precedents that may not be suitable for the African context, highlighting the need for regulations that are inclusive, contextually relevant, and capable of protecting citizens’ rights while fostering innovation.

The fast-paced evolution of AI technology poses a significant challenge to regulators, especially in the African context, where resources and expertise in technology governance are often limited. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as a pioneering model for embedding principles of privacy and data protection in technology use, offering valuable lessons for African nations in crafting their regulatory responses to AI.

Towards a sustainable future

The path towards a sustainable future, where AI benefits humanity while safeguarding human rights, requires collaboration among businesses, regulators, and civil society. Stakeholders must work together to develop and implement guidelines and standards that ensure AI technologies are used ethically and responsibly. Highlighting examples of responsible AI use, such as initiatives that provide equitable access to technology or projects that leverage AI for social good, can inspire others to follow suit.

Collaboration is key to harnessing AI’s potential while safeguarding human rights and ethical standards. Initiatives like the Partnership on AI, which brings together tech giants, non-profits, and academics to study and formulate best practices on AI technologies, exemplify how collective action can lead to responsible AI development and use.

As AI and related technologies continue to transform our world, we must not lose sight of the human values that define us. The intersection of AI, business, and human rights presents complex challenges but also opportunities for positive change, not only for governments but for corporations too. By fostering ongoing dialogue and cooperation among all stakeholders, we can shape a future where technology serves humanity’s best interests, ensuring that the digital age is marked by innovation, equity, and respect for human rights. Corporate governance frameworks will need to adapt in response to these advances.

As Africa navigates the complexities of AI integration, the journey must be undertaken, byte by byte, with a steadfast commitment to ethical principles and human rights. The continent’s diverse tapestry of cultures and histories offers unique insights into responsible AI governance. By prioritising transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, African governments and corporations can lead the way in demonstrating how technology, guided by human values, can be a powerful tool for positive change. In the digital age, the fusion of innovation and ethics will define Africa’s trajectory, ensuring that AI becomes a catalyst for empowerment rather than a source of division.

Authors:

• Pooja Dela-Cron is a Partner at Webber Wentzel
• Paula-Ann Novotny is a Senior Associate at Webber Wentzel

The reason you should consider paying for a subscription is that all these other folks are. Microsoft revealed its revenue from LinkedIn Premium for the first time, scooping R32 billion ($1.7 billion) for the company in 2023. If that many of your employment competitors are getting a leg up, it’s probably time to get on equal footing.

LinkedIn 

Microsoft has previously been quite secretive about its jobs service and work-based social network’s revenues so this revelation about the Premium service is notable. It’s possibly the first time that revenues are high enough to report without feeling a bit sheepish about it.

Reuters reports that Microsoft has previously listed overall revenue of $15 billion (R280 billion) from LinkedIn, with a little under half of that coming from sales of software to recruiters on the platform. Premium, which goes for about R750/m, is contributing more to the bottom line and Microsoft’s plans for more (and better) AI integration should see that number increase.

According to the company, some 70% of its subscribers have trialled its existing artificial intelligence aides. Of those, 90% find the AI tools useful when looking for work. If you’re not one of that number, you’re probably at a disadvantage in 2024’s job market.

Source

Sound familiar? Well, hold on to your hats: there’s a new trend in town, and it’s a major pushback against all of the cloud marketing hype and the start of a trend reversal back towards owning and operating your own IT infrastructure.

Yes, really. Humans truly are the ficklest creatures.

It’s about money

But in this instance, the attitude shift is actually quite understandable, because it’s about money – that scarce resource that has become even more scarce in these trying economic times. In a nutshell, in some instances, businesses are discovering that using the cloud can be more expensive in the long run than paying for and using their own on-premises resources.

This is from the mouth of David Linthicum, host of the YouTube channel Cloud Computing Insider, and a multi-decade veteran of the US IT industry. He was responding to a recent spate of articles, in particular, David Heinemeier Hansson’s The Big Cloud Exit FAQ, that detailed how some companies are deciding to ditch the cloud and move back to owning and operating their own IT infrastructure because the cloud was proving to be too expensive for their needs.

Debunking cloud marketing

Interestingly, Heinemeier Hansson’s article ended up debunking much of the hype surrounding the cloud, including these 11 cloud marketing myths. They were uncovered by Heinemeier Hensson’s company’s move away from it, and the counterpoints that debunked them were inspired by their real-world experiences.

1. Reduced operational team and payroll: The move away from the cloud did not result in an increased payroll or team changes. The same team that managed applications in the cloud now operates them on-premise, showing that cloud services do not necessarily reduce the need for operational staff.
2. Cost advantages of cloud services: Despite efforts to optimise the cloud bill, it remained significantly high, challenging the notion that cloud services always offer cost savings. Even after optimising cloud expenses, the costs were still substantial, indicating that savings are not as guaranteed as the cloud hype might want people to believe.
3. Cloud-native applications ensure lower costs: The belief that Cloud Native applications or serverless functions automatically lead to cost savings is misleading. The costs associated with these technologies do not always result in savings, similar to how buying single-wrapped sugar cubes doesn’t save money compared to bulk purchases.
4. Superior cloud security with less effort: Security challenges stem primarily from the application and its direct dependencies, whether hosted on the cloud or on-premise. Effective security practices are required in both scenarios, debunking the myth that cloud services inherently provide a higher level of security with less effort.
5. Need for super engineers to operate hardware: The expertise required to run on-premise hardware is largely the same as that needed for cloud operations. Knowledge of operating internet-facing servers is widely available and not exclusive to a select group of super engineers.
6. Owning hardware requires building datacentres: Renting space in professional datacentres negates the need to build and manage your own datacentres. This approach is common and practical, showing that owning hardware does not entail the complexities and costs of creating datacentres from scratch.
7. Unmatched cloud reliability and redundancy: Achieving high reliability and redundancy is possible with on-premise hardware through geographical dispersion and replication strategies, similar to cloud setups. This challenges the perception that only cloud services can provide such levels of reliability.
8. Faster international performance with cloud: Using international CDNs for content delivery speeds up global performance, whether you’re using cloud services or hosting your own hardware. This demonstrates that cloud services do not have a monopoly on fast international performance.
9. Cloud as the sole solution for demand spikes: Overprovisioning your own hardware can also handle demand spikes, showing that the cloud is not the only efficient solution for autoscaling. The notion that only cloud services can manage sudden increases in demand is therefore not accurate.
10. Advantages in service contracts and licensing fees with cloud: Running applications on open-source software can eliminate the need for expensive service contracts and licensing fees associated with cloud services. This indicates that cloud services do not always offer clear advantages when it comes to operational costs.
11. Cloud computing is cheaper, easier, and faster: The initial attraction to cloud services was based on promises of cost savings and ease of use. However, the experience showed that managed services still required management, and advances in technology did not translate into savings, challenging the perception that cloud computing is always the best option.

For even more detail, read The Big Cloud Exit FAQ that was linked earlier.

The question for SA businesses

These discrepancies, learned from the practical experience of moving away from the cloud, raise some interesting questions for South African businesses that are either already using the cloud or considering it. The most important one is “Is this cloud move really necessary and can we still do what we need to without lifting and shifting our current infrastructure (or part thereof) into a cloud ecosystem?”.

Of course, it’s a complicated question and one that only careful consideration and consultation with IT service providers can answer. But only if they do not have an agenda to push you into whichever cloud ecosystem benefits them most.

One size doesn’t fit all

Ultimately, what this new trend reinforces is that the choice between using cloud services and/or on-premise solutions is not one-size-fits-all or the answer to every infrastructure-related question businesses have, and should instead be guided by careful consideration and analysis of costs, operational needs, and long-term business objectives.

It’s just interesting to see that some companies have found out that the cloud isn’t always the best answer to their technical or operational (or financial) challenges, and that moving away from the cloud is not just a practical and workable option, but it can end up saving money as well… all with no major downsides.

Who’d have thunk it, given how loudly the global IT industry has trumpeted the benefits of the cloud all these years?

While desktop software has been widely used in the past, there’s a growing trend of companies switching to cloud-based accounting systems. This is driven by the biggest perceived benefit of cloud accounting: that all you need is a PC connected to the internet and a browser, and you can use it from anywhere.

And from an IT perspective, accounting software that’s delivered from the cloud is also much easier to manage than desktop software. It’s also really handy to have the option to scale it up and down as the business’s needs fluctuate, making it a great choice for businesses as market conditions change.

Cloud-based accounting software

Cloud accounting software, which is hosted inside a brand-name datacentre (Azure/AWS/Google etc.), allows businesses to access and manage their accounts and financial data over the internet without needing to install software on their computers. This is a huge win for small businesses that don’t have the resources to effectively manage desktop software.

And then there are the costs: companies pay a monthly subscription to use cloud accounting software and get the benefit of anywhere-anytime access on various devices, automatic data backups that happen without the need for human intervention, and (depending on the vendor) easy integration with other business applications. This provides a real-time view of business operations, which can help businesses make the right decisions at exactly the right time, leading to more wins and excellent business outcomes over time.

Desktop accounting software, on the other hand, requires that the accounting program is directly installed onto a computer. This also requires the upfront purchase of a software license and, sometimes, payment for version updates. All financial data is stored locally on the PC, and management can only access the software on the computer where it’s installed.

Frankly, all of this is a giant pain to manage.

Why is that? It’s because going the desktop route is far less flexible as it doesn’t allow financial information to be accessed remotely or while traveling, and requires someone to do manual, on-site data backups. Desktop systems are also limited to using the installed version of the software, which isn’t necessarily up to date, and potentially doesn’t offer all of the features accountants need to do their jobs to the best of their ability.

When we compare cloud and desktop accounting software, there are several major differences to keep in mind.

Accessibility

Being able to access financial data from anywhere using any internet-connected device is in stark contrast to desktop accounting software, where access is restricted to the computer on which it’s installed.

This difference is a big one for businesses with workers who aren’t always in the office, as cloud accounting offers greater flexibility and mobility by enabling money management when finance people are on the go.

Using accounting software installed on a desktop PC, however, means it can only be accessed when people are in the office. Unless someone installs remote access software like TeamViewer on that PC, but that in itself is an inelegant and less-secure solution and is thus not recommended.

Installation and updates

Cloud accounting systems offer a huge advantage when it comes to updates. In cloud systems, updates are automatic and seamless as they happen invisibly to the user, ensuring that the version you’re using is always the latest one, without you needing to do anything to make it so.

Even when completely new software is released that necessitates a version update, you’ll get that new version for no extra money as it’s already paid for by your subscription fees.

In contrast, desktop systems require manual installation of updates and fixes, which can be time-consuming and may lead to delayed adoption of new features and security patches. This contrast significantly affects the efficiency and ease of maintaining the accounting software. Plus, a new version of that software means you’ll have to buy it.

Security and backups

Cloud accounting systems provide robust security and automated backups. The security is managed by vendors who offer enterprise-grade protection and access controls. These systems are always doing data backups, which keeps your data super safe. In contrast, desktop systems require you to manually handle both security and backups. This process is far more labour-intensive and poses a higher risk of data loss or security breaches if not managed properly. And it’s easy to not manage it properly.

Financial reporting and compliance

Cloud-based accounting systems generally offer more extensive and customisable reporting capabilities compared to desktop systems. They support real-time, customised reporting to meet specific business needs and comply with relevant accounting standards and regulations. Desktop systems, however, typically have a limited range of financial reports with little customisation.

And while they can export data to spreadsheets for custom reporting, this can be difficult to do and is prone to human error. Cloud systems also provide better support for compliance with complex regulatory requirements and accounting standards as they are kept as up-to-date as possible, and are thus compliant very shortly after new legislation has passed.

Think about switching

We hope we’ve convinced you to at least think about switching to cloud accounting software. Yes, it’s relatively new and new can be scary, but it really does solve a lot of the problems of running accounting software locally on a PC inside your business.

To recap: it’s always up to date, it’s always compliant with the latest legislation, reporting is a breeze, and it’s always available so long as you have a device and an internet connection to access it. You don’t need to manage licenses manually, you don’t need someone to look after that one specific PC that the software is on, and you don’t have to worry about backing anything up yourself.

If you haven’t switched to a cloud-based accounting system yet, please think seriously about it – we’re pretty sure you’ll be happy you made the switch. Talk to your current accounting software provider, they may already have something for you.

The new scheme doesn’t exactly make it easy for denizens to earn, but those who are willing to jump through the bureaucratic hoops can use the credit from their excess generation to settle their municipal account and bank the change for a rainy day.

Cape Town’s ‘Cash for Power’ plan

The city’s mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, announced on Monday that the first round of applications is open now until 8 March, saying “We will buy as much solar power as households and businesses can sell to us under the Cash for Power programme.”

Along with selling excess power, willing households can also opt to have their geysers switched off remotely during peak times as an extra measure to avoid a full load-shedding stage.

Businesses that meet the requirements are also permitted to sell their excess power to other participating businesses, a move that is expected to add 350MW to Cape Town’s power grid.

Read More: South Africa’s new plan to end power cuts is seriously flawed. Here’s why

Households and businesses interested in selling off their excess power should become familiar with this page. It lays out the required steps, like having a “City-approved” inverter installed, additional notes, and the relevant documentation along with the appropriate application channels for commercial and residential customers.

Cape Town’s Cash for Power programme announcement comes mere days after South Africa’s president concluded his State of the Nation address saying that the end of load shedding was “finally within reach” before the country escalated to Stage 6 power cuts for the first time this year.

One in three South Africans have more than one source of income, according to the UNISA Household Financial Wellness Index. This trend, catalysed by the normalisation of working from home and economic uncertainties, is not just a means for extra income. It is a gateway to what could potentially be full-scale businesses, contributing significantly to job creation and economic growth.

The journey of entrepreneurship, particularly in managing side hustles, is riddled with challenges, however. The tedious and time-consuming tasks of administration, such as invoicing and tax compliance, can be overwhelming. Additionally, balancing a side hustle with a regular job demands exceptional time management skills.

This is where artificial intelligence (AI) now enters the scene as a game-changer. 

AI comes a-callin’

The rapid evolution of AI in entrepreneurship is reshaping business operations and problem-solving across industries. In South Africa, the AI market is expected to reach a staggering R55-billion in 2024, signifying its growing importance and impact on the GDP.

Despite initial apprehension regarding AI replacing human jobs, it is crucial to recognise the immense potential AI holds in enhancing operational efficiency and output quality. Harvard Business Review outlines three key ways AI supports businesses: automating processes, offering data-driven insights, and enhancing customer engagement. These benefits, while tailored for larger enterprises, are equally applicable to side hustles.

AI tools like Otter.ai provide real-time transcription for meetings, ensuring comprehensive capture of discussions and implementation of notes. Invoicing software powered by AI, such as Aavenir, simplifies financial administration by tracking payments across various projects. While ChatGPT, a popular AI tool, should be used cautiously, it is invaluable for drafting templates and sparking creative ideas.

For gig workers, understanding market demands and client preferences is crucial. Tools like Hootsuite offer valuable data analytics for social media managers, enabling informed content and platform strategies.

AI-driven email software and SEO optimization tools (such as iContact, Tableau, and Clearscope) facilitate efficient client communication and enhance online visibility, attracting the right audience for your services.

Incorporating AI tools into your entrepreneurial journey is an opportunity not to be missed. It is a chance to free up valuable time, focus on producing higher-quality work, and achieve the elusive balance between your day job and your side hustle.

Read More: South African university students use AI to help them understand – not to avoid work

So how do you start? Do not let the complexities of managing a side hustle deter you. Begin by researching and identifying AI tools that cater to your specific business needs. This could include software for automating administrative tasks, analysing market trends, or improving customer engagement.

Implement AI solutions to manage time-consuming tasks like scheduling, invoicing, and email management. This will free up more time for you to focus on core business activities. It is critical to use AI-driven analytics tools to gather and interpret market data. This will help you understand industry trends, customer preferences, and competitive dynamics, enabling you to make informed business decisions.

In terms of doing daily business, leverage AI-powered chatbots or CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems to provide personalised service to your clients. This will improve client satisfaction and loyalty.

When it comes to marketing, use AI tools for marketing automation, such as targeted advertising, content creation, and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). This will help you reach your audience more effectively and grow your customer base.

And who needs a CFO in a small business? Apply AI for financial forecasting and budgeting. This will aid in better financial planning and resource allocation.

My best advice is to stay updated with the latest AI advancements and continuously adapt these technologies to suit your evolving business needs. This will keep you ahead in the competitive market and ensure that your use of AI adheres to legal and ethical standards, especially regarding data privacy and security.

This guest column was written by Kerushan Govender, founder and CEO of Blacfox. Blacfox is a marketing strategy consultancy focussed primarily on the tech sector serving some of the world’s largest brands like Microsoft, SAP, VMware, and LexisNexis. Kerushan Govender on LinkedIn.

MultiChoice wants MORE

MultiChoice, according to TechCentral, feels as though it has been undervalued by the French media company’s roughly R48-billion valuation, and we’ve got to admit; it makes a fair point. It only recently helmed the relaunch of Showmax following a partnership that saw NBCUniversal and Sky come together with Showmax like some media-fueled Megazord. And good luck finding a sport that isn’t already under the Group’s eyes.

MultiChoice Group then went on to say that it had performed an in-house valuation and had, perhaps unsurprisingly to anyone familiar with the group, found that it was worth “significantly” more than the R105/share offer Canal+ had slapped them with.

“After careful consideration, the board has concluded that the proposed offer price of R105 in cash significantly undervalues the group and its future prospects. The board is open to all means of maximising shareholder value, it has conveyed to Canal+ that – at this proposed price – the letter does not provide a basis for further engagement.”

Notice that “at this proposed price” is mentioned in the Group’s statement. It’s clear that it has no intentions to shut any doors or burn bridges at this stage. At least not without seeing an improved offer, if any were to arrive. We’re inclined to believe that Canal+ hasn’t given up hope of the acquisition (see the oil company analogy) after MultiChoice’s letter to the shareholder confirmed that discussions between the two entities had been going on for well over a year.

“In keeping with its duty to act in the best interests of the company, the board remains open to engage with any party in respect of any offer which is for a fair price and is subject to appropriate conditions. Moreover, it goes without saying that the board will continue to act in accordance with its duties in the applicable provisions of the Takeover Regulations regarding any formal and binding offer.”

Later, MultiChoice confirmed in a separate announcement that Canal+ had upped its total of ordinary shares to 35% from the 31.7% it was last time MultiChoice released the information in July’s 2023 annual fiscal report.

“MultiChoice has filed the required notice with the Takeover Regulation Panel… MultiChoice has also requested the TRP to make a ruling as to whether a mandatory offer must be made to all holders of ordinary shares in the company… A further announcement will be released if there are further developments, it said.

Source

Canal+ already controls a +30% chunk of MultiChoice Group’s equity, according to MultiChoice’s 2023 annual financial report published in July last year. Its stake was bought on the open market over the last three years.

In its non-binding indicative offer, Canal+ has set the potential buyout price at R105/share, a generous R30/share over MultiChoice’s closing share price of R75/share on 31 January 2024. This offer would value MultiChoice at roughly R48 billion.

Canal+ intentions are firm and clear

Before the French media giant can acquire SA’s DStv owner, it has to get the necessary regulatory approval. Considering that South African broadcasting rules prohibit a foreign entity from owning more than 20% of a local broadcaster’s voting rights, it seems like an uphill battle. Bonne chance.

The first hurdle Canal+ will need to clear is for MultiChoice’s board to consider its offer – bonne chance encore.

“Upon the satisfactory completion of a confirmatory due diligence, Canal+ intends to deliver a firm intention letter to the Independent Board. At this stage, there can be no certainty about the progression of the potential offer, nor the terms of any transaction that may occur,” it states in a press release.

“Canal+ is respectful and observant of all laws and regulations relating to the South African media sector and companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Any firm intention letter submitted would be mindful of the obligations that Canal+ would have in this regard,” it continues.

This move follows MultiChoice’s ongoing partnership with Comcast, the largest American multinational telecommunications and media conglomerate, with which it worked closely on the recent relaunch of local video streaming service Showmax.

Read More: Showmax and MTN partner up to launch customer-only data deals

In its letter, Canal+ stated its ambition to “create an African media business with enhanced scale, which can thrive in a competitive international market, better serve its consumers with a world-leading offering of sports, local and global content, and ensure that Africa can tell her story to a global audience on her own terms.”

That sounds like a fantastic idea. We’re sure the bags of money it hopes to accrue don’t hurt either.

Picture this: you’ve just escaped another video meeting marathon, where your ancient laptop’s camera made you look like a pixelated ghost. Fear not, for we’ve uncovered the Logitech C920 webcam. This little dude captures your finest ideas in glorious 1080p.

For those looking to minimise pesky house noises, cue the Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones. Sure, other brands might cost you an arm, a leg, and possibly your firstborn, but Wyze Labs swoops in with a pair that won’t break the bank.

Now, let’s talk about the Google Nest Hub, the (slightly older) smart device that has a voice-activated assistant and a 7in touchscreen. Need to fact-check when Elon Musk became the CEO of Twitter during your coffee break? The Nest Hub is your virtual sidekick for trivia, reminders, and maybe a bit of sneaky YouTube during those “strictly professional” work hours.

So, whether you’re optimising your workstation for office small talk or transforming your home office into a productivity fortress, our guide to affordable office tech is your ticket to upgraded work bliss without requiring a multimillion-rand corporate budget.

Logitech C920 Full HD Pro Webcam | R2,100

Zoom meetings are the new water cooler chats, but don’t let pixelated faces be your legacy. Meet the Logitech C920 webcam – a 1080p HD cam that’ll make you the star of every video call. Say goodbye to potato-quality webcams and meet crystal-clear video, autofocus, and light correction. Yup, this is the webcam your colleagues wish they had.

Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones | R1,800

Sure, Bose and Sony make great headphones, but are you willing to sell your kidney for noise cancellation? Enter Wyze Labs, the Robin Hood of headphones. Its noise-cancelling chops won’t break the bank and still deliver top-notch noise-cancellation performance. Block out the chaos of your home office or the coffee shop next door without selling your soul or body parts.

Google Nest Hub (2nd-generation) | R2,600

Google’s Nest Hub is not just a DJ for your work playlist – it’s your office assistant on steroids. From fact-checking to setting workday alarms, this 7-inch touchscreen smart speaker is the Swiss Army knife of assistants – if you’re in the Google ecosystem that is.

Canyon DS-5 Multiport Docking Station | R640

Your sleek laptop might be perfect for coffee shop Instagram posts, but at home, or in the office, it needs a makeover. The Canyon DS-5 docking station is the tool that’ll level up your productivity game. This one will fit most modern Macbooks (with dual USB-C ports). It adds a variety of useful ports that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to, like one USB 3.0 port (5 Gbps), one USB 2.0 port, two HDMI ports with 4K output at 30Hz or Full HD 1080P at60 Hz and an SD-card reader.

Logitech K780 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard | R1,640

Wave goodbye to discomfort with the Logitech K780 wireless keyboard. Ergonomically designed to keep your hands happy, this keyboard offers premium comfort at a fraction of the price of a professional keyboard. It’s compatible with everything from a PC to an iPad and comes with a rubber cradle for mobile devices that sits at the head of the keyboard.

Read More: Upgrade your work: Premium office tech for South Africans

Google Drive Online Cloud Backup | R230/m

In the Wild West of the internet, your data is the sheriff, and Google Drive’s Cloud Backup is the trusted steed. For just under R230 per month, this Google-based backup service ensures your data’s safety without breaking the bank. This option is best suited for those looking to bank 2TB’s worth of data without making use of a physical HDD (even though we’d recommend a physical backup regardless).

Snug 3-in-1 wireless charger stand | R850

Cables be gone! Wireless charging is one of those invisible tech marvels that’ll make your desk look ten times tidier. Priced at just R850, this sleek wireless charger not only boasts minimalist aesthetics but can also charge more than one mobile device at a time if you spring for the add-ons. You’ll have to make sure your devices support wireless charging, of course.

Creative Pebble Speakers | R700

Full surround sound may be overkill for work, but that doesn’t mean you should compromise on audio quality. Enter the Creative Pebble Speakers, priced at just R700. These compact speakers deliver rich audio that punches above their price range. Don’t expect studio-quality audio here – you’re dealing with a sub-R1k pair of blasters here, but it’s perfect for a small or home office.

Not everyone will have the means to, but whether you receive a significant business supplement to buy yourself new gear, or use it as a tax write-off for the home office, there are ways to acquire the newest tech.

That means you can look past the price tag – sometimes it is worth looking at the price tag. But not this time. We’ll look at a variety of gadgets and office tech that will either streamline your workflow or make you look like the coolest minion in the rat race. Things like the full Adobe Acrobat Pro – for what? If you’re not a designer, it’s still worth having access to Adobe Acrobat to sign documents.

We’ll look at the most ergonomic peripherals, desks and even top-of-the-line laptops. So locate your wallet and ready your driveway for deliveries. It’s about to get techy.

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC | R5,260

PDFs are the unsung heroes of the digital world, but editing them can feel like navigating a labyrinth. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC comes in at a whopping R5,260 for a year’s access but allows you to create, edit, review, and secure your PDFs with unmatched power. If you’re hunting for a cheap way to do a similar thing – check out Canva. But we’re in a spending mood.

Xiaomi Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar | R1,060

For those battling the glare of screens and squinting through the haze of reflections, the Xiaomi Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar is your eye-friendly saviour. Priced around R1,060, this device clips onto your monitor, saving precious desk space while illuminating your workspace and saving your eyes. This isn’t essential for a desk setup, but if you’re splurging, definitely opt for one of these.

Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk | R10,000

For the sedentary souls glued to their chairs, meet the Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk – a true game-changer. Priced at R10,000, this desk isn’t just a pretty frame with a bamboo top; it’s the height-adjustable standing desk your body craves. Bid farewell to back pain and embrace the freedom to work standing or sitting. Your body will thank you for this, trust us.

MacBook Pro 14in M2 Pro | R56,000

In the realm of laptops, the MacBook Pro is widely regarded as supreme. Priced around R56,000, this powerhouse is armed with an M2 Pro chip, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. It’s not just a workhorse; it’s a sleek companion for your daily tasks. From word processing to web browsing and basic tasks, to more power-hungry tasks like design or rendering, you’re sorted. You won’t really get anything better for your money if you’re after a do-all workhorse.

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Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse | R1,600

We’ve all seen these vertical peripherals and wondered ‘does it work?’ Well, why not try it out with the Logitech Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse? These guys are designed with natural hand shapes in mind to keep your hands and wrists happy and healthy. It connects via wireless, Bluetooth or something called the Logi Bolt USB receiver. For R1,600 you get quiet clicks, 4 buttons, and hopefully the most comfortable mouse you’ve ever used.

Ergo K860 Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard | R3,800

If you’re after ergonomics, why not go all out? This keyboard is only available as a grey import but offers probably the most ergonomic experience on a keyboard ever. Or that’s what we hope. Here you’re getting a split keyboard design, along with an included wrist rest that claims to offer “over 54% wrist support and reduces wrist flexion by 25%”.

Apple Airpods Max | R6,500

If you’re going to wear over-ear headphones for the serenity and calm, you may as well look cool while doing it. There really isn’t a more stylish set of over-ears than the Apple Airpods Max. Thanks to active noise cancellation and Apple’s custom-built driver, you’re getting great audio quality that’ll make your subordinates come through loud and clear during video calls. They also feature Apple’s head-tracking spatial audio for even more immersion, serenity, and calm.