Future 50: DNA EOR - Taking South African talent to the world without taking South Africans out of South Africa

Founded by Anton van Heerden, DNA EOR enables overseas companies to employ South Africans without first having to establish their own company in the country. DNA EOR acts as the local legal employer, managing employment contracts, payroll, tax and labour compliance, while the international company manages the employee’s day-to-day work. More than 500 South Africans are already employed by DNA on behalf of foreign businesses, giving them the opportunity to gain international experience while continuing to live, spend, pay tax and build their lives in South Africa. For Anton, the business represents the latest chapter in a career that has revolved around people, payroll and technology. Despite spending much of his career in technology, Anton believes strongly that technology should enable human relationships rather than replace them. His lesson for other business owners is to automate what should be automated while protecting the trust, judgement and personal connection that make customers and employees want to stay. Business growth specialist Pavlo Phitidis believes this raises an important question for every business adopting AI and automation: don't simply ask whether something can be automated. Ask what will become better as a result and what human value must remain.