SA's call center boom meets its biggest threat yet: AI

South Africa’s global business services industry created more than 26,000 net jobs in 2025, with young people and women accounting for much of the growth. But as companies increasingly use AI for customer service, the industry faces a major shift. BPESA CEO Reshni Singh discusses whether AI threatens the jobs boom — or could ultimately create new opportunities.  Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists.  A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”.  Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham  Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk  For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x  Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5  Follow us on social media:  CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.