The Angle Podcast

Entrepreneur Marko Stavrou (“the Gen Z guy”) talks about starting Gen Link after a Standard Bank brief to connect young people to the bank’s ecosystem, and how the company has since worked with 50+ clients. He explains why many organisations overlook youth (low current spending power, short-term optimisation), and argues for data-led decisions grounded in direct customer research - using Capitec’s in-branch demand as an example. He details Gen Z channel behaviour (avoid email; view WhatsApp as personal; often don’t see services because of misfit distribution), and describes his team’s creator-driven research platform. On media, Marko outlines why traditional media and conferences still offer credibility/validation versus noisy social channels, and how to help legacy publishers: “TikTokification” - short, engaging video on Instagram/TikTok that links back to articles - plus a positive, authentic storytelling lens. He predicts cross-pollination: investors and execs with visible personal brands, and more leaders documenting their journeys. Chapters / timestamps 00:00 – Intro & summit context 00:45 – Who is Marko? “Gen Z guy,” what Gen Link does 01:25 – Why youth are overlooked (spend now vs long-term) 02:12 – Standard Bank brief → Gen Link’s first contract; 50+ clients since 03:34 – Be data-led; Capitec’s in-branch insight 04:50 – Channel reality: email/WhatsApp avoidance; misfit distribution 05:22 – Creator-driven research platform (banking patterns, targeted reach) 06:02 – Why traditional media still matters (credibility/auditing) 08:41 – Fixing legacy media: short video hooks that link to articles 09:10 – Example: Good Things Guy’s positive, authentic model 10:01 – Cross-pollination: investors with personal brands; optionality for Gen Z 10:57 – Leaders documenting the journey (Alex Hormozi, Steven Bartlett, Adrian Gore) 12:05 – “Don’t sell—document”; why authenticity beats product posts 13:16 – Investing in Gen Z: sponsor and market events to young people 14:26 – Fill the room: get under-30s into conferences 14:53 – Founder content workflow: commentator → creator → outsource 16:10 – Volume vs value; credibility before clickbait 17:54 – Crash course for beginners: pick what you love; personalise; start on LinkedIn/IG 18:26 – Pillar → mined clips; start 1–2 pieces/week; write if you dislike camera 19:27 – Be authentic: talk about what you actually do/care about 20:09 – Origin story & philosophy: independence; self-belief before evidence 20:54 – Close & thanks #TheAnglePodcast #MarkoStavrou #GenZ #YouthMarketing #CreatorEconomy #ContentStrategy #ShortVideo #AudienceDevelopment #BrandBuilding #SouthAfricaMarketing Produced and Published by Submedia.co.za YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

AI must create real value, not just proofs-of-concept. Dr. Mark Nasila explains how FNB’s risk function uses data and AI to stay ahead of evolving regulation and fraud -preventing some R2 billion in losses annually - and why people now make decisions after AI aggregates the evidence (including small language models drafting forensic reports for roughly 220,000 investigations a year). He details how to avoid hallucinations and over-reliance on tools with a clear human-in-the-loop sign-off. From “African AI” as a value-first agenda (health, energy, local constraints) to the industry’s fixation on use cases over end-to-end transformation, Nasila argues the metric that matters is experience and outcomes, not shiny tech. He calls for national focus areas, public–private partnerships, and data sovereignty that controls the AI value chain -“sell intelligence, not raw data” - backed by urgent, coherent AI strategy, not just policy. Chapters / timestamps 00:00 – Intro: role of Chief Data & Analytics Officer (risk, regulation, proactiveness) 01:34 – Regulations as trust & value; automating compliance at scale 03:10 – AI in risk: ~R2 billion fraud prevented; 220k investigations; SLM forensic reports 05:24 – Hallucinations & over-reliance: limits of models; human-in-the-loop sign-off 08:34 – Defining “African AI”: value-first, local problems, infra, skills, ethics 10:53 – Find the right problems: R&D and prioritisation inside firms & government 12:23 – Why most are stuck at POCs; transform processes, not demos 16:16 – “AI washing”: inflated POC claims vs measured, experience-level value 19:23 – National AI policy: prioritise sectors; augment jobs; socio-economic lens 22:42 – People still matter: limits of chatbots/coding; bring humans back where needed 26:04 – Government data, strategy, and global benchmarks (US/EU/China focus & investment) 28:49 – Efficiency examples and why strategy must lead policy 31:07 – AI as geopolitics/industry driver; sovereign AI and owning the value chain 38:06 – Data centres vs sovereignty; “sell intelligence,” protect the pipeline 41:13 – Where to find the books; closing remarks & next steps #TheAnglePodcast #MarkNasila #FNB #AI #FraudPrevention #RiskAnalytics #DataSovereignty #HumanInTheLoop #AfricanAI #AIAtScale Produced and Published by Submedia.co.za YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

Leadership in a disrupted world. Celiwe Ross - South Africa’s first black woman to qualify as a mining engineer reflects on leading through technological change: self-knowledge over fear, community over ego, and why yesterday’s leadership model won’t work when we’re partnering with AI. She shares early underground lessons on teamwork and finding value, then applies those to financial services where leaders must become conversant in AI as roles shift and skills get automated. Ross discusses Old Mutual’s multi-year engagement with the Singularity Summit to catalyse new conversations - from fraud detection to service design with humility - and warns that incumbents who don’t adapt will be disrupted. She argues for reaching younger audiences with future-of-work realism, and suggests more practical support for SMEs. On AI, she’s cautiously optimistic: expect disruption across industries; learn to separate truth from fake; and use tools like Microsoft Copilot/meeting facilitation to stay present while capturing actions. She closes that the next era demands a full shift in leadership - less about technical prowess, more about connecting, challenging ideas, inspiring, empathising, and coaching. Chapters / timestamps 00:00 – Intro & why leadership must change with technology 01:12 – “Do the personal work”: self-knowledge vs fear of the future 02:17 – First black woman mining engineer: early underground lessons 02:25 – Chairlift moment, acceptance, and finding value via planning tools 06:44 – Why a financial-services incumbent engages Singularity Summit 07:55 – What really blocks adoption: fear of the unknown/obsolescence 09:14 – Using fear as a catalyst; be fascinated by the future 10:26 – Partnership approach: bringing 200 staff, cross-level learning 12:34 – Where are the youth? Cost, inclusion, and reaching tweens/teens 14:39 – Community “village” mindset; democratising access as costs fall 17:11 – Entrepreneurship realities; building the muscle to experiment 19:44 – What SMEs actually need: practical AI how-to (prompts, contracts, pitches) 21:20 – Fear and scams narratives; will AI survive hype? 22:01 – 80% possibility lens; truth vs fake; human connection still matters 23:57 – Practical AI at work: Teams + Copilot meeting “facilitator” 25:42 – “Every industry will be disrupted by AI” 26:05 – Hope, community, and building the future we want 26:47 – Does AI require a new kind of leadership? 27:27 – Final view: a full shift—leaders who connect, inspire, coach #TheAnglePodcast #CeliweRoss #Leadership #FutureOfWork #AIDisruption #DigitalTransformation #OldMutual #SMEs #YouthInclusion #southafricabusiness Produced and published by Submedia.co.za YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

Practical AI beats hype. In this Singularity Summit episode of The Angle, Ashley Anthony - co-founder & CEO, Isazi.ai explains how a bootstrapped AI company grew to 110 people by solving specific customer problems first—then choosing the tech. He unpacks Isazi’s first-principles approach - translate business issues into mathematical problems - the pay-on-proof/money-back guarantees that built evangelists, and why South Africa’s advanced banking & supply chains made it a strong testbed long before global expansion. Ashley introduces two products: Hudson — a data river engine for cleaning, preparing, predicting, and optimising; e.g., forecasting thousands of SKUs and optimising distribution. Sophia — end-to-end document automation using multiple LLMs plus a human-in-the-loop layer (crowdsourced micro-tasks to unemployed youth) to eliminate low-confidence extractions and run high-volume processing. He closes with a founder’s mindset: curiosity beats tools; define the question, read widely, and let math + execution do the work. Chapters / timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:40 – “Practical applications of AI” & Isazi’s bootstrapped origin story 02:46 – Team size (110), global footprint, and problem-first market view 04:40 – How bootstrapping shaped guarantees & customer evangelists 06:38 – First principles: understand the problem; be tool-agnostic 08:35 – Why South Africa (banks, supply chains) enabled scaling 09:44 – Market realities, red tape, and focusing on practical value 13:10 – Business model: ~30% consulting, ~70% product licensing 14:09 – Hudson: data “river” → clean, predict, optimise (SKU forecasting example) 16:10 – Sophia: LLM document automation + human-in-the-loop micro-jobs 17:46 – Data stance: no customer data ownership; cloud or on-prem options 18:45 – On AI fear & adoption: “that debate is over” 21:25 – “Africa has broken the border”: solve problems with what you have 22:30 – Misprioritised AI (chatbots) vs real ROI (revenue up or cost down) 24:52 – Curiosity story (library metaphor): ask better questions, learn faster 29:56 – Goal: solve a client problem in one week; push toward one day 31:32 – Why mathematical thinking is the edge (team & approach) 32:38 – Close #TheAnglePodcast #AshleyAnthony #IsaziAI #PracticalAI #AIROI #DocumentAutomation #HumanInTheLoop #SupplyChain #DataEngineering #SouthAfricaTech Produced and published by Submedia.co.za YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

Keep African agency in AI - that’s the through-line of Prof. Vukosi Marivate’s talk. Don’t outsource the future, build it locally. He points to a decade of grassroots work (Data Science Africa, Deep Learning Indaba, Masakhane) and argues for a full ecosystem: fundamental researchers, model builders, product teams, and real markets to test and absorb what’s built. He stresses R&D investment (AU benchmark 1% of GDP; SA ~0.6% after a corporate pullback from ~0.8% pre-COVID), and the role both government and corporates must play. Language is a priority - with 2000+ African languages, we need digital dictionaries, speech recognition, and NLP tools that actually work for our context, otherwise Africa stays a consumer, not a creator. He explains why bias can’t be “fine-tuned out” of large models after the fact; you need better representation from the ground up. He also outlines the technical and data hurdles for LLMs in morphologically rich languages like isiZulu. Chapters / timestamps 00:00 – Intro & “latest iteration” of his message 00:36 – Key takeaway: Africans must keep agency in AI; grassroots orgs to engage 01:23 – What a healthy African AI ecosystem includes (research → product → market) 03:46 – R&D funding realities: AU 1% benchmark; SA numbers; corporate role 06:19 – Market potential vs perceptions; demographics and opportunity 06:46 – 2000+ languages: designing systems that meet people where they are 08:35 – Why language matters: NLP journey, lack of tools, activism for languages 10:38 – Build locally vs being only consumers; multinationals without R&D offices 11:07 – Tanzania example: low-power, low-connectivity edge ML for farmers 13:59 – LLM challenges for African languages (data quality, morphology, encodings) 17:36 – Skills roadmap: read papers, implement, solid data/computing fundamentals 20:09 – Dev example: TTS trained on religious texts—limits and pitfalls 20:56 – Practical advice: use general-purpose/open datasets; improve with limited data 22:25 – Resource-efficient AI; Lab by AI speech/translation; API access notes 23:57 – What’s next: building traction; new Institute for Data Science & AI (UVic) 24:46 – For AI skeptics: get literate; understand benefits/risks; ask better questions 25:21 – Close #TheAnglePodcast #VukosiMarivate #AfricanAI #AIAgency #NLP #AfricanLanguages #BiasInAI #EdgeAI #RAndD #BuildInAfrica Produced and Published by Submedia.co.za YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

How do you build AI that serves profit and purpose—without causing unintended harm? In this episode of The Angle, Atenkosi Ngubevana - Group AI & Automation lead at Vodacom unpacks a values-first approach to AI: design for inclusive growth, embed ethical data stewardship, and measure impact beyond demos. We get into why many corporates stall after flashy PoCs, how quality data and real digital-transformation work unlock scale, and why startups can leapfrog incumbents with speed, open source, and focused ecosystems. We discuss personalised sales, fraud detection, and what changes with the gen-AI hype cycle. The headline: the tech is not the value—data, processes, and change management are. Policy and power come up too - South Africa’s AI regulation is lagging; the urgent work is ethical guardrails and data sovereignty (who holds which citizen data, to what ends?). Atenkosi helped set the tone for a national AI strategy - from infrastructure ownership and governance to public-private upskilling partnerships - so we dig into what “sovereign AI” should mean here. What you’ll learn -How to frame AI around values, inclusion, and measurable impact, not hype. -Why data quality + transformation (people/process) decide adoption at scale. -Where startups beat incumbents: speed, open source, specialist ecosystems. -The state of AI regulation, ethical AI, and data stewardship in SA. -National AI strategy pillars and public and private roles in skills. -Purpose pilots: AI tutor & career guidance with health/education partners. Subscribe for more conversations on Africa’s digital future—where systems, incentives, and execution matter more than slogans. Chapters: 00:00 – Cold open & intro 00:11 – Values before tools: building AI that doesn’t cause unintended harm 01:34 – Atenkosi’s role + Vodacom AI Lab: profit and purpose pillars (education, health, water) 03:20 – Why PoCs wow but scale stalls: data quality, transformation, change management 04:04 – From ML to gen-AI: what actually changed (and what didn’t) 08:22 – Startups vs incumbents: renovate the mansion or build the glass house? 10:25 – Speed, open source, outsourcing cybersecurity, and thinking global from day one 14:38 – Using scale without killing innovation: external partners, “David & Goliath” logic 17:12 – M&A realities, Competition Commission guardrails, and consumer protection 21:19 – Are we regulating AI well? Ethical AI, data sovereignty, POPIA limits 24:41 – Incentives over excuses: SARS as a working ML example; why will matters 27:24 – Infusing AI in purpose work: AI tutor and career-guidance pilots with partners 31:07 – Inside SA’s national AI strategy: infrastructure, governance, partnerships, skills 33:23 – Implementing the strategy: corporate lessons for a sovereign AI agenda 34:59 – Public–private complementarity: upskilling, incentives, and execution gaps 36:39 – Close & credits #TheAnglePodcast #AtenkosiNgubevana #AI #DigitalTransformation #EthicalAI #DataSovereignty #POPIA #OpenSource #AfricaInnovation #sovereignai Produced and Published by Submedia.co.za YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

When safety tech looks like jewellery, victims gain time, evidence - and options. In this episode of The Angle, Bohlale Mphahlele breaks down the story behind her discreet, safety wearable: an earring with a hidden trigger and nano-camera that captures the perpetrator’s face, records audio, and sends GPS + evidence to trusted contacts in seconds. We go deep on South Africa’s GBV reality and why evidence at the moment of harm can change outcomes - from getting help faster to supporting prosecutions. On the path to scale, she shares the pilot roadmap (schools, campuses, nightlife venues), partnerships with campus security/SAPS-linked victim support, manufacturing choices, and the business model mix. For founders, there’s practical advice on user testing trauma-aware products, funding (grants vs equity), and how to frame impact with hard metrics. If you care about safety tech, women’s health, and product design for real constraints, this conversation is essential. Chapters & Timestamps: 00:00 – Cold open: why evidence in the moment matters 00:48 – Origin story: from problem statement to a discreet safety wearable 02:00 – How the earring works (panic trigger, nano-camera, GPS, auto-share) 04:15 – Prototyping trade-offs: battery, sensors, comfort, and stealth 06:10 – Data & privacy by design: encryption, consent, and chain of custody 08:05 – Low-connectivity playbook: offline buffers, retries, and SMS fallbacks 10:00 – Trials & user testing: trauma-aware research and false-positive reduction 12:20 – Partners & policy: campuses, SAPS-linked support, legal admissibility 14:10 – Manufacturing & cost curve: from small batch to scalable production 16:05 – Business model: hardware pricing, evidence-vault subscription, sponsorships 18:00 – Scaling across Africa: context differences, distribution, local support 19:10 – Founder playbook: funding, metrics that matter, and what’s next #TheAnglePodcast #BohlaleMphahlele #SafetyTech #WomensSafety #GBV #Wearables #ResponsibleAI #DataPrivacy #AfricaInnovation #JohannesburgTech Produced and published by Submedia.co.za YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

Modernisation fails when it’s led by tools instead of strategy. In this episode of The Angle, Valter Adao breaks down how he and Cadena Growth Partners approach growth and modernisation: start with a clear business ambition, define the value you want (growth, productivity, experience), and only then pick technology and vendors. His data point is stark: plenty of programmes ship “on time, on budget”… yet fewer than a third actually unlock the promised ROI - because they were tech-first, not strategy-first. We also dig into why adding constraints makes innovation work, how to spot healthy leadership signals, and the right capital–policy mix to let private investment flow. Finally: the real meaning of the Engels/AI pause—and why so many firms are stuck in theatre instead of impact. What you’ll learn: A practical sequence for modernisation (ambition - value - tech) and why leadership beats tooling. How deliberate constraints (scope, timelines, KPIs, budgets) turn “idea fairs” into value. The gladiator traits Valter hires for: agency, resilience, adult problem-solving - and why a constantly “too busy” C-suite is a red flag. Strategy before regulation - and the rails policy must lay to attract investment and protect property rights. Why South Africa’s AI trust & adoption are surprisingly high, average time online is 9h37m/day, and how to turn usage into productivity. The real AI/Engels pause: lots of pilots, little P&L movement - because firms chased “AI projects” instead of business cases. Chapters and Timecodes: 00:00 – Cold open: long-form vs short-form, how audiences really consume 01:32 – Formats that teach vs doom-scrolling (and where TikTok fits) 03:15 – Valter’s brief: growth + modernisation are leadership problems, not tech problems 03:43 – Cadena’s two tracks: repackaging legacy for new markets; modernising the core 04:50 – Why fewer than 30% of modernisation efforts deliver promised ROI (tech-first traps) 06:55 – The “fluency gap”: building an executive academy for better decisions 07:33 – Counterintuitive truth: more constraints → better innovation outcomes 08:08 – Designing constraints: value, timeline, scope, KPIs, and budget discipline 10:40 – Operating across 17 African countries: patterns of high-growth firms 11:11 – Utility first, then tech; unreasonable product expectations the tech must meet 13:24 – Leadership signals: clear decisions, governance, teams that actually own problems 15:09 – The “too busy” CEO as a diagnostic for organisational dysfunction 16:40 – Regulation as rails: how policy enables investment and protects property rights 18:39 – Strategy → regulation sequencing; anchor on jobs & growth, digitise to compete 20:03 – Industry-agnostic by design; cross-pollinating models (prepaid → energy) 22:16 – Tech augments humans: fear vs the “rock-breaker” productivity effect 27:02 – SA optimism, partnership mindset, and public–private execution gaps 31:01 – Where AI sits on the hype/maturity curve (and why AVs are further along) 32:51 – SA doesn’t lag when tech is mature; infra limits vs corporate capability 33:57 – SA’s high AI trust/adoption + 9h37m online: leapfrog potential if harnessed 37:08 – Engels/AI pause: stuck in demos because business cases came last 39:47 – From pilots to P&L: embed AI where it moves revenue, cost, or experience 40:28 – Closing: strategy first, then technology—no silver bullets #TheAnglePodcast, #ValterAdao, #DigitalTransformation, #StrategyOverTech, #AIROI, #PNLImpact, #Leadership, #Innovation, #ChangeManagement, #SouthAfricaBusiness, #DataStrategy, #productivity Produced and published by Submedia.co.za YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

How do you build and back winning companies in Africa when capital is scarce, risk is mispriced, and every market behaves differently? In this episode of The Angle, interviewed during the Singularity Summit in October, investor Kojo Annan unpacks the hard truths (and real opportunities) behind scaling on the continent. We go deep on the global financial architecture and Africa’s baked-in “risk premium,” why a local mission with a global vision beats copy-pasting Silicon Valley playbooks, and what he calls the “gladiator test” for founders - resilience and endurance over résumé sheen. We talk thesis vs. reality - what investors say they want vs. who actually gets funded; how to design country-specific strategies; building the right capital stack (grants, revenue, debt, equity) for African conditions; and the underrated role of the diaspora pipeline in seeding the next wave of operators and capital allocators. If you’re a founder, investor, or policymaker trying to separate perception from facts, this conversation is a practical field guide. What’s inside: The “danger premium” myth and why Africa’s risk is often mispriced How local constraints (logistics, compliance, FX, power) shape winning strategies The gladiator founder: what Kojo Annan actually screens for beyond the deck Why not every Wall Street/Big Tech playbook ports to Lagos or Joburg Building momentum without mega-checks: revenue, partnerships, and smart debt Diaspora talent as accelerant: training abroad, building at home Concrete advice on storytelling, diligence, and country fit to raise capital TIMESTAMPS: 00:22 – Intro: who Kojo is & why his lens matters 02:01 – Origin story: operator to investor (and what changed) 05:13 – The “risk premium” myth: global finance & Africa’s mispricing 06:33 – Strategy 101: local mission, (maybe) global vision 08:25 – The “gladiator” test: what Kojo really looks for in founders 11:10 – Markets aren’t the same: Joburg is not Lagos is not Accra 13:45 – Capital stacks that work here (revenue, debt, equity, grants) 16:20 – Due diligence vs. perception: what investors actually check 18:40 – Sectors with signal: (context-specific examples, not templates) 20:55 – Policy & partnerships: when government helps (or hurts) 22:17 – The diaspora pipeline: why returnees are catalytic 24:50 – Story, numbers, traction: how to pitch for this market 27:35 – Founder advice: survive long enough to be obvious 30:02 – Closing notes & where to find Kojo Subscribe for more candid conversations on Africa’s digital future—where systems and execution matter more than slogans. #TheAnglePodcast #KojoAnnan #AfricaStartups #RaisingCapital #RiskPremium #InvestorPlaybook #DiasporaTalent #SmartDebt #CountryFit #ScaleInAfrica Produced and published by Submedia.co.za YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we sit down with a leading voice in risk, innovation, sustainability and socio-economic transformation Khothatso Nzimande-Manana and her daughter Masentle. From her early career in insurance to leading risk at Media24 and now building a climate-tech company, she breaks down South Africa’s biggest sustainability challenges and the opportunities we’re missing. We explore the real state of climate change preparation in South Africa, how companies still treat sustainability as a checklist, and why local innovators must take the lead in building our own data, systems, and technologies. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Her Journey Into Risk & Sustainability Why SA Lacks Local Sustainability & Climate-Tech Players The Green Transition & Opportunities for South Africans Risk Assessment in Big Companies Why SA Is Reactive About Climate Change The Social Side of Sustainability And Why It Fails Are We Assessing Climate Change Risks Properly? Building a Climate-Tech Company in South Africa Their New Product: The ESG Tracker If you care about: Climate change in South Africa, Sustainability, ESG and green jobs, African innovation, Risk, governance & inequality, Building local tech solutions …then this episode is for you. YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

What’s the point of free speech if it never challenges the status quo? In this episode of The Angle, we sit down with Penuel Lungelo Mlotshwa (aka The Black Pen) to unpack his philosophy of “Penuelism” - own your mind, choose value over money, build community, and think with a foreigner’s mindset. We go deep on the tension between freedom of speech and social responsibility, why he believes South Africa’s education system is misaligned with reality, and his controversial claim that “small business is a scam” - not because entrepreneurship has no value, but because the environment, regulation, and capital stack often throttle true scalability. In this conversation: - The origin story of The Black Pen & how podcasting became his classroom - First principles: own your mind, value ≠ money, community, immigrant mindset - Education fix: real-world skills, apprenticeships, and measuring purpose (ikigai) - Independence debate: when should kids earn freedom & responsibility? - BEE, grants & procurement: what worked, what failed, what’s salvageable - SMEs vs scale: why most should pursue skills + intrapreneurship inside big firms - How SA actually grows: talent pipelines, big-company absorption, and honest trade-offs We also get practical about the creator economy and media craft: how to title without lying, when to fight misinformation on air vs. in post, which metrics actually matter (CTR, AVD, retention), and how to build trust while still playing the algorithmic game. Penuel’s through-line is uncomfortable but useful: scale comes from systems, not slogans - so upgrade skills, leverage large firms, and build communities that outlive trends. If you care about education, entrepreneurship, policy, and independent media, this is a sharp, necessary listen. Chapters - Timecodes 0:00 – Cold open & intro 0:24 – Name origins (Penuel, Lungelo) & “The Black Pen” 1:47 – From sketch artist to rapper to publisher to podcaster 4:49 – Labels & backlash: freedom of speech vs social responsibility 5:35 – Where Penuel draws the line (law, morality, consequences) 7:38 – “I’m not a role model” & living with consequences 9:38 - Penuelism: own your mind, value does not equal money, community, immigrant mindset 12:22 – A “school of Penuelism”? Church, school, or apprenticeships 14:11 – Curriculum for kids: real-life case studies, purpose (ikigai), algorithms 19:50 – Should 8-year-olds earn independence? The competency debate 22:36 – State dependency: history, welfare, incentives & responsibility 26:21 – BEE unpacked: ownership, procurement, skills — what worked & what didn’t 31:59 – Skills development vs what the economy actually needs 35:50 – (Coders don’t @ me) What’s essential in a 2nd/3rd-world context 36:01 – “Economic conscription”: national skills onboarding after school 37:16 – Existing youth programs & what’s missing in real transfer 40:03 – Kids need wonder *and* work: practical skills vs “let children be children” 41:12 – Can small firms scale? Skills, capital & regulation realities 42:56 – “Small business is a scam” (provocation explained) 49:15 – Language, mental health & the mythologising of startups 51:10 – Clickbait vs truth: getting attention without losing integrity 52:13 – The real message behind the SME provocation 56:49 – Run a clean business… and the hard truth about scale & capital origins 58:46 – Advice to The Angle: travel, cross-border guests, smart hooks 59:33 – Ten-year vision: disrupt education, build outside the state, strengthen community 1:07:36 – Closing: like, subscribe & build the ecosystem Subscribe for more conversations on Africa’s digital future. Audio + clips on our other channels soon. Published and distributed by Submedia.co.za #TheAnglePodcast #Penuel #TheBlackPen #Penuelism #SouthAfricanEconomy #EducationReform #SMEs #BEE #Entrepreneurship #SkillsDevelopment The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

What if South African kids could fall in love with learning again? In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we sit down with Nkululeko Sedibe, founder of iNKULU Creative and Tech Agency, to explore how his team is reimagining digital education through a product called WonderBooks—a playful, tech-powered platform that brings school content to life through animation, gamification, and local storytelling. Nkululeko shares how WonderBooks was born from frustration with dull textbooks, and how he bootstrapped his way through market resistance, product pivots, and the mental weight of trying to build something that matters with very limited resources. This isn’t just a startup story. It’s about building wonder into everyday learning. It’s about making content so engaging that kids don’t even realise they’re studying. It’s about reclaiming attention—not through manipulation, but through joy. We discuss: -Why most edtech solutions fail to reach African learners -What it takes to design experiences that feel “cool” but teach effectively -The problem with waiting for markets to catch up -Why black kids deserve stories that make them feel something -The mental toll of building a business when the ecosystem isn’t built for you Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, teacher, or parent, this episode will leave you rethinking what education could look like on this continent. 0:00 – Intro: Meet Nkululeko Sedibe 1:05 – How WonderBooks came to life 3:37 – Turning smartphones into learning tools 4:49 – Creating curiosity through digital storytelling 6:40 – Early product development and feedback 10:20 – Facing rejection in the early market 14:32 – "Dragging the market forward" 18:15 – Pivoting WonderBooks to serve schools 21:45 – Designing learning to feel like music 29:08 – The value of mentors and networks 30:45 – “Move at the speed doubt can’t catch you” 35:21 – Why black kids deserve wonder 38:00 – Final reflections and future vision #TheAnglePodcast, #WonderBooks, #NkululekoSedibe, #EdTechAfrica, #DigitalLearning, #GamifiedEducation, #AfricanInnovation, #YouthDevelopment, #iNKULUCreative YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

What happens when a theatre-maker becomes the festival director of Africa’s leading digital innovation festival? In this episode of The Angle, Alby Michaels takes us inside Fak’ugesi 2025: why the festival is decentralising back into the city, how the new showcase puts African immersive work at the centre, and why themes like ancestral intelligence and data sovereignty aren’t buzzwords—but a blueprint for building a sustainable digital ecosystem. We dig into: -How Fak’ugesi now doubles as incubator + accelerator for African creators -The case for awards that build legacy (with entries from 25 African countries) -The hard truth about funding cuts, and why a commercial layer (think “trade-floor meets festival”) could future-proof the scene -Why a central repository of African immersive works matters, and what it would take to make it real -Practical entry points for founders, students, curators and partners who want to plug in If you care about XR/VR, gaming, animation, digital art, or the policy + funding structures that make creative tech possible in Africa—this conversation is your map. 0:00 – Intro: Why Alby took the job (and the stress of festival week) 1:14 – From actor/director to digital festival director (UJ, BASA, producing & strategy) 2:15 – Why tech + storytelling: “my toy chest exploded” 3:30 – What’s new at Fak’ugesi 2025: decentralising into the city (Wits Digital Dome, Origin Centre) 4:37 – Step Inside Our Stories – showcasing African immersive content & business models 4:58 – Ancestral Intelligence (not AI): values, symbolism, and creative evolution at Origin Centre 7:28 – What Fak’ugesi actually does: incubate, accelerate, showcase, and build community 9:15 – Festival as community builder: animation, gaming, XR and peer-to-peer exchange 11:34 – Pre- vs post-Covid: why block parties paused, why funding now prioritises content & exchange 13:47 – Awards matter (and why they’re always political): building legacy for African digital work 15:00 – How submissions/jury work; 94 entries from 25 African countries in 2025 18:36 – Do awards still matter? Recognition, discovery, visibility 20:54 – Theme: “Power Up” — surge of ideas, ownership, and continental energy 22:40 – Data sovereignty: creating African data points, from talk to action 25:00 – Why a central repository/library for African immersive work is hard (funding + hosting) 27:56 – What funders get: visibility, ecosystem-building, premier African digital festival 30:02 – How this all gets made: passion, partnerships, “gaffer tape and a dream” 31:17 – Should the festival add a commercial layer? (Decorex/Comic Con-style trade floor) 33:49 – Vision: multi-floor expo (talks + stalls + commissions) to drive sustainability 35:00 – ROI, audience growth, and funder value—why scale unlocks resilience 39:10 – Programme highlights: Fak’ugesi Pro, dome climate justice experiences, family day, Jozi Game Fest pop-up 40:11 – Why you should be there: the network, the zeitgeist, the community 40:27 – Ticketing: from R40; family package with shuttle between Dome → Origin Centre → Sci-Bono 41:34 – Wrap: “See you at Fak’ugesi YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we dive into the mind of Kim Chulu Amina, a Johannesburg-based designer, gamification expert, and founder of Mind City — a platform that fuses interactive learning with real-world development in a way most edtech startups haven’t figured out yet. Kim walks us through his origin story: growing up drawing comics, hacking together video games, and eventually stepping into the world of UX and product design — not through a traditional path, but by building solutions and learning on the fly. It’s a journey marked by bold ideas, tough failures, and a stubborn refusal to design anything that doesn’t serve real people with real needs. We talk about: -What true gamification looks like (hint: it’s not badges and leaderboards) -Why most South African startups collapse — and what that says about our ecosystem -How Mind City is helping learners and workers build soft skills that are usually ignored in tech-driven education -The danger of solving problems too late in the design process -Why good UX isn’t just aesthetics — it’s about dignity, agency, and survival Kim also shares honest reflections on the startup world: the funding gaps, the performative pitch culture, and why too many innovations are rushed into the market with no grounding in user experience. This isn’t just a conversation about design. It’s about how we prepare people to thrive — in the workplace, in their communities, and in a world that increasingly demands adaptability, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving. 0:00 – Intro to Kim Chulu 1:00 – From comic books to UX/UI and gamification 6:00 – First design gig and entrepreneurial mindset 10:00 – Defining interactive design and early experiments 15:00 – The philosophy behind user-centered innovation 20:00 – Mind City: A learning and development platform 25:00 – Gamification for soft skills & career readiness 33:00 – Why most startups fail in South Africa 38:00 – Gamification done wrong in education 45:00 – Fixing problems too late: A design problem 52:00 – Coaching, funding loopholes & startup realities 55:00 – Final reflections and call for a round two #TheAnglePodcast #KimChulu #Gamification #MindCity #EdTechAfrica #UXDesign #StartupFailure #AfricanInnovation #DigitalLearning #SoftSkills YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle, we talk to Rick Treweek, a Cape Town-based immersive artist and technologist best known as MetaRick, about what it means to build meaningful digital spaces in an often overhyped VR ecosystem. From early game development to pioneering virtual performances in Uncanny Alley, Rick has helped position South Africa within the global immersive media landscape — including a nomination at the Raindance Immersive Awards. We explore the tension between open creativity and corporate ownership of platforms, the unique cultural barriers facing African creators, and why avatars might offer more human intimacy than social media ever could. Rick also reflects on the burnout of building VR without funding, his work with Eden Labs, and how experimental theatre can thrive in virtual spaces if we let it. If you care about creative technology, digital freedom, or storytelling beyond the screen, this one’s for you. Chapter Timecodes: 00:00 – Intro & Rick’s VR persona 02:00 – Growing up offline and discovering tech late 04:00 – What is Uncanny Alley? 06:30 – Collaborating with Ferryman Collective for Raindance 09:00 – Storytelling as resistance in the metaverse 11:00 – Ownership, open-source tools & platform risks 14:00 – Building South Africa’s VR community (MVC SA) 18:00 – Cultural gaps: avatars, adoption & funding 22:00 – The metaverse hype cycle (and crash) 25:00 – What’s holding African VR back 27:00 – Electric South & the importance of immersive labs 30:00 – Eden Labs & curating immersive exhibitions 34:00 – Translating Mary Sibande’s work into VR 38:00 – Preserving & archiving digital worlds 41:00 – Why old VR works disappear & can’t be replayed 45:00 – Building therapeutic worlds (for autistic kids) 49:00 – What it takes to build in VR (Unity, Unreal, budgets) 52:00 – VR as social media with human intimacy 55:00 – Final thoughts & MetaRick’s links #VRTheatre, #ImmersiveStorytelling, #VirtualReality, #RaindanceImmersive, #OpenMetaverse, #DigitalPerformance, #SouthAfricanCreators, #TheAnglePodcast, #MetaRick, #CreativeTechnology YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle, we talk to South African actor and immersive performer Marinda Botha about her journey from traditional theatre and voice acting to global VR stages like Raindance and SXSW. With more than two decades in stage performance, Marinda is now one of the leading voices in live virtual theatre — a niche within a niche — where actors perform in immersive digital spaces like Resonite and VRChat. We explore the evolution of her career, the technical realities of putting on a virtual show, and the philosophical tension between access, liveness, and preservation. From Alien Rescue to Symbiosis/Dysbiosis, Marinda unpacks the craft of creating interactive storytelling worlds — and what’s needed for this work to thrive in South Africa. Whether you're into VR, performance, or just curious about the future of live entertainment — this is a must-listen. Chapters / Timecodes: 00:00 – Intro & Marinda’s background 03:45 – From theatre to VR: how it started 06:10 – Alien Rescue: 100+ live shows in VR 09:30 – The process: scripting, worldbuilding, blocking 13:10 – Platforms: why she works in Resonite 15:30 – Audience reactions & what immersion really feels like 18:40 – Can VR Theatre ever be financially sustainable? 22:00 – Theatre vs. VR: coexistence, not competition 25:00 – Discoverability and archiving in VR 28:30 – The case for collaboration with movie theatres 30:10 – Access, hardware, and the African context 32:00 – Advice for South African creators 34:45 – Streaming podcast episodes inside virtual worlds? 35:30 – What’s next: Raindance, SXSW & beyond #VRTheatre, #ImmersiveStorytelling, #VirtualReality, #RaindanceImmersive, #LivePerformance, #CreativeTechnology, #Resonite, #DigitalTheatre, #TheAnglePodcast, #SouthAfricanCreators YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle, we speak with Brendan Fernandez, founder of Grand African Innovative Technologies, about the realities of building digital tools for the public good. His work spans civic tech, industrial AI, and IoT but it’s grounded in a belief that solving local problems can be profitable, scalable, and impactful. We explore how he launched South Africa’s first digital landfill monitoring system, how he’s using predictive maintenance tech in the mining sector, and how his startup has grown from a solo hustle into a multi-project business that still keeps its public mission intact. Brendan also reflects on: Why working with government is frustrating but necessary What it really takes to survive as a founder in South Africa Why civic tech needs to get out of the pilot trap How small interventions like digitizing landfill data can unlock major budget savings It’s a conversation about grit, trust, and building useful technology in a country that desperately needs it. Chapters and Timecodes: 0:00 – Intro & “Doing Well by Doing Good” 2:00 – What Grand African Innovative Technologies Does 5:00 – Building Alone and Bringing in Talent 8:30 – How Government Grants Helped Them Start 11:00 – COVID-19 Contact Tracing Innovation 14:30 – Civic Tech & Social Impact: Why It Matters 18:00 – Youth Innovation Gaps & Access Barriers 21:00 – Smart City Challenge & Piloting with Pick It Up 25:00 – Building a Landfill Data System 33:00 – Automating Waste Billing and Fighting Revenue Loss 40:00 – Environmental “Angels” and Recycling Realities 48:00 – The High Cost of Delayed Government Payments 52:00 – Applying Tech to Mining: Predictive Maintenance & AI 1:00:00 – Working with OEMs and Building Relationships 1:05:00 – Advice for Entrepreneurs: Don’t Give Up #CivicTech #SouthAfricaStartups #DigitalInnovation #GovTech #SmartCities #AIinAfrica #SocialImpact #EntrepreneurshipZA #TheAnglePodcast #TechForGood YouTube · Substack

Can tech help formalize the informal economy? In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we sit down with tech founder Xolile Xaba, who built the "Car Park" and "Car Park Payments" apps—tools designed to help users locate their cars and seamlessly tip car guards. Xolile shares his journey from coding his first app in just two weeks (which shot to #1 on Google Play) to tackling logistical challenges like onboarding informal workers without bank accounts. We dive into the mechanics of his app, the ethics of digital payments, and how technology can elevate and legitimise overlooked sectors. Topics Covered: -Building a top-ranking app with zero capital -Creating financial tools for car guards -The challenges of onboarding in the informal sector -Why scaling isn’t just technical—it’s social -Navigating compliance, funding, and fintech ethics Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Meet Xolile Xaba 02:00 – Creating the Car Park app 05:00 – The birth of Car Park Payments 08:30 – Logistics: bank accounts, onboarding, QR codes 13:00 – Scaling challenges and mall partnerships 18:00 – The 80/20 revenue model 22:00 – Funding: the right money vs. bad money 30:00 – Xolile’s journey from BCom Law to tech 36:00 – Lessons from building a news app 43:00 – Formalising the informal sector 52:00 – Compliance issues and app store policies 56:00 – Final reflections and advice to developers #Fintech #AfricanInnovation #InformalEconomy #TechForGood #StartupStories #CarParkPayments #MobileApps #DigitalInclusion #TheAnglePodcast YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

How much of South Africa’s digital future is really in its own hands? And what happens when civic tech depends on foreign platforms? In this closing episode of The Angle’s civic tech series, we speak with Gabriella Razzano, Executive Director at OpenUp and a leading voice in digital rights, governance, and civic innovation. From digital colonialism to the realities of data extractivism, Gabriella breaks down the geopolitical forces that shape civic space — from platform dependence to investment bias. We talk about what African innovation actually looks like, how to build meaningful community tech, and why data isn’t neutral—it’s power. We explore: -Why less than 1% of global AI investment reaches Africa -The difference between owning data and extracting value from it -Why revenue-driven civic tech is needed to build strong institutions -How the G20 and BRICS influence Africa’s regulatory future -The power of context, not code, in building civic products that last This is a thought-provoking, high-level conversation that brings the entire series full circle—from local innovation to global influence. This is part of a limited podcast series titled “The Digital Future of South Africa – Navigating Power, Policy, and Progress” in association with the Wits School of Governance, Tayarisha, and the Civic Tech Innovation Network. 00:00 – Intro: Digital power, global rivalry & civic space 02:00 – What is digital colonialism? 05:00 – Data extractivism & Big Tech’s role in Africa 09:00 – China vs. US: Competing tech models 12:00 – Where SA’s policy model fits (or doesn’t) 16:00 – Why owning data ≠ using data 20:00 – Platform dependence and shrinking civic space 23:30 – Reimagining civic tech from the grassroots 27:00 – Tech’s role in enabling (not replacing) civic action 30:00 – Opportunities for young civic tech creators 33:00 – The real investment problem in African innovation 36:00 – Revenue-first vs. grant-funded models for civic tech 40:00 – South Africa in the G20 and BRICS: Influence or inertia? 43:00 – Final thoughts on African digital sovereignty #DigitalGovernance #CivicTech #AfricaDigitalFuture #TechAndPolicy #DigitalInclusion #InnovationInAfrica #PlatformPower #SmartCitiesAfrica #DataSovereignty #TheAnglePodcast YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

South Africa’s G20 presidency presents a rare opportunity to put Africa’s digital future on the global agenda. But is it just symbolic — or can it lead to real change? In this episode of The Angle, we sit down with Dr. Mzukisi Qobo, former head of Wits School of Governance and current Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organisation, to unpack the real stakes of this global moment. From the AI for Africa Initiative to the challenges of data sovereignty, high data costs, and low digital literacy, Dr. Qobo outlines what South Africa must prioritise—and where African innovators, entrepreneurs, and civic tech builders can seize the moment. We discuss: -Why global supply chains, AI, and digital trade need African voices -How to reduce device and data costs for real inclusion -What’s holding back data centers and fintech on the continent -The role of diaspora, public-private partnerships, and government-backed venture capital This is a conversation about digital ambition, geopolitical realism, and what kind of infrastructure (human and technical) we need to build now if we want to lead—not just participate—in the digital economy. *This is part of a limited podcast series titled “The Digital Future of South Africa – Navigating Power, Policy, and Progress” in association with the Wits School of Governance, Tayarisha, and the Civic Tech Innovation Network. 00:00 – Intro: South Africa's G20 presidency—why it matters 02:00 – Explaining the G20 to a new generation 04:00 – Africa’s digital lag and what SA wants to spotlight 06:30 – AI, data centers, and missed opportunities 10:00 – What “data sovereignty” really means for Africa 14:00 – The gap between digital optimism and infrastructure reality 18:00 – Can we do more than talk? What the presidency can unlock 22:00 – Lessons from India’s digital villages & public WiFi 26:00 – Advice to digital entrepreneurs: stop chasing Silicon Valley 30:00 – What’s holding SA’s startups back? 34:00 – Diaspora capital and de-risking innovation 37:00 – Education, coding, design, and the future of digital literacy 42:00 – Fintech, inclusion, and township innovation 44:30 – Reflections on South Africa’s global standing #DigitalGovernance #CivicTech #AfricaDigitalFuture #TechAndPolicy #DigitalInclusion #InnovationInAfrica #PlatformPower #SmartCitiesAfrica #DataSovereignty #TheAnglePodcast YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

What makes a smart city truly smart? Is it the tech—or the trust behind it? In this episode of The Angle, we speak with Dr. Thomas Linder, Senior Coordinator at Open North and Lecturer in Responsible AI at Concordia University, to explore the promises and perils of smart cities in the African context. From Toronto’s failed Sidewalk Labs experiment to the hidden costs of digital public infrastructure, Dr. Linder unpacks what it takes to build cities that are both digitally advanced and socially just. We go deep into issues of data protection, vendor capture, platform dependence, surveillance risks, and the true meaning of citizen-first design in an era of rapid digital transformation. Whether you care about digital voting, AI in public services, or urban inequality, this is a must-listen conversation that cuts through the hype and asks the right questions: + Who owns the data? + Who controls the tools? + Who gets left behind? This is part of a limited podcast series titled “The Digital Future of South Africa – Navigating Power, Policy, and Progress” in association with the Wits School of Governance, Tayarisha, and the Civic Tech Innovation Network. 00:00 – Intro: What is a smart city, really? 06:00 – Google’s Sidewalk Labs and the Toronto failure 10:00 – Why top-down tech never works 14:00 – Smart cities in Africa: opportunities and risks 18:00 – Surveillance, inequality & digital authoritarianism 21:30 – What is digital public infrastructure (DPI)? 25:00 – Data sharing across city services: the real challenge 28:30 – Cape Town’s smart city strategy: a local model 32:00 – Who owns the data? Vendor capture vs. sovereignty 36:00 – Smart cities and policing: tech without reform 40:00 – Digital voting: inevitability or risk? 44:00 – Investing in people vs. buying more tech 48:00 – What governments need to do first 52:00 – A hopeful future for African tech governance #DigitalGovernance #CivicTech #AfricaDigitalFuture #TechAndPolicy #DigitalInclusion #InnovationInAfrica #PlatformPower #SmartCitiesAfrica #DataSovereignty #TheAnglePodcast YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

What’s killing innovation in South Africa? It’s not a lack of ideas—it’s policy paralysis, outdated funding models, and the dominance of Big Tech. In this episode of The Angle, we speak with Prof. TK Pooe, senior lecturer at the Wits School of Governance, about the deep structural barriers preventing real innovation from taking root in South Africa. From fintech and agriculture to health tech and mining, Prof. Pooe unpacks what South Africa actually does well—and why we need to stop aiming for Silicon Valley and start building fit-for-context digital economies. He outlines his provocative idea for an e-sovereign wealth fund to support entrepreneurs, why universities need to become startup incubators, and why South Africa desperately needs to change how it thinks about risk, failure, and long-term innovation. This episode is full of hard truths and hopeful alternatives. Listen now for an unfiltered take on: -Big Tech’s role in stifling local entrepreneurship -Why SA is 15 years behind on innovation -How funding and procurement models are holding us back -The role of education, regional markets, and failure in tech success * This is part of a limited podcast series titled “The Digital Future of South Africa – Navigating Power, Policy, and Progress” in association with the Wits School of Governance, Tayarisha, and the Civic Tech Innovation Network. 00:00 – Intro: Is Big Tech killing innovation in SA? 02:00 – Defining Big Tech in the South African context 05:00 – Why Nigeria builds unicorns—and we don’t 07:00 – The problem with banks, government, and risk aversion 10:00 – Proposal: A sovereign wealth fund for startups 14:00 – Why failure should be funded 18:30 – SA’s tech ecosystem is too closed 22:00 – Can SA build regionally for SADC first? 25:00 – Agriculture, fintech, mining: sector-specific innovation 30:00 – Why universities must evolve to incubate innovation 35:00 – The myth of skills gaps—when data isn’t used 39:00 – Discovery vs. GEMS: Public/private asymmetries 42:30 – Local problems, local solutions: don’t copy Harvard 47:00 – Fixing government structures and perverse incentives 51:00 – How SA could start building a long-term digital economy #DigitalGovernance #CivicTech #AfricaDigitalFuture #TechAndPolicy #DigitalInclusion #InnovationInAfrica #PlatformPower #SmartCitiesAfrica #DataSovereignty #TheAnglePodcast YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle, we sit down with Dr. Rekgotsofetse Chikane — lecturer at the Wits School of Governance, author, and analyst — to unpack one of South Africa’s most pressing issues: the digital divide. We explore why, in 2025, your internet speed is still determined by your postal code, how telecom monopolies and outdated regulation have shaped the market, and why short-term thinking has paralyzed progress. Dr. Chikane makes the case for treating the internet as a public good, why digital infrastructure alone isn't enough, and how a 30-year digital skills plan may be our best hope to ensure no one is left behind. We talk regulation, state innovation, public-private power struggles, the limitations of the PFMA, and why South Africa continues to lag in building a digitally inclusive future. * This is part of a limited podcast series titled “The Digital Future of South Africa – Navigating Power, Policy, and Progress” in association with the Wits School of Governance, Tayarisha, and the Civic Tech Innovation Network. 00:00 – Intro: Why this conversation matters 01:30 – How the digital divide still defines life in South Africa 04:45 – Should the internet be a public good? 07:00 – Housing, access, and the language of rights 10:30 – Equality of outcome vs. equality of process 14:00 – Why government can’t innovate without flexibility 18:20 – The power of telecom oligopolies in SA 23:00 – Starlink, e-SIMs, and the future of infrastructure 27:30 – Big Tech in Africa: Regulation challenges 32:00 – Why PFMA stifles state innovation 38:00 – The cost of digital skills gaps 42:00 – M-PESA, SnapScan, and failed innovation in SA 50:00 – What real access means (mechanics vs. coders) 56:00 – What would Dr. Chikane do as President? 59:00 – Final thoughts: Building a long-term digital future #DigitalGovernance #CivicTech #AfricaDigitalFuture #TechAndPolicy #DigitalInclusion #InnovationInAfrica #PlatformPower #SmartCitiesAfrica #DataSovereignty #TheAnglePodcast www.youtube.com · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we sit down with game developer Avuzwa Ntshongwana to explore the realities of building and sustaining a game studio in South Africa. From funding challenges to authentic African storytelling, Avuzwa shares hard truths and valuable insights that every aspiring game developer should hear. Topics covered in this episode: The state of game development in Africa – opportunities & challenges How to secure funding for your game studio (Jobs Fund & private investment) The importance of early game testing & iteration Breaking the African game development clichés – untold stories & new narratives Marketing games in Africa – why it’s a missing piece in the industry The power of collaboration for indie studios Her innovative "Menstrual Cycle Game" – using gaming for social impact Chapters for easy navigation: 00:00 - Introduction & Meet Avuzwa 03:15 - Game development in South Africa: The real state of the industry 05:30 - Funding struggles & how to secure investment for game studios 10:45 - Why marketing is the missing piece in African game development 15:20 - The challenge of authentic African storytelling in gaming 20:40 - How early testing can make or break a game 25:30 - Developing the "Menstrual Cycle Game" for social impact 30:00 - The role of government & private investment in gaming 35:00 - Collaboration: The secret to sustaining African game studios 40:00 - Final advice for aspiring game developers #GameDevelopment #IndieGameDev #AfricanGaming #GameMarketing #WomenInGaming #GamingInnovation #TheAnglePodcast #GameStudioGrowth #FundingForGames #AfricanGameDev The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we sit down with Lerato, a seasoned business coach, to unpack the challenges and opportunities facing South African entrepreneurs today. From compliance pitfalls to securing funding, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to grow a business in the digital age. Topics covered: The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make with compliance (CIPC, SARS, RFQs) How to secure grant funding (R250k - R5M) and venture capital The importance of digital tools and leveraging online platforms How to test your business idea before seeking funding Avoiding RFQ and procurement scams The truth about South African entrepreneurship – are we ready? To get in touch with Lerato; Youtube: ‪@theplatformza‬ Tiktok: theplatformza WhatsApp: +27 71 952 3783 Website: TheAngle.Africa Email: [email protected] Instagram: @TheAnglePodcast Twitter: @TheAngle_Africa TikTok: @the.angle.podcast #EntrepreneurshipSA #SmallBusinessGrowth #FundingOpportunities #BusinessCoaching #StartupsSouthAfrica #TheAnglePodcast #WomenInBusiness #GrantFunding #DigitalEntrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

Big Tech is stepping back, just as misinformation is surging forward. In this episode of The Angle Podcast, social justice activist and founder of the Campaign on Digital Ethics, Kavisha Pillay, breaks down the growing crisis of disinformation and how tech giants like Facebook and X are failing to regulate harmful content. From Facebook’s decision to scale back moderation to the unchecked spread of fake news, conspiracy theories, and political propaganda, we unpack how these platforms profit from the chaos—and why they refuse to invest in real solutions. 🔹 Is Facebook’s retreat from content moderation a disaster for digital safety? 🔹 How do algorithms fuel the spread of misinformation—by design? 🔹 What can we do to hold Big Tech accountable? This is a must-watch for anyone concerned about media ethics, digital rights, and the future of online discourse. Subscribe for more deep dives into the intersections of media, technology, and power. Like, comment, and share to keep the conversation going. YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

We dive into the world of game development with Thabo Tsolo, founder of Space Salad Studios. Thabo shares his journey from animation to gaming, the challenges of sustaining an indie studio, and the lessons learned from launching titles like Doba Dash, Poo Weekly, and Hot Buns. - How Space Salad Studios started and its mission - The highs and lows of independent game development in Africa - Lessons from failed projects and successful pivots - The business of gamification and creating games for brands - Advice for aspiring game developers If you're passionate about gaming, storytelling, and entrepreneurship, this episode is for you. Check out more on Space Salad Studios: https://www.spacesaladstudios.com/ 🌐 Website: TheAngle.Africa 📷 Instagram: @TheAnglePodcast 🐦 Twitter: @TheAngle_Africa #Gaming #IndieGameDev #GameDevelopment #AfricaGames #SpaceSaladStudios #Gamification #ThaboTsolo #DobaDash #HotBunsGame #PooWeekly #TheAnglePodcast #Storytelling #IndieGaming #GamingEntrepreneurship The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we speak to Nndwamato Manyanya, a 25-year-old tech innovator and founder of I-NTech, who is redefining renewable energy with kinetic energy solutions and IoT technologies. Discover how Nndwamato’s patented inventions—ranging from gym equipment that generates electricity to road devices that harness power from traffic—are gaining global attention and millions in funding. He also shares his vision for renewable energy in Africa, the challenges of local manufacturing, and the importance of fair, ethical practices in sustainability. I-N-Tech I.G : i_n_tech Website: www.iandtech.co.za The Angle https://theangle.africa/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the.angle.pod... https://www.facebook.com/share/18QhrQ... https://www.instagram.com/theangle.af... https://open.spotify.com/show/2ScSSil... https://theangleafrica.substack.com/ #RenewableEnergy #IoT #AfricanInnovation #TheAnglePodcast #SustainableTech #EnergySolutions #GreenCoins YouTube · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we feature Thiba Mahlezana, a software developer and founder of TIA Technologies, who is redefining how technology meets real-world challenges in South Africa. From creating a text-to-speech engine with a South African accent to designing trash-sorting robots and cash transfer apps, Thiba’s work bridges innovation and practicality. Thiba Mahlezana Web: www.tiye-technologies.web.app Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/thiba.mahlezana/ Twitter: https://x.com/i/thiba_mahlezana The Angle https://theangle.africa/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the.angle.podcast?_t=8sBRIYD0NGv&_r=1 https://www.facebook.com/share/18QhrQabvJ/?mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.instagram.com/theangle.afrika?igsh=MWVrazd1MHE5bzd6eQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr #AIinAfrica #RoboticsInnovation #TextToSpeech #CashTransferApp #MakerSpace #TheAnglePodcast #AfricanTechStartups #TIAtechnologies The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we feature Kopano Makino, industrial designer and founder of Auko Designs, a business revolutionising education with innovative tools crafted through 3D printing and laser cutting. From his roots in architecture and engineering to creating the Africa puzzle and Tetris-inspired educational games, Kopano shares how his designs promote analytical thinking and problem-solving. Based in the Tshimologong Precinct Maker Space, Kopano dives into the challenges and opportunities of running a design business, the value of community collaboration, and his plans to scale Auko Designs through retail, e-commerce, and corporate partnerships. Kopano Makino http://www.aukopuzzles.co.za http://www.aukodesigns.co.za @AUKODesigns on all social media platforms. The Angle http://www.theangle.african https://www.tiktok.com/@the.angle.podcast?_t=8sBRIYD0NGv&_r=1 https://www.facebook.com/share/18QhrQabvJ/?mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.instagram.com/theangle.afrika?igsh=MWVrazd1MHE5bzd6eQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr #IndustrialDesign #AukoDesigns #EducationalTools #3DPrinting #LearningThroughPlay #TheAnglePodcast #AfricaInnovation #MakerSpace The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle Podcast, Scott, co-host of The Angle reflects on his 20+ years in media and explores the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today. We discuss: • The role of Google and antitrust issues affecting publishers • The potential of AI tools to optimise newsroom operations • Strategies for diversifying revenue streams • The importance of audience-first approaches in modern journalism Disclaimer: This particular episode, while we have only just published it, was recorded in August 2024. This means that some references to my job at the time are no longer accurate and my thinking around some issues such as usage of AI in the newsroom has also shifted / improved since then. #MediaSustainability #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfJournalism #AIinNewsrooms #GoogleAntitrust #TheAnglePodcast #DigitalMedia #JournalismInnovation #RevenueDiversification #southafrica The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle, we explore the transformative potential of XR (Extended Reality) in Africa with Dale Deacon, a digital artist, creative technologist, and founder of Worldbuild.io. Dale’s work spans immersive storytelling, VR world-building, and Web3 technologies. Discover how XR is bridging technology, art, and culture in Africa, as Dale shares insights on: * The challenges and opportunities for XR development in Africa. * Ethical considerations for XR creators. * The intersection of XR and education. * How constraints breed creativity and innovation. From projects like Strange Ways to community-driven initiatives like WeAreVRJozi, Dale’s work is leaning into the full potential of immersive technology. #TheAnglePodcast #ExtendedReality #XR #VirtualReality #DaleDeacon #ImmersiveTechnology #AfricanInnovation #DigitalStorytelling #TechForGood #Web3 #GamingAndXR #VRinAfrica The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we sit down with Mark Harris, CEO of the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, to discuss how technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship are transforming South Africa. From bridging funding gaps for startups to empowering disenfranchised youth, Mark shares his vision for scaling innovation and creating a sustainable ecosystem for future generations. Discover how Tshimologong is pioneering initiatives in animation, gaming, and digital arts, fostering collaboration, and building impactful partnerships with global agencies and local communities. Mark also explores the role of media in shaping a more inclusive digital future, from influencer journalists to niche publications. #InnovationInAfrica #DigitalTransformation #MarkHarris #TshimologongPrecinct #StartupsAfrica #GamingAndAnimation #DigitalArts #Entrepreneurship #TechForGood #TheAnglePodcast The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we explore the fight against misinformation with Israel Olatunji Tijani, founder of ChatVE, a revolutionary AI-powered fact-checking tool based in Nigeria. Israel shares his journey in building ChatVE, its innovative features, and how it empowers users to verify content across social media platforms like X and Facebook. Learn how ChatVE is tackling digital disinformation through real-time verification of text, images, and video while addressing ethical challenges in AI and fact-checking. From combating deepfakes to filtering toxic comments, ChatVE is making strides in creating a safer and more informed digital environment. Israel also discusses future plans for expanding ChatVE’s capabilities to underserved communities, supporting African languages, and integrating new features that amplify its impact. #Misinformation #FactChecking #AI #ChatVE #DigitalLiteracy #TechForGood #AfricanInnovation #SocialMedia #Deepfakes #TheAnglePodcast www.youtube.com · The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode of The Angle Podcast, we sit down with Michael Balkind, the visionary founder of Soda World Studios, to explore the intersection of live music, immersive technology, and cultural innovation. Soda World is redefining live music - bringing real-time events to audiences worldwide while breaking down geographic and cultural barriers. Michael shares his passion for live music, the cultural impact of genres like Amapiano, and how VR is transforming the way we experience events. From creating global communities to fostering opportunities for local artists in underserved areas, we discuss the challenges, breakthroughs, and the future of XR in the music industry. Credits: Hosts: Scott Peter Smith and Stanley Moloto Editor: Scott Peter Smith #TheAnglePodcast #VirtualReality #MusicInnovation #AfricaTech #MichaelBalkind #SodaWorld The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

In this episode, we sit down with Kieran Reid, co-founder of Two Name Games, to dive deep into the evolving world of indie game development in South Africa and across Africa. From the challenges of building sustainable studios to the incredible creativity driving local innovation, Kieran shares his insights on what makes the South African gaming industry unique and where it’s headed next. We explore: • The rise of indie gaming and its cultural impact • Balancing local storytelling with global appeal • Challenges in funding, marketing, and business infrastructure • The growing role of government support and community meetups • The potential of playful solutions and impact games Kieran also reflects on his journey through academia, game design, and the vibrant communities shaping Johannesburg’s gaming scene. Whether you're a developer, gamer, or just curious about the African gaming landscape, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of gaming. Credits: Hosts: Scott Peter Smith and Stanley Moloto Editor: Scott Peter Smith Special thanks to: Amped Studios, Daily.store and Imvelaphi Technologies ([email protected]) #IndieGaming #SouthAfricanGames #GameDevelopment #TwoNameGames #AfricanGaming #GamingInnovation #JoburgGamingScene #ImpactGames The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

Dive into the world of civic tech and urban innovation in Johannesburg with Dr. Geci Karuri-Sebina, a leader in digital governance and coordinator at the Civic Tech Innovation Network. In this episode of The Angle podcast, Dr. Karuri-Sebina discusses how civic technology is empowering communities, transforming public services, and advancing urban resilience across Africa. Get an inside look at the Civic Tech Innovation Forum 2024, where experts are exploring data sovereignty, AI in policy, and much more. Tune in for insights on how technology is reshaping Johannesburg and the continent. Credits: Hosts: Scott Peter Smith and Stanley Moloto Editor: Scott Peter Smith Special thanks to: Amped Studios and Daily.store The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

The Angle podcast is where your hosts Stanley Moloto, Earl Joseph and Scott Peter Smith go behind the stories published by our publishing partners Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick. We also interview people doing cool things in Tech and Digital space. In this interview, we sit down with Eduardo Cachucho, the creative director of the Fak'ugesi Digital Innovation Festival, to explore how the festival is revolutionizing digital creativity across Africa. Discover how Fak'ugesi has become a unique platform for emerging African creatives, fostering innovation in virtual reality (VR), gaming, animation, and more. Eduardo shares key insights into how the festival is empowering young talent, shaping Johannesburg's creative tech economy, and bridging the gap between local and global digital art scenes. Don't miss out on this deep dive into Africa's digital future! Hosts: Scott Peter Smith and Stanley Moloto Producer: Kabelo Maziya Editor: Scott Peter Smith Special thanks to: Amped Studios and Daily.store https://www.daily.store/ The Angle · YouTube · Substack · LinkedIn · Facebook · Instagram · X · TikTok

The Angle podcast is where your hosts Earl Joseph and Stanley Moloto go behind the stories published by our publishing partners Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick. In this episode, we look at; all you need to know about start-up funding in Africa in H1 from Africa The Big Deal. Hosts: Earl Joseph and Stanley Moloto Producer: Kabelo Maziya Editor: Scott Peter Smith Special thanks to: Amped Studios and Daily.store

The Angle podcast is where your hosts Earl Joseph and Stanley Moloto go behind the stories published by our publishing partners Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick. In this episode we look at if locals are drowning in the digital nomad wave? Hosts: Earl Joseph and Stanley Moloto Producer: Kabelo Maziya Editor: Kwame Hloma Special thanks to: Amped Studios and Daily.store

The Angle podcast is where your hosts Earl Joseph and Stanley Moloto go behind the stories published by our publishing partners Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick. In this episode we look at Whose agenda is being served by the dynamics surrounding AI African data extraction? Hosts: Earl Joseph and Stanley Moloto Producer: Kabelo Maziya Editor: Kwame Hloma Special thanks to: Amped Studios and Daily.store

The Angle podcast is where your hosts Earl Joseph and Stanley Moloto go behind the stories published by our publishing partners Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick. In this episode we look at Is mobile money the answer to financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa? Hosts: Earl Joseph and Stanley Moloto Producer: Kabelo Maziya Editor: Kwame Hloma Special thanks to: Amped Studios and Daily.store

The Angle podcast is where your hosts Earl Joseph and Stanley Moloto go behind the stories published by our publishing partners Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick. In this episode we look at Governance that prepares: Why Africa needs a serious platform for contemplating our digital transformation and its governance. Hosts: Earl Jospeh and Stanley Moloto Producer: Kabelo Maziya Editor: Kwame Hloma Special thanks to: Amped Studios + Daily.store