What's Next Season 12

In this What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Itumeleng Merafe discusses the new Investec multicurrency pockets feature on the institution’s Private Bank Accounts.

Merafe is the Head of Private Bank SA at Investec — a position he has held since April 2024.

He has worked at Investec for over 18 years in several other impactful roles, too, including Head of Sales: Investec for Business and Head: Treasury Restructuring.

Merafe is a 2017 Archbishop Tutu Fellow and holds a BCom in Economics and Investment Management.

He has also completed the Finance Executive Development Programme at Cass Business School, holds an ACI dealing certificate, and a Master’s Degree in the Management of Finance and Investments.

In this What’s Next interview, Merafe discusses the new multicurrency pockets feature available on Investec Private Bank Accounts.

He explains how this feature makes it easier to manage money in different currencies, and unpacks real-world examples of who would find this offering useful.

Merafe then discusses how multicurrency pockets challenge the legacy model of needing multiple banks — or third-party apps — to manage different currencies.

He also delves deeper into the technologies and innovations that power multicurrency pockets, and how they make switching between currencies so quick and seamless.

Merafe talks about the importance of taking banking more digital and international, and explains how multicurrency pockets fit this trend perfectly.

He concludes the discussion by explaining how Investec continues to balance cutting-edge technologies with the personal service that clients still value.

Itumeleng Merafe on Investec’s game-changing multicurrency pocket feature

In this What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Clint Bryce discusses how the Achievement Awards Group is helping companies adopt rewards and loyalty programmes.

Clint is the Product Director at Achievement Awards Group and a veteran of the design industry, having helped build, develop, and manage multi-disciplinary teams for many industry leaders.

This has included working as the Head of Design at Luno, Head of Design at Yoco, and Chief Creative Officer at 22seven Digital.

Thanks to his extensive work, he has been acknowledged with numerous different awards, including:

Marketing Achievement Award (2019) — Marketing Achievement Awards
Best in Show (2011) — Bookmark Awards
Construction New Media Award (2007) — Construction New Media Award
Grand Prix, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards — The Loerie Awards
In addition to these awards, Clint has frequently appeared as a guest speaker at notable events, such as the DisruptHR Conference (2018), the Interactive Marketing Summit (2010), and the International Design Indaba (1999).

In this What’s Next interview, Clint discusses what motivated him to take on his current role and the lessons he has learned from previous roles that are helping him in this position.

He then provides a basic overview of what Achievement Awards Group offers and why companies should implement these solutions.

Clint also explains how he is focused on fostering a product-driven mindset at the company, and the importance of platform thinking.

He concludes the interview by unpacking how Achievement Awards Group makes it easy for companies to adopt rewards and loyalty programmes and how interested parties can begin this journey.

Achievement Awards Group’s Clint Bryce on why companies need loyalty programmes

In this What’s Next with Aki interview, Muhammed Izhaar Ebrahim, Channel Sales Manager for TCL Electronics South Africa, discusses the new products TCL has launched in South Africa and how the brand has become a major player in the country. 

He explains why TCL has risen in popularity over the past few years and unpacks what sets TCL apart as an innovative brand. Ebrahim then focuses on TCL’s new Mini LED TVs – explaining to viewers what makes these TVs so impressive. He also unpacks TCL’s brand partnership agreements with major sports clubs like Arsenal and the Vodacom Bulls. Ebrahim concludes the discussion by TCL South Africa’s plans in the local market for the months and years ahead.

Muhammed Izhaar Ebrahim discusses TCL’s growth in South Africa

In this What’s Next episode, Li Yin, CTO of Huawei Cloud Pangu Model, discusses how localised AI is accelerating South Africa’s digital transformation. Li Yin highlights the practical impact of Huawei’s Pangu model across industries such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, and explores its potential in finance, telecoms, media, and government. The conversation covers the importance of local AI infrastructure, the role of Huawei’s Ascend platform in enabling data sovereignty, and the need for strong ecosystem collaboration to support AI localisation in South Africa.

Face-to-face with Huawei Cloud PanGu Model CTO, unveiling the power of the PanGu Model

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Hume, Vice President of Mobile Experience at Samsung South Africa, to explore the groundbreaking innovations behind the all-new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7. Justin unpacks how these latest foldables mark a major leap forward—not just in sleek design, but in blending top-tier hardware with cutting-edge AI features. With ultra-thin form factors, upgraded hinges, and 200MP cameras, these devices now deliver the full power of a flagship in a foldable format.

We also dive into Samsung's thoughtful approach to user feedback, which led to a lighter, more pocket-friendly design and the launch of the more accessible Flip 7 FE. Plus, Justin reveals exciting launch offers, availability dates, and shares how Samsung is fusing hardware and AI to turn smartphones into intelligent personal assistants. Stay tuned to hear more about the Galaxy Watch 8 series, now slimmer, smarter, and equipped with advanced health tracking and AI integration.

Samsung s Justin Hume unpacks the launch of the new Galaxy Z series

In this What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou interview, Peter Kerr discusses how retail logistics is being changed by cloud and AI technology.

Kerr is the Founder and Director of Argon Supply Chain Solutions and is a 20+ year veteran in logistics and transport planning.

Before founding Argon Supply Chain Solutions, Kerr worked at many other prominent companies in South Africa.

This includes working as a SAP EWM Solution Architect and Consultant for Pick n Pay, a SAP EWM Consultant for Barloworld, a Mobile Specialist for OneArch Consulting, and a SAP WM Consultant for Pioneer Foods.

Kerr is an SAP Certified Associate and Application Professional specialising in SAP solutions such as EWM, TM, SRM, WM, Mobility, and ATTP.

He also boasts a strong understanding of data collection technologies and supply chain solution architecture.

In this What’s Next interview, Kerr explains what Argon Supply Chain Solutions does and how retailers can maximise the potential of SAP S/4HANA Cloud to streamline their operations and improve efficiencies.

He unpacks why having SAP Supply Chain as part of the S/4HANA Cloud implementation is essential.

Kerr also discusses how SAP improves vendor compliance and creates better retail practices.

He concludes the interview by sharing how he sees automation and AI features impacting supply chain solutions.

Peter Kerr unpacks how S/4HANA Cloud implementations improve operational efficiency

In this What's Next episode, Aki Anastasiou speaks with Fred Zhou, CEO of HONOR South Africa, about the brand’s impressive rise—now the country’s second-largest smartphone brand—and its goal to be number one by 2028. Fred highlights HONOR’s winning strategy of innovation, trust-building, and expanding into new markets.

He also introduces the ultra-thin Magic V5 foldable phone, launching in South Africa. With a large battery, premium AI features, and true water resistance, it’s designed for both productivity and durability. Plus, Fred shares how HONOR’s full ecosystem—from the X Series to wearables—is reshaping the mobile experience locally.

Fred Zhou discusses HONOR's growth and the Magic V5 foldable launch in South Africa

In this episode of What's Next, we’re live from Samsung’s Johannesburg HQ with Justin Hume, Vice President of Mobile Experience at Samsung South Africa. He introduces SOS Plus, a life-saving emergency service integrated into the Galaxy A Series, developed in partnership with Aura.

Justin also dives into how Samsung is making premium AI features and design accessible to more South Africans. With devices like the A36, A56, and A26, the Galaxy A Series offers powerful performance, safety, and intelligence—redefining value in the smartphone space.

Justin Hume discusses safety innovation and AI in Samsung s Galaxy A Series

In this episode, we sit down with Nobesuthu Ndlovu, Director SME at Old Mutual, to explore the inspiration behind the SMEgo platform and how it’s addressing critical gaps in South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Drawing from her own experience as an entrepreneur, Nobesuthu shares the challenges SMEs face — from accessing funding to managing time and operations — and explains how SMEgo’s all-in-one digital solution is designed to help business owners thrive.

We also discuss the unique features of SMEgo, including its marketplace for business-to-business trade, innovative funding options, and commitment to supporting entrepreneurs’ mental wellness. Plus, Nobesuthu highlights the SMEgo Pitchathon, offering R4.2 million in prize money, and shares her empowering message for Women’s Month. This is an inspiring conversation for anyone passionate about entrepreneurship and building resilient businesses in South Africa.

Nobesuthu Ndlovu discusses SMEgo, funding, and resilience for SA entrepreneurs

Marc du Plessis is the Executive Head of LookSee Platform at Standard Bank Group.
Du Plessis is a business operations and revenue management veteran with over a decade of industry experience.

He previously served as Spark Media CEO from 2016 until 2018 and achieved 25% annual growth for the company. This resulted in him winning the 2018 Top Media Sales Business Award. Du Plessis was then appointed Group Executive: Digital Businesses at CTP-Caxton Limited in 2019.
Most recently, he joined LookSee and Standard Bank in 2021 to begin his current role.

Du Plessis prides himself on being a hands-on operating executive and boasts core expertise in digital enablement and as an entrepreneurial growth enabler. In this episode of What's Next, Du Plessis discusses the main reason why South African’s are investing in solar energy in 2025.

Marc du Plessis on why South African s are investing in solar energy in 2025

In this episode, we welcome back Jonathan Hurvitz, CEO of Teljoy, to catch up on the company’s remarkable journey. Jonathan reflects on his 11 years with the business, its growth, and the key factors that have helped Teljoy thrive despite economic challenges. From building a strong internal culture to leveraging 56 years of customer data, Teljoy has evolved to stay relevant while keeping its core mission intact—creating accessibility for South Africans through its rent-to-own model. We also explore how the business has adapted to changing consumer needs, embraced new technologies, and expanded its offerings beyond TVs to include everything from kitchen appliances to premium furniture.

Jonathan also dives into the growing appeal of rent-to-own in today’s economic climate, highlighting its flexibility, peace of mind, and cost-saving benefits compared to traditional credit. We discuss the company’s expansion into baby goods, the long-term relationships built with customers, and how their referral and loyalty programs turn satisfied clients into brand ambassadors. With exciting initiatives like a competition to win a Suzuki Swift, Teljoy continues to innovate while staying true to its original values from 1969. This conversation is a fascinating look at how a heritage brand remains modern, customer-focused, and resilient in a rapidly changing world.

Jonathan Hurvitz discusses Teljoy s growth, innovation & rent-to-own in tough times

What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou is South Africa’s most popular technology show. The who’s who of South Africa’s technology and business world are interviewed on the show.

Itumeleng Merafe on Investec’s game-changing multicurrency pocket feature

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