By Boland Lithebe, Security lead for Accenture, Africa

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a double-edged sword in the world of cybersecurity. In South Africa, where cybercrime is on the rise, AI presents both an opportunity and a threat.

By Rhys Evans, Managing Director at ALCO-Safe

In safety-critical sectors, the reliability of breathalyser testing must be unquestionable. The potential for miscalibration carries significant risks, from compromised safety to substantial legal liabilities. To ensure accuracy, employers must prioritise regular calibration and maintenance. Only by treating breathalysers as the precision instruments they are and ensuring their ongoing accuracy can organisations neutralise these risks and foster a culture of responsibility.

By Ntsako Baloyi, Senior Manager withing the Technology business at Accenture, Africa

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way businesses operate, how consumers interact with technology, and even how governments deliver services. Across industries – from banking, media, telecoms, mining and chemicals to public service, consumer goods and retail – AI is driving efficiencies, unlocking innovation, and creating new opportunities.

By Shameer Hareeparsad, Director: Geochemistry, WSP in Africa

South Africa has a long and rich history of mining and has some of the best expertise in the world in applications like coal mining, amongst others. While mining activities have significantly contributed to the development and growth of the country’s economy and its position as a hub on the continent, the legacy of mining across the country presents a growing liability. There are several recent examples of historic underground mines that are creating new hazards in today’s environment and impacting both water systems and terrestrial ecosystems. Legacy mines were typically closed to the standards of the day, with little to no consideration for future changes in surface conditions, climate or development. Because South Africa is a prolific mining player on the continent, and has been for centuries, the country has many mine sites that are poised to pose a variety of problems, ranging from seepage and mine drainage outflows to structural failures.

By Wynand Marx, CEO at BBE Group

In South Africa’s mining sector, balancing energy efficiency with the health and safety of workers in underground mines is an enduring challenge due to the ventilation and cooling demands of heat, dust, and gases generated by the mining process. Ventilation and cooling systems are high energy consumers and an obvious target for energy reduction and optimisation efforts. At the heart of this balance lies the responsibility and challenge of ensuring a safe and healthy workplace while managing energy costs optimally. New technologies and methodologies offer promising solutions, but the key lies in adopting systems that improve energy efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of health and safety. Addressing health and safety risks interactively and simultaneously with energy saving efforts is essential to responsible mining.