AI UNLOCKED EXPLORES THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS

By Chelsea Brand

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, IT executives, and innovators gathered at The Oyster Box hotel as KZN Top Business, in partnership with Vodacom, hosted the exclusive “AI Unlocked” breakfast - an event focused on the practical realities of artificial intelligence in modern business.

Set against the backdrop of one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most prestigious venues, the breakfast delivered far more than theoretical conversations around AI. It became a dynamic platform for networking, collaboration, and real-world insights into how businesses can integrate intelligent technologies while still prioritising human creativity, cybersecurity, and sustainable growth.

MC Trevor Clark opened the event with an interactive exercise exploring where attendees currently sit on the AI adoption curve, immediately sparking conversation around the growing role of intelligent systems in business.

Imran Khan, Vodacom

Opening remarks from Vodacom’s Imran Khan and Videsha Proothveerajh highlighted the importance of embracing technology as a business enabler rather than fearing it. Discussions centred around how AI and intelligent automation are already improving productivity, streamlining operations, and helping businesses work smarter.

“Technology is the key to improving processes, systems, and making sales teams more productive,” Imran explained. “AI can give you information, patterns, and insights, but humans still hold the imagination.”

Videsha noted, “Only you truly understand your customers, your environment, and your next move.”

One of the strongest themes throughout the breakfast was moving from AI experimentation to practical implementation.

Trevor Clark, Warren Sachs, Terry Flack and Daren Denholm

Terry Flack of Cannect Digital encouraged businesses to stop treating AI as a novelty and instead begin integrating it meaningfully into operational strategy. His message was simple but impactful: “Dream big, start small, but start.”

Warren Sachs, CEO of Beier Group, shared how AI-driven systems are transforming operational management within manufacturing environments through predictive maintenance, live reporting, and intelligent data integration.

Daren Denholm, CEO of Genius Series, captivated the audience with his energetic presentation. Combining humour, charisma, and live demonstrations, Daren built a website in real time while showcasing how AI can dramatically improve productivity.

The second session shifted focus toward cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and business resilience.

Kgabo Seopa from Vodacom explored how AI is being used to strengthen fraud prevention and digital transformation across Africa, while Johan Schoeman of Nexio unpacked the growing importance of cybersecurity readiness in an increasingly automated world.

By the close of the breakfast, one message was clear: AI is not replacing the human element of business it is enhancing it.

Watch the full event: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PA27PS5Nq0