Johannesburg – March 6, 2025 – Nutun is proud to announce its outstanding success at the 19th Annual Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service, winning an impressive three Gold, two Silver, and one Bronze award across multiple categories. The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the world’s top honors for customer service, contact center, business development and sales professionals. The Stevie Awards organizes nine of the world’s leading business awards programs, also including the prestigious American Business Awards® and International Business Awards®. This year’s winners will be celebrated at a gala event on April 10, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, where over 400 professionals from around the world will gather to honor excellence in the industry. The 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service saw more than 2,100 nominations from organizations of all sizes across 45 nations and territories. Winners were determined by an esteemed panel of 176 professionals worldwideacross seven specialized judging committees. Nutun’s Award-Winning Achievements Gold Award Winners Woman of the Year in Customer Service – Aeysha Coetzee-Ismail Judges' Comments: “Aeysha Coetzee-Ismail’s nomination is compelling, showcasing outstanding leadership, impactful community initiatives, and transformative corporate strategies. Her ability to drive both organizational growth and societal change sets her apart.” Business Development Executive of the Year – Chava Alter, Vice President of International Client Solutions Judges' Comments: “Chava Alter is a force in business development, combining high-impact sales strategy with transformative social initiatives. Her ability to drive multimillion-dollar growth while simultaneously uplifting South African communities makes her an exceptional candidate.” Customer Service Training Team of the Year – Nutun’s Strive Academy Judges' Comments: “Nutun’s Strive Academy …
How South Africa Is Unlocking Better Customer Experience for Businesses
2024 was a super cycle of elections with 64 countries holding elections, representing half the world’s populations. In many markets, businesses now need to contend with new governments and changes in regulatory policy, which in many ways are geared towards protecting consumers and fulfilling election promises. For those customer services business leaders who were grappling with already elevated customer expectations, the message is clear – the stakes will become even higher. 2025 is undoubtedly a pressure cooker of a year, with expectations to drive improved customer experience at a lower cost, meet all regulatory requirements, and implement AI use cases at scale that deliver real results. With economic pressures mounting and customer loyalty harder to secure, companies face an urgent need to optimise every interaction while maintaining cost-effective operations. The quest for personalisation at scale, supported by cutting-edge technology and genuine empathy, has become a pivotal strategy for brands aiming to stay competitive and relevant. Enter South Africa. Interestingly, the country’s contact centre industry holds the key to addressing these challenges across the customer experience and credit lifecycle. With a unique blend of skilled, culturally aligned agents and robust infrastructure, South Africa has emerged as an ideal offshoring destination for businesses seeking high-quality, customer-focused solutions. Nutun, recognised as the leading Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company in 2023 and Best Customer Service in Europe for 2023 and 2024, exemplifies how South African providers are redefining experience by seamlessly blending human empathy with advanced technology to deliver efficient, consistent service across the credit lifecycle. “In today’s digital age, customers expect a seamless experience at their fingertips,” explains Hans Zachar, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Nutun. He highlights that while the push for efficiency is …
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Mr Price Foundation and Zapper Launch Bold Initiative to Combat Youth Unemployment
In a bold new partnership, Mr Price Foundation and Zapper have joined forces to address South Africa's youth unemployment crisis. Leveraging Zapper’s streamlined digital payment solutions, the partnership seeks to raise awareness and drive donations for Mr Price Foundation’s Hope4Youth campaign. By making donating as simple as scanning a QR code, Zapper breaks down barriers to giving, empowering individuals and businesses to seamlessly support Mr Price Foundation’s transformative youth development programmes. Founded by Mr Price Group 20 years ago as a registered non-profit, Mr Price Foundation stands out as a leader in youth empowerment. Donations will directly support the Foundation’s mission to empower youth (aged 15-34) with sustainable economic opportunities. Empowering youth through tech Since its launch in 2014, Zapper has established itself as a trusted leader in South Africa’s digital payment space, serving over 1 million customers and connecting to 15 million more through partner apps. By harnessing this significant reach, Zapper is set to raise R500,000 in support of Mr Price Foundation’s Hope4Youth initiative by the end of 2025. “At Zapper, we’re on a mission to use our technology not only to facilitate transactions but to drive meaningful social change. By creating a platform where donations can flow effortlessly into the Foundation’s proven youth development programmes, we’re making it easier than ever for our community to support South Africa's youth,” said Zapper CEO Mike Bryer. Building on two decades of impact With a commitment to being "Your Youth Empowerment Champion", the Foundation has made significant strides in combating youth unemployment since 2005. South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis affects 45.5% of youth, aged 15-34. Challenges such as inadequate access to quality education, a skills mismatch, slow economic growth and structural inequalities underline the urgent need to expand initiatives like …
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MySociaLife Launches Free Online Safety Program for SA Pre-teens
South Africa, 11 February 2025: In an important step towards improving online safety for children across South Africa, MySociaLife, a local award-winning online safety and digital citizenship training provider, has launched a free program to offer vital digital literacy and online safety training to primary school students in South Africa. The "Hero Program", made possible through sponsorship from London-based human-centric AI agency Humaine, targets public schools that lack the financial resources to access such training, despite their students' significant exposure to social media, gaming, and digital devices. The MySociaLife Hero Program aims to educate children, via video lessons, about the risks they may face online, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, privacy breaches, and misinformation. With an increasing number of young people spending hours on social media and gaming platforms, the need for a structured, accessible, and age-appropriate online safety curriculum has never been more urgent. Teachers are also supported with a lesson plan they can download and an assessment or quiz for the class to test engagement. Dean McCoubrey Founder of MySociaLife, emphasised the critical role this initiative plays in shaping safer digital environments for pre-teens. He explained, “Technology has become central to children’s lives, often without the necessary boundaries or education. They’re navigating a complex digital world full of risks they don’t yet understand. Our goal is to empower them with knowledge that helps them stay safe, build digital resilience, and make better online decisions. While in Australia they may ban social media for those under 16, South Africa isn't there yet. Schools in underfunded areas often can’t afford this type of training, which is why Humaine’s partnership is a lifeline to thousands of students. With their help, our next task is to be able to offer the program in different languages - using AI - making it …
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Stan Katz: From Radio’s Golden Age to Podcast Powerhouse
4 February 2025, Johannesburg – Legendary broadcaster Stan Katz, the pioneer behind South Africa’s iconic talk radio format, is back in the spotlight. His new venture, a series of leadership-driven podcasts and talks titled Herding Katz, delves into lessons learned over a lifetime in media. Katz’s offering brings practical business strategies to audiences beyond the airwaves, blending his signature wit and insight. At the same time, Solid Gold Podcasts, Africa’s leading podcast producer, is celebrating its recent triumphs at the 2024 African Podcast and Voice Awards. Solid Gold has redefined African storytelling, earning a reputation for high-quality, innovative productions that resonate with a rapidly growing global audience. Together, Katz’s storied career and Solid Gold’s groundbreaking achievements represent two pivotal eras in South Africa’s audio evolution. A Lifetime of Leadership Lessons in Audio Stan Katz’s name became synonymous with excellence in radio during his years as the driving force behind Radio 702’s legendary Morning Zoo. During his tenure as managing director in the late 1980s, Katz led a dramatic transformation, steering the station from music to talk radio—a format that would forever change South Africa’s media landscape. Under his leadership, 702 became a platform for critical conversations during the nation’s transition to democracy, cementing its influence in public discourse. His success did not stop there. Katz went on to co-found Primedia Ltd in the 1990s, a media powerhouse responsible for some of South Africa’s most prominent broadcasting properties. Despite numerous triumphs, his career was not without its setbacks. Yet, Katz’s adaptability and resilience have continued to inspire generation after generation of media professionals. His recent induction into the MTN Radio Awards Hall of Fame stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. In Herding Katz, Katz offers deeply personal anecdotes and actionable advice to help …
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The Fuse Is Lit on the Podcasting Industry
The South African podcasting industry had its most progressive year in 2024. While it has long played second fiddle to the global podcasting juggernaut that is the United States, last year marked an inflection point as the country woke up to the boundless potential of audio storytelling. Emerging from the shadow of radio, a medium that has dominated the South African airwaves for decades, podcasting is rapidly finding its footing as a vibrant and innovative platform, fuelled by both local creativity and global trends. Prepare for fireworks in 2025. The South African Audio Renaissance Until recently, podcasting in South Africa was often dismissed as an archive of already-broadcast radio programmes or a niche pursuit—something consumed by early adopters or urban elites with access to high-speed internet. But last year’s surge in digital transformation, paired with the growing affordability of data, dramatically shifted the landscape. The weekly podcast listenership now accounts for 33% of internet users, according to Statista. This audience growth isn’t merely a numbers game; it reflects a deeper cultural shift. South Africans are increasingly tuning in for content that feels local, authentic, and tailored to their unique experiences. “Podcasting has exploded as an alternative medium precisely because it breaks free from the constraints of traditional broadcasting,” says Gavin Kennedy, founder of Solid Gold Podcasts, South Africa’s largest podcast and audiobook production house. “Listeners are gravitating toward storytelling that resonates with their realities, whether it’s in their language, about their communities, or tackling topics mainstream media shies away from.” Solid Gold, which produced over 750 podcast episodes last year alone, has been instrumental in propelling South Africa’s audio renaissance. With its state-of-the-art facilities and a client roster that spans corporate giants to grassroots initiatives, the company exemplifies how innovation …
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Driving Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Solutions, Empowering Communities and Advancing South Africa’s Renewable Energy Agenda
Johannesburg, 4 January 2024. Since its inception on 1 December 2022, Seriti Green – a diversified energy company and leading force in South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) - has been at the forefront of driving sustainable and inclusive energy solutions, empowering communities and advancing the country’s renewable energy agenda. Over the past two years, Seriti Green has embarked on an ambitious journey to diversify South Africa’s energy mix, recognising the growing need for secure, affordable and sustainable power. The company currently has 23 renewable energy projects underway in various stages of development that will have a significant impact on the country’s energy sector. Its flagship Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm in Mpumalanga, currently under construction, will be South Africa’s first wind farm in Mpumalanga and symbolises innovation, leadership and progress in action. Mike Teke, Chairperson of Seriti Green and Group CEO of Seriti Resources said: “As someone deeply connected to Mpumalanga and its people, I have seen first-hand the need for a Just Energy Transition. This is not only about sustainable energy; it’s about creating a future that is inclusive and prosperous for our communities. We are determined to honour the trust placed in us by delivering on our promise to power South Africa’s future. “The construction of the first wind farm in Mpumalanga is a milestone we are immensely proud of, but this is just the beginning. The project will pave the way for 4GW of renewable energy capacity by 2027, contributing to national energy security while empowering local communities.” Mpumalanga has been selected to host the G20 energy session. From 23 September to 26 September 2025, G20 ministers will convene in the province to discuss the energy mix, lower carbon-emitting technologies and other aspects of the JET. This prestigious event will propel Mpumalanga onto the global stage, setting the standard for future power supply with international …
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Cancer-Surviving Surfer Boosts the Resilience of Over 2 Million South Africans During Mental Health Month
Now, he wants you to join him in spreading resilience further. Conn Bertish’s recent South African Seriaaas!! Mental Resilience Project supported over 2 million South Africans with more than 21 strategies to become happier, healthier, more resilient, and harder to kill this November during Mental Health Awareness Month! “Wow, it was intense and incredible!” says Conn Bertish, South Africa’s leading resilience expert, a cancer survivor, big wave surfer, Fear Factor winner, and Creative Resilience mentor, who hosted a marathon of 21 free webinars for all South Africans every workday last month. To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, the South African Mental Resilience Project launched a nationwide campaign aimed at empowering individuals with essential tools to build mental strength. The project provided 21 live-streamed webinars each weekday throughout October, making expert mental health strategies accessible to everyone. Conn’s team collaborated with billboard companies, designers, social media experts, and purposeful local brands such as CANSA.org, Sanlam, FedHealth, the Lekker Network, and Tractor Media to invest in the mental resilience of South Africans. “While our country’s resilience has been reignited by the achievements of our sporting icons, like the Springboks and our incredible Olympians, it is time to harness this national spirit and channel it into mental well-being,” Conn stated, explaining his motivation for launching this initiative to provide practical tools to help South Africans face daily challenges with greater mental strength and positivity. 21 Tools to Build Mental Resilience Every workday from 1 pm to 2 pm, South Africans could tune in to free, live webinars on YouTube, where experts shared strategies for building mental resilience. From mindful eating to creative expression, each session provided actionable insights to enhance mental health. The key highlights of the 21 Mental Resilience Tools included: 1. Agile …
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SA Paddling Star Kira Bester Wins at the Hong Kong Mox Dragon Run 2024
South African youth paddling sensation, Kira Bester, has once again demonstrated her prowess by successfully defending her title at the 2024 Hong Kong Mox Dragon Run this past weekend. Bester, who was recently crowned the overall 2024 ICF Female Ocean Racing World Champion, showcased her determination and skill in the challenging 23km race from the Clear Water Bay Golf and Country Club to St. Stephen’s Beach in Stanley Bay. At just 23 years old and the youngest female competitor, Bester clinched victory with an impressive 44-second lead over New Zealand’s Danielle Richards. Fellow South African paddlers Michelle Burn and Melanie van Niekerk secured third and fourth places respectively, with Hong Kong’s Hock Wing Winnie Wong completing the top five. Bester’s time of 1:42:05 placed her fifth overall, only 11 minutes behind the male winner, Cory Hill from Australia. The men’s race was also dominated by South African talent. Cory Hill claimed victory with a one-minute lead over South African legend Hank McGregor, while Mathew and Josh Fenn, also from South Africa, took third and fourth places. Portugal’s Joao Ruivo Santos secured fifth place in the fiercely competitive field. Reflecting on her race, Bester said, “It was a full-on race from the start, with no opportunity to take a break. It was a fast start, and I managed to get a good line, breaking away with Danielle and Michelle. We were neck and neck for most of the race, but I managed to open the gap towards the end. The pre-typhoon conditions brought high swells in certain sections and a strong wind that helped with the downwind portions. The final 9km proved challenging with a headwind, especially in the last kilometre.” She added, “I love racing in Hong Kong; it’s a well-organised international event with a friendly paddling community and technical conditions that keep you on your toes.” Bester is now preparing for her next challenge: the Shaw and Partners WA Race Week in Perth, Western Australia, …
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Tripplo Announces Devon Light as New CEO
South Africa, 11 November 2024 – Tripplo, a leading provider of integrated transport management solutions, has announced the appointment of Devon Light as its new Chief Executive Officer. Light, who formerly served as Chief Commercial Officer at DPD, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for growth to Tripplo as the company sets its sights on transforming the logistics industry in South Africa and beyond. Addressing Challenges in the Logistics Industry The logistics industry is facing significant challenges despite the rapid advancement in off-the-shelf technologies. While there have been huge strides in individual tech solutions, there remains a critical gap in integrating these advancements to benefit the logistics sector fully. Companies often require customisation to leverage these technologies effectively, especially when it comes to enhancing logistics processes with tailored software solutions. Light's appointment comes at a crucial time for Tripplo, which aims to fill this gap by providing a transport management system (TMS) that not only integrates existing technologies but also adds specific value to the logistics process. The platform is designed to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and deliver a more cohesive logistics experience for cargo owners, freight brokers, and transporters, with a particular focus on the needs of the South African market. What Tripplo Does Tripplo offers an easy-to-use, cost-effective cloud-based TMS that connects logistics companies with vetted transport partners, simplifies cargo assignment, manages rate agreements, and tracks every delivery in real time. By offering an integrated software package, Tripplo eliminates the inefficiencies of disjointed systems, helping businesses transition from outdated manual methods to a unified digital platform that grows with them. The system goes beyond just managing shipments, providing detailed reporting and analytics, real-time tracking, and digital …