AI Unlocked at The Oyster Box Explores the Future of Smarter Business in KwaZulu-Natal
- Chelsea Brand
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
By Chelsea Brand
Business leaders, IT executives, innovators, and entrepreneurs gathered at the iconic The Oyster Box as KZN Top Business, in partnership with Vodacom, hosted an exclusive “AI Unlocked” breakfast 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 event offered far more than theoretical discussions around AI. It became a dynamic meeting point for collaboration, networking, strategy, and real-world demonstrations of how businesses can integrate intelligent technologies while still prioritising human creativity, cybersecurity, and sustainable growth.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was energetic and engaging. Attendees were welcomed with luxurious Giorgio Armani fragrance testers courtesy of Edgars, with each guest receiving a cologne gift upon entering the breakfast session. Throughout the morning, attendees also had opportunities to win exciting prizes, adding a light-hearted and interactive element to the highly informative programme.
MC Trevor Clark set the tone early with a fun audience exercise that explored where attendees currently sit on the AI adoption curve, immediately sparking conversation around the varying ways businesses are engaging with emerging technology.
Opening remarks from Imran Khan, Director of Vodacom Business, highlighted how organisations must learn to work with technology rather than fear it. He spoke passionately about the immense opportunities available to KwaZulu-Natal businesses and how intelligent systems are already dramatically improving productivity and operational efficiency.
“Technology is the key to improving processes, systems, and making sales teams more productive,” he explained, referencing his experience of processes that once took over two hours but can now be completed in under 45 minutes through intelligent automation.
Videsha Proothveerajh, Managing Executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal, reinforced the importance of balancing technological capability with human imagination and strategic thinking.
“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. AI is about helping us create a better tomorrow.”
The first session of the morning focused heavily on AI as a practical business growth tool.
Terry Flack, Business Success Leader at Cannect Digital, delivered a compelling presentation on moving “from AI to ROI”. Speaking candidly about the excitement and occasional fear surrounding AI, Terry encouraged businesses to stop experimenting passively and begin implementing meaningful systems that drive measurable results.
He unpacked the major shifts currently reshaping business, from manual operations evolving into predictive, data-driven ecosystems to the rise of hybrid human-and-AI workforces. His central message was clear: businesses must either evolve or risk becoming stagnant.
“Dream big, start small, but start,” he urged attendees.
Warren Sachs, CEO of Beier Group, then offered fascinating insights into how AI is transforming operations within manufacturing and industrial environments. His presentation explored the rise of agentic AI systems capable of integrating KPI management, risk systems, performance tracking, live reporting, and predictive maintenance into a single intelligent ecosystem.
By leveraging AI-powered tools, Warren explained how his business can proactively monitor machinery, weather conditions, operational risks, and internal performance in real time ─ allowing teams to anticipate challenges before they become costly disruptions.
Security remained a consistent theme throughout the discussion, particularly as businesses increasingly integrate AI into operational systems and customer-facing platforms.
One of the standout moments of the morning came from Darren Denholm, CEO of Genius Series, whose charismatic and theatrical presentation captivated the room. Denholm demonstrated the practical power of AI live on stage by building a functioning website in front of the audience in real time.
Energetic, humorous, and deeply insightful, Darren challenged attendees to rethink how AI can amplify human potential rather than replace it.
“AI is not meant to replace you,” he said. “It’s meant to take the robot out of you.”
He explained how AI tools are helping businesses automate repetitive administrative work, allowing teams to focus more on connection, creativity, and contribution. From voice-to-text functionality to AI-powered assistants and proposal generation, Darren demonstrated how businesses can reclaim valuable time while improving efficiency.
The second session shifted focus toward cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and AI-enabled business resilience.
Kgabo Seopa, Managing Executive for Products & Solutions South Africa at Vodacom, explored how Vodacom is embedding AI across its ecosystem to improve fraud prevention, digital transformation, connectivity, and scalable infrastructure across Africa.
Johan Schoeman, Managing Executive Cybersecurity at Nexio, addressed the growing cybersecurity risks facing businesses in an increasingly automated world. His presentation outlined the importance of organisational readiness, proactive risk management, and crisis response strategies as cyber threats evolve at unprecedented speed.
The breakfast concluded with the launch of the KZN Top Business Nexus ecosystem by Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business. The three-tier digital ecosystem is designed to foster stronger regional business collaboration, digital visibility, and strategic networking opportunities across KwaZulu-Natal.
More than just a technology event, AI Unlocked successfully created a space where business leaders could openly engage with the opportunities and responsibilities that come with AI adoption. The morning served as a reminder that while technology continues to evolve rapidly, human insight, adaptability, and connection remain at the centre of meaningful business growth.
Find the full event in two parts below:
Website: https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/
