AI Unlocked Explores the Future of Smarter Business in KwaZulu-Natal
- Chelsea Brand
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
By Chelsea Brand
Business leaders, entrepreneurs, IT executives, and innovators gathered at The Oyster Box 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.
Guests arrived to an atmosphere that balanced professionalism with excitement. Courtesy of Edgars, attendees were welcomed with Giorgio Armani fragrance testers, with each guest receiving a cologne gift upon arrival. Throughout the morning, prize giveaways and engaging discussions added a lively touch to the informative programme.
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.
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, referencing processes that once took hours but can now be completed in under 45 minutes through intelligent automation.
At the same time, speakers reinforced the importance of human direction and creativity within an increasingly AI-driven world.
“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. Terry Flack of Cannect Digital encouraged businesses to stop treating AI as a novelty and instead begin integrating it meaningfully into operational strategy.
From predictive systems and connected AI ecosystems to hybrid human-and-AI workforces, Terry unpacked the major shifts reshaping modern business. 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.
One of the standout moments of the morning came from Darren Denholm, CEO of Genius Series, whose energetic presentation captivated the audience. Combining humour, charisma, and live demonstrations, Darren built a website in real time while showcasing how AI can dramatically improve productivity and reduce repetitive administrative work.
“AI is not meant to replace you,” he said. “It’s meant to take the robot out of you.”
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.
The event concluded with Grant Adlam, CEO of KZN Top Business, officially launching the KZN Top Business Nexus ecosystem: a three-tier digital platform designed to strengthen regional collaboration and strategic business growth across KwaZulu-Natal.
By the close of the breakfast, one message was clear: AI is not replacing the human element of business ─ it is enhancing it.
Find the full event in two parts below:
Website: https://www.kzntopbusiness.com/
