On 5 February 2025, CyberM8’s Chief Empowerment Officer, Thabang Phala, participated in a high-level panel discussion at The Innovation Hub’s INNOV8 Session under the theme “AI and Cybersecurity: Impact on Investment in South Africa.” The event, attended by industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and small to medium enterprises (SMMEs), formed part of the deliberations leading up to the Gauteng Investment Conference and the G20 Summit.
The Role of Cybersecurity in Enabling Business Growth
During the panel discussion, Thabang Phala provided key insights on how SMMEs can navigate the evolving digital landscape by leveraging cybersecurity as a business enabler. He emphasized the importance of integrating robust security measures into digital ventures and highlighted why investors should prioritize cybersecurity when funding technology-driven businesses.
Phala also discussed the growing cyber threats in emerging markets like South Africa and provided practical guidance on how start-ups and SMMEs can safeguard their online presence while embracing AI-driven innovations for business scalability and efficiency.
A Panel of Experts Shaping the Future of AI and Cybersecurity
The session featured leading experts in AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, including:
- Dr. Rendani Mamphiswana (Innovation Director, iCatalysis) – Addressing AI’s role in climate resilience, energy efficiency, and water security, as well as policy recommendations for ethical AI adoption in emerging economies.
- Mr. Sakhile Mlauzi (Senior Manager IT/CIO, Gauteng Gambling Board) – Exploring AI’s role in preventing financial crime and enhancing cybersecurity in regulated industries.
- Mr. Mlindi Mashologu (Deputy Director General, ICT Information Society and Capacity Development) – Providing an overview of the South African government’s policies on AI and cybersecurity.
- Prof. Pius Owolawi (Assistant Dean for Industry Liaison, Tshwane University of Technology) – Discussing AI’s impact on sectors such as engineering, agriculture, and healthcare, and South Africa’s workforce readiness for AI-driven transformation.
Key Takeaways: Cybersecurity as a Strategic Investment
One of the central themes of the discussion was the interplay between cybersecurity and investment, with Phala advocating for a proactive security-first approach for digital businesses. He underscored the need for SMMEs to adopt AI-powered security tools to protect their data and transactions while optimizing operational efficiencies.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, followed by networking opportunities for stakeholders interested in driving technological advancements and investment in South Africa’s digital economy.
As CyberM8 continues to champion cybersecurity awareness and capacity-building among SMMEs, we remain committed to fostering an innovation-friendly ecosystem where businesses can thrive securely in the digital era.
