South Africa’s state-owned entities are flagging – how innovation, research and development could revive them

GrAl/Shutterstock South Africa has about 700 state-owned enterprises. They operate across sectors like transport, energy and public utilities, and some are among the largest employers in those sectors. Entities like these are created and controlled by a country’s government to provide essential services and drive economic development. In South Africa, they were formed in the […]

Continue Reading

The Dark Side of Autonomous AI: The Potential Dangers of Manus and Unchecked Integration

While the arrival of Manus, the world’s first fully autonomous AI agent, marks a significant leap forward in AI technology, it also brings with it a host of concerns that cannot be ignored. As Manus and similar autonomous systems become increasingly integrated into everyday industries, the potential for unintended consequences and catastrophic outcomes rises significantly—especially […]

Continue Reading

US Developer Convicted of Cyber Sabotage After Maliciously Hacking Former Employer’s Systems

A Houston-based software developer, Davis Lu, was convicted last week for launching a series of attacks on his employer’s systems, costing the company hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lu, 55, had worked for the company for over a decade but began sabotaging its computer network in 2018 after his system access was restricted due to […]

Continue Reading

What’s so special about Ukraine’s minerals? A geologist explains

Hard rock spodumene ore, a commercially important source of lithium. BJP7images/Shutterstock Ukraine’s minerals have become central to global geopolitics, with the US president, Donald Trump, seeking a deal with Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky to access them. But what are these minerals exactly and why are they so sought after? Ukraine is often recognised for its […]

Continue Reading

To understand the future of AI, take a look at the failings of Google Translate

Don't believe the hype. Stockete The computer scientists Rich Sutton and Andrew Barto have been recognised for a long track record of influential ideas with this year’s Turing Award, the most prestigious in the field. Sutton’s 2019 essay The Bitter Lesson, for instance, underpins much of today’s feverishness around artificial intelligence (AI). He argues that […]

Continue Reading

OpenAI’s $20K AI Agents: Revolutionizing Enterprise Automation at a Premium

OpenAI is reportedly planning to offer advanced AI agents capable of performing high-level tasks traditionally handled by skilled professionals, with a premium price tag of $20,000 per month. This ambitious move marks a significant shift in AI monetization, as OpenAI moves from a per-API-call pricing model to offering subscription-based, enterprise-focused AI services. These AI agents […]

Continue Reading

Manus: China’s Groundbreaking Autonomous AI Agent

On March 6, 2025, a groundbreaking new AI agent called Manus was launched by the Chinese tech company Monica. This system has generated significant buzz in the global AI community, offering capabilities far beyond conventional AI assistants like ChatGPT. Manus is designed to be the world’s first truly autonomous AI agent, capable of making decisions […]

Continue Reading

Leveraging AI to Build Inclusive and Accessible Workplaces

AI is revolutionizing workplace inclusivity by breaking down barriers and ensuring that every employee, regardless of ability or background, has the tools to succeed. In today’s competitive environment, businesses that prioritize inclusivity are better positioned to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and foster a thriving culture. AI-driven tools are at the forefront of this transformation, creating […]

Continue Reading

For narcissistic people, the gap between perception and reality may go far deeper than we thought

Cristina Conti/Shutterstock Despite exuding confidence, narcissistic people relentlessly crave admiration. In other words, they are unable to convince themselves of their own brilliance. Growing research shows the gap between perception and reality for narcissistic people goes far deeper than their inflated views about their appearance, accomplishments and abilities. Narcissism is a personality trait that exists […]

Continue Reading

Nigerian Hacker Extradited to Face US Charges for Tax Fraud Scheme

Matthew Akande, a 36-year-old Nigerian national, was extradited to the United States on March 5, 2025, to face multiple charges, including computer intrusion, wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering. Akande is accused of participating in a large-scale hacking operation that targeted Massachusetts-based tax preparation firms, stealing personal information to file fraudulent tax returns. Arrested […]

Continue Reading