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AI is everywhere, and whether you’re trying to get ahead of it or just make sense of it, the noise is real. What if there was one place to cut through the hype? One summit where you could explore how AI is transforming your business, your career, and your life?
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s already reshaping the way we work, hire, trade, treat illness, learn, and live. Whether you’re ready or not, AI is in your inbox, your sales pipeline, your investment strategy, your doctor’s office, your child’s classroom, and embedded in the data trails we leave behind every day.
Consider this: nearly 80% of hospitals now use AI to enhance patient care and streamline operations (Docus.ai – AI Healthcare Statistics, 2024). And according to McKinsey, generative AI could add up to US$4.4 trillion (R80 trillion) annually to the global economy. Yet as this powerful technology accelerates progress, it also raises urgent questions, about inequality, data privacy, misinformation, and the rapid disruption of entire industries.
Enter AI Empowered, a bold new summit inspired by EO Cape Town, designed to move beyond the buzzwords and into what’s actually happening now, and what’s coming by 2030.
Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre CTICC on 7–8 August 2025, this two-day event features global and local thought leaders from companies like Google, Salesforce, MIT Centre for Collective Intelligence, Woolworths, Discovery, Amazon Web Services, Pepkor and more.
Building on the phenomenal momentum of the past two years, South Africa’s iconic youth radio station, Y, proudly announces the return of GRYND 2025 – the ultimate content creation convention. This is where passion meets strategy, where timelines come to life, and where creators level up — from nano to mega, and everything in between.
Originally launched in 2023 as a response to the growing youth unemployment crisis, GRYND was created to spark critical conversations around entrepreneurship and innovation. Now in its third year, GRYND 2025 continues to evolve as a powerhouse of opportunity, arming young people with practical tools, real-world knowledge, and a mindset geared toward sustainable self-employment. With a key focus on the “how-to” aspect of content creation, GRYND is more than a convention, its unique offering is a launchpad for success. You’ll leave inspired, informed, and ready to turn content into currency.
This year’s edition for the first time will see GRYND speakers go beyond inspiration, guiding attendees through step-by-step sessions and live creative demonstrations that show exactly how to level up as content creators. This hands-on approach is a major highlight, designed to deliver real, actionable value – all designed to foster growth, creativity and collaboration. GRYND is your ultimate creative playground.
Backed by Y’s influential reach and deep cultural insight, GRYND 2025 promises to once again unite aspiring entrepreneurs, side-hustlers, and established industry leaders for a day of powerful exchange.
Confirmed for the 2025 speaker lineup are the faces you double-tap on daily, South Africa’s most dynamic voices in tech, finance, media and business – each bringing their journey, insights and blueprints for success to the stage. Keynote speakers include young powerhouse business entrepreneurs Alphi Sipho, Sibu Mabena, Ntando Zikalala and Sabelo the Kreator alongside various other dynamic industry disruptors. These speakers include collaborative creator Thato Rampedi, beauty influencer Jay Pharasi, dance influencer Hope Ramafalo, tech influencer Okay Wasabi, agency owner Kyle Clark, foodie creator Onezwa Mbola and Y’s own fashion influencer Fresh by Caddy, reality star Sinaye and broadcast royalty Ayanda MVP.
As we mark Youth Month in the country, GRYND 2025 stands as a testament to the power of ideas, community, and fearless innovation. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement that’s shaping South Africa’s next generation of game changers. Atlas Studios turns into the epicenter of creator culture next month, so mark your calendar for Saturday, 28 June 2025 and pull up – GRYND is going down with an unfiltered, full-throttle experience made for young visionaries ready to shake things up.
Y Managing Director Haseena Cassim, remarked,“GRYND has evolved beyond a moment into a movement that continues to grow with the ambitions of South Africa’s youth. In 2025, we’re doubling down on our mission to equip young people with more than just inspiration—we’re providing access, insights, and actionable tools. GRYND is about shifting mindsets, unlocking creativity, and empowering the next generation to build their futures through innovation and digital fluency. We’re not just opening doors—we’re showing young people how to walk through them with confidence.”
L-R: Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris and Ali Larter as Angela Norris in Landman streaming on Paramount+ Photo Credit: James Minchin/Paramount+
Taylor Sheridan’s Texas oil field dramaLandman comes to M-Net from Monday, 2 June at 9pm for 10 episodes, featuring a cast as explosive as the world it’s set in: Billy-Bob Thornton; Demi Moore; Jon Hamm and Ali Larter. I’ve already watched all 10 episodes and it reminds me so much of “Dallas”. Being a huge fan of Billy-Bob Thornton, I’m always drawn to the characters that he portrays, and his lead character in “Landman” is so electrifying.
Landman is led by Thornton as Tommy Norris, the overseer of an oil-drilling operation in west Texas. He does the daily dirty work of managing crews in the world’s largest oil field, fending off cartel competition and basically doing the bidding of his boss, Monty (Hamm).
Global Olympic partner, and leading consumer electronics brand, TCL Electronics has unveiled its 2025 Mini LED TVs, incorporating HVA (High Vertical Alignment) panels and their own “All-domain Halo Control” technology to consumers in South Africa.
Recognised with three Global TOP 1 rankings – Ultra-large Screen TV Brand worldwide, Leading Mini LED TV Brand and No1 Google TV Brand globally – by the market research company Omdia, reaffirmed its commitment to delivering unbeatable performance, sophisticated design, and incredible value. However what truly sets TCL apart is that the full 2025 Mini LED range comes standard with HVA panel which can reach 178 degrees Viewing Angles, allowing the whole family to enjoy movies clearly from a wide range of positions.
I attended the launch last week. See highlights reel below:
Spanning up to an impressive 115 inches, making TCL the manufacturer with the largest screen in South Africa, the C6K, C7K, C8K, and P8 offering full range 144Hz refresh rate and cinematic viewing experience with next-generation QD-Mini LED technology.
Designed to deliver unbeatable performance and unbelievable value, the C6K lineup redefines home entertainment by combining next-gen display innovation, elegant aesthetics, and immersive sound. Featuring advanced QD-Mini LED technology with over 512 local dimming zones, high HDR brightness, and a wide colour gamut, it delivers ultra-vivid colours, sharp details, and superior contrast ensuring every scene is lifelike and cinematic.
C6K: Power of Mini LED, Elevated
This flagship performance is driven by TCL’s exclusive All Domain Halo Control Technology, which covers the entire light journey from generation to display. It integrates high-efficiency light-emitting chips, self-developed lens technology, super Micro-OD structure, precision light and shadow control algorithms, and TCL’s self-produced high-end CSOT HVA panels. This full-stack innovation dramatically reduces haloing, enhances black levels, and ensures image clarity from every angle
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By tackling common halo effects and improving light control at every step, TCL delivers unparalleled contrast, depth, and picture precision even in the brightest environments.
Key Features of the TCL C6K
QLED Technology Next-gen colourful quantum crystal material achieving a wide colour gamut for longer-lasting, vibrant visuals.
144Hz Native Refresh Rate Ultra-smooth, fluid motion for gaming, sports, and fast-action scenes.
ONKYO 2.1 Hi-Fi Sound Immersive cinematic audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support.
Ultra-Slim Design Sleek profile with magnetic seamless wall-mounting and ≤ 60mm thickness for a refined aesthetic.
HVA Screen (85” / 98” Matte Display) Anti-glare, reflection-free screen for uninterrupted viewing in bright spaces.
178 degree Viewing Angle – you can see the image clearly from a wide range of positions.
High Contrast HVA Panels (75″ and below) Up to 7000:1 native contrast ratio and ultra-wide viewing angles for deeper blacks and richer details.
P8: Big Screen Brilliance Meets Everyday Excellence
The TCL P8 model brings cutting-edge display technology to a broader audience, combining incredible picture quality with smart, user-friendly features. Featuring stunning 4K UHD resolution and TCL’s AiPQ 3.0 processor, the P8 ensures vivid colours, crisp details, and smoother motion for all your favourite entertainment.
Compared to the C6K, the, TCL C7K steps up with additional brightness and more precise lighting control. While the C8K comes equipped with audio by Danish luxury audio brand, Bang & Olufsen in the 50″–98″ models, providing a rich, cinematic soundstage that enhances everything from blockbuster movies to high-intensity gaming.
TCL also offers a variety of smart home capabilities, primarily through its Google TV platform and various connected devices including air conditioners, all designed to work together and be managed through the TCL Home App. The new FreshIN 3.0 series aircons, equipped with an A+++ energy rating, while achieving up to 36 percent energy saving is a favourite for the cold winter nights and hot African summers.
“At TCL, we are passionate about driving innovation that transforms everyday experiences, and we’re proud to be the first to introduce All Domain Halo Control Technology to South Africa with our new range,” says Mike Chen, General Manager of TCL South Africa. “South African consumers have shown incredible enthusiasm for TCL’s innovations, and the launch of the C6K series is another step in delivering premium technology, immersive entertainment, and unbeatable value to homes across the country.”
The launch of the full range of QD Mini-LED series is yet another milestone in TCL’s mission to transform the home entertainment landscape, offering South Africans an unrivalled combination of performance, design, and value.
TCL’s exciting new2025 lineup is now available across South Africa at a special launch promotional rate.
C6K Series Promotional Pricing:
55” C6K – R9,999
65” C6K – R13,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)*
75” C6K – R19,999 (includes a free S643W 3.1Ch Soundbar)*
8TCL Electronics (1070.HK) is a leading consumer electronics brand and leader in the global television industry. TCL now operates in more than 160 markets around the world. The company specialises in the research, development, and manufacturing of consumer electronics products ranging from TVs, audio, home appliances, mobile devices, smart glasses, commercial displays, and more. Visit the TCL website at https://www.tcl.com.
Universal TV (DStv 117) announced the return of the popular series, Magnum P.I., with Season 5 premiering on 21 February 2025. The twenty-part crime drama is set to captivate audiences with new episodes airing every on Friday at 8 PM, until the series finale on 20 June.
Thomas Magnum (Jay Hernandez) is back on the case in the action-packed fifth season of this modern spin on the classic series. The former Navy Seal turned private investigator tackles thrilling cases in beautiful Hawaii as the series revs up for a new era with more romance and emotion than ever before. This season finds Magnum and Higgins (Perdita Weeks) starting a romantic relationship at long last, while diving deeper into the lives of the beloved Magnum P.I. ohana, including Rick (Zachary Knighton), TC (Stephen Hill), Katsumoto (Tim Kang) and Kumu (Amy Hill).
Mzansi Life & Style by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem 