Telkom Business Breakfast explores how connectivity, technology and collaboration can deliver economic and societal value.
South Africa’s digital future depends on how effectively businesses, institutions and people use technology to create opportunity, improve productivity and support inclusive growth. This was the central message at the Telkom Business Breakfast, where business leaders, clients and technology experts explored how to turn digital potential into measurable progress.
Held under the theme “The Future We Build Together”, the engagement examined the infrastructure, leadership decisions and partnerships needed to address South Africa’s business and societal challenges. It reinforced Telkom’s role as an integrated connectivity and digital solutions partner, bringing complementary capabilities together around customers’ needs.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Noxolo Kubheka-Dlamini, Telkom’s Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, encouraged leaders to focus on the outcomes digital investment should deliver, from stronger organisations and better customer experiences to improved access and participation.
The discussion followed three connected ideas: Imagine, Enable and Realise. Participants considered where digital progress could create value, what foundations were needed to achieve it, and how organisations could translate investment into practical results.
“South Africa has significant digital potential, but the real opportunity lies in how we translate that potential into tangible progress for our businesses, our people and our communities. Connectivity is an essential foundation, but it is what we enable through that connectivity – greater access to opportunity, more productive businesses, stronger institutions and meaningful participation in the digital economy – that ultimately matters,” said Dr Khubeka Dlamini.
She added: “At Telkom, we recognise that no single technology or organisation can unlock this opportunity in isolation. It requires an integrated approach that brings together infrastructure, connectivity, intelligent solutions and human capability. Our role is to connect these capabilities and work alongside our customers and partners to help turn their ambitions into meaningful outcomes.”
The Panel Discussion brought together representatives from Openserve, Telkom Business and BCX, with clients contributing their priorities and experiences. The conversation explored how resilient infrastructure, connected operations and digital expertise can work together to address organisational needs.
This reflects Telkom’s approach and collaboration between Telkom Consumer, Telkom Business, BCX and Openserve to connect the Group’s strengths around the outcomes customers want to achieve.
Openserve provides the infrastructure foundation for reliable, scalable connectivity. Telkom Business connects enterprises, public service, locations and operations to support productivity and continuity. BCX brings cloud, data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital transformation expertise. Telkom Consumer connects people and households, supporting their participation in an increasingly digital economy.
Together, these capabilities can help organisations improve efficiency, serve customers more effectively and strengthen resilience. Their wider relevance lies in enabling access to education, economic opportunities and essential services.
The conversation also considered barriers to progress, including legacy systems, fragmented data, skills gaps, cybersecurity concerns and organisational readiness. It highlighted the importance of clear investment priorities, responsible implementation and measures that show whether technology is delivering value.
Telkom’s commitment extends to developing the capabilities people need to participate. Through the Telkom Foundation and FutureMakers, the Group supports digital skills, entrepreneurship and access to opportunities, recognising that infrastructure and technology must be accompanied by human capability.
“Connecting people to a better life is our mission. We bring it to life by turning ambition into action, working together and creating meaningful impact,” said Dr Kubheka-Dlamini. “We want our customers to see Telkom as a partner in their growth and transformation, with progress that creates value for businesses, communities and individuals across South Africa.”
The conversation encouraged leaders to define success in terms their organisations and stakeholders can recognise: better performance, stronger trust, meaningful community development and wider access. It also emphasised that progress requires ongoing cooperation, with investment, skills and implementation considered together rather than treated as separate or isolated priorities.
The breakfast created space for clients to engage directly with Telkom Group leaders and experts. Hosted networking extended those discussions, encouraging relevant introductions and practical follow-up conversations.
As South Africa advances its digital ambitions, the engagement underscored the need for collaboration, purposeful investment and sustained attention to outcomes. For Telkom, progress means connecting expertise, infrastructure and people in ways that make a meaningful difference.
SUPPLIED.
