Michael Otten discusses Oneplan's growth, innovation & the future of insurance
In this episode of What's Next, Aki Anastasiou sits down with Michael Otten, CEO of Oneplan, to explore how the company has transformed the South African insurance landscape over the past 15 years. Michael shares insights into Oneplan’s journey from its early days as a traditional short-term insurer to becoming an innovator in health, pet, gap, and motor insurance. He discusses the unique challenges of serving South African consumers and how technology, from digitization to AI, is reshaping the way insurance products are delivered and experienced.
The conversation also dives into Oneplan’s differentiators, such as real-time access to insurance funds via prepaid cards and their customer-first approach that simplifies complex processes. Michael highlights the growing demand in health and pet insurance, the importance of gap cover, and how bundling products creates greater value for clients. Looking ahead, he shares his perspective on future trends, including the evolving role of AI in training, customer engagement, and product innovation, while keeping the human element at the heart of service delivery.
Oneplan is sold by Oneplan Brokers (Pty) Ltd and administered by Oneplan Underwriting Managers (Pty) Ltd, authorised financial services providers FSP43627 and FSP43628. Oneplan is not a benefit option regulated by the Medical Schemes Act, but a short-term insurance product underwritten by Bryte Insurance Company Limited a licensed insurer and an authorised FSP(17703).
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22:24
Frikkie van Loggerenberg on estate planning, wills, and securing your legacy
In this episode of What's Next, we welcome back Frikkie van Loggerenberg, Head of Investment Strategy and CEO of IFSA. He shares valuable insights into the most common questions clients ask financial advisors, with a strong focus on wills, estate planning, and understanding the true costs involved in winding up an estate. Frikkie highlights why these fundamentals are at the core of sound financial planning and how they connect directly to securing your legacy.
The discussion also explores common mistakes people make when relying on DIY solutions or AI for estate planning, and why professional guidance is crucial for peace of mind. Frikkie explains IFSA’s client-first approach, emphasizing planning before products, face-to-face relationships, and ongoing support — including managing estates after clients pass on. Whether your estate is large or small, this conversation underlines why it’s never too early to plan properly.
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13:07
Dion Govender on the impact of IS³ X-Change 2025 and Africa's industrial future
In this episode of What's Next, we welcome Dion Govender, Managing Director of IS³, to discuss the upcoming IS³ X-Change 2025 conference. Taking place on 28–29 October in Cape Town, this premier event showcases future-ready industrial automation insights and solutions tailored for Africa. Powered by global expertise and enriched with local knowledge, X-Change 2025 promises to deliver measurable value for every stakeholder.
We explore IS³’s role as the exclusive AVEVA Select Partner in sub-Saharan Africa, the challenges facing industrial businesses in 2025, and how digital transformation, AI, and cloud-driven solutions are reshaping industries. Dion also highlights what makes this year’s X-Change different, from customer success stories to fresh formats and international participation, making it the must-attend event for organizations looking to stay competitive and unlock real value.
Registration discount codes:
- 1 Exhibitor: Exh1MBL50
- 2 Exhibitors: Exh2MBL50
- Delegate: DelMBL50\\
Sign up here: https://evolve.eventoptions.co.za/register/is%C2%B3x-change2025/details?utm_source=MyBroadband&utm_medium=Interview&utm_term=September+2025
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18:08
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18:08
Ben Janse van Rensburg on how PayInc powers South Africa's payment ecosystem
In this episode, we dive into the role of PayInc. (formerly BankservAfrica) at the heart of South Africa’s payments ecosystem. With 53 years of experience, PayInc. has been instrumental in building and maintaining the country’s payment infrastructure. Today, it processes nearly 400 million transactions a month, ensuring that payments are secure, reliable, and always on. From card swipes to instant transfers, their systems quietly power the economy while supporting financial inclusion for millions.
We also explore the evolution of payments over the past five decades, the technology behind high-availability systems, and how PayInc. is modernizing through cloud, microservices, and AI-driven innovation. With a focus on resilience and scalability, their work keeps South Africa’s financial systems running 24/7, even during peak times like paydays and Black Friday.
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15:03
Ashif Black on the key benefits of choosing inDrive over other ride-hailing services
In this episode, we sit down with Ashif Black, Country Representative of InDrive South Africa, to explore how the company is reshaping the ride-hailing industry with fairness, transparency, and freedom of choice. Ashif shares the story of InDrive’s origins, how its unique negotiation model empowers both drivers and passengers, and why low commissions and fair pricing are central to its mission. He also highlights the platform’s expansion across South African cities and the value it brings to communities through affordable, accessible, and transparent mobility.
The conversation also touches on safety, global presence, and innovation, with Ashif explaining how InDrive ensures driver and passenger protection, leverages insights from its operations in over 800 cities worldwide, and adapts technology to local needs. Beyond rides, InDrive is expanding into courier, delivery, and intercity services, while creating new opportunities for youth and drivers in South Africa.
What’s Next with Aki Anastasiou is South Africa’s most popular technology show. The who’s who of South Africa’s technology and business world are interviewed on the show.
Listen to What's Next with Aki Anastasiou, The AI Daily Brief: Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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