June 7, 2021
Top Business Women
CEO and Founder of the Soma-Solutions Group, Marilyn Radebe, heads a 100% black women owned information and communication technology company based in Johannesburg. Marilyn has a long standing track record in the IT industry. She is the mastermind behind Edu-Supply and SmartSaver – two exciting new digital platforms making waves across South Africa. Marilyn Radebe is passionate about coming up with top-tier solutions for ensuring that businesses are viable, and accelerating organisations to reach their full potential. With her team, their client’s organisations are future-proofed, using cutting edge digital solutions and platforms; with a particular focus on cloud based solutions and cyber security.
As a member of the Institute of Directors of South Africa, Marilyn Radebe has also been a major contributor to the formation of African Women in Information Technology (AWIT), and has provided input into the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper. She completed a BCom Information Systems degree at the University of Cape Town, and also completed the Management Advancement Programme at Wits Business School.
Congratulations on launching two new digital platforms this year! How did you achieve this, and why are these projects so important to you?
Thank you. By believing that we are resolving societal problems with our digital platforms and by quickly developing and determining the financial viability of the platforms. These two projects are important to me because they are there to solve problems. With Edu-Supply, it revolves around solving the problem of convenience while with SmartSaver, it focuses on finding a safe way for members to save and spend money.
Discover the power of technology in business
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) characterised by the fusion of the digital, biological, and physical worlds, as well as the growing utilisation of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, and advanced wireless technologies such as 5G, among other things has ushered in a new era of economic disruption. Technology, by far, has had the greatest impact on our daily lives in recent years affecting not only our personal lives, but how we do business – technology in business changes the game!
From keeping people connected to assisting businesses to improve their customer experiences, all whilst increasing globalisation. There is no denying the power of technology and how it has sustained businesses as well as provided them with both tangible and intangible value. More businesses are realising the many benefits that come with harnessing the power of technology in their day-to-day operations.
Technology in business allows for better efficiency
Technology has enabled businesses to work efficiently without altering the quality of the work. Digital tools such as task management applications have made it easy for employees to keep track of tasks that are assigned to them and manage all the activities in one place. Moreover, thanks to technology, businesses can also save on costs and time by making use of online payment platforms for product or services purchases and using financial software systems to help with payroll and tax affairs.
Adds convenience to customer services
Customer service is always at the centre of every business because good customer service means retaining customers, attracting more customers, and increased revenue. Technology has presented businesses with an opportunity to interact with customers no matter where they are, and at an increased speed. Customers no longer have to travel to business premises and stand in long queues just to speak to representatives and have queries resolved. Businesses can now provide options on their websites, such as live chats for customers to send through their queries and receive real-time responses through chat bots.