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Helm Press Office
20 years of helping Africa's biggest brands turn complex customer realities into simple experiences they can't live without. (Formerly Praekelt Consulting)
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Human connection in a digitally-driven world
In today's digital age, where advancements in technology are developing faster than their real-world applications can be envisioned, connecting with people on a human level is becoming increasingly important. As the head of client success at Helm, I have witnessed firsthand the power of human interaction in building long-lasting relationships, fostering trust with clients and teams, and driving business growth in a digital era. 23 Oct 2024 Read more

AI with the human touch in calls to action

Helm CCO Jeané van Greunen explores the role of AI in marketing today, and how the mighty CTA can benefit

 3 Oct 2024 Read more

From RAG to riches
Unpacking the intricacies of Large Language Models and opening the door for Helm Gen through RAG, a fitting form of Generative AI for the business world – Dawood Patel, Helm CEO. 16 Aug 2024 Read more

Is ChatGPT a better writer than me?
The rapid rise of generative AI has been rather daunting for me – both as a writer and as someone navigating contemporary society. In my work, I’m confronted by the staggering capabilities of AI on a daily basis and I’ve had to ask myself the inevitable (and decidedly uncomfortable) question: Is AI going to replace me? 15 May 2024 Read more

Helm wins collaboration partner of the year at 2024 ICT Awards
Helm, Africa’s leading CX Innovation experts, emerged triumphant at the prestigious Intelligent ICT Awards held in Sandton on 2 May 2024. The awards, which spotlight innovation and growth in the IT industry, recognised Helm as the Collaboration Partner of the Year in the CXO Business category. 7 May 2024 Read more

Helm, DStv, and Capitec clinch 2024 Smarties Awards
Mobile Marketing Association recognises collaboration between Helm and two of Africa’s biggest names 15 Apr 2024 Read more

Helm X Avon: Transforming beauty in the digital age
Helm helps worldwide beauty brand embrace digital solutions, as told by former Avon CMO Momin Hukamdad 6 Mar 2024 Read more

Humans and AI – Exploring the cycle of complementary coexistence
The impact of AI on jobs has been a hot topic at last week’s annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, with IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva revealing that almost 40% of jobs around the world will be impacted by the advancement of AI. Even though its effect on emerging markets is predicted to be slightly lower than in advanced economies, South Africa is bound to see some shifts in the employment sector as a result of AI adoption. 1 Feb 2024 Read more

The future of AI is human

Preserving the personal touch in an increasingly technological world

 29 Jan 2024 Read more

African tech earns international award in Berlin
Intelligent assistant built by South African partnership recognised by Mobile Marketing Association. 1 Dec 2023 Read more

5 things your business should consider when using AI
Insights and principles for any organisation thinking about implementing an AI solution. 18 Oct 2023 Read more

Helm and DStv win big at the New Gen Awards

Long-standing partnership strikes again with two more additions to the trophy cabinet

 2 Oct 2023 Read more

Helm announces staff ownership
Helm has announced its Employee Ownership Plan, rewarding key staff with a significant stake in the business. This marks a momentous shift in their ownership structure as Helm evolves into a staff-owned company. 27 Sep 2023 Read more

Ride the AI revolution, don't fear it
Humankind's ability to thrive through adversity and adapt to innovation is something that cannot be replicated, but rather enhanced by AI. 21 Jul 2023 Read more

Helm and DStv go gold at 2023 Smarties
DStv Assist Whatsapp solution impresses judges for Mobile Marketing Association 20 Apr 2023 Read more

MoneyUp Chat by Capitec aims to improve SA's financial literacy
WhatsApp solution developed for SA's largest retail bank aims to increase access to relevant financial education. 28 Mar 2023 Read more

What to expect from machine learning in 2023
Written by an actual machine learning model, along with Helm's award-winning natural language processing specialist and their head of engineering. Trends to look out for in 2023. 9 Feb 2023 Read more

Helm hits 1bn messages with DStv Assist
Helm - Africa's leading customer experience innovation experts - have done it again with DStv Assist, a bot-based solution that has changed the self-service game. 13 Dec 2022 Read more

Free legal help for all South Africans
Helm helps local lawyer bring Luma to life with an automated legal assistant 29 Sep 2022 Read more

Cellfind finalises partnership with Helm
SA's largest mobile messaging partner appoints Africa's CX innovation experts. 30 Aug 2022 Read more

Giving children a SmartStart with chatbots
A multilingual bot steps up to bridge the gap and secures a Smarties Award in the process. 13 Jun 2022 Read more

Helm goes global with Dr. Oetker
Helm (previously Praekelt Consulting), Africa's customer experience innovation experts, will be going global again with its client Dr. Oetker, purveyors of the perfect pizza. 11 May 2022 Read more

A chatbot won't solve all your problems
South African brands love a chatbot, don't they? It's not hard to see why. On the face of it, it's a machine that can talk to millions of customers on your behalf without the need for human intervention. It's a convenient, cheap, and cheerful way to solve everything. Right? 19 Jul 2021 Read more

Praekelt joins Frontify in the new age of branding
South African tech and service design company becomes official partner for the Middle East and Africa. 3 Mar 2021 Read more

Free legal help for South Africans
LUMA and Praekelt.com have co-created a chatbot that makes legal help available and accessible to all South Africans. 19 Oct 2020 Read more

The Covid-19 chatbot that saved lives
In the days following South Africa's first case of Covid-19, WhatsApp chats were littered with doomsayers, mask makers and wildly-priced hand sanitisers. And worst of all, there was a lot of fake news being spread by the well-intentioned yet ill-informed. 3 Aug 2020 Read more

Absa Life launches a bot that helps both customers and employees
Anyone who has tried to check an insurance policy unsuccessfully will know the pain of not being able to find the information you are looking for. But that has changed for Absa Life funeral policyholders. 1 Jul 2020 Read more

Comms in the time of corona
With remote working now a reality for big corporates, companies like MTN are using WhatsApp chatbots for their internal comms. 20 May 2020 Read more

WhatsApps from the MTN CEO
SA's big yellow telecommunications co now sends their company comms on the popular social app, including personalised messages straight from the top. 13 Feb 2020 Read more

Creating jobs through digitisation
How a simple WhatsApp assistant is connecting the next six million entrepreneurs to life-changing earning opportunities. 10 Dec 2019 Read more

A trolley full of features
We all know what it's like playing dodgem-trolleys for a cut-price PlayStation. So when Makro asked us to help make life even better for their customers, we jumped at the chance to give them a super-smart WhatsApp assistant. 4 Dec 2019 Read more

SAFA changes the game for world football
The South African Football Association has partnered with Inqaku and Praekelt.com to launch a WhatsApp chat service that gives thousands of FIFA-registered footballers and amateur clubs the information they need to get on with the game. Not only is this a first in South Africa, but it makes SAFA the first football association in the world to integrate its membership system and allow player verification on WhatsApp. 23 Oct 2019 Read more