Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an important part of Kalima Digital Marketing’s daily operations, according to owner Lucas Maseko.
The business uses an AI Receptionist to manage customer enquiries and improve lead handling, helping the company respond to clients more efficiently while reducing operational costs.
“Integrating AI, specifically our AI Receptionist, has been transformative for Kalima Digital Marketing. It has allowed us to automate our lead handling, ensuring we never miss an inquiry while significantly reducing our operational costs. It is not just an efficiency tool for us; it is a solution we are proud to offer our clients to help them streamline their processes and grow their own businesses,” Maseko said.
He said AI has enabled the business to improve efficiency while providing clients with digital
solutions that help them grow.
“Many small businesses believe AI is expensive or complicated, but there are affordable tools that can make a real difference. AI allows us to spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time focusing on our clients and growing the business,” Maseko said.
AI is changing the way small businesses operate, with more entrepreneurs using the technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs and deliver better customer service.
From automating routine administrative tasks to creating marketing content and responding to customer enquiries, AI is helping small businesses remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
As digital technologies become more accessible, AI is no longer reserved for large corporations. Affordable AI-powered tools are enabling small businesses to simplify daily operations, strengthen customer engagement and make better business decisions while saving valuable time.
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is developing South Africa’s National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework, which aims to promote responsible AI adoption, encourage innovation, strengthen digital skills and support businesses and the wider economy in harnessing the benefits of artificial intelligence.
Global software giant Microsoft advises that several AI tools have proven particularly beneficial for small businesses. These include data analysis and forecasting, which help small businesses to analyse large volumes of data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can inform decision-making.
Microsoft also advises that administrative automation can help teams streamline repetitive, time-consuming tasks, such as data entry, scheduling, and customer service inquiries.
Many small businesses have also tapped into its tools to build personalised marketing campaigns, target the right audience, and measure the effectiveness of their campaigns.
Despite its growing adoption, challenges remain for many small businesses. Limited digital skills, concerns about data privacy, implementation costs and uncertainty about how to use AI effectively continue to slow adoption among some entrepreneurs.
However, business leaders believe these challenges can be addressed through greater awareness, investment in digital skills and improved access to affordable AI solutions. As more AI-powered tools become available, small businesses are expected to benefit from increased productivity, improved customer service and more efficient business operations.
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, more South African small businesses are expected to embrace AI-powered technologies to remain competitive in a rapidly changing digital economy. While challenges remain, increasing awareness, government support and access to affordable AI tools are expected to help entrepreneurs unlock new opportunities for innovation, productivity and long-term business growth.
