A machine did what many local stock analysts and asset managers failed to do. The algorithms running the NMRQL SCI Balanced Fund advised against buying shares in Steinhoff, the scandal-plagued, Stellenbosch-based retail company before accounting irregularities came to light in December.

These machine learning algorithms made this call, while many analysts and fund managers who bought shares in the group were forced to explain their reasoning when CEO Markus Jooste and financial director Stéhan Grobler resigned, following accusations of mismanagement.