media update

Cape Town Tourism Wins Three Gold at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Cape Town Tourism (CTT) has announced that it has won three Gold Awards at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA).

Singularity South Africa Relaunches Executive Programme

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Singularity South Africa has announced the relaunch of its flagship Executive Programme, introducing a restructured, four-phase format designed to support top business leaders as they navigate translating emerging technology into measurable organisational outcomes.

Breaking Down Borders Television Series Wins International Telly Award

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

The South African travelogue series, Breaking Down Borders Africa, has been awarded a Silver international Telly Award in the Best Travel and Tourism Television Series category. The announcement was as the Telly Awards has celebrated their 47^th year.

Ogilvy Namibia Concludes Creative Mentorship Programme With COTA

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Ogilvy Namibia has concluded a three-month creative mentorship programme with the College of the Arts (COTA). On Wednesday, 10 June, eight students presented full marketing campaigns to representatives from Paratus Namibia at the agency's Windhoek offices.

MTN South Africa and M+C Saatchi Abel Launch Digital-First Brand

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Tasked with creating a brand for a generation that lives a large portion of its life online, M+C Saatchi Abel has partnered with MTN to launch 'Pi by MTN', a digital-first brand built to reshape how modern South Africans manage their mobile and home connectivity.

Youth Is Not an Age. It Never Was. Lit.

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Every June, the South African marketing industry does something curious. It sets aside an entire month to talk about youth, and then spends most of it talking about age, says Marilize Jacobs, Founder of VocalCord PR & Reputation Management, and Thabani Mnyakeni, Chief Creative Officer at TM Relations.

Tiger Brands Announces Seven Manufacturing Sites Are Now Solar Power Operational

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tiger Brands has announced it has reached a milestone in its renewable energy journey, with solar power now operational at seven of its manufacturing sites across South Africa, aimed at helping to reduce the company's reliance on non-renewable energy sources while lowering its carbon footprint.

Tribeca Marks 20 Years With Seven New Client Wins in First Half of 2026

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Tribeca Public Relations (Tribeca) has secured seven new client wins in the first half of 2026, adding Traxtion, ManageEngine, Bonitas, Aware.org, Raizcorp and WesBank to its growing client portfolio.

Brand Loyalty as Subscription — The New Retail Battleground

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Today consumers have endless market options — and brands are finding that customer loyalty cannot be taken for granted. media update's Venelize de Lange considers how retail businesses are adapting their strategies to stay top of mind.

Loyalty Cannot Grow if it Cannot Adapt

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

South Africa is no longer an emerging loyalty market. It is a mature one. The 2025 / 6 Truth and BrandMapp Loyalty Whitepaper found that 85% of economically active South Africans use loyalty programmes, up from 82% in the previous year, says Len Lubbe, CEO at LoyaltyPlus.

Greg Maloka Returns to the Kaya 959 Orbit in New Commercial Role

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

A key figure behind Kaya 959's evolution into one of South Africa's radio and cultural brands is returning to the station's wider commercial ecosystem.

The One Club Announces 2026 Creative Hall of Fame Inductees

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The One Club for Creativity has announced the latest group of inductees in advertising, design and education to be named in the 2026 Creative Hall of Fame in September.

World Out of Home Organization Launches World-First Global Measure of Programmatic DOOH Advertising Spend

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The World Out of Home Organization (WOO) has announced the results of the first ever independently aggregated global study of programmatic Digital Out-of-Home (pDOOH) advertising spend, revealing that the channel generated approximately USD$1.4-billion in revenue globally in 2025 — equivalent to 7% of total DOOH expenditure.

Allan Gray and Accenture Song Win at D&AD Awards

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Allan Gray and Accenture Song's, 'A Seat at the Table', has won a D&AD Wood Pencil in Spatial Design, the only South African work to receive a Pencil at the 2026 D&AD Awards.

In Defence of Niche Publications

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:45:00 GMT

In an era defined by rapid technological change, some publications are succeeding by focusing on something surprisingly simple. Venelize de Lange from media update explores why.

Network X OOH Relaunches With a New Identity

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Network X OOH, a specialist in premium, township, transit and digital advertising solutions, has officially relaunched its brand, unveiling a refreshed identity, renewed market positioning and a campaign platform that aims to capture the company's belief that the street remains one of South Africa's most powerful media environments.

Clover Mama Afrika Recevies New Vehicle From Eqstra

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Clover Mama Afrika has announced that it has received a new vehicle from Eqstra — a division of Nedbank. This investment aims to extend far beyond mobility by being a practical enabler of access, reach and sustained community impact.

McDonald's South Africa Brings FIFA World Cup 2026™ Excitement Home

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

McDonald's South Africa has announced that it is bringing the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ closer to home with a nationwide campaign designed to unite fans through great food, exclusive collectibles, family experiences and moments of national pride.

Content Creator Awards Partners With Cars.co.za

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Aimed at recognising the growing impact of creators across every aspect of modern media, the Content Creator Awards has announced a new partnership with Cars.co.za and the introduction of two new award categories for 2026.

Musa Kalenga to Participate in Daily Maverick Marketing Masterclass

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:15:00 GMT

Musa Kalenga, Chief Executive Officer of The Brave Group, one of Africa's independent marketing and communications groups, has been confirmed as a panellist at the Daily Maverick Marketing Masterclass, Season 3.

On World Oceans Day, Canon South Africa Highlights Importance of Coral Conservation

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:30:00 GMT

This World Oceans Day, Canon South Africa has aimed to shine a light on the critical, hidden science of coral restoration across the Western Indian Ocean.

KFC Mini-Cricket High-Performance Training Camp to Serve as the Nation's Backup Team

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

KFC Africa has announced that, as the Proteas Women head into the T20 World Cup looking to claim their first world title, some of South Africa's smallest players are training very hard to ensure they are well prepared for the call up as the nation's back up team.

Why Brands Continue to Chase Industry Recognition

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Award ceremonies — the moment of validation for brands. Venelize de Lange from media update looks at how brands can easily miss the opportunity to convert industry recognition into meaningful media visibility and audience insights.

World Out of Home Organization Announces Awards at London Global Congress

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 14:30:00 GMT

The World Out of Home Organization has announced the award winners for Individuals, Digital, Classic and Special Build Creative, Sustainability and Technical Innovation, at its annual Global Congress in London on the fourth of June.

La-Roche Posay Welcomes ARB Validation of its Most Recommended Brand by South African Dermatologists Claim

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:30:00 GMT

L'Oréal South Africa has welcomed the recent decision by the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB), to uphold the company's claim that La Roche Posay is the No. 1 Most Recommended Brand by Dermatologists in South Africa.

Lucky Hustle Wins Chery Account With Bespoke High-Performance Agency Model

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Lucky Chery, a purpose-built agency team created by award-winning creative agency Lucky Hustle, has been appointed as the lead agency for Chery South Africa following a competitive pitch process.

AI Isn't Replacing Agencies — It's Reshaping How They Compete

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

As generative AI rapidly transforms the marketing landscape, the future of agencies is not about replacement but reinvention. While early discussions framed AI as a potential threat to agencies and creative roles, the emerging reality is different: AI is becoming the foundation that will determine which agencies grow and which fall behind.

Martin Bester Releases New Single Angel Featuring Ross Learmonth in Support of Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Jacaranda FM's Martin Bester has released his new single Angel, featuring Ross Learmonth, as a musical tribute to the life-changing work of the station's flagship community initiative, Good Morning Angels.

FirstRand Foundation Announced as Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa's New Country Patron

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

FirstRand Foundation (FRF), the corporate foundation for the FirstRand Group, has been appointed as Laureus Sport for Good Foundation South Africa's new Country Patron.

Ogilvy Wins Multiple Gold Awards at SABRE Awards

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Ogilvy South Africa has announced that it, along with its clients, have won multiple awards, including three Golds, at the recent regional EMEA SABRE Awards for social-first and culture-led creativity.

Jacaranda FM Celebrates 40 Years and the Feel Good Tour With the Finale Held in Fourways

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Jacaranda FM has celebrated their 40^thbirthday by embarking on a cross-country Feel Good Tour, aimed at marking the milestone by taking the celebration directly to the people who have followed along the journey.

Canon South Africa Announces Leadership Transition to Drive Imaging Technology and Solutions Growth

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Canon South Africa has appointed Tunca Rodoplu as Country Director, effective Wednesday, 1 July. He will aim to lead the company's strategy and drive growth across the Canon portfolio in Southern Africa.

BP Drops Coffee Prices in Line With Fuel Price Increase

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Aimed at easing some of the everyday pressure consumers are facing, BP has reduced the price of Wild Bean Café coffee by the same amount as this month's fuel price increase, from the third to the 14^th of June.

Winning the Answer Economy With AEO, GEO and Agentic AI

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Consumers are now asking long, nuanced questions of their favourite AI assistant and expecting a single, trusted answer. This shift has given rise to Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO), two closely related but distinct disciplines, says Jonathan Greene, Executive VP Americas at RocketSource by Incubeta.

How to Hire a Fractional CMO in South Africa — And What to Look For

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

More South African businesses are working with fractional CMOs to access senior marketing expertise without the high cost or long-term commitment of a full-time hire. This article explores key considerations for hiring, assessing business readiness and structuring the partnership for success, says Bernard Jansen, Marketing Consultant and Fractional CMO.

SEIFSA and Danish Industries Launches Women's Leadership Mentoring Programme

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The development of a stronger pipeline of female leaders in South Africa's metals, engineering and manufacturing sectors is the focus of the 'Women of Steel' — Women's Leadership Mentoring Programme — which has been launched by the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) in partnership with the Danish Industries (DI) 'Gender Inclusion Initiative'.

FOUR PAWS Warns of the Climate Crisis Dangers Caused by Factory Farming

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

As South Africa marks World Environment Day on Friday, 5 June and the start of National Environment Month, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has said it is calling on communities, consumers and policymakers to confront the growing crisis of factory farming, warning that it lies at the heart of both climate change and widespread animal suffering.

FOUR PAWS Welcomes Landmark Pet Population Data in South Africa

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has welcomed the release of new data from Stats SA's General Household Survey (GHS), providing an accurate and credible snapshot of companion animal ownership in the country, at national, provincial and metropolitan level.

FOUR PAWS Encourages a Moment of Reflection This World Milk Day

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This World Milk Day, observed on Monday, 1 June, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is encouraging South Africans to take a moment to reflect on the animals behind one of the country's most widely consumed everyday products.

South Africa Named One of Publicis Groupe's Five Global Centres of Excellence

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Publicis Production South Africa has been recognised as one of only five Publicis Groupe Centres of Excellence worldwide, based on the calibre and scale of work produced locally for global brands.

Gerety VIP Diamond BBQ Returns to Cannes as 2026 Jury Sessions Begin Worldwide

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

As Gerety Awards jury sessions begin across 15 cities worldwide, the global creative industry turns its attention to the 2026 shortlist announcement and the return of the acclaimed Gerety VIP Diamond BBQ in Cannes with Tantor Films.

H&M Deepens Support for Youth Empowerment and GBV Prevention With R1-Million Donation

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

H&M South Africa has built on its support for gender equality and youth empowerment with a R1-million donation to non-profit organisation Star for Life.

Exclusive Books June Recommendations for Youth Month and Father's Day

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:30:00 GMT

June marks one of the most significant months on South Africa's calendar. As the country commemorates Youth Month and reflects on the 50^th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, Exclusive Books has invited readers to engage with stories that explore courage, identity, resilience and change.

Retail Readiness Programme Expands to Transpharm

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Transpharm has concluded its first intake of unemployed youth into the Shoprite Group's Retail Readiness Programme (RRP), which kicked off in March.

eNCA and eNUUS Journalists Recognised With Five Awards in One Week

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT

eNCA and eNUUS have received five honours in one week, with recognition across the National Press Club Awards and the Future of Leadership Awards affirming the strength of the two news brands across journalism, public service and social impact.

Creating Meaningful Consumer Connections — A Q&A With Murat Gebeceli

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:30:00 GMT

media update's Venelize de Lange talks to Murat Gebeceli about how cross-functional intelligence — from retail performance to partner feedback — is used to guide marketing decisions and improve execution across Sony's diverse MEA markets.

Rural Non-Profit Brings Skills to Remote Villages as Seventh Digital Campus Takes Shape

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Education non-profit Good Work Foundation (GWF) has announced its new Dixie digital learning campus taking shape in remote northern Mpumalanga, benefiting hundreds of rural learners and school-leavers with digital and work-readiness skills.

When More is Less: Abundant Rewards and the Paradox of Choice

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

It's tempting to think that the more rewards there are to choose from, the better. Behavioural science says that's not true. The days of rewards catalogues and warehouses are well and truly behind us, says Natasha Olivier, Senior Product Manager at GET Rewards.

AAA Launches South Africa's First Master of Digital Marketing Degree

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As digital disruption reshapes how brands connect with audiences, AAA School of Advertising has responded with a landmark qualification: the Master of Digital Marketing, the first master's degree specialising in digital marketing in South Africa.

Technology Public Relations Agency Tishala Communications Celebrates Eighth Birthday

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Public Relations (PR) and Digital Marketing Agency, Tishala Communications, has celebrated its eighth birthday, aimed at highlighting its reputation of specialisation in technology PR.

Adclick Africa Wins Two MMA SMARTIES 2026 Awards for AI-Driven Campaign

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Adclick Africa has announced that their 'Doctor B — AI Influencer' campaign for Bonitas Medical Fund has received two honours at the MMA SMARTIES South Africa 2026 Awards. The ceremony was held at the Inanda Club in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Thursday, 21 May.

Raising a Nostalgic Youth — The Editor's Note

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:30:00 GMT

From vintage aesthetics to classic sitcom reruns, nostalgia is constantly shaping youth culture. Venelize de Lange from media update considers why so many young people are romanticising a pre-digital life.

Children's Amendment Bill Marks an Important Step Towards Expanding Access to Early Childhood Development

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

The recent discussion surrounding the Children's Amendment Bill has prompted a national conversation about access, equity and quality in South Africa's Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector.

The 2026 Product of the Year Winners Announced as Voted by South African Consumers

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

South African consumers have cast their votes in the country's comprehensive independent product survey. Product of the Year South Africa has announced the 40 winners of the 2026 Product of the Year Awards, recognising products and services that have stood out for innovation, relevance and real consumer appeal.

Ladles of Love Calls for the Community to be 'Hands-On Heroes' This Mandela Day

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Every year, Mandela Day asks the same quiet question, "What will you do with your 67 minutes?" The answer is not always simple. The will is there. The heart is there. What is often missing is a clear, practical way to take part in something that is well organised, genuinely useful and able to reach the people who need it most.

Why Short, Vertical Dramas Are Changing How — And What — South Africans Watch

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Big emotions packed into tiny episodes are reshaping how we watch our favourite stories on our phones. What if your next guilty pleasure drama only took a minute to watch, asks Elouise Kelly, Country Manager at Viu South Africa.

FOMO Isn't The Problem — Bad FOMO Is

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:45:00 GMT

In retail, the fear of missing out (FOMO) has often been treated as a simple conversion tool: create scarcity, add urgency and encourage people to act quickly, but consumers are increasingly tuned into how urgency is used. They know when something feels exciting, and when it feels manufactured.

New Initiative Takes Classrooms Straight to Paediatric Wards

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 10:15:00 GMT

For children spending weeks or even months in hospital, keeping up with schoolwork can be nearly impossible. Between treatments, limited space and overcrowded wards, many are forced to study on beds, bedside tables or not at all. Now, a new initiative is aiming to change that.

Outdoor Network Captures Commuters in Randpark Ridge With a New Digital Billboard

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

As brands seek to reach high-value consumers in their daily routines, Outdoor Network, a Provantage company, has extended its digital out-of-home (DOOH) footprint with the launch of a new digital billboard on Beyers Naudé Drive, positioned within the busy Randpark Ridge and Randburg commuter corridor.

Why Child Safeguarding Must Become South Africa's Loudest Promise During Child Protection Week

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Afrika Tikkun, a South African non-profit organisation, has said that this years Children's Week should not only be about celebration, but about protection.

2026 Effie Awards South Africa Announces Extended Deadline

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and Effie Awards South Africa have extended the deadline for entries into the 2026 Effie Awards South Africa programme and encourage agencies, brands, media owners, specialist agencies and clients to make use of the additional time to submit their most effective work.

Totalsports Women's Race Entrants and Volunteers Share Inspiring Cancer Survival Journeys

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Totalsports Women's Race has announced that it will be taking place on three consecutive Sundays in August — Sunday, 2 August, Durban; Sunday 9 August, Cape Town; Sunday, 16 August, Johannesburg — with PinkDrive announced as its official charity.

Kaya 959 Announces DJ Fresh as New Breakfast Host

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Kaya 959 has announced significant talent acquisitions in South African radio: broadcaster Thato Sikwane, better known as DJ Fresh, will join the station as host of its flagship weekday breakfast show from Monday, 1 July.

The One Club Global Get Out the Vote Brief Competition

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The One Club for Creativity has announced the launch of the first Young Ones Get Out the Vote brief, a new free global challenge calling on undergraduate college students around the world to come up with campaigns to drive voter participation.

Campaigns Setting Benchmarks for Creator Marketing in South Africa at the Content Creator Awards 2026

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Some time ago, the smartest brands and agencies in South Africa realised something important: forced influencer integration simply wasn't landing anymore. They knew that audiences could see through it, creators could feel it, and the work often lacked authenticity, impact and cultural relevance.

DUO Marketing + Communications Says No to AI Generated Content

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Large language model (LLM) ChatGPT boasts that it has approximately 900-million weekly active users worldwide. If just one LLM, albeit the most popular, is boasting almost a billion users a week, it is hardly surprising that more people are starting to roll their eyes at the flood of AI-generated content everywhere.

Broadsign's Sell-Side AI Agent Joins With Global Netherlands and Draft Digital

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Broadsign, a global platform for managing and monetising out-of-home (OOH) media, has announced that its sell-side AI agent and digital marketing agency, Draft Digital's buy-side agent, planned, booked and executed the first-ever fully agentic AI OOH ad campaign.

Over 100 Residents Receive AI-Powered TB Screening at Cape Town Health Day

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, 16 May, The Impilo Project, a South African non-profit organisation (NGO) has announced it has delivered healthcare to underserved communities, facilitated a health screening day at Marconi Beam Primary School in Joe Slovo, an informal settlement in Cape Town, South Africa.

Food Safety When Nothing Goes According to Plan

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:30:00 GMT

This World Food Safety Day on Sunday, 7 June, the World Health Organization (WHO) theme, "Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected", has acted as a timely reminder that the real test of any food safety system does not always occur on a normal operating day, but what happens when conditions shift.

Solidariteit Helpende Hand Marks World Hunger Day With 40 Community Initiatives Across South Africa

Fri, 29 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Solidariteit Helpende Hand's regions, branches and volunteers across South Africa have marked World Hunger Day this year by hosting more than 40 initiatives and projects under the theme 'Hungry for Hope'.

Boitumelo Motsepe Launches Mentorship Programme for Young Women Leaders

Fri, 29 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Co-Founder of Motsepe Advertising, Boitumelo Motsepe, has announced that she is launching a 90-day mentorship programme, Scale For Women. The goal is to equip emerging leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals with clarity, confidence and commercial insight.

Kagiso Trust Partners With University of Johannesburg Faculty of Education to Host Education Conference

Fri, 29 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Kagiso Trust, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg's Faculty of Education, has hosted an Education Conversation in line with the theme of Africa Day on Monday, 25 May, "Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063".

How Allianz is Using Spotify to Turn Music Into a Road-Safety Behaviour-Change Tool

Fri, 29 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

As road safety challenges evolve, brands have been looking beyond traditional awareness campaigns to find new ways of influencing behaviour in everyday moments. Allianz Ireland has created 'Seat Belters' to explore how creativity, technology and data could be applied to make safer driving a more natural part of daily life.

IIE Rosebank College Transforms Into Rosebank International

Fri, 29 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

IIE Rosebank College has announced its transformation to Rosebank International. The development aims to marks the next stage in the institution's move towards full university status and places renewed focus on the role accredited private higher education can play in widening access to recognised higher education opportunities.

Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026 Raises Over R1.5-Million During Two-Day Event

Fri, 29 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The Oceans 8 Charity Swim, a KwaZulu-Natal charitable event, has announced that more than 300 swimmers raised R1 517 687 through the 2026 edition, which took place at Vetch's Beach at the Durban Undersea Club on Satursday, 23 May and Sunday, 24 May.

New Study of 10 000 South African Youth Reveals Insights Into The Future of Youth Marketing

Fri, 29 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Reaching young audiences in South Africa is becoming increasingly complex. Social platforms dominate discovery, but attention is fragmented, competition is intense, and many brands are still operating on outdated assumptions about how younger generations think, spend and engage.

Uber Eats and Special US Earn Top Honours at 2026 Effie Awards US

Thu, 28 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

The most effective marketing work in the United States has been honoured at the 2026 Effie Awards US Gala, held in New York City, aimed at recognising campaigns that delivered measurable business results through bold strategy, creative effectiveness and cultural relevance.

AI is Making Work Faster, But Speed Without Judgment is Just Expensive Noise

Thu, 28 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

A few months ago, one of my team leads submitted a first draft of a client strategy document in under two hours. It was polished, well-structured and covered all the expected ground. It was also, on closer reading, almost entirely generic. The AI had done its job. The thinking had not, says Bradly Howland, CEO at Alkemi Collective.

Debating Our Way Out of Marketing Growth

Thu, 28 May 2026 15:45:00 GMT

Debating has become more of a performance than about understanding opposing perspectives — and marketing may be making a similar mistake. Venelize de Lange from media update considers how by comparing performance-driven debating to consumer-facing messaging.

Community Blanket Drive Delivers Warmth to Pretoria's Vulnerable This Winter

Thu, 28 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Solidariteit Helpende Hand has announced that more than 100 blankets were collected during a special community initiative at the Voortrekker Monument, and these blankets are currently on their way to old age homes, care facilities and other vulnerable communities across Pretoria.

FOUR PAWS Announces '67 Kennels of Hope' Campaign

Thu, 28 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

As Mandela Day approaches on 18 July, FOUR PAWS South Africa has called on individuals, communities and businesses across the country to come together through launching its annual '67 Kennels of Hope' campaign.

Kaya 959 Thanks Sizwe Dhlomo as Breakfast Show Chapter Comes to a Close

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Kaya 959 has confirmed that Sizwe Dhlomo will leave the station's breakfast show, Siz the World with Sizwe Dhlomo, effective Wednesday, 27 May, ending an important chapter in the station's morning offering.

Sakaza Afrika Launches Social Sense and Simu on Africa Day

Thu, 28 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

On Africa Day, pan-African strategic communications firm Sakaza Afrika has announced the commercial launch of two platforms: Social Sense and Simu, alongside a broader call for communications to be recognised as core infrastructure for development, business and public trust across Africa

Why Your Brain Still Craves Print Media

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

When was the last time you sat down and read something without a notification interrupting you? Venelize de Lange from media update looks at the science behind print media's appeal in a world of distracting screens.

Nick Hamman Joins Time Out South Africa as a New Culture Connector

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Time Out South Africa has announced a new partnership with Broadcaster and Storyteller, Nick Hamman, who officially joins the brand as a Strategic Content Contributor and Culture Connector.

SoulProviders Collective Celebrates 15 Years With Strategy-Led Shift and New Leadership

Wed, 27 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

SoulProviders Collective (SPC) is marking 15 years in business with a strategic repositioning from a solely social media specialist to a strategy-led digital agency rooted in local culture.

The Human Layer Behind AI Productivity

Wed, 27 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

AI is no longer experimental technology on the sidelines of business. It is already deeply
embedded across organisations, from media and finance to healthcare, software, retail and customer service. What varies now is the degree and philosophy of adoption, says Lefeedi Maja, Business Consultant, Writer and Author.

TEARS Animal Rescue Encourages Donation of Fleece Blankets to 'Give Warmth' This Winter

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

As winter conditions intensify across the Western Cape, TEARS Animal Rescue has appealed to the public for donations of fleece blankets to help keep the dogs and cats in its care warm during the colder months.

FoodForward SA Awarded Global Community Impact Grant from The Starbucks Foundation

Wed, 27 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As part of The Starbucks Foundation's Global Community Impact Grants programme, FoodForward SA has been selected to receive a USD$10 000 grant. This grant award is thanks to a nomination from Starbucks partner company (licensee) Rand GP, which operates the Starbucks brand in South Africa.

Marriott International Helps Fund 500 Fruit Trees and Climate Education

Wed, 27 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Over 6 300 cups of coffee have been served at hotels in Marriott International's portfolio to help support a greener future. Through Marriott's 'Sip for a Cause' campaign linked to Earth Hour 2026, hotels raised funds to plant 500 fruit trees and environmental education in schools and communities.

Stepping Into Stories at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair

Tue, 26 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

All good campaigns start with a good story — and the RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2026 is no exception. Venelize de Lange from media update considers how storytelling informed this event's cultural resonance and audience reception.

HOT 102.7FM Delivers Historic Achievement With Seven New York Festivals Radio Awards

Tue, 26 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

For the fourth consecutive year, HOT 102.7FM has earned global recognition at the prestigious New York Festivals Radio Awards, widely regarded as the Oscars of radio.

The Creator Economy is Here — and Your Business Can't Afford to Ignore It

Tue, 26 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In an era where a single scroll can make or break a brand, professional Photographer, Videographer and Content Creator Nicole Lewis of Captured by Nicole is issuing a clear message to business owners across South Africa and beyond: the content you put out is no longer a luxury, it is your most powerful business asset.

From Forest Plantation to Fashion — The Hidden Start of Your Wardrobe

Tue, 26 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

What we wear every day is the result of a global supply chain few people ever see — one that often begins far earlier than most realise and increasingly raises questions about the materials used to make our clothes, says Madelaine Fourie, General Brand Manager at Sappi Verve.

Rogerwilco Wins Five Awards at Smarties Awards

Tue, 26 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

African B Corp-certified digital agency, Rogerwilco has announced it has won five awards for its generative engine optimisation (GEO) and AI-driven digital work at the Marketing and Media Alliance (MMA) Smarties South Africa Awards.

AdConnect and Adtopia Add WildEarth TV to Commercial Portfolio

Tue, 26 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

AdConnect in partnership with Adtopia have announced the addition of WildEarth TV to their commercial offering, bringing one of the world's most distinctive wildlife broadcasting platforms to the South African advertising market.

Internal Agency Relationships Are as Essential as Client Relationships

Tue, 26 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The conversation about relationships in advertising almost always looks outward. Client trust, agency partnership, stakeholder management. But the relationship that actually determines whether any of that holds is the one nobody talks about, says Eric Sibanyoni, Group Account Director at Boomtown.

Penquin Strengthens Team With Strategic New Hires

Tue, 26 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

South African brand and communications agency Penquin has announced that it is celebrating a strong period of growth, marked by a series of strategic new hires across its business in recent months.

The Radical Career Move Nobody Puts on LinkedIn: Becoming Slightly Useless Before Breakfast

Mon, 25 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

For nearly four decades, my mornings began with urgency. Emails before tea. Meetings before thought. Strategic plans before sunlight, says Navin Vasudev, international Education and Qualifications Specialist and Former Manager at the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Workers' Day in the Age of AI: What Happens When Work Itself Begins to Change?

Mon, 25 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

On 1 May, many countries around the world commemorated Workers' Day (Labour Day). A moment to remember the struggles that shaped the modern world of work, says Navin Vasudev, international Education and Qualifications Specialist and Former Manager at the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).