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Cambrient, Stonewall+, Brandsh merge

27 Aug 2010 08:0659 commentsBizLike
Will the African advertising industry see a shake up? On 1 October 2010, Cambrient, Stonewall+ and Brandsh will merge to form "the continent's largest and first truly full-service digital agency", Native. "The strategic integration of our pooled intellectual capital will see a new kind of agency emerge - one focused on digital-through-the-line," says Jason Xenopoulos, the newly appointed CEO.

Jason Xenopolous, Native’s CEO and CCO
Apart from being CEO of Native, Xenopolous will also be chief creative officer; Cambrient software and creative director Jarred Cinman will be chief inventor; Cambrient CEO Kevin Lourens will be chief growth officer, Brandsh founder and CEO Angus Robinson will be executive creative director; and Stonewall+ CEO Ben Wagner will be chief marketing warrior.

Combined skill set

Native's combined skill set brings under one roof digital marketing strategy, creative conceptualisation and design, web and mobile technology, online and mobile media, social media including community management and online content development, as well as research and analytics. According to a press statement, Native will also be developing a suite of interactive tools to allow marketers to track campaigns across multiple platforms.

Jarred Cinman, Cambrient software and creative director – Native’s chief inventor

Stonewall+ was formed in 1997 and is recognised for exceptional online design work. Supported by digital marketing strategy, the company's offering has attracted brands including General Motors, Nestlé and Vodacom.

Cambrient started in 2001 and has carved out a niche in the South African industry, focused on technology and building licensable software products that have the ability to develop large web platforms. Over 150 content-heavy web destinations, including Moneyweb, DStv, Pick n Pay and South African Tourism, have been built using its software products.

Pioneer


Kevin Lourens, Cambrient CEO – Native’s chief growth officer
Brandsh, the youngest of the three at just four-years-old but with a rapid growth rate, is a pioneer in the social media and mobile advertising industry. Brandsh's work with clients such as Standard Bank, Seacom and South African Tourism has been bringing these entities into the new era as digital becomes an increasingly important part of marketing strategy.

The pooled client list will include SA Tourism, General Motors, Standard Bank, Vodacom, Distell, Nestlè, Seacom and DStv.

Xenopoulos is described as an influential figure in the South African media, marketing and advertising industry, with experience covers both digital and traditional media, as well above-the-line brand advertising and filmed entertainment.


Angus Robinson, Brandsh CEO – Native’s ECD
Co-founder and once MD of VWV Interactive, he has also been CEO of JSE-listed Metropolis* Transactive and the architect of Primedia's entertainment strategy. A director of internationally-awarded feature films and TV commercials, he was also Y&R South Africa's executive creative director, where he oversaw the MTN account and the Pick n Pay brand relaunch.


Ben Wagner, Stonewall+ CEO – Native’s chief marketing warrior
Further details of Native's vision and corporate identity will be revealed in the coming weeks.

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Simon
The worst Together-
Well done, congratulations on taking the 3 worst entities in the diigtal realm in SA and putting them into 1 pot. Its definitely going to make it easier for all the other agencies and startups to pull business. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 09:13
Tracy
Whatever...-
"3 worst entities"? I'm sensing sour grapes there... Posted on 27 Aug 2010 10:34
Delsi
The Worst Together-
Jealousy makes you nasty...

Always remember 3 things when you are about to open your mouth: Is it true, Is it necessary, Is it nice...otherwise shut it! Posted on 27 Aug 2010 10:38
Good for you Delsi!-
Couldn't agree more.. Posted on 30 Aug 2010 10:45
Ernest
The worst Together-
Why would one want to dis three strong companies who is coming together to form one creative entity that actually knows what they are doing. These are companies who are actually leaders in their fields and want to create one agency that can give a full service knowing that they can deliver on creativity, effectiveness and technical superiority. How about saying positive things, congratulations and thanks for setting a high standard in the industry. Jealousy does make people nasty!!!!! It doesn't make anyone look good when they try to break down other peoples image but only makes them self look immature and arrogant. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 10:48
Harold
Great News!-
Proud to be part of Native, exciting times ahead!
Congrats! Posted on 27 Aug 2010 10:29
Rhett
The game changes...-
I think this is a significant merger for the SA digital industry, of three companies who are specialists in all key fields of digital. There are going to be some potent, full spectrum and integrated campaigns to come. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 10:31
zk
Digital like you've never seen it before-
This definitely is about to set the South African digital market alight. Congrats to all!
To those who are being sour grapes remember that this just means you need to shut it and step your game up a notch to compete with what would undoubtably be the leading digital company in South Africa. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 11:01
Brenda
A rose by any other name..-
WHY call this NATIVE? This is south Africa and yes we get the "digital native" reference but still why not use a thesaurus and come up with something that doesn't have any kind of offensive connotation for tens of thousands of south africans? Posted on 27 Aug 2010 11:39
tee
i must agree with brenda.-
the name native. not cool. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 11:57
Five white guys calling their company native?-
I wonder how much thought went into that? Posted on 27 Aug 2010 12:31
Muwuso
A rose by another name ??!-
I don't find any of the definitions below for native that delude to this being narrowed down to any any stereotype or a certain kind of people. I think this is just a rubble rousing comment, less of this and a more positive pro-action on every bodies part will have us move forward.http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning/native/ Posted on 27 Aug 2010 12:30
Jason X
Why we chose Native-
Native is a word that is packed with meaning. Cambrient, Stonewall+ and Brandsh are all digital pioneers, but it's not just about being a "digital native". It's about one's point of origin, it's about those things that are most integral and authentically bonded to who we are. It also speaks of our ethnicity as Africans, a heritage of which we are very proud.

Obviously we are aware of the negative connotations that have been applied to this word in the past in SA, but we believe it's time to reappropriate that word, to shake the negative connotations and reclaim it for what it truly means. This link perfectly describes how we see Native: http://www.wordnik.com/words/native Posted on 27 Aug 2010 13:04
BB
I don't think you are aware at all.-
It still carries very negative connotations. But I guess you had it easy during those times, which is why it's easy for you to make those comments. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 13:55
AS
"Obviously we are aware of the negative connotations..."-
Some of your exact words. So why then still call your company Native? Posted on 27 Aug 2010 15:47
Milo
Jason: Lesson No 1 for a new CEO-
Do not reply on comments. Have you ever seen a comment from Mike Abel, Graham Warsop, Renee Silverstone or other CEO's? Posted on 27 Aug 2010 17:10
Al
I don't agree Milo.-
I think it's really great to see a CEO out in the open chatting with people about issues. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 18:00
Tk
Jason's Comment-
Jason is a CEO of a Digital Agency that also specializes on engaging with the Online Community, he has each and every right to comment! Oh and by the way the Mike Abel, Graham Warsop, Renee Silverstone or other CEO's ARE NOT CEO’s of the largest digital Agency in the continent GET THAT! Posted on 30 Aug 2010 10:51
Delsi
The name Native-
If you're ignorant, you're ignorant and need to buy a dictionary.

Or let me help you...

- characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin; "the native North American sugar maple"; "many native artists studied abroad"
- an indigenous person who was born in a particular place; "the art of the natives of the northwest coast"; "the Canadian government scrapped plans to tax the grants to aboriginal college students"
- belonging to one by birth; "my native land"; "one's native language"
- a person born in a particular place or country; "he is a native of Brazil"
- characteristic of or relating to people inhabiting a region from the beginning; "native Americans"; "the aboriginal peoples of Australia"
- indigenous plants and animals
- Native: Methodology for sharing code processing over a number of CPU cores
- of or pertaining to a language acquired by a person before or to the exclusion of any other language: Her native language is Greek.

Should I continue?! Posted on 27 Aug 2010 12:30
VS
Please do continue.-
But leave out the American, Brazilian and Greek versions - look under the South African version - the country you're launching your company in! Posted on 27 Aug 2010 12:44
sv
Haha!-
The other nationalities are examples.
Fine, here we go:
"He is a native African"
"Her native language is English"
"The native code is HTML" Posted on 27 Aug 2010 13:17
VS
Check Wikipedia - Native South African.-
Then laugh again. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 13:37
Delsi
The name Native-
It's taken me a while to reply as I have been scouring the net to find negative connotations for the word Native and guess what? I have come up empty.

Native: a person who was born in a particular place; an indigenous person - no negativity here.

Here's one in a South African context for you (since the other examples) didn't satisfy:

Rooibos tea (pronounced roy boss), a strong, caffeine-free herbal tea made from a plant that is native to South Africa, is served without milk, sugar...

Why don't you go and have a look online and find something that defines the word in a negative way since you're so upset about it.

Happy Friday! Posted on 27 Aug 2010 13:20
FD
Just wondering about originality-
Is Native not the name Craig Native's clothing label? Just wondering? Although some comments here have been negative about these companies - they all have some truth in them. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 12:43
M
the name native-
While the name "Native" is not a negative word in the English dictionary it is a word used during white rule that was derogatory i.e The Native Location Act of 1879...

I think we can all move away from the word as derogatory and celebrate the New South Africa where we are all equal.

Having said that I still don't like the name but it's more of a personal choice and not a political one. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 13:16
JPvd
This is fantastic-
Well done to all involved in this great new venture in the South African digital sphere!
Personally, I love the new name, and obviously there will be people who are ignorant and jealous.

I really wish all the best, and can't wait to see a new level of digital campaigns rise up and dominate Posted on 27 Aug 2010 13:24
Joelle
Woo hoo!-
Im so excited for this! This will only encourage healthy competition and set the standards even higher!

To those that think the name is derogatory, this is the new South Africa people! Get over it :) There are always those playing the race card but its not a true reflection of most South Africans :) Posted on 27 Aug 2010 13:38
P
Guess you are white!-
And have no idea how deep the hurt actually goes. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 13:41
PP
Oh come on!-
It hurts that you are a native SAfrican?
Well so am I.
And this great new SAfrican companies name has no impact on 'me' Posted on 27 Aug 2010 13:52
P2
Oh no! Not the race card!-
REALLY? Posted on 27 Aug 2010 13:56
kane
Mature-
Fantastic! the South African digital landscape is finally Maturing. It's about time we had more big players.

In terms of the name, people here are choosing to imbue it with negative connotation, and unfortunately that is their own choice. The word itself is not negative, it is the context in which it is used. I don't understand how someone could find the concept of a native of the digital world offensive.

You probably shouldn't watch Avatar, or District 9 because your delicate sensibilities may be scarred for life. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 14:01
JP
Well said Kane-
Best comment so far Posted on 27 Aug 2010 14:06
PPP
Darkie T-Shirts-
Then the clothing brand labelled Darkie offends you too I suppose... Posted on 27 Aug 2010 14:24
PPP
Hip Hop-
And Hip Hop music must offend too then where all the artists call each other nigga Posted on 27 Aug 2010 14:26
Gerhard
To all anonymous-
Why not use your real names? Why hide? Probably because of the fact that you really don't know what you are talking about. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 14:23
Slevin
Matter of opinion-
Make the circle bigger!

Lol, it all depends on how an individual takes it. The meaning of the word does not mean Black or White or Coloured or Indian, it all depends on how one takes it. I believe we are all mature enough to know the difference between right and wrong, left or right, black or white etc.

Should we really be acting like this in this day in age? After so many years? What's with the primitive mentality? Really now... That ain't cool. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 14:26
B
My Brother...-
... it wasn't so long ago. It still hurts a lot of people. And is very fresh in lots of minds, and hearts. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 15:19
Brenda
Just not necessary-
My point here is that the word IS offensive to many people, whether or not YOU think it should be. So my question to those who chose the name is why go the Cell C route and try trademark the copyright symbol only to have to explain it 1million times to people? Why choose a name packed with terrible meanings for SOME people when you could have chosen a name with positive meanings for EVERYONE? If you want a one word trendy name then that's fine, but choose something that's not a racehorse with only three legs as it comes out the starting gate. Especially, most especially, when all the top brass are white. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 14:44
Brenda
Not to mention-
... that Native is a major UK design agency that owns native.com. Not very digitally intelligent for three major companies that couldn't even choose a name with a .com that was either available to register or to purchase. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 14:50
Never mind offensive to some.-
The name isn't even original. Did you guys not do any research on that either? Posted on 27 Aug 2010 15:16
nb
~NATIVE~-
What a GREAT! name i feel as it's Intelligent, Pure, Creation, Warming, and all +Postive! Well done. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 14:53
Jakes
I drive a black car...-
Am I allowed to say that? Posted on 27 Aug 2010 14:53
Samson
Is that JK with the hat on?!-
DISCO TIME! Posted on 27 Aug 2010 15:04
Shaka
CHIEF MARKETING WARRIOR - what a joke!-
HA HA HA! Posted on 27 Aug 2010 15:05
Les Beyan
No Half Naked Hot Chicks?-
Now that would have been truly native. This blatant sexism in the industry has got to stop. Posted on 27 Aug 2010 16:17
NATIVE is gr8 name-
wow i cant believe these comments about race i am sure u are probably white and just hating... anyway heres something for you:
http://www.racecard.co.za Posted on 27 Aug 2010 19:52
Mokoena
Native Name = Epic Fail-
It seems you 'native'-guys are all living in a bubble of self-delusion thinking race still doesn't affect us in the 'new' South African work-place. If you had a few non-white c-level members there, it would be okay, but you don't so its compounded tenfold.

Lest you forget, the word 'native' has many negative South African connotations. You guys are at least a generation too early with it.

ps. stop making your employees spout platitudes in the comments here, that's deceitful. Posted on 28 Aug 2010 04:54
Nazareen Ebrahim
Response to all who think the name 'Native' is uncool-
Hey everyone. Great to see three companies pooling their talent and resources and if they truly add to the increased creativity and empowerment in this country, even better! The name Native at first glance for me is a pretty cool one. People's reactions to it being offensive and derogatory is highly subjective, personal and a continous learning initiative. Remember Native guys, Bad publicity is never truly bad for business. You're getting noticed, creating debate and putting yourselves into the minds of people. On the other hand though, you seriously need some female presence in the executive management team. Posted on 28 Aug 2010 07:01
Diversity missing-
Nazareen Ebrahim you are so right - women missing, black people - missing...

Diversity matters in the communications business - especially in Africa. Posted on 28 Aug 2010 09:10
Jay
The name is insensitive.-
These things still hurt. Remember one of Nelson Mandela's speeches about names we must no longer call one another "Darkies, Dutchmen, Charras...." Native was on that list too. Didn't you people listen to his speech? Or did you just not care? There is still a lot of hurt around, best you start understanding that. Posted on 28 Aug 2010 12:22
Wesley Lynch
Good move guys-
Congrats, putting together something like this must not have been easy. I hope it works out well for all involved. Good luck. Posted on 30 Aug 2010 10:09
Sizwe
Jason where is the BEE-
Jason great initiative but where is the BBBEE. I don't see any mention of empowerment, women, development in your article and seems like the agency is another white boys club. It's deals like these give the middle finger to much needed BBBEE initiatives in our industry. Good luck winning business. Posted on 30 Aug 2010 21:21
Jason X
Native BBBEE-
@Sizwe, thank you for your comment and observation.We would like to point out that the people who manage Native are not just five random white guys who came together to start a new company. Each of us have started companies which are successful in their own right, each with their own BBBEE credentials and with several women who hold top management positions. These women are also shareholders in Native. We are bringing these three companies together to form one strong entity that offers a wider range of services to our clients.This press release is the merger announcement, it doesn't go into details about our BBBEE and shareholding. We want to be fairly innovative in the empowerment arena, not just tick those boxes for the sake of it. It is extremely unfortunate that our industry is currently not representative of the wealth of diversity in our country. We are committed to doing what we can to improve the situation and BBBEE is the highest priority on our company agenda.We are proud that from day one the group employs 120 people and is expected to create even more employment opportunities as we grow. Posted on 31 Aug 2010 09:54
bongi
Native = Negative ?-
I have a theory. Maybe they were going for reverse psychology...'lets come up with a negative connotation so we confuse the crap out of people mm mm...you must admit the word Native and Negative sounds similar and what was that other "N" word? Posted on 31 Aug 2010 00:13
Lindiwe
Native = Nice?-
Bongi it sounds like you've got nothing better to do than suck on a bong and spout a load of rubbish! Posted on 31 Aug 2010 07:09
Harriet
Native = Necessary-
Agree with you Lindiwe, the amount of vitriol generated shows the huge amount of jealousy/admiration this audience actually has further demonstrating the huge amount of fear this move has created.

Lastly, do you not think that an agency of this size would have considered BEE on its agenda? How do you think they're going to do business with govt clients like SAT and big corporates?

Wake up numb nuts! Posted on 31 Aug 2010 08:21
Tk
Employment opportunities at Native.-
We are proud that from day one the group employs 120 people and is expected to create even more employment opportunities as we grow.

@Bongi you seem confused and unhappy at your current job, as Jason said Native will soon employ 120 people you can either start forwarding your application ASAP or stay unhappy or Join Native the Digital marketing's new 800-pound gorilla! Posted on 31 Aug 2010 15:36
Valkano
Brand awareness-
One thing's for sure, we will all know and remember the company called Native. Posted on 2 Sep 2010 22:24
Tyrone Rubin
Rip is up Jason X-
I have had the pleasure to have worked with Jason and consider anyone in his team to be lucky, along with being a great guy he is *&^%ing bright. Yes, its interesting seeing a CEO make comments, all power to transparency. Good luck in whatever tech endeavors you all are working on and I hope you make it exciting and innovative enough that I can follow. Posted on 4 Oct 2010 18:47
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