Grapevine Communications

Grapevine's MD achieves Prisa's highest international accreditation for PR practitioners

[Issued by Grapevine Communications] Grapevine Communications' managing director, Marie Yossava, has attained the internationally recognised accreditation certification for PR practitioners, called the APR (Accredited in Public Relations), cum laude. 23 Nov 2012 10:13

The buzz around brand journalism

[Samantha Wright] Brand journalism has become the buzzword in the marketing and PR profession. As the digital space takes over and marketing and PR campaigns gear themselves towards "engaging" with their customers, brand journalism is two words on everyone's lips. But what is it? 23 Nov 2012 08:26

Employees - brand champions of organisations

[Zimkhitha Mqutheni] Focusing on employee-centric strategy before being client-centric should be the key of every organisation's success. It seems most organisations have made clients their first priority instead of those serving the needs/wants of the clients. Customer advocacy is important but it begins with ensuring that the employees live and breathe the brand before any external stakeholder, which will result in customer satisfaction. 21 Nov 2012 06:02

CSA appointed to handle PR for L'Ormarins Queen's Plate 2013

SAIL Event Promoters has appointed Communication Services Africa, the communication strategist division of Celebrity Services Africa, to handle the PR and communication for the 152nd L'Ormarins Queen's Plate taking place at Kenilworth Race Course on 12 January 2013. 20 Nov 2012 17:04

Managing clients' expectations

[Lucinda Boddy] There are a significant number of misconceptions as to what exactly a PR strategy entails and how it adds value to business. This presents a considerable challenge for practitioners in the PR space, particularly with regards to the management of client expectations. 15 Nov 2012 09:46

Tuk Tuks Race highlights CSI initiatives

As part of its integrated PR and social media campaign for Old Mutual South Africa, Positive Dialogue Communications, in collaboration with Radar, launched 25 Shesha Tuk Tuks, branded with Old Mutual Foundation's supported initiatives in the streets of Sandton, offering commuters a fun and affordable transport alternative to cut through the traffic. 12 Nov 2012 11:16

Internal communications: integral part of business

[Zimkhitha Mqutheni] Most businesses focus more on their external communication strategies forgetting that the main drivers of their brand are its employees. Employees can play a major role in acting as ambassadors of the organisation through an internal communications plan. Involved, valued employees are much happier at their work environment. 12 Nov 2012 10:13

Kagiso and VenFin Media call off talks on assets

Kagiso Media Limited on Monday announced the cancellation by mutual consent of negotiations with VenFin Media Investments Proprietary Limited‚ a wholly owned subsidiary of Remgro Limited‚ for the acquisition of various marketing assets. 9 Nov 2012 11:29

Blue Moon

Illuminating the future

[Issued by Blue Moon] The Eskom 49M initiative is a call for 49 million South Africans to embrace the culture of energy saving. Blue Moon is in a five-year partnership with Eskom, their role being to communicate the campaign internally, ensuring the initiative resonates with the Eskom audience and within the bigger energy efficiency landscape. 8 Nov 2012 09:55

Digital Fire

Digital Fire creates amazing social growth for Darling Cellars

[Issued by Digital Fire] Cape Town-based digital media specialist, Digital Fire, has taken a winery in Darling to new social heights. Darling Cellars approached Digital Fire in February, striking up a brand/agency relationship that would lead to a staggering 4 900% growth of their Facebook following. 7 Nov 2012 08:42

Get Smarter

New university short course deals with challenges of modern PR environment

[Issued by Get Smarter] The University of Cape Town, together with online education company, GetSmarter, recently launched the University of Cape Town Public Relations online short course that aims to equip professionals in the field of public relations with the skills required to utilise both traditional and new media tools. 6 Nov 2012 10:47

Business lessons to be learned from 1time airline

[Nthabeleng Meso] In the preceding week I was looking forward to my flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg over the weekend. However my excitement was short lived; on Friday afternoon I was one among the thousand of people who heard via e.tv news that 1time Airline had filed for liquidation. 6 Nov 2012 08:49

marcusbrewster wins Movember charity account

Following a four-way pitch, marcusbrewster has been appointed as the South African PR agency for Movember, the global men's health charity. Last year some 18,000 South African Mo Bros and Mo Sistas registered as active participants in Movember and R4.9 million was raised. 6 Nov 2012 06:04

Social network: It won't pay if you don't play

[Gill Moodie: @grubstreetSA] There are no experts on Twitter and Facebook and I'd do a careful check on the credentials of any "consultant" you might be thinking of paying to advise your company or train your staff on how best to use them. 2 Nov 2012 15:32