Bizcommunity and Cinemark look forward to welcoming you to our post-Cannes case studies breakfast sessions for the third year in a row with exclusive insights into this year's major trends presented by our roving reporter Ann Nurock and a selection of this year's SA jurors. Don't miss the sessions on 19 and 20 July at Sandton City and on 26 July at the V&A Waterfront. Tickets are selling fast, so click here to ensure you don't miss out!

I also chatted to a few of the production and craft companies responsible for SA's behind-the-scenes success at Cannes Lions 2017, such as Nick Dutton, co-founder of Mami Wata. The design-led company that produces premium surf apparel, equipment and accessories racked up a Bronze Lion for direction. With a background in agency life, having been in London for 15 years at Grey, BBDO and others, Dutton explains he moved back to SA to launch Mami Wata last year and shares his views on the local production scene as well as Africa's increasing role in global creative culture.

Jessica Tennant keeps things creative with our new Q&A column, #NewCampaign, featuring those that are disrupting traditional marketing and innovating to reach the new consumer. First up, she rounds out our #YouthMonth coverage by finding out more about Adidas Originals' three-month campaign in which the brand is teaming up with young creatives to tell product stories. Especially important in a time where consumers want to be given a voice and engaged with on a more personal level rather than being “talked at” with conventional marketing campaigns.

On a more sombre note, we delve a little deeper into the sad story of ‘SABC8' journalist Suna Venter, who passed away last week reportedly from ‘broken heart' syndrome or cardiomyopathy, a condition brought on by trauma and prolonged periods of unnatural stress. Venter, just 32 at the time, was one of eight journalists wrongfully suspended by the SABC for challenging its unlawful interference and illegal editorial policies. Those closest to her believe that her condition was exacerbated, if not caused, by the events of the past year.

Then some exciting company news to lighten the mood. Tomorrow marks the relaunch of BizTakeouts, our audio and podcast offering, now hosted by marketing personality Hein Kaiser on MixFM 93.8. Listen in every Tuesday at 7:15pm for live feedback on the past week's top stories and upcoming events.

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