The International Marketing Council Board held its last quarterly meeting of the year on Friday, 7 November 2003 at Union Buildings' Cabinet Room. The meeting reviewed the IMC operational activities of over the last two years including the proposal for the Brand South Africa's international roll-out strategy. The members of the new IMC Board were also announced.
This meeting marked the end of the first three year term of the serving Board. President Thabo Mbeki later joined the meeting for his annual interaction with the Council, to thank the outgoing members and welcome the new members. He also received the IMC's detailed report outlining all the achievement s and challenges of the Council since its inception.
The meeting registered its appreciation of the work done to date to meet the Council's primary objective to develop and implement a pro-active and coordinated marketing and communication strategy for South Africa. It also acknowledged the progress that has been made, with the assistance of Unilever and other corporate partners in the development of the South African brand essence "Alive with possibility". The meeting agreed the ongoing process to refine messaging with supportive institutions which will enable and enhance the country's objectives in terms of investment, trade, tourism and international relations.
The call was made to sustain the radio and television campaign to consolidate the national support, and encourage national pride for the brand in South Africa and the emergence of consensus on projecting South Africa to the world.
The meeting celebrated the recent handing over to the International Marketing Council of the domain name www.southafrica.info and urged the operational staff to market the new domain aggressively to substantially increase the page views which currently average 360 000.
The President raised a concern about international fund managers working with incorrect or insufficient information about the country. They need to be made aware of the economic achievements of South Africa during the past nine years.
The following appointments were welcomed as members of the new IMC Board:
Ms Wendy Luhabe was reappointed as the Chairman
Dr Essop Pahad: Minister in The Presidency
Dr Ivy Matsepe - Casaburri: Minister of Communications
Ms Buyelwa Sonjica - Deputy Minister: Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
Ms Sibongile Khumalo - Artist
Mr Paul Bannister - Private Consultant
Ms Salukazi Dakile-Hlongwane - Executive Chairman: Nozala Investments
Dr van Zyl Slabbert - Chairman: Adcorp Holdings
Mr Reuel Khoza - Chairman: Eskom
Ms Pam Golding - Chairman: Pam Golding Properties
Mr Tim Modise - Chairman: Proudly South African
Mr Paul Kruger - Chairman: Sasol
Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba - Director General: Foreign Affairs
Mr Anant Singh - Managing Director: Video Vision Entertainment
Mr Koos Bekker - Managing Director: Naspers
Mr Michael Spicer - Executive Director: Corporate Affairs
Ms Irene Charnley - Executive Director: Johnnic Telecommunications
Ms Monhla Hlahla - Chief Executive Officer: Airport Company of South Africa
Ms Cheryl Carolus - Chief Executive Officer: South African Tourism
Mr Johan van Zyl - Chief Executive Officer: Sanlam
Mr Jim Sutcliffe - Chief Executive Officer: Old Mutual
Mr Mpho Makwana - Chief Executive Officer: Marketing Federation of South Africa
Mr Andre Fourie - Chief Executive Officer: National Business Initiative
Mr Peter Matlare - Chief Executive Officer of South African Broadcasting Corporation
Mr Danny Jordaan - Chief Executive Officer: 2010 Bid Company
Mr Mavuso Msimang - Chief Executive Officer: State Information Technology Agency
Mr Joel Netshitenzhe - Chief Executive Officer: Government Communication and Information System
Mr Moss Mashishi - Chief Executive Officer: Matemeku Investments
Mr Lungisa Magwentshu - Chief Executive Officer: Trade and Investment South Africa
