TV debate tonight on Brand SA, 2010, recession

A new quarterly series of CNBC Debates, which tackles issues that are top of mind for executives and business people, premieres on CNBC Africa tonight, Tuesday, 18 August 2009. Presented by Chris Bishop, tonight's debate focuses on branding, advertising and marketing in the current economic climate.

Says CNBC Africa head of programming Jill de Villiers, “Advertising and marketing are of particular interest at a time of economic downturn or recession. The temptation is strong to cut budgets in this arena, but is this the best strategy?

“Experts say it is at this very time that a continued visibility not only helps pull a business through a difficult time, but helps cement future success. This makes the focus of first CNBC Debate very relevant, especially in the buildup to the 2010 [FIFA] World Cup.”

Featuring a lineup of industry experts, in front of a studio audience, the debate should highlight thoughts and theories on spend during the recession, the effectiveness of 2010 marketing activities and the continuous development of brand South Africa.

The panelists are:

Andy Rice, chairman, Yellowwood
Paul Bannister, acting CEO, International Marketing Council of SA
Happy Ntshingila, executive director: group marketing & corporate affairs, Absa
John Dixon, group CEO, DraftFCB
Derek Carstens, marketing & commercial chief officer, 2010 FIFA Organising Committee

The CNBC Debate screens at 9pm, Tuesday 18 August, only on CNBC Africa.