| No Comment |  The one thing that last week's power cuts by Eskom demonstrated (I'm not going for the Orwell newspeak of ‘load shedding', let's call it what it is), was how resilient we are actually as South Africans and how we can laugh about being ‘kept in the dark' by the powers that be. From SMSes, MMSes, viral emails, songs, videos, Facebook posts and banter, the jokes kept coming. And many of us made do. We had a cooldrink instead of a coffee at the café, we worked at home until our laptop batteries ran out and then we decamped to hotels. When their power went out, the office was back, we moved on. Yes, there were lots of people fuming on radio talkshows, but let's not forget that many in our country and our continent have lived without power for most of their lives and for many of our neighbouring countries, this is par for the course. You get a generator at work, uninterrupted power supply (UPS) in the office, gas and solar panels at home… you adapt. And that is what we as South Africans are going to have to do as this will only get worse over the next five to seven years according to the energy experts – as that is how long it will take for new power stations to come online. Yes, for those of us who grew up in privileged suburbs who take an uninterrupted power supply for granted, it's not going to be so easy. But we have a choice: moan or find out how to get on with the job with the means at our disposal – see this week's poll on electrified billboards. And thanks to the incredible team at Bizcommunity.com who managed to get out our daily and weekly ezines last week despite power failures at both our Joburg and Cape Town offices and many of our home suburbs – simultaneously in some instances by some horrible quirk.
Have a deLIGHTful week! Louise Marsland, editor: editor@bizcommunity.com. All marketing news to: marketingnews@bizcommunity.com. Responses to this column welcome on our blog: http://blog.bizcommunity.com.
| | Headlines
MarketingSocial marketing – the next big thing in 2008[Marion Sparg] Before you dismiss it as just another fad, take a closer look – social marketing [not to be confused with social media marketing] is set to become one of the main trends in marketing in South Africa in 2008. In a world where marketers are desperate to rise above the clutter, here's an approach to selling that does some good at the same time. Business Unity South Africa expresses concern over power outagesIn a statement issued last week, Business Unity South Africa said the ongoing load shedding in the country has negatively affected the business community in the country. It has cost business, especially SMMEs, millions of rands with no “end in sight”, leading in despondency and pessimism. Oprah gets own TV network[Louise Marsland] GLOBAL HEADLINES: Everything she touches turns to sold… or is that gold? Global talk show queen and one of the most influential women in the world, Oprah Winfrey, is launching her own TV network with the Discovery channel. On other global industry headlines this week, rumours in the blogosphere abound that MySpace might be building a gaming portal and big brands turn to the annual sporting showcase, the Superbowl, to make up for loss of opportunity during the Hollywood writers strike. And the annual Darwin Award winners list is out… ‘Hello darkness my old friend…' [Louise Marsland] A Cape Town client asked how we are coping in Jozi with all these power cuts… My reply was a ‘sense of humour'. When one is done ranting and raving and investigating batteries, gas, generator-powered alternative office space, uninterrupted power supplies (UPSes) and so on, it really is the jokes and viral emails and SMSes that enable us to find the humour in the situation – in true South African style. And of course the thoughtful and clever clients who are already one step ahead of everyone else… The big green paint job[Naseem Javed] Suddenly, away from the hundreds of available colors, there is a rush all over the world to paint almost everything green; green paint, green ribbons, green wrappings and green fabrics becoming the top choice, causing shortages of the material, while green logos, green billboards and almost politically-correct green ties and attires are becoming the most fashionable and trendy statements. Is there a viable black middle class in South Africa?[Shiru Githiomi] Recently released findings from TNS Research and the Unilever Institute's third Black Diamonds study, has estimated that there are over 2.6 million Black South Africans with an annual spending power of over R180 billion. Based on the original findings, this indicates that the market has grown by an astounding 30% within 15 months. Advertisement:
2010 FIFA World CupNaming rights for Green Point Stadium on marketThe City of Cape Town has taken the first step in selling the naming rights of its new Green Point stadium.
AdvertisingPost office pitch causes controversy[Simone Puterman & Tshepiso Seopa] ADWATCH: Three of the country's major advertising agencies – Jupiter Drawing Room, DraftFCB and Ogilvy Johannesburg – have pulled out of a controversial shortlist of seven to pitch for a single piece of creative business tender for the South African Post Office, according to The Weekender. McCann to add creative flair to children's fundMcCann Worldgroup has recently been awarded the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund (NMCF) account in the areas of traditional advertising, activation and both media strategy and deployment. D&AD Annual 2008 designer announced LONDON: Neville Brody, founder of Research Studios, will design the D&AD Annual 2008, billed as the definitive global record of the best work in advertising and design. The annual will be published in September 2008 and will contain work selected by 300 leading creatives who will judge entries to the D&AD Awards 2008 in April. Telling it like it isn't Ever had a traffic cop offering to buy you lunch instead of fining you R500 bucks for the incorrect small print on your licence (after scrutinising it for at least 15 minutes!)? Most probably not, but… that's exactly what happens in the latest TV commercial from Nando's, launching today, Monday, 21 January 2008. ASA upholds ruling in nappies battle[Tshepiso Seopa] The Advertising Standard Authority (ASA) of South Africa recently upheld its earlier ruling in a matter between Nampak Tissue and Kimberly-Clark of South Africa. Originally Cuddlers had lodged a competitor's complaint against Huggies Dry Comfort's claim that its nappies are ‘substantially upgraded' to give you ‘our best ever dryness'. Put agency name on TV spots to improve quality[Chris Moerdyk] The creative and marketing quality of South African television advertising will continue to decline unless some creative way is found of reversing the current trend of embracing mediocrity. Have special features, surveys had their day?[Richard Lord] Every day I am inundated with requests from print media owners to advertise in a host of special features and surveys. So much so that I collected and collated all requests received in a random one-week period. The exercise was illuminating and worse than I anticipated! Cyber Lions jury president announced LONDON, UK: Colleen DeCourcy, chief digital officer for TBWA Worldwide, was announced earlier this week as the Cyber Lions jury president at the 55th edition of the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival to be held 15 – 21 June 2008 in Cannes, France. Has effective media been replaced by efficient media?[Claudelle Naidoo] A million minds have a zillion different ways in which to interpret effective media versus efficient media or vice versa. Gone are the days when advertisers planned focused campaigns to invest in the market and create long term awareness! Survey on media agency network competitiveness now availablePARIS: RECMA, a Paris-based research company, earlier this week released the Compitches Report, its ninth survey of the media agency network competitiveness. The survey analyses the pitches and moves to media agencies, summarising the advertisers' choices. Fraser Lamb takes over at Y&R Young & Rubicam Advertising Group has appointed Fraser Lamb as Group CEO for South Africa. Formerly the MD of Wunderman, Lamb succeeds Yossi Schwartz with effect from January 2008. It's the year for onlineThe challenge this year for advertisers is to really connect with their consumers in credible spaces online and learn how to become part of their personal space with an authentic voice, not ‘client or brand-speak', predicts Nazeer Suliman, Universal McCann South Africa GM in his broad predictions for 2008. Was MTN chicken in seeking ban on Nando's ad?Our readers certainly think MTN overreacted! On 19 December 2007, the advertising watchdog Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled against Nando's Yellow Hummer advertising campaign saying it had deliberately copied MTN's advertising in a manner that was unacceptable. So you think you want to be an account manager?Organised? Love working in a team? Bit anal with your organisation? Johan Reyneke, MD: Switch Through-the-Line, says that a career as an account manager might just be for you… Audio Militia. You might not know the name, but you'll recognise the work. - Re:act Think the epic Sasol Rugby World Cup “Superheroes” television commercial. And the popular MTN “Sticky Man” spot. Can you hear them? You might not be a rugby fan, or an MTN subscriber, but chances are your inner ear is already thrumming along to one of the tunes that backed these advertisements. That's the power of music. singh&sons sparkles - singh&sonssingh&sons has recently been awarded the Pongrácz advertising account by Distell. Zoom commissioned to produce reality show - Zoom AdvertisingZoom Advertising – through its Branded Entertainment unit – reports it is the first ad agency in South Africa to have won a pitch to produce a programme series for a DStv channel. AMASA's Roger Garlick Award deadline approaches - AMASAThe Advertising Media Association of South Africa's (AMASA) deadline for entry into the Roger Garlick Award is set for 13 February 2008. This year's overall Roger Garlick Award winner will walk away with R25 000 cash and each AMASA Gold recipient will be awarded R5000. BEHP launches the answer to better Google ranking - BEHPCape Town-based agency, BEHP, has just released a simple, yet effective tool for increasing a brand's Google ranking. Branding that rocks, both in-store and out-store - Lowe Bull In 2006, Look & Listen teamed up with below-the-line experts Mick&Nick in a bid to position itself as the prime retail environment for fans of music, movies and gaming. Proving their worth well above and through-the-line, Mick&Nick were part of the original team who came up with the entertainment retail store's now well-entrenched brand positioning and pay-off line, “For the Fans”. 2008 SAARF LSM workshopsDue to the ongoing interest in the SAARF Universal Living Standards Measure, SAARF is arranging SU-LSM workshops in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban again this year to cover history/development of LSM; early LSM; 1993/95/2000 LSM; and new SAARF Universal LSM. All attendees will receive a SAARF Segmentation Handbook on CD free of charge. Cost per delegate is R395 (VAT inclusive). Register on www.saarf.co.za. Advertisement:
| Branding | | | Idea Engineers will grow your brand, reputation & business. | |  |
Xerox rebrands Xerox Corporation, represented in 24 sub-Saharan countries by Bytes Document Solutions, earlier this month revealed what it described as the most sweeping transformation of its corporate identity in the company's history. The new brand is designed to reflect today's Xerox, a customer-centric company built on a continuing history of innovative ideas, products and services that meet the needs of businesses small to large. Retailers perceive co-branding as effective [Johan Schwartz] The concept of co-branding as a branding instrument has been around for many a year. In the past decade we saw extensive growth in the use of co-branding as a brand leverage instrument. A study I recently conducted investigates the perceptions of brand practitioners towards co-branding within the retail industry of South Africa, finding that retail brand managers perceive co-branding as an effective and viable brand strategy. BBDO for car rental brand mergerTwo companies within the BBDO Group, BBDO Consulting and Net#work BBDO, have been chosen by Imperial Car Rental/Europcar to manage the strategy and advertising of the new merger of the two car rental brands. "This is a highly challenging and exciting project," comment both MDs Abdulla Miya and Ingrid Veysie.
| Design | |  |
New photography course at Stellenbosch Academy - Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography, a registered private higher education institution specialising in visual arts, will be offering a new full-time one year certificate course in commercial photography from 2008. This course, which is accredited by the Council on Higher Education, will run alongside the academy's three0year BA course in Applied Design. Concept Interactive adds Flash to their list of Adobe certified expertise - Concept InteractiveConcept has re-affirmed its approach to the value of Adobe accreditation by assuring that it is up with the leaders of the pack and is currently one of only two training institutions in South Africa to have a lecturer with ACE (Adobe Certified Expert) status in Flash, as well as being the second training provider with ACE in both desktop publishing and web design applications. Designing a debateServing the needs of a community and enabling them to take part in meaningful, interactive debate on interior design issues is the rationale for South African design industry portal ‘DesignMind', which has evolved to serve the needs of the design community. www.designmind.co.za is managed by The Virtual Works and counts its users among architects, architectural technologists, interior designers and interior decorators based in South Africa. Advertisement:
| Digital | | | Your full service Internet marketing partner | |  |
E-reading interest gathers momentumDARMSTADT, GERMANY: The global publishing community is showing increasing interest in learning about and preparing for a future of e-reading – so much so that towards the end of last year, international newspaper association Ifra set up a sister project to the original eNews 2008 e-reading initiative. Called eNews 2010, the new project will run for three years. KRAZYBOYZ Chairman wins coveted Young Business Achiever Award - KRAZYBOYZ The sixth annual BBQ Awards held at Sandton Convention Centre marked a glorious year end for KRAZYBOYZ as its executive chairman walked away with top honours. Twenty four year-old Zibusiso Mkhwanazi once again proved to be a trailblazer in the new media industry, walkeding away with the BBQ Young Business Achiever Award. The weather on your desktop, brought to you by d6 - d6media Want to know what the weather will be like tomorrow? Download the d6 Desktop Weather Alert and you'll always have the very latest weather forecast at your fingertips. Have your say in 2008 SA Blog Awards processThe 2008 South African Blog Awards is scheduled for its annual process of nominating and voting in February and March 2008 and the awards team is publicly presenting this year's process to all interested parties on Wednesday 23 January at 5.30pm on the outside deck of Cafe Neo in Mouillie Point, Cape Town. Anyone with an interest in this year's process is invited to attend and voice his or her input; if you are unable to make it, you must arrange for representation to be there to express your opinion. RSVP to sablogawards@gmail.com.
| Education and Training | | | Create a Better World | |  |
How to empower individuals such that the entire team is working towards one common business goal - CCI Coaching AcademyA group of people in itself does not necessarily constitute a team; what constitutes a team is a shared attitude about the work it needs to accomplish. D&AD Student entries now open onlineThe D&AD Student Awards launched its first online entry system late last week at www.dandad.org/studentawards08. The educational charity is accepting entries until 20 March 2008. Nominations will be announced in early June. All nominated students and tutors will be invited to the Student Awards 2008 Ceremony in London later that month.
| Eventing | |  |
SABC appoints Tru Touch to launch Inaugural Drama Colloquium - Tru Touch Events The SABC this week awarded event management specialist Tru Touch to officially launch its inaugural Drama Colloquium aimed at creating cultural awareness.
| Exhibitions | |  |
Over a century of family entertainmentRand Show 2008 will transform Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, into a hive of activity from 21 March to 6 April 2008. This will be the 113th consumer exhibition and entertainment extravaganza – billed as the largest in the southern hemisphere. Oasys instrumental for international market contact - Oasys InnovationsFollowing South Africa's entry into the international business community, collective efforts have been striving to reposition the country from perceptions of a closed economy to one of the world's new yet strategic trading partners. The Global Meetings and Incentives Exhibition (EIBTM) supports this platform from which future business can be accelerated. Expo for the energy industryThe third Sub-Saharan Oil, Gas and Petrochemical conference and exhibition is scheduled to take place 17 – 19 March 2008 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This year's theme, “Managing change in the African oil and gas industry”, is opportune as Africa's oil industry is starting to boom and high oil prices look set to continue. Sonangol, Russian and Chinese oil and gas producers and suppliers will be exhibiting for the first time. Visit a fully digital homeThe DigitalLife Expo which takes place from 18-20 April 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre will bring the digital world to your fingertips at the push of a button. Internet banking, overseas flights, online shopping, live sport – to the smallest personal computer that you can carry in your pocket. The expo's pavilions will showcase digital solutions for every part of modern life: mobile and personal technology, digital life on the go, gaming and entertainment, technology at work, appliances and home automation and digital services. A major attraction is the walk-through Digital Home. One visitor will win the entire digital contents of the Home, valued at R250 000. Visit www.digitallifeexpo.co.za for more.
MagazinesAdMag Awards call for entryThe Advantage AdMag Awards for South African consumer magazines' has called for entries into its 2007 AdMag Awards. Initiated by John Farquhar, AdVantage's Editor-in-Chief, the Awards recognise outstanding and innovative consumer publishing. Only ABC certified consumer publications are eligible to enter. Stop complaining, already…!Your thoughts create your reality – and your words indicate your thoughts… This is the message from Oprah magazine which is launching a unique new campaign to encourage readers to live life ‘complaint free'. Nothing ‘cute' about Popular Mechanics - Ramsay Son & Parker South African science and technology magazine Popular Mechanics has stuck its neck out again with what must rank among the most unusual covers in its five-year history (for the record, the magazine's US edition is all of 106 years old). FHM Calendar 2008 issue sells 47% more than current ABC - UCMUCM is claiming that its upmarket magazines delivered significant additional value for advertisers over the important pre-Christmas sales period at the end of last year. The FHM January 2008 issue, featuring the oversized FHM Calendar 2008, brought to you by Gillette Fusion, sold an unofficial and un-audited 125 650 copies over the Christmas period.
MediaZuma takes issue with the media[Simone Puterman & Tshepiso Seopa] NEWSWATCH: Newly elected ANC president Jacob Zuma lambasted the South African media in the weekly newsletter, ANC Today, on Friday, 18 January 2007, for being “politically and ideologically” out of synch with the society it serves, writes IOL. In response, also according to IOL, SANEF has said that “the report reveals a hostile state of mind towards the media”. Apply now for TABPI Young Leaders scholarshipApplications are now open for the TABPI Young Leaders Scholarship, which was created to increase interest in the B2B publishing world with younger editors who are advancing in their editorial careers. The scholarship allows younger editors – who might otherwise be unable – to attend an educational B2B editorial event. Rapport in Zuma firing line again – for R5m[Simone Puterman] NEWSWATCH: Merely one day after Rapport and Jacob Zuma settled out of court for R50 000, on Thursday, 17 January 2008, Zuma hit the Afrikaans daily for R5 million over another defamation and crimen injuria claim, this time for a photo and caption from 30 November 2007, reports The Times Online. Strategic senior appointments at NaspersIn line with its strategic expansion, Naspers today, Friday, 18 January, announced certain key senior management promotions. Glen Marques has been appointed as CEO of Mediazone; Patricia Scholtemeyer, Media24's magazine division CEO, will take over the reins from Marques at M-Net; and John Relihan will take over from Scholtemeyer at Media24 Magazines. Dark days ahead for media under JZ rule?[Issa Sikiti da Silva] Jacob Zuma's victory as the ANC president – and de facto South Africa's next head of state – not only sent jitters among foreign investors and gender activists, but also shook SA independent press' newsrooms, which foresee hard times ahead, as the new ANC guard prepares a ‘merciless revenge' on media. SABC political editor too independent for ANC?[Tshepiso Seopa & Simone Puterman] NEWSWATCH: SABC political editor Abbey Makoe could be forced to quit his job at the public broadcaster, according to the Sowetan, because of a fallout he has had with SABC's management. Press harassment hinders Niger's development, watchdogs warnPress freedom groups agree that an increase in arrests, intimidation and harassment of journalists in Niger is impeding development in one of the poorest countries in the world. IBJ Awards to honour top business reporters[Walter Wafula] Eleven top Ugandan business reporters will on 7 March 2008 win various awards and prizes such as laptops, cameras, airtime, mobile phones and cash in the second version of the annual Image Business Journalism Awards, organised by Corporate Image, a new business communications firm. Jake White and Springboks are Newsmaker of the YearThe National Press Club has named Jake White and the Springboks its Newsmaker of the Year for 2007. National Press Club chairman Patrick Hlahla says this decision follows nominations received from club members, based on the basic criteria of newsworthiness and the extent of media coverage received.
| Mobile | |  |
MICC to invest more in Africa[Bai-Bai Sesay] Millicom International Cellular Company (MICC) is to invest one billion US dollars for new mobile phone services in some African countries. African mobile market rivals W Europe[Eddie Groenewald] There has been a lot of focus on Africa as the final frontier for the world of cellphones. With first world mobile markets in the East and West having rapidly matured and the explosion of mobile services in Latin America, Africa was the last place cellular networks and handset manufactures looked to for significant growth. But recent stats released by Admob, the world's largest mobile advertiser, have shown startling statistics about Africa. W Europe poised for growth in mobile marketingLONDON: To help brands and marketers identify key market trends, mobile subscriber usage patterns, and success metrics for mobile marketing in Western Europe, the Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) released the results of its inaugural Mobile Attitude and Usage Study for five markets in Western Europe earlier this week.
| Newspapers | |  |
Significant trends to impact business planning futureThe World Association of Newspapers (WAN) has asked leading newspapers executives to identify the current trends they believe will have an impact on the future of their businesses. The list of 66 trends will serve as the centrepiece for a "scenario planning" workshop, to be held in January 2008, and published by the WAN Shaping the Future of the Newspaper project. Die Burger brings Jonathan Butler to South Africa - Die Burger On Saturday, 2 February 2008, exactly 18 years after the announcement of the advent of the new South Africa, the Die Burger will host Jonathan Butler as part of the Suidooster Festival live in two exclusive performances. He will be accompanied by his musicians from Los Angeles, where he has lived for just over a decade after spending 17 years in the UK. Beeld honours top performers - BeeldKeeping with the philosophy of rewarding editorial excellence, daily Afrikaans newspaper Beeld named its top talent for 2007 in an annual awards ceremony held late last year. The Times no longer subscription onlyNEWSWATCH: Avusa's daily newpaper The Times, which since its June 2007 launch has only been available to subscribers of the weekly Sunday Times, will from mid-February 2008 be sold on newsstands in parts of Gauteng for R3.50, going up against other dailies such as The Citizen, The Daily Sun and The Star, reports Business Day. Mondi Shanduka Newspaper deadline loomsEntries for the seventh annual Mondi Shanduka Newspaper Awards close next week on Friday, 25 January 2008. Journalists are reminded that the prize money has been upped to R15 000 per category and the awards evening will take place at Wanderers Club in Illovo, Johannesburg, on 9 April. For the entry kit, contact the Newspaper Association on +27 (0)11 721 3200 or email sandipas@printmedia.org.za, or download it from www.mondishanduka.co.za. Advertisement:
| Online Media | |  |
iLogic launches social media marketing division - iLogiciLogic has announced the launch of its new online social media marketing division. By harnessing the power of online social media marketing and the trend towards more targeted advertising, iLogic now offers advanced online social marketing strategy, campaign planning, campaign execution, brand activation and more. Women24.com receives a makeover - 24.comWomen24.com, the women's interest portal in the 24.com network, is sporting a sleeker new look after receiving a makeover that places it at the vanguard of international design. Leave your web strategy for last - World Wide CreativeIn the late nineties, Stanford business professor Jim Collins unearthed a small group of extraordinary companies that made the transition from mediocre performance to sustained greatness. There was a common characteristic that really struck me: they did not consider technology as a driving force in their success.SkillPod Media launches new sites, new features - Skillpod MediaSouth African owned online casual gaming supplier, SkillPod Media, has hit the ground running in the new year - launching two new games platforms on large online entertainment sites and rolling out a number of new features on its successful online gaming platform.
| Out Of Home | |  |
Rope access rigging - Zmanga MediaZmanga Media International has recently incorporated an Industrial Rope Access Team to the business. The demand for this specialised field of work has increased over recent years since the explosion of large format outdoor media, in particular building wraps and large billboards which are placed on buildings. Meso Outdoor for more than just billboards - Meso OutdoorMeso Outdoor has recently established a service offering to assist developers, building owners and branding specialists by taking over the time consuming task of sourcing, coordinating and managing signage installations, as well as ensuring that all signage installations comply with council by laws. POP Outdoor secures outdoor advertising rights at Southgate Mall - POP Outdoor In a hotly contested tender, POP Outdoor secured the external advertising rights at Southgate Mall. The rights include both the current POP Scroller billboards and some of its latest media offerings, many of which have already been sold to its current base of advertisers prior to launch. POP Outdoor set to quadruple its mall advertising opportunities in 2008 - POP Outdoor POP Outdoor more than doubled its holding of shopping centre offerings in 2007, and these are set to quadruple in 2008 as the company prepares to launch a range of new media types. Outdoor cooling a misty business - Right Stuff For those who have to brave the heat to attend an outdoor wedding or corporate event Right Stuff offers some "mistifying" options in the outdoor cooling market. The Portable Shade and Parasol now incorporate a refreshing misting system as an optional extra to give you the best of both worlds – shade and cooling in an outdoor environment.
ProductionSA video presentation for World Economic ForumFilm producer Anant Singh is taking the cause of human rights to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week with the production of a video presentation which will open the forum's session on human rights. Three films with human rights themes produced by Singh and Videovision Entertainment have also been selected to be screened to forum delegates. Mukunda and MorrisJones make magic - Sub urban Agency MorrisJones chose Sub urban's Mukunda to direct its magical new KWV 10 commercial. The essence of the 30” spot is based on an analogy that the more profound the creation of something is, the more value it has. SA screenplay makes top selection for 2008 Berlinale Co-Production Market - Giant FilmsA new South African film, to be directed by Ian Gabriel, is an official selection for the 2008 Berlinale Co-Production Market. AT2 and Digi_Cast join forces - AT2 - Artist TechnologiesAn industry welcomed merger, AT2 and Digi_Cast have joined forces to strengthen their product offering to the South African film and fashion industry. Merger strengthens product offeringAT2 SA and Digi_Cast, both wholly owned South African companies, announced their merging earlier this week. Having serviced the local production industry for over six years, Digi_Cast allows producers, talent agencies and location agencies to collaborate easily on productions. AT2 is an online talent and casting network, which claims a strong international presence operating in SA, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and recently partnering with the Players Directory in the US.
| Promotions | |  |
Winning with consumers [Siyabonga Sibiya] South Africa's evolving market landscape profile presents the growth of a combined total black consumer spend as a new dynamic that can allow advertisers to align their clients corporate social objectives with their external communications such as competitions and promotions.
| Public Relations | |  |
Dante Mashile appointed PRISA VP Public relations and communications management practitioner Dante Mashile has recently been appointed as VP of the Public Relations Institute for Southern Africa,( PRISA), and will serve on the institute's board. Blog backfires [Pedro de Gouveia] Seeing how influential blogs are becoming, it can be tempting to try to co-opt them as part of a public relations effort. Given the somewhat skeptical, anti-establishment tone of blogs, attempts to make them part of the plan can backfire. PRISA PRISM Awards 2008 entries now open“Public Relations (PR) is full of talented, creative and highly specialised people who deserve to be recognised and rewarded for their exceptional skills,” says Bridget von Holdt, chairperson of the Public Relations Consultants Chapter (PRCC) of the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA). For the first time in its decade-long history, the PRISA Prism Awards has introduced four new awards categories acknowledging the efforts of individuals. Quo Vadis meets high demand for communication courses in 2007 and plans for 2008 - Quo Vadis CommunicationsWell-known for its on-hands training methodology in corporate communications, Quo Vadis Communications will shortly announce dates for a new series in 2008. This follows another successful year in which the company earned high praise from new clients who attended the courses and expanded established business relations.
| Research | |  |
HIV/AIDS…quo vadis?[A TGI think piece] HIV/Aids remains a newsworthy subject, given its impact on South Africa... its people, its health system, economy and a range of other areas. According to a South African Department of Health Study, 29.1% of pregnant women were living with HIV in 2006. The highest HIV rates were found to be in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Free State. Until 1998 South Africa had one of the fastest expanding epidemics in the world, but HIV prevalence now appears to have stabilized, and may even be declining slightly. Why end-user research is critical in plain language programmes - SimplifiedCompanies that want to drive the maximum benefit from their plain language programmes must conduct user testing to ensure that their documents meet the goal of presenting information in a way that the intended readers will find easy to understand. That's according to Frances Gordon, a partner at plain language training and consulting firm, Simplified.
RetailNovel idea helps your advertising cash in at the cashier A new advertising concept puts cashiers' conveyor belts to work as an advertising medium – and your target customer is right there… watching your advertisements. AV Brands to carry Amarula and Durbanville Hills statesideDistell announced last week that it will strengthen ties with US wine and spirits importer AV Brands in an effort to increase focus on the US market. The closer relationship means that in addition to representing two of Distell's global lifestyle wine brands, Two Oceans and Obikwa, AV Brands is to carry Amarula Cream Liqueur and Durbanville Hills, formerly with Brown-Forman. A new vision for Mama Dorah - Clover She never had the opportunity to go to school, yet many years later she opened the doors of her own – the Ncedisizwe Pre-School in Ikageng, Potchefstroom. This remarkable woman – Mama Dorah Tshabalala – is the latest addition to the Clover Mama Afrika sisterhood.
SalesOUTsurance to the rescue of irate motorists, due to Eskom's ongoing load shedding - OUTsuranceAs a direct response to the widespread ‘rolling blackouts' and load shedding that has disabled traffic robots across the city and left aggravated drivers stranded in long queues, southern African direct short-term insurance company OUTsurance has extended its popular pointsmen service. Crystal Award for Impact IncentivesLast month Impact Incentives received a Crystal Award for the Most Effective Use of an Incentive Program for a Strategic Business Solution for its Sales Torque programme at the annual SITE (the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives) conference held in Montery, California, US. “The main objective of this category is to recognise the front end aspects of an incentive marketing programme, namely the design, structure, creativity, programme rules, objectives, results, and the ROI,” explains Ian Cook, MD of Impact Incentives. Celebrating an environmental ChristmasThe World Wildlife Foundation and Food and Trees have been the main beneficiaries to benefit from close to R80 000 donated by Oracle Airtime Sales (OATS) as part of its “Make a World of Difference” 2007 Christmas charity drive. “The overwhelming response by our clients confirmed that they value us supporting charity more than just receiving another promotional gift. We chose ‘green' organisations that address pressing issues like global warming and preserving natural resources,” says Anthea Petersen, head of marketing at OATS. Advertisement:
SponsorshipToyota gets behind Cricket South Africa Earlier this week, Toyota announced that it is now the official vehicle supplier to CSA to Cricket South Africa. Protecting the image rights of our sport stars[Sean Bosse] Local South African celebrities and sports stars are, like their overseas counterparts, now beginning to enjoy the commercial rewards gained from the commercial opportunities such as image licensing agreements, sponsorships and celebrity endorsements. This article looks at the laws in place to manage the commercial rights of our celebrities and sports stars, as well as the protection it offers those celebrities who may fall prey to the unlawful and unauthorised use and exploitation of their commercial rights, particularly their image rights.
| TV | |  |
MSNBC's free satellite TV launched in SA[Issa Sikiti da Silva] Satellite TV will never be the same in South Africa, as Free2view today, Monday, 21 January 2008, unveiled southern Africa's newest window to the world, MSNBC Africa. The launch, which took place at the Melrose Arch Hotel in Johannesburg, will see consumers gaining access to 36 ‘exciting' channels – if they can afford buy a once-off package of a dish and a digital receiver at R1400. Lillian Dube beats cancerThe festive season couldn't have been merry for actress Lillian Dube after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2007 during a routine check-up, but now Soul City's Sister Bettina can look forward to a happy New Year, following a successful surgical procedure in which the cancerous growth was removed from her breast on 11 January 2008. MIPTV 2008 to honour JapanPARIS: Japan is to be the country of honour of the 45th MIPTV featuring MILIA this April 2008. This event is in keeping with the vitality and creativity of Japan, the second largest TV market in the world. MultiChoice trials mobile broadcast techPay TV operator MultiChoice has licensed Silicon & Software Systems' onHandTV Software Development Kit (SDK) for DVB-H to further develop its interactive mobile broadcast TV services, it was announced yesterday, Tuesday, 15 January 2007. Comedian to host new M-Net game show Capetonian comedian Soli Philander is the host of M-Net's new game show, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?, which tests adult contestants' knowledge of Grade 1 – 5 level school work. Sponsored by KFC, the show premieres on Sunday, 27 January 2008, at 6pm. SABC newsman passes away SABC news reports that veteran SABC newsman Seatlholo Kgoroeadira died in his sleep on Sunday 13 January. Kgoroeadira worked for the SABC in various roles for more than 20 years. Since 1999 he has been working as one of the executive producers for the Sotho TV News in Auckland Park. Red Cherry's Interactive Radio brand – WOT'Z UP now on community radio stations - Red Cherry TelevisionWith community radio playing an important role within South African broadcasting and reportedly approximately 20% of all adults in SA listen to one or more community stations, Red Cherry realised it was crucial to run its brands on these stations. |
| | Poll | | | | More... | | |
| | Cartoons | | The Creative's Stripathong: Sponsored by - Kaii
 | | More... | | |
| | New accounts | | | HMC Seswa wins to new clients - more info | | New account for BBDO Consulting and Net#work BBDO - more info | | Fivestar PR to launch ONEwellness brand - more info | | McCann aids the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund with creative flair - more info | | McCann knows what's on at the movies - more info | | Bullion PR and Communication bags audio branding account - more info | | Fairy Godmother chooses Greater Than to make magic - more info | | Quickonline provides function to form for Enlightening Design - more info | | More... Submit a New account | | |
| | People on the move | | | Daryn Lee Gamsy new MD of GGi - more info | | Motto Business Consulting appoints three new directors - more info | | Len Nery appointed national sales and hardware manager for Tide Media - more info | | Primedia@Home has been appointed Humza Ramdhanie as accounts executive. | | More... Submit a Person | | |
| | Events to diarise | Web development course Working Webs - Johannesburg, 21 January
Entry-level course to start the student onto the road of website development covering vital, basic information that every web designer/developer needs. | | | Writers write The Write Co - Sandton, 21 January / Sandton, 22 January / Sandton, 26 January / Sandton, 18 February / Sandton, 19 February / Cape Town, 25 February
Learn how to make your writing marketable, publishable and professional with this one-day course covering creativity and story ideas, plotting, viewpoint etc. | | | Amanda Patterson's correspondence course The Write Co - The World, 23 January / The World, 13 February
This one day course on how to write a book covers creativity and story ideas, plotting, view point, genre, setting and description etc. | | | Wildlife filmmaking course Wildlife Film Academy - Cape Town, 23 January
An intense one month course in wildlife filmmaking developed by international, award-winning wildlife filmmakers for those passionate about wildlife. | | | PRISA PRISM Awards deadline PRISA - Johannesburg, 25 January
The call for entries and tips on successful submissions is on with categories that are aligned with the IPRA Golden World Awards. | | | SEO and internet marketing course Tailormade4you - Johannesburg, 25 January
Learn the secrets of promoting your business-related website in the South African search engines and gain tons more traffic and customers. | | | Basic reporting and writing for print Institute for the Advancement of Journalism - Johannesburg, 28 January
Basic reporting covers the tasks of collecting and assembling news for print and participants will revisit crucial steps of gathering facts, sourcing information and positioning stories. | | | 'Write a children’s book' course SA Writers' College - Countrywide, 30 January / Countrywide, 6 February
Get the guidance, skills and support you need to write a book for 8-12 year olds, and find out how to get it published. | | | Two-year full-time 3D animation and VFX course learn2 Digital Media Academy - Cape Town, 30 January
The aim of this course is to provide students with a functional working knowledge of Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya and
Autodesk Combustion. | | | TV, radio presenting and acting Thuthuka Casting - Johannesburg, 1 February
Our training course aims at improving your confidence and energy levels while concentrating on vocal qualities and image which are key elements to completing a successful audition. | | |
| | Upcoming events | Five-month desktop publishing course Concept Interactive - Cape Town, 21 January Web design course Concept Interactive - Cape Town, 21 January Adobe Illustrator CS3 upgrade course Concept Interactive - Cape Town, 21 January 5 month desktop publishing course Concept Interactive - Cape Town, 21 January 5 month web design course Concept Interactive - Cape Town, 21 January Desktop publishing course Cross Media Training Centre - Cape Town - Cape Town, 21 January One-week filmmaking course The Excellent Film School - Durban, 21 January Joomla! training ITSimple - Johannesburg, 21 January Scriptwriting course SA Writers' College - Countrywide, 22 January Maak geld uit vryskutjoernalistiek SA Writers' College - Countrywide, 22 January | More... Submit an event | | |
| | Jobs offered | Specialising in Media Sales, Advertising
and Marketing placements |  |
| Sales - Cape Town
Sales be quick - B2B publisher, web media and events company and requires confident media sales person Cape Town. Confirmed leads, top sales training program opportunity to advance through management program. read more
| PR Manager - Global - Cape Town
A global company has a position for a PR manager who will have full responsibility for their global PR function, which will include the development of global strategies and monitoring of the execution thereof. read more
| Operations Manager - Johannesburg
An exciting position exists with a dynamic media owner who provides exceptional ad opportunites nationally - for a hands-on ops manager. read more
| Industial Designer - Imagineer - Cape Town
We produce a modular system - contemporary desiger illuminaires, illuminated walls, doors, ceilings, furniture and (interactive) displays. Our company grows fast - International markets. read more
| Sales Manager - Rivonia
If you are an over achiever with 5-7 years sales management experience, and wish to join our winning team in the ICT industry, contact us. read more
| Sponsorship Sales Manager - Bryanston, Johannesburg
Sponsorship sales - Ideal for sales people who want to sell high premium business solutions and not product – involves selling sponsorship on conferences, expos. read more
| Graphic Designer - Kempton Park
Graphic designer required asap in East Rand. Graphic design for corporate branding, calendar layouts, web design, junior or senior preferably residing near East Rand. read more
| Junior Programmer - Urgent - Johannesburg
Young and dynamic media/IT company urgently looking for junior programmer. Opportunity to really get involved and grow this business. read more
| Experienced Sales Person - Johannesburg
Young and dynamic media/IT company urgently looking for experienced media sales person with experience. Opportunity to really get involved and grow this business. read more
| In-house Writer - Claremont
The Journal of Green Building is an electronic architecture and construction industry publication that seeks to educate, inform and assist readers about the design and construction of sustainable buildings. read more
| Key Account Manager - Bryanston
Urgently require a key account manager for client relationship management, business interpretation of research data, managing research projects from inception to completion, retention of customers etc. read more
| Research Executives X2 - Bryanston - Johannesburg
The research executive’s main responsibilities include but are not limited to hive briefing and timing, questionnaire design and testing, design mock reports, set up interviewer briefs, report writing etc. read more
| PHP Developers - Cape Town
Clickthinking is looking for skilled PHP developers. The role entails the design and build of backend web-based administration systems and interlacing code for front-end functionality. Performance-based incentives. read more
| Campaigns Manager - Johannesburg
Challenging opportunity for marketing gurus with insurance/assurance experience. read more
| Business Development Manager - Sandton
Be part of an exciting media company’s strategic innovation team assisting in the filtering, research, analysis and assessment of a broad spectrum of innovations, start-ups and potential acquisitions. read more
| Visual Effects Guru - Johannesburg
Small Newtown agency looking for an experienced person that knows their way around After Effects, Combustion and Photoshop to combine with our film and 3D graphics for funky corporate communication. read more
| Communications Manager - Rivonia
High-level communications manager sought for leading African ICT research and consulting house. If you are the person for this position send us your CV. read more
| Business Director - Johannesburg North
High-level position offered with international agency working on blue chip accounts. If you have strong client service skills coupled with a strong media background then this position is for you. read more
| Retail Account Manager - Cape Town
Utilise your extensive retail experience to manage client accounts and all facets of client service and the delivery of agency services in an efficient and effective manner. Salary - R 15 000.00. read more
| Debtors/Admin clerk - Cape Town
Publishing company in Green Point requires meticulous, self-motivated team player. Good all-rounder. Excellent communication skills. Three years experience in debt collecting. Pastel 7 and Microsoft Office a prerequisite. read more
| Senior Designer - Cape Town
Gloo Design Agency are on the hunt for senior design talent. read more
| .Net Programmer - Cape Town
Multi-award winning digital design agency, Gloo, are searching for talented .Net programmers. read more
| Digital Project Manager - Cape Town
Multi-award winning digital design agency, Gloo, are on the hunt for a project manager, to strengthen our established project management team. read more
| Middle-weight Graphic Designer/Web Designer - Cape Town
Primarily responsible for developing online and printed marketing collateral for banking clients in the US. Proficient in Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash, InDesign, Illustrator/FH. read more
| Sales Executive - North
A new year, a new career; here is the perfect opportunty: great specialist sales position with dynamic and professional company. read more
| Product Designer/Industrial Designer - Cape Town
Student/Light-weight product/industrial designer wanted to work for cutting edge design studio. Be able to use solid edge and cinema 4D. To specialise in product ID. read more
| Media Strategy - Johannesburg
Warning! This genus is almost extinct and we need your help. If you come across this valuable breed, please contact us. They will be confined to a creative and challenging environment. read more
| Media Buyer – Medium to Senior-weight - Rondebosch
If you are a positive, self-motivated and a team-driven professional, who is looking to work with a like-minded team, then The MediaShop Cape Town is the place for you. read more
| Junior Art Director/Designer - Rivonia - Johannesburg
Small advertising agency with exciting blue chip accounts is looking for a junior art director/designer to work on both above- and below-the-line campaigns. read more
| Graphic Designer - Johannesburg
A leading B2B agency in the north is looking for an energetic, creative, self-motivated middle-weight to senior designer with experience in design across a wide spectrum of categories. read more
| Graphic Designer - Medium-weight - Cape Town
A multi-dimensional graphic designer who has a passion for evolving trends and a love for fashion. Own transport essential, work under pressure, prioritise tasks and work overtime. read more
| Copy Editor X2 - Cape Town
We'll make you coffee, we'll make you smile, we'll make you feel proud, we'll make you feel happy, although hopefully that is already you? read more
| Marketing and Events Co-ordinator - Sandton
Bored with the same old events? Cheap champagne? Fed up with licking envolopes? Your marketing role not quite what was promised? Come and get the marketing ride of your life! read more
| Perl Programmer - Cape Town
Experienced and passionate Perl programmer required. Join a small, focused team, and help to enhance a unique product with an exciting future. read more
| Senior Multimedia Designer/Developer - Digital - Norwood
Forward thinking senior multimedia designer with developer skills required to head up the newly formed digital division of an established advertising agency. read more
| Junior Graphic Designer - Norwood
Looking for a newly qualified graphic designer. Can you design creative communication solutions that will stand out from the wallpaper? read more
| Sales Execs - Exhibition Industry - Johannesburg
Scan Display is looking for junior and senior sales execs with strong project management skills to join its Johannesburg team. read more
| Web Developer - Bedfordview
Be responsible for the ongoing development and maintenance of two websites that represent two very dynamic and integrated companies. read more
| MD of your own business - Kramerville - Sandton
Don't give up if you know you are an entrepreneur. It's tough sometimes but with some support you know you can push through. read more
| Sandton Magazine - Account Executive X2 - Cape Town and Sandton
The magazine of 2008. Come join a company that does with 40 people what the others struggle to attempt with 60, and come do it with a smile. read more
| Marketing Manager - EE - Cape Town
Retail client in Cape Town has an opportunity for an experienced marketing manager to make their mark! You will drive co-ordinate and formulate marketing strategy for the brand. R400k. read more
| Assistant Learning Manager - Kramerville - Sandton
If you ever wanted a position that not only gives you work satisfaction, but at the same time you are changing the lives of others, then join Raizcorp today. read more
| Gauteng Bureau Chief - The Property Magazine - Sandton
Fed up with syndicated content? Hardly a challenging role eh? The Property Magazine's content is written entirely in SA, why? Because a great magazine is all about its readers. read more
| Group Sales Manager - Stellenbosch
Exceptional group sales manager required for thriving wine company, Stellenbosch. If you're an exceptional manager and sales professional wanting a fresh start in 2008 this could be for you! read more
| Account Manager - Cape Town
Agency experience essential. R 10 000.00–R 12 000.00, depending on experience. Client runs his business on building strong relationships – this is the core focus – client service! read more
| Production Assistant - Cape Town
Salary - R 8 000.00–10 000.00. Requirements: Compiling emails on behalf of the production manager. Compiling various email feedback into one clear concise document for the production manager. read more
| Office Manager - Lonehill
Looking for a mature, extremely organised and efficient person with minimum five years working experience to oversee the daily running of a small yet busy office in the entertainment/eventing industry. read more
| Web Developer - Randburg
We are looking for freelance developers/programmers who would be available to work on a project-by-project basis. The work would involve development on a series of web and mobile projects read more
| Managing Director - Bloemfontein
Are you a leader? Is radio your passion? Are you ready to join a company where you work in state-of-the-art facilities with professionals? A company that combines today's best technology with long time radio values? read more
| Marketing/Sales/PA/Software Support - Johannesburg
Excellent computer skills, multitasking, needs to help with company software in facial recognition promotion, must be able to support our customers and grow the company. read more
| In-house Graphic Designer - Publishing Company - Bedfordview
A multi-faceted designer required to take over the design work of a small publishing company. Currently the design work is being done by a design agency, but the design element must now be brought in-house. read more
| Bus. Development Exec - Below-the-line Promotions - Cape Town
The Habari Direct promotions business is looking for a new business development exec to join the team in Cape Town. Be part of a dynamic industry and company. read more
| Account Manager - FMCG Agency - Jhb - Northern Suburbs
FMCG account manager top ad agency for global account. Marketing qualification plus five years agency experience in FMCG client service. This position is for a focused, ambitious professional. read more
| Account Manager - Jhb - Northern Suburbs
Salary - R25000.00 p.m. Super efficient, candidate for responsible position on huge fascinating global account. Minimum 5/6 years agency experience. Career move. Promotional prospects. read more
| Senior Strategic Planner - Jhb - Northern Suburbs
Senior strategic planner with relevant agency and maketing experience. Exceptional opportunity to join a highly successful, high profile agency and work with the best. Very senior position. read more
| Senior Account Director - Financial - Jhb - Northern Suburbs
Senior account director with substantial financial ad experience. Banking or related in an agency. Generous salary. Outstanding position on huge new project. Successful professionals please apply. read more
| | | |
| | Quotes | | | "There's one good thing about snow, it makes your lawn look as nice as your neighbour's." - Clyde Moore | | "To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." - e.e. cummings | | "Learn all you can from the mistakes of others. You won't have time to make them all yourself." - Alfred Sheinwold | | "Electricity is actually made up of extremely tiny particles called electrons that you cannot see with the naked eye unless you have been drinking." - Dave Barry | | "It is the eye of ignorance that assigns a fixed and unchangeable colour to every object; beware of this stumbling block." - Paul Gauguin | | More... Submit a Quote | | |
Print - Print any item in this newsletter.
Email - Email any item in this newsletter.
Comment - Comment on any item in this newsletter.
| 
| Sponsors:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Advertisement:
Advertisement:
The following companies have opened press offices on Bizcommunity.com!
Re:act Ideas 2.0 is an agency focused on generating creative communications ideas that are not defined by any particular medium. The agency has a deep understanding of the new consumer 2.0 and specializes in engaging with the new consumer 2.0 on a meaningful level.
Click here to visit Re:act's press office.
Find creative and IT talent online in South Africa's most popular online directory of freelancer portfolios: Freelancentral.co.za or brief our offline Placements team to find the right freelancer for you.
Click here to visit Freelancentral's press office.
3D DECO provide advanced decor elements and branding for the evergrowing event industry of our high tech society. By nurturing an explorative and experimental attitude toward decorating aesthetics, we challenge the conventional in our perpetual goal of bringing the future to the now.
Click here to visit 3D Deco's press office.
 BLOG: Breaking NewsBLOG: SportsBusiness ServicesMOTORING CORPORATE WELLNESS BUSINESS TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT OFFICE EQUIPMENT
|
|
