A word on fashion
Celebrating the embedded story and grander message, the Fashion Arena at the Design Indaba Expo 2009 will again go beyond glossy pages, pouty models and the oh-so-passé catwalk. Presented by the SABC, this dedicated section will host all-day fashion shows, a film festival, Liquid Chefs cocktail bar and lounges, Pecha Kucha presentations at the end of the day, and a fashion boutique.


SABC renews Design Indaba sponsorship
The SABC has not only renewed its sponsorship of Design Indaba, but also its sole sponsorship of the Fashion Shows at the Design Expo, which runs alongside the conference, 27 February - 1 March 2009.


Green and envied! - Design Indaba
Savvy designers have recognised the need to lessen their impact on the natural environment's finite resources. Wasteful, disposable excess is out and more grounded, durable luxury is in.


Shots to showcase Wicked Pixels' new Design Indaba commercial - Wicked Pixels
Stunning new work has emerged from Wicked Pixels with the completion of the Design Indaba 12 TV and print campaign. The commercial, directed by Wicked's Craig Wessels, features on the latest shots reel.


Design Indaba Expo: new leaves, every year - Design Indaba
Design Indaba Expo showcases the best South African creativity under one roof. Don't miss the 60 first-time exhibitors showcasing the freshest design trends and innovative ways to change the world.

How are SA political parties positioned for polls?
[Thabani Khumalo] In recent years, political parties have turned to the power of political marketing to manage their affairs, further their interests and to win the voters' favour. The successful prosecution of a political campaign requires effective deployment of political marketing strategies and an ability to convince and persuade voters to listen to their messages, understand and support their parties, principles, policies, programmes, values and vision.


Chartered marketers re-certified
Last week saw the recertification of 100 chartered marketers who completed the 2007/8 Continued Professional Development (CDP) programme through the Services Sector Education & Training Authority (Services SETA).

New Yvonne Johnston venture to bridge client/agency divide
Marketers-at-Large brings Yvonne Johnston, former International Marketing Council (IMC) of South Africa CEO, together with Martin Chauke, former MD of the South African Tourism business at Ogilvy, in what the partners describe as a “marriage made in heaven”. Their aim is to bridge the client/agency divide.

Bizcommunity.com Breakfasts focus on doing business with Africa - Bizcommunity.com
Africa is alive with possibilities, but how do you penetrate the continent? Now, Upbeat Marketing, in partnership with Bizcommunity.com, is hosting a series of breakfasts designed be a platform on which South African-based businesses with broader African strategies can be informed on the ins and outs of doing business with Africa, and in Africa.

Global 2010 ticket frenzy
There was a worldwide scramble for 2010 FIFA World Cup tickets as soon as the FIFA.com online ticket portal got underway on Friday, 20 February 2009, at 1pm South African time. Twenty-four hours after the ticket went on sale, FIFA reports that applications from 128 countries for 216 975 tickets had been received via the site.

Sprint for 2010 tickets begins
[Michael Appel] The sprint is on for tickets to Africa's very first 2010 FIFA World Cup, with ticket application forms available from most FNB branches, as well as on fifa.com from 1pm local time on Friday, 20 February 2009. [video]


ScoreGrid Media puts football on track
As South Africa gears itself up for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a South Africa-based Internet startup company recently launched its online football tracking system in beta. ScoreGrid Media has been in “stealth mode” for the past year, after raising US$700 000 in angel funding, according to TechCrunch.


Mossel Bay to host 2010 media hub
Eden District, which comprises the Garden Route and the Klein Karoo, will be establishing a media hub for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Mossel Bay, it was announced earlier this week.

On sale: How to get your hands on 2010 FIFA World Cup tickets
[Michael Appel] Tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup go on sale from Friday, 20 February 2009.

Can 2010 affirm Brand SA same as 1995?
[Dr Nikolaus Eberl] Can the 2010 FIFA World Cup equal the “moment of wonder” that was experienced back in 1995, minutes before the kickoff at the Rugby World Cup, and lead to a similar legacy that will once again unite the people of the Rainbow Nation?


Radio 2000, Nigerian stations begin 2010 deal
Radio 2000, the SABC's official 2010 radio station, has signed a deal with Nigeria's all-sports radio station, 88.9 Brila FM. The deal between the two stations concerns Radio 2000 circulating its 2010 information, reports, interviews, and features with Brila FM.

How can SMMEs make themselves heard around 2010? - Southern Africa Direct
The FIFA 2010 World Cup is widely touted as the most watched sports event in the world, and is a prime opportunity for every South African marketer to get their brand message out there.

When the going gets tough, BTL works hardest
[Andy Sutcliffe] While predicting the future has never been more challenging, two things are clear: advertising is not the only way to increase sales, and below-the-line (BTL) is poised to capture an increased share of marketing spend because it offers a more accountable, more immediate and more cost-effective marketing vehicle.


Do we trust advertising?
[Issa Sikiti da Silva] TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, websites and highways are swamped with various ads persuading consumers to buy a certain product because of its ‘extraordinary' quality and performance. But do people really trust advertising? This question formed part of the debate hosted this morning, Thursday, 19 February 2009, at the Michelangelo Hotel in Johannesburg by the Journal of Marketing in association with Absa and Future Group.

Martin Lindstrom's answer to the ad industry slump
With global markets in crisis, the advertising industry is facing a massive challenge. How can you attract customers with severely reduced budgets? Find out at Martin Lindstrom's Buy-ology Symposium in Johannesburg on 9 March 2009.

Gold for CNN's SA Tourism UGC campaign
Gold was CNN International's reward for its “My South Africa” global advertising campaign at the recent Internationalist Awards for Innovation in Media. South African Tourism's “My South Africa” was one of only two global campaigns to win Gold from a spread of entrants representing more than 30 countries.


Garth Walker steps out with his new studio
Garth Walker, former founder of Orange Juice Design Studios in Durban, recently started up a new venture. Enter Mister Walker...


Call to enter 2009 Midas Awards
NEW YORK: Entries are now open for the 2009 Midas Awards, which recognises excellence in financial services communications on a global scale. The Jupiter Drawing Room South Africa last year walked off with the Midas Grand Trophy for Best Direct Mail campaign for its client Absa Capital, and Velocity Films scooped a Midas Gold Ingot.

APEX 2009 entries double
APEX entries for 2009 have more than doubled compared to previous years, according to Odette Roper, CEO of the Association of Communication and Advertising (ACA). The APEX awards acknowledges leaders in the advertising and communication industry.


Grey London hosts annual Planning Conference - Insight Communications
Grey London, the WPP Company, will play host to member agencies within the Grey Global Network this February as it gathers strategic planners for the 2009 Planning Conference.

Graphicor wins TOTAL South Africa BTL account - Tshirundu Communications
Graphicor was recently awarded the Total South Africa below-the-line advertising account. This win follows the agency being awarded the Zurich investor relations account late last year.

Brandbar takes the cousins to the people - Brandbar
Van Loveren, one of the brands served by Brandbar, has tasted success with a roadshow that has showcased the popular Four Cousins range in areas such as Soweto and Alexandra.

Mortimer Harvey incubates new talent - Mortimer Harvey
The Mortimer Harvey Incubator Programme puts six young students from Vega's Imagination Lab under the lights in an extended internship. During their stay at the agency, the students will hone their creative skills under the wing of different creative teams.


Announcing “CSLaunch”, the branding solution designed for the entrepreneur - Creation Station
CSLaunch is a tailor-made package designed by Creation Station for entrepreneurs looking to launch new businesses, brands and services.

Rob McLennan to judge 2009 Dubai Lynx
Net#work BBDO executive creative director Rob McLennan has been selected as a member of the TV/Cinema, Print, Outdoor & Radio jury at the 2009 Dubai International Advertising Festival. Commented McLennan, who is looking forward to judging, “[The Festival has] gained stature in an amazingly short period due to its Cannes link and the consistently high calibre of judges. I think advertising in the Middle East must come with different challenges and solutions and it'll be interesting to see the how the approach to creative solutions differs in the north as opposed to the south of Africa. I'll also be judging the integrated category, which is always an exciting category.”

Cinemark SA representative for Cannes Lions, Dubai Lynx, Spikes Asia
South African cinema advertising company Cinemark was recently appointed as the local representative of Cannes Lions, Dubai Lynx and Spikes Asia. For more information, go to CineMARK's dedicated section on www.canneslions.com, which will be updated regularly with relevant contact details and information on what is offered to delegates and entrants.

New identities on the menu
Strategic brand agency Arctic Circle recently cooked up the identities of two new Cape Town restaurants. Branding and logo development were among the items on the menu.


The only reason that SA still hangs on to its national airline
[Chris Moerdyk] There can only be one logical reason that Government wants to hang on to South African Airways and that is because members of parliament and particularly cabinet ministers get free flights. There is absolutely no other logical motivation for continuously bailing out this sick flight of national fancy and grimly hanging on as though an end to SAA as a state entity would mean the end of the world for South Africa.

The value of people in the management of your brand - The Brand Union
[Fiona Hitchcock] It's a given that a brand can give you status, competitive advantage and influence perceptions. But the area that seems to be most forgotten by financial marketing managers is that it can align your staff and offer real differentiation through actual brand experience.


IDC appoints The Fearless Executive to enhance customer experience - The Fearless Executive
After winning a closed tender in November 2008, The Fearless Executive, specialists in internal branding and customer experience, has begun a year-long partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation to develop, design and implement an internal brand engagement programme to embed the values and improve internal and external customer experience.

Marketing: the retail experience and value creation - Interbrand Sampson
[Jeremy Sampson] Within the 34 cities in which you can find the Interbrand Group, we have long followed the mantra that "Brands have the power to change the world™". You will even notice that it has been trademarked as the property of Interbrand.

ITV spared 30 million unwanted email messages a month - Maximizer
ITV, a leading UK media company, depends on email for fast, efficient business communications, but this vital communication corridor had been subjected to ever-increasing amounts of junk email. Each month the company's IT resources were taxed by growing quantities of spam email.

Shave or spray your hair to support CANSA - CANSA
Stand out from the crowd! Shave or spray your hair a multitude of colours at the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) Shavathon at workplaces on Friday 6 March or at your nearest shopping centre on Saturday 7 March.

Green is the colour for Plascon's Prism Awards
Now in its 10th year, Plascon's Prism Awards is challenging local designers to “create a space inspired by nature's cycle of renewal and regeneration”. Entries close on 29 May 2009.

Usability: the key to successful design
[Sarah Blake] The South African blogosphere has, for several months, been abuzz with the accessibility problems of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) website, Elections.org.za. Ensuring that a website is accessible to your audience is exceptionally important, but what happens once they're on your site? Usability, accessibility's partner in the web game, comes out to play.


Design Indaba sold out, book now for Young Designers Simulcast
The Design Indaba Conference is sold out. Again. For the fifth year running. In light of the continued demand for tickets, Design Indaba is lifting the age restriction on the Young Designers Simulcast.

2009 One Show Interactive jury announced
NEW YORK: Twenty eight top creative directors in the field of interactive advertising were announced as judges last week for the 2009 One Show Interactive, which celebrates the year's best in digital media and web design.

DA invites bloggers to social media unveiling
[Justin Hartman] The Democratic Alliance (DA) unveiled its new social media strategy yesterday, Thursday, 19 February 2009, to a small audience in Cape Town comprising journalists, party members and, believe it or not, bloggers. I was one of the lucky ones to crack an invite yesterday afternoon and I have to admit I was extremely excited to hear what the DA had up its sleeves.


Businesses should think twice about using Facebook
[Paul Jacobson] Facebook amended its terms of use a couple weeks ago and the changes have profound implications for its users, including its business users, none of them positive. So what is all the fuss about? When you post content to Facebook, you grant it a broad licence to not only manipulate your content but also the right to make commercial use of that content. [audio]


World Wide Creative launches the new DA website - World Wide Creative
UK and South African-based digital marketing studio, World Wide Creative, unveiled the new Democratic Alliance web and mobisites last week. The launch was highly anticipated from the marketing community since the DA's campaign is seen as the closest thing in South Africa to Obama's digitally-aligned campaign last year.


Nike Lab campaign “Light as a Feather, Strong as Steel” launched using Lytec EL Wire - Firewater Group
Tungsten was commissioned by Nike Lab to create a point-of-sale solution, with the theme: "Light as a Feather, Strong as Steel". LyTec wire was used as the key ingredient both within the stores and at the main shop display window.


GSM leaders agree telecoms and emerging markets will spur economic growth amidst a global recession - Clickatell
Clickatell confirms reports that telecommunications will continue to be a driver of economic activity as it stimulates innovations, increases productivity and efficiency as well as drives increases in GDP.

Exhibiting in challenging times - DigitalLife
For players in the digital technology arena, the DigitalLife Expo, which takes place 27 - 29 March 2009 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johanneburg, is a rewarding platform to showcase brands, products and services, and there's never been a better time to do so. So says the exhibition organisers.

Is traditional media on its deathbed in South Africa? - Cambrient
Digital is supposed to herald the demise of traditional media. There are those touting the death of the newspaper and the decline of the magazine but just what is the state of play in South Africa?


Stonewall+ appoints Lara Bryant as Head of Client Service - Stonewall+
Stonewall+ has announced the appointment of Lara Bryant as head of client service. In this role, Bryant will focus her team on promoting deeper client relationships and ensuring that the full value proposition of the agency and its business units is realised.

Facebook does about turn on terms of use
NEWSWATCH: Internet news blog Mashable is reporting that Facebook has reverted back to its previous terms of use. The news was broken by CEO Mark Zuckerberg on his blog. Facebook has also established a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities group.

Guerilla Marketing becomes Gullan&Gullan
Specialist agency Guerrilla Marketing recently relaunched as Gullan&Gullan Advertising. According to MD Michael Gullan, the previous branding was restricting current and potential clients' perceptions of its skills and specialisations. “We have established PR and interactive divisions,” he says, “and our team is experienced in communications outputs across the full media spectrum, in a vast number of industries. While we will always have fun creating guerrilla campaigns for our clients, we prefer to concentrate on holistic marketing strategies.” For more, go to www.gullanandgullan.com.

Pete Case appointed to Dubai Lynx jury
Pete Case, executive creative director at Gloo Digital, will be joining other international creative leaders from the Middle East and North Africa region as members of the Direct, Sales Promotion & Interactive Jury for the second Dubai International Advertising Festival in 2009. Comments Case, “I'm really looking forward to seeing and finding the best work from across the Middle East and North Africa. In economic times such as these, more than ever, it's stand-out ideas that are helping brands maintain market share, so I'm looking forward to being part of a festival that celebrates work of excellence.”

Vikesh Roopchand appointed DMA director
Vikesh Roopchand, Primedia @Home's GM of business development, was recently appointed to the board of directors of the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) of South Africa. "We are extremely proud of his accomplishment," commented Melvin Chagonda, CEO of Primedia@Home.

E-Consulting for Editors shows how to integrate newsrooms
As readers and advertisers continue to migrate from print to online, newsrooms that aren't prepared to meet their expectations will find themselves falling increasingly behind. E-Consulting for Editors from the World Editors Forum (WEF) is intended to bring newsrooms up to speed.

2009 TABPI Young Leaders Scholarships now available
CLEVELAND, US: Applicants are invited to apply for the TABPI Young Leaders Scholarship to attend the ASBPE Editorial Conference, scheduled for 15 - 17 July 2009 in Washington, DC, USA. The scholarships allows younger editors, who might otherwise be unable, to attend this educational B2B editorial event.


Writing fiction: why it's a bad idea to show Mum your manuscript... - HeadSpark
“Don't get me wrong,” says Morné Malan, writing coach and workshop facilitator at creative learning company HeadSpark, “families, friends and spouses are precious things. Love them to bits. But when it comes to useful and objective feedback on something creative you've written - bless their souls - you're better off asking the guy who hands out fliers by the traffic light."

2009 AFDA Oscar nomination - AFDA
Oscar award-winning film school AFDA has announced that the Cape Town Honours year film Wamkelekile has been selected as the official South African 2009 entry in the 36th Student Academy Awards.


AFDA keeps going international - AFDA
The Cape Town Honours graduate film Wamkelekile (Welcome back) has been selected as AFDA The South African School of Motion Picture Medium & Live Performance's entry into the CILECT (International Association of Film & Television Schools) student film competition.

Unique and effective business matchmaking breakfasts - Outsmart Marketing
Looking for a different activity that delivers maximum networking opportunities? Business matchmaking breakfasts not only deliver a unique event that will intrigue your delegates but it guarantees a high show rate and measurability.

We're know we're great, but how do you? - Amanzi Blue Event Staffing Solutions
Organising an event in a foreign country or even city can prove challenging for even the most established of event organisers: things are done differently everywhere, so how do you know when you're getting good quality from service providers?

Grind brews up a Storm for BlackBerry - Grind Mobile Coffee
Grind was recently approached by Tigerline Events & Promotions and Idea Engineers to assist them in introducing the new BlackBerry Storm smartphone to Vodacom employees at Vodaworld.


Exciting additions to dream and do at the Johannesburg HOMEMAKERS Expo - HOMEMAKERS
More than 590 leading interior and exterior exhibitors will showcase their products ranging from home improvement to innovative décor ideas for the home and garden at the annual Johannesburg HOMEMAKERS Expo, taking place 19 - 22 February 2009 at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg.


True Colour Events puts the ‘glow' in the 2008 Glo-CAF Awards - True Colour Events
Lagos, the metropolitan coastal city of Nigeria, played host to the annual Glo-CAF Awards for African footballers that took place on Tuesday, 10 February 2009. True Colour Events was tasked with giving the awards a look-and-feel that could contend with any of its international counterparts.


Ice Vawter... nationwide... - Ice Art
Ice Art was commissioned by agency Bester Burke, on behalf of Distell, to carve a series of Ice Chests for Vawter alcoholic Spring Water.


Sasha's Essential Hit Picks goes Gold - Sound Media
DGB's Potency brand once again teamed up with SA personality and 5FM DJ Sasha Martinengo to release Sasha's Essential Hit Picks for 2008. The Sound Syndicate, a division of BTL activations company Sound Media, were once again called upon to deliver the national tour to launch the album.


GSK takes their conference to Dubai - Collyer Lessick & Associates
Festival City Dubai was the venue for the recent GlaxoSmithKline Annual National Conference. Sales staff of GSK were brought over to Dubai to participate and engage in the various conferences to gain valuable knowledge of their respective products and brands.


Register online for Meetings Africa
South African Tourism is encouraging members of the business tourism industry - including meeting and event planners, conference organisers, incentive travel planners and destination marketers - who plan to attend Meetings Africa 2009 to register online at www.meetingsafrica.co.za for easy access to the exhibition, taking place at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, 25 - 27 February 2009. Roughly 3000 people are expected to visit the exhibition, including 120 top international buyers of business tourism products and services. There is also an online appointments diary.

Opening 2009 Homemakers Expo
One of the highlights at this year's 16th annual Johannesburg Homemakers Expo will be the new Green Living project. The expo runs Thursday, 19 - 22 February 2009, at the Coca-Cola Dome, Northgate.


Oasys AV on show - Oasys Innovations
The audiovisual unit of Oasys Innovations recently showcased their capabilities to selected customers, and shared their ideas and thoughts on next generation technologies and market demands that would position marketers a cut above the rest with their event performances.


Baby businesses boom at The Baby Expo - The Baby Expo
2009 is set to be another record-breaker for The Baby Expo, which reports that with exhibitor space for this year's three shows is selling fast.

Set Squared steps forward with NEF deal - Set Squared
Leading empowerment funder, the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), has invested R19 million in support of a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) consortium to enable it to acquire 50% of Set Squared, a specialist advertising construction company well known in the exhibition, eventing, conference and shopfitting industries.

New guide to winelands wedding venues
As February is the month of Valentine's Day, Wine magazine has been busy compiling its first guide to wedding venues in the Cape Winelands. It will be produced by Leigh Robertson, former editor of Winelands Living.

Free magazine for Cape Town tourists
New Media Publishing (NMP) announced last week that it has been appointed publisher of a new magazine for visitors to the Mother City, similar to the Kagiso Urban Management/Blue Planet Media ‘Welcome to Jozi Pack'.

Green magazine goes paperless
Another print magazine has joined the paperless revolution, practicing what it preaches by going digital. This time it's the turn of the recently launched, dedicated green consumer magazine Simply Green.


Media 24 moves into the black parenting arena - Media24 Family Magazines
The end of March 2009 will see the launch of Move! Parent - an authentic, trusted friend to parents and caregivers, assisting, guiding and inspiring them in all aspects of raising, developing and nurturing children of all ages.


Real Simple cooks up double treat for readers - 8 Ink Media
The March issue of Real Simple is bagged with a free mini version of the magazine's first brand extension cookbook, Fuss-Free Meals, as well as offering readers the opportunity to win a fashion wardrobe worth R15 000.

Free seminars on 2009 election reporting next week
A free one-day seminar series on Reporting on the 2009 Election and Beyond is to be held in Johannesburg on 4 March 2009. Hosted by frayintermedia, it is aimed at editors and journalists who will be reporting on the forthcoming general election and its aftermath.

South Africa's press freedom in jeopardy
[Chris Moerdyk] South Africa's press freedom is under threat from itself as standards of journalism drop alarmingly in the face of increasingly heated battles for readers, viewers, listeners and ultimately a bigger share of an advertising pie that is being gnawed away by increased competition.

Mediatech Africa 2009 for Joburg
Trade exhibition Mediatech Africa 2009 will take place from 23 - 25 July 2009 at the Coca-Cola Dome at Northgate, Johannesburg, South Africa. The exhibit showcases new technology and services from TV and broadcast, sound and audio, lighting and staging, animation, communication and related fields.


Africa Business Reporting Awards 2009 launched
Diageo has launched its sixth annual Africa Business Reporting Awards. Aiming at encouraging more prolific business journalism in Africa and to increase the continent's share of voice in the international media, the closing date for entry is 15 April 2009

Changed Broadcasting Amendment Bill adopted
NEWSWATCH: Earlier this week, the controversial Broadcasting Amendment Bill, which President Kgalema Motlanthe had sent back to Parliament unsigned, was adopted by the National Assembly after the necessary changes were made to bring it in line with the constitution, reports IOL. Meanwhile, Anton Harber, Caxton Professor of Journalism at Wits University, has pointed out in Business Day an interesting case of legal action was served on the SABC and the communications minister by the FXI last week which he believes will have an impact on South African media.

Fellowships for 2009/10 mental health journalism now available
Applications for the 2009/10 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism Open are now open. There are two fellowships available to South African journalists annually, together with six American and two Romanian journalists.

It's raining election sites
The South African general elections date has been set to Wednesday, 22 April 2009, and two top-level domain media websites have been launched since the weekend: Polity.org.za by Creamer Media and SAelections.co.za by the The Times.

Good news for news industry - IFRA conference
DARMSTADT/PRAGUE: There is still good news for the news industry, according to IFRA, a worldwide research and service organisation for the news publishing industry. Top level executives and newsroom experts from 23 countries convened in Prague last week for the eighth International Newsroom Summit and, despite concerns about the future of the industry, IFRA reports that delegates enjoyed a positive and creative atmosphere.

MDDA celebrates five years of success - MDDA
In its five years operational, the MDDA has made its mark in developing and diversifying the media landscape, through the guidance of the MDDA Board, the dedication of management and staff, and the adherence to the dictates of the Public Finance and Management Act.

Media accreditation for FIFA Confederations Cup extended
Media accreditation for the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009 has been extended until 9 March 2009. As the processing of applications can take some time, applicants are strongly advised to act swiftly. Applications are made exclusively via the FIFA Media Channel; neither paper nor email will be accepted. Successful applicants will be notified and provided with further information in due course. International applicants are responsible for their own visas. Only registered individuals can apply for accreditation to FIFA events.

CNN Multichoice African Journalist Awards 2009 deadline extention
The CNN MultiChoice African journalist awards competition entry deadline has been extended from 16 February 2009 to 16 March 2009 and the judging will take place in April. All entries should be broadcast or published during January - December 2008. The competition is open to African nationals who are professional journalists including freelancers across print, television, internet, photographic and radio. Entry details can be found here.

47 000 visitors at Mobile World Congress 2009
MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, BARCELONA, SPAIN: The GSMA has reported that more than 47 000 visitors from 189 countries attended last week's GSMA 2009 Mobile World Congress conference and exhibition. Attendees included mobile operators, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies and media and entertainment organisations, and government delegations.

Opera Mini for Vodafone EMEA customers
OSLO, NORWAY & BARCELONA, SPAIN: Vodafone signed an agreement with Opera Software earlier this week to develop a custom-made version of the Opera Mini mobile browser to be made available in Vodafone markets across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Short films, big ideas
[Angus Robinson] MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, BARCELONA, SPAIN: Kevin Spacey was certainly the star attraction at the Mobile World Congress yesterday, Thursday, 19 February 2009, with Will.I.am from the Black-Eyed Peas and Chris DeWolf of MySpace also making showings in the mobile entertainment sessions.


Mobile Internet fueled by desire to connect with peers - survey
MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, BARCELONA, SPAIN: BuzzCity a provider of global wireless communities and consumer services, revealed earlier in the week the results of worldwide research conducted across its mobile advertising network. The research shows when, how and why people use the mobile Internet.

Trends from 2009 Mobile World Congress
[Angus Robinson] MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, BARCELONA, SPAIN: Every year, the Mobile World Congress (previously 3GSM) has its 'hot topics' that are all the buzz - which are usually about a year ahead of the market in terms of adoption. This year is no different.


GSMA 2009 Chairman's Award goes to Research In Motion
MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, BARCELONA, SPAIN: Research In Motion (RIM), the company behind BlackBerry, scooped the GSMA Chairman's Award earlier this week for its pioneering work in the wireless-data industry. The presentation was made at the Global Mobile Awards ceremony in Barcelona, Spain.

Open thoughts, open world
[Angus Robinson] MOBILE WORLD CONGRESSS, BARCELONA, SPAIN: Day two, Tuesday, 17 February 2009, of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona finished with yet another awards ceremony - this one being the Smaato Mobile Advertising Award 2008.

ROI on mobile billboards: a case study
[Petros Kondos] The mobile phone has created many opportunities. The last few years has seen Bluetooth implemented as a marketing media in malls across South Africa, with a varied success rate. As with all media, the more effectively it is used, the more successful the results - content, as they say, is king.


Innovation wins. Again.
[Angus Robinson] MOBILE WORLD CONGRESS, BARCELONA, SPAIN: Last night, Monday, 16 February 2009, saw the MobileMonday Peer Awards event being held at the beautiful Palau de la Música Catalana and it was great to see the level of innovation on display. These awards honour innovative startups active in mobile technology or startups with a mobile product.


Insight delegates at the GSMA Mobile World Congress - Insight Communications
Insight Communications, the Grey Worldwide affiliate in Nigeria, has been in attendance at the 2009 GSMA Mobile World Congress, being held at Fira Montjuic, Barcelona, 16 - 19 February, 2009.

MMA membership exceeds 700
Earlier this week, the Mobile Marketing Association announced that it had surpassed 725 member companies globally. Commented MMA president and CEO Mike Wehrs, “In today's economy, it is imperative to demonstrate to members and potential members alike that guidelines, member services, strategic components and industry development are at the top of our list. We are pleased with the growth of our global membership and believe that it will continue to develop throughout the year.” For a complete list, go to the MMA Member Directory at www.mmaglobal.com/about/mma-members. To join, contact mma@mmaglobal.com. For Mobile Marketing Forums for all regions in 2009, including EMEA, Latin America, North America and APAC, go to www.mobilemarketingforum.com.

First gridstar talent show winners named
Melina Katenda and Refi Tsela have been voted the December and January winners of gridstar, Vodacom's talent contest which launched on 1 December 2008. The first two winners were selected through a combination of public votes and a judging process. Both won R10 000 and stand a chance of winning gridstar's grand prize to the value of R100 000 at the end of the 12-month competition. For more, go to www.gridstar.co.za.

Reminder to enter Mondi Shanduka Newspaper Awards
The deadline for entries for the eighth annual Mondi Shanduka Newspaper Awards is 3 March 2009. All journalists and photographers in the press may enter, irrespective of whether they serve a national or community-based newspaper. Entries must consist of material originated and published in a South African daily or weekly newspaper during the period of 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2009. Download the electronic entry kit from www.mondishanduka.co.za or www.printmedia.org.za.

Further US$20 million funding for SynthaSite
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Online website builder SynthaSite has secured US$20 million in Series B financing from Luxembourg-based Reinet Fund SCA, it announced yesterday, Tuesday, 17 February 2009. “This is a massive vote of confidence in SynthaSite,” said Vinny Lingham, CEO of SynthaSite.

Making business sense of the internet - White Wall Web
White Wall Web's MD and author of SaaSPert, Peter Flynn, will be speaking on “Software as a Service” at the Net Prophet Conference on 14 May 2009.


Prezence are proud digital partners of the Profoto Awards presented by Sony Alpha - Prezence SA
Volcano, lead agency for Sony, Southern Africa, appointed Prezence as its digital partner for the development of the inaugural Profoto Awards website.


Bizwave announces notebook winner - Bizwave
Bizwave is doing its part in contributing to entrepreneurial development in South Africa. A recent competition held by Bizwave offered all members a chance to win a Mercer notebook PC. All they had to do was ensure that their Bizwave profiles were updated to more than 80%, and they automatically entered the running to win.


Corporate wear for your website - JD Internet Consulting
JD Internet Consulting has launched the new website for Karma Clothing, a corporate clothing company manufacturing business wear, uniforms and office attire.

Citi Golf and Jaguar on bidorbuy R1 auction - bidorbuy
If you are looking for an affordable car, come to bidorbuy on Thursday, 19 February 2009, and bid for a 2005 Citi Golf. If you have your sights set on something bigger, prepare to bid for a 2001 Jaguar.

ANC chooses Primedia Outdoor
Outdoor media specialist Primedia Outdoor has been responsible for the creation of the production elements of the African National Congress (ANC) 2009 election campaign.


New interactive in-mall media - Kwenda Marketing
While fully branded expo stands improve the visibility and impact of in-mall promotional activity, marketers are discouraged because of the cost of producing the stand, as well as the corresponding costs and logistics of moving their stand from mall to mall.


Pirelli wins with Expand a Sign - Expand a Sign International
Expand a Sign would like to congratulate Pirelli Tyre on winning R40 000 worth of products in our “Win Big!” Competition. Now, that is big!

First Photo & Film Expo comes to Joburg
The inaugural Photo & Film Expo, in association with Pix magazine, will take place 10 - 12 July 2009 at the Coca-Cola Dome, Northgate, Johannesburg. This is supposedly the first event dedicated to photography and film under one roof in South Africa.

Hollywood, Bollywood for Mother City
The Cape Film Commission (CFC) has set off on an ambitious strategy to turn Cape Town and the Western Cape into a globally competitive film industry destination. Major deals on the cards includes seven major film productions, including a number of Bollywood productions to Cape Town within the first quarter of 2009 and another animated feature film also scheduled to go into production in early 2009.

TV studios and office space available in the hub of the SA film and television environment - ZSE TV
ZSE TV at Sasani Studios is your “one-stop-shop” for TV facilities. It has four large film and TV broadcast studios available to the industry from mid 2009, and office space which is available immediately.


Dean Blumberg of Bouffant directs “It starts with you” for IMC SA - Bouffant
Presented with a real opportunity to demonstrate his versatility, Dean's keen sense of detail and filmmaking ability was perfectly suited to directing this emotive piece. The premise of the commercial is to show how positive actions really do make a difference.


How does your current video production company score? - ATTV Communications
Let us take your brief and come up with a creative concept and proposed budget at no obligation to you. ATTV will give you value for money that other production companies cannot compete with.

Mabena quits SABC to start broadcasting venture?
[Issa Sikiti da Silva & Tshepiso Seopa] SABC head of commercial radio stations Bob Mabena quit his job last week to start his own broadcasting venture, a source told Bizcommunity.com on Friday, 20 January 2009. While so much ink and saliva continues to be tossed out about Mabena's departure, weekend newspapers reported over the weekend that misappropriation of ‘confidential information' was behind Mabena's SABC drama.

Your CREW (Children's Radio Education Workshop) needs you!
Applications are now open for both participants and facilitators in Bush Radio's Children's Radio Education Workshop project. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, 24 February 2009.

Radio grows over year previous - SAARF RAMS
It's a quiet start to the year for the radio industry, certainly when it comes to the latest RAMS audience figures released this morning, Tuesday, 17 February 2009, with no individual radio station growing significantly over the previous RAMS period.

New drive show for Algoa FM - Algoa FM
Algoa FM's Wayne Hart is getting a crack at the big time on Monday, 2 March 2009. Hart will be anchoring afternoon drive during weekdays and will host the show with Lauren Mungur.

New career site to launch at new career expo
The first Star Workplace Expo will take place 20 - 22 March 2009 at the Coca-Cola Dome, North Gate, Johannesburg. This will coincide with the launch of yet another new online career site, to be announced during the exhibition.

Demos of AMPS Online next week
The South African Advertising Research Foundation (SAARF) is demonstrating a new online facility next week in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban that allows users to be able to do basic crosstabs on AMPS from anywhere in the world.

Factors which affect the figures
[Claire Welch] USING RESEARCH BETTER: Working with research figures takes more than just crunching the numbers correctly. Your equations may be spot on, but if you aren't taking certain factors into account, particularly when tracking trends, you could get a skewed understanding of the real picture.

c.i.a and the NOW project - solutions in chaotic times - Consumer Insight Agency
This year is about action for ‘the NOW project' - translating this rich understanding of diverse South Africans and what makes them tick into sustainable brand opportunity in these crazy and shifting times.

Township teenagers are into freestyle street dancing - Foshizi
When Foshizi took to the street to find out what kids in the townships get up to after school and during school holidays, one of the key findings was that soccer is no longer the only entertainment. Freestyle street dancing has made major inroads between girls and boys aged 11-18 year old of LSM 4-7.

Majority of SA companies fail to gain competitive advantage
The most successful companies in South Africa are those which have adopted strategies to ensure greater visibility and reactivity in their supply chains than their competitors. This is the chief finding of the latest Supply Chain Intelligence Report (SCIR), compiled by TerraNova Research, which focused on the supply chain and logistics industry in South Africa.

Experts aid to improve responsible tourism in SA - Rentokil
It is a well-known fact that the hospitality industry is dependent on a high occupancy rate as it drives revenue, profits and increases the overall value of the brand. The key contributors to an increased occupancy rate are, among others, reputation management, service delivery, value for money, health and safety, and environmental regulations.

Are you a bridge builder?
[John Boe] There are two kinds of people in this world, those that build bridges and those that don't.

High-tech touchscreen for e.tv weather
After months of development and tests, e.tv's weather presentations will now incorporate a plasma touchscreen for added interactivity. “This is a first for South Africa,” claimed Derek van Dam, e.tv/eNews head of weather and chief meteorologist, yesterday, Sunday, 22 February 2009.

e.tv broadcasts The Values Campaign: positive stories on South Africans - e.tv
Free-to-air channel e.tv is currently broadcasting a series of inserts, which focuses on the positive and dynamic stories that unfold in South Africa every day.