2009 International Business Awards call for entries

FAIRFAX: The Stevie Awards has issued a call for its Sixth Annual International Business Awards, which recognises achievements in the workplace worldwide, from the executive suite to the factory floor. The 2009 awards will recognise work since 1 January 2008.
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Set your camera on high resolution!

[Ann Druce] I have frequently had clients who want to use their own photography in an ad or a marketing brochure and it often makes a lot of sense. The all-too-frequent problem, however, is that the photos are simply not of an acceptable standard. Now I am not being precious here; I'm not talking artistic standards or photographic composition. I'm not even talking lighting. The issue is resolution.
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Global credit crunch to create new destination branding winners

[Dr Nikolaus Eberl] Last week, travel predictions for 2009 were unveiled by IPK International's CEO Rolf Freitag at the ITB World Travel Trends Update at the ITB Convention in Berlin - and with 450 days to go to the kickoff of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, all of these have implications for South Africa.
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Where is the 2010 buzz?

[Dr Nikolaus Eberl] At last week's press conference held by the 2010 Local Organising Committee, it was revealed that only 170 000 tickets out of 640 000 had been sold for the Confederations Cup taking place 14 - 28 June 2009 in South Africa. So what exactly has gone so terribly wrong that locals are shunning the Confed Cup tickets, with just three months to go to kick-off?
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Calling all media - join FIFA, US Consulate General

The Department of Education, the US Consulate General and the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) are inviting members of the media to join them as they visit Redibone Middle School, Mafikeng, North West Province, tomorrow, Thursday, 12 March, 2009. The visit forms part of the My 2010 School Adventure campaign which aims to promote both education and participation in football using the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup as a platform for this. The school's address is 425 Matlhako Street, Mafikeng, and the visit takes place 12.45pm - 14.30pm. Media wishing to attend should contact Duncan.alfers@2010oc.com or cell +27 (0) 83 2010 226.

Ad industry rightfully frustrated with transformation targets

[Chris Moerdyk] South Africa's still largely white advertising industry would be doing itself a favour by changing or just even supplementing the way in which it reports transformation progress. Because, the way thing are now, it looks as though very little is happening.
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Cannes Lions deadline extended

The deadline for submitting material for the 2009 Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival has been extended to 27 March 2009. The new deadline applies to all 11 entry sections including, Film, Press, Outdoor, Direct, Media, Cyber, Promo, Radio, Titanium and Integrated, Design and PR Lions. For more information, go to http://www.canneslions.com.

Google launches interest-based advertising beta

Google announced today, Wednesday, 11 March 2009, that it has beta-launched interest-based advertising on the Google content network and YouTube in a bid to create more relevant ads for users, increase ROI for advertisers and increase revenues for publishers.
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Sorrell meets with Jupiter stakeholders in SA

click to enlarge

In a presentation held in Johannesburg, yesterday, Tuesday, 10 March 2008, Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive and architect of WPP, spoke about the implications of the WPP 49% investment in The Jupiter Drawing Room (South Africa) and Partners to Jupiter staff, clients, other stakeholders and the media. He stressed that the investment is a junior partnership intended to help Jupiter strategically as it grows, as well as a “selfish investment” in people who produce the ‘finest world-class work'. Jupiter founder and chairman Graham Warsop and MSG Afrika Holdings CEO Given Mkhari, also gave presentations which recapped the history of Jupiter and BEE implications regarding the deal.

Moonlighting shoots its 1000th commercial in SA

Production service company Moonlighting Cape Town recently shot its 1000th commercial in South Africa. Read more >>

Can you see the light? Is branding a religion?

[Melissa Attree] When I speak with people about brands and branding, I always bring up the point that a brand is not what you say it is, it's what ‘they' say it is. This prompts questions and controversy but brings me to the point that a brand is not a fancy corporate identity, it's not a snazzy logo... it's is a collection of stories, emotions and associations. With this in mind, I attended Martin Lindstrom's recent Buy-ology Symposium in Johannesburg.
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SA only scratching surface of employer branding

[Mark Gray] South African companies are missing out on opportunities to attract skills, cut recruitment costs and get a competitive advantage by finding good people due to a lack of a compelling employer brand.
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Do you really want me to know that about you?

[Jo Duxbury] It's all very well having LinkedIn and Facebook profiles, to be blogging daily and tweeting hourly. But is all this information that you're putting out into the big wide web building your reputation, or destroying it? Here are some simple tips for keeping your online reputation a reputable one.
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CMO Council survey - Protection from Brand Infection Audit

The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council believe that there are numerous proof points that demonstrate the business impact of counterfeiting, piracy and cyber-fraud. According to recent estimates, counterfeiting and piracy cost the US economy alone between US$200 billion and US$250 billion per year, and stole as many as 750 000 American jobs.
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Smash your brand - Lindstrom's advice

[Issa Sikiti da Silva] According to the findings of Martin Lindstrom's Buy-ology, the majority of the US$600 billion global advertising spend is currently wasted, and that TV commercials are ‘dead in the water' and product placement is completely off-track. Delegates in Johannesburg were told yesterday, Monday, 9 March 2009, that product placement needs to be reversed and brands need to be smashed.
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Is your brand dead? Ask Martin Lindstrom

[Issa Sikiti da Silva] There is a general impression that certain brands have, in the true sense of the word, run out of steam and are dying slowly but surely. This emerged at the Martin Lindstrom Buy-ology Symposium held Monday, 9 March 2009, at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.
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SAB supports adult education

Masifundisane Adult Literacy programmes are being run in rural areas as a joint venture between South African Breweries (SAB) and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education.
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Design Indaba magazine wants you to design a superhero

Delegates to the recent Design Indaba in Cape Town have been invited to design a superhero for the next Design Indaba magazine. Inspired by the question “What the world needs now?” the title wants you to design a superhero that addresses the needs of the future. The official brief will go out sometime this week, 16 - 20 March, 2009... but starting juicing in the meantime! The deadline will be Thursday 2 April. For more details go to www.designindabamag.com and www.designindaba.com.

24.com title sponsor for SA Blog Awards

The annual 2009 South African Blog Awards, now in its final voting stages, has been receiving a record number of both applicants and voters, according to organisers. This year, the event has also gained its first paying title sponsor in the form of 24.com, helping to bring blogging into the local public eye. Read more >>

Today's improved web deserves better ads

[Mohammad Gawdat] We need to apply the lessons we've learnt from search advertising to help advertisers better reach their target consumer through new and creative ways. That is why Google decided to launch "interest-based advertising", which enables marketers to better connect with people based on their interests and their previous activity online.
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Winners of the First African Blog Awards

[Ndesanjo Macha] The winners of Waxal - Blogging Africa Awards (BAA) for journalists have been announced. Waxal is an initiative of the Panos Institute of West Africa (PIWA) with the partnership of Highway Africa and Global Voices Online (sub-Saharan Africa).
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Renault SA flirts with social media

Renault introduced the popular European city car, the Twingo, to South Africa in December, combining live promotions, competitions, website and social media to reach a very finely targeted market. Renault's Xavier Diquet tells what happened, what worked, and what was learned.
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SABC journalism interns graduate

[Tshepiso Seopa] A group of 55 journalism interns, who underwent a 12-month skills development programme at the SABC, graduated earlier this week. Read more >>

QS World MBA Tour returns to Johannesburg

The QS World MBA Tour is returning to Johannesburg for its fifth consecutive year; one of 40 countries to be visited. And R16 million of scholarships are to be awarded as prizes only to attendees. Read more >>

VWV wins Transnet conference business

Specialist VWV was last week appointed by Transnet Capital Projects, a division of Transnet, to handle its conference facilitation. Abey Mokgwatsane, VWV's CEO, commented: “We were in the fortunate position of having well-established insights into the Transnet brand and could couple and apply this knowledge to our strategic processes, which gave us an edge when it came to clearly interpreting and distilling the client's requirements for the job at hand. I also believe the appropriateness of our pitch creative: an event with a Survivor-Amazing Race theme that was woven throughout the conference, helped clinch the deal.”

Coca-Cola Zero Fest announces its final band

Coca-Cola Zero and 5FM have announced the final band that will take to the stage at the Coca-Cola Zero FestTM, which kicks off in Johannesburg on Friday, April 10, 2009, and then travels to Cape Town on Monday, April 13. The band will be One Day Remains, whose track “Never Say Die” was chosen by SuperSport as the theme song for the Vodacom Tri-Nations. Tickets are on sale at Computicket outlets countrywide - http://www.computicket.com; call centre: 083 915 8000

Chocolate Festival postponed until 2010

The Chocolate Festival, which was initially scheduled to have taken place March 20-22 at Gallagher Estate, has been postponed to next year it was announced on Saturday, March 7, 2009. Organiser Siphumelele Exhibitions and Events says that the decision to move the event was influenced by space limitations and exhibition calendar clutter during this period. Ronell Botha of Siphumelele says that the event has been rescheduled for early next year, dates to be confirmed in the near future.

Meetings Africa 2009 receives strong support

In spite of a tough economic environment South African Tourism has reported strong support for business tourism at the recent Meetings Africa, the South African business tourism trade exhibition, from both exhibitors and visitors. Read more >>

Poker mag Bluff now published in SA

International poker magazine Bluff is being published in South Africa since March 2009 and aims to provide enthusiasts with quality poker content, keeping them up to date with the fast-paced poker lifestyle.
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SABC dishonest?

NEWSWATCH: The Weekender is reporting that the SABC may have contradicted itself over the commentator blacklisting saga, and has "possibly opened itself up to charges of perjury". Meanwhile, SANCU - in a call probably shared by every TV owner - has called upon the SABC to scrap TV licences and find other ways of funding its operations, writes IOL, and ex-BBC Richard Waghorn has joined SABC Technology as COO, according to ScreenAfrica.com.
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National broadcaster finalises election analysts appointments

The SABC has finalised the appointment of the 45 analysts and experts who will be tasked to provide ongoing commentary on the elections, and related matters, for news and current affairs programming, it was announced in Johannesburg on Friday, 13 March 2009.
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When sex doesn't sell

NEWSWATCH: What's unsexy, lands in your inbox every day - and can generate valuable revenue even in tough times like the ones we're in right now? Business Week reports on the apparently undervalued, but valuable, newsletter, and the Guardian has launched Content API, a service that allows partners to select and collect content from the online publication. Read more >>

Monitoring 2009 election coverage

Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) has monitored every democratic election in South Africa and is now monitoring the upcoming elections. The organisation's aim is to promote the development of a free, fair, ethical and critical media culture in South Africa and the rest of the continent and keep the public fully informed. You can follow the latest news, such as Infighting in Cope leadership?, by going to www.mediamonitoringafrica.org or subscribing to the MMA newsfeed.

SABC refutes union's victory claims

[Tshepiso Seopa] Following a sit-in they staged earlier this week in the broadcaster's offices, the Communications Workers Union is claiming victory, but that's not so, said the SABC on Thursday, 12 March, 2009.
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Tug of war at SABC

[Tshepiso Seopa] Representatives of the Communications Workers Union and the management of the SABC group sales walked out of a meeting which was held today, Thursday, 12 March 2009, following a sit-in yesterday in the office of the group CEO of the SABC by union members.
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SABC's ‘bloated' headcount in the spotlight

NEWSWATCH: The SABC remains firmly in the media spotlight: according to various reports, Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri has said something has to be done to reduce the headcount there; SABC board member Christine Qunta is blaming the troubles on too many restraints and lack of support; the SABC is refuting allegations that it blacklisted certain commentators in a bid to manipulate its news coverage; and it has also appointed Media Monitoring Africa to monitor election coverage. Read more >>

Is SABC biased in its election coverage?

[Issa Sikiti da Silva] The SABC is once again facing accusations of bias in its election coverage from various quarters, including the ruling ANC and COPE. Last night, Wednesday, 11 March 2009, a public debate was hosted at Wits University, Johannesburg, to discuss the embattled public broadcaster's role and responsibility in the general elections.
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Kuben Pillay new Primedia deputy CEO

Primedia announced yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, 10 March 2009, that it has appointed 48-year-old Kuben Pillay as deputy CEO of the Primedia group. Pillay was previously CEO of the group's advertising division (Adco), which comprises all of Primedia's advertising brands - a position he had held since 2002.
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Mpofu versus SABC board: the latest

NEWSWATCH: The CCMA has ruled that former SABC group CEO Dali Mpofu was unfairly dismissed, which means that Mpofu is now taking his case to the Labour Court and that the SABC board cannot replace him just yet, reports the Dispatch Online. Read more >>

Minister studies final SABC report

[Proffesor Ndawonde] The Minister of Communications, Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, has received the final Deloitte & Touche report on the state of affairs at the SABC, and is expected to formulate appropriate corrective measures.
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Festival of Media Awards announces shortlist

Axe, Coca-Cola and Barack Obama are among the brands vying for prizes at the inaugural international Festival of Media Awards (FMA) in April 2009. Microsoft, the Wall Street Journal, Meredith and BBC Worldwide all secured three nominations for the first global prizes for strategic innovation and delivery by media owners. All the winners will be announced 20 - 21 April in Valencia, Spain.
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SABC woes continue

NEWSWATCH: The SABC is firmly in the spotlight - for all the wrong reasons. According to various media reports, there are claims of infighting among board members, there's a Deloitte & Touche study criticising the poor state of HR management at the broadcaster, and despite the fact that the SABC is in dire financial straits, the broadcaster's CFO received annual and retention bonuses of more than R600 000 in December, while at least 125 senior managers shared R18 million in bonuses. Read more >>

Mi-Fone's Obama handset sold out

A presidential-themed limited edition Mi-Obama phone, specially designed for the Kenyan market to commemorate the inauguration of the new US President by African firm Mi-Fone, as been a sell-out.
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MS unveils mobile phone application store plans

SAN FRANCISCO, USA: Microsoft yesterday, Wednesday, 11 March 2009, detailed plans for a Windows Marketplace for Mobile that is shaping up to be the US software giant's version of Apple's popular App Store. Read more >>

BBC.com launches mobile advertising

The international BBC mobisite has opened up another opportunity for advertisers to reach their target audience. The new service was announced on 10 March, 2009. Read more >>

Tough sanctions for errant WASPA members

The Wireless Application Service Providers' Association (WASPA) has prescribed tough new sanctions for members who violate its Code of Conduct by neglecting to send their subscribers monthly reminders that they are subscribed to a paid-for service. Read more >>

Zim licenses two daily newspapers

[Sam Hungwe] Zimind Publishers, which publishes two weekly titles, The Zimbabwe Independent and The Standard, has been granted a licence to start a daily newspaper in the country, a move likely to mark the beginning of a new media era in the country. Read more >>

M&G releases highest-ever circulation figures

The Mail & Guardian's Audit Bureau of Circulation figures reveal growth of 12.4% in the period October - December 2008. The newspaper now sells an audited 58 258 copies a week (as against 48 292 in 2006), the highest in its 25-year history. The increase includes third-party bulk sales of 2.1% (1208 copies). Publisher Anastacia Martin attributes the growth to the newspaper's coverage of politics and current affairs, and its investigations.

M&G Online launches election survival guide

As South African political parties' election campaigns gather momentum, the question for the voter remains: who's going to get my vote? Earlier this week the Mail & Guardian Online launched its special elections report to help illuminate the current political scene. Read more >>

Yet another new editor for ITNewsAfrica.com

Charl Lombard has replaced Samuel Mungadze as ITNewsAfrica.com online editor, it was announced earlier this week.
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SA media veteran scoops commonwealth book award

[Proffesor Ndawonde] DURBAN: South African writer and media veteran Mandla Langa has scooped the Commonwealth Writers' Prize Best Book Award in the Africa Region 2009 for The Lost Colours of the Chameleon. South African filmmakers have also won at least six prestigious prizes at the 40th Anniversary of the Pan-African Film Festival in Ouagadogou, Burkino Faso. Read more >>

Writing for business? Try English.

[Tiffany Markman] How to use simple words and clean phrases in your business writing, so you don't sound like you're trying to mimic a pompous colonialist with top hat, tails and a large marble in each cheek…
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Radio Today celebrates paying its dues

[Chris Moerdyk] Five years ago, Johannesburg-based community station Radio Today was on the brink of collapse, with SARS pounding at its door for unpaid taxes. Last week, it celebrated having paid off all its debts after half a decade of uphill battle by a largely volunteer board of directors.
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Joburg wild card wins Brain of Brains

In a first for Talk Radio 702 and 567, CapeTalk's “Brain of Brains” with Sanlam Cobalt, two wild-card entries went head-to-head in the finals held on Tuesday morning, 10 March 2009, with Joburg taking the title.
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Study identifies biggest challenges to SA supply chains

The latest Supply Chain Intelligence Report (SCIR) 2009, an independent study of the supply chain and logistics industry in South Africa, seeks to uncover the impact of local and global trends on the success of companies in the country. Read more >>

SA launches first Guess canvas sneaker

Lifestyle brand Guess is launching its much-anticipated range of canvas sneakers in South Africa in July 2009, ahead of its global counterparts.
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Ferrero's sweet SA expansion

Ferrero, manufacturer of international confectionery brands Ferrero Rocher, Tic-Tac, Kinder and Nutella, is expanding its operations in South Africa.
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New shopping centre for Melrose Arch

The much anticipated R1 billion Melrose Arch Shopping centre, the newest dimension to the Melrose Arch precinct in Johannesburg, will open its doors on 26 March 2009.
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KFC to buy Nando's coop?

NEWSWATCH: Rumour has it that South African fast food chain, Nando's, has garnered interest from international restaurant operator, Yum Brands, the US owner of KFC.
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FNB sponsors Classic Clashes Netball

First National Bank (FNB) launched the Netball segment of the Classic Clashes sponsorship on Thursday, 12 March 2009.
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Multiple marketing platforms for TV series

Curious Pictures is using a range of digital-media platforms to support the marketing of the television series Hopeville. Interactive initiatives, produced in-house, have been placed on a variety of platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, MXit and Admob. Read more >>

e.tv launches a new reality show:The AXE Sweet Life

Free-to-air channel, e.tv, has announced that it is launching a brand new reality show, named The AXE Sweet Life. It will flight every Wednesday night at 8pm, and begins on March 25, 2009 and for the show's eight-week duration, 14 men will compete by going through 14 challenges and at the end, only one winner will walk away with a grand prize. Read more >>

SABC's gain is e.tv's pain

[David Mwanambuyu] When free-to-air television channel e.tv entered the market in 1998, it was hailed as welcome competition to the monopolistic SABC. Over the years, however, a disturbing trend has been unfolding: e.tv has been losing journalists to the public-funded SABC in droves. Read more >>

WASPA says no to cell ads for kids

The Wireless Application Service Providers' Association of South Africa (WASPA) has set out clear television advertising regulations for its members in a bid to protect minors from exposure to inappropriate ads for cellular subscription services.
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New shopping and family entertainment mecca earmarked for Helderberg region - Egg Marketing & Communications

Construction of a new shopping mall of 19 000m² at an estimated cost of R250 million on the outskirts of Somerset West is expected to commence in 2010.
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2010 - Africa's greatest brand-building opportunity - Southern Africa Direct

With thousands of television cameras and three million pairs of eyes focused on Africa, the 2010 FIFA World Cup will offer a unique opportunity to change the image and perception of the continent internationally. Read more >>

Insight Communications rated number one by ThisDay - Insight Communications

Leaders & Co, the Nigerian media and entertainment company which owns of ThisDay Style Magazine, ThisDay Awards and ThisDay Music Festival, has rated the top ad agencies shaping business in 2009, through its daily ThisDay newspaper. Read more >>

Stimulii secures massive Vodacom product placement deal - Stimulii

Living brands agency Stimulli is aiming to revolutionise product placement in South Africa with its new reality-driven game show concept, Vodacom ThumbWars. Read more >>

Redline on Business Day Financial Awards podium, again - Draftfcb (South Africa)

Stakeholder communications company Redline has taken first place in the Year End Results category at the recent Business Day Financial Advertising Awards for client Impala Platinum. Read more >>

Close shave for Draftfcb Johannesburg - Draftfcb (South Africa)

For some, the proverbial ‘close shave' is a highly undesirable occurrence; for others, it is a matter of life and death and this is what Draftfcb Johannesburg staff took to heart when they responded to deputy managing director, Heidi Nelson's, call to shave their heads to beat cancer.
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Virgin branding disaster! - Globecreative Advertising & Design

It started with a great idea, or should we say a set of brand decisions made to maximise the possibility of reaching a certain goal for the evening. A few vital branding mistakes were made and the target market was totally missed. In the end, nothing happened. No positive reaction was received and no one scored in the end.
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Animation the surprising answer for marketers in a tight economy - Masters & Savant

With the global recession well underway, the advertising an marketing economy is facing one the most challenging times yet as advertising and media budgets are substantially cut as companies face a further downswing.
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Global Access launches TV advert - Global Access

On 9 March 2009 Global Access launched its own TV commercial, showcasing its core offering to the South African business television audience. Read more >>

590 000 Capetonians decide the content of their radio advertising - Draftfcb (South Africa)

Braving Cape Town's peak hour morning traffic with the Lexus GS450h, Draftfcb Johannesburg in collaboration with HeartFM, recently invited listeners to create their own radio advertising in the form of the Lexus LiveDrive.
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Hello World - two words with 100 stories - RedCube Agency

How do you launch a full service creative agency that is powered by publicity to the world? By using the very principles you sell every day to your clients. Create great ideas that work. Hello World Agency officially launched its new offices in the Design District of Rosebank and took the opportunity to showcase its approach to branding.
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Respecting our markets - OIL

[Refilwe Tsimatsima] Advertising aimed at lower and middle income black consumers is often followed by controversial reverberations. While these angry ripples may never even reach the agency or brand manager, many's the time when young, intelligent and aware brothers and sisters are up in arms after seeing yet another insulting or offensive piece of communication, aimed at their mothers, fathers and people they look up to. Read more >>

Simplicity, plain language and transparency help companies to close the trust gap - Simplified

Simplified, a plain language consulting and training firm, has launched a 'trust gap' audit service. The audit measures the gap between what companies promise in their pre-sale documents and what they deliver in their post-sale documents. Read more >>

Ellerine Holdings choose Brandseat furniture to display their consolidated group corporate image - Brandseat

At a recent presentation to stock market analysts in Midrand, Ellerine Holdings Limited Group chose Brandseat products to display their new corporate image to management and guests.
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Further new staff appointments - Interbrand Sampson

Further new appointments at the Interbrand Sampson Group, the Johannesburg hub of Interbrand's African operations. Read more >>

A shoebox with a difference - Moving Tactics

Sixty wide smiles lit up the room at Huis van Heerde in Moorreesburg recently, when sixty ‘shoeboxes' of goodies were delivered to the children. The boxes, crammed full of everything from sweets and crisps to practical, but much needed items, were a gift from Moving Tactics in Cape Town.
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Interbrand voted Design Agency of the Year - Interbrand Sampson

Interbrand has been voted by Marketing, the UK's leading industry magazine, as Design Agency of the Year 2008.
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FusionDesign highlights top trends from 2009 Design Indaba - FusionDesign

Creative Director of FusionDesign, Nadia Lerm, reflects on lessons learnt and insights gained at this year's Design Indaba conference and exhibition.
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A critical look at online political tactics in South Africa - Cambrient

The Digital Edge, a weekly podcast aimed at promoting digital marketing, reports this week on how South African political parties are reaching potential voters online. Read more >>

Get techno-savvy - DigitalLife

Explore digital technology: see it, touch it and really get to grips with it as you interact with the latest products and learn exactly how to apply them.
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BitDefender first to offer free tool to disinfects all Downadup versions - Holton & Associates

Late last week, BitDefender, an award-winning provider of innovative anti-malware security solutions, detected a new and more aggressive version of Downadup. The virus spreads using a Windows RPC Server Service vulnerability and is called Win32.Worm.Downadup.C. Read more >>

A trip through the looking glass into the future of music - Cambrient

With the music industry in such a dire state The Digital Edge podcast takes a look at how music is being distributed, consumed and created in a digital world.
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Test new tech products to launch at DigitalLife Expo 09 - DigitalLife

From state-of-the-art mobile telephones and laptops; to broadband, integrated technology and home automation; to cutting edge digital applications and security devices, exhibitors from across the digital technology spectrum will launch a host of brand new innovations at DigitalLife Expo 09, which takes place from 27 - 29 March at the Sandton Convention Centre. Read more >>

Lawrence Anthony named as one of six "most impressive and influential people" - Conference Speakers International

At a presentation in Washington, DC, respected journalist Tom Clynes named South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony amongst his six most impressive and influential people in a lifetime of reporting. Other names on the list include such luminaries as Sir Edmund Hilary.
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Blend wins wine tourism birthday celebration - Blend Eventlife

Blend Eventlife was chosen to facilitate and conceptualise The World's Favourite Publications' fifth birthday celebration by turning their vision into a reality. Blendeventlife also provided the lavish, bespoke and newly-launched event furniture along with their famous cocktails. Read more >>

2009 recession? What recession? "Bring it on!" - Conference Speakers International

Gavin Sharples offers the practical actions to not only survive these turbulent times, but to show you how to come through them and to be better, stronger and more successful than ever!
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Avstage introduces special truck to enhance every event - Avstage

The latest addition to the team of audiovisual event group, Avstage, is a fully branded and specially mechanised truck, used for loading, transportation and delivery of equipment.
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Plascon Prism Awards plum new project for Decorex SA - Thebe Exhibitions and Projects

Decorex SA added a multi-coloured string to its bow of special projects, being awarded the honour to coordinate the 2009 Plascon Prism Awards.
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The Baby Expo helps immune awareness to 'zinc' in - The Baby Expo

This year Zinplex will be exhibiting its products at The Baby Expo in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Read more >>

Oasys Cape Town secures CTICC tenders - Oasys Innovations

The Cape Town branch of Oasys Innovations was awarded two strategic supply agreements by the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The tender awards for client electrical and carpet services were awarded by CTICC MD Dirk Elzinga.
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Set Squared successful at Mega Media Expo - Set Squared

Set Squared enjoyed a successful two-day exhibit at the recent Mega Media Expo held at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
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Cost and benefits: online versus offline - AlterSage

Have you ever heard an interesting advertisement on television or radio in passing and later searched for more information regarding the product advertised? You are not alone. With the growth of the Internet, consumers are becoming more interactive and instead of waiting for the information to come to them, they are going out and searching for it.
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SCC launches new booking system - SA Convention Centre

In what it claims is another first for South Africa, Sandton Convention Centre has switched from the outdated DOS booking system to the technologically advanced new Delphi system. Read more >>

Scan Display helps Design Indaba wow visitors - Scan Display

The look and feel of the Design Indaba Expo was taken to new heights this year thanks to Scan Display, the show's official service contractor. Scan was responsible for the design and project management of the exhibition which showcases the best of SA design.
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Markex 2009 heralds new endorsement and "AdVantage Advertising Agency Village" - Markex

Marketing suppliers in both Johannesburg and Durban are signing up fervently to utilise Markex & World Events as their platform to introduce the latest innovative products and solutions directly to the industry. Read more >>

SCC bids boring buffets farewell - SA Convention Centre

Chafing dishes have been around since the 16th century, when they were used for preparing dishes that required gentle cooking, such as fish, eggs and cream. Good news for buffet guests everywhere is that chafing dishes are coming full circle, and the Sandton Convention Centre is leading the way in South Africa. Read more >>

Oasys Innovations supports the International Destination 2009 exhibition - Oasys Innovations

Oasys Innovations is the sole infrastructure supplier for the International Destination Expo, to be held in Sun City's Superbowl. All of its five activation companies are working together to deliver the significant volume of infrastructure required to ensure the event's success.
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Move! rises in song - Media24 Family Magazines

The "phenomenal" sales of Move! magazine when a gospel star is featured on the cover has inspired the title to collaborate with music industry leader EMI and release a Move! Gospel CD.
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Prefix founders return from India as “Endeavor Entrepreneurs” with plans for global growth - Prefix Technologies

Prefix Technologies founders Sam Hutchinson (chief architect) and Josh Adler (CEO) recently returned from the International Selection Panel in New Delhi, India, as the most recent entrepreneurs selected for the globally admired Endeavor Network.
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Metropolitan Oliver Empowerment Awards finalists announced - Top Companies Publishing

After a week of intense deliberation by an esteemed panel of judges in Johannesburg this week, the finalists in the Metropolitan Oliver Empowerment Awards (MOEA) have been decided. The awards are a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) awards initiative, hosted by Topco Media's annual empowerment publication Impumelelo, which documents BEE success stories. Read more >>

Youth Dynamix and Red Cherry - Red Cherry Media

Youth Dynamix and Red Cherry recently completed an integrated campaign for the new Nokia 6620 Navigation handset.
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Plug into your market - PowerPlay Media

Ever wished you could speak to your target market more directly? Are you wanting to advertise your product or service, but can't find an effective enough medium? PowerPlay Media and its mobile phone charging stations offers the perfect solution. Read more >>

Increased interest in property despite market slump - Private Property

According to Privateproperty.co.za CEO Justinus Adriaanse, January was a big month for the site. “This is encouraging because it proves that although investment sentiment is generally low, there is an increased interest in investing in property as people see the potential to pick up a relative bargain while the market isn't doing as well as it was,” he says. Read more >>

Initiative Media appoints Stonewall+ Media as digital partner - Stonewall+ Media

Initiative Media have appointed Stonewall+ Media, the strategic online specialists, as its digital partner across all business effective immediately. Read more >>

The profile of a bidorbuy user - bidorbuy

An average bidorbuy user is an educated, relatively young male who resides in Gauteng, reveal the results of a survey conducted during February 2009 on South Africa's largest auction site and marketplace, bidorbuy.co.za. Read more >>

Quirk eMarketing welcomes new group client service director - Quirk eMarketing

Quirk eMarketing has announced the appointment of Kathryn Sharfman as group client service director, based at the company's Cape Town office. Read more >>

Fuji Image Studios delivers visual retail management system for Musica - Fuji Image Studios

Musica, a division of NuClicks Holdings, has commissioned Fuji Image Studios to capture in-store promotions in its Top40 stores nationwide. The images will be loaded onto an online visual retail management system, assisting Musica with assessing the impact of promotions on sales.
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SEOriously underestimated - R.O.I. Media

[Adam Lotz] A few weeks ago, Google released a remarkable snippet of information - on average 20% of web browsers click on Pay Per Click adverts (those ads on the right-hand side of Google's results page) while the other 80% of the online nation hit the organic listings (the primary results situated on the left-hand side). Read more >>

SkillPod Media adopts the Tiger Woods approach - SkillPod Media

You've achieved preeminence in your industry. Some of the most trafficked websites in South Africa use your software to serve their communities and bring in advertisers. You supply large overseas portals that operate in some of the biggest markets in the world. You're at the top of your game. So what do you do next? Read more >>

Social media first in the real estate industry - White Wall Web

White Wall Web has worked with RE/MAX of Southern Africa to deliver a new digital initiative allowing RE/MAX agents in the region to leverage social media marketing opportunities.
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Fanta takes outdoor ownership of Uganda CBD - Alliance Media

Fanta has recently taken over Kampala's largest building wrap. The wrap, which is Uganda's first of a kind to fully encapsulate a building, is sized at over 2200m².
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Director turns brawling Black Bottle stuntmen into fine actors - Fresh Eye Film Productions

The recent launch of Black Bottle whiskey in South Africa has been supported by a television commercial that takes viewers back to the 19th century.
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Audio branding for SABC's INPUT 2009 selection: 'Death of a Queen' - Phoenix Benedict Aesthetics

‘Death of a Queen', directed by Pieter Grobbelaar (Mud Hut Productions) for SABC1, was the most watched local TV mini-series in the history of southern African television when it aired last year in July/August.
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Picture Tree plays number 23 - Picture Tree

The Super 14 is launching. Vodacom wants a new commercial: one that encompasses the excitement and passion of the Super 14, but one that is also iconically South African and true to the Vodacom brand.
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Howard Music orchestrates the music for a new SA feature film - “White Lion” - Howard Music

Adam Howard recently completed the musical orchestration for a new SA film, “White Lion”, featuring actor John Kani. Read more >>

Refining retail work - The Refinery

The Refinery Group Johannesburg has revamped their retail post-production division, making even more high-end equipment and talent available to work on retail jobs. Read more >>

Sentient Communications expands to Johannesburg - Sentient Communications

Sentient Communications is expanding its national footprint with its new office in Johannesburg. Read more >>

EconoBEE and The Lime Envelope align on BEE communication programme - The Lime Envelope

EconoBEE, a leading company that consults on Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment issues, has recently appointed The Lime Envelope as its PR partner. Read more >>

Making time for play in the workplace... even in tough times - Sparkplugs Placement Agency

Sparkplugs strives to go the extra mile to understand its clients inside and out, as well as staying abreast with industry events. It insists on spending some time within client organisations to get a feel for the environment, culture and style of work. Read more >>

Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! - Sparkplugs Placement Agency

We are entering a phase of having a candidate-rich market. Which means that most people out there need to make sure they end up on the HR manager's ‘yes' pile. Read more >>

Getting to know the black middle class - Foshizi

[Jocelyn Newmarch] The advertising and marketing industry is not trying hard enough to reach the black middle class, although progress has been made, say marketing experts. Part of the problem is advertising and marketing agencies' lack of understanding of their target market, which is not helped by the shortage of black creative talent in the industry. Read more >>