media update

Why Out of Home Needs to Think Bigger

Thu, 21 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Out of Home (OOH) remains one of the most visible and effective media channels, but its growth has been modest compared with digital platforms.

Why Running Culture Has Become a Marketing Goldmine

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:45:00 GMT

Brands are constantly looking for ways to engage with communities that will prove fruitful for their investments. Venelize de Lange from media update examines why marathons have become one of the most marketable spaces in the modern event scene.

Why the PR Industry Needs Range-Builders Right Now

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

In an era of AI-driven specialisation pressure, the multi-disciplinary practitioner may be the most defensible professional in the room, says Marilize Jacobs, Founder of VocalCord PR & Reputation Management and Founder of Pigs Can Fly Interiors.

Why Brands Must Humanise the AI Narrative to Preserve Consumer Trust

Thu, 21 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries at speed, brands are under growing pressure not just to adopt AI, but to manage how it is perceived. According to Mandy Davis, Managing Director at Penquin, the conversation around AI is no longer just about capability, it's about trust.

Kaya 959 Appoints Mbali Thethani As News Editor

Thu, 21 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Kaya 959 has announced the appointment of Mbali Thethani as its new News Editor, effective Monday, 1 June. Thethani succeeds Katy Katopodis, who is moving on from the station after her tenure leading the Kaya 959 news operation.

AdConnect and Adtopia Add WildEarth TV to Commercial Portfolio

Thu, 21 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

AdConnect in partnership with Adtopia have announced the addition of WildEarth TV to their commercial offering, bringing one of the world's most distinctive wildlife broadcasting platforms to the South African advertising market.

BooYaa Launches its First Official Ladies' Range to Celebrate the Women Behind the Brand

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:30:00 GMT

South African golf and lifestyle apparel brand BooYaa Golf has launched its first official ladies' range, marking a new chapter for the brand and the women helping drive it forward.

Why Your Communications Strategy is Undermining Your Decisions

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

As markets become more complex and information moves faster, communications is now part of strategy, embedded in how boardroom decisions are formed, framed and executed, says Bas Wijne, CEO at APO Group.

White Lion Romeo Marks Rescueversary at LIONSROCK

Wed, 20 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary has been celebrating the rescueversary of Romeo, a white lion who has become one of the sanctuary's most recognisable residents.

Cultural Change Requires Cultural Conversation

Wed, 20 May 2026 16:15:00 GMT

In South Africa, awareness campaigns are evolving beyond simply "spreading the word". Emma Mendes from media update attended the premiere of What About The Boys 2 to explore how storytelling, industry support and intervention programmes are being used to support education, prevention and long-term cultural change.

Castle Lager's FIFA World Cup 2026™ Campaign Celebrates the Fans That Stood the Test Of Time

Wed, 20 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

South Africa's homegrown beer, Castle Lager, has announced that it is set to celebrate the nation's football faithful, as Bafana Bafana return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

2026 One Show Global and ME and Africa Creative Rankings Announced

Wed, 20 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Based on point totals for wins in The One Show 2026 announced last week during Creative Week in New York, Ogilvy South Africa Cape Town has been named Middle East & Africa Agency of the Year in The One Show Global Creative Rankings.

Good Hope FM to Host Cape Town's Original Sundaze Live Event at Hotel Sky

Wed, 20 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Good Hope FM has announced that it will host Cape Town's Original Sundaze at Hotel Sky on Sunday, 31 May, extending the station's Sunday music programming into a live public event.

Permit Delays Leave Windhoek Ride-Hailing Drivers Unable to Earn

Wed, 20 May 2026 09:15:00 GMT

Hundreds of ride-hailing drivers in Windhoek are at risk of losing months of income — not because they have broken any rules, but because the system meant to regulate them cannot keep up.

FOUR PAWS Calls on Communities to Play an Active Role This National Rescue Dog Day

Tue, 19 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

As South Africa marks National Rescue Dog Day on Wednesday, 20 May, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has been calling on communities across the country to play an active role in addressing the growing crisis of abandoned and homeless dogs.

The Publicity Strategy Behind ASICS Conversation-Led Campaigns

Tue, 19 May 2026 16:15:00 GMT

Whether you're running, going to the gym or just doing your "hot girl" walk, fitness-focus activities have irrevocably become part of the cultural norm — and so too the conversations around them. Venelize de Lange from media update looks at how the performance shoe brand, ASICS, structures conversation-led publicity to create audience connection and engagement.

South African Student Selected as Inaugural 2026 Effie LIONS Foundation Voices of the Future Fellow

Tue, 19 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The ACA and Effie South Africa have announced that Owame Mapedi, a third and final year BCom Marketing Management student at University of Johannesburg, has been selected as a Effie LIONS Foundation 2026 Voices of the Future fellow.

Life Healthcare Steps Into Slipper Day to Celebrate Nurses

Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

As South Africa marks International Nurses Day, Life Healthcare has announced that it is proudly supporting Reach For A Dream's Slipper Day, reinforcing both its commitment to providing high-quality care and clinical excellence and appreciation for nurses who are the heart of compassionate care.

Entries Open for the Fourth Annual Content Creator Awards

Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The first phase of entries for the 2026 Content Creator Awards has officially opened, inviting digital creators from across South Africa to submit their work and be recognised among the country's best.

FAME Week Africa 2026 Announces Key Dates the Creative Industry Needs to Know

Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Returning to Cape Town from Wednesday, 28 October to Sunday, 1 November, FAME Week Africa has continued to position itself as Africa's Creative Economy Marketplace — bringing together film, television, music, fashion, animation and digital creators with buyers, investors, platforms, and decision-makers from across the continent and beyond.

Facebook Spotlights African Cinema in 'Made by Africa, Loved by The World' Campaign

Tue, 19 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Facebook has launched the sixth edition of its pan-African campaign, 'Made by Africa, Loved by the World: Where Stories Spark Community', ahead of Africa Day on Monday, 25 May. This year's focus: African cinema.

Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels Donates R1 620 000 to Replace Pit Toilets at Two Mpumalanga Schools

Tue, 19 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels, in partnership with LottoStar and Breadline Africa, has donated a life-changing R1 620 000 to replace unsafe pit toilets with proper ablution facilities at two underprivileged schools in Mpumalanga.

Kaya 959 Crosses 1.62-Million Listener Mark As Gauteng's Middle Class Tunes In

Mon, 18 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Fresh data from South Africa's most comprehensive consumer survey has revealed that Gauteng's middle class is tuning in, and it's growing.

Liberty's Thabang Ramogase Recognised Among Africa's 100 Most Influential CMOs

Mon, 18 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Liberty's Head of Marketing, Thabang Ramogase, has been recognised among the inaugural Africa CMO 100 (ACMO100), a continental list aimed at celebrating the most impactful marketing, brand and reputation leaders shaping Africa's growth narrative.

Brave Group Recognised as a Top Employer in Recent Scopen Report

Mon, 18 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Brave Group has announced that it has been identified as one of South Africa's top independent creative agencies to work for, according to a recent report published by Scopen.

Cresta Awards Reveals 2026 Jury Chair

Mon, 18 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Kate Stanners has been announced as the Jury Chair of the 2026 Cresta Awards.

Global ADC 105th Annual Awards Winners Announced

Mon, 18 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Agencies, studios, brands and freelancers in 39 countries have been announced as winners at the ADC 105^th Annual Awards ceremony, held at Capitale in New York during The One Club for Creativity's Creative Week 2026.

Winners of IMM's Marketing and Supply Chain Awards

Mon, 18 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

South Africa's top marketing and supply chain professionals have gathered for the IMM Institute Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, presented in partnership with Kwikot, at The Venue, Melrose Arch on Friday, 8 May.

TEARS Animal Rescue Encourages Public to Foster Shelter Dogs

Mon, 18 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

TEARS Animal Rescue has announced that it is in need of foster parents to bottle-feed tiny puppies and provide temporary homes for adult dogs displaced after the recent storm damage to several of the organisation's kennels.

Fine Music Radio and Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra Strengthen Partnership With Return of Live Concert Broadcasts

Mon, 18 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Fine Music Radio (FMR) and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) have announced the return of live CPO concert broadcasts on FMR, beginning with the orchestra's upcoming winter season starting Thursday, 4 June.

Sun International Welcomes Nthabi Motsoeneng as Chief Marketing Officer

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Sun International has announced the appointment of Nthabi Motsoeneng as its Chief Marketing Officer. A seasoned marketing leader, she brings over 20 years of experience driving consumer-centric brand strategies across emerging and developed markets.

KFC Add Hope Tackles Food Insecurity With Open-Source Blueprint

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

As World Hunger Month focuses global attention on food insecurity, KFC Add Hope has aimed to show that collaborative solutions can unlock a greater impact than any single organisation working alone.

MMA South Africa to Host NEXT! Conference 2026

Fri, 15 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) South Africa has announced that it will host the NEXT! Conference 2026 on Thursday, 21 May at The Polo Room, Inanda, Sandton, bringing together the broader marketing industry to explore what drives growth in today's fragmented and fast-evolving landscape.

Jacaranda FM Celebrates 40 Years as South African Feel Good Station

Fri, 15 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Jacaranda FM has marked a milestone this month as the station celebrates its 40^th birthday. For four decades, the station has brought feel-good moments, meaningful content and experiences to millions of South Africans, while playing a powerful role in driving real change.

Mr D Customers Can Now Support Child-Feeding Programmes With KFC Add Hope

Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

KFC Add Hope has announced that it is now live on Mr D, giving customers a simple way to add a R2 donation at checkout and support child-feeding programmes with every eligible order.

Chatsworth Centre Announces 'Laugh, Love & Celebrate' Campaign

Fri, 15 May 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Chatsworth Centre's 'Laugh, Love & Celebrate' campaign brings families together with comedy, entertainment and Father's Day celebrations. Highlights include The Ultimate Comedy Weekend from Friday, 5 to Sunday, 7 June and the Father's Day Photo Zone from Friday, 19 to Sunday, 21 June, creating memorable experiences for the community.

FOUR PAWS Calls for an End to the Commercial Breeding and Trade of All Big Cats

Fri, 15 May 2026 09:30:00 GMT

On Endangered Species Day observed on 15 May, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS warns that South Africa remains at the centre of a growing crisis threatening some of the world’s most iconic and endangered species: big cats.

Identity is the Ceiling: A Q&A With Grant Sherwood

Thu, 14 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Venelize de Lange from media update chats with Grant Sherwood to understand how mindset is the key to driving business growth.

Seven From South Africa Win 2026 Young Ones Student Awards

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

The One Club for Creativity kicked off Creative Week 2026 by honoring winning schools and students from 39 countries in the 2026 Young Ones Student Awards ceremony at Sony Hall in New York.

Good Hope FM Pays Tribute to Lorenzo Darries

Thu, 14 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Good Hope FM has confirmed the passing of one of its own, Lorenzo Darries, who has left the station following a battle with heart disease.

Micro Moments Are Greater Than Macro Meltdowns for Employees

Thu, 14 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

More than eight in ten employees are currently at risk of burnout (The Interview Guys), and yet the conversation around fixing it keeps circling the same territory: better systems, bigger goals, another productivity framework, says Penelope Meniere, National Marketing Manager at Workshop17.

FSC Stadium Constructed With Sustainable Timber in Maseru

Thu, 14 May 2026 10:10:00 GMT

Today marks the official opening of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Stadium of Life, Africa's first stadium constructed with sustainably sourced timber.

New Technology Innovation Unveiled at 'Walk Her Story' Launch

Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

A new digital innovation aimed at transforming how social impact campaigns engage with the public was unveiled at the launch of 'Walk Her Story', as technology platform Portale introduced a tap-to-access NFC keychain designed to connect users instantly to campaign content.

The Rise of Algorithmic Sensationalism and What It Means for Trust

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Sensationalism, clickbait — it's all media phenomena we know well to be aware of. But how exactly did algorithms and the development of AI influence these digital forms of manipulation? Venelize de Lange from media update takes a look.

Jacaranda FM Embarks on Feel Good Tour to Celebrate 40 Years

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

As Jacaranda FM marks 40 years on air, the station has announced it is taking the celebration directly to its listeners with the launch of the Jacaranda FM Feel Good Tour: a road trip across Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West.

iZinga Assist Launches Digital Platform for Donors

Wed, 13 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

iZinga Assist, a South African non-profit organisation (NPO) verification platform, has launched its Donor Journey feature, aimed at allowing donors to give with full confidence and real-time visibility into exactly how their money is spent.

5FM's Nick Hamman Hosts 5 Breakfast Live From Côte d'Ivoire

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

5FM has announced that its breakfast show, 5 Breakfast, hosted by Nick Hamman, will be broadcasting live from Côte d'Ivoire from Saturday, 9 May to Sunday, 17 May in celebration of Africa Month.

Polygon Launches First Full-Scale DV Campaign in Nigeria

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Polygon, an African aggregated programmatic digital out of home (pDOOH) publisher network, has announced the launch of its first full-scale Display and Video 360, 'DV360' campaign in Nigeria; a milestone aimed to highlight the growing maturity of pDOOH across the continent.

Investing in Community Media to Uphold Democracy

Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

According to UNESCO, press freedom has been on a steady decline since 2012. Despite this, South Africa continues to fair well, ranking 27^th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, says Cebisa Zondo, SI Analyst: Fund Management and Specialist Services at Tshikululu Social Investments.

One Continent, Four Markets, One Big Lesson

Tue, 12 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Pan-African marketing strategies are often built on the assumption that Africa can be approached as a single scalable market. In reality, brands quickly discover that while markets may share geographic proximity, the way influence works within them can differ significantly, says Xoliswa Mkize, Senior Client Success Manager at Humanz.

MRF Provides Five Years of Consumer and Media Data

Tue, 12 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The Marketing Research Foundation (MRF) has released the latest Marketing All Product Survey (MAPS®) data, covering the full 2025 calendar year and completing five consecutive years of continuous consumer and media data.

The PR Value of Live Events in a Screen-First World

Tue, 12 May 2026 15:45:00 GMT

Venelize de Lange from media update breaks down how live events have become hybrid media moments, blending in-person experience with digital amplification and data-driven evaluation.

The Overlooked Leadership Advantage That Nonprofits Have Already Mastered

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Step inside a non-profit and you'll quickly see how decisions are made. There's no extra budget to cover poor decisions. No space for work that does not pull its weight. Every single choice has to justify itself, says Jeni-Anne Campbell, Founder of The Good Businesswoman and Author of Feeding Unicorns.

Mustadafin Foundation Calls for Urgent Support Following Devastating Western Cape Floods

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Communities across the Western Cape have been left devastated by severe flooding, with many families losing homes, food, clothing and essential belongings. Mustadafin Foundation has been on the ground to provide urgent relief and appealing for public support to assist those affected.

Flow Communications Welcomes New Clients on Board

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Flow Communications has announced the addition of two new clients to its portfolio: the new national lottery operator, Sizekhaya and Tourvest Destination Management.

CTV Delivers 30% More ROI, Yet Remains an Undervalued Strategic Asset in Media Planning

Mon, 11 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Say a marketing medium consistently delivered 30% higher ROI than almost everything else in your media mix, you would surely prioritise it, wouldn't you? Yet Connected TV (CTV) receives just 7% of total media budgets, despite delivering a knockout punch on returns, says Leslie Adams, Sales Director at Reach Africa.

Standard Bank Partners With 702 to Host 'Jozi My Jozi Walk The Talk'

Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Standard Bank, Africa's largest bank by assets, has announced a partnership with Primedia Broadcasting to host the '702 Jozi My Jozi Walk the Talk', set to take place in the City of Johannesburg on Sunday, 26 July.

Gerety Awards Announces Final Deadline and Organises Jury Panel Insights

Sun, 10 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

With the final deadline for the 2026 Gerety Awards on Friday, 15 May, the global industry has entered the final stretch to submit the work that will define the year.

Black Noise Goes Public With Open Letter Campaign

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Black Noise®, the independent creative agency founded by veteran Creative Leader Craig Crawford, is going public with a paid trade-press campaign that exposes a bloated holding-company business model. The campaign points to a growing field of small, independent agencies, studios and collectives offering CMOs a credible alternative to the holding-company establishment.

Petshop Science and Montego Pet Nutrition Set GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™

Fri, 08 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

A new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the largest donation of pet food in 24 hours period was set at the Bloem Show by Petshop Science and Montego Pet Nutrition.

The MediaShop Ranked Top 3 Media Agency to Work For in South Africa

Fri, 08 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The MediaShop, a leading media agency is proud to be ranked number 3 for the Best Agency to Work For South Africa 2025/26 report by Scopen.

Goodie Bags with Purpose at the Black Mountain Ultra Trail

Fri, 08 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

In collaboration with Re.Bag.Re.Use, a total of 190 handcrafted goodie bags were produced using repurposed materials. The Re.Bag.Re.Use team created 129 of these, with the balance made by women from the Vroue Landbou Vereeniging (VLV) across South Africa, forming a broader collective effort to transform discarded materials into something practical and meaningful.

WESSA Launches WESSA100 Conservation Leadership Awards

Fri, 08 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

As the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) marks a century of environmental impact, the organisation has opened nominations for the WESSA100 Conservation Leadership Awards, a landmark initiative to recognise the individuals and organisations who have shaped South Africa's environmental journey over the past 100 years.

How to Prove Sponsorship ROI in Multi-Platform Media

Thu, 07 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Wondering if your sponsorship is worth the investment? Venelize de Lange from media update unpacks how brands can measure ROI through clear KPIs and cross-channel media monitoring.

Fragmentation Is Failing Animals; Alignment Can Change Their Future

Thu, 07 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

South Africa's animal welfare system is not failing due to a lack of public interest, but because of fragmented laws, weak enforcement and lack of collaboration. This has been the central message emerging from the 2026 State of Animal Welfare Address, hosted by global animal welfare organisation, FOUR PAWS, in South Africa in Cape Town and livestreamed internationally via YouTube.

Carling Black Label Celebrates The Champions Behind The Champions

Thu, 07 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

As anticipation builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Carling Black Label is turning its focus to a group often overlooked in conversations around success: the champions behind the champions.

Provantage Recycles 4.7-Tons of Waste Delivering Measurable Environmental and Governance Impact

Thu, 07 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Provantage has reinforced its commitment to environmental stewardship by recycling 4.7-tons of paper and electronic waste in the past year.

MMA South Africa Appoints Elite CMO Grand Jury to Determine 2026 SMARTIES Top Honours

Thu, 07 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The Marketing + Media Alliance (MMA) South Africa has unveiled its 2026 MMA Grand Jury — a distinguished, CMO-only panel entrusted with selecting the industry's highest accolades at this year's SMARTIES Awards. The Gala Awards Ceremony takes place on Thursday 21 May in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Heineken® Introduces 'Whisper Mode' for the UEFA Champions League Semi-Finals But Silence Isn't Guaranteed

Thu, 07 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Heineken® has introduced 'Whisper Mode' — a playful social experiment designed to see if football fans can experience the intensity of the game at a lower volume, as many football supporters experience the tension of keeping the noise down, or waking up the whole house trying.

Freedom Without a Full Plate: Reflecting on Freedom Day in Grabouw

Thu, 07 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

As South Africa marked 32 years of democracy on Monday, 27 April, the spirit of Freedom Day was celebrated across the country. Yet, in the days leading up to this national commemoration, a very different reality unfolded in Grabouw.

FOUR PAWS Urges South Africans to Look Beyond Egg Labelling This World Poultry Day

Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

This World Poultry Day, marked globally on 10 May, FOUR PAWS South Africa is encouraging consumers to take a closer look at what lies behind egg labels and to reconsider their food choices.

eos and Mischief @ No Fixed Address Win Iridium Effie Award

Wed, 06 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Effie Worldwide has announced that eos, in partnership with Mischief @ No Fixed Address, has won the Iridium Award for the second consecutive year as part of the 2025 Global Best of the Best Effie Awards.

Bob Launches Nationwide 'shopaygo' Campaign to Strengthen Understanding of its Ecommerce Ecosystem

Wed, 06 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

As South Africa's ecommerce market continues its rapid growth, Bob has announced it's rolling out a nationwide awareness campaign built around a simple idea: 'shopaygo'.

Refining The Story: A Q&A With Alastair Orr

Wed, 06 May 2026 15:00:00 GMT

As filmmaker tools and processes evolve, so too does the role of post-production — moving from a technical endpoint to one of narrative refinery and reinterpretation. Emma Mendes from media update chats with Alastair Orr, CEO of the Refinery about the central role of post-production in shaping and redefining a film’s identity.

Why Your Market Research is Over Budget and Underdelivering

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The most expensive market research mistakes South African brands make — and how to get more ROI, says Mogorosi Mashilo, Founder and Director at Trender, a VML supplier development partner.

Thinking Out the Park: How RMB is Turning Billboards Into Public Art

Wed, 06 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In a category dominated by visual sameness, RMB's 'Ideas Love Company' campaign reimagines outdoor advertising by turning billboards into canvases for curiosity and creativity, says Kelly Brazier, Creative Director at Halo Advertising.

Workers' Day in an "Always-On" World — The Editor's Note

Tue, 05 May 2026 16:15:00 GMT

The modern workplace is no stranger to the saying, “Always On”. The clear separation between work and play has now blurred. With the celebration of Workers’ Day this May, Emma Mendes from media update unpacks the rise of burnout and blurred boundaries in an always-connected workforce.

Corona Turns South Africa's Commutes Into a Collective Experience With New Billboard

Tue, 05 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In a reimagining of its media footprint, Corona has transformed some of South Africa's busiest commuter routes into immersive moments of calm, aimed at using the power of user-generated content to turn the country's billboards into a shared celebration of sunset.

APO Group Wins Gold at 2026 Stevie® Awards for Innovation

Tue, 05 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The pan-African communications consultancy integrating advisory, execution and proprietary news distribution, has been named the winner of a Gold Stevie® Award in the Most Innovative Public Relations Agency of the Year category in the seventh annual Middle East and North Africa Stevie Awards, sponsored by the RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

W7Worldwide Analytical Study Highlights USD$2-Trillion Creative Economy

Tue, 05 May 2026 10:30:00 GMT

A new analytical study has aimed to underscore the growing importance of creative industries as a key driver of national reputation and global influence, as countries increasingly leverage cultural and media power to shape public perception and strengthen their international standing.

Attention Agency Connect Named Number Two Top Media Agency to Work For in South Africa

Tue, 05 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Connect has been named the number two media agency to work for in South Africa, according to Scopen's highly anticipated Best Agency to Work For South Africa 2025 / 26 report.

HOT 102.7FM Secures Top Position in Media & Telecoms in Growth Champions 2026

Mon, 04 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

HOT 102.7FM has secured the top position in the Media & Telecommunications sector of South Africa's Growth Champions 2026 report for the second year running. This result reflects a business built to deliver value at every level, from loyal, engaged audiences to real returns for advertisers and consistent, organic growth.

Lion Nikola Celebrates Two Years of Sanctuary at LIONSROCK

Mon, 04 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

FOUR PAWS has marked two years since the arrival of lion Nikola at LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, near Bethlehem in South Africa's Free State province.

Walmart and Google Partner With Fluence Africa for "YouTube-First" Creator Training

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Walmart and Google have partnered with Fluence Africa to host a first-of-its-kind YouTube Creator Training Session in South Africa. The hands-on initiative aims to mark a bold step forward in how global brands are investing in the future of the African creator economy.

Last Chance to Hunt for Free Flights With LIFT

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

LIFT's has said that its annual Golden Ticket Hunt is still on until the end of April, and there are still eight flights up for grabs. But individuals are addvised to be quick, because so far, all physical tickets have been found within an hour of hints being posted on social media.

From the Gym Floor to the Corporate Boardroom: A Q&A With Mannee De Wet — Part Two

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Workplace wellness is becoming a key driver of business performance. In part two of this Q&A, Venelize de Lange from media update continues her conversation with Mannee De Wet from Planet Fitness, looking at how companies can effectively integrate movement into the workday and practically use data to build results-driven wellness strategies.

US-Based Out-of-Home Stars Join WOO Annual Congress

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Three leaders of the US-based Out of Home industry are set to join the World Out of Home Organization Annual Congress in London this summer.

The Most Expensive Lie in Marketing

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:30:00 GMT

A piece landed in my feed recently that stopped me mid-scroll. Michael Farmer, a veteran advertising strategist, published a devastating analysis dubbed, "Madison Avenue Media Madness", of what digital advertising has actually done to the world's biggest brands over the past fifteen years, says Dustin Martin, Head of Programmatic at Tractor Outdoor.

Local Woman Turns Community Centre Into Lifeline for 120 Vulnerable South Africans

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

In a country where millions of women carry the weight of food insecurity, childcare and community care, one Ennerdale woman is quietly changing lives every single day. The Clover Mama Afrika project shines a spotlight on Mama Lydia Isaacs this month, whose work goes far beyond feeding her community.

Realism is the New Black: A Q&A With Abdul-Ghakeem Samaai — Part Two

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:15:00 GMT

When a film reaches the post-production phase, it doesn't necessarily mean the story is complete. In fact, sometimes, it means the opposite: that the story now needs to be fully discovered. Emma Mendes from media update continues the conversation with Colourist Abdul-Ghakeem Samaai about how colour grading can reshape an already finished story.

Disney's The Lion King JR. Returns to National Children's Theatre

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

The National Children's Theatre (NCT) has announced the return of Disney's, The Lion King JR., for its third and season. This marvelous production is running from Wednesday, 3 July to Sunday, 19 July at NCT's Parktown theatre.

TEARS Kennels at Capacity Ahead of Winter; Public Encouraged to Consider Adoption on Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

TEARS Animal Rescue has reported that its kennels are currently at capacity as the winter season begins. The organisation is using National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on Thursday, 30 April to encourage members of the public who are considering pet ownership to explore adoption.

McDonald's South Africa Welcomes New Impact Director to Drive Community and Sustainability Agenda Forward

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT

McDonald's South Africa has announced the appointment of Millicent Maroga as Impact Director, effective Wednesday, 1 April, further strengthening its purpose of feeding and fostering the communities it serves.

The AI Skills South African Creatives Need — Before the Global Gap Widens

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT

As artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy, a growing skills divide is emerging in the marketing and creative industries, and South African professionals may need to move quickly to keep pace. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 has warned that technological change is outpacing workforce adaptation.

Afrika Tikkun Releases Freedom Day Statement

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

This Freedom Day, as South Africa reflects on the promise of democracy, we are confronted with a sobering reality: for millions of young people, freedom still feels uncertain and out of reach.

Kagiso Trust Launches Free Toolkit for 2026 Matric Learners

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Kagiso Trust has launched the Makers of the Future toolkit to support South Africa's 2026 matric cohort through one of the most consequential years of their lives.

MASA Approves Rogerwilco Research as CPD Learning Content

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Rogerwilco has announced that two of its flagship industry research reports, Township Customer Experience and South African Customer Experience, have received Professional Body CPD approval from the Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA).

Effie Invites Brands to Shape the Next Generation of Marketing Talent Through Effie College

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Brands looking to make a meaningful contribution to the future of marketing have been invited to sponsor a brief for the next Effie College programme, a platform that aims to give students the opportunity to work on real business challenges using effectiveness-led thinking.

AI Isn't Replacing Editors — It's Moving Them Upstream

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Most editors recognise this pattern, even if it is rarely called out directly: the footage arrives, the first assembly begins and somewhere along the early cuts, it becomes clear that something is not working in the way it was expected to, says Garon Campbell, Founder and Director, Breadbin Productions.

The Source Marks 25 Years of Excellence After Serving 200 Clients Across South Africa

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In a country where business survival is far from guaranteed, longevity has become the exception rather than the rule. South Africa has one of the highest small business failure rates globally, with an estimated 70% to 80% of businesses failing within their first five years.