The marketing industry is facing game changing issues. The future of print is one. Declining circulation figures and the shift in consumption patterns with a move to online is another. Then there’s the threat brought on by the proposed alcohol advertising ban by government that erupted into the public domain this week. .
All of this, says Marketing Association of South Africa CEO, Sarel du Plessis, suggests that marketers need to relook their approach to marketing and unite to speak with one voice, or risk being left behind.
“The marketing landscape and the way we perceive marketing in South Africa has changed and evolved significantly over the last few years,” says Du Plessis. “In its essence the discipline of marketing has not changed and still remains as the art of adding value to business. This sentiment of adding business value to corporate South Africa as well as to individual marketers lies at the core of MA(SA)’s objectives.”
Du Plessis says the associations other fundamental role is to be the representative voice of the industry in all marketing matters. “This is key, especially in these trying times when we are faced with the proposed ban on alcohol advertising, a decision that will force us to change the way we do marketing and threaten some of our livelihoods.
“We need to be unified in our approach as marketers to highlight our rights. Which is why in future all full marketing definition bodies and associations (including classical marketing, advertising, public relations, direct marketing and online) should join forces under one umbrella association to represent the rights of the industry,” he says.
Du Plessis is now calling on existing corporate members as well as individuals to renew their annual membership with MA(SA). “As members of MA(SA) both corporate and individuals members reap the benefits of having access to leadership, mentorship and guidance on issues in the industry. For our association to effectively oversee the needs of the marketers it is vital to increase our critical mass and become the unified voice for the marketing industry.”
MA(SA)’s 2012 membership rates:
Corporate membership: R25 000 per year ex vat *
Individual membership: R1 000 per year ex vat*
MA(SA) is a Section 21 company and does not charge VAT.
To sign up as a new member or to re-new membership go to www.marketingsa.co.za to complete the forms. For further information email Bonny Benadé on info@marketingsa.co.za or call (012) 751 7566/ 082 560 3658
