The Media Online’s weekly round up of moves in media. Mastercard partners with Spazapp to bring mobile payments to informal traders. Havas Southern Africa appoints chief strategy officer. Burson-Marsteller Africa announces partnership with Prologue Burson-Marsteller. Conversation LAB sparkles with aQuellé. Clockwork Media voted Best Performing Agency in South Africa by Scopen. Ignite relaunches eCommerce technology platform for SMEs. Jupiter Cape Town appointed by international gym, Sweat! APO Group becomes the official partner of World Rugby’s African association, Rugby Africa. Tiso Blackstar confirms The Times migration to digital only. Local entrepreneur lands prestigious international award. Latest edition of Brands & Branding in SA now includes digital platform.
This week’s BIG move: Mastercard partners with Spazapp to bring mobile payments to informal traders
Mastercard is collaborating with Durban-based tech company Spazapp to bring secure, seamless and convenient mobile payments to thousands of informal traders and convenience stores, better known as spaza shops, in South Africa. By combining their expertise and reach, the companies intend to unlock economic growth by helping informal micro-businesses connect to formal markets and digital payment systems.
The informal retail sector boasts an impressive R46 billion in annual sales a year with more than nine million households regularly shopping at these stores. While these shops represent the economic backbone of many local communities, their true potential remains untapped as they do not have the tools necessary to accept electronic payments and run their businesses effectively.
Through this partnership, Mastercard has integrated its digital global payment service Masterpass into Spazapp – a free, money-saving android application that connects a community of informal traders directly to big FMCG brands including Unilever and Tiger Brands. Using Spazapp, traders can order a wide variety of products at competitive prices – which they would be unable to access without the collective bargaining power that the Spazapp platform offers – and use Masterpass to digitally pay for stock and accept cashless payments from their customers with their mobile phones.
“Too many informal micro-retailers are stuck, like their customers, in a cash economy that doesn’t work for them,” says Mark Elliott, division president for Mastercard, Southern Africa. “By matching up Spazapp’s extensive supplier and distribution network with digital payment and acceptance solutions from Mastercard, we are able to help these shop owners build a better future and serve their customers who are themselves demanding safer, and more convenient ways to pay.”
By digitizing the entire value chain, the 4 500 micro-businesses already using Spazapp’s buying app can generate significant savings on stock procurement. Traders no longer need to close their stores to buy stock, miss out on bulk buying savings because of cashflow constraints or have to worry about the security risks and high costs of cash.
“Our goal is to uplift last mile traders and disadvantaged communities by simplifying the buying process for small, informal traders through competitive pricing and collective bargaining power,” says Tim Strang, CEO of Spazapp. “Masterpass has the scale, efficiency and convenience we need to offer merchants a truly accessible, low-risk and affordable way to accept electronic payments from their customers and pay their suppliers.”
People moves
Havas Southern Africa appoints chief strategy officer
Havas has appointed Mandy Leontakianakis as its new chief strategy officer. Leontakianakis will be based in the Johannesburg office, leading strategy at Havas Johannesburg and across the group, including Havas Boondoggle in Cape Town.
Speaking on the appointment, Lynn Madeley CEO of Havas Southern Africa, said, “We are delighted to have Mandy on board. Strategy is an integral part of our business especially today where brands and businesses are nervous about the future. We wanted someone who embraces data, digital and creative; someone who would help our clients navigate their way through a challenging and changing world. Mandy has the experience and the smarts that we need to help our clients be successful today, so they can be successful tomorrow.”
Leontakianakis began her career in advertising in 2002 as a copywriter and moved onto strategy in 2008. Over the years has worked with agency brands such as Mortimer Harvey, Joe Public, Aqua Online, Idea Engineers and TBWA to mention a few. Outside of agencies, she has also worked with research giants Millward Brown and Consumer Psychology Lab.
Leontakianakis is an alumni of University of Cape Town, and has associations with Oxford University in the UK and Deerfield Academy in the USA.
dotAfrica’s Masilela recognised as African ICT Champion
Lucky Masilela (left) has been elected as a co-recipient of the African ICT Champion Award 2017 by the African ICT Alliance (AfICTA) on the eve of the 5th AfICTA Summit in Abuja, Nigeria. The Alliance promotes the use of the internet to advance Africa’s development in health service delivery, e-government, e-commerce, job creation and other areas important to Africans’ standard of living.
Masilela’s best known role is as CEO of ZACR (ZA Central Registry) NPC where he was able to defend the rights of the delegation of .africa geographic Top Level Domain (gTLD) as a new digital identifier for the continent. Delegation earlier this year resulted in the commercial launch of .africa which has to date attracted well over 11 000 successful domain name registrations.
He is also the long-standing former chairman of the South African Communications Forum, a councillor of the B-BBEE ICT Sector Council, a Board member of AFRINIC, and former Deputy Chairperson of the ICT Policy Review Panel (South Africa).
.africa is the new gTLD for the people and continent of Africa. The mission to create Africa’s very own online identity began as far back as the OR Tambo and Abuja Declarations of the 1990s where it was resolved to use ICT to ensure the development of Africa. By enabling individuals, governments, companies and others to associate their products, services and information with the continent and people of Africa, the .africa domain will similarly enable a new African dawn of growth, peace and prosperity.
Business moves
Burson-Marsteller Africa announces partnership with Prologue Burson-Marsteller
Ethiopia: Robyn de Villiers (left), chairman and CEO of Burson-Marsteller Africa has announced an exciting development in the long-standing partnership between Cactus Advertising and Burson-Marsteller.
Prologue Burson-Marsteller has officially launched as a self-standing company focusing solely on public relations. The launch is tribute to the growing importance of the public relations discipline across government and the private sector in Ethiopia.
“It is a privilege to visit Ethiopia and to be able to highlight the importance of effective reputation management to communications executives and organisations in Addis Ababa,” De Villiers said. “Globally it is accepted that CEOs are responsible for managing the reputations of their organisations and protecting the value of their corporate brands. In my experience, this message is beginning to hit home in countries across Africa and I value the opportunity to share my understanding of this increasingly important area of overall business success during my visit.”
The Burson-Marsteller Africa network, of which Prologue Burson-Marsteller, is now a partner, is recognised locally and globally as a premier communications network on the continent. De Villiers was recognised by the Holmes Report, the PR industry’s most highly regarded trade publication globally, with an EMEA SABRE Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement.
Conversation LAB sparkles with aQuellé
Conversation LAB have been appointed by South African water brand, aQuellé to run their social media and help amplify their event sponsorships digitally. This win comes off the back of a recent spate of award wins for Conversation LAB at the EMEA Smarties, SA Smarties and Assegais.
aQuellé have appointed Conversation LAB as their digital agency of record to manage the full brand portfolio including natural spring waters and flavoured drinks. The scope of work covers all social media activity, full content and campaign development, bought digital media planning and buying. Conversation LAB will also be tasked with creating digital excitement for aQuellé’s sponsorships which include the aQuellé Midmar mile, aQuellé Ocean Racing Series and aQuellé Tour Durban, to name a few.
Arno Stegen, managing director of aQuellé stated: “We have known Kevin and the Conversation LAB team for many years now, and have always liked their approach to business and their passion for what they do – a passion very like ours. They certainly appear to be at the forefront of the digital communications game, always innovating and adapting to the changing landscape. It is what we were looking for in a partner for such a crucial channel as digital and our sponsorship space!”
Clockwork Media voted Best Performing Agency in South Africa by Scopen
Clockwork Media has been voted as the Best Performing Agency in South Africa with the country’s highest rate of client satisfaction, according to the Scopen Agency Scope 2017/2018. This achievement is a result of a study which included 232 professionals from the largest companies in South Africa having undergone face-to-face interviews with Scopen researchers between June and September 2017.
“It is certainly an honour for us to be recognised by Scopen and their participating companies as the Best Performing Agency,” said Tom Manners, managing director at Clockwork Media. “Clockwork Media has grown immensely over the last year, and it’s great to be recognised among our peers as an agency that consistently performs. The basis of any strong business needs to be happy clients and I think this accolade reflects that to some degree.”
This recognition adds to a continued streak of achievements for Clockwork Media, who have won Agency of the Year at both the EMA SABRE Awards and the African Excellence Awards, as well as Large Agency of the Year and Most Awarded Agency at the 2017 PRISM Awards.
Ignite relaunches eCommerce technology platform for SMEs
Technology is the business leveller that enables South African small and medium businesses to become global organisations – but not if internet and communication technology services are over-complicated or beyond the reach of entrepreneurs. To address what is currently a reality for many SMEs, Ignite – the ICT services provider focused on South African SMEs – has comprehensively refreshed its market offering.
Business owners can now set up and pay for affordable technology infrastructure – from internet connectivity and email, to business applications and cloud services – almost instantaneously, via Ignite’s relaunched self-service website.
“Entrepreneurs are spirited, determined, and innovative, and many require guidance from a technology partner to leverage technology as an enabler to accelerate their business growth,” says Tony Koutakis, executive head of Ignite. “Our response was to redesign our e-commerce platform through which our products are delivered to our clients and the market, so that no South African business is left behind as technology advances.”
Koutakis says that South Africa simply cannot afford for SMEs to be stifled because they lack the expertise or the budget for adequate technology services.
Jupiter Cape Town appointed by international gym, Sweat!
The Jupiter Drawing Room Cape Town has been appointed by the British gym, Sweat! to develop its active lifestyle offering for Debenham stores in the UK. Three stores initially will feature Sweat! gyms instore from early 2018, giving customers more reasons to visit the stores and attract a younger female base.
The long-term relationship will see Jupiter Cape Town being tasked to create the overall look and feel, and brand tonality for the Sweat! gyms in the retail space.
“Opportunities like this are testament to the quality of creative work being produced locally and rolled out globally,” said Kevan Aspoas, chairman of Jupiter Cape Town. “We have worked with Sweat! before and have a good relationship with the team. The win comes off the back of the Sweat! gym concept we created for the UK several years ago. With Debenhams currently undergoing a dynamic reinvention, this is an opportunity for Sweat! to further entrench itself as part of the retailer’s client’s lifestyle.”
APO Group becomes the official partner of World Rugby’s African association, Rugby Africa
APO Group and Rugby Africa, World Rugby’s African association, have announced a landmark multi-year agreement appointing APO Group as the official partner of Rugby Africa.
The new partnership represents the highest level of sponsorship, and marks a major milestone in APO Group’s history, putting the company at the forefront of the most anticipated rugby events in Africa.
On 12th November, ahead of World Rugby’s General Assembly, Rugby Africa’s executive committee played host to APO Group as part of a special ceremony to celebrate the partnership. As official partner, APO Group will be associated with the 10 major international competitions throughout the continent, including the iconic Africa Gold Cup – which in 2018 doubles as a qualifier for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan – and the Africa Rugby 7s tournament, which is a qualifier for the 2020 Olympics. APO Group will also receive an extensive range of sponsorship rights, providing exclusive and customized marketing opportunities to strengthen their reputation.
Tiso Blackstar confirms The Times migration to digital only
The Times daily newspaper will become the first print newspaper in the country to migrate completely to a digital-only reader offering. The final print edition of The Times will be published on Friday 15 December, with the new digital edition, Times Select, launching in early 2018.
The new Times Select will be a curated ‘digital daily’, featuring a wide range of the news, analysis and opinion that is currently carried in The Times newspaper, and will be included in all Sunday Times subscription packages at no extra cost.
“Our goal is to bring the feisty spirit and unique voice of The Times in print to Times Select. For example, our leading columnists like Justice Malala, Jonathan Jansen, Tom Eaton and Darrel Bristow-Bovey will all continue with us in our new home. We promise that the change of medium will not change the award-winning journalism that lies at the heart of The Times. In fact, we intend to produce more of it,” says Andrew Trench, editor of The Times and Group digital editor.
Tiso Blackstar Group has invested in the development of The Times’s digital presence over the past few years, particularly as the costs associated with the daily distribution and printing of the newspaper have escalated to become uneconomical for the business, says Andy Gill, Managing Director of Media at Tiso Blackstar Group.
Making moves
Local entrepreneur lands prestigious international award
Cape Town businesswomen and entrepreneur Lesley Waterkeyn is one of five South African entrepreneurs who received an award from the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) Foundation in the United States of America this week.
Waterkeyn (left), founder and CEO of Colourworks, a strategic brand experience agency specialising in marketing and events, says the award is both an “honour and a privilege”. The IWEC is a New York-based non-profit organisation whose mission is to connect and develop a global network of successful women entrepreneurs.
“I feel incredibly honoured and humbled to be recognised by the prestigious IWEC. This award speaks to years of hard work and is testament that as a nation, we have a long line of diligent and committed women doing great things for our country. I congratulate the other recipients. I know for a fact they are as thrilled as I am,” she said.
In 1998, Waterkeyn transformed Colourworks from a small print agency into a full-scale, integrated marketing business. Today, the business produces an annual turnover of R50 million, which she describes as “wonderful milestone”.
Block & Chisel’s logo comes to life
Master craftsman Sibley McAdam first introduced the dalmatian into Block & Chisel’s logo 10 years ago, through a painting he created.
“The logo design shows our dalmatian seated on a tassled cushion, wearing a crown. He is facing forward but looking back, a nod to Block & Chisel’s brand philosophy: inspired by past, handcrafted for the future.”
The dalmatian was highly prized for its unique beauty and easy, loyal temperament. The breed has a historic relationship with royalty, when dalmatians acted as companions to their owners and were often seen trotting alongside the horse-drawn carriages of their masters and mistresses. As gundogs, the dalmatian is fearless; steadfast in the face of uncertainty and loyal to a fault. Coupled with its beauty, the dalmation symbolises the values which have guided Block & Chisel through the past three decades.
“As a brand we aspire to enable our clients to surround themselves with beautiful objects. We believe that a home can be luxurious, whilst being comfortable to live in and most importantly should be a place where memories are made with the ones you love,” says Paul McAdam, managing director of Block & Chisel.
And so, to mark our 30 years, we’re bringing our mascot to life in our latest campaign. “You’ll be seeing a little more of this beautiful creature as we look forward to sharing another 30 years of excellence with our clients,” he concludes.
Mint Mobile, South Africa’s leading mobile hardware company has rebranded to Mint Connect.
The Mint Connect rebrand reflects the company’s growing maturity and its evolution from a mobile device manufacturer to a fully-fledged technology company. Moreover, it reflects the company’s aim to be the locus of connection in its customers’ lives.
“We want to ignite Africa’s potential and show the world what she’s made of, by encouraging creation, curating conversations and igniting curiosity throughout the continent,” says Mint Connect CEO Sagran Pillay. “In doing so, we will inspire the people of Africa to re-imagine their continent and their own destinies.”
On the device front, Mint Connect has delivered from day one, providing high-quality, reliable devices at reasonable price points. As Mint Connect expands its offering into other areas of technology, it will follow the same values and principles which have guided its success in the South African mobile market.
As well as a new name, the rebrand comes with a new positioning: Africa. Reimagined. The statement aims to illustrate Mint Connect’s desire to ignite Africa’s potential and show the world what she’s made of, by becoming the leading technology company in Africa.
Latest edition of Brands & Branding in SA now includes digital platform
In a significant recent development, Brands & Branding has been transformed into a print and digital platform, having partnered with established and respected industry news site, MarkLives.com, in order to serve a far wider digital audience. Brands.MarkLives.com offers brand-marketing departments broader industry visibility and more-active participation in discussions through the online dissemination of brand case studies, marketing news and top-line thinking.
Designed to facilitate the sharing of insights, methodologies and metrics, as well as highlighting great branding from South Africa and around the world, Brands.MarkLives.com will amplify and extend the publication’s reach while providing a constantly expanding body of branding references throughout the year.
The partnership also sees the launch of a targeted email newsletter, set to brief marketing and communications faculty and students with insight and opinion from academic faculty and senior marketers. This will expand the reading list of student marketers to include further significant information and insight into South African brands and branding developments.
J. Walter Thompson supports The One Show 2018 call for entries with campaign on How to Be Famous Famous
The One Club for Creativity has opened the call for entries for the prestigious 2018 One Show awards, and today kicks off the humorous “Be Famous Famous” campaign developed by J. Walter Thompson New York.
The One Show entries can be submitted here with third-quarter deadline 30November 2017 and final deadline 31 January 2018. Juries will be announced shortly.
The integrated “Be Famous Famous” campaign from JWT, which includes print, video and interactive, makes a comical statement about how winning a coveted One Show Pencil is the only way to be not just industry famous, but “famous famous”.
The “Fanatics” launch video offers a humorous look at what it’s like to reach a new height of fame by featuring “man on the street” interviews with people who are rabid fans of One Show winners and fawn over their advertising heroes as if they were Beyoncé or Prince Harry.
“JWT’s campaign is a tongue-in-cheek take on fame and how The One Show can make it possible,” said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club for Creativity.