The Media Online’s weekly round up of people, account and business moves in media.
This week’s BIG move: Machine_ launches new digital experience content platform in response to COVID-19 and client needs
COVID-19 has not just brought deep disruption and tragic loss of life; it has also heightened the importance of internal communication within companies – while also challenging the way in which companies traditionally communicate.
This is according to Sarah Browning-de Villiers, chief content officer at Machine_, who said printed material was untenable during stricter lockdown levels, and employees and stakeholders were experiencing email fatigue at a whole new level. “In addition, digital experience platforms traditionally used by publishers, like PDF flipbook solutions, simply do not offer a truly customisable and immersive experience for users.”
She says that since winning Sanlam Group’s internal communications business effective February 2020, Machine_ has been hard at work reimagining the Group’s internal communications content strategy with its communications team.
“We’ve been working on an immersive storytelling experience supercharged by smart tech – StoryStackr – for a few months, but COVID-19 catalysed this effort and shone a spotlight on the need for a product like this,” she added. “We’re delighted it’s launched at a time when our clients need it most, starting with Sanlam.”
A much-loved component of Sanlam Group’s internal communications includes a print magazine, newly launched in April as Sanlam Connect. Within a matter of weeks, StoryStackr was harnessed, launching Sanlam Group’s first fully immersive and interactive content experience for internal staff and stakeholders.
People moves
FCB Joburg/Hellocomputer Group MD Thabang Skwambane one of world’s ‘most creative’
International advertising, media & technology journal, Adweek, has included one of South Africa’s leading admen, Thabang Skwambane, on its 2020 Creative 100 Honour Roll.
Published annually to celebrate the most inspiring minds in marketing, media and culture, this year Adweek Creative 100 acknowledges worldwide talent in a time that has brought the Earth together. In making the list, Skwambane joined fellow South African Trevor Noah, celebrities John Legend and Christy Tiegen, The Bon Appétit Test Kitchen Team, and influencer Zendaya.
Prefacing the honours roll, Adweek wrote: “The first half of 2020 will be remembered by history as a time that not only tested the world, but also brought it together more closely than any other event in a generation.
“For international creative leaders, who’ve traditionally faced starkly different obstacles in each of their markets, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a consistent challenge across all borders. As the world enters a period of recovery and re-emergence, these creative leaders will be entrusted with helping guide clients along a thoughtful, productive path.”
Skwambane featured on the Global Creative Leaders list of 12 people recognised as shaping the world’s most inventive marketing.
Miles Murphy heads up Wunderman Thompson South Africa
Miles Murphy has officially started in his role as CEO at Wunderman Thompson South Africa, one of the county’s largest marketing services agencies.
For the past 30 years, Murphy built a career in marketing and technology and is renowned for being the founder and director of Liquorice, an award-winning digital marketing agency launched in 2005. Within a decade, the agency was thriving and attracted the attention of Publicis Groupe. Following a successful sale to this multinational communications network, Murphy was asked to stay on as COO within Publicis Groupe Africa where he led 42 agencies across 36 African markets.
Forced to adapt his First 100-Days Plan under the new circumstances, Murphy has prioritised relationship building as well as helping both staff and clients navigate through the disruption.
Murphy’s vision is to build Wunderman Thompson SA into the leading tech-enabled integrated agency with creativity and innovation at its core. He intends to firmly entrench the agency as a growth partner to its clients with experts in innovation, data, digital, user experience, design and technology – inspiring consumers to connect with brands.
Eclipse Communications welcomes back an agency veteran.
Eclipse Communications has expanded its business, bringing on two new streams and a few heavy-hitters to manage the agency’s expansion plan. This month, the agency welcomed back Natasha Kleyn as a Senior Account Director for the consumer stream in Johannesburg.
Oliver South Africa welcomes new Business Unit Director
Oliver South Africa has welcomed Nthabiseng Lekoaletsoe as its new business unit director. Lekoaletsoe’s appointment will further bolster Oliver South Africa’s offering and provide new vivacity to the brand, reinforcing Oliver’s commitment to its clients.
Lekoaletsoe’s journey in the advertising industry began with household names such as Standard Bank, Microsoft and Coca-Cola. This fantastic start evolved into a career featuring the ‘who’s who’ of well-known companies and entities – from consumer brands and financial services to public sector departments and major telecommunications enterprises.
Armed with over a decade’s worth of experience in the industry, Lekoaletsoe joined Oliver South Africa in February this year.
PRCA launches global ethics council
The PRCA recently announced the launch of its Global Ethics Council (PRCA GEC), to uphold and elevate ethical standards in the public relations and communications industry. Its inaugural chairman is David Gallagher, international president of Omnicom, former chairman of the PRCA, and former president of ICCO.
The PRCA GEC is composed of a small number of the world’s most respected practitioners, alongside two external expert members.
Its launch reflects the PRCA’s status as the world’s largest PR professional body, and the organisation’s actions in raising ethical standards in the industry over recent years, particularly since the expulsion of Bell Pottinger in 2017.
Bridget von Holdt, business director of BCW Africa and president of ICCO Africa said: “The debate on media independence, fake news, manipulated photos, public trust and safety of journalists has increased. It is now more important than ever to communicate in an open, transparent and authentic way. It is trust that elevates us to higher levels; that grounds us deeply in our relationships with different stakeholders.”
Leading communication specialist uses her rare cancer to highlight African Excellence during #Covid19
A leading South African communications specialist and social entrepreneur is using her rare cancer to highlight the importance of resilience, community and African excellence during a time of unprecedented challenges for the world.
Vanessa Perumal, the founder of JT Communication Solutions, spent 24 days in hospital – of which 22 days was in ICU and High Care – following a total laryngectomy necessitated by the cancer, which was discovered in her larynx just five days before her surgery.
“To save my life I traded my voice box,” said Perumal with her trademark directness. “This is a huge leverage in the work I activate as a media specialist, communications and digital futuristic.”
One of the flag bearers of black excellence in the PR and communications agency space, JT Comms has, under Perumal’s guidance, consistently worked to amplify and build original African narratives. Showcasing the excellence of a medical team in Africa treating a rare cancer is part of why Perumal is sharing her experience through her Miraculous Moments diary on Facebook. She also wanted to highlight the work of the healthcare workers whom she encountered and contribute to the training of nurses who had not encountered a cancer like hers before.
Hilton appoints Andrew McLachlan to spearhead African growth
Hilton has appointed Andrew McLachlan to the role of managing director, cevelopment, Sub-Saharan Africa. He joins the company with over 30 years’ experience of the African hospitality market in Operations and Development roles and will oversee its ambitious growth plans in the region.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, Hilton’s SVP of Development for EMEA said: “Andrew is a well-respected figure in the African hospitality industry, and it is great testament to the momentum behind Hilton that he has decided to join our team. He will work closely with the teams we have in place in Dubai, Cape Town and Nairobi to drive hotel growth, building on the milestone we reached last year of 100 properties trading and under development on the continent.”
Business moves
CBS Justice launches advertising sales in South Africa in partnership with DStv Media Sales
AMC Networks International UK has announced the launch of advertising sales on factual entertainment channel CBS Justice. CBS Justice will be joining the DStv Media Sales portfolio from 10 June 2020.
CBS Justice launched across Africa in November 2019 and is currently available to DStv Premium and Compact Plus customers (DStv channel 170). The channel investigates some of the world’s most compelling true crime cases and features a curated selection of original and acquired content. This includes expert-led original productions New Scotland Yard Files, The Real Prime Suspect, Donal MacIntyre’s Murder Files, Secrets of a Psychopath and Evidence of Evil, and acquisitions Cold Justice, Murder For My Man and Homicide’s Elite.
SA agency launches sister company
Greater Than, an award-winning strategic, full-service PR and Communications agency in South Africa, has launched its sister company, GTi Communications. Based in Israel, GTi Communications will be servicing the African, European and Middle Eastern region to fill a gap in the market.
Galia Kerbel, owner and managing director of Greater Than and GTi Communications, said the agency was in a prime position to expand its service offering beyond South African borders to serve local and global brands.
Kerbel is a South African entrepreneur and global communications expert with over 24 years of experience in full-service PR, Event Management and Brand Marketing. Kerbel, who immigrated to Israel 3.5 years ago, is a results-orientated leader who brings valuable integrated thinking and years of expertise to a global client base.
Primedia Outdoor successfully executes first Prime-Intelligence advertising campaign alongside Audi South Africa
Following the success of their dynamic digital capabilities, Primedia Outdoor have successfully executed their latest technically innovative product offering, Prime(i) Road and Prime(i) Mall.
Prime(i) short for Prime-Intelligence, offers advertisers the unique opportunity for mass personalisation through Primedia Outdoor’s state-of-the-art digital advertising platforms on both roadside and in the mall environment. The technology-enabled digital advertising platform allows for hyper-targeted and relevant brand messaging, enabling advertisers to communicate to their intended audience on a whole new level with the use of digital billboards.
Eclipse Communications launches two new business units
Eclipse Communications, the PRISM winner for the 2020 Best Large PR Consultancy, has expanded its service offering to include two new business units. AMP will cater to the arts and entertainment industry, and Collide, a full-service creative business unit specialises in digital and print design and events, including hybrid and virtual offerings.
Said Kate Thompson-Duwe, strategy and new business development for AMP, “Having worked in entertainment PR for many years and seen the industry grow exponentially, it seemed only fitting to launch a focused division using our collective years of experience and contacts to bring the best to the best.”
The second business unit, Collide, is a full-service creative collective with a focus on solving today’s problems with advanced technical, digital and virtual solutions. The start-up business unit specialises in digital and print design as well as traditional, virtual and hybrid events.
EXCITING NEW PROMOTIONAL INITIATIVE AVAILABLE ON OFM
Promoting your brand and your business during the uncertain times brought about by Covid-19 has never been easier, thanks to an innovative new offering by OFM.
OFM Live Link gives clients the opportunity to deliver their marketing message through the influence of one of OFM’s popular presenters. This means that an OFM presenter will visit their store or venue to tell Central South Africa on-air and online about their products and services.
Says Anchen Lintvelt, OFM Sales Manager: “Jamie Notter said, ‘Innovation is change that unlocks new value.’ Covid-19 taught us that one can always find new ways to do things. It requires listening to your market and creating solutions for their needs. As a media and advertising platform, it is very important to the OFM sales team to offer our advertisers innovative and creative solutions that will add value and ensure a good return on investment. One way we can do this, is to endorse their products and services through our presenters.”
The Live Link is a custom made product.
Wochit boosts content library in Ruptly global archive deal
Ruptly, the global news and media agency, has announced a strategic partnership with Wochit, the video library and creation platform used by over 350 media brands worldwide. Under the deal, Wochit clients will be able to draw on material from Ruptly’s extensive archive catalogue and immediately edit and create their own videos within the Wochit platform.
The new partnership enhances the Wochit user experience by bringing Ruptly’s news and general interest videos to its clients. Ruptly is renowned for unearthing unique stories and new perspectives not covered by other outlets and Wochit customers will now be able to access captivating content spanning genres from feel-good, human interest videos to hard news.
Radio advertising made accessible for SMEs
In the interests of helping small and medium businesses, Johannesburg-based radio stations, Classic 1027 and Hot 91.9FM have launched Lock ‘n Load, an initiative which helps these businesses to advertise their special deals at a vastly-reduced rate. The Lock ‘n Load deals are only available via the stations’ websites (www.classic1027.co.za and www.hot919.co.za)
“Lock ‘n Load is our commitment to helping SME’s get back on their feet and get customers through their doors,” said Lloyd Madurai, MD of Hot 91.9FM. “Aside from offering unprecedented rates, we’ve made it really easy to buy advertising and to get your message on-air very rapidly”. Both stations boast a turn-around of 2 hours from booking to broadcast.
The Lock ‘n Load proposition is designed for businesses to advertise special offers and has already shown exceptional results for businesses who have centered their message around a call-to-action.
Interactive virtual expo to replace physical shows for Decorex Joburg and 100% Design South Africa 2020
Set to go live online at 10h00 on 06 August 2020 – the same time as the originally planned event would have opened its gates to greet the public at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Gauteng – is an innovative virtual expo developed by the Decorex Africa Portfolio and Reed Exhibitions. A first for the Decorex Africa Portfolio, the virtual expo experience will replace this year’s physical iterations of Decorex Joburg and 100% Design South Africa. The aim is to provide exhibitors, members of the trade, and the public at large, with a unique online opportunity to engage and conduct “business as unusual”.
After understanding that it would not be possible to host the country’s leading interior design, décor and product design shows in their usual venues in 2020 due to lockdown restrictions, the team at Reed Exhibitions Africa have looked to virtual solutions in a bid to continue to support the industry and its exhibitors. Reed Exhibitions confirms that the decision not to host any physical events in 2020 is a result of multiple discussions with the greater industry due to the impact of COVID-19 and upon the advice of local and national health authorities.
Source Food sprouts idea for new F&B business incubator
Covid-19 is wreaking havoc on commerce with many food businesses facing certain doom. Source Food, South Africa’s leading food marketing agency, has created an incubator to offer businesses in the food and beverage industry the knowledge, skills and resources to take their product to market or adapt their current offering.
Sprout by Source Food is a team of experienced food product developers, chefs, food stylists, photographers, marketers and food industry professionals who are able to advise and support clients in building a successful food or beverage brand.
Jonathan Moldan, managing director of Source Food, is determined that Sprout’s goal is to uplift and empower anyone looking to refine their existing business or start their journey in this creative industry.
“As we look at how radically our collective reality has shifted in the time of Covid-19, now is an opportune time to invest in yourself, become your own boss and focus on doing what you love. It’s essential to be able to change your offering as the market’s needs change – and as government legislation changes as we move between the various lockdown levels.”
Making moves
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund needs your 67 kilometres
This Mandela Day will be the first ever marked amongst a global pandemic. As both the sports and eventing industries are massively impacted by being unable to celebrate Mandela Day through physical activations, this year the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) is bringing a massive virtual race – 67 Kilometres for Mandela Day – to homes and streets everywhere.
“With families, individuals and athletes largely confined to their homes during lockdown, this initiative will secure much needed funds while providing an entertaining goal driven purpose for exercise enthusiasts around the country and the globe,” said event organiser Andrew Ross, managing director of eventing and experiential agency Chaos Theory.
“We’re inviting walkers, cyclists and runners to join our virtual event online from anywhere in the world to make a huge difference to the children of South Africa. What makes the ‘67 Kilometres for Mandela Day’ event even more special is that this year NMCF celebrates 25 years of existence.
The challenge can be completed anytime between today and the 18th July when we acknowledge Mandela Day.”
The online route will be uploaded for walkers, runners and cyclists to follow through iconic South African landmarks starting at The Apartheid Museum and travelling past the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Constitution Hill and Lilliesleaf farm, the route ends in Vilakazi Street, Soweto at Nelson Mandela’s home.”
Join the 67 Kilometres for Mandela Day Facebook group or follow #67km4MandelaDay
SABC commemorates 2010 FIFA World Cup via #remember2010 campaign
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), through its sports platform, SABC Sport, has launched a new campaign to commemorate ten years since the broadcast of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The campaign #Remember2010, is in line with the SABC’s commitment to keeping the public entertained particularly under the current lockdown climate.
The public service broadcaster’s month-long campaign marks a decade since the global spectacle of the FIFA World Cup was first hosted on African soil. As the official broadcaster, the SABC played a central role in leveraging the power of its TV and Radio platforms to become the eyes and ears of all South Africans, as we rallied behind the national soccer team, Bafana Bafana with the ‘Feel it, It is here Campaign’.
It is therefore fitting that the public broadcaster remembers 2010 by delivering sports content that meet its public mandate while serving the millions of South Africans who rely on it for entertainment.
A full programming schedule for the campaign is available on www.sabcsport.co.za or @sabcsport on twitter and Facebook.
Nederburg becomes WWF Conservation champion
Nederburg Wines has been granted WWF Conservation Champion status, thanks to its far-reaching water stewardship measures that address ways to improve water quality, balance, access, usage, including for sanitation, and governance. The water management strategy it follows is based on the principles set out by the internationally recognised Alliance for Water Stewardship.
“It’s very encouraging to have earned the highest level of WWF recognition of champion status for what we’ve been doing,” says Niël Groenewald, managing director of Nederburg. “We’ve had to adhere to rigorous criteria and show innovation in how we manage our natural resources. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved but there’s no place for complacency. We plan to become even better at what we’re doing.”
For the Diary
COVID-19: Reflections, Challenges and Next Steps
The Harvard Business School Africa Research Center is pleased to invite you to the webinar series COVID-19: Reflections, Challenges and Next Steps, where HBS Faculty will share insights on Macro-Economics, Leadership, Strategy and Execution relevant to Africa.
Please join us in the second session of this four webinar series as HBS professors Hakeem Belo-Osagie and Shikhar Ghosh share insights with each other, two prominent African business leaders and you on Leadership in Uncertainty as relevant to Africa during this global pandemic. With this series we strive to have alumni and friends across Africa get to know HBS professors who are leading work related to the continent, and also share with them the lessons that Africa has for the rest of the world.
Please click on the registration button below to register for
Session 2: Leadership in Uncertainty – Thursday, June 11, 2020
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm WAT; 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm SAST; 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm EAT
Register here.