The Media Online’s weekly round-up of the latest media, marketing and communications industry news.
Big move: Tractor Outdoor sets new benchmark for transparency
As legal compliance becomes an increasingly important issue in South Africa’s out-of-home (OOH) advertising industry, Tractor Outdoor is reinforcing its commitment to transparency through an independently audited portfolio and the country’s first integrated legal compliance planning functionality.
The company has appointed Outdoor Auditors to independently verify the permit status of every site in its national portfolio. The results have been integrated directly into the Outdoor Auditors planning platform, allowing advertisers, agencies and brands to verify the legal status of Tractor Outdoor inventory during the media planning process.
The industry-first integration makes Tractor Outdoor the first South African OOH media owner to embed independently verified legal compliance data within a planning platform, giving media buyers greater visibility into the legal status of outdoor advertising inventory.
“This wasn’t something we started because of recent events,” says Michael Brits, head of development at Tractor Outdoor. “Managing permits, renewals and council approvals has always been part of how we manage our portfolio. Working with Outdoor Auditors allowed us to take that discipline one step further by independently verifying every site and making that information visible to our clients.”
Brits says Tractor Outdoor commissioned the audit at its own cost, while Outdoor Auditors conducted the verification independently using its own methodology.
“No site was excluded. The results are what they are. This is the first time a South African OOH operator has submitted its entire permit portfolio for independent third-party verification and published the outcome at site level. That’s a significant step forward for transparency in our industry.”
People moves
Temba Bavuma joins Skechers RSA as brand ambassador
Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company, has appointed South African cricket captain Temba Bavuma as a brand ambassador for Skechers RSA.
As captain of the Proteas and one of South Africa’s most respected sporting leaders, Bavuma will feature across the brand’s regional marketing campaigns and initiatives.
“I’m proud to partner with Skechers,” says Bavuma. “At this stage of my career, I’m focused not only on my own performance but also on the legacy I leave behind. This partnership is about more than the gear. It’s about helping open cricket to the next generation and showing young people from all backgrounds that they belong in the game. I share the brand’s values of performance, leadership and resilience.”
Archana Das, general manager of Skechers RSA and the Middle East, says Bavuma’s leadership and influence make him a natural fit for the brand.
Publicis Groupe Africa appoints Jarred Trembath
Publicis Groupe Africa has appointed Jarred Trembath as head of Influential, Sub-Saharan Africa, to lead the growth of the group’s integrated creator marketing capability across the region.
Trembath brings 15 years of EMEA experience spanning paid media, performance marketing, creator marketing and leadership. He will continue to oversee the group’s Performance B2B and Affiliate Marketing capabilities.
Influential forms part of Publicis Groupe Africa’s Connected Media proposition, combining AI-powered audience intelligence, first-party data, identity solutions and cross-channel measurement to connect brands with creators who influence key communities.
Karabo Peter joins Jacaranda FM
Jacaranda FM has appointed Karabo Peter as sports presenter on its weekday afternoon show, The Drive with Rob & Roz. She joins Rozanne McKenzie and Rob Forbes from Monday, 3 August.
Peter’s career spans community radio, YFM, VOW FM and digital journalism. She has also contributed to SABC’s The Journos Vodcast and writes for Good Things Guy.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about telling stories that inspire, celebrate communities and highlight the good happening around us, so joining a team that shares those values feels like a natural fit,” she says.
The MediaShop appoints Lerato Makhutla
The MediaShop has appointed Lerato Makhutla as business unit head, strengthening its leadership team as the agency continues to invest in talent and client growth.
Makhutla brings more than a decade of experience across strategy, media, marketing and communications, having worked with brands and organisations including Walmart, Metropolitan, PPS Insurance, Telkom, Toyota, Lexus, the Department of Basic Education, SASRIA, the Auditor-General, the City of Tshwane, SABC and the Gauteng Government.
Her appointment reinforces the agency’s commitment to experienced, commercially focused leadership across key client portfolios.
Zola Nene collaborates with WONDERBAG
WONDERBAG has partnered with television chef, food stylist and cookbook author Zola Nene to adapt one of her favourite family recipes for retained-heat cooking.
The Pork & Cabbage Stew recipe, from Nene’s latest cookbook Simply More Zola, has been adapted for use with the WONDERBAG, demonstrating how energy-efficient cooking can be incorporated into everyday meal preparation.
The collaboration combines Nene’s passion for accessible home cooking with WONDERBAG’s focus on energy-conscious meal preparation.
CNN appoints Stefano Pozzebon as Rome correspondent
CNN has appointed award-winning Italian journalist Stefano Pozzebon as an international correspondent based in Rome.
Pozzebon will cover major stories across Italy and Europe for CNN’s television and digital platforms, working alongside Vatican correspondent Christopher Lamb.
Previously based in Bogotá and Caracas, Pozzebon has reported extensively across Latin America. He was named to the Forbes Italy 30 Under 30 list in 2017 and is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian.
Business moves
Digital News Transformation Fund opens third funding round
The Digital News Transformation Fund (DNTF) has opened applications for its third funding round, offering project-based grants to help South Africa’s independent news publishers accelerate digital transformation and strengthen long-term sustainability.
The fund offers four funding tiers based on publishers’ level of digital maturity. The Ignite tier provides grants of up to R100 000 for organisations taking their first steps online, while Build offers up to R380 000 to develop digital infrastructure and skills. More established publishers can apply for up to R950 000 through the Grow tier, while Engage provides funding of up to R1.9 million for advanced digital transformation projects.
“The first two rounds took the DNTF to grassroots organisations and journalists,” says board co-chair Vincent Maher. “Forty of our 43 grantees are small publishers. Thirty-nine serve rural, township, peri-urban or informal settlement communities, while 28 publish in a South African language other than English.”
Previous funding rounds have supported publishers serving communities including Qwaqwa, Giyani, Sekhukhune, Hammanskraal, Mamelodi, Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, Matatiele, the Karoo, Orange Farm, Diepsloot and informal settlements around Cape Town.
Round three will follow a two-stage application process, with shortlisted applicants invited to submit full technical proposals after an initial eligibility assessment.
Johannesburg named among world’s top street food cities
Johannesburg has been ranked eighth in Time Out’s list of the 20 Best Cities in the World for Street Food 2026, placing South African street food alongside culinary destinations including Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Mexico City, Hanoi and Bangkok.
Based on a global survey of city residents, Johannesburg scored 56%, with Ho Chi Minh City topping the rankings on 63%.
For Time Out South Africa, the recognition reflects the city’s distinctive food culture.
“Johannesburg’s street food scene has always been extraordinary,” says Aisha Mohamed, general manager of Time Out South Africa. “Pull up a plastic chair beside a street vendor and it’s rarely just about what’s on the plate. It’s about the community, the stories and the generations behind the food.”
SABC marks 90 years of broadcasting
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) celebrated its 90th anniversary on 1 August, marking nine decades since its establishment in 1936.
Today, the public broadcaster operates six television channels, 19 radio stations and digital platforms, including SABC Plus.
Group CEO Nomsa Chabeli says the milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the broadcaster’s role in documenting South Africa’s history while preparing for the future.
“Our ambition is to build a world-class public service media organisation that combines 90 years of public legacy with the innovation required to serve the next generation of South Africans — one that is financially sustainable, digitally led, guided by editorial integrity and indispensable to our democracy.”
Openview launches 67 Connections initiative
Openview has launched 67 Connections, a national community initiative in partnership with the HCI Foundation that will support 67 children’s homes, youth care centres and older persons’ facilities across South Africa.
Beginning with seven organisations this month, the programme will create shared entertainment spaces where residents, caregivers and families can gather around television, sport, news and cultural programming.
The initiative extends Openview’s focus on making entertainment accessible while fostering connection beyond the home.
Cheetos becomes Varsity Sports snack partner
Cheetos has launched a three-year partnership with Varsity Sports, becoming the official snack partner of Varsity Football from the 2026 season and Varsity Cup.
The partnership was unveiled at the Cheetos Playground in Johannesburg alongside the brand’s new “Cheetos Playmakers” campaign, celebrating the new generation of student sports superfans.
Outdoor Network expands with fully approved digital billboards
Outdoor Network, a division of Provantage Group, has expanded its digital out-of-home footprint with four new 3m x 6m digital billboard sites in Pretoria and the Western Cape.
The company says every structure received full municipal approval before construction, at a time when authorities across Johannesburg, Tshwane and Cape Town are intensifying action against illegal outdoor advertising structures.
The new sites are located in Moreletapark and Castle Gate in Pretoria, and Paarl and Somerset West in the Western Cape.
“This is what disciplined growth looks like: every site fully approved before it goes live,” says Outdoor Network director Shamy Naidu. “It’s a higher bar, but it’s the only one that protects the brands who advertise with us.”
KZN Art Fair showcases regional design talent
The inaugural KZN Art Fair will feature Making Ground, an exhibition celebrating KwaZulu-Natal’s design and craft sector alongside the 34th Hilton Arts Festival.
Co-curated by Angela Shaw and Lauren Lockhart-Barker, the exhibition brings together leading designers and makers working across textiles, ceramics, basketry, industrial design and contemporary craft, including Belgotex’s YUDU brand.
Reputation Matters recognised by APRA
Reputation Matters has received APRA’s award for outstanding contribution to innovation during the association’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The recognition acknowledges the firm’s research-led approach to ethics and reputation measurement through its proprietary Repudometer® methodology.
APRA president Arik Karani says the organisation has been a valued strategic partner, while managing director Regine le Roux says research remains essential for strengthening ethical decision-making and trust across Africa.
King Committee clarifies director independence guidance
The King Committee has issued new guidance clarifying that serving more than nine years on a board does not automatically compromise a non-executive director’s independence.
Chairperson Ansie Ramalho says the nine-year period is one of several factors boards should consider when assessing independence.
“Good governance is not a box-ticking exercise,” she says. “The focus should be on whether a director demonstrates independence of mind.”
Exabeam extends Google Cloud collaboration
Exabeam has expanded its collaboration with Google Cloud by integrating its behavioural analytics and AI-powered workflow automation into Google Security Operations.
The integration is designed to help organisations detect insider threats earlier, improve investigation prioritisation and strengthen security across both human and AI identities.
Louis Vuitton opens new Cape Town store
Louis Vuitton has opened a new store at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront.
The expanded retail space showcases the brand’s men’s and women’s collections, leather goods, accessories, fragrances and ready-to-wear, and includes a Winter Garden overlooking the Victoria Basin for private appointments and client experiences.
Campaign moves
Toyota celebrates South African resilience in new Hilux campaign
Toyota has launched a new campaign for the Hilux that celebrates the resilience and determination of South Africans, positioning the vehicle as a trusted companion in everyday life.
Created by Publicis Groupe Africa’s Studio One and directed by award-winning filmmaker Amr Singh, the campaign comprises three films in Afrikaans, English and isiZulu.
“We wanted to create a campaign that celebrates our country and its people,” says Peet Engelbrecht, executive creative director at Studio One. “The New-Generation Hilux campaign is first and foremost a celebration of South Africans’ toughness, before showing the Hilux’s role in helping them when there’s tough to be done.”
Corona turns sunset into a billboard
Corona has expanded on its Sun Shadows activation in Cape Town, using the setting sun and surrounding architecture to create the silhouette of a Corona bottle for a few minutes each evening.
Rather than installing a conventional billboard, the activation relied on natural light and a chalk outline to transform everyday urban spaces into a temporary brand experience.
The installation attracted thousands of passers-by and generated significant organic engagement on social media, with users sharing images and videos of the daily phenomenon.
Making moves
Voice and visibility in the digital public square
Three of South Africa’s leading journalists and commentators — Qaanitah Hunter, Karyn Maughan and Redi Tlhabi — will discuss online abuse, public scrutiny and digital hostility in a panel on navigating life in the digital public square.
The conversation will explore how journalists, civil society and citizens can defend open, informed and respectful public debate in an increasingly polarised online environment.
The event is open to journalists, communicators, students, academics, activists and anyone interested in democracy and digital rights.
SAFREA webinar focuses on freelance pricing
The South African Freelancers’ Association (SAFREA) will host a professional development webinar, How to Price Your Services, on Thursday, 20 August, from 17:00 to 18:30.
Business coach Shea Karssing will guide aspiring and established freelancers through practical approaches to setting rates that reflect their skills, experience and value.
The webinar is free for SAFREA members and costs R100 for non-members.
