The Media Online’s weekly round-up of media business moves, all in one place.
This week’s BIG move
The Sandton Times adopts new print distribution model
The Sandton Times is distributing its print edition across Greater Sandton through grocery and food delivery networks, adding an alternative channel to conventional print circulation.
The digital-first publication’s eight-to-12-page edition covers retail, entertainment, travel, dining, motoring and local business. The latest print run comprises 10 000 copies, distributed across suburbs including Sandhurst, Sandown, Morningside, Rosebank, Hyde Park and Illovo. Copies are also available at selected hotels, coffee shops, business schools and shopping centres. The edition is published six times a year.
The distribution model uses existing household delivery services to reach readers, including those living in security estates and private residential complexes, which can be difficult to access through traditional distribution networks. A data-driven system provides information on circulation and distribution performance. The print edition forms part of the publication’s wider media operation, which includes digital, social media, podcasts and radio.
Founder and managing editor Alexander Leibner says the approach reflects changes in the role of print media. “I don’t believe print is dead. It has evolved and has simply had to find a new reason to exist. It may no longer have the same national presence it once did, but that has created an opportunity for something more focused, whether geographically, around a particular interest, or, in this case, a combination of both.”
People moves
Algoa FM extends sponsorship of Ironman athlete Michelle Reed
Algoa FM has extended its sponsorship of Ironman athlete Michelle Reed for 2027, supporting her participation in three events following her second-place age-group finish (40–44) at Ironman South Africa 2026.
The Nelson Mandela Bay resident will compete in the ISUZU Ironman 70.3 Nelson Mandela Bay in January, the full ISUZU Ironman Mossel Bay in April and the ISUZU Ironman 70.3 Durban in June. Algoa FM managing director Alfie Jay says the decision to continue the sponsorship recognises Reed’s contribution as a brand ambassador and athlete. The station is also an ISUZU Ironman media partner.
Reed qualified for the 2025 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, on her first attempt at the full-distance event, going on to compete at the championship. She is preparing for her 2027 campaign under the guidance of Ironman world champion Michelle Howes (Enslin), who is also based in Nelson Mandela Bay. Reed says her goal is to win her age group in the full-distance event.
Vongani Mageza appointed Momentum Group marketing and communications chief
Momentum Group has appointed Vongani Mageza as group chief marketing and communications officer, effective 1 February 2027. She will also join the group’s executive committee.
Mageza brings more than 20 years’ experience across financial services and fast-moving consumer goods, with senior leadership roles at FNB and Absa. Her career also includes positions at Diageo, Unilever, Coca-Cola, Famous Brands and Revlon.
In her new role, she will oversee brand strategy and marketing across Momentum Group’s portfolio, including Momentum, Metropolitan, Guardrisk and Eris, as well as strengthen the profile and positioning of the JSE-listed group.
Mageza holds an MBA from Plymouth Marjon University in the UK and a BA in Law and Industrial Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration through L’IPAG Business School in France.
SITA appoints Itumeleng Draaijer and Portia Matsena to executive roles
The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has appointed Itumeleng Draaijer as executive: strategy and corporate services and Portia Matsena as chief digital officer, effective November 2026. The appointments form part of a broader executive leadership restructuring led by managing director Magatho Mello.
Draaijer brings more than 20 years’ experience in strategy, organisational performance and corporate services, including senior roles at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, South African Bureau of Standards, National Prosecuting Authority and Accenture. She holds a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Cape Town and an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
Matsena has more than 20 years’ experience in banking, government and technology leadership. Her previous positions include managing director: cash at Absa, chief information officer at BankservAfrica, chief digital officer at Gijima and acting group chief information officer at the South African Post Office. She holds an MBA from the University of South Africa and a master’s in Project Leadership and Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
The appointments follow four other executive changes at SITA during the current financial year: Phumzile Njoko as executive: supply chain management, Gabaiphiwe Tabane as executive: client engagement, Bongumusa Kumalo as executive: network, cloud and platforms, and Yolande van Biljon as chief financial officer. Mello says the appointments strengthen the agency’s leadership capacity and support its role in government digital transformation.
Business moves
CANAL+ secures broadcast rights to ICONS Cup South Africa
CANAL+ has acquired broadcast rights to the ICONS Cup South Africa across Sub-Saharan Africa, France and selected international territories. The three-day golf tournament takes place at The Links at Fancourt in George from 11 to 13 December 2026, with live coverage delivered by SuperSport.
The event, part of the ICONS Series, will see Team South Africa take on Team World in a match-play competition featuring sporting personalities from rugby, cricket, football, golf, swimming and tennis. Four-time Major champion Ernie Els will captain South Africa, while two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal will lead Team World. Further player announcements are expected.
SuperSport will broadcast morning sessions on SuperSport Grandstand (DStv channel 201) and afternoon sessions on SuperSport Golf (channel 213). Additional coverage and highlights will be available on SuperSport Blitz and DStv CatchUp. Production by ICONS Series will combine live golf coverage with entertainment-led content and player access.
Rendani Ramovha, CANAL+ senior vice-president for sports content in English- and Portuguese-speaking Africa, says the acquisition extends the group’s portfolio of premium sporting events for subscribers across the region.
Heineken Beverages partners with Icons Series for Icons Cup South Africa
Heineken Beverages has signed a two-year, multi-brand partnership with the Icons Series for the Icons Cup South Africa, taking place at The Links at Fancourt in George from 11 to 13 December 2026. Windhoek Beer is the official beer partner, joined by Savanna Cider as official cider partner and Amarula Liqueur as official cream liqueur partner.
Windhoek Beer will lead the activation with its 19th Hole experience, bringing players and spectators together after each day’s play. Savanna and Amarula will host additional fan experiences, including viewing areas and sunset celebrations. The partnership also includes promotional activity at selected golf courses and retail outlets in the Western Cape and George, with consumers standing a chance to win event tickets.
The tournament will see Team South Africa, captained by Ernie Els, take on Team World, led by José María Olazábal. The line-up includes former cricketers Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers and Brian Lara; rugby players Schalk Burger and Fourie du Preez; footballers John Terry and Dwight Yorke; and tennis champion Ash Barty.
Heineken Beverages head of consumer experience and sponsorships Kavir Gangiah says the event offers an opportunity to bring the company’s brands to sports fans through experiences, broadcast integrations, paid media and retail activations. Tickets and hospitality packages are available through the Icons Series website.
SCOPEN extends AGENCY SCOPE research into Kenya
SCOPEN Africa is expanding its AGENCY SCOPE research into East Africa, beginning with Kenya. The move follows the study’s established presence in South Africa and aims to provide an independent assessment of the Kenyan marketing and communications industry, with findings benchmarked against international markets.
Conducted biennially by Spanish-based SCOPEN, AGENCY SCOPE examines how marketers select, work with and evaluate agencies, as well as agency positioning, performance and client expectations. The East African study will involve marketers working with agencies in Kenya, agency professionals and media owners, with a target of 500 interviews across the three groups.
Fieldwork is scheduled to run from December 2026 to March 2027. Senior marketers will take part in 50-minute face-to-face interviews, while agency professionals and media owners will complete online surveys. Analysis will take place in April, with findings due to be presented in May 2027.
SCOPEN Africa director and Independent Agency Search & Selection Company founder Johanna McDowell says the research will provide data on how marketers and agencies perceive and work with one another, while building a broader understanding of the African communications landscape. SCOPEN president and CEO César Vacchiano describes the expansion as a natural progression following the South African study.
SABC 2 takes the Taste Master on Mzansi food tour
SABC 2 is launching The Taste Master Mzansi Food Tour, a six-part series premiering on Sunday, 15 November 2026, at 19:00. Award-winning chef Aren Pollack and Taste Master Professionals winner Messi Karodia travel across South Africa to explore regional food traditions, local ingredients and culinary talent.
The series visits destinations in Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Gqeberha, St Francis, Prince Albert and Cape Town, meeting local chefs, food personalities and producers. The journey explores regional specialities and lesser-known food destinations, with each episode providing inspiration for a summer and festive menu.
Pollack, named Eat Out Rising Star in 2026, brings experience from kitchens in South Africa and Europe, while Karodia, winner of the inaugural Taste Master Professionals competition, has represented South Africa at the World Chefs Global Chefs Challenge. The series focuses on the people, cultures and histories behind South African food.
The Taste Master Mzansi Food Tour airs every Sunday at 19:00 on SABC 2 and SABC Plus.
Nedbank rAge Nation returns to Fourways Mall in November
Nedbank rAge Nation will take place at Level 8, Fourways Mall, Johannesburg, from 27 to 29 November 2026, bringing together gaming, esports, technology, cosplay and digital culture. The three-day event builds on rAge’s more than 20-year history, with an expanded festival format aimed at gamers, families and first-time visitors.
The programme includes gaming and esports competitions, technology displays, cosplay, artist alley, tabletop gaming and opportunities to explore creative arts and gaming-related careers. This year’s theme, retrofuturism, draws on gaming’s past while looking towards emerging technologies and digital culture.
Nedbank is the headline sponsor, with Monster, Orbit, 5FM, Everpure and Cool Ideas also supporting the event. Additional partners include admyt as parking partner, Gautrain as transport partner, Gaming Entertainment Solutions (GES) as cosplay partner and Legion Events as Artist Alley partner.
Space42 launches advertising-funded Wi-Fi in South Africa
Space42 has introduced an advertising-funded public Wi-Fi service in South Africa, powered by its YahClick satellite broadband network. The service gives users 20 minutes of free internet access after watching a 30-second video advertisement, with the option to repeat the process to stay connected.
The UAE-based SpaceTech company says the model creates a revenue stream for network partners while giving advertisers a measurable channel to reach consumers. Partners can deploy new Wi-Fi hotspots or add advertising and analytics capabilities to existing networks using compatible equipment.
Elmuiz Saad, senior vice-president of commercial at Space42, says the initiative supports South Africa’s digital inclusion priorities and expands the company’s presence in the market. Space42’s African operations include satellite communications, broadband connectivity and geospatial intelligence.
ETIKET launches free growth assessment for businesses
ETIKET Creative Consultancy has launched the Growth Chaos Check, a free three-minute online assessment designed to help South African businesses identify operational and strategic challenges that can emerge as they expand.
The tool examines four areas: Clarity, Story, Alignment and Activation. It assesses whether businesses have a clear direction, a shared understanding of their purpose, aligned people and priorities, and the ability to translate strategy into coordinated action. Participants receive an indication of potential problem areas, together with practical guidance on where attention may be needed.
ETIKET CEO Janhendrik Oosthuizen says business growth creates opportunities for employment and economic development but can also expose weaknesses in existing systems and ways of working. Chief strategy officer Tiaan Ras says creative and strategic thinking can help businesses identify the underlying causes of challenges before developing solutions.
The Growth Chaos Check is intended as a starting point for business leaders rather than a replacement for a comprehensive business or brand audit. It is available free at www.growthchaos.co.za.
Tiger Brands’ Kokota programme helps township food businesses create 68 jobs
Twenty-one township food businesses in Gauteng have created 68 jobs in four months through Tiger Brands’ Kokota Growth Programme. The initiative supports small and medium enterprises in the township economy, with the latest group forming the programme’s second cohort. It brings the total number of businesses supported since its launch earlier this year to 30.
The programme provides entrepreneurs with training in food safety, financial management, pricing, stock control, cash flow and marketing, as well as support with business planning. Participants also receive equipment and branded marketing materials to help formalise and grow their operations. All 21 businesses have traded at the Kota Festival, supported by Tiger Brands’ Albany brand.
Three participants are preparing to open new stores: Lehlohonolo Ndlovu of Grinds Kitchen in Kibler Park, Cynthia Phumzile Kunene of Zile Foods in Boksburg and Nthabiseng Kekane of TlouCreatives in Meredale. Another participant, Ellen Nomsa Radebe of Makhis Fast Food in Diepkloof, Soweto, has invested in a food truck to expand her business.
Tiger Brands director of enterprise and supplier development and transformation Maanda Milubi says the programme aims to equip township food entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to build sustainable businesses. The company will continue providing mentorship and business development support. The initiative forms part of its broader commitment to the township economy, which it cites as being worth more than R900 billion, and its ambition to expand its general trade footprint to 150,000 stores.
Digital concierge services tipped as hospitality trend for 2027
Digital concierge services are emerging as a hospitality trend for 2027, offering hotels a way to personalise guest experiences while easing pressure on staff and creating additional revenue opportunities.
The technology uses in-room smart TVs to provide personalised information, including itineraries, dining and spa menus, local attractions and activity bookings. Visto, an Android-based smart TV application, turns compatible televisions into digital concierge platforms without additional hardware. Guests can also access the service on their smartphones through a QR code, without downloading an app.
Visto co-founder and chief commercial officer Ben Wagner says the platform is designed to support rather than replace personal service. Hotels can use it to manage guest information and bookings, while earning commission on referrals for external activities and local dining. The Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel in Cape Town has introduced the platform in its rooms and rooftop Airstream trailers. General manager Tiaan Fourie says it has improved access to entertainment, excursions and restaurant offers.
The shift comes as hotels face rising costs, staff shortages and growing demand for personalised service. A global survey cited by Visto found that 89% of respondents wanted AI to operate behind the scenes or alongside human service, while 75% said good hospitality depends on human staff. The digital concierge model aims to use technology to streamline guest services without replacing human interaction.
Singapore food and music festival GastroBeats expands to Cape Town
Singapore-based food and music festival GastroBeats will stage its first international edition in Cape Town in April 2027. Founded in 2022 by The Wolfpack Investment Holdings, the festival attracted more than 569 000 visitors in a single year and will bring its food, music and cultural programme to the Mother City.
The Cape Town event will feature five Singaporean restaurants, with their chefs and ingredients, collaborating with local chefs, food entrepreneurs, artists and musicians. The exchange will continue in the opposite direction in June 2027, when five South African restaurants and food vendors travel to Singapore to participate in the festival there.
GastroBeats has partnered with specialist media agency Ivie Media and project management agency The Marching Brand to deliver the South African event. Managing director of The Wolfpack Experiential, Tyron Swanepoel, says Cape Town was selected for its food and music culture and its support for local creative and culinary businesses.
Described by its organisers as the People’s Festival, GastroBeats combines food, live music and outdoor entertainment, with the international expansion intended to create opportunities for cultural and culinary exchange between Singapore and South Africa.
Campaign moves
OMO launches rugby performance metric and Springbok podcast
OMO has launched The Dirt Index, a rugby performance metric designed to recognise the work that often goes unnoticed in match highlights. The index measures contributions including gain-line carries, try-saving tackles, collision involvements and turnovers won, giving fans another way to assess players’ impact on the game.
The initiative forms part of OMO’s rugby platform and is complemented by The Washroom, a podcast special hosted by actor and former Sharks Academy player Olly Zondi and rugby presenter Jordan Buhrs. Springboks Aphelele Fassi, Ethan Hooker and André Esterhuizen join the hosts to discuss the sacrifices, setbacks, relationships and team-first mentality behind their careers.
The Dirt Index has been running throughout the 2026 season, starting with the Barbarians Test in June and extending to the U13, U16 and U18 Youth Weeks. It will continue through the Nations Championship and Rugby Championship, with rankings shared on OMO’s social media channels and fans invited to vote for players who “Earn the Stain”.
Unilever homecare marketing director Elizabeth Mokwena says the platform reflects OMO’s belief in resilience and its “Play On” message, celebrating the determination to get back up after setbacks.
England Netball launches ‘Built by Women’ campaign
England Netball has launched Built by Women, a campaign aimed at positioning netball as an elite, culturally relevant sport and attracting new audiences, broadcasters and sponsors. The initiative seeks to increase the sport’s commercial value and encourage greater investment, building on a participation base of more than three million women and girls who play netball annually.
Creative agency Brothers & Sisters developed a 72-second film, produced using artificial intelligence. Set in Manchester, the film references the city’s selection as host of the 2031 Netball World Cup, announced last month.
The campaign coincides with the launch of the Equal Sports Project, a cross-sport initiative led by England Netball chair Baroness Sue Campbell. The project brings together organisations including the Rugby Football Union, the Football Association, UK Sport, Sport England and the Lawn Tennis Association to establish a shared vision for the future of women’s and girls’ sport in the UK.
The initiative aims to drive collaboration across governing bodies, clubs, schools, broadcasters, sponsors, investors and government to accelerate gender equality and unlock the commercial potential of women’s sport.
Making moves
Rogerwilco and Field and Insights Africa host township shopping webinar
Rogerwilco and Field and Insights Africa will host a webinar on 18 November 2026 to discuss grocery shopping trends and seasonal promotions, drawing on findings from the 2026 Township Customer Experience (CX) Report.
Moderated by Rogerwilco senior brand strategist Mongezi Mtati, the discussion will feature Suzan Losaba, founder and managing director of Field and Insights Africa; Luigi Ferrini, chief customer officer at Tiger Brands; and Bongani Mabuza, founder and CEO of African Accent Brands, spaza owner and distributor.
The webinar will explore how township consumers weigh price, promotions, brand trust and convenience, including the role of supermarket combo deals, Black Friday offers and product availability in spaza shops. The report found that 42% of township shoppers cite trust as an influence on brand choice, compared with 39% who prioritise promotions.
The webinar takes place at 10:00 on LinkedIn Live. Registration is available here. The full 2026 Township CX Report is available at townshipcx.co.za.
