Did you know that many of the tabletop gaming favourites were designed by women? Qwirkle, Wingpsan, Wyrmspan and Point Salad are games that are all designed by highly creative and imaginative women. Qwirkle, designed by Susan McKinley Ross, is a bright, pattern-building game where players match colours and shapes to score points. It’s a great family game that is easy to learn but surprisingly strategic. Wingspan, by Elizabeth Hargrave, invites players into the world of birdlife, where they attract birds to different habitats and build clever card combinations. Wyrmspan, designed by Connie Vogelmann, takes that same sense of wonder into a fantasy world of dragons, caves and discovery. Point Salad, co-designed by Molly Johnson, is a fast, smart card game about collecting vegetables and scoring combinations in as many different ways as possible. Together, these titles show how women designers continue to create games that are welcoming, imaginative, replayable and entertaining. Part of what makes these titles so appealing is that they bring a different creative dimension to the table, whether through theme, visual storytelling, elegant mechanics or a more welcoming approach to how people learn and play together. “Women designers have played a major role in shaping some of the most loved and respected games in the modern hobby,” says Philip Galliford of Solarpop. “Their work brings fresh perspectives, strong creative choices and beautifully considered play experiences that appeal to families, casual players and serious gamers alike.” For more tabletop gaming inspiration follow @solarpopsouthafrica CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: V D from Twiga Communications on behalf of Solarpop. …
AI Will Not Replace Great Salespeople. It Will Expose Generic Sales Training.
Many organisations know more about their pipeline than the people expected to convert it. Sales leaders can see every opportunity, every conversion rate and every forecast in real time. AI is helping teams prepare for meetings, generate proposals, analyse conversations and predict outcomes with remarkable speed. So, why do some salespeople consistently outperform everyone else? The answer may be simpler than one may expect. We have spent years refining sales processes, investing in technology and standardising training. We have devoted far less attention to understanding the people expected to bring those systems to life. The more AI standardises the mechanics of selling, the more individual strengths become a competitive advantage. AI will not replace great salespeople. It will expose generic sales training. Standardised sales training assumes there is one blueprint for sales success. Experience suggests otherwise. The strongest salespeople rarely succeed for exactly the same reasons, and the organisations achieving the greatest gains are recognising that developing people is every bit as important as refining processes. I was reminded of this during a recent conversation with a sales executive whose team had attended multiple sales programmes over the years. The organisation had made substantial investments in methodologies, CRM systems and dashboards. Still, only a small percentage of the team consistently exceeded target. My comment to him: "What if the salesperson is your differentiator? You keep conducting skills training, but have you invested the time to truly understand the people behind the sales numbers and what it takes to get the best out of them?" The problem with standardised sales training Most sales programmes are designed around a fairly standard idea of what a successful salesperson looks like—someone who is outgoing, highly assertive, quick on their feet and naturally good at building relationships. But really, …
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ICASA License Amendment Unlocks HOT 102.7FM’S Next Growth Chapter
HOT 102.7FM has secured a significant amendment to the programming format of its commercial broadcasting licence, giving the station substantially greater scope to deliver the Old Skool and R&B format on which its audience and commercial growth have been built. Approved by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the amendment changes the station’s licensed music format from a 50% split between Classical music and Old Skool and R&B to 85% Old Skool and R&B and 15% Classical music. The new format takes effect from 1 August 2026. For HOT 102.7FM, this is far more than a change to the music mix. It is a major strategic step forward that brings the station’s licence into much closer alignment with its core audience proposition, giving listeners more of the music they choose HOT for and further strengthening its offering to advertisers and commercial partners. The station submitted its application to ICASA in September 2024 as part of a long-term strategy, led by Founder and Managing Director Lloyd Madurai, to build a focused and distinctive commercial radio brand around exceptional content. “We thank ICASA and its Council for the considered manner in which they assessed our application,” says Madurai. “This amendment allows us to align our licensed format much more closely with the music our listeners choose HOT 102.7FM for, while continuing to honour the Classical music component of our licence. “This is a landmark moment for the station. It gives us significantly greater scope to strengthen an already successful radio product and deliver even more value to our listeners, advertisers and partners.” A proven proposition with more room to grow The amendment comes at a time when HOT 102.7FM’s focused commercial proposition is delivering measurable momentum. BrandMapp estimates that the station reaches 710,000 regular listeners, giving it an 11% footprint in Gauteng. That scale is supported by a loyal and …
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Effie Awards South Africa Announces 2026 Finalists
Effie Awards South Africa has announced 45 finalists for the 2026 programme, following the first round of judging. Following 2025’s record-setting programme, the 2026 Effie Awards South Africa recorded a further 29% increase in entries, reflecting growing participation from agencies, clients and specialist partners and reinforcing the value placed on marketing effectiveness across the industry. Hosted by the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), the Effie Awards remain the globally recognised benchmark for marketing effectiveness. Reaching finalist status is already a significant achievement, recognising work that has demonstrated the potential to meet Effie’s rigorous standard for effectiveness through clear objectives, strategic thinking, creativity and measurable results. “Finalist status at Effie means the work has stood up to a process that interrogates not only the idea, but the challenge, the strategy, how the idea was brought to life and the results achieved,” said Gillian Rightford, ACA Executive Director for Effie South Africa. “With a record number of cases entered this year, the continued growth of the programme reflects how seriously the industry is taking effectiveness. These finalists represent the cases that have shown the discipline, ambition and evidence required to compete at the highest level.” All Effie finalists earn points towards the global Effie Index, giving both agency and client teams recognition beyond the local programme. Finalists now progress to the next stage of adjudication, where Round 2 judging will determine which campaigns will go on to win Bronze, Silver and Gold, with the most effective work considered for the prestigious Grand Effie. Effie South Africa extends its appreciation to the moderators who guided the adjudication sessions, managed the judging rooms and helped keep discussions focused and on track: Refilwe Maluleke (Jury Co-Chair), Ahmed Tilly (Jury Co-Chair), Franco D'Onofrio, Sue Napier, …
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Game on the Go With Five Second Rule Travel Editions
There are games that require enormous focus and a willingness to read a rulebook before dinner. Then there is Five Second Rule, which asks only that you have a working brain, a sense of humour and the ability to name three things before chaos and laughter set in. It sounds simple: name three things in five seconds - three sports, three movie stars, three things you pack for a holiday. Easy, until the timer starts and your mind offers up one answer, a nervous laugh and, for reasons no one can explain, “potato”. That is the charm of this wonderfully simple game. Local is lekker with three different versions Solarpop has launched three versions specifically for the South African market that can be played as stand-alone games, or can be mixed and matched for a bigger group of players. Each version is a travel edition size which means you can game on the go, take it with you on a long weekend getaway, bring it with you to friends or keep it in the car for when the kids need a good distraction. Five Second Rule SA – Entertainment: travel edition brings movies, music, pop culture and famous names into the mix, perfect for players who enjoy showbiz trivia. Five Second Rule SA – Sports: travel edition is for the fans who believe they know their teams, tournaments and sporting heroes. Five Second Rule SA: travel edition includes general trivia. “Five Second Rule is ideal for all ages and group sizes because it’s simple, fast and instantly funny,” says Philip Galliford of Solarpop. “There are no lengthy instructions and gets everyone involved quickly, whether you’re around a braai, on holiday or spending time with family. The South African editions give players themes they can connect with, making local even more lekker.” Five Second Rule earns its place in the holiday bag. It’s a small box with big noise, and just enough pressure to make everyone ridiculous. For more follow @solarpopsouthafrica CLICK HERE to submit your press release to …
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First Look: Crime Drama ‘Poachers Moon’ Starring Tom Datnow and Kwenzo Ngcobo – Film to Premiere at Durban International Film Festival
South African neo-Western crime drama Poachers Moon will make its local premiere at the 47th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) on 25 July 2026, marking a significant milestone for the independently produced feature. While deeply rooted in South Africa through its setting, story and predominantly South African cast and crew, the film was developed and executive produced by UK-based filmmaker Tom Datnow and his wife Kathryn Datnow and their UK production company, DODATNOWFILMS. A South African story told through the lens of a UK-based filmmaker who grew up between South Africa and London, Poachers Moon blends personal experience with pressing social realities. The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing inspiration from Datnow's own experiences of navigating two cultures and identities. Filmed in the Northern Cape province, primarily in and around Kimberley, Poachers Moon is a gripping 105-minute neo-Western that explores the devastating impact of poverty, trauma and rhino poaching through the lives of two childhood friends whose destinies become irrevocably intertwined. The film is presented in English, Afrikaans, Southern Sotho and Zulu. The film stars British actor Tom Datnow as James Hollander alongside South African actor Kwenzo Ngcobo as Michael "Moremi" Zungu. They are joined by an ensemble cast that includes SAG Award nominee Stelio Savante, Andre Jacobs, Muzi Mthabela, Ayanda Bandla-Ngubane, Ntandoyethu Zondi, Thami Mngqolo, Kathryn Datnow, Leroy Gopal, Martez Saporta-Rothuysen, Thomas Janisch and Sabelo Radebe. Poachers Moon marks the feature directorial debut of Datnow, a UK-based writer, director and producer who also penned the screenplay. Inspired by the memory of a late friend and informed by his upbringing between South Africa and London, the film explores themes of identity, friendship, loss of innocence, resilience and hope amid harsh circumstances. The semi-autobiographical elements lend an additional layer of truth to a story that …
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Winter Tabletop Gaming Fun Lands at Toy Kingdom This Weekend
Families looking for something fun to do this weekend can head to Toy Kingdom for a special Solarpop tabletop gaming activation. Taking place from 24 to 26 July, the activation will bring hands-on gaming fun to the Pick n Pay court at CapeGate Shopping Centre in Brackenfell and in-store at Toy Kingdom at The Pavilion, giving shoppers the chance to discover, play and enjoy a selection of popular games in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Philip Galliford, spokesperson for Solarpop, says: “Whether you’re already a board game fan or simply looking for a new way to keep the children entertained during the colder months, the Winter Gaming activation offers a great opportunity to try something different and learn new games.” For more on winter tabletop game ideas follow @solarpopsouthafrica CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: V D from Twiga Communications on behalf of Solarpop. …
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The Growth of Trading Card Games
Stefan Roets, Product Manager – Collectable Trading Card Games at Solarpop, unpacks the growth of trading card games in South Africa and globally. Trading cards have always been popular, but over the past few years, the hobby has grown into something bigger that incorporates fandom, competitive play and community. Globally, the category has moved far beyond nostalgia. Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic: The Gathering remain giants of the space, with new releases, organised play, international tournaments and collector communities keeping fans of all ages engaged year-round. Around them, a new wave of licensed entertainment brands is entering the card aisle, turning favourite characters, stories and screen worlds into another touchpoint for fans to engage with. We’ve recently seen the launch of My Little Pony collectable cards and KPop Demon Hunters collectable cards. Magic: The Gathering has teamed up with Marvel, in a superhero-themed set that released in June 2026, bringing iconic comic book characters, villains and storylines into collectible card form. For fans, it brings a new dimension to card play. Pokémon has grown significantly and marks its 30th anniversary in 2026 with the “What’s Your Favorite?” campaign, featuring celebrity collaboration with names such as Lady Gaga and Trevor Noah. The scale of the brand’s trading card success is staggering: more than 85 billion Pokémon cards have reportedly been produced worldwide, with around 10 billion printed in the latest financial year alone. At the top end of the collector market, rare cards have become cultural assets in their own right, with Logan Paul’s Pikachu Illustrator card selling for a reported $16.5 million at auction. Pokémon has grown into a global collecting phenomenon. South Africa is part of that shift. Local hobby stores, toy retailers, fan conventions and gaming events have become gathering points for collectors and players. Major events have also become a key part of the hobby’s …
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Hot Cares Helps Protect Both Elephants and Communities With R79 000 Donation to Elephants Alive
The devastating flooding that occurred earlier this year along the western boundary of Kruger National Park has torn apart elephant movement corridors that have existed for generations, pushing the animals into neighbouring farming communities in search of food. With no way of predicting where they will emerge next, families face the loss of crops and livelihoods, while the elephants themselves face injury, conflict and even death. Elephants Alive has been working to prevent this escalating conflict. Using satellite tracking, rapid-response Elephant Shepherd teams and community partnerships, the conservation organisation is helping keep both people and elephants safe. And Hot Cares, with the help of their listeners, is supporting them. After hearing about the crisis from a listener, Hot Cares, the community upliftment initiative of HOT 102.7FM, stepped in with a donation of R79 000 to fund a new satellite tracking collar and the veterinary costs of fitting it. More than simply tracking an elephant, the collar gives conservation teams the early warning they need to intervene before crops are raided, livelihoods are lost or another elephant pays the ultimate price. For Hot Cares, the decision to help was an easy one. "When we heard about the incredible work Dr Michelle Henley and her team are doing, we were struck by the fact that this isn't simply about protecting elephants," says Lloyd Madurai, Managing Director of HOT 102.7FM. "It's about protecting families, livelihoods and finding practical, sustainable ways for people and wildlife to coexist. That's exactly the kind of meaningful, long-term impact Hot Cares exists to support." Home to more than 30,000 elephants, Kruger National Park has always depended on a delicate balance between wildlife and the communities living beyond its borders. The recent flooding upset that balance, creating what conservationists describe as a "conflict window" as elephants began venturing into farming areas in search of …
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Solarpop’s Top Board Games for Cold Winter Nights
Winter has a way of shrinking the world to the size of a table. But with the right ingredients, staying in can feel like less of a compromise and more like a plan. Put the kettle on, pull out the blankets and get your family and friends together for a night of board games. Board games offer the perfect excuse to gather, compete, laugh and occasionally accuse someone of playing far too strategically. Spot It! SA - small tin, big energy Spot It! SA looks harmless until everyone is leaning across the table, shouting at once and insisting they absolutely saw the matching symbol first. The South African edition adds local flavour, making it even more fun when familiar icons appear in the mix. It’s quick, portable and works across ages, which makes it a useful winter staple for family evenings, school holidays or those awkward moments when everyone needs a game but nobody wants instructions longer than the game itself. Pandemic For those who prefer their winter nights with a little global tension, Pandemic remains one of the great cooperative board games. Instead of playing against each other, players work as a team to stop diseases spreading across the world. It’s clever and tense, especially when the group starts making dramatic decisions like a crisis committee with snacks. Pandemic is ideal for players who like strategy, problem-solving and the rare joy of winning together. Codenames Codenames is a word game for people who enjoy clever clues, subtle panic and the slow realisation that your friends do not think the way you thought they did. Players split into teams and try to identify their agents using single-word clues from their spymaster. It’s endlessly replayable because the real entertainment lies in the strange logic of the people around the table. Perfect for dinner parties and bigger groups. CATAN Zip! For fans of roads, resources and very serious conversations about sheep, CATAN Zip! brings the spirit of Catan into a more compact, …