Jacques Laubscher joins IMA South Africa leadership team as Creative Director. As an agency extremely proud of its years-long record of a powerful female staff complement, 2023 is sizing up to look just a little bit different for IMA South Africa with the addition of Jacques Laubscher to its leadership team. Jacques is a Creative Director with over 14 years of experience crafting local and international (and awarded) campaigns for the likes of YouTube, Google, Reebok, and Unilever. His entry into the IMA team not only continues the company’s growth into the world of digital and content but also builds upon the entrepreneurial spirit that has characterised their first two years of operation. Jacques joins Katherine Freemantle (Managing Director) and Catherine Mavrocoleas (Strategic Operations Director) to complete a trifecta focussed on working through, under and over the blurred lines of marketing and communication in an approach they describe as “experienced by few and seen by many” – something IMA is fast becoming famous for. “Experiential is intrinsically linked to experience online, and our constant ambition in creating work that is effective and impactful,” says Katherine Freemantle, Managing Director at IMA South Africa. And lest we think that IMA has wavered in its focus to empower South African women, they are also delighted to welcome a few other fresh faces to the team: Likho Ndzunga (Experiential Project Manager), Adrienne Visser (Conceptual Copywriter), Ruva Gorowa (Copywriter, Social Media) and Elizabeth Sun (Account Director). CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za for free. …
Packa-Ching Launches in Mahikeng
One of South Africa’s most successful community recycling collection projects, Polyco’s Packa-Ching, recently launched its 12th recycling truck and trailer in Danville, Mahikeng. The new Packa-Ching unit in Mahikeng drives to various collection points and collects recyclable material - plastic, glass, cans and cardboard – and pays for it on the spot, allowing people from many different communities to use the service to earn money for their recyclables. Now in its fifth year of operation, Polyco’s Packa-Ching has collected over 9 million kilograms of recycling and paid out over R9 million to community residents across South Africa in return for their recyclables. “Given the success of Packa-Ching within our other communities, we were excited to launch in Mahikeng,” says Patricia Pillay, Chief Executive Officer at Polyco. “This is a great opportunity for people to earn money while keeping their communities clean. “Like every other Packa-Ching recycling truck and trailer, the Mahikeng recycling unit pays people for their recyclables and the money is loaded onto their cell phone, instantly ready for redemption. We find that once someone makes use of Packa-Ching they start to see the value in waste and how they can earn entirely new income to support their families,” adds Pillay. Margarette Mosimane (now 71 years of age,) began her relationship with recycling many years ago. She discovered her passion while clearing her back garden of recyclable waste to start a home vegetable garden and fell in love with the process while sorting different materials. “I soon realised that there was a lot of opportunity in recycling, and I could gain an income from it. I started and have never looked back,” says Mosimane. Miss Mosimane’s day starts at 4 a.m. when she starts collecting her recycling materials. The neighbourhood supports her efforts and contributes to her collection of recyclable materials. “Some neighbours even take their time to deliver them in bulk to …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
First-of-its-kind travel NFT collection turns an exclusive travel membership into an alternative investment vehicle
The Pangolin Collection NFT will launch in May, minting 111 unique NFTs that will give owners lifetime access to travel benefits, and potential long-term returns. This is the first time that tangible, real-world travel benefits and privileges are being attached to tradeable, transferrable digital assets in this way by a local company. The Pangolin Collection NFTs will go on sale in a staggered launch, and holders will get exclusive access to over R100,000 in savings in local and international travel benefits a year, for as long as they remain NFT holders. The use of NFTs as proof of membership disrupts dated travel club and timeshare models that lock members into rigid, escalating annual costs and levies, benefits that devalue over time, and red tape when wanting to exit. Local high-end short-term rental-management company, Euphoric Leisure, has announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind, NFT-based travel membership. The Pangolin Collection NFTs are set to be minted between 11 May and 21 June 2023, giving holders access to exclusive local and international travel perks and discounts. Only 111 Pangolin Collection NFTs will ever be minted. This means that, in addition to the immediate travel benefits that NFT ownership affords, members stand to generate a return on their initial investment due to the scarcity of the NFTs if they decide to sell their Pangolin Collection NFTs in the future. “Traditional travel clubs and memberships tend to be rigid, full of hidden costs, and notoriously difficult to exit. We have conceptualised the Pangolin Collection NFT to be the opposite – giving holders immediate, tangible short-term benefits, as well as potential long-term upside from what is ultimately a tradable digital asset that can appreciate over time. We’re using NFTs to turn a travel membership into an alternative investment vehicle,” explains Euphoric Leisure’s Director, Dean McLuckie. Member Benefits 50% off 7-night stays throughout the Pangolin …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Enlit Africa 2023 proposes to tackle the toughest questions around power, and as a result, has attracted energy experts from almost 90 countries
Power Trip: SA’s imperative and the continent’s other energy crisis From 16 to 18 May 2023, Africa's most influential power, energy and water conference and exhibition, Enlit Africa, will take place at the CTICC in Cape Town. With South Africa’s energy crisis entering its darkest period, the thought that consultants, analysts, developers, and experts from every related sphere of influence will be coming together offers some hope. ” Considering that we’re expecting more than 4000 delegates and over 180 speakers drawn from 87+ countries, from academia and start-ups, independent power producers, government and municipalities, utilities, service and solution providers, the regulatory and EPC sectors, and more… It is extremely exciting,” says Chanelle Hingston, Group Director: Power & Energy of VUKA Group, the organiser. “Enlit Africa 2023 is certainly more relevant than ever before as South Africa goes through a serious reckoning as to the future of electricity supply in the country,” says David Ashdown, CEO of VUKA Group, the organiser. “There is a definite sense that we’re facing an imperative and the world’s top energy professionals are coming to Cape Town to apply their minds to the multi-dimensional, multi-sectoral energy transition, which is our theme for 2023.” The energy transition is more than just an energy issue - it impacts multiple sectors including transport, the production of alternative fuels and the intersection between energy and water among other things. Increased production of energy via renewable energy offers a chance to electrify many sectors currently reliant on fossil fuels. “Our current electricity crisis actually offers us a chance to explore the opportunities that a truly competitive energy sector, driven by renewable energies, could mean for South Africa's economy and future, and the legacy we leave as custodians of the planet,” notes David Ashdown, CEO of VUKA Group. “This is also a chance to step up and lead the energy …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
What does greylisting mean for SA importers and exporters
What does greylisting mean for SA importers and exporters: the advantage of using an intermediary for cross-border transfers On 24 February 2023, South Africa was placed on the list of "Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring” (i.e., the “grey list”) by the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”), along with Nigeria and 21 other countries. Annabel Bishop, chief economist at Investec, noted that "The purpose of greylisting by FATF is not to destroy or damage a country, and it is not intended to make the economic environment more difficult, prevent flows of monies in and out of borders or bring impediments to legal businesses. Many banks are indeed well placed to help clients with what will amount to likely extra paperwork and some delays.” Richard Beddow, CEO of ForexPeople, points out that “the inevitable additional admin associated with cross border transfers (caused by the increased scrutiny that will now be applied to payments to and from SA) will be somewhat less frustrating when clients are using an FX intermediary, due to the higher degree of personal support and advice when compared to the online-platform and call-centre approach of commercial banks. FX intermediaries are fully regulated by SARB and FSCA, and provide solutions that facilitate forex transfers, and minimise risk through a hands-on service. This applies to both individuals and SME importers and exporters looking for more comprehensive support and advice offering. Now in its 20th year of trading, ForexPeople, one of SA’s largest FX intermediaries, recently announced a new partnership with Investec. “Up to now, we have focused purely on FX,” says Beddow. “Now, with Investec as a partner, we are able to offer our clients a broader product range that includes money market products and trade finance. By aggregating our 450-plus clients’ FX volume, we are now in a position to source them the best rates from two banks (Capitec and Investec) and can leverage the relative strengths of …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
How to make your airport advertising work
When the sky’s the limit: Airport advertising specialist Daniela Tommasi shares some big-sky thinking Since 2021, passenger numbers have been steadily climbing at ACSA airports, with significant growth following the lifting of travel restrictions for both domestic and international flights. Recent figures show that Cape Town International Airport experienced a jaw-dropping 95% increase in international travelers, while OR Tambo has recovered 75% of its pre-Covid passenger numbers. King Shaka also saw its overall passenger numbers rise to 71% of pre-Covid levels. As a result, the demand for advertising positions has skyrocketed, demonstrating the value that brands place on airport advertising. Daniela Tommasi, Airport Lead at EPIC Outdoor, specialists in large format, high impact static and digital out-of-home marketing platforms, highlights the power of airport advertising, citing its high-value environment and captive audience as a unique opportunity to engage with consumers in a strategic and tactical way. Tommasi's experience in airport advertising showcases the potential of creative campaigns that make the most of airport space that are generally not available in other outdoor media platforms. Here are four recent examples installed by EPIC Outdoor that demonstrate the impact of targeted campaigns, each curated and executed after detailed briefs from client and ensured their specific marketing outcomes were realised. Sky-high 3D installation Garmin's Fenix 7 watch campaign required a bold and disruptive approach to introduce their new product to as many passengers as possible. EPIC identified an "untraditional" space in OR Tambo's Domestic Departures where every passenger had to pass after clearing security. Using the full depth of the available space, the artwork was sectioned and cut into "layers" to create a 3D mountain effect, with bold replica 3D custom watches standing proud and demanding attention. Captivating passengers where they …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
All Your Solar Questions Answered
To help South Africans make the right decisions around installation and ongoing maintenance, Versofy SOLAR has collated the questions they receive most frequently and provided answers. Thanks to load-shedding as well as the soaring cost of electricity, thousands of South Africans are investigating their options with regard to solar power. Understandably, they have a lot of questions. Solar energy experts Versofy SOLAR received more than 5 000 enquiries around home subscriptions since January, and they keep coming. Ross Mains-Sheard, Director at Versofy SOLAR, answers 10 of the most frequently asked questions. 1. Is one brand of solar panel as efficient as another? The efficiency of your solar panels depends on the amount of sunlight that they receive and their technical specifications. Some panels are more technologically advanced than others. Versofy SOLAR uses only best-in-class panels: Canadian Solar Panels and JA Solar panels. 2. How long does it take to install a household solar system? Installing the solar panels, inverter and battery can be done within one to three days. 3. Can solar panels be installed on a flat roof? While there are some aspects to consider, solar panels will perform efficiently on a flat roof provided that they are mounted securely and installed at the optimum angle. The optimum angle for a solar panel's performance in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, would depend on latitude and other local factors. 4. How many solar panels are needed for a typical house? The average home will use between 6 and 12 panels, but the exact number depends on the area of your home, inverter capabilities and electricity needs. Choose an experienced supplier who can correctly assess your property and energy demands and offer flexible package options suited to your home and your budget. 5. Will the system work in extreme conditions? Most are designed to withstand high winds, heavy rain and hail. Solar panels may actually operate …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
5 Insights From 5 Major Players In Retail And E-Commerce For 2023
E-commerce is one of the fastest evolving industries in the world. The growth has been unprecedented, and in Africa the appetite for online business and retailing is higher than ever. In 2021, retail e-commerce sales amounted to approximately 5.2 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide. This figure is forecast to grow by 56% over the next few years, reaching about 8.1 trillion dollars by 2026. But, what insights are there from those on the ground? How are companies keeping up, in South Africa and beyond? Here’s what PayPal, One Day Only, Jumia, WorldPay and Bob Group have to say: Two Thirds of Businesses Now Offer Online Payment Methods: PayPal In recent research conducted by PayPal, the company has found that online shopping is well-entrenched with local consumers, and that customers are comfortable with the payment options on offer. In response to this, 64% of businesses have introduced more online payment methods, enabling more customers to pay via various methods. Another 22% intend to introduce more methods. This speaks to the maturing of the sector and businesses' drive to provide their customers with the payment methods they prefer. Accepting orders through online shopping carts has had an overall business impact on 71% of responding businesses, showing the power of automation that e-commerce platforms can provide. Cyber Security is at the Top of the List: Worldpay This is not a new threat for payment operations. But with the increase in global internet penetration and the explosion of digital information, the scale and sophistication of fraudulent attacks has also increased. Given the gravity of the problem, it’s unsurprising that fraud detection is a critical requirement for B2B and e-commerce payment offerings at Worldpay. Combining fraud protection and seamless consumer experiences is crucial as nothing deters customers more from closing a transaction like complex security protocols. But new technologies including AI and machine learning are …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
ECOM Africa to Tackle Cybercrime After Soaring Levels Rock Southern Africa
Over the last two years, South Africa has recorded one of the biggest spikes in cybercrime globally. This increase has thrust the country into being the sixth highest country to be impacted by digital crime. With continued growth in the digital space, as well as the knock-on effects of COVID-19, cybercrime is impacting the country more than ever before. A shocking 97 people per hour fell victim to cybercrime in 2021, with phishing topping the list of the biggest threats to online security. While personal cybercrime stats trump the number of attacks on businesses, corporate brands are not immune to online attacks. In fact, in recent years, TransUnion South Africa made headlines when it suffered a large-scale cyber-attack. 54 million records of personal data were stolen in a data breach that sent the company reeling. Personally identifiable information (PII) including ID numbers, employment information, email addresses and even passport numbers, was stolen by hackers. And this is just one example of companies being impacted by digital attacks. Over the last three years, corporate companies have become increasingly vulnerable to online crime. With COVID-19 forcing employees to work remotely, critical company data has become more accessible. Penetration points into the company have increased significantly as communication and access points become more remote. Businesses around South Africa and further abroad have had to remain vigilant and be on the lookout for technology to protect themselves against the attacks. However, with the constant evolution of attacks, many have expressed frustration in not being able to keep up with what is needed. With over 2500 delegates and 60 speakers, ECOM Africa 2023 is the ideal platform for these solution providers to connect with the top South African brands. The event brings together heads of security, online and e-commerce to discuss and unpack answers for their individual brands. Industry leaders like Worldpay, …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
A world-class ice cream and sorbet popsicle brand is taking SA by storm
Didi and Tim Deane are the dynamic duo behind a rapidly scaling business that brings joy to customers (young and old) and showcases all the delicious fruit and ingredients we are so lucky to have here in South Africa. Their sorbet and ice cream brand POPCO has grown rapidly since its inception in 2018 and is now stocked in more than 150 outlets countrywide. And the volumes being snapped up equate to someone enjoying a POPCO popsicle somewhere in the country every minute! So how did a chemical engineer and a retail exec with a Yale MBA end up founding SA’s coolest new brand? “When we were on holiday in South America, we discovered the real-fruit sorbets and ice-cream popsicles sold on almost every corner. We couldn’t understand why there wasn’t an equivalent with the same amazing taste and light, smooth mouthfeel on the SA market. Tim and I had been looking to take our 20+ years of experience in the corporate world and start a business together… we realised that this was it!" says Didi. What followed, Tim explains, was a great deal of research, business plan refinement and projections. The couple also flew back to Brazil to learn recipe development and to procure the required equipment and machinery. Back in Cape Town, they got to work using Didi’s kitchen blender and fresh fruit bought at the local market. “The study became our prep kitchen, the dining room table - our workspace, and there was fruit everywhere you looked. Once, when watermelon stocks were about to run out, Tim returned from the market with half a tonne of them!” Within just 8 months, volumes and demand had increased to such an extent that the business moved into a professional production kitchen in Salt River. Cool growth Any start-up has its challenges, and the couple had been building a strong following at the Biscuit Mill and other local markets when the pandemic struck. Agility is often cited as a success predictor and enables companies to adjust to market shifts. …