Wine has a funny way of making ordinary moments feel a little more special. A relaxed dinner, a weekend braai, friends arriving unexpectedly, or simply sitting outside after a long day can all be better with a glass of something you enjoy. And while wine can sometimes feel like a world of its own, choosing a good bottle doesn't have to be complicated. For many South Africans, it comes down to finding a wine that tastes good, suits the occasion and offers good value. That is where affordable South African wine has a place. Celebrating South African Wine South Africa has a proud winemaking heritage that stretches back centuries. Our wine regions produce an impressive variety of wines, with different grapes, climates and growing conditions contributing to the character of each bottle. South African wines are enjoyed locally and around the world, and there is plenty of choice for wine drinkers. From crisp whites and refreshing rosés to rich reds, there is a style for almost every palate and occasion. What makes local wine particularly appealing is that you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune to enjoy something enjoyable and well made. Finding Affordable South African Wine The word "affordable" sometimes creates the impression that you have to compromise on quality. When it comes to wine, that doesn't have to be the case. Affordable South African wine can be a great option for everyday enjoyment. Not every glass needs to come from an expensive bottle reserved for a special occasion. Sometimes you simply want something reliable and enjoyable to pour with dinner or share with friends. Choosing an affordable wine also makes entertaining easier. If you're hosting a group, having a wine that offers good value means you can focus on the occasion rather than worrying about the cost of every bottle. It is about finding that balance between quality, flavour and price. Wine for Real Life Wine doesn't only belong at formal dinners or special …
New to SMD: BISSELL – 150 Years of Cleaner Living
For almost 150 years, BISSELL has been helping families create cleaner, healthier and happier homes. Now, the globally recognised home cleaning brand joins the SMD Technologies portfolio, bringing with it a remarkable legacy of innovation, family ownership and products designed around the realities of everyday life. Founded in 1876, BISSELL’s story began with a simple problem that needed a better solution. What started with the development of an innovative carpet sweeper would ultimately grow into one of the world’s most recognised names in floor care and home cleaning. Today, BISSELL products can be found in homes around the world, but the philosophy behind the brand remains remarkably similar: understand the cleaning challenges people face every day and develop smarter, more effective ways to solve them. Nearly 150 Years of Innovation Few consumer brands can claim a history spanning almost a century and a half. Throughout that time, homes have changed dramatically. Flooring has evolved, lifestyles have become busier, technology has advanced and the expectations consumers have of their cleaning products have grown. BISSELL has evolved alongside them. From its early carpet sweepers to modern vacuum cleaners, deep cleaners and advanced multi-surface cleaning systems, the brand has continually looked for ways to make cleaning faster, easier and more effective. That ability to evolve has helped transform BISSELL from a traditional floor-care company into a modern home-cleaning brand with solutions developed for the way people live today. Modern households no longer necessarily want a cupboard filled with different appliances for every surface. Consumers increasingly look for versatile products that can solve multiple cleaning challenges while saving time and delivering consistent results. It is within this space that BISSELL continues to innovate. Cleaning Designed for Real Homes At the heart of BISSELL’s product development is an …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
The Everyday Creator’s Secret Weapon – Motorola Moto G37 5G
The Moto G37 5G: The Everyday Creator's Secret Weapon: By Sharay Shams, Executive Director & General Manager for the Mobile Business Group (META) at Motorola Mobility, a Lenovo company If you spend any time watching top-tier vloggers, travel influencers, or lifestyle creators, you've probably wondered the same thing: how did they get that shot without destroying their camera? You know the moments we're talking about. The phone balanced against a coffee cup for a quick behind-the-scenes reel. The low-angle shot from the edge of a hiking trail. The smooth clip from a weekend market, a beach walk, or golden hour with friends. For years, capturing those energetic, documentary-style moments meant either investing in extra gear or being overly cautious with the device you already own. But with the new Moto G37 5G, Motorola has created a smartphone that gives everyday creators more freedom to capture life as it happens, a phone designed to keep up with the shot, the story, and the pace of real life. Why You Need a Phone That Does It All The reality of content creation is that the best moments rarely wait for perfect conditions. They happen while you're walking through the city, catching golden hour with friends, filming a recipe in a busy kitchen, or grabbing a quick clip between meetings. For many up-and-coming South African creators, carrying a flagship phone and a separate action camera simply isn't realistic. What matters more is having one reliable device that works as a daily driver, a creative tool, and a companion for everyday adventures. The Moto G37 5G brings that balance into reach, offering the confidence to create more often, in more places, without overthinking the gear. Made for Real-Life Moments What makes the Moto G37 5G such a useful creator companion is the reassurance it brings to everyday shooting. With water splash resistance, it is built to handle the bumps, splashes and dusty conditions that come with creating on the …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
The Store That Turned Craft Beer Into a Destination
For Mike Egling, owner of Hillcrest TOPS at SPAR in KwaZulu-Natal, supporting small businesses has never been a trend - it has been the foundation of his business philosophy. Long before craft beer became mainstream, Mike and his wife, Leigh-Anne, built the neighbouring Hillcrest KWIKSPAR by giving shelf space to local food entrepreneurs who lacked access to major retailers. They worked closely with producers to improve their products, packaging and presentation, helping many grow from home-based businesses into recognised commercial brands. When the couple opened Hillcrest TOPS at SPAR more than 15 years ago, they applied the same thinking to South Africa's emerging craft beer industry. "Many independent brewers were producing exceptional beers but had limited routes to market," says Egling. "We wanted to create a store where smaller producers could stand alongside the big brands and where customers could discover something they could not find elsewhere." Rather than focusing only on mainstream labels, Hillcrest TOPS at SPAR deliberately built a range of India Pale Ales, English Pale Ales, pilsners, wheat beers, barrel-aged beers and other independent craft offerings, transforming the store into a destination for beer enthusiasts. The decision came with challenges. Many breweries operated hundreds of kilometres away, making distribution expensive and difficult, particularly for unpasteurised beers that require strict temperature control. Instead of accepting these barriers, Hillcrest TOPS at SPAR developed a chilled consolidation system, using collection hubs in Johannesburg and Cape Town to combine shipments before transporting them under refrigeration to Durban. The model not only protected product quality but also made it easier for smaller breweries to access customers in KwaZulu-Natal. "We have always believed that offering unique beers creates excitement for customers," says Egling. "We are prepared to invest in making that happen because …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Husky Prime Cuts: Premium Nutrition, Everyday Value
South African pet parents are becoming increasingly conscious of what goes into their dogs' bowls. They are looking for meals that offer visible quality, real ingredients and nutritional value, without the premium price tag. That's where Husky Prime Cuts comes in. Where only the finest ingredients meet the cut, Husky Prime Cuts has been developed for pet parents who want more from every feeding occasion. Combining real meat with complete and balanced nutrition, the range delivers a premium feeding experience that supports everyday health and wellbeing. For more than 50 years, Husky has been part of South African homes. As the country's original wet dog food brand, Husky has always been driven by one simple belief: dogs deserve food they'll genuinely love. That passion continues today with Husky Prime Cuts, where every recipe is crafted with real meat and quality ingredients to create meals dogs can't wait to tuck into. It's also the reason every pack features the joyful, expressive faces of dogs, a celebration of the excitement and happiness that comes with every mealtime. Available in both cans and pouches, Husky Prime Cuts contains 30% more protein and highly digestible nutrition, helping dogs get more from every meal. The range has been formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition, making it suitable as a standalone meal or served alongside dry food. The launch comes at a time when many pet parents are moving towards more premium feeding options, home-prepared meals or fresh food alternatives. With Prime Cuts, Husky is taking its long-standing commitment to South African dogs one step further by offering a premium wet food solution that delivers on both nutrition and value. But Husky Prime Cuts is about more than nutrition. It's about the moments we share with our dogs every day. Whether it's breakfast before the school run, dinner after a long day, or sitting down to a traditional Sunday roast with family, our dogs are always …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Olympic Professional Launches New Wet Dog Food “Because Dogs Love Wet”
New protein rich range gives South African dog owners another delicious way to fuel their everyday champions. Every dog owner has seen it. The excitement of racing into the ocean, chasing a sprinkler across the garden or leaping into a muddy puddle after the rain. It's a simple truth that inspired Olympic Professional's newest product launch. “Because dogs love wet” Olympic Professional has officially launched Olympic wet food, a delicious new wet range that combines protein rich, meaty chunks with complete and balanced nutrition, giving South African dogs another way to enjoy every meal The launch introduces an exciting new addition to the Olympic Professional portfolio and reinforces the brand's commitment to supporting the everyday champions that bring joy, loyalty and companionship to families across the country. "Every dog deserves food they'll genuinely love eating without compromising on nutrition," says Brendan Hayes, CEO at Bob Martin Southern Africa "We know dogs naturally love wet food, so we created a product that delivers irresistible taste together with the smart nutrition owners expect from Olympic Professional." The new wet range is packed with protein-rich meat chunks to support strong muscles and active lifestyles, while delivering complete, balanced nutrition in a juicy, meaty format that dogs instinctively enjoy. Olympic Professional wet also complements the brand's existing dry food range, giving pet owners the flexibility to choose between wet and dry feeding, or combine both, depending on their dog's needs and preferences. By offering both formats within one trusted portfolio, Olympic Professional provides premium nutrition at an accessible price, making quality feeding more attainable for South African families. The launch also strengthens Olympic Professional's long-standing everyday champions deserve Olympic positioning, recognising that every dog is a champion in its own way. Whether they're serving alongside the …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Introducing Kitchen Inspire: Innovation Meets Style in the Kitchen
The kitchen has always been more than just a place to prepare food. It is where creativity comes to life, family favourites are passed down, new recipes are attempted and everyday moments are shared. Kitchen Inspire was created with these moments in mind, bringing together practical kitchen essentials, thoughtful design and a touch of personality. Now entering an exciting new chapter as part of the SMD Technologies homeware offering, Kitchen Inspire continues to build on the reputation it has established amongst home bakers and cooks who value both performance and design. Kitchen Inspire is perhaps best known for its premium silicone bakeware range, which has become a firm favourite for making baking simpler and more enjoyable. Designed with durability, safety and convenience in mind, the range offers effortless non-stick baking while making both preparation and clean-up that much easier. From cakes and muffins to breads and homemade treats, the range has been designed for the realities of everyday kitchens. Baking should be about enjoying the process and the end result, without having to fight to get a cake out of the pan afterwards. But Kitchen Inspire has never been only about bakeware. The brand extends into a growing collection of kitchen tools, gadgets and everyday essentials, created to combine functionality with modern design. These are products that are made to be used, but that you also don't necessarily want to hide away in a drawer. As kitchens have become more social and more expressive, the products we use within them have changed too. Consumers are looking for kitchenware that performs well but also complements their homes and personal style. Kitchen Inspire brings these two worlds together through products that are practical enough for everyday cooking while still being modern, considered and fun to use. Whether you are an experienced home baker, someone who loves experimenting with new recipes or simply looking for tools that …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Embrace the Season With Simple Comforts This Winter.
The Crazy Store makes it easier to welcome winter with thoughtful essentials this season! As temperatures drop and colder days roll in, The Crazy Store is focused on providing your family with everything you need to walk into winter. Transform your space into peaceful, warm escapes - a sanctuary you look forward to returning to after a long day. With thoughtfully selected winter finds that balance comfort, practicality and value, families can stay snug, prepared and at ease through even the coldest days. Evenings at home feel a little gentler wrapped in quality sherpa blankets, draped over the couch and ready for movie nights and quiet moments. A favourite mug filled with hot chocolate, a plush hoodie, and the simple comfort of being warm indoors. These are the small moments that make winter comfort beat the cold. What would winter be without a trusted warm water bottle? Choose from an assortment of warm water bottles, with options designed for every need, including rechargeable hot water bottles for the office and traditional ones for home. For little ones, cuddly hot water bottles dressed as plush animals bring both warmth and reassurance at bedtime. Leaving the house during winter need not have you shivering at the thought. When it’s time to head out, make it light and playful, especially for the little ones. Let them layer up in adorable plush hoodies, colourful raincoats and rain jackets, with matching umbrellas. Give them the ultimate snug look by adding thoughtfully designed earbands, cosy hats and winter gloves that keep little fingers warm - every detail is considered. It’s not about braving the cold, but about embracing the season and ensuring you’re prepared for colder days. Create a home that feels like a winter retreat, and step outside wrapped in warmth and comfort. Regardless of taste or need, The Crazy Store makes it easier to willingly welcome winter, by offering accessible, value-driven essentials that blend comfort with quiet …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
Youth Unemployment Increases Again – But the Real Crisis Is the Lack of Access to Opportunity
Millions of young South Africans wake up to the same reality: no job, no reliable source of income and no clear path forward. If youth are the future of this country, where are the opportunities that will enable them to build it? With South Africa's youth unemployment rate rising to 47.4%, reaching 62.8% among those aged 15-24, and 48.9% of women aged 15-34 not in employment, education or training (NEET), this is no longer a seasonal conversation—it’s a national emergency. Many young people leave school without the qualifications employers demand, while graduates enter a labour market where the jobs they studied for are disappearing or being reshaped by digital transformation and AI. “For many, the job-seeking process presents further practical and financial barriers before they even reach the interview stage. Young people face fragmented job application systems, the cost of transport, the burden of obtaining documentation, repeated rejection, and the absence of meaningful support,” says Rajesh Parshotam, Chairperson of the DSA. “With traditional employment increasingly out of reach, South Africa's youth need credible, accessible pathways to earning an income,” Parshotam explains, “the Direct Selling Association (DSA) of South Africa and its member companies are helping young people explore ethical, flexible income opportunities through accredited member companies, where they can earn on their own terms while gaining practical business, sales and digital skills.” At a Youth Empowerment Session, Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni highlighted that the biggest challenge facing young people is access—to skills, funding, mentorship and markets needed to build sustainable businesses. Her remarks echoed President Cyril Ramaphosa's emphasis on expanding skills development, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic pathways to unlock youth potential, strengthen local economies and create long-term jobs. Minister for Women, Youth and …
Track Your Press Release HERE:
When Buying From a Specialist Retailer Is Waaaaay Cheaper (With Better, Personal Service)
How is it possible that a private business - Stratlec - can sell the Shelly PRO 4PM for a cheaper price than a multi national store? R2 699 (Stratlec) vs R4 500.00 (Mega Online Store) It may seem surprising that a smaller private business like Stratlec can offer the Shelly Pro 4PM for R2 699 whilst a retail giant charges R4 500 and sometimes more OR inflates the price and then offers that as a 'discount'. This price difference is primarily driven by how the two companies source, list, and sell the product. 1. The Marketplace Model (Third-Party Sellers) The most significant reason for the price gap is that most of the 'mega online' stores do not sell many items directly. On major South African online stores many of the items are sold on behalf of another company which pays to be listed. These online marketplaces allow independent third-party vendors to list their goods. In turn these third-party vendors are charged a commission fee on every sale. In addition the online marketplaces often have 'hidden fees' and stocking requirements that increase the amount of holding stock required - often third party vendors are required to hold stock in more than one distribution centre as well as their own warehouses. To absorb a multi-national retailers' commission and still make a profit, the third-party seller on that platform must inflate their retail price. 2. Direct Sourcing vs. Middlemen Stratlec is a specialized automation and electrical supplier backed b y qualified electricians that are intensely familiar with their products and any 'installation peccadillos'. Direct Channels: They often source smart home hardware directly from official distributors or manufacturers in bulk. By eliminating the middleman, they keep costs low. Specialist Focus: Unlike general retailers, Stratlec buys deeply into specific product lines, securing better tier-pricing that they can pass on to consumers. 3. Niche Expertise and Lower Overhead Multi-national …