Latest news with #BrandSouthAfrica
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How podcasts and partnerships can enhance government to communicate effectively
Sithembile Ntombela, the general manager for marketing at Brand South Africa, speaking at the Social Media Summit for Government at the University of Johannesburg. Image: Supplied Government communicators have been urged to partner with trusted voices in the podcasting space to make government messaging and communications more effective, accessible and relevant to younger audiences. These were some of the recommendations given to communicators during the second day of the Social Media Summit for Government, held at the University of Johannesburg's Business School in Auckland Park. During a panel discussion on Podcasting and Government Communications, Sithembile Ntombela, the general manager for marketing at Brand South Africa, said it was important for government communicators and their principals to realise there was a vacuum and there was a trust barrier, urging communicators to foster meaningful collaborations. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'We need to use the trusted audience, and that is the business voice, civil society and ordinary South Africans. I think that as the public sector, we have to elevate, adopt and adapt to the changing norms. 'Look at the Covid era, we knew exactly the number of vaccines, infections and all those statistics, that should be the case for everything in South Africa. 'Podcasts can play a crucial role in building trust with the public sector; they can measure what we say and what we do,' she said. Ntombela said it was important for the government to be like a commercial brand. 'Podcasts are the new ways of building brands… we need to coordinate, collaborate and co-create, and be that intertwining of strategies and deliverables,' she said. Podcaster Urusula Mariani speaking at the Social Media Summit for Government at the University of Johannesburg. Image: Supplied Podcaster Ursula Mariani, the founder and host of The Conversation Capital, said it was important for the government to co-create with personalities who were kings and queens in the art of conversation, who understood their audience, had strong values and quality content which was packaged authentically. She said in the podcast sphere, attention was the currency and the commodity, and that the number of views had a direct relationship with the amount of money podcasters made. She warned that some people were willing to do anything for views, but warned that brands had to be careful who and what they aligned with, not only looking at the numbers for alignment with audiences. 'If you are a fan of Black Mirror, we are in an episode of Black Mirror. Everybody is starting a podcast, and everyone has a voice. There are people listening to this content, that's why they have the numbers, yet everyone will say they don't like gossip, but when you look at the gossip podcast numbers that's where they are,' she said. Ntombela said brand positioning, or vision, was important. 'We are married to quality conversation that matters, that brings impact to the ordinary South Africans, ours is not to look at the numbers, it is to look at the depth and the substance, that is important,' she said, adding that podcasts were tools to humanise brands. Mariani said government brands needed to use skilled podcasters with communities to walk through complex conversations, saying co-creation and collaboration was the way to go. 'This is a skill and an art, if Frank from finance can do it, I guess let him do it… Do not downplay the skill that it takes to carry the conversation,' she said. Ntombela said when partnering with podcasts, they had helped in challenging the norms, shifting the paradigm. 'Podcasts are a great tool for crisis communications. Like the US-SA saga. Because of podcasts, we had to be agile and respond to bridge the gap between the truth and the lies. 'It is important to be agile, be brilliant at the basics, co-create and collaboration, those are strategic relationships give you footprint and access,' she said. IOL
Zawya
26-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa showcases the success of public-private economic collaboration
Guided by President Cyril Ramapho- sa's vision, South Africa's G20 agen- da focuses on fostering equitable trade, reforming international fi- nancing frameworks, building re- silient health systems, advancing food security, driving decarbonisation, and addressing climate risks,' says the CEO (Acting) of Brand South Africa, Sithembile Ntombela. 'These priorities reflect South Africa's commitment to inclusive sustainable de- velopment that leaves no one behind.' The annual Davos gathering also gives the country, Africa's most diversified and industrialised economy, a vital platform to highlight its priorities for the continent under the presidency of the G20, which it assumed on 1 December 2024. South Africa aims to align its leadership with international efforts as it participates in shaping global, regional and industry agendas through the G20 role, held under the theme Solidarity, Equality and Sustain- ability. Ntombela says that the Team South Africa programme in Davos also aimed to reaffirm the country's role as a bridge be- tween developed and developing econo- mies and showcase its unique position as a global hub that unlocks Africa's growth story. The WEF 2025 theme 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age' aligns with South Africa's focus on leveraging innovation and partnerships to drive progress in an era of rapid technological advancement and complexity. Transformative opportunities 'We hope to attract investment that can unlock transformative opportunities across key sectors such as energy, logistics, green industrialisation, exports in tourism, crea- tive industries, digital services, education and healthcare,' says Ntombela. The platform allows South Africa to posi- tion itself as a stable, investible destination for global trade and investment under the umbrella of the diversified new gov- ernment, which has been embraced by investors, she says. The Davos team, comprising high- powered government officials and pri- vate sector executives, showcased the progress that has been made in the past year through vital collaboration with busi- ness that actively sought to address chal- lenges in the economy and roadblocks to investment. These efforts have been carried out under the umbrella of Operation Vulindle- la, a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the im- plementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery in key sectors. This has been a game-changer for the country. The energy sector, for example, has unlocked more than $20bn in invest- ments. The second phase of Operation Vulindlela, which kicks off in 2025, has even bigger ambitions. 'This collaboration has already, and will continue to, foster innovative solutions to critical issues such as energy security, in- frastructure deficits, and job creation and it has helped us to mobilise substantial investments in different sectors,' explains Ntombela. 'By fostering trust, building alli- ances, and inspiring collaborative innova- tion, South Africa is committed to shap- ing an intelligent age defined by inclusive prosperity, resilience, and sustainable progress.' Investor confidence At the Forum, Brand South Africa, the gov- ernment's official marketing agency, part- nered with a range of stakeholders in the private sector. These include mining companies Exxaro, Anglo American and African Rainbow Min- erals, global brewer AB InBev, insurance giant Old Mutual, global technology group Naspers, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, banking group ABSA and other large corporations active in the country. Investor confidence has been boosted by the successful implementation of a Government of National Unity put in place after the national elections in 2024. This multiparty governance arrangement has boosted investor confidence, strengthened the currency, lowered borrowing costs and cooled inflation. S&P Global's revision of South Africa's credit rating outlook to positive during the past year reflects the growing optimism in the country's reform trajectory. Gains to celebrate There are many gains to showcase at the 2025 Forum, including the achievement of a reliable power supply after several years of grappling with a serious electricity crisis. A balanced fiscal outlook has created fertile ground for business and consumer growth. Structural reforms are finally paying off, including in improving the logistics infra- structure and performance. South Africa is leading the advance- ment of Africa's green mining value-chain and developing connectivity with the continent to drive economic growth and development on the back of the African Continental Free Trade Area. In 2025, the priority for Brand South Af- rica, the government's official marketing agency, is to showcase how the country is actively shaping a collaborative, people- centred agenda for the technological era by leveraging innovation, fostering inclusive economic growth, and decisively leading climate action, says Ntombela. 'As Africa's most industrialised economy and a leader in multilateral institutions, South Africa is committed to unlocking the continent's potential, driving regional inte- gration, and contributing to global solutions for growth, sustainability, and resilience.' A nation determined to rise Looking forward, South Africa is on a drive to demonstrate the sheer grit of a nation determined to rise. 'While private and public investment faced hurdles in 2024, we're turning the tide with more targeted efforts, particularly in energy and infrastructure. The coun- try expects 4.2% average growth in gross fixed capital formation over the medium term. Our trade balance is also evolving, supported by favourable terms and disci- plined import/export strategies.' South Africa also aims to increase its reach and relevance in terms of for reach and relevance in terms of for eign policy as it vigorously pursues eign policy as it vigorously pursues multilateralism and focuses on multilateralism and focuses on building unity, inclusive economic building unity, inclusive economic development and shared pros development and shared pros perity for the African continent and perity for the African continent and its people. 'South Africa is deter 'South Africa is deter mined to use every means mined to use every means at its disposal, including at its disposal, including our participation in glob our participation in glob al fora, to advance the al fora, to advance the African Union's Agenda African Union's Agenda 2063 and to consoli 2063 and to consoli date regional integration,' date regional integration,' Ntombela concludes. Ntombela concludes. N South Africa's unity government holds firm South Africa's Government of National Unity, formed after national elections in 2024, has boosted the economy and focused positive attention on the country, even amidst concerns about whether the diversity of its members would enable it to stay the course, writes Dianna Games. In a groundbreaking development ten parties from across the political spectrum came together to chart a new path for South Africa in response to the message from voters that a more diversified and broad-based government was needed to tackle the country's economic, social and political challenges. The former majority ruling party, the ANC, was joined in government by the former official opposition, the Democratic Alliance, as well as the Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah and RISE Mzansi. In an expanded government of 32 cabinet ministers and 43 deputies, several key ministries such as Home Affairs, Public Works and Basic Education went to GNU parties. Others assumed influential positions as deputy ministers and chairs of powerful parliamentary committees. The majority of the 400 seats in the National Assembly are held by GNU members, with the ANC holding just over 40% of seats, followed by the DA. Eight of the 18 parties in the new South African government are not members of the unity government, including the third and fourth largest parties – uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Although there were concerns about how a disparate group of parties with different views on many issues would get along in the GNU, investors responded positively to what was regarded as a business-friendly coalition government led from the front by President Cyril Ramaphosa. A number of significant new investments were announced in mining, aviation and industry within a few months of the GNU assuming power and the currency strengthened on the back of the announcement of the new government. The coalition has withstood many tensions, including disagreements among ministers and others over legislation and policy, but the centre has held so far at the national level and compromises have been reached on some difficult issues within a broad evolving social compact. © Copyright IC Publications 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Trump's false claims: challenging negative narratives with the warmth and beauty of the 'rainbow nation'
US President Donald Trump uses an image taken in Congo as proof of his claims that there is a genocide against Afrikaner farmers in South Africa. Image: AFP Amidst the backdrop of misinformation surrounding South Africa's socio-political landscape, South African Tourism invites the world to experience the country's rich diversity and vibrant culture, challenging negative narratives with the warmth and beauty of the 'Rainbow Nation'. This comes in the wake of a controversial meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump, where unfounded claims regarding genocide against Afrikaner farmers in South Africa were raised. During their meeting last month in the Oval Office, Trump labelled the situation facing Afrikaner farmers as one of 'genocide". However, Ramaphosa denied these claims, asserting that while South Africa faces significant crime challenges, they affect citizens across all racial backgrounds and he asked for assistance to address the high levels of crime. As international scrutiny mounts, a second wave of Afrikaners landed in the US last week under Trump's controversial resettlement programme that will eventually see 8,000 individuals relocating. In 2018, during his first term in office, Trump referred to countries on the African continent as 'shithole countries'. According to reports, in addressing concerns about false narratives affecting South Africa's global image, Michael Delaney, general manager of Radisson RED Johannesburg-Rosebank, cautioned against narratives seeking to make South Africa look bad and argued the importance of highlighting the country's positive attributes. 'Many of the misconceptions can be countered by showcasing the friendliness of its people, natural beauty, and cultural diversity,' he said, noting that most international visitors' perceptions of South Africa tend to improve significantly once they arrive. Trump's religious advisor, Pastor Mark Burns, visited South Africa to investigate the alleged genocide of white Afrikaner farmers. He later dismissed the EFF and Julius Malema as attention seekers for chanting 'Kill the Boer, kill the farmer.' Tourism bodies and an international relations specialist responded to inquiries about the actions taken and necessary measures needed to challenge Trump's genocide narrative. Toni Gumede, manager in the office of the CEO of Brand South Africa, said since Trump took office, Brand SA has consistently responded to his statements in line with the country's values. 'Ours is to continually drive messaging that not only balances whatever the narrative may be in the environment, but to highlight facts from misinformation in all our touchpoints domestically and internationally,' she said. She said Brand SA's nation branding mandate encompasses the promotion of South Africa's image, competitiveness, institutional credibility, and attractiveness for investment, tourism, trade, and skills mobility. 'Brand South Africa is tasked with improving how South Africa is perceived globally. The objective is to position the country as an attractive destination to invest in, visit, work, study, or do business with,' she said. Gumede said as an organisation, Brand SA continuously implements both proactive and reactive strategies through communications, marketing, and stakeholder engagements across the globe to ensure that we influence perceptions about the country. 'We work with and through a broad spectrum of partners and stakeholders, including business, civil society, and government,' she said. Some of the issues that Brand SA has addressed is South Africa's Expropriation Act of 2025 and the legacy of land dispossession among others. Gumede said Brand SA also drives a domestic programme called Play Your Part to get South Africans involved in positive social impact, including those in the diaspora, our very own Global South Africans, and ensure visibility/messaging about South Africa at global platforms like WEF, the recent SA-France investment Forum, and many others. 'According to the 2025 Global Reputation Study conducted by Bloom Consulting and Brand SA, South Africa's global brand equity is on an upward trajectory, with five out of six key dimensions showing improvement: Exports, Investment, Tourism, Work, and Study,' she said. Gumede said taken together, these results affirm the strategic value of Brand South Africa's interventions globally. 'Nearing or exceeding global affinity thresholds in Exports and Investment, and showing resilience across other dimensions, the nation brand is increasingly seen as credible, competitive, and globally connected which is a critical enabler for trade, tourism, and human capital attraction,' she said. Global manager PR and communications for South African Tourism, Thandiwe Mathibela, said South Africa stands ready to welcome travellers from across the globe. 'We invite the world to discover the joy of South Africa - for a memorable, long-lasting experience,' she said. Home to over 60 million people, Mathibela said South Africa celebrates unity in diversity. 'The spirit of ubuntu — shared humanity — defines our national character. South Africa's social fabric is defined by the everyday coexistence of people from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the stability and cohesion that support our broader economic and tourism environment.' In 2024, Mathibela said over 8.5 million international visitors chose South Africa, with continued growth from markets including the US, UK, Germany, China, and the rest of Africa. 'As we prepare to host the G20 Leaders' Summit in November this year, our ability to deliver secure, high-level global events has been reaffirmed,' she said. Mathibela emphasised that safety is a priority, and that the government is actively investing in traveller safety through expanded safety monitor programmes and infrastructure upgrades. 'South Africa continues to invest in quality-assured tourism facilities to ensure high service excellence and seamless sustainable visitor experience.' International relations expert André Thomashausen argued that South Africa should rely on facts and refer to the recently updated "Investigative Report on White Murders in South Africa Since 1992" by the European Centre for Information Policy and Security ( He said this is an unbiased assessment that records 12,567 farm attacks over the past 3 decades and that this cannot be 'wished away.' The report states that in 2019 alone, there were 552 attacks and 57 murders, primarily targeting white farm owners and their families, and although white farmers are disproportionately affected due to their prevalence in commercial farming, farm workers and smallholders of all races are also victims. Robbery is the main motive, with racially or politically motivated attacks being rare. The report recommended improved intelligence, data transparency, crime prevention strategies, and balanced public communication to tackle farm attacks amidst South Africa's complex environment. 'The SA government count since 1994 indicates 3,398 murdered farmers. The Wikipedia entry on 'South African Farm Attacks' refers to a murder rate of 274 per 100,000 farmers, as against a national average of 61 per 100,000,' said Thomashausen. Thomashausen said South African farmers make up the profession suffering from the highest murder risk, in South Africa and even globally. 'It is good that the recent presidential meeting in Washington DC has refocused the debates on South Africa's inequality index, giving it [the] worst Gini coefficients recorded anywhere. This cannot be resolved by 'nationalising' relative and absolute wealth but only by an aggressive economic growth and employment policy,' he said. According to Thomashausen, the meeting in Washington DC behind closed doors focused on how to overcome the development failure in the South African economy. 'Hopefully this will reflect in the abolishment of tariffs on both sides and stronger foreign investment support for South Africa.' [email protected]
The South African
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg to compete in Miss World pageant
Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg, Miss World South Africa 2024, bid a glamorous farewell to her homeland before heading to India for the 72nd Miss World pageant. The send-off took place at the elegant Shyre Mansion in Johannesburg, a fitting venue that matched the grandeur of the occasion. Zoalize descended the staircase in a stunning emerald green gown adorned with delicate feathers, captivating everyone present. Her calm joy and excitement filled the room as she shared her anticipation for the journey ahead, according to Times Live. 'I'm excited, delighted, and thrilled. I can't wait for the official departure and for the festival to commence,' she said with a radiant smile. Set to depart for Hyderabad, India, Zoalize will represent South Africa at the Miss World event on 31 May at the HITEX Exhibition Centre. She spoke about the unique experience awaiting her-not just the glamour and competition, but the cultural exchange. 'It's women coming together, celebrating a common cause, and that cause is purpose. No woman is better than the other. We all want to make the world a better place. To be part of that impact is a privilege,' she explained. Her Beauty with a Purpose project hits close to home. Focused on empowering orphaned and vulnerable children, Zoalize aims to ensure every child feels loved, safe, and supported in their dreams. 'When I thought of my initiatives, I asked myself: what did I need as a child? Love, support, and education. My project ensures children in orphanages receive not just academic education but also skills and security to thrive,' she said passionately. The evening was filled with warmth and unity. Zoalize's mother and brother, her biggest supporters, sat proudly beside her. Her brother shared, 'This has been a lifelong dream for her, and I'm proud to see her living that dream so gracefully.' Sithembile Ntombela, acting CEO of Brand South Africa, praised Zoalize's dedication. 'You have already won in the eyes of many South Africans. Your discipline and drive shine through everything you do. You carry our flag and the hopes of millions,' Ntombela said. Carol Bouwer, Miss World South Africa's licence holder, highlighted Zoalize's unique warmth. 'Her superpower is how she makes everyone feel important, whether children, dignitaries, or those less privileged,' Bouwer remarked. Zoalize also hinted at a surprising national costume for the 'Dance of the World' segment, crafted with the help of her brother, a fashion designer. She emphasised sustainability in fashion, planning environmentally friendly outfits with some re-wears. Proudly South African, Zoalize wants the world to know about the spirit of ubuntu-resilience, kindness, and unity. 'We may not be where we want to be yet, but we are on the path. I want to embody that spirit at Miss World,' she said. To young dreamers, she offered this advice: 'Never lose sight of your dreams. They might come in unexpected forms, but when you stay true to your purpose, life will surprise you.' Zoalize's journey is a mission to represent her nation and communities with grace, purpose, and hope. South Africa will be watching and cheering her on every step of the way. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
