Delta Victor Bravo Appoints Non-Executive Director

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February 19, 2025

Delta Victor Bravo Appoints Non-Executive Director — Derek Bouwer, Delta Victor Bravo.

Derek Bouwer brings a wealth of experience to the board role, having spent the last eight years consulting to, and investing in, a wide range of clients through his advisory business, Forge Advisory. Prior to this he led the TBWA Group in South Africa for seven years, successfully navigating the complexities of a dynamic industry. Before assuming the role of CEO, Derek spent several years in commercial leadership roles within the TBWA Group in South Africa after having qualified as a Chartered Accountant at EY in 1996.

His management and leadership capabilities, along with his commercial and financial expertise, makes him a valuable asset to Delta Victor Bravo’s leadership team as the company focuses on expanding the eatbigfish brand across Africa.

David Blyth, Founder and CEO of Delta Victor Bravo, commented: ‘Bouwer understands our business well as he already provides us with invaluable service through his company, Forge Advisory. We have also worked closely together in previous roles and so have a very constructive relationship.’

Regarding his new role, Bouwer said: ‘I am thrilled to join Delta Victor Bravo during this exciting phase of growth. The company’s focus on driving meaningful business growth aligns perfectly with my passion for identifying and supporting business potential. I look forward to contributing to its continued success.’

DELTA VICTOR BRAVO
www.deltavictorbravo.com

Doritos TV Commercial Invites Consumers To Be Bold Enough To Be Themselves

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Modern Marketing

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February 19, 2025

Doritos TV Commercial Invites Consumers To Be Bold Enough To Be Themselves

Doritos is boldly stepping into purpose-driven storytelling by encouraging South Africans to speak up and be bold enough to be themselves. This initiative, powered by PepsiCo South Africa, acknowledges the struggles many face in expressing their authentic identity and inspires them to break free from societal expectations, a message captured in the brand’s new Television Commercial (TVC) ‘Speak Up’ For The Bold In Everyone.

South Africa is rich in cultural diversity, backed by one of the world’s most progressive constitutions, yet many young South Africans hesitate to express themselves fully, fearing rejection or non-acceptance. Too often, they feel pressured to conform, hiding their passions and suppressing their uniqueness. Doritos understands that self-expression requires courage, resilience, and boldness, values that have inspired the brand’s first foray into purposeful storytelling, aiming to create a deeper emotional connection with consumers.

The new TV advert, Speak Up, follows a young man from the fictional Malawana family as he grapples with the decision to pursue his true calling rather than follow a legal career imposed upon him by his family. In the advert, a young gentleman stands before a packed hall of supposedly judgemental family members, boldly proclaiming his desire to become a dancer. It’s a relatable story that reflects the internal struggles many endure when choosing between fulfilling expectations or embracing their own aspirations, a true testament to the boldness it takes to stand firm in one’s truth.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the campaign, Andre Thomas, Marketing Head: Tortilla Chips and Better For You Category at PepsiCo South Africa, commented, ‘Doritos is known for igniting bold self-expression. For a long time, we’ve built our bold credentials through product, flavour, and our iconic shape. But for the first time, we’re now exploring what it truly means to ignite bold self-expression. It’s time for the brand to take the leap and embody boldness in an inspired campaign that deepens our connection with consumers.’

SIMBA
https://simba.co.za

ACA Forum Will Tackle Key Barriers To AI Adoption In Advertising

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Modern Marketing

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February 19, 2025

ACA Forum Will Tackle Key Barriers To AI Adoption In Advertising

The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) will host an AI in Advertising Forum on 13 March 2025 at the WPP Campus in Johannesburg. This action-packed afternoon will bring together leading voices from across the AI and advertising landscape — from agency leaders and brand pioneers embracing AI to the computer scientists engineering the very algorithms driving this transformation.

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s here, and it’s reshaping the advertising and creative industries at an unprecedented pace. But beyond the headlines and hype, what does AI really mean for agencies, brands, and marketers? How is it already being used? What are the legal, ethical, and creative implications? And most importantly, how can industry professionals stay ahead of the curve?

This Forum will tackle key barriers to AI adoption in advertising, including:

– The scope of AI in advertising today and where it’s headed.
– Trust, legality, and ethical considerations, when and how to use it responsibly.
– AI tools, techniques, and technologies already in use by leading companies.
– The cost, efficiency, and human impact of AI in the marketing industry.
– Practical next steps for integrating AI into your work and staying competitive.

Ideal for agency leaders, marketers, creative professionals, educators, technologists, and strategists, the event offers a rare opportunity to step beyond an organisation’s challenges and engage with like-minded professionals navigating similar questions.

Event Details

Date: 13 March 2025
Time: 12h30 – 17h00
Venue: WPP Campus, Woodmead. For more information contact sne@acasa.co.za or call the ACA on +27 10 880 3399.

ACA

www.acasa.co.za

Tribeca Public Relations Appointed As IPASA’s PR Agency

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Modern Marketing

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February 19, 2025

Tribeca Public Relations Appointed As IPASAs PR Agency

The partnership between Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa (IPASA) and Tribeca Public Relations aims to enhance the industry body’s reputation among stakeholders – including policymakers, healthcare professionals and the public – through strategic and impactful communications that advocate for and contribute towards better healthcare, economic growth and societal progress in South Africa.

‘IPASA has long played a critical role in advancing healthcare innovation in South Africa. As the industry continues to evolve, we have recognised the need to go beyond brand visibility and move toward actively shaping conversations around the transformative value of pharmaceutical innovation. We believe Tribeca Public Relations has the strategic approach and experience to support us on this mission,’ said Bada Pharasi, CEO of IPASA.

‘A strong pharmaceutical industry means better access to life-saving medicines, more jobs, and a healthier population. We’re excited to work with the IPASA team and help more people realise that research and development investment drives shared value and innovation. This translates into affordable and new treatments available to patients, boosted economies and improved overall quality of life,’ said Kelly Mossop, Business Unit Director at Tribeca Public Relations.

TRIBECA
www.tribecapr.co.za

Brands Should Leverage Detailed Sponsorship Analytics To Refine Marketing Strategies

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Modern Marketing

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February 19, 2025

The highly anticipated Betway Premiership clash between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on 1 February proved the immense commercial value of South African football. The integrated sponsorship monitoring service provided by the Novus Group found that the match drew a cumulative audience of 3.7 million viewers across SABC1, SuperSport Variety 4, and SuperSport PSL. This saw the derby delivering unparalleled brand exposure for sponsors, highlighting the growing importance of strategic sponsorship measurement in modern sports marketing.

The match, broadcast live across three channels, saw SABC1 leading with 2.2 million viewers, followed by SuperSport Variety 4 (831,844) and SuperSport PSL (649,525). These figures show the significant audience reach of free-to-air platforms and underscore why sponsorship investments in South African football continue to deliver strong returns.

From a brand visibility perspective, Betway and FNB emerged as the top sponsors, with sponsorship values of R7.6 million and R7.5 million, respectively. Vodacom followed with R3.2 million, while sportswear giants Adidas (R1.4 million) and Kappa (R1.39 million) rounded out the top five.

Understanding how brands are positioned during high-profile sporting events is critical to evaluating sponsorship ROI. Metrics such as audience reach, sponsor share of oice, and advertising equivalent value (AVE) provide sponsors with actionable insights that help optimise future strategies.

With a cumulative audience of 3.7 million, the Pirates vs Chiefs derby once again showcased the unrivalled commercial power of South African football and the immense following behind these two iconic clubs.

‘Sponsorship is about more than just placing a logo on a jersey or stadium banner. Think about it as a doorway to gaining invaluable insight into the impact of the sponsorship,’ said Joe Hamman, Director of Novus Group. ‘With comprehensive media monitoring, brands can quantify their exposure across multiple platforms and determine how their investments translate into audience engagement and brand recall.’

The Pirates vs Chiefs derby continues to be one of the most-watched fixtures in South African sport, offering brands significant exposure. The betting and banking industries led sponsorship investments, demonstrating a clear trend in strategic brand positioning within sports marketing. Brands that leverage detailed sponsorship analytics can refine their marketing strategies, ensuring maximum return on investment and a deeper connection with target audiences.

As sports sponsorships become increasingly competitive, the ability to measure and interpret real-time media data is vital for brands looking to justify and enhance the effectiveness of their investments.

NOVUS GROUP
https://novusgroup.co.za/

Book Your Tickets For The New Gen Trends In Marketing And Technology Conference

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Modern Marketing

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February 18, 2025

The New Gen Trends in Marketing and Technology Conference, hosted by the New Gen Awards, will be held on Friday, 23 May 2025, at The Venue in Melrose Arch. This year marks the fourth consecutive year of uniting industry professionals from corporate and agency sectors. Modern Marketing is the official media partner. Leagas Delaney South Africa is the main event sponsor, marking their second consecutive year.

In today’s fast-paced marketing environment, staying ahead is vital. Emerging technologies are transforming our marketing approach, and businesses must be ready to embrace these changes and adapt to the rapid evolution of technology and shifting consumer expectations. This event empowers individuals by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and resources to excel in a competitive environment.

‘Anyone in marketing and business should be there – it’s a fantastic line-up, and valuable conversations with smart people,’ – conference attendee feedback.

The Early Bird tickets are currently flying. Book and pay for your tickets before March 7th, and qualify for the Early Bird rate. For full event details, click here. To book tickets, email stephen@newgenawards.co.za.

Event Speakers And Topics:

• Charis Apelgren-Coleman, Head Of Digital Content at Multichoice: Building future-ready content marketing teams – the power of internal talent and agency partnerships.
• Tom Manners, Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Clockwork: ‘Do less, but better’. Diving into how to create work that truly resonates.
• Ciaran Mckivergan, CEO at 8909 Digital: The creator economy 2.0: navigating the next big shifts in brand partnerships.
• Raymond Langa, Group CEO at Leagas Delaney South Africa – Event Sponsor: Human advantage in an AI-powered world: AI can do it, but should it?
• Timothy Spira, Head of Marketing, Technology, and Insights at Investec: We’re all cyborgs now. Engaging with humans in an AI-mediated world.
• David Pugh, Head of Studio X – RCL FOODS: Embracing innovative platforms and building dynamic communities.
• Moagi Bodibe, Managing Director of Marketing Practice at Accenture Song: Marketing in the age of AI: transforming strategies for a digital-first world.
• Lindsey Rayner, National General Manager at Machine_ Joburg: The personalisation paradox: from trend fatigue to actionable strategy.
• Natalie Druion, Executive Head of Conversations: Digital, Content, and PR at Momentum Group: Thriving in the age of conversations. The power of social PR and how it’s become the world’s watercooler. What does this mean for you?

Key Takeaways: What You Can Expect On The Day

• Develop actionable strategies to leverage AI as a competitive advantage, and a clear vision of how to future-proof your marketing approach in this transformative era.
• The hybrid model: success lies in combining the agility and brand expertise of internal teams with the scalability and specialisation of agency partners.
• Collaboration is key: aligning internal and external resources creates synergy that drives impactful campaigns.
• Navigating the chaos of marketing trends with AI-powered clarity.
• Future-readiness: build a team culture that embraces innovation and adaptability to thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
• Explore the intersection of human ingenuity and AI-driven efficiency, as we delve into human storytelling, and where it fits into an AI-first world.
• The creator economy 2.0: navigating the next big shifts in brand partnerships
• How AI is strengthening customer relationships by offering deeper insights while maintaining authenticity and trust.
• Using technologies like GenAI to enhance customer engagement and help companies stand out.
• Understanding AI-powered targeting and content generation tools, AI interfaces, and evolving engagement patterns.
• Navigating ethical considerations and balancing automation with human creativity.
• The power of social PR, and what this means for you.
• From overwhelm to opportunity: how brands can embrace AI in personalisation.
• Embracing innovative platforms and building dynamic communities.
• Decoding the disconnect: why great ideas stay ideas in marketing personalisation.

Who Should Attend?

This event is essential for professionals in marketing, creative sectors, and technology, from the corporate, agency, and public sectors. The Conference is designed for those who aspire to broaden their perspectives and enhance their knowledge and skill sets to remain one step ahead within their industries.

NEW GEN TRENDS CONFERENCE
www.newgenawards.co.za/pages/marketing-conference

South African FMCG Corporate Retail Sector Demonstrated Remarkable Resilience And Growth In 2024

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Modern Marketing

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February 13, 2025

South African FMCG Corporate Retail Sector Demonstrated Remarkable Resilience And Growth In 2024

Trade Intelligence’s latest Corporate Retail Comparative Report provides an in-depth analysis of the performance metrics of South Africa’s six listed fastmoving consumer goods (FMCG) retailers: Shoprite Holdings, The SPAR Group, Pick n Pay Stores, Woolworths Holdings, Clicks Group, and Dis-Chem Pharmacies. This edition is an update based on indicators published by the end of 2024.

Inflation Eases, Volumes Rise

Over the second half of 2024, food inflation moderated, after +10.8% inflation for 2023, on top of the +9.2% in 2022. This moderation supported underlying volume growth performance, with Shoprite Supermarkets RSA joining Clicks and Boxer in the black, while Woolworths Food and SPAR Retail Grocery improved but were still in the red.

Shoprite Leads The Pack

Shoprite Group continued its strong performance, recording the highest turnover among the six retailers at R241 billion and achieving an impressive +12% growth for FY2024. Checkers outperformed Woolworths Food for the fifth consecutive year, thanks to strategic store expansions, and the continued success of the Sixty60 delivery service.

Discounters In The Spotlight

Boxer has shown outstanding growth, achieving the highest turnover growth among the grocery trading brands (i.e. Shoprite, Checkers, Usave, SPAR retail grocery, PnP and Woolworths Food) for the second consecutive year – a solid report card for its first update since its debut on the JSE in November 2024 which positions Boxer for expansion.

The discount segment is also seeing growth beyond Boxer. Shoprite plans to double its Usave footprint to 1,000 stores over the next five years, and SPAR is revitalising its SaveMor format, currently operating 97 stores. This trend highlights the increasing relevance of the discount retail format in the current market.

Expanding Footprints

FMCG corporate retailers have significantly expanded their presence across the continent. Over the past five years, they have opened, on average, one store per day in South Africa and Africa, resulting in +24.2% growth in store footprint, for a total that now exceeds 10,000 outlets. For the grocery retailers, this expansion includes growth in non-grocery channels (i.e. pet, baby, clothing) to diversify revenue streams and enhance profitability.

Strategic Investments For The Future

Looking ahead, the sector is poised for continued growth, supported by planned capital expenditures totaling R15.7 billion for FY2025. These investments will focus on store expansions, maintenance, IT infrastructure, and strategic growth initiatives, reflecting the industry’s commitment to sustainable development. Over 330,000 employees will be part of this growth journey, contributing to the evolution of the FMCG landscape.

As Carey Leighton, Trade Intelligence’s economist and retail analyst, noted: ‘Leaders are making big decisions and executing strategies for growth, backed by significant CAPEX – shaping not just their businesses but the future of the FMCG industry.’

TRADE INTELLIGENCE
https://www.tradeintelligence.co.za

Helm Uses AI To Automate Customer Communication In Any Of SA’s 11 Official Languages

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Modern Marketing

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February 13, 2025

Helm Uses AI To Automate Customer Communication in Any Of South Africa's 11 Official Languages — Stef Adonis, Helm.

Having built their AI engine eight years ago with a focus on under resourced languages, Helm identified multilingualism as a key component in the customer experience journey and incorporated Natural Language Understanding (NLU) into Helm Engine™. This gives them the ability to not only understand the intent behind what users are saying, but respond in any language.

Only 8% of South Africans speak English at home. Yet, in 2025, it is still the primary language of communication for South African brands. Helm is looking to change that with a unique approach to AI that allows them to automate customer communication in any of South Africa’s 11 official spoken languages.

Head of Marketing, Stef Adonis, believes that more companies should be using this technology to incorporate language diversity into their brand strategies. ‘South African companies place a lot of emphasis on customer experience,’ he said. ‘But sadly, loyalty cards and delivery dashes are often prioritised over language preferences.’

‘If you are not an English speaker, even something as simple as a store locator can be a challenge to use. Now imagine you’re doing something more complicated like taking out a loan or signing a legal document – it’s just not fair to expect second, third or even fourth-language English speakers to transact in that way.’

‘We believe that every South African consumer should have the right to interact with technology in their home language. We have made the tech available on our platform Helm Engine™, and we can’t wait for more South African companies to join us on our journey to fully multilingual customer experiences.’

Helm believes that merely translating content into different languages is not enough. Dynamic translation may convert words from one language to another, but it often fails to grasp the nuances and intent behind the conversation. This is where Natural Language Understanding (NLU) steps in.

Helm Engine™ harnesses the potential of NLU to facilitate meaningful interactions. With the ability to understand user intent, it ensures that communication goes beyond simple translation and interprets the context behind customer inquiries, allowing brands to respond appropriately and enhance the overall user experience. In some cases – where there is no good way to translate technical jargon – language experts are brought in to enhance the machine translations, keeping the human in the loop.

The appetite for multilingual communication is growing, and Helm is at the forefront of this movement. Its platform supports all 11 official spoken languages of South Africa, as well as any other language, enabling brands to create intelligent assistants that resonate with wider audiences. Its multichannel and multimodal capabilities also allow for text, voice, and visual interactions on any platform – most popularly WhatsApp – ensuring that companies can meet their customers where they are, in the language they understand best.

HELM
www.helm.africa

Applications Are Open For The Fifth Intake Of The ACA Women In Leadership Programme

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Modern Marketing

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February 13, 2025

ACA Partners with GIB Insurance to Announce that Application Are Open for the Fifth intake of ACA Women in leadership Programme

The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), in partnership with GIB Insurance, invites applications for the 2025 Women In Leadership Programme. Applications close on March 28th. Designed for women in mid-management and senior roles, the programme supports both personal and professional growth, helping participants step confidently into leadership positions.

By fostering a diverse and inclusive leadership landscape, the initiative contributes to the long-term success of the industry. Since its inception, this programme has provided over 80 women with an opportunity to develop their leadership capabilities, strengthening the industry’s leadership pipeline and advancing gender transformation in the advertising, marketing, and communications sectors.

A Proven Approach to Leadership Development

Now well established, the ACA Women in Leadership Programme equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to navigate the complexities of leadership. The curriculum integrates strategy, personal mastery, and leadership coaching, ensuring a holistic approach to career progression.

Led by Shireen Chengadu, a recognised expert in women’s leadership, gender studies, and inclusive organisational development, the programme also offers direct engagement with industry leaders who are shaping the future of the profession.

Programme Structure and Commitment

Participants must commit to six one-day sessions, scheduled as follows:

– Module 1: 10 April, 2025.
– Module 2: 15 May, 2025.
– Module 3: 12 June, 2025.
– Module 4: 17 July, 2025.
– Module 5: 14 August, 2025.
– Module 6: 10 September, 2025.

Impact

‘With five intakes, the ACA Women in Leadership Programme has proven itself to be a catalyst for real change in our industry. Leadership transformation does not happen overnight, but consistent investment in developing strong female leaders is critical to ensuring a more representative and effective industry. As this programme continues to grow, so does its impact — and we encourage women who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey to apply,’ said Gillian Rightford, Executive Director of the ACA.

How to Apply

Prospective candidates currently working in the advertising, marketing, and communications industry at mid-management level or above are invited to apply for the ACA Women in Leadership Programme.

To apply, candidates must download and complete the application form and submit it to sne@acasa.co.za by no later than 17h00 on Friday, 28 March 2025.

By submitting their applications, candidates confirm their availability to attend all six scheduled sessions as indicated on the application form. Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the programme no later than Friday, 4 April 2025.

ACA SOUTH AFRICA

www.acasa.co.za

New York Festivals And The African Cristal Festival Launch The NYF Cristal Village Award

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Modern Marketing

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February 13, 2025

New York Festivals Advertising Awards, in partnership with the African Cristal Festival, is proud to introduce the inaugural NYF Cristal Village Award, a new category dedicated to honouring creative work that educates for good, bridges cultures, and inspires meaningful change.

New for 2025 this award, honours creative brand and experiential work that promotes positive change, recognising campaigns and initiatives across all channels that demonstrate broad appeal, purpose, and foster cultural collaboration and understanding.

Entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of jurors, led by African Cristal Festival Chair Justin Thomas-Copeland, ensuring a thoughtful and deliberate assessment that honours pioneering work.

‘Creativity broadens horizons, excites, and educates, this collaboration with New York Festivals embodies that. I can’t wait to see the work. By submitting entries, agencies and brands will directly fund young African talent from across the continent to attend the African Cristal Festival in Morocco. It could be the spark to change their lives,’ said Justin Thomas-Copeland, Chair African Cristal Festival

2025 NYF Cristal Village Award Jury

– African Cristal Festival Chair – Justin Thomas-Copeland – CEO and Founder, KINDRD Global, United Kingdom and Belgium.
– Kwame Taylor Hayford, Creative Executive, Co-Founder, Kin, USA.
– Andrea Diquez, Global CEO, Gut, USA.
– Kofi Amoo-Gottfried, Chief Marketing Officer, DoorDash, USA.
– Shobha Sairam, Global Chief Strategy Officer, USA.

‘New York Festivals is thrilled to join forces with the African Cristal Festival on this exciting new initiative, one that celebrates purpose-driven creativity while empowering the next generation of talent,’ said Scott Rose, President, New York Festivals.

This award celebrates creative brand and experience work that educates for good, recognising campaigns and initiatives across any channel with broad appeal, purpose and driving cultural synergy and understanding.

To qualify for this award, work must embody a strong sense of purpose, inspire new thinking, or deeper understanding, change attitudes and behaviours for social good. The award focuses on entries that bridge cultures and deliver messages with wide-reaching, positive impact.

Examples of eligible work include, but are not limited to: campaigns delivering human and community-driven brand activation, new product and service launches and activation – with a strong social focus, climate and sustainability change, mental, physical health and wellness impact, disease awareness, animal welfare, and human rights.

Entry fees for submissions in this category will go towards sponsoring Pan-African young creatives to attend the African Cristal Festival, planned to take place in Casablanca, Morocco in September 2025. Both NY Festivals and the African Cristal Festival hope that such an experience for young talent will change and inspire lives.

For more information please visit New York Festivals Advertising Awards and the African Cristal Festival. Rules and Regulations and eligibility dates for NYFA 2025 will apply for the Cristal Village Award. The early deadline to enter the 2025 New York Festivals Advertising Awards is February 28, 2025. For more information click here.

NEW YORK FESTIVALS ADVERTISING AWARDS
www.newyorkfestivals.com