Two months left to enter the prestigious awards for the Printing, Packaging and Signage industries in Southern Africa.

Print plays an essential part in conveying the story of a brand to its respective audience. Much as there is oftentimes the perception that the only requirement is to simply is click a button and the job comes out of the other end of the machine, specialist printers, packaging manufacturers and signage companies will tell you otherwise - they are well aware that it requires effort and attention to detail.  

Ultimately, their actual task is to be brand custodians, through transforming intangible concepts and designs into tactile works of art that will captivate and delight the brand’s audience; to help shape the way that people perceive and relate with it; and to ultimately forge a meaningful connection with the brand as well as with their respective clients. Some will go the extra mile to achieve the highest quality, which then determines the difference between a job well done and attaining excellence.

The GAPP Awards is a celebration of the contribution that print in all its forms, makes to the economy, to communication and to everyday life in Southern Africa. The competition looks at it in all its forms – be it print, packaging or signage - with the aim of promoting quality and creating a sense of pride within the industry. The Awards is a broad-spectrum competition that addresses all these sectors, while incorporating all of the different methods and technologies of print involved in the production of the final product, including the “Design For Print” category, which looks at the design element from the context of how it pertains to the printed final product. 

An important aspect of any competition is the process of determining the winners. While the criteria for all sixty categories serve as a guideline, the physical process of judging the entries requires knowledgeable, experienced and impartial judges. Judges are selected from all sectors of the industry in sufficient quantities to ensure a fair process resulting in winners, who are deserving of a trophy. If the judges’ scores determine that no winner is declared, then so be it; awards are not presented for the sake of it – they are earned and ultimately, deserved.

Entries are submitted to the judges anonymously, with all identifying information and marks removed. They are allocated a random number and become the only manner in which they are identified by the judges. The panel of judges are not given access to any information pertaining to the entry, other than the technical details regarding the job if it is deemed pertinent or required for the judging process. Motivations are permitted, which will also be presented to the judges. 

The entries are judged against a set of criteria specific to each type of print production or category. In order to foster the desire to produce improved levels of quality and thus to “up your game”, a minimum of 80% is required in order to be eligible to win a Gold Award. All winners receive certificates and the top three winners in each category receive a custom-designed, handmade trophy. 

With the closing date for entries being 31 October, time is running out for members of the industry to create their own legacy and demonstrate that they are amongst the crème de la crème of print in the Southern African region, through having reached the “Pinnacle of Excellence”.

For more information and to enter visit www.thegappawards.co.za.

Time is running out!

The Beverage Company (Bevco), South Africa’s leading independent manufacturer and distributor of carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, mixers and still beverages, has appointed the DUKE Group as it’s strategic partner across all brands. Following a successful three-year relationship between DUKE Advertising and Bevco’s Jive and Pepsi brands, the soft drink company has committed the full brand portfolio into the Group’s care.

The partnership will encompass DUKE Advertising, DUKE’s media strategy company FAME and their enthographic market research business, NUDE.  Commenting on the agency’s appointment, DUKE Managing Director, Aileen Sauerman says, “We have absolutely loved working with Jive and Pepsi over the past three years and are looking forward to adding value across the brand portfolio with the intention of creating positive volume growth.”

Bevco C.E.O. Pieter Spies adds, “Following on from the excellent relationship we’ve had with DUKE and the impressive growth of the brands in their care, it made sense to entrust the full brand portfolio into their charge. We believe they will be a valuable strategic partner to the business.”

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If you love creative work that highlights a powerful, socially uplifting message, look at the Loeries Shared Value category, sponsored in 2019 by Vodacom. It’s a showcase of brilliant campaigns that are socially useful and commercially successful. Shared value takes corporate social responsibility much further.

“Rather than being charitable,” explains Harvard Business School Professor Michael Porter, and Harvard Kennedy School of Government Senior Fellow, Mark Kramer, “corporate shared value is a management strategy in which companies find business opportunities in social problems.” Vodacom’s Managing Executive: Brand & Comms Abey Mokgwatsane says the Loeries Shared Value category is in line with Vodacom’s values and a natural sponsorship fit.

“Our commitment is to bring a meaningful, sustainable economic transformation of South Africa and beyond,” he explains. “We laud all companies that are creating jobs, stimulating the economy and being innovative about the way they make money, while still tackling the social issues of our times.” Safaricom's “DigiFarm”, the Kenyan mobile solution for smallholder farmers – which took gold in the Loeries Shared Value category last year – is a good example of adding value to the community while helping to build the brand experience.

The app enables farmers to expand and improve their business activities by providing education, access to loans, easier purchases and eliminating the middleman when they sell their crops. It simply helps farmers to do better business while empowering their lives and their community. Perhaps a question to be posed is, if business can be socially uplifting, does that mean it should be?

Pepe Marais, CEO of Joe Public United, and #1 ranked Chief Creative Officer in the Loeries Official Rankings, offers this hypothesis: “Aspiring to be bigger than yourself isn’t just a nice ideal, it’s the driving force of successful businesses.” Marais says: “Any entrepreneur will tell you that there is something far greater that drives her or his business. Without that drive, most would not have made it past the first year – it is simply too tough. The challenge is that this drive is so deeply unconscious that the conscious answer often may be money.” But, in reality, Marais insists we need something greater to motivate us.

“That drive is at the heart of the greater purpose of the business.” Ultimately, doing business with a purpose helps you do better business. Considering that Joe Public United is rated the number one agency in the Loeries Official Rankings, Marais certainly knows a thing or two about operating a company on the philosophy of shared value. “We believe that the growth of our people is linked to the growth of our creative product, which impacts the growth of our clients, and which ultimately contributes to the growth of the country,” he says.

Mokgwatsane agrees: “Vodacom is in the business of connecting people for a better future. Technology gives us tremendous power, but ultimately, it’s what we do with it that counts. We remain committed to responding to the needs of millions of people that can benefit from the capacity of technology to democratise access to the life changing services of a connected future.

By sponsoring the Loeries Shared Value category, we support companies and creatives who are using the power of shared value to inspire.” P2/.... The Loeries extended deadline for entries is June 7, 2019. Details at loeries.com Major Partners:     DStv Media Sales, Gearhouse        Category Partners:    AB InBev, Barron, Brand South Africa, Facebook, Gagasi FM, Google, JCDecaux, Nando’s, Tsogo Sun, Vodacom, Woolworths 

Additional Partners and Official Suppliers:    AAA School of Advertising, Antalis South Africa, Aon South Africa, Backsberg, BEE Online, First     Source, Fresh RSVP Guest Logistics, Funk Productions, Gallo Images, Grid Worldwide, Hetzner,     Mama Creative, Newsclip, Paygate, Rocketseed, Shared Value Initiative, Shift Social Development,  Vega School, VQI Communications Nigeria

Endorsed by:    Association of Communication and Design, Brand Council South Africa, Commercial Producers     Association, Creative Circle, EXCA, IAB, South African Institute of Architects, IID        Official Media Partners    Bizcommunity.com, Book of Swag, Brand Communicator Nigeria, Business Insider by Pulse, Campaign Middle East, Film & Event Media, Modern Marketing,The Redzone.        Twitter: @loeries    Instagram: Loerieawards    Facebook: The Loeries

Distributed on behalf of the  Loeries  by:    Riana Greenblo Communications Date: May 27, 2019   For more information,interview requests or high-res images, please contact:    Riana Greenblo on 011 3256006; 0825675159 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Gina McLoughlin on 0113256006 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (mornings only) IMAGES INCLUDED:    Abey Mokgwatsane Digi Farm 2018 Gold Shared Value Joe Public agency of the year 2018 Joe Public Craft Gold CAPTIONS Caption 1: Abey Mokgwatsane, Vodacom’s Managing Executive: Brand & Comms Caption 2: Digi Farm took Gold for the 2018 Shared Value category Caption 3: Joe Public won agency of the year at the Loeries 2018. Caption 4: Joe Public won Campaign Craft Golf in 2018 for their A Little Hungry - Mine, Temple, Bank for Chicken Licken

Leading international cement brand, Lafarge, has appointed Boomtown to make its brand relevant to the local South African market. Established for over 180 years, but only part of the South African market for ten years, Lafarge is a challenger brand in South Africa competing with established brands with local heritage.

Glen Meier, Boomtown strategic director, remarks on the appointment saying: "We are proud to have partnered with the global Lafarge group and its local marketing team to challenge the market and position the brand as a solution-based brand. We're utilising our strategic strengths to grow Lafarge brand awareness with its audiences, and to develop a creative campaign that is inspirational, memorable and that disrupts the market."

Boomtown created a campaign centred around the fundamental human need for sustainable buildings and construction that supports a rapidly growing population. In evolving the brand strategy to ensure South African relevance, the positioning ‘shape the future’, was created. "The campaign speaks to building the nation by providing progressive and innovative construction solutions for future generations. And, by placing the Lafarge "L" iconography at the centre of campaign visuals we are placing Lafarge at the centre of construction and development in SA," adds Meier. The campaign has been placed across various mediums including radio and civil and building print media.

On the appointment, Lafarge Marketing Manager, Madoda Manitshana comments, "Lafarge South Africa focuses on providing solutions to help the sustainable development of better cities that benefit communities. This message, along with insights Boomtown uncovered during its research, has ignited the brand and made us relevant to the South African market.”

Working across three brands under its Food Service Division on a B2B campaign and with the fresh and frozen Country Rangefor a B2C campaign, Boomtownis delighted to announce it is working with Sovereign Foods.  

Cater Chicken, Chef’s Choiceand Chicken ‘Tizersfall under the Sovereign Foods Food Services division and a brand awareness campaign has been created by Boomtown to drive sales within the broader food services market. Using print and digital advertising and a highly targeted direct mail campaign, the creative highlights product quality and convenience. The consumer campaign for Country Range (fresh and frozen produce), includes in-store trialing, point of sale, radio promotion and competitions in selected stores within the Eastern Cape.

The consumer campaign will span a nine-month period, and will encourage trial and brand engagement,” remarks Glen Meier, Boomtown strategic director. “And we will be using a popular radio personality to share recipe inspirations using Country Range chicken.

“We remain deeply committed to developing quality products and meals for the nation,” remarked Gerald Walter, Sovereign Foods director of marketing and sales. “An unrelenting passion for what we do, a culture of disruption and innovation and an ongoing investment in world-class farming, processing assets and our people are unique advantages that shape our growth and trajectory towards being a leader in South Africa in terms of sales volume and product quality.”

Hirsch’s Meadowdale recently ended its last Ladies Networking Morning for the year with a BANG. Over 25 dynamic female entrepreneurs gathered at Hirsch’s Meadowdale to Network and listen to Speaker- Coach and NLP Practitioner - Elmarie Van Rooyen’s talk on: Personal Branding- Preparing to sell yourself.

Elmarie has over 24 years of experience in various fields of media, communications and training. Although her profile has a very wide experience set, she is qualified in the Marketing field, where her initial direction was, and landed up in training and development due to her passion for transformation and skills development in the social economical investment direction. 

Elmarie started her talk by expressing the importance of your own brand by explaining the Key Factors to Branding Yourself, including: Creating Understanding: If you don’t brand yourself, someone else will. Opportunities: Stand in front of the pack. Progressive Mindset: Generate brand awareness through Networking! Know Yourself: Define your brand, become an expert. Uniqueness: What is it that you want to be known for? Availability vs. Readiness: Be the one that is Ready and Available to take that promotion.

After Elmarie’s talk each of the networkers was given the opportunity to present themselves and their business in a 30-second ‘elevator pitch ’, followed by some lucky draws, networking, sharing of business cards and enjoying some refreshments.If you would like to take advantage of this amazing networking opportunity, contact Letitia Haywood on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.hirschs.co.za

As a leading provider of accommodation and logistic solutions at large sport events KhayaMedia is undergoing a rebranding. “Until now we were known as KhayaMedia but most clients refer to us as “Khaya”, explains CEO Volkhard Bauer.  

In a short period of nine years this destination management company has become a household name amongst broadcasters and other media companies.  

The relaunch is a consequence of the broadening of the client base. The company now also provides services to corporate sponsors, sport federations and tour operators, as well as many other clients requiring accommodation and logistic solutions.  

“We provide everything from hotel rooms and serviced apartments to dedicated drivers and translators at large sport events,” explains Global Sales Director Rafael Sperotto.  

Word of the high levels of service Khaya provides has spread. This has resulted in new clients and exciting developments for the company.  

Understanding each country like a local   

Khaya currently has offices in nine countries around the world. This strategy ensures full control of the services provided and Khaya is able to maintain a high standard at international sporting events.  

Carefully selected local personnel are given comprehensive training and therefore clients benefit from dealing with local staff that speak the language and can bridge the cultural differences.  

With the strengthening of the teams at its offices in Seoul and Tokyo the company is ready to support its clients and is also open for cooperation with other companies seeking to move into these exciting territories.    

Unique accommodation solutions  

Sourcing suitable accommodation at a global event is a challenge for any visitor, and even more so for groups who have particular requirements. Khaya has demonstrated that it is able to find solutions for these challenges.  

“Rio was our biggest challenge so far,” reveals Volkhard. “Due to the lack of hotel rooms we turned 500 private apartments into fully serviced accommodation. It's been a great team effort.”  

All 55 clients at the Games were impressed with the quality and convenient location of the apartments, which were within walking distance to the Olympic Park and IBC. Khaya provided in excess of 50 000 room nights’ accommodation at Rio 2016. Together with the 20 000 room nights it secured for the UEFA EURO in France the company can look back at two events, where it proved its ability and strengthened its market position.  

Further afield, the company’s team in Moscow recently announced that it has concluded major deals with various hotel groups in preparation for the FIFA World Cup and is ready to supply a wide variety of accommodation as well as transport in all the host cities.  

News from Korea is that finding accommodation in PyeongChang is the biggest challenge for everyone planning to attend the Winter Games. However, Khaya in on track to fulfil the needs of broadcasters and Olympic Federations.  

New brand to be launched at SPORTELMonaco  

The new brand, name and logo, will be launched at the SPORTELMonaco Convention. “What will stay are our dedication and the red shirts our team is recognized by at large events,” says Rafael with a smile.  

SPORTELMonaco exhibitors and visitors will be able to meet the new Khaya at Stand A55.  

Ready for the future  

With the successful delivery at recent events in mind, Khaya is preparing for its next highlights.  

The upcoming events include:  

• 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang
• 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
• 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan
• 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo
• 2020 UEFA EURO in Europe

Today Khaya looks forward to a bright future with its new name, new look, and a solid strategy to provide clients with exceptional service at major international events.

Pretoria, South Africa – 09/09/2016 – Pixel8 is a comprehensive online digital solutions marketplace offering bespoke products or services for quick and affordable company branding, as it should be. Through hard work and dedication, Pixel8 has officially opened its platform to those who have an interest in developing and strengthening their brand, as well as those individuals who have branding services to offer. 

By offering in-demand online products such as graphics and design elements, promotional videos, digital marketing services, as well as SEO-friendly website content, just to name a few, Pixel8 extends its marketplace to offer quality products to a wide variety of individuals who not only want to improve their return investment, but individuals who have quality products to offer by selling them directly on the website. 

The full range of products offered include: 

• Office interior digital mock-up
• Sales/landing pages for your website
• Flyer/brochure designs
• SEO-friendly website copy
• Professional product labeling designs
• Professional business documentation templates
• WordPress blogs for a business website
• SEO-friendly articles
• Social media marketing services
• Website banner ads
• Unique email marketing services
• Infographics for your business website
• Website banner designs
• Creative branding mascots
• Unique email signatures
• Professional logo designs
• Unique business card designs
• Web design and development
• Learning management systems (LMS)
• Maintenance and updates on WordPress websites
• Website conversions into an Android App
• Promotional videos
• Animated logo reveals
• Professional animated videos
• Accurate data entry
• Custom QR codes for your business
• Fun online gifts such as e-card designs and custom t-shirt designs 

Celebrating the success of the website launch, Pixel8 is excited to see what the future holds for online branding and company collaborations – offering affordable, fast, and secure online products. “Any business that does not have a website or practicing good branding skills is missing out on one of the most powerful marketing tools available to them. Don't get left behind,” according to Pixel8’s website. Never underestimate the power of well-utilised branding to boost your company’s reputation. 

Pixel8 – Build your brand online. Offering a variety of digital content and products to choose from. Quick, easy, and affordable. www.pixel8.co.za 

Priority Corporation, a new marketing company has opened its doors in Cape Town South Africa and Lesotho. The company’s specialty is on helping SME’s to launch and market new and existing products inland and across borders.

Priority Corporation is a group of street smart professionals with concentrated backgrounds in marketing gathered from serving Non-Governmental Organisation’s and independent Blue Chip Companies. The wealth of expertise provided by the team is complemented by latest innovative infrastructure, a nationwide and international footprint and a network of power agents across every major distribution channel.

The results of our Current SME’s Sales and Marketing Review indicates that 67% of SME’s do not market themselves and the very same alludes that the absence of marketing is the reason for sluggish growth and incurring losses instead of profits. Priority Corporation has been incorporated to address this problem which is causing closure of SME’s daily or keeping the remainder as Small Businesses without growth forever.

Priority Corporation Managing Director, Zwelithini Matsoso Says, “SME’s lose focus on what put them in the business in the first place which is selling and generating income and marketing is the area in which they need to capitalize on to make sales and revenues, marketing is like sowing a 5Kg of maize seeds in order to harvest 10 silos.” “We therefore work with brand developers, manufacturers, and retail outlets to ensure smooth transition from product packaging, product launch, product distribution, to consumer purchase all under one roof, this is the entire ecosystem that a brand requires to succeed.”

Matsoso Continues to say “As we built the brands and help them be cash generating machines for their owners, it is equally important that the bottom line performance can render sustainable brands, those which will be able to generate money even after decades not once off. We are even happier that we will be providing all our services at a reasonable amount for all SME’s, but most importantly we will be taking small business out of being small businesses to being global and legacy businesses not forgetting Batho Pele (People first)in our service offering.” Says Matsoso.

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Tel: South Africa: +27 82 703 1495 Lesotho:+266 27 00 1495