The main challenge entrepreneurs are facing in Africa is not the lack of great ideas but the fear of turning ideas into reality. With unemployment in South Africa at an all time high, more and more people are trying to make their own way in the economy.The Africa Digital Entrepreneurship events are about turning dreams into action. The series of events aims to enable digital entrepreneurship and the upcoming ‘Bitcoin Nights’ meet-up in Johannesburg on Thursday, 24 October at The Business Exchange Morningside, 150 Rivonia Road is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the digital assets space.

Business networking is the fast track to success and event sponsors such as Zcoin and OVEX believe that entrepreneurship is the way forward for South Africans. Jonathan Ovadia, Co-Founder and CEO at OVEX, a company helping to create an open, trustless and more efficient financial system says “the vision is to break down the barriers that prevent people from entering the traditional financial system. We believe that wealth-creating investment opportunities shouldn’t only be accessible to the wealthy, but should be available to all.”

The event is facilitated by the United Africa Blockchain Association (UABA), a non-profit leading blockchain education and adoption in sub-Saharan Africa. With the help of sponsors, The Africa Digital Entrepreneurship Series’ goal is to provide relevant content on business and technology that helps people learn and grow professionally and personally.The meet-ups provide a conducive environment for networking and ideas exchange, and attendees can look forward to free drinks, giveaways and prizes. Other sponsors include Divi, which makes it possible for anyone to participate in securing blockchains through their one-click masternodes, challenging the notion that you need technical expertise to participate in the blockchain ecosystem. Centbee, a digital wallet company that believes in the power of people to create an abundant future and æternity, a new blockchain technology, designed to deliver efficiency, transparent governance and global scalability are also part of the sponsors who see huge potential in Africa and are actively championing the digital asset revolution.

The theme of the Johannesburg event focuses on the Digital Asset Economy and anyone interested in tech is welcome to attend FREE of charge and benefit from the networking opportunity and inspiring discussions. Speakers will include Adi Kaimowitz, President and CEO of Virtual Actuary, Maushami Chetty of Novate Legal; Mpho Dagada – Commisioner, 4th Industrial Revolution at the SA Presidency; and Yaliwe Soko, Chairperson at UABA.The event aims to inspire participants to increase their appetite for entrepreneurship and get more knowledgeable about the growing trend in digital assets. Africa is a market ready to adopt new technology but lack of emphasis on digital entrepreneurship opportunities in Africa might result in missed economic opportunities for the next generation.

“It’s important to encourage the youth to explore the option of entrepreneurship as a career path instead of waiting for employment opportunities which may never be available to them.Initiatives such as the Africa Digital Entrepreneurship Series focus on creating awareness and demystifying what it means to run a digital enterprise,” said Heath Muchena, Founder of Proudly Associated, a company working with companies developing blockchain-powered technologies that have use cases focusing on emerging economy development to gain adoption across the continent.Whether you’re a student, professional or fledgling entrepreneur, this event will provide valuable insights and an opportunity to learn, grow, network and be inspired all in one. The meet-up will be a relaxed, no-suits-or-ties sort of event so expect to learn and be entertained. 

"The Africa Digital Entrepreneurship Series connects up-and-coming entrepreneurs in all fields. It’s a fantastic way for those interested in tech and online businesses to build a solid support network,” said Grey Jabesi, host of the Grey Ave Podcast, Africa’s top rated podcast which focuses on survival skills for the 21st century.

By attending this FREE event, attendees will:

Learn about new frontiers in digital innovation

Find out how to leverage technology to broaden participation in the global digital economy

Boost digital asset knowledge including digital asset acquisition and management

Learn how to build a fully remote businessDiscover mentorship opportunities

Interact with other entrepreneurs and build business networks

Meet like-minded innovators and go-getters

Be empowered!

GET TICKETS HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/africa-digital-entrepreneurship-series-tickets-77802321839

Event details: 

Admission: FREE (Limited space so make sure you get there early.)

Date: Thursday, 24 October, 2019

Location:  The Business Exchange, Block 4, 150 Rivonia Road, Morningside, Sandton, 2057 Johannesburg.

If you want to sponsor this event or for more information, contact:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you were going to make an effort for the Oscars, this Sunday’s one should probably be it - their 90th anniversary.

West Pack Lifestyle will help you set the scene.

But first, popcorn!

In the true spirit of Oscar night, what's the moves without popcorn, right? There's nothing cheaper, or more fun, so create a DIY popcorn bar of different flavours.

The most affordable way to serve them without compromising on your fun movie night feel is in old-school brown paper packets (R23.90 for 50 Brown Paper Packets S08) and stock up on popcorn sprinkles (available in 150g packets, R14.90 each from your nearest West Pack store in flavours like sour cream and chives, fruit and chutney, butter and cheese).

Cajun Popcorn: Combine a pinch each of salt, pepper, ground cumin, garlic powder, dried basil, dried thyme, paprika and cayenne pepper, and add to melted butter. Place air-popped corn in large bowl and toss in seasoning mixture to coat

Parmesan Popcorn: Combine equal quantities grated Parmesan cheese and melted butter with a dash each of Italian herbs and salt. Pour over warm air-popped corn and toss to coat.

Cinnamon Popcorn: Place 8 cups air-popped corn in a baking pan. In a small bowl, mix 1 lightly beaten egg white, ½ cup (125ml) sugar, 1 tsp (5ml) cinnamon and pinch of salt. Add to popcorn and bake in preheated 150°C oven, 20 minutes.

If you're thinking plain popcorn, we'll let you off the hook, but only if you dress it up with fun popcorn themed buckets!

46oz buckets 20 pack R49.9064oz buckets 20 pack R69.90

If you have a thing for emojis, or just want to add some fun to your movie night, you can opt for these fun emoji popcorn boxes instead (buy 12 for R29.90)

There’s nothing more festive than mason jars, so serve your popcorn with juice or cocktails in these fun similar themed mason jars with handles, lids and straws (buy 4 for R59.90).

The final (starry) touches

An Oscars party wouldn't be complete with stars! This recipe for star shaped chips could be used for anything really - just pop into your nearest West Pack store to choose from a variety of star shaped cookie cutters (from R22.90 to R64.90).

Unleash your crafty DIY side with these Starry Sparkles - perfect for decorating your tables, menus or faces - sure your brain is already ticking over with a few ideas (R24.90 for 8 mini bottles).  

Find your nearest West Pack Lifestyle or West Pack Express store on www.westpacklifestyle.co.za or find us on Facebook/westpacklifestyle

Ah, December! The year is coming to an end, and the New Year is around the corner along with new opportunities. Hopefully you’ll be taking a well-deserved break from work.   Whether you are travelling or staying at home, always keep your trusted GLAD products handy to make your life simpler.  

Taking a road trip?

• GLAD Zip Seal bags are great for storing boredom-busters like snacks, toys or pens and pencils. The large Zip Seal Freezer Bags can hold A4 paper and colouring-in books. Keeps kids happy, and the car neat.
• If you’re planning on hosting play dates, use GLAD Zip Seal Snack Bags for kids' treats and party bags to make the day go smoother.
• GLAD Press‘n Seal makes for a wonderful placemat when the kids are fiddling with arts and crafts, to keep surfaces clean.
• Keep the cardboard tubes from empty GLAD Wrap, GLAD Bake & Cooking Paper or GLAD Press‘n Seal rolls for the kids to transform into great hand-made puppets with a little glue and imagination!
• Store all your old clothes and handbags in a GLAD Refuse Bag with Forceflex Bags, then bring them out for kids' 'Dress Up' days. Use GLAD Zip Seal Snack Bags to hide and protect special treats for a back-yard treasure hunt – keeps the ants out and the treats clean.

Get the kids outdoors by planning a picnic in the garden.

• Use the GLAD Zip Seal Range to store all food items – remember to keep wet and dry food groups separate.
• Take GLAD Forceflex Refuse Bags with to pack away any dirty cups or dishes so the picnic basket stays clean.

Please visit www.glad.co.za for more information and follow ‘GLAD SOUTH AFRICA’ on Facebook; Available in the GLAD aisle of most supermarkets. 

Your wedding day should be one of the most romantic, exciting and unforgettable days of your life and the Wedding Expo®  taking place on the 14th and 15th March 2015 at the dome in Northgate, is the place to visit to transform your  wedding into that extraordinary experience. Planning a wedding is more than just a dress, a cake and a fabulous reception.  What you’re planning needs to be as special as you wish the rest of your life to be. Your wedding is about love, romance, commitment; it’s about having the people close to you witness your union and your dedication to one another. Witness your ‘Happily Ever After’!

The Wedding Expo® understands this and works tirelessly to bring the most comprehensive and creative bridal exhibitors to showcase their wares and services all under one roof and all with one aim – to assist soon-to-be-newlyweds in making their dream wedding a reality - without all of the stress.

Recognised as the South African Bride’s favourite bridal event, The Wedding Expo® boasts premiere exhibitors showcasing everything from the perfect wedding stationery to beautiful blooms, breath-taking wedding gowns to gorgeous jewellery, tantalising table décor to hedonistic honeymoons. The Wedding Expo® also offers the opportunity to interact with some of South Africa’s top wedding planners, photographers and caterers and get expert advice on financial and legal matters. This hands-on advice is invaluable and usually comes at a premium, but at The Wedding Expo®, this is just part of what is offered to ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch.

A new feature to this year’s Expo is aptly named ‘Make Me a Bride’ where lucky volunteers will be transformed into a bride with hair, makeup and a wedding gown! During their makeover, they will receive key advice from the specialists doing the makeover and a leading stylist. There will be 3 opportunities each day and everyone will get the opportunity to see the fabulous change when she appears on the fashion ramp to show off! They will also receive a VIP invitation to the all-new Wedding Inspirations stand where they will get the opportunity to ‘walk into the magazine.’

The inspiring daily fashion shows offer visitors the opportunity to grab a seat in the front row and catch a glimpse of the latest and most beautiful bridal trends in wedding apparel for both brides and grooms.  From couture designers to ready to wear labels, there is sure to be something for every taste. These will include beautiful creations from couture designers Bridal Room, F Wilson Couture, G&B Couture, Gerald C, New Romantics, White Lilly Bridal and bridesmaid dresses from Bloumossie, Gelique and Bride&co! Ready to wear labels will also be on the runway and you will be able to see Olivelli, Maggie Sottero, Bridal Wardrobe, Bride&co and lingerie from The Corsetiere. Menswear will also be featured so don’t let your groom miss out on seeing suits from Eurosuit, Gerald C, F Wilson and Frank Bespoke.

Don’t miss a chance to vote for your favourite table décor at the special display of tables by our creative exhibitors. You could stand a chance to win a fabulous weekend at the Khaya Ndlovu Manor House in Hoedspruit valued at R7 500.00!

There is already more than enough on offer to entice every bride-to-be not to miss this annual celebration of all things wedding, but one more reason not to miss it is the chance to win a R320 000.00 wedding Multiflora wedding at Diamond 4 Estate as well as a honeymoon at Khaya Ndlovu Manor! Entries at the Expo and you must be there to win. Saturday finalists will be back on Sunday for the finals at 3pm!!

“We are always so excited at the beginning of the year when we are looking forward to our beautiful show. We produce the best wedding planning platform for all those bridal couples! It is a dedicated wedding space with beautiful stands to visit and professional service providers to choose from!” says The Wedding Expo® managing director Amanda Cunningham.

So make a date to attend the Wedding Expo® - it will go a long way to ensuring that your wedding day is the extraordinary experience that you always hoped for.  

Event details: Date: 14th and 15th March 2015 Venue:  Coca-Cola dome, Northgate, Johannesburg Cost: R120.00 per person Fashion shows: 11h30, 12h30 and 14h30 daily Competition draws: 11h30, 12h30 and 14h30 daily.

With the recent volatility of the price of fuel in South Africa, many South Africans find themselves not knowing whether to fill up sooner rather than later, and a misstep could easily cost you over R100. FillApp is a locally developed app, by TouchFoundry, that solves this problem. It’s designed for the person on the go and is easy to setup and use. There is no registration required or pesky ads and its minimalist design tells you only what you need to know.

Once FillApp knows how big your car’s fuel tank is and what fuel you use, it will send a gentle reminder each month informing you of the fuel price change, how much you’ll save and whether you should fill up before or after the change (depending if it’s a price increase or decrease) – that simple. And the best part is: Its 100% FREE

“The aim here was to develop something simple, intuitive and unobtrusive” says co-creator Fabio Longano. “Apps have become an integral part of our lives, but many of them don’t take the consumer into account. FillApp has been designed to fit seamlessly into your day-to-day, empowering locals to save money.”

FillApp uses information available on agency and government websites to predict prices changes. Co-creator Lance Jenkin says that there is a lot of publicly accessible information that isn't necessarily 'accessible' as per say, to the public. “Every-day-people aren't able to access this data efficiently and conveniently when they need to. So we did the time, crunched the code and came out with an elegant product that will hopefully add a touch of convenience to everyone’s lives”

Available for free on both Apple and Android devices here:

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id954377930

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.touchfoundry.fillapp

Founded in 2012 TouchFoundry aims to fill the gap in the market by merging the complexity of code with the artistry of digital to craft exciting, immersive and delightful media. They provide offerings in Mobile Apps, Touchscreen Software, Motion tracking Software, Social media integration and Analytics & Reporting

Website: www.fillapp.co.za

Launching in February 2015, Design4T.com is South Africa’s first crowd-funding platform for customised T-shirts.

Design4T.com enables groups, organizations or individuals to create and sell custom apparel with no upfront costs. In addition, local governments and non-profits can use this innovative platform to raise funds for initiatives.

"We’re extremely excited to introduce this new platform to South Africa," said Design4T’s co-founder & director, Claus Lauter. "Design4T.com is unique in that it gives people a quick, easy and no-cost way to start earning money for a special cause or idea by creating and selling T-Shirts online. The cool thing about this model is that there is no risk for the seller and buyer."

Here’s how it works.

First, the campaign creator designs a T-Shirt using Design4T’s custom T-Shirt building tool. That process takes place right in the browser and it is extremely easy to do. Then a campaign page is created. A goal is set for a number of T-Shirts the campaign creator wants to sell. The more T-Shirt sold, the cheaper each shirt becomes. Shipping and fulfilment is handled entirely by Design4T, and the shirts arrive around two weeks after a campaign closes.

How much does it cost?

Using the Design4T platform is 100% free. Design4T only charges a fee for successful campaigns that covers the raw material, production, and delivery of each product. The seller chooses the selling price and keeps 100% of all profits.

About Design4T Products

Currently, sellers can design and print on a variety of high quality pre-shrunk Fruit of the Loom shirts. Design4T’s screen printing partners are audited to guarantee high standards of quality and socially responsible practices.

About the Design4T Team

Design4T was created in 2014 by a team of highly dedicated entrepreneurs and online marketing experts with the mission to make a successful business concept available for South Africans. Design4T has a top class customer service team to help ensure customer satisfaction, and offers in-house design and marketing services to enhance and amplify sales to Design4T campaigns.

For interested journalists, Design4T is offering free access to the website at http://www.design4t.com/ and an information-packed training course called Design4T University.

For more information, you can watch a video showing an overview of Design4T at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS1oyyVRIk0

For additional information, contact:

Design4T (Pty) Ltd.Claus Lauter, Director199 Loop Street, Graphic CentreCape Town, 8001, South Africa

Phone: ++27 (0)21 200 6643 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.: www.design4t.comCompany registration number: 2014/271026/07

Darren August takes us through a few of the experiences and relationships with his own teachers, growing up, which changed his life. He retells the stories of others too, and will surely awaken your school memories. As an experienced motivator, the book leaves not only teachers encouraged to inspire others, but everyone else will feel inspired to reach their potential and live their calling too. 

This book offers a few giggles as we see things from the perspective of a child, but is mostly introspective of the role we play in the way in which children perceive themselves. Teachers and parents will find it particularly motivating – with practical ways you could change young lives, for good. 

This book is a great resource. It’s a celebration of teachers, as instrumental parts of society – it will definitely have you thinking of the teachers that have impacted your life. Scheduled for release in October 2014 – this book is set to motivate every South African reader to once again restore the dignity of ‘The Noblest Profession”. 

About the Author 

Darren August is the Founder and CEO of Dazz Consulting – A dynamic training organisation committed to seeing people thrive and succeed.He is a Corporate Trainer, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach, Entrepreneur, Radio Host & former Lecturer.He is passionate about Life; People and Education and together with his wife – Arlene, they believe in maximizing every opportunity to impact the lives of others. 

To order, for interview requests and other queries, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Woman of today have realized that getting their period every month is, well I guess, just the way life goes. In 1996, Instead, Inc. pioneered a new alternative to tampons and pads with the development and release of its innovative Softcup.

Now in 2014, Maybe MOM is proud to announce that they have made this product tagged ‘The Next Generation of Period Protection' available to the South African market. Maybe MOM Instead Softcup gives you 12-hour wear time, comfort and convenience during your period allowing ladies to live life without interruptions.

Softcup is a flexible cup that is worn internally, around your cervix. It collects, rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It's hypo-allergenic, latex-free and completely safe when used as directed. Softcup has gained popularity for its many advantages over traditional methods of feminine protection including greater safety, longer wear-time, and clean sex during “that time of the month. Softcup can be worn during any activity including sports, swimming and sleeping.  Use one reusable Softcup for up to three cycles, which makes it Easy on the Earth and Easy on the wallet retailing in stores for only R49.99.

More than 200 million Softcups have been sold since the product’s introduction in America in 1996, and there has never been a reported incidence of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). In extensive laboratory testing Softcup did not promote the growth of the bacteria that causes TSS. Softcup does not change the body’s natural environment nor does it alter the body’s pH levels, natural bacteria levels or absorb the body’s moisture. “It allows me to use the softcup until the last day of my period, even when my flow may be little to none, it’s comfortable and does not cause dryness or irritation” says Amanda, owner of Maybe MOM South Africa.

“Because the Softcup was uniquely designed for the modern-day woman, it has grown tremendously and developed staying power in the American market, proving an excellent alternative to tampons and pads,” said Joseph Pike, CEO of Instead. Women have embraced the concept of the Softcup because of the greater flexibility and control it gives them over their lives.  In fact, when the Softcup is not offered somewhere, women seek it out rather than buy the alternatives.

The Softcup is an FDA-approved, reusable menstrual product made from a non-absorbent, non irritating polymeric material that has been used for over 20 years in health care products such as catheters and baby bottle nipples and contains no latex. It has undergone extensive toxicology, bio-compatibility and microbiological tests as well as human clinical testing, and contains no drying chemicals or fibers. 

12-Hour Period Protection, Instead Softcup is a proven advancement in period protection. Try it and you'll see how it fits into your busy life.  

For more information and to purchase contact (Wholesale enquiries welcome)  Facebook: www.facebook/maybe mom.com / Website:  www.aeadistribution.co.za /Your nearest Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores as well as Medi Rite Pharmacy’s    For Interviews: Amanda or Elie Kouaiky /Tel:   +2783 2928292 / +2782 8881816 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hungry Lion’s Lucky Bucket Campaign Delivers Double Digit Sales Growth For The Brand

Hungry Lion’s new ‘Lucky Bucket’ campaign, has driven hundreds of thousands of feet into its newly refurbished fast food chicken outlets countrywide resulting in an impressive 37% increase in overall brand engagement and double digit sales growth in just four weeks. 

The new Hungry Lion integrated campaign, comprising a new TV and radio commercial, digital, PR and on the ground activations, which promise to ‘give Mzansi more’, have seen the Hungry Lion brand quickly winning with SA and Africa consumers and becoming a fast food favourite.

“We achieved the 37% increase in engagement in the first three weeks of our campaign and the level of redemption on vouchers via digital channels has been way above industry benchmarks,” says Tashalene Reid, Marketing Manager at Hungry Lion, a Shoprite Holdings company. 

She also attributes the increase in sales to Hungry Lion’s new brand image, refurbished outlets, its proudly South African heritage and a great product in the form of bigger portions of great tasting chicken served up in the brand’s visually appealing branded buckets. “Our Pride Bucket has been iconic to our stores for more than 12 years, so it remains at the centre of our new brand campaign,” she adds. 

The campaign is a follow-on from our first engaging TV commercial, which saw the Pride Buckets being flown in by helicopter into the metropolis and promising Mzansi More. 

“We then built on this story by bringing the buckets to life by using an on-the-ground mechanic in the form of 50 Lucky Bucket mascots who have been promoting the R7-million ‘spot a lucky bucket’ competition throughout South Africa in a fun and engaging way. To date, they have been seen climbing Table Mountain, riding on trains, touring the city, surfing and visiting iconic areas all over South Africa.” 

Reid explains that this particular campaign is a first for South Africa in terms of utilising these various touchpoints and in terms of integration, we have seen over 700,000 digital WiCodes already being issued within the first four weeks. 

“It has included pushing social media limits and digital interaction via mobile devices to include WeChat, VoucherCloud and Mxit as a mechanic for our market, providing a perfect platform for live interaction for all of South Africa and enabling both feature and smartphone users the opportunity to participate,” she adds.

According to SocialBaker’s latest social media report, the Hungry Lion brand has seen a 155% increase in engagement on their social channels alone, overtaking Nike Sportswear.

Hungry Lion, which launched in 1997, by the Shoprite Holdings Ltd Group, has seen a rapid growth trajectory by extending its footprint and now has a network of more than 160 stores in Africa and South Africa with operations in eight African countries.

Over the past two years, the brand has undergone major changes to its management, brand, stores and menu in order to achieve its goal of being a first-world Quick Service Restaurant (QSR). “We have had to restrategise, reformulate and rebrand our stores to make this a reality,” says Reid.

“Our goal is to provide all communities in Africa with tasty chicken in a first-world environment at competitive prices, whilst staying true to our 100% homegrown SA offering,” she adds. “The stores now boast a world-class design with ample seating and an inescapable focus on providing great chicken products in order to bring to life our brand vision in very diverse areas in South Africa.” 

Hungry Lion, which serves over a million customers per month across SA and Africa, prides itself on offering ‘MORE’ for every man, woman and child across Mzansi (South Africa and Africa) with the stores and menu being crafted for people who want more and for lovers of king-sized chicken. 

Reid explains; “Our product has undergone a major overhaul resulting in larger portions for bigger value, while remaining true to our brand promise of ‘giving Mzansi more’ and offering consumers more value for money in a fast and friendly environment.”

“Our integrated campaign for the launch of the ‘new’ brand aims to make South Africans aware of our brand promise in a fun, engaging and aspirational way. We needed to reach and impact on a larger scale than ever before,” she adds. “To do this we needed to push the boundaries in order to get more people to experience the new Hungry Lion at multiple touchpoints.”

“It has taken us two years of planning, new brand implementation and roll-out for us to be ready to market the brand and the success over the last month is testiment that South Africans are responding well to the new brand,” she concludes.

Join the conversation on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hungrylion or on Twitter: @HungryLionSA #luckybucket

Indie games are fast becoming a trend in South Africa, catching on from the overseas markets. These days, children and adults alike are playing mobile games as never before. People are always hungry for something different, which is where indie games – or ‘independent’ games – come in, providing players with something other than the mass-produced mainstream products.

Now, Somerset West can boast with its very own game studio that started turning its cogs in February this year. For its first month of existence, the studio was run out of the founder’s mother’s basement – typical indie game studio protocol, if history is anything to go by. Now, running from a house close to De Hoop Primary School, the studio focuses on creating mobile games (such as their recently released Afrikaans game, Fanie de Beer) and has oodles of style, creativity, skill and initiative.

While the Apmil Game Studio has only been up and running for a few months, the people who daily put their shoulders to its wheels have been building up relationships for the last three-and-a-half years. Even though the studio officially started up in February, the idea of an indie game studio had been brewing in the mind of Studio Head, Pierre Bezuidenhout, since 2011. Pierre started lecturing in the Animation Department of Cape Town’s City Varsity in 2011 – and this is where he met the three students who would later join him in this grand venture.

Pierre, as leader of the team, is Apmil’s Programmer and Technical Director. He has previously worked in advertising and animation for Wicked Pixels in Woodstock and held the position of lecturer at Concept Interactive as well as at City Varsity. His impressive skill set includes a sharp eye for detail as well as design flair and programming aptitude in different digital languages and platforms – he is also quite the people-person. Altus Barry is the Technical Lead, taking charge of rigs, renders and other related tasks. Mabet van Zijl did her major in 3D Narrative and, as Generalist, leads Apmil’s marketing and writing in between her usual workload. Louren Hattingh takes the roles of Lead Animator and Concept Artist. While each person has their area to lead, the workflow runs with a ‘rock-paper-scissors’-style in which one falls under the delegation of another while dealing with respective area-specific tasks. Sitting around a whiteboard, each armed with a marker, they discuss character design, story line, player motivation, level arrangement, time constraints and load division before jumping in with the actual development.

The first released game, Fanie de Beer, is a 100% physics-driven, full 3D, indie puzzle game with a distinct South African flavour. Playing as Fanie de Beer, a 12-year-old farm-boy, the player utilizes simple little rocks by tapping once on the screen to clear best friend Jaco Kriel’s fields of strategically placed, ancient landmines. Built in Unity, the game takes place in a single day – with the story starting early in the morning and ending in the evening – transporting the player through a dynamic day/night cycle and colourful, saturated farm fields as they progress through the 84 levels, meeting new mine types and increasingly difficult challenges as they go along. Written and designed in Afrikaans, then carefully translated into true farm-style English, this game is unique, fun and proudly South African. The demo is available for download from the Google Play Store, while the full game can be purchased on Samsung Apps and Amazon.

The next game in the pipeline is different from Fanie de Beer in virtually every way. Where Fanie is a very colourful 3D puzzle game with just enough back-story to set the player up for the context and flavour of the game, the current project is a heavily story-driven platform-game that takes place in a fictional world made up of parallaxing silhouettes and strange characters.

Apmil Game Studio has not only been created as a platform to build games, but also as a springboard for fellow animators, developers, designers and illustrators. It’s a breeding ground for collaboration, ideas, innovation and learning. Each person hones their skills while doing fun and challenging work through creating games and stories as well as fulfilling the creative needs of small to medium-sized businesses in the Western Cape and Gauteng.

Apmil Game Studio services include animation, app creation, game creation, rendering/stills, asset creation, video editing and UX. The creative division of Apmil, led by artist Janet Botes and writer Michelle Albinson, offers logo design, graphic design, online/web design, interactive design, writing, editing, proofreading and illustration.

Apmil prides itself on being different: Fresh ideas, innovative applications, strange and wonderful games – they are all things that receive the studio’s love and attention to detail. To find out more or to get involved, contact Pierre Bezuidenhout at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him on 082 499 3133

Studio ingredients:[A]ltus makes the bus and [P]ierre drives the bus; [M]abet takes the bus t[i]ckets and [L]ouren makes the bus move. Thus, [apmil].

Free demo: Google Play – bit.ly/fanie_demo 
Full version: Samsung Apps – bit.ly/fanie
Official Trailer: Youtube – bit.ly/fanie_trailer 
Apmil page: Apmil/Fanie – apmil.co.za/fanie-de-beer