Cadbury PS launched their Valentine’s campaign, “Say it with PS.” The event, hosted by the incredible Pamela Mtanga at The Beach in Rivonia. was an absolute blast from start to finish. Cadbury PS has truly outdone themselves with the creation of the ultimate messaging bar, allowing us to confidently express ourselves without getting a child down our spine.

No matter the situation, whether we need to apologize to a loved one or ask someone to be our boyfriend, Cadbury PS has got our back. Their messaging bar ensures that our heartfelt messages are delivered with love and sincerity.

But the event was not just about the delicious chocolate and innovative messaging bar. It was a lively and vibrant gathering that provided a safe space for everyone to express themselves. Whether it was reaching out to an influencer for collaboration or simply making new friends, the atmosphere was filled with positivity and acceptance.

Furthermore, the event featured incredible games that kept us entertained throughout. With interactive challenges and captivating music, there was never a dull moment. Plus, there was an opportunity to win a trip to the Maldives courtesy of Cadbury PS, which added an extra level of excitement to the evening.

The “Say it with PS” Valentine’s campaign by Cadbury PS has truly exceeded all expectations. It has not only united people but also empowered them to express themselves freely, fostering genuine connections. We are eagerly anticipating the campaign’s progress and the profound influence it will have on relationships and communication.

Burger King and Pepsi collaborates on a new virtual game giving away renowned Artist African Ginger NFT’s with an estimated value of $260 000. Some things work better together than others, in fact something legendary happens when the right things come together –  like Burger King and Pepsi. Leaning into the power of the perfect partnership, this December 2022 and January 2023 will see the winning combo combine to collaborate with hot Mzansi artist, African Ginger, with ‘X Marks the Drop.’

During these two months, South Africans are invited to take part in a nationwide search for virtual tokens, with an opportunity to win an original African Ginger piece of art and NFT worth $25 000; 1 of 10 000 limited editions African Ginger NFTs (with an estimated total value of $260 000), along with 20 000 free Whoppers up for grabs. Along with this, offers like discount codes or free PEPSI with meals purchased can be won each day.

Seth Pimentel, A.K.A. African Ginger, is known for his unique illustrative style. He creates art with depth and meaning but he is often pushing boundaries by merging traditional and digital work into a hybrid of experimentation. His works for ‘X Marks the Drop’ are consistent with his style whilst still incorporating Burger King and Pepsi brand colours.

Head of Marketing for Burger King SA, Ezelna Jones, says “Gen Z grew up online playing games so combining the world of a digital token hunt and NFTs is a natural transition, especially for those seeking to own an original digital picture from African Ginger. For fashion and traditional art, Gen Z members express their personalities through the digital art they collect, including NFTs that represent their passions. ‘X Marks the Drop’ with Pepsi ticks all the boxes as we offer them the opportunity to be incentivised for doing something they would normally be doing while gamifying their experience with our brands.” 

“I am incredibly proud of the successful partnership we have built over the past 9 years with Burger King and PepsiCo, this Collab of two great brands is one more step to show South Africa how innovative we can be in this channel. We wish all our loyal customers and consumers all the best in their virtual hunt for tokens,” says Martin Charles of PepsiCo SA. 

The virtual hunt is a collaborative piece created by Because Creative Experiences and their technology partners Inner Reality supported with media strategy and execution by Initiative Media.

  ●      To play, go to www.bkxpepsi.co.za on your mobile device or scan the QR code on one   of the posters in store.

●      Register your details and sign in.

●      Identify your closest BK drop or drop a token right in front of you.

●      Open the AR mode to view the token and collect.

●      Click the ‘X’ token in your Whopper Wallet to see what you’ve won.

●      Save the code and redeem it at a BK store.

For more information, head to the Burger King site. X Marks the Drop will run until 31 January 2023.

It certainly would not be a shocking claim to say that international brands are usually associated with good quality for the average South African. When someone comes across a product that seems to be of quality, it is easy for them to assume that it’s a product with its origin from international countries. This following information means everyone gets to see how the country stand out and innovate. These are the brands we will be highlighting.

American Swiss

This first brand is almost guaranteed to make people gasp, mainly due to the name. American Swiss is one of the largest jewellery stores in the country, with multiple stores in different provinces across the country. The company was started shortly after the founder, Isiah Hirschonn arrived in South Africa in 1896. He arrived with a suitcase filled with watches, some Swiss and others American. Soon after, the business opened its doors in Cape Town.

American Swiss really began to bloom around 1967 when Foschini approached the company in order to have American Swiss in its stores outside of Cape Town. At this moment, Clive Hirschonn came to realise how big American Swiss could be if backed by Foschini and Stanley Lewis, so he agreed to the offer of being taken over. That is how South Africa got its own jewellery giant.

Superbalist

Another brand that had its humble beginnings in South Africa is the famous online fashion retailer known as Superbalist. What is interesting is that this was not even its first name, the platform was launched as Citymob in November of 2013. The brand platform began to use the name Superbalist in 2013.

The brand extended its reach beyond the fashion industry and into the larger lifestyle category. Superbalist is constructed upon three verticals which is the male fashion, female fashion, and the areas that its customers call home. It released the mobile app in late 2015, and the third of its sales are recorded through it, demonstrating how important mobile is for reaching the millennial market. It’s inspiring to see that much like the US with Amazon, SA is able to have its own online retail platform that became a household name.

Fabiani

Dont let the fancy sounding name fool you, Fabiani was founded in South Africa , in 1978. It is devoted to Italian-inspired design and tailoring, as well as distinctive craftsmanship, excellent construction, and striking colours. The brand’s initial concentration was on selling premium suits, but as luxury casual wear, shoes, and accessories were gradually added, clients now have access to a full range of menswear options. The brand has grown to have a reputation of being associated with being more upperclass.

Their online store and their retail locations around South Africa carry The Fabiani Collection. Along with their seasonal in-house designs, they also carry a number of foreign brands, such as G-Star RAW, Happy Socks, and Comme des Garçons Perfums.

Relay Jeans

Relay Jeans is an original, authentic, and proudly South African brand of denim. Relay Jeans brand is more than simply denim, it’s about all the fashions that go into a denim-centric way of life. In a way it the brand represents a culture. Relay also offers fashion that includes the freshest styles and the newest undeniably denim trends.

Although South Africa has been producing high-quality goods for us, it is never at the forefront when it comes to the most well-known brands, but the country continues to build and create brands every year, bigger brands at that. People need to get know these brands, and to support them.

Tastic is known for making rice all over the country which allows people to explore new recipes with their range. It’s is versatile, convenient and economical, not also forgetting that it is healthy.The well-known South African brand Tastic has recently introduced rice cakes and chips that were created for every snackist.

Tastic hosted a media launch on the 14 December 2022 at Summer Place in Hyde Park, inviting all media houses, giving them the opportunity to see and taste the launched products. At the media launch the Tiger Brands Marketing Director, Thembi Sehloho said that the goal of the new range of rice chips and cakes was to make a snack that everyone could eat as much they wanted without feeling guilty for finishing the whole bag. She also pointed out how the newly launched snacks are a healthier option, hence going with the slogan, “The good you need with the taste you want”.

FunTastic Media Launch

The FunTastic event included the fabulous Somizi Mhlongo as the MC and Chef Nti who introduced the harvest table that had all the flavours of the chips and rice cakes created by Chef Lerato. The harvest table had every rice chips flavour paired with a dip and the rice cakes had different toppings that had fruits on the side.

The event also had Chef Lentswe who was introducing menu for the day that served different types of canapes for the starter and rice with lamb, rice with fish as main course. For closing entertainment, they had Lamiez Holworthy setting the vibes, allowing everyone to have the chance to relax, network and engage with the media.

Thembi Sehloho also said the newly launched rice chips are air popped and have 56% less fat, which will be available in retail stores around Gauteng. The chips are available in four flavours, BBQ flavour, Sour Cream Cheese, Mrs H.S Balls Sweet chilli and Mrs H.S Chutney (which comes in 20g and 85g pack) and the rice cakes which are available with three options: the original, salted and multigrain (which comes in a 115g pack). The products will be going for R9,99 20g, R22,99 85g and the rice cakes will be R24,99 115g pack.

“I do not give up easily as I am very patient person by nature” – Nkosinathi Fani Masilela

Nkosinathi Fani Masilela has experienced failure so much that he knows it like the back of his hand and has not only seen failure ,tasted it, touched it, smelt it but still refused to be defined by it.

Fani failed so much that failure became something that he wasn’t scared of anymore. Instead of adversity breaking him down, it however did the opposite as he used it to build himself and moulded his strong character and resilient spirit. “Failure taught me patience and the ability to have faith and hope in the unknown,” Fani said.

It may have taken him a decade to complete a three-year national diploma Marketing course, Fani also spent full 8 years running a business that brought zero profits. Born and bred in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga he was only 14 when he left home to pursue a better life in Pretoria. In 2012, Fani founded Sqomani Authentic Wear, when he was just 21-years-old utilising his limited pocket money.

 He credits his incredible faith and unshakable hope that pushed him to keep trying and pushing again and again until more people warmed up to his brand. “I still don’t know how I managed to stay in a business for 8 years without profit but when you have hope, you have faith as you hold a belief that says the future will be better,” he said.

Fani wasn’t really bothered when his company wasn’t making money as he was having fun while pushing his brand and taking it places. “This is more like a hobby, making money out of it is actually a bonus for me,” he said with pride.

Fani believed he may have failed at love too after a decade-long relationship, which seemed unbreakable collapsed unexpectedly. “I got dumped after 10 long years of dating, so failure is nothing new to me,” he stated. However, the support structure he received from his family and their belief in him despite the many setbacks also played a part in keeping him going with his brand and studies.

Although he felt embarrassed about struggling to complete his marketing diploma, he still persevered and ensured that he completed his qualification. Hope and faith are now some of the core values of his company, Sqomani Authentic Wear which has continued to grow in leaps and bounds. “We at Sqomani Authentic Wear believe that with hope and faith anything situation can change for the better. All one has to do is to put in the work while hoping that the situation will improve and change,” Fani said.

Despite the setbacks he has faced, Fani got an opportunity to dress the entire Drip Footwear staff for their 14^th store opening at Phola Mall near Kwamhlanga, his proudest moment so far and he said it was the start of a very good relationship with the Drip brand. Despite the evident hurdles, perseverance, enthusiasm, and the joy of developing things made it simpler for him to remain the course.

American Express has announced that it will launch its first-ever exclusive pop-up experience in South Africa, organised by Nedbank and Zioux, in collaboration with The World’s 50 Best Bars.

From 20 to 22 October 2022, American Express Card Members will enjoy delights from two bartenders whose establishments have ranked on The World’s 50 Best Bars list: Maura Milia, Manager of London’s Connaught Bar (ranked no 8) and Tato Giovannoni from Argentinian bar Florería Atlántico (ranked no 18). 

This experience includes the following:

• Exclusive access to the American Express Experiences, The World’s 50 Best Bars pop-up evening at Zioux in Sandton, Johannesburg.
• A five-course set menu, including three complimentary cocktails valued at R1 000.
• A discount of 50% on drinks curated by these two bartenders.

The event is the latest in a series of exclusive experiences for American Express Card Members, including Card Members from licensed issuers that are part of the American Express network in select cities around the world.

Through these collaborations with leading banks, the benefits, services, and experiences that American Express offers are extended to more people globally. American Express has already hosted similar exclusive events for Card Members in the United States, Japan, Israel, Turkey, Argentina and Uruguay.

Duygu Yenidogan-Schmidt, Vice President, Global Head of Product and Marketing for American Express Network Services, says that American Express is dedicated to offering access to extraordinary Card Member events across the world – from beachside lounges to immersive dining experiences. ‘We’re delighted to bring this incredible event to South Africa for the first time. In collaboration with Nedbank and the talents of Tato Giovannoni and Maura Milia, we will give our Card Members an unforgettable experience’.

‘American Express understands our clients’ desire for the best in life, including access to curated, private events, and that’s what we will be offering them on 20, 21 and 22 October 2022 at Zioux in Sandton,’ says Buli Ndlovu, Executive Head for Retail and Business Banking Marketing at Nedbank.

Through this event, local American Express Card Members will have an opportunity to experience the international cocktail scene on home ground’.

Card Members can buy tickets to the experience by contacting Zioux via www.zioux.com or by calling Zioux directly on +27 10 594 5455. 

The number of seats for each evening is limited, so booking is essential.

To learn more about the American Express experience visit, https://experiences.global/za/access/experiences/johannesburg.

American Express in Africa 

American Express products have been in Africa for 60 years and its presence in the region continues to expand. American Express consumer Cards and corporate Cards are issued in more than 40 countries across the region through its joint venture American Express Middle East (AEME), collaboration with local banks, and direct issuance of Global Dollar Cards.Through its bank partners and AEME, American Express is committed to expanding the number of places where local Cardmembers, international travellers, and local and international businesses can use their American Express Cards for daily spending, business, or tourism in the region.

Nedbank is the authorized issuer of American Express Cards in South Africa. Learn more at www.americanexpress.co.za.

Maura Milia

Bar Manager at The Connaught Bar, London

Maura Milia is the bar manager of The World’s Best Bar for 2021, London’s Connaught Bar. Having joined the team in 2014, Maura has worked her way her from a waitress position to assistant bar manager in 2019 and bar manager in 2022.

For Maura, creating experiences for guests is not only about top-quality creations being served but also about the way it served. Meticulous attention to detail, storytelling and impeccable synergy within the team, make the guest experience second to none at The Connaught Bar.

Leading and mentoring a team of 16, looking after their personal and professional development, and being the key connection between bar and floor teams as well as bar and broader hotel management, Maura’s role is key to the smoothest and highest-standard experience.

During this journey marked by determination and a shared commitment to extraordinary hospitality, Maura achieved the important recognition of ‘Front of House Star of the Year’at the CLASS Bar Awards in 2018 and ‘Bar Manager of the Year’ at the CLASS Bar Awards in 2022. Maura’s accolades are testament to her contribution to the progress of the team and the venue and recognises women’s talent in hospitality.

During the pandemic, Maura used her position within the hotel and industry to support the local and global community. From volunteering to prepare meals for NHS workers to collaborating with spirits brands to raise money for the industry and those in need, her commitment was proactive.

The bar team continued to be nurtured throughout lockdowns via regular teambuilding sessions hosted online to remain motivated and come up with new, creative ways to deliver their service standards.

Tato Giovannoni

How did a boy who dreamt of making movies become one of the best bartenders in the world? Some speak of talent, others of passion.

One day, he said goodbye to the sea and woods of Pinamar and went away in search of his future. He studied Graphic Design and Art Direction at Escuelita de creativos, and Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy.

Back in Argentina, he started working as a bartender inGran Bar Danzón, Sucre and Faena Hotel. His talent and creativity did not go unnoticed. He was an ambassador for many brands of distillates and designed the drinks menu forMalbec House (USA), the Gaucho restaurants and the Galante bar (UK), and La teatrería(Mexico).

In 2013, he foundedFlorería Atlántico, voted as one of the world’s 50 best bars.  A few months later, Tato created the Príncipe de los Apóstoles gin, made with yerba mate, pink grapefruit, eucalyptus, peppermint, and juniper. The Pulpo Blanco tonic water and ginger ale followed, as well as the Giovannoni vermouth and the Bosquísima and Marítima beers.

In September 2015, Tato opened Brasero Atlántico, a restaurant to rediscover typical Argentine flavours. A year later, he left his mark in Chori, an innovative street-food concept mixing different varieties of choripán (chorizo sandwich) and drinks made with Príncipe de los Apóstoles gin.

In 2016, the book Coctelería argentina: El mar de Tato (Argentine Cocktail Bartending: Tato’s Sea) was published, sharing the story of who Tato is and how he makes his creations.

Inspiration and work. Decision and experience. Research and testing. Each dream turned into a new adventure. And the sea, always the sea. That is Tato Giovannoni.