Heavy K and Moonchild Sanelly set the Bacardi House Party Sessions stage alight

The summer party season for dance and music lovers started off with a bang this past Saturday – 15 December as the Drumboss, Heavy K together with dance and electronic music sensation Moonchild Sanelly hosted their Bacardi House Party Session in Johannesburg.

Hosted on the rooftop of one of the most popular venues in Braamfontein, Thirteen Venue, the African themed party was filled with young and old who enjoy moving to the rhythm of authentic South African hits. Moonchild Sanelly most famously known for her verse on DJ Maphorisa’s Midnight Starring, graced the stage with her unique style and infectious personality, while Heavy K banged out hit after hit behind the decks.

Bacardi’s passion to celebrate self expression and shine the spotlight on local musical talent was evident at the party. All the selected artists on the line up brought their unique flavour to the stage; Bonj Makaza, Indie group Darkie Fiction and house DJ, Cubique showcased their unlimited creativity, artistic intelligence and love of music. The crowds were on their feet all day, grooving to the sounds of organic South African talent brought to the stage by Bacardi.

The collaboration

Much like the Bacardi House Party Sessions before (Da L.E.S and Flame and Speedsta and Yung Swiss) Heavy K and Moonchild Sanelly debuted their new collaboration track at the event. The songs beat is iconic to Heavy K, filled with African beats and sounds that are complimented by Moonchild Sanelly’s one-of-a-kind voice.

The new track and music video created in partnership with the Bacardi House Party Sessions will debut to the public in early January 2019 so look out for it on the artists’ social platforms as well as music streaming services. You can also see both artists together with the other Bacardi House Party Session artists perform live at the Bacardi Holiday Club taking place next March.

What’s next?

If you missed this session, don’t despair the fourth and final Bacardi House Party Sessions of the season will take place on the 26th of January 2019 with Nadia Nakai and Priddy Ugly kicking off the new year in style. All of the Bacardi House Party Sessions will culminate in an epic 36 hour music festival from 8th-10th of March – The Bacardi Holiday Club (tickets on sale now – http://bit.ly/BHC2019Tkts)

A surprise pop-up puts a fresh spin on festive season drinking and driving/walking in South Africa

Social Media went abuzz when a teaser for a “first-to-SA” pop-up store situated on William Nicol Drive, was revealed to be a drive-through bar, aptly named #OneOnNicol. Some civil rights groups were appalled by the teaser and wanted pre-empt the launch of the bar.

The controversy around the drive-through bar has forced South Africans to actively re-think their drinking habits and thought patterns when it comes to getting behind the wheel or walking home after just one drink ahead of the festive season.

The #ReThink activation forms part of a broader festive season campaign headed up by the
Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education (aware.org), in partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). The initiative is a bold bid to shift the conversation around drinking and driving, and drinking and walking, in South Africa.

“There is a propensity for people to shrug off the responsibility of road safety when they’ve only had a few drinks,” says Ingrid Louw, CEO of aware.org. “They’ll say ‘I’m fine to drive’, or ‘I’ve only had one or two’. But the fact is that even one drink can affect our ability to make good decisions on
the road, no matter our size or how accustomed to alcohol we are. But do we really know our limits or when we’ve had enough?”

“If we want to change public’s thinking on responsible consumption of alcohol before driving or walking home, we need to change decades of habits and culture,” continues Louw. “Twenty years of festive ad campaigns haven’t seen the impact we require to shift perception, so it was time for a new approach that we hope will cut through the clutter to get a desensitised public to engage in a debate of drinking and driving and drinking and walking, but more importantly get the public to re-think their own behaviour when they’ve had even one drink. This activation was a way to get the public to actively engage in the conversation around drinking and driving or walking at a time of the year when it is top-of-mind and relevant for everyone on the road.”

As the alcohol industry’s collective commitment to responsible alcohol consumption, aware.org has several active programmes in place to help reduce the harmful effects of alcohol abuse in South Africa. While concerns around drinking and driving has received a lot of attention over the years,
the lesser known issue of drinking and walking is equally, if not more devastating. As such, #ReThink is being activated on both a national and community level to help educate and create awareness around the dangers of alcohol use and misuse, particularly at this time of year.

This campaign also spans the issues of the scourge of underage drinking, binge drinking and drinking whilst pregnant. “Much of the engagement we have seen on our social media platforms reveals a misunderstanding of why drinking and walking is of such a great concern,” explains Louw. “So, it is important to us that we speak directly to communities to drive behavioural and cultural change. This is a collective effort to realise safer environments and public spaces for all. Our aim is to be both empowering and responsive in addressing this issue. We are working with government, industry, civil society, traders and communities in addressing a problem that has been ignored for too long and that affects each
and every one of us.”

The partnership between Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and aware.org is a
strategic balance between road safety and enforcement while driving awareness and education.

Aware.org has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with RTMC to implement relevant road safety programmes, campaigns and initiatives. This is to demonstrate our collective efforts in ensuring that the partnership extends beyond the festive season. We believe this partnership will make South African roads safer for all commuters.

“We are 100% committed to affecting real and lasting change in the reduction of fatalities on South Africa’s roads,” said Adv Makhosini Msibi, CEO of RTMC. “To achieve this, we have to tackle the issue of alcohol misuse and the use of the road.

It is estimated that 60% of road traffic fatalities on our roads are related to alcohol. The World
Health Organisation highlights the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships, publicity and highly visible law enforcement as some of the key interventions that can have assist in reducing road fatalities in the world. It is in this context that the RTMC has joined forces with aware.org to educate South Africans about the dangers of drinking and driving as well as drinking and walking.

We recognise that we need to get the public’s attention in a way that engenders real change in order to reduce the number of road deaths and make our roads safer for everyone.”

This is a brilliant campaign by the Aware Org and it definitely gets a Pat. If you drink and drive you will get a Slap!

Tortured Soul Return To South Africa! By Popular Demand

Last year, Tortured Soul performed live in Johannesburg for one night only at the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, to a sold out show.

Due to popular demand, Bassline Live in partnership with Kaya FM and in association with Brentwood Africa, decided to bring this accomplished soulful house group back to South Africa.

This groove centred act jumped at the opportunity not only because of the demand, but because of their love for the country and their love for their fans in South Africa.

In an interview with NuSoul Hub Radio, Lead vocalist, John Christian Urich is quoted as saying:
“People live and breathe house music in South Africa. It’s like air or water. It’s visceral and palpable. Going to a house music event in South Africa is different than any place else I’ve been to in the world. It’s really like oxygen. You are in a biosphere that runs on house music. One lives house music in South Africa. It’s an amazing experience and existence.”

From this statement alone, it was a no brainer for Bassline Live to bring them back. This allows those who saw them last year the opportunity to watch them again, and for those who missed it last year – here is your chance to experience something remarkable!

The band will be performing for one night only at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City on the 15th December 2018. The Show starts at 8pm and tickets are on sale at Computicket from R250.

Buy your tickets at https://online.computicket.com/web/event/from_the_usa_tortured_soul_back_by_popular_demand/1265406703/0/90159743

Hope to see you there!

Mahindra delivers its first order to SA rental fleet industry

2018 is turning out to be a milestone year for Mahindra in South Africa.

In May, the brand opened its first assembly facility in South Africa and has since started shipping locally assembled Pik Up models to dealers throughout Southern Africa. In October, Mahindra launched the upgraded KUV100 NXT and XUV500 and celebrated sales growth of over 30% for the previous quarter.

This month, Mahindra notched up another achievement when it signed the first large-vehicle rental deal. As part of the agreement, Mahindra has delivered 100 KUV100 NXT models to six regional rental depots across the country.

“This is the first transaction of its kind for Mahindra South Africa and it’s a significant vote of confidence from one of South Africa’s largest vehicle rental companies. We are delighted that we could deliver all the vehicles on time and look forward to a long relationship with the vehicle rental industry,” says Avinash Bapat, CFO of Mahindra South Africa.

Mahindra has delivered the K6+ version of the KUV100 NXT for its vehicle rental fleet customer. The K6+ KUV100 NXT offers a comprehensive list of features, including steering wheel controls for its in-built audio system, air conditioning, electric windows, ABS brakes, as well as two airbags.

The K6+ model is fitted with Mahindra’s proven 1.2 litre mFalcon engine and a manual five-speed gearbox. The engine delivers 61 kW and 115 Nm of torque.

To continue offering the highest level of professionalism to fleet customers, Mahindra has appointed a dedicated team of fleet support specialists at its head office in Gauteng. It will also support fleet clients through its national network of dealers. Mahindra has over 60 dealers in South Africa and plans to open and expand its network further in 2019.

“Our first large fleet sale follows a thorough vehicle testing process in which we made sure that the KUV100 NXT meets fleet customers’ need for a robust and reliable vehicle that has a low cost of ownership. It is these same qualities that have made the KUV100 NXT such a firm favourite with private buyers,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

Mahindra introduced the new KUV100 NXT in October this year and expanded the range with the inclusion of an entry-level K2+ model. At R2 199 a month on Mahindra’s new Graduate Finance package, the KUV is officially one of South Africa’s most affordable vehicles.

“Compared to other entry-level vehicles, the KUV100 NXT offers great value with its SUV styling, high safety standard and frugal, yet willing 1.2 litre engine. We are very excited about the opportunity to showcase the KUV to more customers through our sales to vehicle rental companies,” says Gupta.

Would you rent a Mahindra car? Leave your comments below.

Hyundai assists with Bakwena N1N4 road safety campaign

Road safety is in sharp focus with the start of the annual Christmas holiday season – and Hyundai Automotive South Africa and its holding company, Motus, will once again contribute to the effort to make our roads a safer place for holiday travellers.

At an event attended by players of the Mamelodi Sundowns soccer team, Hyundai Automotive SA and Motus yesterday handed over the keys to six Hyundai Accents that will be used by the Bakwena N1N4 toll road concessionaire to patrol the routes under its control and assist with the road safety campaign.

“We have invited Mamelodi Sundowns, Hyundai Automotive SA’s sport sponsorship partners, to attend this important handover to show that we are not only serious about promoting our soccer team, but also about road safety,” said Oscar Makola, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive SA.

Members of the Mamelodi Sundowns soccer team attended the handover of six Hyundai Accents by Hyundai Automotive South Africa to the Bakwena N1N4 toll road concessionaire for use during the Christmas road safety campaign on the N1 and N4 routes.

“This is the second consecutive year that Hyundai Automotive SA and Motus is sponsoring the road safety drive of Bakwena. It will also be repeated, as before, during the Easter weekend vacation break in 2019,” said Berenice Francis, corporate affairs executive at Motus.

The branded Hyundai Accents, which will also be fitted with emergency lights, will be used to increase and boost route surveillance, patrol support and roadside assistance on the N1 and N4 routes during the holiday season.

Charmaine van Wyk, public relations officer for Bakwena who was present at the handover, said Bakwena is grateful for the continued support from Hyundai Automotive SA and Motus to enable Road Incident Management Services to do their work in the holiday period.

“We need all the support in South Africa to bring about a change in behaviour on our roads and a decrease in the very high road death toll,” said Van Wyk.

The aftermath of Global Citizen Festival

The Global Citizen Festival took place on Sunday, 2 December 2018 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. The festival was probably the most anticipated event of the year since its announcement earlier this year, because it coincided with the Nelson Mandela’s centenary. The line-up of the event was insane as included the Carters (Beyonce and Jay Z), Pharell William, Cassper Nyovest, Sho Madjozi to name a few. Other prominent names in the global entertainment industry such as SA’s very own Trevor Noah, Oprah, Tyler Perry amongst others.
The event also attracted big brands to be a part of it given the publicity it was getting. The likes of Vodacom, Johnson & Johnson, Multichoice, Motsepe, Coca Cola Africa were some of the major partners of the Global Citizen Festival. The intention of the festival was to raise awareness around many social ills including ending poverty by the year 2030. 70% of the tickets were given away and people had to earn their tickets by taking action through any of Global Citizen’s partners.
Although Global Citizen surpassed its goal for commitments of USD $1 billion by seven times, it is unfortunate that events that occurred post the festival overshadowed what the festival achieved. When you google Global Citizen only the “bad news” occur at the top of results page. These are the news about how people were robbed, stabbed and lack of police visibility after the festival. These horrifying news are damaging to the Global Citizen brand and South Africa as a tourist destination.
The global community’s perception of South Africa, particularly Johannesburg is that it is a dangerous place with some labelling the city as the capital city of crime. Hence, their reasons for not wanting to visit the country which affects the tourism industry. Yes, there is crime in other countries but when large numbers of South Africans including media houses go online to write and speak about the bad stuff especially after an event that attracted the world’s attention, they are shooting themselves in the foot. It is damaging to the SA brand. Travelers engage with online platforms sites to research trips, make informed decisions about their travels and share their personal experiences of a particular hotel, restaurant or airline. If travelers see only negative stuff about a destination particularly from the locals they will be reluctant to visit that destination.
This is not to say that the police should not be called to order when they fail to execute their duties. However, South Africans need to be aware of the ripple effect of their actions on the tourism industry. On his state of the nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa earmarked the tourism industry as one of the most important sectors that will drive economic growth. According to the World Tourism & Travel Council(WTTC) 2018 marked a record year for SA tourism. The WTTC forecasts that the sector will contribute R424.5bn to the overall SA economy in 2018 – about 3% more than in 2017. Travel and tourism supported 1.5 million jobs in SA in 2017 – 9.5% of total employment in the country.
The growth of the tourism in South Africa is a much needed one considering the high unemployment rate especially amongst the youth. According to StatsSA 1 international tourist creates 11 jobs. The Global Citizen Festival saw an influx of international tourists. Trevor Noah came with his Daily Show Crew for example. If the crew consisted of 11 members that is 121 jobs created. The crew members needed accommodation, cars to get around, visited tourist destinations leaving money behind. Ideally, South Africa needs them to come visit again with their loved ones.
It is without doubt that events such as Global Citizen Festival, Afro Punk etc are important for tourism and Brand SA. Therefore, the negative posts on social media and other online platforms about the Global Citizen Festival will have an adverse impact on the SA tourism in the long run. Media houses must also stop glorifying such stories as they taint the image of brand South Africa. On the other hand the law enforcement authorities also need to up their game in protecting people who attend these big events and the image of our country.

Johnnie Walker Is Now Pocket-Sized

How could you possibly make enjoying great whisky with great friends even easier? Johnnie Walker has the answer – Johnnie Walker Pocket Scotch – the new portable and stylish whisky that’s ready to go anywhere with you.

Johnnie Walker Pocket Scotch is a compact new look for Johnnie Walker Red Label and Johnnie Walker Black Label – a 20cl bottle of whisky that fits in your pocket and is perfect for sharing. It is the same award-winning Scotch created from single malt and grain whiskies drawn from across the four corners of Scotland, just pocket-sized. Johnnie Walker Pocket Scotch is the ideal accessory for taking along to spontaneous summer get-togethers or for sharing with friends at ‘Bring Your Own’ events or festivals.

Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Jim Beveridge, says that Scotch has always been about sharing and Johnnie Walker Pocket Scotch makes that even easier: “We’ve been making exceptional whisky for nearly 200 years and, in that time, our whisky has travelled from the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world. Today, Pocket Scotch gives people who love to make the most of life’s spontaneous moments a new way to share and enjoy our award-winning Scotch, wherever their adventures take them.”

Johnnie Walker Pocket Scotch Red Label/Black Label is bottled at an Alcohol by volume of 43% and will be available in South Africa from November 2018 with a recommended retail price of R69.00

New flagship FCA dealership opens in Sandton

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced the opening of a new flagship dealership in Gauteng. Fiat Chrysler Sandton, located on the corner of William Nicol and Ballyclare Drive, provides customers in Johannesburg and surrounding areas with a stunning environment from which to purchase and service their Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicles.

“This flagship dealership is an important addition to the footprint of FCA dealerships across Johannesburg and Gauteng, as it will help make our brands more accessible to consumers,” says Graham Eagle, CEO of FCA South Africa.

Fiat Chrysler Sandton is the newest addition to the SMH (Southern Motor Holdings) group.

Dean Shekleton, Dealer Principle at Fiat Chrysler Sandton: “We are absolutely thrilled to bring new life to this prominent location in the heart of Jozi. We want to build long lasting relationships between our clients and our brands. We aim to do this through our exceptional customer service, our phenomenal range of vehicles, and by working hard to exceed our customers’ expectations in every area.”

Fiat Chrysler Sandton also offers express servicing through its workshop that boasts 23 work bays and a wheel alignment bay, as well as a large group of professional qualified mechanics, authentic and genuine parts, trustworthy vehicle repairs, along with new and pre-owned vehicle sales.

Ford Donates R12-million Worth of Vehicles to Charities

Ford is spreading the cheer this Festive Season with a donation of 26 brand new vehicles to 22 selected charity organisations in South Africa, worth a combined retail value of over R12-million. The fleet, which comprises 15 Ford Transit vans, seven Tourneo Custom minibuses, the all-new Fiesta and three locally-built Rangers, will be delivered to the registered charities over the next two weeks.

“South Africa is a road-based economy, making vehicle ownership a key factor in order to deliver the services needed to advance the country’s economy and improve the quality of life of all our people. We are very proud that Ford is able to help the selected charity organisations go further in providing the selfless services that they do,” said Duduzile Nxele, Corporate Communications Manager, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

According to Nxele, the donation is the biggest single donation of vehicles that Ford has made in South Africa since the establishment of its local operations in 1923. “It is thanks to the loyal support from South Africans that Ford has become one of the top three manufacturers in the country. This donation is the ideal way for us to pay it forward to the community and support those who need it most,” she added.

Among the deserving recipients in Gauteng are Save the Children and SOS Children’s Villages South Africa; Action for Blind and Disabled Children, a non-profit organisation that offers free digital literacy training; Tomorrow Today Foundation, a community-based football academy in Mamelodi; as well as Tshwane SPCA.

“We wish to thank Ford for the most generous contribution to our cause and for its commitment to making a difference to this marginalised sector of our community,” said Elsie Botha on behalf of Roodepoort-based Action for the Blind and Disabled Children.

“This is huge for our organisation,” exclaimed Peter Chiveso from Tomorrow Today Foundation when he got the news about the donation. “Thank you Ford. The difference and benefit this will bring to our football program is immense. Ford listened to our plight and acted. Our football program will now be more accessible to the greater Mamelodi and Eesterust communities.”

In Port Elizabeth, the Al Fidaa Foundation’s work will be bolstered with its new vehicle, helping the organisation expand its skills development and community empowerment projects, as well as its and feeding schemes.

The Kidz2Kidz Trust and NorSA in the Western Cape have also been selected as recipients, along with the Indoni Cultural School in KwaZulu-Natal, and Sabi Sand Nature Conservation Trust in Mpumalanga.

A big Pat on Ford for giving back to the community.

The All-New Mazda3 revealed

The all-new Mazda3 made its world premiere last Thursday at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The fully redesigned model will be rolled out to global markets in early 2019 however South Africans will have to wait a little longer as the new model is expected to be launched in the second half of 2019.

The all-new Mazda3 adopts a matured Kodo design language that embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics. While the overall design presents a simple, single form, subtle undulations bring the styling to life through shifting light and reflections that glide over the body surface. The result is a richer and more powerful expression of vitality than that seen in previous Kodo models. Despite sharing the Mazda3 name, the hatchback and sedan models have distinct personalities — the design of the hatchback is dynamic, that of the sedan
elegant.

The all-new Mazda3 adopts Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-Vehicle Architecture, designed to enable people to make the most of their natural sense of balance. The powertrain lineup comprises the latest SKYACTIV-X, SKYACTIV-G and SKYACTIV-D engines, each of which provides smooth, responsive throttle control in any driving situation.
Based on its key philosophy of designing the car around the human being, Mazda has dramatically enhanced the car’s fundamental driving attributes such that accelerating, turning and braking all feel completely natural.
The Mazda3 is a global strategic model that has driven the the company’s growth from both a brand and business perspective. It has delivered Mazda’s renowned driving pleasure to customers all over the world and been a mainstay of global production at key plants.

“The all-new Mazda3 we unveil today begins a new era for Mazda,” said Akira Marumoto, Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO. “The next generation of Mazda cars will enhance the value of the car-ownership experience. Though these products, we will further raise Mazda’s brand value and work towards our goal of building ever stronger bonds with customers all over the world.”

Black Friday: Do’s And Don’ts

As you might have seen on TV and/or social media or you might have heard on radio or read in the newspapers or your inbox. Black Friday is probably one of the biggest days on many brands’ and retailers’ calendars. Many consumers will be flocking into shopping malls to buy what is perceived to be ridiculously discounted prices. Some retailers have gone to the extent of increasing their trading hours on the day to accommodate more customers.
Although, Black Friday is perceived to be the best for consumers to go on a shopping spree, there are some people who have mixed feelings about Black Friday and its origins. Some people link it to the original black Friday where slave owners in America would sell off the slaves who had the least value to them for low amounts of money. Whether this is true or not the reality is that many people will be partaking in this shopping craze.
For those that will be taking part in black Friday, below are the Do’s and Don’ts for Black Friday.

Dos
Asks yourself whether you need or you want the product
Many financial advisers warn consumers not to be impulsive buyers. There is a difference between wanting something and need something. More often than not people end up buying stuff that they don’t need just because it is on sale. You can want an expensive sneaker but need good quality running shoes. You need to know the difference.

Research Products
If there is a product that you’ve always wanted to buy, do some research on the “normal price” and its features. Most products that the retailers would put on sale during Black Friday will be those with limited features for example electronic products. Also check the expiry date because there is no point of buying large quantities of the products that will expire in the next month.

Shop around
Before making a big purchase it is advisable to shop around and compare prices. The beauty of having smartphones you can use it to check prices whilst in-store

Set a budget
It is easy to get carried away in buying things just because they are discounted. If you have set a budget for spending on Black Friday, stick to it or else you will have regrets later.

Be aware of your surroundings
As much as you are out to shop for bargains just keep in mind that some people will be on a mission to strike when you let your guard down. Make sure you look after you belongings, try carry as little cash on you as possible and be alert at all times.

Don’ts
Don’t fight other people
If there’s a person who got their hands on the item first don’t fight over the product. We have seen instances where people fought over items in the shops. For your safety and peace refrain from engaging from such activities.

Don’t force yourself into the store
If the store is closed don’t bang the door and force yourself into the store. You don’t want to be a meme or find yourself in jail for damaging the store’s property. You will also risk getting hurt.

Don’t steal
A caller on the Fresh Breakfast Show on Metro FM said the only reason why he will be going to the shops on Black Friday is that he wants to steal. Just because there will be a lot of commotion in the shops, this does not mean that security won’t be on high alert, you will get caught!

Don’t bite more than you can chew
Again, it is easy to get carried away buying tons of things that you won’t be able to carry home or store. If you don’t space for it in your house don’t buy it. You buy a big TV set because it’s on sale but it can’t fit your car then you end paying more for delivery.

With all that said remember that retailers are in a business to make money so don’t fall prey for their tactics. Hence it is important to do your research and have a plan. Lastly, there’s life to be lived and bills to be paid after Black Friday.

Discovery Bank promises good financial health

Social media went abuzz with the launch of the long awaited Discovery Bank, with most people saying that the “South African Banking Industry is officially shook”. Whilst critics say there’s nothing new that the bank is providing consumers. However the bank promise is that good financial behavior needs to be rewarded. This stems from Discovery Health, where members are rewarded for achieving their fitness goals through the Vitality reward systems.
A lot has been said about the bank but below are some of the interesting things to know about Discovery Bank.

Techled bank
According to Adrian Gore – Discovery CEO technology will be at the forefront the Discovery Bank, with everything accessible on the face of mobile phone. It is the world’s first bank built on behavioral model. Smart algorithms will determine how much vitality and discount consumers get depending on their “financial health”. You can open an account following five steps on the app. This feature will however be open to the public in 2019 as it is still in Beta phase.

10% of the bank will be owned by black depositors
The exact details of how this is going to happen are not yet, however Gore stressed that it is not going to be BEE scheme. However the intention is that when black depositors join the bank, they will be given a share of the equity based on certain parameters.

Fee structure
The fee and interest rate structure were not communicated at the launch however Gore said it would be market-related closely linked with the client’s vitality status.

Vertical Card
Discovery has literally turned the banking industry upside down by introducing a vertical bank card instead of the conventional horizontal card as most banks do.

Discovery Bank vertical card

ATM withdrawals
The bank won’t have ATMs just like Investec however clients can use the vertical card withdraw cash from any ATM and there are plans for Discovery to set a branch at their headquarters in Sandton.

Anyone can be a client
The target market for the Discovery Bank is very broad, from low LSMs to high LSMs.

Does Discovery Bank get a Pat or a Slap?

Saying the Discovery Bank gets a Pat will be a premature celebration as the bank has not revealed a lot of information about the fee structure, which is what most are concerned about. However, the good thing is that the bank aims to encourage people to spend less they earn, which is a good thing given that most South Africans are over indebted. Also, the business model of most existing banks is to get more to take debt so that they can make more money through interest. On the other hand one cannot also give it a Slap because it hasn’t failed (yet) at delivering on its promises. History will be the judge.

Got any take on the launch of Discovery Bank? Leave your comments below.

What to expect at the Absolut One Source Live

As we get closer to what promises to be the biggest creative explosion in the continent – One Source Live. One Source Live is a festival like no other, it is where music meets art, fashion and photography. If you admire African creativity 1 Fox Street , downtown Jozi is the place to be this Saturday – 17 November as creativity will be going back to its source.

Sho Madjozi set to slay …

Sho Madjozi

Taking collaborations to the next level, the feisty Sho Madjozi will compose three tracks with what will undoubtedly be a masterstroke of creative genius featuring producers Tboy da Flame, Master KG and Makwa. She’s also roped in rappers Big Hash, Dee Koala and Jovie Jovv, along with singers Makhadzi, Nelisiwe and Mthandeni ft Gcokama Elisha.

The Return of Absolut Creative Revolutionaries

The One Source Live creative revolutionaries Khuli Chana, Trevor Stuurman and Osborne Macharia will be returning to the festival with new installations and musical
collaborations.

On the bill…
BET award winning Zulu rooted and global star S’JAVA; the Hip-Hop maverick SHANE EAGLE, DJ PH, the inimitable Nigerian musical sensation, D’BANJ and the leaders of the Gqom nation, DISTRUCTION BOYZ. Topping it all with an unmissable throwback to a unique time in the African pool of creative excellence are Kwaito legends, TROMPIES.

Trompies

The return of the creative revolutionaries
The ONE SOURCE LIVE creative revolutionaries Khuli Chana, Trevor Stuurman and Osborne Macharia will return to the festival with new installations and musical collaboration.

Multiple Stages and Platforms

ONE SOURCE LIVE will unfold over multiple stages and platforms in a multimedia festival that celebrates African Creativity as a driver of positive change in the world:
• The ABSOLUT ART BAR, the epicenter of the festival, is a curated art and performance space by day, transforming into the headline stage after dark.
• The DISCOVERY STAGE has Sho Madjozi hosting a specially curated set of performances and live recordings of new collaborations with budding artists; building on her amazing material from the first festival.
• Creativity goes back to its source in the STREET ZONE with art installations, food trucks, a street performance stage, fashion pop ups, and street photographers.
The African Creative Revolution continues, join and celebrate the power of African creativity at ONE SOURCE LIVE.

Tickets cost R200 and are available now at Webtickets (tel 086 111 0005)
Follow the conversation on social media @AbsolutSA #BeAbsolut.

Hope to see you there 😉

Sunlight is Bringing Nature into Our Homes

Nothing beats a walk in the park or a refreshing run in the great outdoors. Studies show that elements of nature such as bird song, trees, water etc. have healing powers and physiological benefits for the human body. Can you imagine how we would breathe without the trees which absorb our CO2 while giving us 02 (remember Natural Science class)? Well, Sunlight is going back to the natural source and bringing nature into our homes, with its new range of Sunlight Extra dish washing liquid.

Yoga session

Pat onBrands was invited to spend the morning at the launch of the new Sunlight Extra. The event was attended by our media faves like Letshego Zulu and Azania Mosaka among others. The day started with a yoga session, which reminded us to be mindful of nature because we ought to work together with nature as it is part of our lives. Dr Ela Manga spoke about the healing power of nature, encouraging us to tap into nature and be mindful of our environment. Esteemed interior designer Nthabi Taukubong told her story about how she incorporates nature into her client’s homes because that is where they should find peace and relaxation. With a lot of people trying to make the right food choices, nutritional coach Mpho Tshukudu gave us a few tips on how to connect to nature through food and they are:
• Eat barefoot
• Eat with your hands or a wooden spoon
• Eat outside when possible
• Take a 10 minute walk after a meal
The highlight of the day was when we made our own scrubs using various ingredients like basil, rose petals, lemon, aloe, rosemary and other plants. The scrubs were then used for a pampering hand massage, which left our hands soft and smelling great. The nature inspired experience reminded us to be mindful of nature, connect to nature and to be inspired by nature in our daily lives.

Pat on Brands team member – Lebo making her own scrub

The new Sunlight Extra range, which is inspired by nature and consists of two variants; Nature (which is gentle on the hands) and Antibacterial (which kills 99.9% of germs). The Nature range boasts of natural ingredients like real lemon juice, mineral salt and aloe vera, which is gentle on the hands and has a gentle fragrance. The Antibacterial range includes real lemon juice and mint, with 99.9% germ kill, so there will be no germs spreading with this product in your home. The power of this range was demonstrated using a real-life home situation of grease in cold water and all that could be said was “wow, it’s like magic!”

New Sunlight Extra Range

A Natural Pat on Sunlight for reminding us to appreciate nature and all its benefits, letting us know that “nature knows best” and challenging us to always be mindful and make an effort to connect with nature. So take on the challenge, take daily walks, go hiking, breathe more, disconnect from technology and connect with nature and be inspired by nature.

#RunWithPat Journey to Lesotho with Mazda

Dalai Lama said, “once a year you need to travel to a place you’ve never been before”. I say once a year you need to run in a foreign land. This past weekend nine members of the #RunWithPat crew drove down to Maseru in Lesotho to take part in the 2018 Maseru City Urban Road Challenge. This was the first time the Johannesburg based crew ran outside South African boarders, never mind a different city..

About the Run

#RunWithPat Crew before the Maseru City Urban Road Challenge

The Maseru City Urban Road Challenge is a half marathon race that was started 3 years ago with the aim of encouraging a running lifestyle and boosting Maseru’s tourism and runners have the option to run 5KM, 10KM or 21KM distance. This year the run attracted over 200 local and foreign runners from neighbouring countries. Five of our runners took on the 21KM challenge which happened to be a 1st for some, while the others took part in the 10KM run. I ran 21KM and it turned out to be my fastest 21KM, having finished it in 1h48. Everyone that ran did well, achieving their personal goals.

About the Drive

Driving down and getting around Lesotho was such a pleasurable experience, all thanks to Mazda South Africa who gave #RunWithPat two cars, namely the new Mazda CX3 and the Mazda 2 (stunning cars I tell you). Although the primary purpose of going to Lesotho was to run, we also took some time to explore Maseru (Lesotho’s capital city) and to visit tourist attraction sites such as Thaba Bosiu.

We learnt a lot about the history of the Basotho nation and King Moshoeshoe. Thaba Bosiu is located about 24 Kilometres outside of Maseru and at the top of the mountain you see King Moshoeshoe I and King Moshoeshoe II graves. Thaba Bosiu also offers breath-taking 360 degree views of the Maseru region and tranquillity as one gets to connect with nature atop the sacred mountain of the Basotho.

The Mazda 2 and the CX3 parked at the Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village

Not only do both cars boast stylish designs but they also produced outstanding performance on the road.

Mazda 2 and the Mazda CX3 parked outside the Basotho Hat

I drove the Mazda CX3 2.0 Individual Auto whilst my running mate, Lebo Matubatuba drove the Mazda 2.
Although the Mazda CX3 was built with the city in mind, it proved to be capable of taking on the country roads. Equipped with the latest SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY, this compact SUV provided natural agility coupled with fuel efficiency. The drive to Lesotho was long, however the Cruise Control feature in the car made the drive more pleasurable. There was no need to put the foot down the accelerator to feel that the car was moving as I could just increase the speed of the car at a “click of a button” whilst the Head Up Display (HUD) ensured that I am aware of the speed limit and the speed at which I was at driving at. The automatic air conditioner kept everyone in the car cool whilst the power sliding and tilt glass sunroof enhanced the ambiance in the car. The full leather seats warranted comfort. No one complained about having back pains or cramps from uncomfortable seats. To top it all off, the interior of the car is nothing short of luxury.

Driving to a foreign country can be headache especially if you don’t know your way around. The integrated navigation system helped us get around the city without having to stop and ask people. When we about 40 kilometres from the Maseru Bridge Boarder gate I needed to refill petrol, the navigation system showed me the nearest petrol station.
On our arrival in Lesotho it was blazing hot and we couldn’t sit inside the guest house. So in true Mzansi style, we chilled outside and the Bose sound system with 7 Speakers in the CX3 turned our “chillas” into a party.

Chillas outside the guest house

Lebo drove the Mazda 2 and here’s what she had to say about it…

Lebo with the Mazda 2

The Madza 2 lives up to the saying “dynamite comes in small packages”. I drove the Diesel powered SKYACTIV-D with automatic transmission. Getting into the car, one cannot miss the luxurious leather finishing in this comfortable car. The Mazda 2 model comes with a central touch screen, but I found the rotary commander to be easier to use as it gave me easy control to my music and the navigator without having to take my eyes off the road. The lightweight of the Madza 2 makes the drive light and swift and because this was a long-distance road trip, I was most impressed by the fuel efficiency as we drove all the way to Lesotho on one full tank with no worries of trying to find a petrol station along the way. Safety comes first and the Head Up Display (HUD) kept me in check with the required speed limits, while the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) indicated if there was a car approaching allowing me to safely change lanes. The Mazda 2 is a beauty, on the inside and outside and it sure did move me in the most enjoyable way.

Memories were made and Madza will always be part of the memories of the good times we had.

Mazda definitely gets a Pat!

What To Expect At The UJ Big Data Symposium

I am honoured and privileged to announce that I have successfully graduated with an Mcom Business Management with specialisation in Marketing from the University of Johannesburg. The title of my study is “USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA BIG DATA BY SOUTH AFRICAN RETAILERS TO SUPPORT MARKETING DECISIONS. This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t through the support of my family, friends and everybody who contributed to my studies. A special thank you goes to my uncle – Shadrack Jiyana and his beautiful wife Sabi for raising me and instilling the importance of education in me.

As seen on social media, myself, Pat and Musa Kalenga will be hosting a symposium on the topic of big data and I will also be sharing the findings of my study. For those who have been asking me what a symposium is, according to the Oxford dictionary a symposium is conference or meeting to discuss a particular subject. And for those who have been asking what big data is, attending the symposium will give you the opportunity to understand what big data is and its role in decision making. It also an important topic as the University of Johannesburg and South Africa gears itself for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

A little bit about Musa Kalenga

Musa Kalenga is an author, marketer and entrepreneur. He is a lauded speaker and strategist who was recognized as one of the Top 200 young South Africans by the Mail & Guardian. Kalenga is an enthusiastic entrepreneur who is passionate about using technology to empower the digitally invisible.

As CEO and Founder of Bridge Labs, Musa addresses the problem of gaining access to appropriate online tools for entrepreneurs and Small to Medium Businesses by building technology to support growth in emerging markets. As a respected thought leader in the marketing industry, he is the Chief Future Officer at the House of Brave Group and he advises on future fit business strategy for organizations in a new digital world.

In attendance, will be the Director of the School of Tourism and Hospitality, Dr Diane Abrahams, Director of the School of Consumer Intelligence Prof Mercy Mpinganjira and other esteemed academics from the College of Business and Economics at UJ.
The symposium will take place on Tuesday, 8 May (9am -11:30am) at The School of Tourism and Hospitality – Kerzner Building, Bunting Road, Auckland Park. To attend, RSVP here.

Pat Onbrands Review: Sony Xperia Xa1

This is the first product review here on PatOnBrands.com and I would like to thank Sony for giving the platform the opportunity to review their mobile phone.

The Sony Xperia XA1 is quite a special device and for a mid-range handset, it is definitely doing the most. The device boasts a 23 MP rear camera and an 8 MP selfie camera; allowing you to take the best snaps in any event. The device also boasts a 5” full HD display screen and a 32 GB RAM, giving its competitors a run for their money.

Look and feel
In South Africa the device only comes in black, however in other parts of the world you can get the device in white, gold and pink. Therefore if you don’t like having a black this might not be the smartphone for you. What I really like about the Experia XA1 is its size, it can fit in your pocket even if you are wearing skinny jeans. It is also quite light, the device weighs 143 grams. The screens size is 5” which they could have made slightly larger, had Sony embedded the “Back, Home and Option” keys on the screen. In that way the device would feel and look bigger. The dedicated camera button on the side of devices is something special from Sony.
Platform
The Sony Xperia XA1 runs on the Android platform, version 7.0 (Nougat) which can be upgraded to Android 8.0 (Oreo) which is the latest Android version.

Battery Life
The battery life of a smartphone is probably one of the most important features I look for. According to Sony, the Xperia XA1 battery should give you up to 603 hours of standby time if you are on a 3G network and up to 10 hours of talk also on a 3G network. This is not impressive considering that other smartphones give you an average of 16 hours of talk time.

Price
To get your hands on the Sony Xperia XA1 you have to part ways with about R6469, depending on the network you are buying it on.

Does the Sony XA1 get a Pat or a Slap?
This is quite a tricky one, because there are many factors to consider. From a camera point of view the Xperia XA1 definitely gets a Pat. However, the battery life and the price point Sony could have done better. Therefore it gets a slap. What are your thoughts? Please leave your comment below, and Also do remember to get in touch with @PatOnBrands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Pat On UJ FM

Dear #PatOnBrands followers.

I come bearing some good news. Pat On Brands will be on the airwaves.  Starting today (Thursday, 16 February 2017), #PatOnBrands will be joining the #TheUrbanBrunch team on UJ FM every Thursday from 10am to 10:30am. The feature will be very informative and entertaining as the articles we post here. Brands, will still be getting “Pats” and “Slaps”. And will also be adding new elements such as weekly giveaways . Its going to be fun! Please do tune into UJ FM 95.4 and watch live on Instagram (@PatOnBrands) and Facebook (Pat On Brands).

Thank You,
#PatOnBrands

Why Doves Funerals got a Slap over Sbahle Mpisane

There are certain conversations that brands simply can’t be a part of, irrespective of whether the conversations are taking place in the public domain or somewhat related to their line of business. A few months ago Absa faced massive criticism for running a poll on Twitter about black tax. The criticism stemmed from the history of South Africa and how black people were systemically denied opportunities actively participate in the economy and how Absa was bailed out by the apartheid government. Their poll got people upset and most people thought it was not their place to start engaging in black tax conversations because of the amount of black people that are over indebted and poor even in the new dispensation. Banks are accused of perpetuating the situation.

Last week, fitness guru and TV personality Sbahle Mpisane got into a horrific car accident. Family, friends and fans expressed their shock and sent messages wishing her a speedy recovery. Doves Funerals (a whole funeral parlour) also saw it fit to send Sbahle a message on Twitter, wishing a speedy recovery. Furthermore Doves Funerals designed a digital card with Sbahle’s picture, the message and their contact details. The tweet didn’t sit well with many people and they accused Doves Funerals of being insensitive. Sbahle’s father – Sbu Mpisane said the tweet was opportunistic.

Frankly, the tweet was opportunistic as the #SbahleMpisane was trending on Twitter for a long time on Friday and they knew that by jumping on the hashtag they would get some brand awareness (which they did). For Doves Funerals to design a whole card with their branding and Sbahle’s photo on it was wrong. If Sbahle was the Doves Funerals’ Brand Ambassador it was going to be a different story, but Sbahle has no relationship at all with the brand. They also didn’t ask for the permission to use her image on the card alongside their branding.

Doves Funerals has since responded with the tweet below:

This response is rather flat because Doves Funerals is in the business of burying people not bringing people back to life. Hence, the tweet was insensitive and opportunistic. It is for these reasons that Doves Funerals got a Slap! What is your take?

Oreo Brings South Africans Together With ‘Oreo People’ Campaign

Oreo, is calling on South Africans to ‘Twist, Lick, Dunk’ and SHARE an Oreo with other Oreo People.

South Africans who have already discovered that they are Oreo People, know that when you connect with Oreo, playfulness is evoked in us all. Despite differences, playing with Oreo brings people together.

During August and September 2018, the ‘Twist, Lick, Dunk’ biscuit will be creating moments of sharing at mall pop-up stands, countrywide. Here Oreo will be creating wonderfilled moments of sharing – both by connecting people in a playful way and letting them share in an experience with those around them that will unlock instant prizes!

Find the Oreo activations from 09h00 to 17h00 at the following venues:

· Canal Walk in Cape Town on 25th and 26th August 2018

· Gilwell Shopping Centre in East London on the 01st and 02nd September 2018

· Maponya Mall in Soweto from 22nd and 23rd September 2018

· Gateway in Durban on 29th and 30th September 2018

Furthermore, from 01st August until the 30th September 2018, fans can also stand a chance to WIN one of three amazing prizes worth R75 000 each. Whether you want to shop till you drop, go on an exciting getaway or gain VIP access to the most exciting events, Oreo has it all. For a chance to win one of these amazing prizes, fans must purchase any two of the participating OREO products and SMS the last five digits of their barcode to 120*766#. *SMS rates and Ts & Cs apply.

“Oreo has always been a brand that encourages and inspires people to let out their playful sides and connect with people around them. This campaign is no different, and we hope that our fans will connect with one another no matter their differences, “says Thandi Ntuli, Mondelez SA Category Lead for Biscuits.

Look out for the new Oreo People TV commercial and follow @Oreo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.