The Daily Show with Trevor Noah has made history by winning the highly esteemed Emmy Award for the best variety talk show. This achievement not only marks the show’s first win since Jon Stewart’s departure but also makes Trevor Noah the first African and black recipient in this category, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Trevor Noah , Emmy award winner
Noah bid farewell to The Daily Show in 2022, and his last episode was broadcast on December 8th of that same year. The 2023 Emmy Awards were postponed because of the Hollywood strikes, resulting in the delayed recognition of Noah’s final season on the show, which is happening now.
Noah received a nomination for a Golden Globe in the stand-up comedy on television category, but Ricky Gervais ended up winning. Additionally, Noah is also up for a Grammy nomination in the best comedy album category.
While delivering his acceptance speech, Noah said:
“This story has been so long, so crazy, and so wonderful. Thank you so much to the team and the person I always thank, the crazy genius Jon Stewart. Thank you for calling me up and asking me to come join you on this crazy journey.”
Noah expressed his gratitude to the team members of The Daily Show as well.
“I want to start by thanking the crazy Africans who followed me to this country, David Kibuuka and Joseph Opio, David Meyer, my partner in crime, the writers and the team, Roy Wood Jr. from the very beginning, Jordan Klepper, whose flight got cancelled.”
“Showrunner Jen Flanz, this woman rode with me through the trenches. Thank you so much to the team and everyone who gave us an opportunity,” Noah continued.
With this accolade being just one of many, it is evident that Trevor is currently experiencing a winning season, and we are eagerly anticipating more of his future accomplishments.
Let’s start off the new year by staying up-to-date with brands that resonate with us as consumers and have a beneficial impact on the country’s economy. I’ve carefully curated a list of South African brands that I truly believe are worth keeping an eye on in this year. These brands have proven themselves by bringing fresh and innovative business ideas to the table, constantly challenging the norm, and exceeding the expectations of their target audience.
1. GALXBOY
GALXBOY
GALXBOY, is a renowned streetwear brand that stands out for its unique style and vision. Founded and led by Thatiso Dube, GALXBOY has become a prominent name in the fashion industry. What sets GALXBOY apart is its ability to blend innovative designs with a distinct 21st-century African design philosophy, reflecting the aspirations and creativity of the South African youth.
GALXBOY has undoubtedly achieved a great deal of success throughout the years, boasting an impressive presence with 7 physical stores spread across the entire country and a thriving online store. GALXBOY has seen huge milestones in 2023 including winning the top apparel award in the Top 16 Youth Owned Brands Awards.
2. Fieldbar
Lee Hartman, Founder of Fieldbar
Fieldbar, a company specialising in premium cooler boxes, has successfully won over numerous customers with its extraordinary products. Established by Lee Hartman in Cape Town, this brand quickly became the centre of attention in 2023, with influencers sharing cool content and selling out. What sets Fieldbar apart from its competitors is its distinctive design, which comes in a diverse array of vibrant colours and features a sleek glossy finish.
As if that wasn’t enough to impress, Fieldbar’s coolers possess an incredible capability to keep ice frozen for an amazing 50 hours, making them the ideal companions for any outdoor escapade. Excitement fills the air as we anxiously anticipate the electrifying prospects that lie ahead for Fieldbar.
3. Chillers Punch
MacGyver MacG Mukwevho, the renowned Podcast king, introduced Chillers Punch, an alcoholic beverage, in November 2023. This spirit cooler has gained significant attention and popularity within the community since its release, even though it is MacG’s second venture into the alcoholic beverage industry. Available exclusively at Pick n Pay, one of the largest retail outlets.
I believe this brand has great potential for growth, given the success of MacG’s other alcoholic brand, Grandeur which gained popularity and won an award at the 2023 Youth Owned Brand Awards. It’s an exciting time, and we should closely watch this brand in 2024.
4. Didie Lips
Didie Makobane , Co- founder of Didie Lips
Keep an eye out for House of Didie in 2024, as it is set to make waves in the e-commerce industry. This innovative brand, founded by the talented sisters Moliehi Didie Makobane and Ntaoleng Langa, has recently unveiled its very first cosmetic product called DIDIE LIPS. What sets this product apart is not only its focus on enhancing beauty, but also its aim to empower individuals to embrace their own uniqueness. By combining their individual and professional expertise, the sisters have created a collaborative masterpiece that is sure to captivate beauty enthusiasts in the country. Didie lips has an impressive array of offerings that truly showcase their commitment to sharing stories in a way that uplifts and includes everyone.
5. Adumo
Adumo, a South African startup located in Bryanston, was established in 2019 by Paul Kent. With a focus on the FinTech industry, the company plays a vital role in enabling payment processing for both businesses and consumers, thereby contributing to the advancement of a stronger financial ecosystem in the country. According to Tracxn, Adumo has already obtained an impressive $25.9 Million in startup funding from two funding rounds, demonstrating its potential for future expansion and the potential for pursuing further funding opportunities.
6. Yebo Fresh
Yebo Fresh is a renowned ecommerce platform that aims to make it easier for township entrepreneurs and community organizations to access top-notch goods and services using their innovative smart technology. The company started at the end of 2018 when Jessica Boonstra (Founder & CEO) and British entrepreneur, Stefan Allesch-Taylor decided to address the challenges and opportunities of food supply in South Africa’s townships. Jessica & the Yebo Fresh team have dedicated themselves to addressing the struggles of township entrepreneurs and community organizations who face increased product cost due to travel, as well as lost trading time in acquiring the goods they need to be competitive against the more formal retailers and outlets.
7. Naked Insurance
Naked Insurance, a South African startup founded in 2016 by Alex Thomson and Sumarie Greybe, has quickly made a name for itself in the insurance market. Based in Johannesburg, the company focuses on efficiency and customer satisfaction, offering quick 90-second quotes for various insurance products using AI.
The company’s set to have been successful in securing funding with its most recent funding round, Series B, raising a total of $17 Million in February 2023. This achievement reflects the confidence and belief investors have in Naked Insurance’s vision and potential.
8. Astron Energy
Astron Energy
Dubbed as South Africa’s next big fuel brand, Astron is definitely of those brand to look out for in 2024. It was born out of a rebrand of Caltex. The company has a long history in South Africa and now their network of service stations is becoming Astron Energy. In 2018, Chevron sold its majority share, leading to the birth of Astron Energy. They have been operating under the Caltex brand, but now they are consolidating under the Astron Energy brand. In 2021, they announced that Astron Energy will be the main brand across all their channels, including their forecourts.
9. Foondamate
Foondamate, a South African startup that burst onto the scene in 2020, has set up its headquarters in Cape Town. With a clear vision, the company has created an AI chatbot platform specifically designed for students’ academic needs. This groundbreaking platform acts as a virtual companion, empowering students to find answers to a wide range of school-related questions. By utilizing artificial intelligence, Foondamate ensures that students receive quick and accurate responses, enhancing their learning experience.
10. Planet42
Eerik Oja and Marten Orgna are the brilliant minds behind Planet42, a startup with a vision to transform vehicle leasing in Africa. Their solution? An intuitive platform that simplifies the leasing process and offers customers the option to buy the vehicle outright at any stage of the lease. The best part? The price of the vehicle decreases every month, making it an even more attractive proposition for those looking for a flexible and affordable transportation solution.
These brands hold the power to maintain consistency in their delivery, but It’s quite intriguing to see what innovative ventures and captivating campaigns these brands have in their pipeline for us in 2024.
Building a strong brand goes beyond simply keeping the business afloat, it involves understanding and embracing several crucial factors that contribute to its success and long-term sustainability. While many businesses focus solely on their day-to-day operations, thriving brands recognize the importance of certain elements that can propel them forward.
In order to ensure the long-term success of your business, it is crucial to delve into the key components of creativity, collaboration, and consistency. These elements play a vital role in maintaining longevity and sustainability in the ever-evolving business landscape.
CREATIVITY
You cannot bore your way to crafting a brand that stands out. Building a brand requires the incorporation of creativity as a fundamental element. The process of building a brand demands the infusion of creativity as an essential ingredient. Brands that embrace their creative side break away from the ordinary and consistently generate fresh, unique ideas and concepts.
Nando’s is a prime example of a brand that embodies creativity in its visual identity. Through their innovative approach, they have skillfully incorporated eye-catching typography, memorable mnemonics, and captivating phrases into their branding. These elements not only add an artistic flair but also establish a strong brand presence. Nando’s has successfully created a visually appealing and instantly recognizable visual identity.
COLLABORATION
The power of collaboration with other brands lies in the potential to expand your business horizons and connect with a larger customer base. By joining forces, you can tap into new markets and demographics that may have been untapped before. This symbiotic relationship allows you to cross-promote each other’s offerings, exposing your brand to a wider audience and generating increased interest and demand. Through this collaborative effort, you can unlock new opportunities for growth and establish a stronger foothold in the market.
The Maxhosa and Tanqueray collaboration is an extraordinary example of two distinct brands coming together to create something remarkable. Laduma Ngxokolo, the creative mind behind MaXhosa, is famous for his unconventional fashion designs that challenge norms. By collaborating with Tanqueray, he brings his avant-garde approach to South African gin enthusiasts. The partnership breathes new life into the cherished COPA glass, a symbol deeply rooted in tradition, by infusing it with Laduma’s contemporary flair.
CONSISTENCY
“Its very easy to make a viral video, but longevity and consistency, that’s hard”
Michelle Phan
While it may seem like a cliché, consistency is undeniably the key to achieving a successful brand. Staying relevant in the business world requires brands to be consistent in every aspect. Again, Nando’s serves as a notable example, as they have managed to maintain consistency over the years with their iconic font and brand patterns. This consistency has made it effortless for people to identify Nando’s, even without any explicit branding.
Consistency plays a significant role in cultivating trust and credibility. When businesses consistently meet or exceed customer expectations, they create a reliable experience that customers can count on. This consistency sets clear expectations for customers, instilling confidence in the brand and its ability to consistently deliver value.
When executed well, these practices can work miracles for your brand. The key lies in the meticulous implementation and careful execution of each step. The results can be truly remarkable and can leave a lasting impact on your brand’s reputation.
The 66th Annual Grammy Awards, set to take place on 4 February 2024, will be graced by the presence of Trevor Noah, the renowned 40-year-old comedian and former host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. With his exceptional talent and undeniable charisma, Noah has been chosen for the fourth year in a row to serve as the master of ceremonies for this highly anticipated music extravaganza.
Trevor Noah is set to host the Grammys for the 4th time
The highly anticipated event is set to be broadcasted globally through various streaming platforms and live television channels, allowing people from all corners of the world to tune in. The venue for this exciting occasion is none other than the renowned Crypto.com Arena located in the vibrant city of Los Angeles.
Throughout his earlier stints as a host, Noah’s exceptional talent in effortlessly intertwining wit and a sophisticated musical sensibility has garnered widespread recognition. This unique combination has resulted in a captivating and seamless experience for both the live audience and those tuning in remotely. The fact that he has been chosen to return as the host for the highly anticipated 2024 Grammy Awards is a clear indication of his enduring influence and widespread appeal.
Noah’s Grammy nomination brings well-deserved recognition to his outstanding contributions to comedy. “I Wish You Would” highlights his impeccable timing, clever wit, and ability to tackle sensitive subjects intelligently. Being both a nominee and host in the same year is a rare distinction achieved by few, speaking volumes about Noah’s versatility and charisma as a comedian and host.
Legends Barber, the leading barbershop in Africa, has joined forces with Markham to introduce an exciting new venture called Legends Barber Express. This groundbreaking partnership marks another significant milestone in the remarkable journey of Legends Barber. The grand launch event took place in the vibrant heart of Joburg CBD, at the newly opened Markham Joubert and Prichard street.
Source: Legends Barbershop Facebook
The success of Legends Barber
Founded in 2011 by visionary Sheldon Tatchell, Legends Barber has been driven by a passion for providing unparalleled grooming services. Since then, the barbershop has flourished and now proudly boasts an impressive network of 61 stores across the country and the entire African continent. The recent opening of their Zambia store in 2023 has been a standout achievement for Legends Barber, showcasing their continuous growth and success.
The aim of the collaboration
In their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional grooming experiences, Legends Barber has taken it a step further with this collaboration. Now, customers can seamlessly combine their shopping experience with a legendary haircut, thanks to the convenience offered by Legends Barber Express. This innovative concept ensures that patrons can enjoy top-notch grooming services without any hassle. Whether you’re in need of a stylish haircut or a refreshing shave, Legends Barber Express is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable grooming experience.
As 2023 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the year it was. Like any other year, it had its share of highs and lows. I choose to focus on the positive moments and learn from the negative ones.
Before I share my business lessons for 2023, I want to take a moment to highlight some of the memorable experiences I had this year. Since I started my entrepreneurial journey, it has always been a dream of mine to be recognized as one of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans. This year, that dream came true. It was made possible by the incredible work we did with the 2nd Annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
This event was preceded by the inaugural Festival of Youth-Owned Brands, which took place at the prestigious Sandton Convention centre in June. The event was a spectacular display of Youth Excellence held at the richest square mile in Africa. It was a spectacular showcase of youth excellence. More than 70 brands presented their products and services, and the platform itself created over 100 direct and indirect job opportunities. This project stands as the highlight of my career by far.
These are my top 5 business lessons for 2023:
1. Don’t take their word for it.
The truth behind the adage “actions speak louder than words” becomes evident in this case. Whether its new recruits or sponsors. People make promises that often they don’t keep. When it comes to recruiting, it’s crucial to go the extra mile by contacting references and conducting thorough background checks. Many individuals tend to over sell their capabilities and never deliver. Imagine having a PR account manager that cannot write a press release?
When it comes to sponsorship, if they haven’t signed a contract or sent an email confirming their participation, you don’t have the sponsorship. It doesn’t matter what they say in meetings or calls.
2. Not all clients are good for your business
I know it sounds counterintuitive to say not all clients are good clients. I’ve been in this business long enough to recognise that some clients can derail your business from growing. These are clients who ALWAYS scope creep, ask for discount, question your pricing and never seem to be satisfied with the results. Sadly, dealing with such clients rarely yields positive results.
3. Don’t bank on future earnings
If the money hasn’t been deposited into your bank account, don’t rely on it. I’ve learned from my own errors of making critical financial choices based on money that was owed to me. This approach proved to be detrimental when clients failed to pay on time or as promised. To avoid unnecessary stress, it’s best to make decisions based on the cash you currently have available.
4. Business is not fair
As a business owner you need to be comfortable with the fact that you will not always be treated fairly. We invested many hours and resources to develop a proposal that a potential client requested and never received feedback even after multiple attempts of solicitation. Some clients took our ideas from the proposals we shared with them and implemented the ideas with other agencies. We’ve had big corporates asking for discounts when our prices are already way lower than the major agencies. Our emerging business is placed on 60 days payment terms when they know that cash flow is the number one reason why many businesses fail. It’s unfair but that’s business.
5. Rejection is your friend
When you run a business, you need to be comfortable with rejection. This year, we sent out more than 500 proposals and less than 10% of them were successful. Despite our efforts to retain employees, we’ve witnessed some leaving for different reasons. The ability to stomach rejection is key to continue to pursue the grand vision.
In conclusion, business setbacks are valuable lessons, not failures. Successful business owners can attest to this. It’s not about how you start, but how you navigate challenges and reach the finish line. I can confidently say that I have emerged triumphant in 2023 and am eagerly looking forward to starting the new year on a positive note. What was your biggest lesson in business this year?
As the year draws to a close, it’s a perfect opportunity to look back at the extraordinary marketing campaigns that have mesmerized audiences in 2023. We take a moment to give a pat to the exceptional campaigns that have made a lasting impact on consumers in South Africa and across the globe.
Barbie
Barbie’s marketing strategy, which prominently emphasized the color pink, helped it become one of the most anticipated films of all time in 2023. With only Barbie’s distinctive pink color and the release date visible on one poster, the campaign was hailed as “marketing genius” by many. Additionally, hundreds of brands took part, introducing Barbie fever to untapped markets.
With global sales surpassing $1.4 billion, the film is the best grossing film of the year thus far and smashed box office records for the biggest opening weekend of 2023. It is believed to have brought in £293 million worldwide. The Barbie movie marketing campaign definitely gets a pat.
Pedros
Another marketing campaign getting a pat from us is Pedro’s “Chicken Wars” commercial. Pedro’s, a recently founded chicken fast-food restaurant, has created an advertisement that has caught the eye of some consumers, depicting the new establishment as a preferred dining alternative when compared to existing market options. This advertising content, which was released a few weeks ago, used a comical approach to challenge competitors such as Nando’s and KFC, two of the country’s most notable participants in the chicken-centric fast-food industry.
The amusing commercial depicts a conference between two large chicken-focused eateries in the country as they band together to strategize against the newcomer, Pedro’s. The advertisement begins with a scene of a reception area at the headquarters of a chicken fast-food restaurant, where the reception desk prominently displays the logo associated with Nando’s, jokingly labeled “Nando’s.” referred to as “Over Priced Chicken Head Office.” While the ad does not overtly mention KFC, it skillfully integrates a font-based allusion to “Greasy Fried Chicken (GFC),” which clearly references KFC.
Bonang Matheba x Steve Madden
In a groundbreaking move, Steve Madden recently launched a captivating marketing campaign in partnership with Bonang Matheba, a highly acclaimed South African reality TV star. As the first-ever African personality to collaborate with the renowned designer shoe brand, Bonang Matheba’s influence and fashion-forward persona were meant to elevate the brand’s new range, the Holiday Select Collection, to new heights.
This decision highlighted the brand’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, as they recognize the immense talent and influence that individuals from different backgrounds can bring to the table.
The holiday range includes six footwear styles and two handbag styles. The collaboration between Steve Madden and Bonang Matheba was undoubtedly one of the most successful marketing campaigns we witnessed in 2023.
Fatti’s and Moni’s
Fatti’s & Moni’s introduced an exciting campaign aimed at honouring pasta enthusiasts in South Africa. This celebratory initiative involved a range of carefully planned activities and interactions with AmaTaliano’s, who have always embraced Italian cuisine. By organizing these curated engagements, Fatti’s & Moni’s aimed to celebrate the deep-rooted love for pasta among South Africans and highlight the connection between the local community and authentic Italian flavours.
Fatti’s & Moni’s revolutionized the South African culinary scene by introducing pasta to the country, becoming the pioneer brand in this regard. For years, they have been instrumental in empowering Mzansi to explore their creativity in the kitchen and create remarkable pasta dishes. The success of the campaign saw the Fatti’s & Moni’s marketing team being awarded a Silver Loerie at the 45th Loeries Awards Ceremony for its “Always Eatalian” campaign in the film category for TV and cinema ads under 90 seconds.
The success of these campaigns can be attributed to the meticulous planning, strategic targeting, and seamless execution, which have resulted in a lasting impact that will continue to resonate with consumers for years to come.
On Thursday, November 9th, Spotify will release its new original podcast titled “What Now? with Trevor Noah” on both Spotify and various other podcast platforms. The show will offer fresh episodes every week.
Trevor Noah, a globally acclaimed comedian, gained recognition as the most recent host of the Emmy Award-winning program, “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central. Additionally, he hosted the Grammy Awards for the last three years and authored the New York Times best-selling book, “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood.”
Discover a Whole New Side of Trevor Noah
Uncover a Trevor Noah you’ve never experienced before in “What Now? with Trevor Noah.” In every episode, Trevor engages in profound conversations with exceptional guests, spanning entertainers, CEOs, actors, athletes, and influential thought leaders. These discussions delve into the unfiltered exchanges that typically occur behind the scenes, characterized by unreserved candor, genuine dialogues, and sincere reactions. With Trevor’s timeless, effortlessly playful, and thoughtfully probing approach, this podcast takes you on an extraordinary journey.
Press Shot of Trevor Noah (Credit: Spotify)
Behind the Scenes of "What Now? with Trevor Noah"
The podcast “What Now? with Trevor Noah” is under the executive production of Trevor Noah and Ben Winston, in collaboration with Jenna Weiss-Berman and Max Linsky. Its production is entrusted to the collaborative efforts of Day Zero Productions, Fulwell 73 Productions, and Audacy’s Pineapple Street Studios.
Powered by Spotify's Megaphone
This podcast series, “What Now? with Trevor Noah,” is both hosted and distributed through Spotify’s enterprise podcast platform, Megaphone. Spotify exclusively handles the sales partnership for this endeavor. Notably, the podcast is generously supported by presenting sponsors including Amazon, Audi, Microsoft, Prize Picks,Smirnoff, and Starbucks.
Johannesburg, South Africa – GALXBOY, the pioneering South African fashion brand renowned for its inventive designs and exceptional cultural blend, is excited to declare its recent expansion into fresh urban centers. This move underscores its unwavering dedication to enchanting fashion enthusiasts all over the country.
Explosive Growth Since 2008
Established in 2008, this youthful fashion brand has witnessed extraordinary development, with recent openings at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and, most recently, in Emalahleni over the past weekend. With an ambitious outlook for the future, the acclaimed streetwear label is now targeting Polokwane and Durban as the next stops on its nationwide expansion venture.
Triumph at the V&A Waterfront
GALXBOY’s venture into the iconic V&A Waterfront was greeted with immense excitement and symbolized a pivotal moment for the brand. Situated as a cultural epicenter cherished by both locals and tourists alike, this location proves to be the perfect setting for GALXBOY’s distinctive fusion of contemporary fashion, inspired by South African culture.
Continuing the Momentum
Building upon the prevailing energy, GALXBOY recently commemorated yet another prosperous store inauguration in Emalahleni over the past weekend. Emalahleni, renowned for its lively community and burgeoning fashion sphere, offered an ideal backdrop for GALXBOY to engage with a fresh audience of trendsetting individuals.
Galaxboy store
Thatiso Dube, GALXBOY’s Visionary Leader, on the Brand’s Expansion
Thatiso Dube, the founder and creative genius behind GALXBOY, shared his exhilaration regarding the brand’s expansion, expressing,“We are thrilled to bring GALXBOY to even more South Africans and fashion enthusiasts. Our journey has been one of creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. Emalahleni has a special place in my heart so opening our now sixth store, in the city was particular moving”and he added “We also look forward to becoming a part of the fashion landscape in Durban and Polokwane over the next few weeks, where we can continue to merge our unique perspective with the diverse fashion cultures of these cities.”
GALXBOY’s Strategic Growth Plans
Anticipated openings in Durban and Polokwane are poised to make GALXBOY’s cutting-edge fashion even more accessible to South Africans. Furthermore, discussions of a potential pop-up store in the Mall of Africa prove GALXBOY’s unwavering dedication to engaging with communities nationwide while remaining steadfast in its cultural authenticity.
Galaxboy store
GALXBOY Extends an Invitation
GALXBOY warmly welcomes fashion enthusiasts, trendsetters, and the local community to participate in commemorating these remarkable milestones as they continue to shape the fashion landscape in South Africa.
Celebrate with GALXBOY
A warm invitation to fashion enthusiasts, trendsetters, and the local community to join in celebrating these significant milestones as they continue to shape the fashion landscape in South Africa. Stay tuned to their social media channels for more updates on GALXBOY’s journey and the grand openings in Durban and Polokwane. For further information, please visit: galxboy.co.za
GALXBOY Stores
Emalahleni
Highveld Mall Nelson Mandela Street Shop 7B Del Judor
Pretoria
Menlyn Park Shopping Centre Lois Avenue Pretoria, Gauteng 0174
Co.Space Entrepreneur Village, Havelock Road Willow Park Manor Pretoria, Gauteng 0184
Bloemfontein
Mimosa Mall 131 Kellner Street Bloemfontein, Free State 9301
Cape Town
Shop 6281, V&A Wharf Shopping Centre, 19 Dock Road Cape Town, Western Cape 8002
Lerato Agency, a PR & Digital agency, celebrates its third-year anniversary. Established during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic (when many businesses were contemplating their futures), Lerato Agency has not only survived the pandemic but has also become a trusted partner for crafting brands that people love.
Founded in 2020, Lerato Agency emerged amidst a global pandemic that disrupted industries worldwide. Despite the uncertainty and economic downturn, the agency’s visionary founder, Pat Mahlangu, seized the opportunity to create a dynamic and resilient agency.
The five love languages (services) at Lerato Agency are Public Relations, Digital Marketing, Design and Branding, Content Creation and Experiential Marketing. In celebrating the momentous milestone, Lerato Agency is showing love to three youth-owned businesses. Lerato Agency wants to turn three start-ups into brands that will stand the test of time. The agency will render its services to the tune of R300 000 (R100 000 per startup).
The criterion for this initiative is as follows:
The startup should be running for more than 6 months and less than a year.
The startup must be youth-owned (between the ages of 18-35).
The startup must be South African and registered with the CIPC.
Startups that meet this criterion can apply by sending their business profiles to hello@lerato.agency and the team will be in contact. Since inception, the agency has worked with over 30 reputable brands of the JSE as well as the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards and the Festival of Youth-Owned Brands.
Pat Mahlangu: Founder of Lerato Agency
“We are thrilled to celebrate the third-year anniversary of Lerato Agency, a milestone that marks our continued growth and success in the industry. As we reflect on our journey, we recognize the invaluable support we have received from our clients and partners. This initiative aligns with our core values of fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable growth. We are dedicated to growing and nurturing these startups into brands by investing our resources and mentorship,” says Pat Mahlangu, the founder and CEO of Lerato Agency.
Lerato Agency attributes its success to a client-centric approach, focusing on understanding each client’s unique needs, goals, and target audience. By providing tailored strategies and leveraging the latest marketing techniques, the agency has consistently delivered measurable outcomes and helped businesses thrive in the digital age.
Brands are an important part of the TikTok experience, whether they are starting trends or connecting communities, they are creating authentic audiences built on the foundation of sharing joy. They are embracing the creative and authentic spirit of TikTok and giving users a new way to discover and engage with the products they love.
2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title winners, Banyana Banyana return to the country and South Africans came out in numbers to celebrate the winners at the OR Tambo Airport. Upon their return, South Africans wore their proudly South African colors to welcome the victorious queens for walking away with their first Women’s AFCON trophy on Saturday.
Image: Banyana Banyana returns with the Women’s AFCON trophy.
Banyana Banyana walking away with their 1st Women’s AFCON trophy
South African women’s soccer team, known as Banyana Banyana were crowned Africa’s new champions on Saturday. The team won after beating their host, Morocco with a score of 2-1. it was a tough battle for the team, as they went through the 1st half without scoring a single goal. However, the team did not give up, they rose to the occasion and in the end triumphed, leading up to their 1st win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. South Africans were left ecstatic as they celebrated Banyana Banyana’s victory.
Image: Banyana Banyana crowned the Women’s AFCON winners.
Banyana Banyana welcomed back in style
Banyana Banyana returned home today, and South Africans could not let the moment of their arrival pass them by. Their supporters dressed up, sang and were filled with joy as the team made their way back home. With all the things that the country has been going through, Banyana Banyana’s victory came at a the right time. The team brought so much joy and unity amongst South Africans, which is exactly what the country needs at the moment.
South African actor, playwright and theatre director, Mncedisi Shabangu has passed on, at the age of 53. The actor passed on in the early hours of Sunday (24 July). Mncedisi’s bother, Mthokozisi said the actor was sick before he was declared dead at a local clinic.
Image: Mncedisi Shabangu
Roles Mncedisi will be remembered for
He was known for his roles in iNumber Number, The Lab and e.tv soapie, Rhythm City, to name a few. The actor won a SAFTA award for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for his Rhythm City role as ‘Khulekani Ngobese’. Mncedisi was more than an actor, he dedicated his time to directing for various theatre productions.
Image: Mncedisi Shabangu on Rhythm City.
Renowned actors pay tribute to Mncedisi
The industry has lost a legend. Actors such as Sello Maake KaNcube, Fana Mokoena, Hamilton Dlamini and Atandwa Kani went on to pay tribute to the late Mncedisi Shabangu on social media.
Rikhado Makhado, affectionately known as ‘Riky Rick’ passed on earlier this year on the 23rd of February, after committing suicide. The legendary musician was known for his great music, his fashion sense, and his passion for uplifting the youth. Riky was also the owner/franchisee for Legends Barbershop Waterfall Corner. He would’ve turned 35 today.
Image: Riky Rick
Riky Rick’s relationship with Founder & CEO of Legends Barber
Founder & CEO of Legends Barber, Sheldon was more than a business partner to Riky Rick. He was a close friend to Riky and his family. Sheldon was shattered by Riky’s passing, that he felt the need to give him his last haircut before his burial. He and the Legends Barber team always strive to give honor to Riky – for being a formidable business partner and friend to the business.
Image: Founder & CEO of Legends Barber and late Riky Rick at Legends Barber Waterfall Corner launch.
Legends Barber honors Riky Rick through the relaunch of his store
Sheldon and the Legends Barber Waterfall Corner staff saw it fit to relaunch the Waterfall Corner store to honor the late musician. In addition, they gave back to the community by offering 35 free haircuts to the first 35 customers who bring along blankets. The blankets will be donated to a local orphanage.
As people continue to celebrate and honor Riky, one thing always stands out – that he was and is still a legend. The Legends Barbershop team is legendary for making Riky Rick’s legacy live on. Happy Birthday to the King of Kotini, Riky Rick.
Stimorol Flow Lab held its first workshop this past Saturday, at the luxurious Hotel Sky, in Sandton. Stimorol Flow Lab brought the industry’s greatest to inspire and empower young up and coming artists in the music industry. Musa Keys, Majorsteez and Slikour were among the speakers present. The artists shared their insights on the music industry, how one can grow in the industry as they took the audience through their own journeys in the music industry.
The platform sparked beneficial conversations between musicians, producers and upcoming artists. They spoke about the hard work that goes into becoming successful in the industry and what keeps them going when it gets tough.
What is Stimorol FlowLab?
The Stimorol FlowLab is Stimorol’s new platform aimed at bridging the gap between South Africa’s greatest artists, music producers and upcoming artists and producers. In a country filled with a number of young people who want to make it in the music industry, Stimorol FlowLab felt the need to give upcoming musicians and producers the necessary push in the right direction. It is an opportunity to not only learn from the best musicians and producers in the country, but for the musicians/producers to share their journeys in life, before their prominence.
Image: Stimorol Flow Lab
Guest speakers: Majorsteez, Slikour and Musa Keys
For its first workshop, Stimorol FlowLab sure did show up! They brought the talented South African hip-hop & RnB brother-duo, Majorsteez, award-winning rapper, Slikour and renowned South African music producer and Amapiano star, Musa Keys. To speak on the business side of music, the platform brought music operations manager at TikTok Africa, Yuvir Pillay (affectionately known as Sketchy Bongo) and regional manager for Ditto music in Africa, Wendy Bekker.
The Flow of the workshop
The venue for Stimorol FlowLab’s first workshop (Hotel Sky, Sandton) provided an intimate setting that allowed the speakers and audience to interact with one another. The workshop was centred around four sessions. First session themed ‘repping my city’ was kicked-off by hip-hop & RnB brother-duo, Majorsteez and rapper, Slikour.
Surrounding yourself with people who have your best interests at heart: Majorsteez
Majorsteez featured the likes of Cassper Nyovest, Costa Titch and Uncle Vinny, to name a few. The duo highlighted how their parents influenced their love for music, when they realized that music was their calling and shared a few words of encouragement to the audience. “The moment we knew that we’ve found our calling was when we recorded our song ‘Lies’ featuring Uncle Vinny and Costa Titch. When we recorded the song, we didn’t know what our next move was, but the support we got after the song came out made us realize that we actually doing good”, said one half of the duo, Steez (Sihle). The duo further went on to encourage up and coming artists to surround themselves with people who got their best interests at heart.
Image: Majorsteez at the Stimorol FlowLab
Believing in your craft: Slikour
Slikour who is a veteran in the music industry is not only a rapper, but an advocate for South African musicians/artists through his popular online music platform, Slikour on Life. Slikour left the audience inspired as he touched on his journey as a rapper, from Skwatta Kamp to Slikour on Life. He also emphasised on the importance of being authentic, sticking to your true-self and believing in your craft. “If you do believe in anything firstly, you got to ask yourself, do you have the confidence to convince someone that it’s only you, nobody else and you the greatest. If you don’t have that confidence, you are going to be part of everyone else who’s trying, part of everyone who’s constantly told that they are not good enough”, says Slikour. The music industry is a very competitive industry with so many young talents who want to make it to the top. Unfortunately, sometimes the pie is just not big enough for everyone, hence authenticity, hard work and confidence is encouraged to stand out from the crowd.
Image: Slikour at the Stimorol FlowLab
Releasing music in modern times: Yuvir Pillay & Wendy Bekker
The second session was themed ‘Scene and Heard’ with Yuvir Pillay and Wendy Bekker. TikTok Africa music operations manager, Yuvir Pillay and Ditto Music Africa regional manager, Wendy Bekker gave tips on how upcoming artists can use modern technology to distribute their music. They touched on the technicalities of uploading music on online music distribution platforms, different copyright laws, press releases, record labels, while sharing a few tips on building momentum on music releases.
Opening up the industry: Musa Keys
The third session was themed ‘Breaking the mould’ with Musa Keys. Musa Keys is a South African music producer and amapiano star, known for his hit songs ‘Samarian Boy’, ‘Vula Mlomo’ and ‘Selema Po Po’ to name a few. During the Stimorol workshop, the star spoke about how he started making music from a young age, and how he strives to uplift young, up and coming artists. In his recent hit ‘Kancane Kancane’, he featured new artists. “With the song ‘Kancane’, it was literally two new kids, nobody knew anything about them. Crazy thing, that was their first drop ever, and their first drop happened to be a gold-selling song, going for platinum now”, says Musa. He also touched on his versatility. The star does not want people to box him into a certain genre or style of music. Musa Keys does more than producing music, he also incorporates his vocals in some of his music. Musa Keys wrapped it up by emphasizing on the importance of choosing a team that has your best interests at heart. Especially with management, your manager needs to always have your best interests at heart.
Image: Musa Keys at the Stimorol FlowLab
To close off the workshop, there was a ‘Listening Session’. The session was for upcoming artists to show off their music. Stimorol played songs of those who submitted their songs for the Stimorol FlowLab. This gave the artists the opportunity to interact with the speakers, Majorsteez and Musa Keys. The whole purpose of the workshop is to open up the music industry, and to inspire future musicians and producers in South Africa. The workshop also gave insight on the business side of music. The next Stimorol FlowLab workshop will be held in KwaZulu-Natal. Let’s keep it flowing!
Founded in 2020 by Pat Mahlangu, Lerato Agency turned 2 on the 9th of July 2022. Lerato Agency is a PR & Marketing agency founded with the purpose of crafting brands that people love.
The starting point of Lerato Agency
Lerato Agency was born at a critical time in South Africa. When the world was still trying to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, Lerato Agency was born. While a number of businesses were closing down and people were losing their jobs, Pat Mahlangu unlocked opportunities through Lerato Agency. During these dark times filled with uncertainties about the future, all the world needed was ‘Lerato’ (love) and togetherness.
Lerato Agency became a ‘beacon of hope’. Regardless of the economical state of the country at the time, the agency was set on creating opportunities and contributing to the economy of South Africa.
Image: Lerato Agency Logo
The ‘Lerato’ in Lerato Agency
‘Lerato’ means love in seSotho, because Lerato Agency’s core value is crafting brands that people love. The agency consistently thrives to build brands that people can resonate and fall in love with. Like every love story, Lerato Agency has five love languages – being digital marketing, public relations, content creation, experiential marketing and design. The aim is of the agency is to form meaningful, long-lasting relationships with its clients and their customers.
Brands Lerato Agency has worked with
For the past two years, Lerato Agency has worked with a number of brands, such as Brand Africa, Brand SA, SAMRO, Aunt Caroline and Himalaya to name a few. One of the biggest projects the agency has worked on is the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA).
The creative team of Lerato Agency was behind the inaugural Top 16 YOBA awards, using the beloved five love languages. The agency is run by the youth and advocates for the youth, which is why it was the perfect fit for the Pat on Brands initiative, YOBA.
The agency has continuously reflected the hard work of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to craft brands that people fall in love with. Lerato Agency intends to keep the momentum and continue moving to greater heights. Here’s to more years of spreading ‘Lerato’!
Bringing the heat to Cape Town this Winter, KFC South Africa is opening the doors to it’s limited-edition pop-up store; Kentucky Town.
As the Winter chills roll in, KFC brings a lil’ heat to the Canal Walk KFC restaurant – in the food court – for a limited time only from the 7th to 17th of July. Just 11 days, in honour of their Original 11 Herbs and Spices Secret Recipe.
Limited-Edition Menu
For 11 mouthwatering days KFC will be serving up a hot new limited-edition Menu with some KFC meals that you’ve never seen before – and may never see again.
The special Kentucky Town Cape Town menu will include some of the top favourites from the original pop-up store such as the Doughnut Zinger Burger and Spicy Chips flavoured with Tabasco. However they will be turning up the heat with a stack of new and exciting limited-edition items. In homage to the city and culture of Cape Town, the menu includes the limited-edition KFC Gatsby as well as KFC Chachos (like Nachos), Simba Crunch Zinger Wings, Kentucky Fried Oreos with Soft Serve and a Midnight Mojito to seal the deal.
Image: Kentucky Fried Oreo and Soft Serve
Image: KFC Gatsby
Image: KFC Midnight Mojito
KFC’s Famous Sauces On Sale
KFC’s famous sauces will be on sale again! The ‘Zinger Sauce’ and The ‘Dunked Sauce’ flew off shelves last year. You can get these KFC sauces for R50, however there will be a limit to stock.
Image: KFC Sauces
Limited-Edition Winter Gear & Gadgets
This is perfect for all collectors. What’s a new Season without a fresh new look? Kentucky Town Cape will offer new Winter Gear Collection for sale.
Capetonian’s most-groomed can prepare their beards and moustaches for the limited release of The Colonel’s Beard Oil inspired by the secret 11 herbs and spices recipe. Moreover, there is limited-edition KFC 11 Herbs and Spices Fire logs, so you can cozy up to our famous KFC aroma all Winter.
The Winter Gear Collection will also include limited-edition items such as the Colonel’s Onesie and KFC PJs. This is all in addition to Zinger sleep shorts, vests, trakkie pants, hoodies, and Winter accessories.
The best part? All proceeds from sales will be donated towards the KFC Add Hope initiative. Add Hope helps provide nutritious meals to underprivileged children in South Africa. So now you can look good this Summer and DO good at the same time! Yaas please!
Durban July live event returns with new headline sponsor – Hollywood Bets
The renowned horse-racing event, Durban July took place on the 2nd of July 2022, and for the 1st time Hollywood Bets is the headline sponsor of the event. Hollywood Bets has taken over the reins of being headline sponsor of the Durban July from Vodacom. This comes after a two-year hiatus of having live events, with the event only taking place virtually – due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is more than just about horse-racing, it’s a time for high ballers and fashion talents to show up and show off their fashionable outfits. The likes of Thuli Phongolo, Cooper Pabi, Mohale Motaung and the founder and CEO of award-winning Youth-Owned brand, Mbali Sebapu [Hermosa Flor] attended the event. The celebrities, as the youth say: “ate and left no crumbs”.
Outfits that brought the honey
The Durban July theme for this year was “Show Me The Honey” and honey! They sure did show the honey! The outstanding looks that brought the honey and get a PAT from us are looks by Jessica Nkosi, DJ Tira, Khuli Chana, Ayanda Thabethe, Nandi Madida, Thuli Phongolo and Mbali Sebapu.
As per usual, there are those that always follow the theme, and those that simply do not get the memo. These looks that brought the honey get a PAT from us for definitely making a statement! Paying attention to detail, being authentic and most importantly following the theme is what pulls off a ‘killer’ outfit. Durban July showed us that South African fashion designers, and African fashion designers as a whole never disappoint. The beautiful outfits/garments were designed by the likes of Roberto Scholtz, Orapeleng Modutle and Otsile Sefolo, to name a few.
Jessica Nkosi
Jessica serving honey bee in her fashionable garment designed by Namibian fashion designer, Ruberto Scholtz
Thuli Phongolo
Thuli Phongolo’s breath-taking garment designed by South African fashion designer, Orapeleng Modutle
Ayanda Thabethe
Ayanda Thabethe looked stunning in her fashionable dress designed by Laart Neviole Emporium.
DJ Tira
DJ Tira styled by his wife, Gugu Khathi, in dashing outfit designed by House of Ole [Ole Modimo]
Nandi Madida
Nandi Madida’s fashionable honeycomb dress designed by Keys Fashion.
Khuli Chana
Khuli Chana serving honey in his ‘yellow-mellow’ outfit.
Mbali Sebapu
Founder & CEO of award-winning youth-owned brand, Mbali Sebapu looked stunning in her regal dress designed by Otsile Sefolo.
It had been a long time since the horse-racing event, Durban July took place, for some it was their first time attending the renowned event and for some it’s a tradition. Celebrities made sure that they showed up and made up for the last two years they couldn’t experience the event live.
What’s your favourite look from the Durban July 2022, and tell us why?
Nando’s celebrates launch of two new PERi-PERi Bag & Bake flavours with #PERiTricks pop-up in the heart of Braam! Synonymous with creativity, Nandos showcases this with the launch of two new variants of the Bag and Bake product. The new variants, namely Paprika Citrino and Smokey Churrasco will be launched at the new pop-up located in Braamfontein between 24 June and 10 July 2022.
Image: Supplied
Flavours In The Bag
The Paprika Citrino is paprika and lime-flavoured and with the recipe perfected, the brand needed to come up with a name that only Nando’s could own and besides, just calling it Paprika and Lime would’ve been much too meh. So, after a bit of back-and-forth, Paprika Citrino seemed to be the best choice. Here’s why it makes perfect sense, with those six little syllables the brand is able to do more than just describe a flavour. It gives Nando’s an opportunity to evoke its rich Afro-Portuguese heritage and invite customers to enjoy a vibrant, spicy, uniquely Nando’s experience. The second new variant is a little more complex in its flavour profile. With rich, oaky, savoury notes balanced by a subtle sweetness, the finished product’s smokey taste is evocative of chicken braaied over wood. It was this sense of “that’s-close-but-not-quite-right” that inspired the name Smokey Churrasco.
Image: Supplied
#PERiTrick
These two flavours inspired a whole range of #PERiTrick recipes – that could be cooked any time, anywhere any way – even in your dorm room with an iron or in a tumble dryer – yes, a tumble dryer – if you don’t have access to a kitchen to utilize the more conventional appliances such as a toaster, air fryer or microwave. Once the recipes are prepared, guests will have the option to enjoy their creation/treat in a pod on-site or take it home to indulge and enjoy.
With the pop-up, Nando’s also celebrates the creative skills of young and talented individuals such as award-winning textile and surface designer, Bonolo Chepape. Bonolo together with the help of culinary-minded design agency Studio H came up with original themes for the launch. Food Stylist and Chef Keletso Motau, styled the video shoots and facilitated the recipe videos while Cinematographer, Earl Abrahams captured and packaged all the video. Chepape says she drew inspiration for the patterns and colour palette from Nando’s brand heritage as well as textile weaving techniques and Bauhaus-inspired elements of Mozambican architect, Poncho Guedes. “I wanted the design to be playful and reflect the experimental and experiential purpose of the pop-up.”
Image: Supplied
Nando’s Vanessa Nunes, Marketing Manager for Groceries says, not only did Chepape receive the Best Textile Design award at 100% Design South Africa 2018, she was a finalist in the Nando’s Hot Young Designer Pattern Hunt in the same year and a recipient of the 2019 Design Foundation Future Found Award. “Our collaboration with Bonolo and Keletso is part of our ongoing drive to nurture creative talent in South Africa. As an authentically home-grown brand, we welcome all South Africans to a seat at our table. At our pop-up store, they’ll be able to engage with our brand in an interactive and fun way and gain greater insight into the creativity and innovation that drives our brand,” she says.
Anyone can experience the pop-up between 24 June and 10 July 2022, by booking at https://www.nandos.co.za/popup and walk-ins are always welcome.
Intel announced the world’s fastest mobile processor, bringing its performance hybrid architecture to mobile platforms for the first time with new 12th Gen Intel Core mobile processors that are up to 40 percent faster than the previous generation mobile processor. Intel introduced 28 new 12th Gen Intel Core mobile processors that deliver a feature-rich suite of capabilities to create laptops for people to compute whenever and wherever they need – without compromise.
Word From Nitesh Doolabh
Nitesh Doolabh, Country Lead for Intel in South Africa comments,” The South African Gaming community have been eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated Intel 12Th Gen Core Mobile Processors launch. Intel 12th Gen is a brand-new Core architecture with the biggest change in x86 in over a decade with Intel’s new Hybrid Technology with both Performance and Efficient cores. This exciting new Hybrid approach allows us to bring together two different architectures via the Intel Thread Director Software. We are delighted to partner with local Gaming Specialists, Evetech, to showcase and make available the world’s fastest mobile processor to South African Gamers”.
Image: Supplied
Built For Next Generation of Gaming
Intel continues its introduction of industry-leading mobile performance processors with the 12th Gen Intel Core H-series mobile processors.
By pairing Performance-cores (P-cores) and Efficient-cores (E-cores) with intelligent workload prioritization and management distribution through Intel® Thread Director, the new Intel Core i9-12900H improves system performance across single and multi-threaded applications.
Based on the Intel 7 process, new 12th Gen H-series processors offer:
Up to 5 GHz frequencies, 14 cores (6 P-cores and 8 E-cores) and 20 threads that give the 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900H. It delivers performance leadership over Intel’s previous generation and the competition.
The performance extends for unparalleled gaming experiences across top gaming titles and content creation tools. The new 12th Gen Intel Core H-series delivering up to 28% faster.12th Gen Intel Core H-series is more than up to the task for content creators. For example, users may see up to 43% higher performance in 3D rendering gen-over-gen.
Broad memory support for DDR5/LPDDR5 and DDR4/LPDDR4 modules up to 4800 MT/s – a first in the industry for H-series mobile processors.
Nearly three times faster connectivity on exclusive high-speed channels without legacy Wi-Fi interference. Using integrated Intel® Wi-Fi 6E (Gig+) gives users the freedom to work and learn from home and relax with smooth, high-quality streaming.
Thunderbolt™ 4 support that delivers transfer speeds up to 40Gbps and PC connectivity to multiple 4K monitors and accessories.
Designed for enthusiast gamers, creators and engineering professionals who want to push their laptop performance to the next level, the new 12th Gen Intel Core H-series mobile processors deliver desktop-caliber performance on the go.
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