Pat on Brands marks its ninth year of operation, celebrating a remarkable journey of growth from a modest student-run blog to a respected and influential platform within South Africa’s branding, marketing, and entrepreneurship landscape. What began as a space for curiosity and commentary has evolved into a multi-channel hub shaping industry dialogue, elevating youth-owned brands, and bridging the gap between seasoned marketing professionals and emerging talent across the continent.
Founding and Early Development (2016)
Pat on Brands was established in 2016 by entrepreneur Pat Mahlangu while he was a student at the University of Johannesburg. Inspired by industry veteran Jeremy Maggs and his iconic Maggs on Media, Mahlangu set out to create a personal blog that explored branding from the perspective of a young, curious marketer.
“Pat on Brands started as a passion project long before it became a business. That passion is what carried us through every challenge and kept us standing all these years. I am profoundly grateful to every marketer, PR practitioner, and brand that believed in us and supported this journey.” – Pat Mahlangu
A turning point came when he authored and published an article spotlighting youth-owned businesses. The piece gained unexpected traction, revealing a powerful gap in the visibility and recognition of young entrepreneurs in South Africa. This momentum inspired Mahlangu to formalise the celebration of youth excellence. This ultimately led to the creation of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA).
Since its inception, YOBA has become one of the platform’s flagship initiatives, amplifying emerging brands, inspiring young entrepreneurs, and contributing meaningfully to the country’s entrepreneurship narrative
Expansion Into Events and Industry Engagement
Over the years, Pat on Brands has broadened its scope to include several industry-focused events. The Pat on Brands Dialogues were introduced as a series of discussions aimed at marketers, entrepreneurs, and brand builders.
This year, Pat on Brands launched Business to Brand – South Africa’s premier gathering of marketers, communicators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who believe in the transformative power of
branding. It’s a strategic platform designed to empower businesses to shift from transactional thinking to brand-driven growth.
Digital and Media Presence
The platform has also developed a strong online presence, producing regular content related to branding, marketing, and industry news. The Pat on Brands podcast features interviews with industry professionals and commentary on market trends, expanding the brand’s reach across digital channels.
Role Within the Industry
Across nine years, Pat on Brands has positioned itself as a contributor to industry dialogue, youth empowerment, and brand education. Through awards, events, and digital resources, the platform continues to document developments in the branding sector while providing visibility to emerging businesses.
As it enters its tenth year, Pat on Brands maintains its focus on supporting entrepreneurship, amplifying African brand stories, and promoting knowledge-sharing across the marketing and communications landscape.
