Has Digital Marketing Become Too Optimised to Be Memorable? Why Creativity Still Matters in the AI Era

As AI and performance marketing reshape digital advertising, are brands becoming less memorable? Nicole Glover, Executive Creative Director – Digital at Penquin, argues that the industry’s obsession with optimisation and short-term metrics—not artificial intelligence—is driving creative sameness. Discover why balancing data with emotional storytelling is essential for long-term brand growth and marketing effectiveness.

Bridging South Africa’s Media Skills Gap with Industry‑Backed Learning 

The Advertising Media Association of South Africa (AMASA), in partnership with the AAA School of Advertising, has launched an updated Media Management Competence Certificate to address South Africa’s growing media skills gap. Combining industry-led training, practical learning, and a newly developed media planning textbook, the four-month hybrid programme equips professionals with the strategic, digital, and analytical skills needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. The initiative supports the development of future-ready media talent as brands, agencies, and media owners adapt to increasingly complex consumer and technology trends.

The imposter syndrome of a strategist: Paid to sound certain in an uncertain world

In this thought-provoking article, Inamangwe Mtumtum explores the growing imposter syndrome faced by strategists working in an increasingly uncertain world. Against the backdrop of South Africa’s economic challenges, unemployment, rising living costs, and shifting consumer behaviour, the article argues that brands must move beyond superficial empathy and embrace authenticity, accountability, and a deeper understanding of consumers navigating complex realities.

TheBoardroom Africa’s 2026 Industry Trends Report Identifies Structural Shifts Redefining How African Markets Operate

The Boardroom Africa’s 2026 Industry Trends Report highlights major structural shifts reshaping how African markets operate. It examines the rise of digital infrastructure, regulatory tightening, cross-border payments modernization, and data-driven financial ecosystems across the continent. The report underscores how these forces are redefining competitiveness and market efficiency in Africa.