Jacques Du Bruyn, Co-CEO at Flume Digital Marketing, discusses why the human touch remains essential in the AI-driven marketing era. While AI excels at tasks like data analysis, audience persona creation, and ad optimization, it lacks the cultural nuance, emotional intelligence, and diversity of perspective needed to create truly resonant campaigns. In a landscape overflowing with AI-generated content, the brands that succeed will be those that combine AI’s efficiency with authentic human insight to forge deep, lasting connections.
Category: South Africa News
South Africa News
Lessons learned in building a pan-African impact sourcing model
This article by Lizelle Strydom, Managing Director of CareerBox Africa, explores key lessons in building a pan-African impact sourcing model to address youth unemployment. Drawing on experiences from South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana, the piece outlines how workplace readiness training, soft skills development, and inclusive hiring are transforming lives and empowering the next generation across the continent.
Is your CRM growing your business or just helping you survive the chaos?
Many businesses treat CRM systems as digital filing cabinets rather than growth enablers. This article, featuring insights from Eldon Bothma and Hayley Blane of Braintree, explores why CRM should be more than an operational tool—it should drive strategic value, measurable results, and long-term business growth. Learn how South African companies can close the CRM maturity gap by shifting from compliance-focused systems to smart, scalable customer engagement platforms powered by AI, automation, and data insights.
Microplastics and the South African health crisis no one’s talking about
South Africa is facing an escalating health and environmental crisis driven by microplastic pollution, with over 80% of freshwater sources contaminated. As plastic waste continues to outpace recycling infrastructure, microplastics are entering the food chain and human body, posing serious long-term health risks. Fortis X offers a solution with Africa’s first 100% plant-based, biodegradable packaging—helping reduce exposure to toxic plastic particles and protect ecosystems and public health.
Durban’s uMhlanga Booms with R1.4 Billion Oceans North Tower Launch and R1.3 Billion Leisure Development Plan
Durban’s uMhlanga continues its rise as a top real estate investment hub with the launch of the R1.4 billion Oceans North Tower—featuring 258 luxury ocean-facing apartments—and a planned R1.3 billion leisure development in the South Tower. The mixed-use precinct, which includes Oceans Mall and Radisson Blu Hotel, has already created over 25,000 jobs and champions inclusive, Black-owned economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal.
Africa’s flavours to drive its hospitality boom
Africa’s food and beverage sector is becoming a cornerstone of the continent’s luxury hospitality boom. As global hotel brands deepen their footprint across Africa, partnerships with top chefs and a focus on indigenous cuisine are redefining African fine dining. With Cape Town named the world’s top food city and investment rising in markets like Nigeria, Mauritius, and Egypt, African flavours are poised to become a key global differentiator in luxury travel and tourism.
Community Wifi, MVNO and the rise of hybrid communications providers
As South Africa progresses toward universal broadband access through SA Connect, hybrid carriers are stepping in to fill the digital gap. Combining fibre, community WiFi, and MVNO services, these agile providers deliver affordable connectivity to underserved communities. This article explores the rise of hybrid models, their business case, and the critical role of integrated billing solutions in enabling sustainable expansion.
Futures_Past project launches: Using immersive technologies to reimagine heritage in Southern Africa
The Futures_Past project, initiated by the French Institute of South Africa in partnership with Electric South, empowers archival and cultural institutions in Southern Africa to reimagine heritage using immersive technologies. Through VR, AR, and interactive storytelling, six selected institutions will collaborate with digital artists to bring archival collections to life and deepen public engagement with memory and history.
Available and Affordable Municipal Electricity: Shifting Generation to Point of Consumption through Smart Nano-Grid Deployments
In response to energy insecurity and centralized grid limitations, municipalities can take charge by deploying Smart Nano-Grids with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). This article outlines how decentralized, local generation transforms financial and operational dynamics, enabling more reliable, affordable, and self-sufficient electricity provision at municipal level.
Relief Now, Resilience Next: Staying Agile In An Uncertain Market
In a shifting economic landscape, Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, examines the South African Reserve Bank’s recent interest rate cut and its impact on homeowners, buyers, and the broader economy. This timely shift, although modest, is expected to invigorate the property market, improve affordability, and stimulate consumer spending. Stevens advises industry professionals to stay agile and proactive in responding to increased demand and shifts in financial conditions, while urging clients to reassess their financial positions and take advantage of new opportunities before future rate adjustments.