AI-driven retail media is transforming performance marketing for South African brands. As ecommerce platforms like Takealot, Checkers Sixty60, Makro, and Woolworths invest in retail media, brands gain powerful opportunities to reach high-intent shoppers with personalised, measurable, and data-driven campaigns. AI enhances targeting, product recommendations, and closed-loop reporting, making retail media the next big growth frontier.
Category: South Africa News
South Africa News
Confident but constrained—SA’s SMBs need a boost to grow
South Africa’s SMBs remain optimistic in 2025, with 78% confident about growth despite rising costs and economic pressures. Digital adoption, AI integration, and targeted support from government and big business are key to unlocking sustainable success for small and medium enterprises.
The hidden cost of shrinking your marketing investment
Scaling back marketing investments during tough economic times can have hidden costs. Learn why marketing is more than just a “nice-to-have” function—it’s the strategic glue that holds organizations and customer experiences together, according to e4’s Robyn Beckworth Judge.
Unlocking Profit: A Guide to Commercial Property Investment
Commercial property investment offers long-term returns, portfolio diversification, and strategic growth opportunities. Post-pandemic recovery, easing interest rates, and urban development have boosted South Africa’s commercial real estate market, with prime office, retail, and industrial spaces showing strong performance. Success relies on understanding location, vacancy rates, zoning, development potential, and sustainable practices, while avoiding speculation. Informed investors can capitalize on market cycles, rising rental yields, and low vacancies to maximize returns.
AutoTrader reports robust July sales growth as practical used cars rise in popularity
South Africa’s used car market continues its strong performance, with AutoTrader reporting robust July 2025 sales. A total of 33,919 vehicles were sold, reflecting YoY growth of +7% and MoM growth of +9.4%. Toyota remained the top-selling brand, while Ford Ranger led as the most popular model. Notable growth was seen in affordable, practical hatchbacks and crossovers, including the Hyundai Grand i10 (+116.7% YoY) and Suzuki Swift (+34.5% YoY), indicating evolving buyer preferences toward reliability, fuel efficiency, and economic practicality. The cumulative market value reached R14.10 billion, with average vehicle prices and mileage reflecting stable, resilient demand.
10 Years of Impacting Township Entrepreneurs
The Kasi Business Workshop, founded in 2015 by Bulelani Balabala, celebrates a decade of transforming South Africa’s township economy. Over 100,000 entrepreneurs have been supported, contributing to more than 400,000 jobs, with a global footprint in 34 countries. Through initiatives like the Kasi Pitching Challenge, Networking Pods, Mbawula Chats, Masterclasses, and the Kasi Business Exhibition, the movement fosters collaboration, skills development, funding access, and market opportunities for township businesses. Now in its 10th year, the Workshop continues to serve as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth.
Why Humanity Still Matters in the Age of AI Marketing
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.
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.