Tangible brand identity – why trust is more than words
Most companies manage their identity through language. They develop mission statements, brand voice guides, and value propositions. However, these messages often lose their meaning when people repeat them without conviction. What actually builds trust is something different. A strong brand identity often connects to something people can hold, rather than something they are simply told.
Black Friday – won in the warehouse, not at checkout
Black Friday has become one of the biggest retail events on the South African calendar. What began as a single day of discounted shopping has evolved into weeks of deals. Retailers and e-tailers now promote offers across online and brick-and-mortar channels throughout Cyber Monday. Some even run ‘Black November’ campaigns.
Product get-up – when imitation becomes infringement
Standing out in a competitive market and attracting consumers’ attention is not easy. To achieve this, a product’s overall appearance, known as its “get-up”, should be distinctive. A product’s get-up encompasses far more than its name or logo. It includes colours, packaging, shape, layout, graphics, labels and other distinctive visual features that consumers associate with a specific product.
China’s trade mark reforms – raising the stakes for SA brands
Brand owners doing business in China are being put on notice. From 1 January 2027, the State Council can cancel trade marks registered in bad faith. It can also cancel marks that have become generic or have not been used for three consecutive years without legitimate reason.
Professional growth – careers aren’t meant to be linear
We are often taught to think of a successful career as a straight line. Study something, find a job in that field, gain experience, move up, and keep going. But many careers do not always play out this way. This may be more useful than we realise.
Privacy for sale? The law and the pay-or-consent dilemma
Many people are familiar with being asked to accept cookies or agree to the collection of their personal information when using online platforms. But what happens when the choice is to either pay for privacy or consent to even more extensive data collection? Should we have to pay money to protect our privacy? Or should we surrender our personal information to use these platforms?
Counterfeit goods protection – Zambia strengthens border control
Zambia has taken a significant step towards stopping counterfeit goods at the border. It has introduced a new Trade Marks Act. However, the new trade mark enforcement system will only become operational once the Regulations are promulgated.
Social media distortion – is your feed undermining your finances?
You’re lying on the couch after a long day, scrolling through Instagram. Someone is drinking cocktails in Bali. Someone else is unboxing a new handbag. A 25-year-old is smugly explaining the “five things she did to become financially free”. Another reel tells you that your savings “should” reach a certain number by 40. That number makes your stomach drop. You put your phone down and feel vaguely as though you’re failing at life.
SA20 and rain strengthen schools cricket with the launch of rain...
SA20 has launched the rain SA20 Derby Series, a new series of standalone fixtures between some of South Africa's leading cricket schools. It has also confirmed rain as the title sponsor of both the new Derby Series and rain Schools SA20. The League's national schools T20 competition now enters its third season.
DOOH is rewriting the rules of game day
As fans take the action beyond the stands, Digital Out-Of-Home (DOOH) gives brands a way to become part of the game-day experience. We all love the vibe of game day – everyone in their team jerseys, bars and restaurants pumping, the braai sizzling, the socials going off. Everybody is in a good mood and discussing tactics like they’re Rassie’s best friend. By the time the players walk on the field, the game has already been going on for hours.
