Information provided by Idea Engineers’ Janice Spark
The Winners......
Outsurance
Outsurance has featured as a premier South African brand for several years running now. And the brand that shook up South African insurance is undeniably still a ground breaker.
To illustrate - the Outsurance “helping SA out campaign” is a pioneering effort that takes full cognisance of South Africa’s very fluid socio political context.
The blend of conventional mass market advertising and Corporate Social Investment places Outsurance beyond most local brands as a demonstrably committed and relevant corporate citizen.
Instead of spending money on promoting good intentions, the brand publicises on the ground community work. It’s an unbeatable combination that will surely be mimicked more and more in years to come as other local brands finally pick up on the power of getting involved.
runner’s up are…
SABMiller
The heavy beverage hitter continues to perform well, and was particularly strong in its handling of the Amstel crisis.
Metro FM
Now that YFM has settled into a more modest brand reality than its first five years would have suggested, Metro has re-established its identity as a brand relevant to everyday South African lifestyles.
The Not So Hot…
Eskom
The Eskom brand has been a disaster story throughout 2007. With massive rate hikes on the way, to accompany ongoing promises of more rolling black outs, Eskom has already laid a good foundation to take the worst South African brand of 2008 spot.
Standard Bank
Uh oh…Standard Bank have proved definitively that back tracking on sweeping brand promises is not a good idea. You can be as committed, motivated and involved as you like, but when you promised Simpler, Better and Faster, consumers expect you to stick to your guns. It’s a safe bet that the South African public is still chuckling sardonically at the new pay off line almost every time it appears.
To check out the full article: http://www.itnewsafrica.com/?p=562
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Local PCs
Mustek is South Africa’s leading branded assembler and distributor of PCs, notebooks and related products. The Group’s PC and notebook division, Mecer, is one of South Africa’s top-selling PC brands.
Other divisions within Mustek support the PC assembly operation by importing and distributing components and peripherals, or providing networking and specialised services.
Mustek’s strategic position between international manufacturers and the local market adds considerable value to the regional ICT industry through local assembly, branding and marketing.
This value chain is supported by keen pricing due to our ability to finance deals at attractive rates and obtain bulk discounts on consolidated shipments. Although PCs, notebooks and related peripherals are currently the mainstream of our business, Mustek will remain abreast of industry developments and will continue to offer well priced, locally branded versions of whatever hardware replaces the present generation of PC products.
Mustek’s brands
Mecer is the dominant South African PC brand, which is supported by a stable of quality imported brands. The Zinox brand in Nigeria, a joint venture between Mustek, Nigerian and French companies, is making inroads into West Africa. The strategic positioning of Mustek’s branches, and our extensive dealer network, ensures that Mustek on-site maintenance and support services remains the benchmark against which all competitors in Africa must be measured.
Mustek pursues a key strategy of maintaining and growing its entrepreneurial skills and developing its relationships in the global information technology sector. This strategy continues to bear fruit in the many productive relationships and alliances that have been established over time and nurtured during the past year.Mustek is the only OEM distributor in South Africa, ensuring added value to their IT consumers by offerin
g a complete IT solution These alliances have been, and will continue to be, valuable to Mustek in supporting its growth. www.mustek.co.za
Sahara computers
Established in 1997 Sahara Computers assembles and markets computers & peripherals through a global distribution network that covers established and emerging markets.
The company is owned by Sahara Holdings, a fully Broad-Based Black Economic Empowered entity, and is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is the official distributor and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for a variety of top international vendors.
An accredited member of the Proudly South African campaign, the Sahara business network stretches across South Africa to include Cape Town, Durban & Port Elizabeth. The company has established a strong presence globally, with offices across EMEA, including Nairobi & Mombassa in Kenya and Botswana, Dubai, the U.K and China.
Sahara Computers is currently the largest operation of its kind in Southern Africa. Owned by Sahara Holdings group, company boast an annual turnover over 1.4 billion Rand.
Sahara Holdings strictly adheres to the principles of Broad-Based Economic Empowerment and established itself among the frontrunners of empowered organizations within the ICT sector when it confirmed its participation in an empowerment deal valued at R640 million in 2006.For the deal Sahara Holdings sold 27% of their shares to a newly established consortium represented by mining and mineral resource Group Mvelaphanda Holdings (Pty) Ltd.chaired by Tokyo Sexwale, and Afripalm Consortium, a local investment company chaired by Lazarus Zim.
The deal incorporates subsidiaries and associates of Sahara Holdings including Sahara Computers Pty Ltd., Sahara Systems Pty Ltd., Sahara Consumables Pty Ltd., Sahara Distribution Pty Ltd. and Annex Distribution Pty Ltd.This venture signals a new era in the transference of the benefit and value associated with technology, through to communities and individuals.
It also reinforces Sahara’s pledge to provide access to high quality, affordable communication technology and infrastructure. It is the competency and dynamic attribute of Sahara Computers that has won it the confidence of many major IT suppliers, representing key product and component ranges.
Loxion Kulca's Chabi likes Joburg's energy
Written by Lucille Davie LOXION KULCA clothing co-owner Sechaba "Chabi" Mogale says that what he likes about Joburgers is their energy.
"I love the energy, people here are constantly doing something," he says. And that includes him - he's always on the go, particularly this week, where he's exhibiting the latest Loxion Kulca designs at the four-day SA Fashion Week on at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Loxion Kulca is the label of the hottest street wear to be seen wearing these days, created by Mogale and his partner, Wandi Nzimande, a Sowetan, back in 1997. Mogale describes it as having come about quite informally when the two of them were walking the streets of Berea and Yeoville.
"We were broke and trying all kinds of living," he says. They wore close-fitting crocheted skullcaps that were noticed by others.
"They liked our caps, and asked us if they could buy them from us," he explains.
The caps were crocheted by their families and friends. The hats were "very special" in that their small rims could "flop outwards or droop close to the head". Mogale says they were nothing new, "we just added new colours in new combinations" and they took off.
And then the clothing range followed. "We were tired of the international brands, we wanted something local." They were guided by producing "comfortable clothes that we wanted to wear" and those clothes had a "street feel".
In other words, "clothing with a loose fit with pockets in the right places, for keys or a cellphone". The fabrics are "utility quality", which the wearer could "wear and keep their temperature constant".
"Loxion" is a slang derivative of "location", apartheid's label for areas designated for blacks, nowadays referred to as townships.
Mogale is not a Joburger by birth - he was born in Lusaka, Zambia, 27 years ago and met his partner at school in Midrand. He now lives in the northern suburbs and runs the business, which outsources to a Durban clothing factory, from a Jeppestown office. He employs a staff of 19.
Loxion Kulca is branching out into trendy jewellery, belts and colourful takkies, on display for the first time at SA Fashion Week. By December they're going to launch a range of clothing for kids.
He says the business is very much based on the principle of "ubuntu", which he describes as "respecting your fellow man and therefore, respecting yourself, and having pride in your country". He says that both him and Nzimande learnt this from their grandmothers, and want to impart their expertise now to other up-and-coming designers.
Loxion Kulca clothing can be bought across the country from 150 outlets, and in Botswana, Swaziland and Namibia. And further afield in the US, Europe and Australia, with plans to export it to China and Japan. In Joburg you can get your piece of Loxion Kulca clothing from Skipper Bar, Guys and Girls, Patrick Daniel and Edgars in shopping centres throughout the city.
Story by: http://www.joburg.org.za/
Skwatta shoes
Story by: Rage
Hip hop crew Skwatta Kamp is joining Pro Kid, Zola and Kabelo in the world of clothes and shoes. Skwatta Kamp has signed and committed to create a sneaker and clothing line called SKWEAR (pronounced “square”) via the international apparel company, Kappa Clothing.
This deal will see the group release a sneaker line for men in 2007 with a full clothing line and ladies sneakers expected in 2008.
“We are proud of this announcement and the prospects that it brings. Skwatta Kamp has always shown great business acumen and that entrepreneur spirit evident in the new South Africa. We also applaud Lebogang "Shugasmakx" Mothibe’s commitment and strategic input in the realization of this deal. There will be more announcements in the next few weeks”, said Sibusiso Molefe, Skwatta Kamp’s Business Manager of Publicity Stunt.
“It’s long over due, people have been asking us when the clothing line and sneakers are coming out well the time is now.” said Nemza, member of Skwatta Kamp
The sneaker range will be available from at all major clothing and apparel retail stores nationwide.
Skwatta Kamp will embark on a nationwide campaign to promote the new sneaker. They will be hitting clubs, universities, schools and the coolest music and clothing stores hard over the next few weeks.
The public appearances will also be supported by a branded bus marketing and promotion campaign.
Story by: http://www.rage.co.za/
Kabelo spreads the Luv
By Sylvester HaskinsUS hip-hop stars Diddy, Jay-Z and 50 Cent started out as musicians and have become influential media moguls and now South Africa's own kwaito star, Kabelo, follows suit.
Stars such as J-Lo and Nelly have used their high profiles in the music industry to attach their names to anything from recording outfits to fashion labels and even energy drinks. (Last year, Nelly famously launched his own energy drink called Pimp juice.)
While Kabelo has not threatened to concoct his own energy drink, he has in the last year laid the foundations of his entertainment empire that includes the recent launch a footwear-line with sports giant Reebok and the formation of his own independent record company.
Kabelo's American hip-hop counterparts Jay-Z and Eminem both own thriving independent record companies – Roca-A-Fella Records and Shady Records, respectively.
The former TKZee band member is co-owner of Groove Luv Records, which he recently founded with kwaito producer D-Rex.
The stable has just released its first act, the kwaito trio Blackjack, that features Kabelo at the helm of the group alongside two other group members.
(Blackjack's debut has received a luke warm response from the public.)
Kabelo has high hopes for his new recording stable, saying: “We want to operate as a strong South African major with South African artists. We want to make sure that money made here stays in the country.”
Kabelo pointed out that Groove Luv will cover a range of artists and music genres.
Says Kabelo: “Our next album is going to be a gospel choir. My album will come later, as well as other house compilations. We are a fully fledged record company.”
The kwaito star has just completed his four-album contract with Electromode Music, that includes his last release The Bouga Luv Album, which has sold more than 70 000 copies since its release late last year.
Kabelo has enjoyed great success as a soloist in the aftermath of TKZee's demise.
He believes that his company will succeed: “We have all the ingredients for success. We have the artists, the talent and God on our side. It has to work.”
Kabelo's faith has been a talking point in the music industry and the performer has made no secret of his desire to become a preacher, as he is currently is engaged in bible studies at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg.
Kabelo is the first artist outside of the US to land his own footwear line, with Reebok's Rbk campaign that merges sports and music. The campaign is already endorsed by hip-hop artists 50 Cent and Jay-Z.
Kabelo's footwear is distinctly South African in its design and is likely to appeal to the artist's audience.
Kabelo says he is “chuffed” about this latest business venture: “In this industry, as artists, you can do more than just music . You can act or you can have your own footwear, because you are a brand.”
From kwaito kid to mogul
Mid-nineties – Kabelo hooks up with his TKZee counterparts, Zwai and Tokollo, at King Edwards' High School where they matriculated together.
1996 – TKZee becomes an official group ensemble and releases the self-produced Take It Eezy.
1997 – Kabelo and crew release the single Palafala – that would be a catalyst in their rise to national prominence in the local music industry.
1998 – TKZee would release another single in the pre-France 1998 World Cup song, Shibobo, recorded with Banana Banana's star striker Benni McCarthy. The single became the fastest selling record in SA's music history with sales reaching more than 100 000 in just over a month.
1999 – The group released their much anticipated solo album, Halloween, which marked the arrival of the group in the kwaito scene. The album earned them a platinum selling status and saw them win the sought after Best Kwaito Album award at the SAMA awards.
2001 – This year marks the final chapter in TKZee's career. The group release their last album, Trinity, but it is a commercial failure.
2002 – Kabelo's solo career took off after the release of his first single Pantsula for Life that became a platinum selling success.
2003 – The star performs follow–up albums in Rebel With a Cause as well as And the Beat Goes On achieves double platinum sales and solidifies his appeal in the local music industry.
2004 – Kwaito golden boy earns himself the prestigious Best Kwaito Award for his album And the Beat Goes On is at the SAMA's this year. Kabelo later releases his latest The Bouga Luv Album. The album's first single, Love Me or Leave Me Alone earns the performer, yet another platinum selling album.
2005 – Kabelo's releases a brand new album, Industry Hijack, with his new group, Blackjack. The album is released through his own independent record label. Kabelo also signs a three-year contract with Reebok that saw the release of his own line of Reebok footwear.
All they say is: Oh Boy!International Hip-Hop Stars and their special range of Reebok footwear:
50 Cent – The superstar rap artists Reebok footwear range is called G-Unit and features a range of styles from the G6 collection to the most recent GXT range. 50 Cent has developed his G-Unit empire that includes a G-Unit record company, clothing label and music group.
Jay-Z – his footwear is called the Sean Carter collection. It has produced two issues with the latest being the Sean Carter Tennis II range. Jay-Z is considered a rap legend. He is currently the CEO of US hip-hop label giant – Def Jam, a job he juggles in tandem with running his own independent record label in Roc-A-Fella Records.
Story by: Tonight
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