Brands of the year

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

Local is lekker:

Internationally branded PCs, notebooks, servers step aside for SA offerings

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 offering 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.

http://www.sahara.co.za/

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 Haskins

US 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

Zola: Hero to zero ... now back

By Therese Owen

He arrived in our lives as the controversial Yizo Yizo's Papa Action, a gangster who was raped in jail.

He celebrated ghetto fabulous and revolutionised SA music when he mixed rap with kwaito and gave us Umlwembe.

He became the conscience of the youth when he hosted Zola 7.

He was a goodwill ambassador for Unicef and spearheaded an Oxfam campaign to ban small guns.

His music formed the backbone of the Oscar-winning film,Tstotsi.

For eight years Zola could do no wrong in our eyes …

However, in just eight months, Zola's fallen from grace.

In fact, very little has been written about the man except, crudely put, what he's been doing with his penis.

According to the tabloids, from not supporting his two daughters he had out of wedlock, to getting another girl pregnant, Zola has gone from hero to zero.

Yet, he remained quietly defensive when the tabloids repeatedly gunned for him. The latest talking point is the alleged claim that he is a polygamist.

"I'm a Zulu. I understand what polygamy is and I know the procedure it entails. There is no way in hell I would define myself as a polygamist. The Zulu king would fine me a good 40 cows for messing with the Zulu language.

"If anyone wants to question me about being a polygamist, direct those questions to the journalist in that tabloid.

"Zola, who's always been pragmatic about life in the spotlight, is now cynical about the media.

"Apparently I'm bi-polar, with no medical proof. I don't feed my babies, have no bank statements. I've been investigated by people I don't even know who will swear on the grave of Christ that these allegations are true.

"Doesn't journalism require homework and a personal meeting with your subject, not just hearsay? The proof is on the street and I'm there every day.

"Perhaps compounding his image in the media is that Zola has not released an album since 2005 and is still dining out on songs like Ghetto Fabulous as well as tracks from Bhambata.

Surely a musician is only as good as his last hit?

"The music industry is not just about dropping an album. We can supply music to films, adverts, TV shows. It's about my endorsement deals which make me revenue, not just the record sales . People must know the difference between a musician and a brand.

"My brand, Guluva Entertainment, includes film, ads, a clothing range, a television company, Zola 7, the music and the show. I'm in the business of public appearances and motivation, too. You cannot associate Zola with dropping songs alone. I'm obsessed with exploiting all my talents.

"So, for all those worried about my music career, I'm well ahead of the game. My music will come to me when my heart allows me, not when the system demands it and, for the love of real music, it's worth the wait.

"Zola says he has over 40 songs which he wants to release digitally. He then plays me a few tracks, including a pumping song featuring Brickz.

The man is upbeat and excited about his future sans Ghetto Ruff, his record company of eight years.

He has, instead, set up his own company on which he has recorded a few artists, but has yet to release them.

He becomes serious, adopting his Zola 7 TV guise: "To all up-and-coming artists, I learnt the hard way that this industry is not a hiding place for fools. It requires a lot of paper work and understanding the business.

"Know that the thrills of the industry, from women to cars to blowing lots of money, will harm you spiritually and physically.

"In reference to his former record company he says: "I shall never, ever allow anyone to create a virtual utopia for me because I am a superstar. I should have been smacked when I was wrong. Instead, I always had somebody to cover my debt. Hence I believed everything was perfect."He pauses to reflect:

"The worst thing to happen to a star is not to be told when you're wrong, especially if you're the producer's cash cow. But I've been lucky. I never lost my cars or houses, my TV show. In most cases musicians lose everything and start again.

"Leaving him alone in his Melville house, it seems Zola is still on track.

He's happy, carefree and confident. In fact, nothing much has changed in the eight years I have known him.

Except he's added a few baby mamas into his life. Now, if he would only release a single.

Story by: Tonight

Zola: Hola 7 make a difference starter pack

Cell C: Hola 7 starter pack

As part of its effort to reach the entry-level market, Cell C is partnering with musician, TV presenter and Unicef ambassador Zola to launch Hola 7, a co-branded prepaid starter pack.

The pack, which costs R9.95, offers new customers basic telephony, a single track CD featuring Zola and membership to a loyalty club at no additional cost.Club members qualify for additional benefits, including tickets to Zola's shows and a meeting with the musician.

In addition to Cell C stores, the Hola 7 offering is available through Shopright Checkers and Pep stores nationwide. Camerer expects the offering to be popular, as the target market recognises the Zola brand and wishes to be associated with it.

He says the Zola initiative is the “tip of the iceberg” with regard to measures Cell C is taking to implement its strategy.

Awards

Mzansi Star TV Show Mzansi Awards Johannesburg 2008
Golden Horn Award for Best News/Actuality Show for Zola 7 S.A. Film & Television Awards Johannesburg 2006
Golden Horn Award for Best Reality Show for Zola 7 S.A. Film & Television Awards Johannesburg 2006
Artist of the Year South African Music Awards Johannesburg 2005
Artist of the Year South African Music Awards Johannesburg 2002
Song of the year for "Umdlwembe" Metro FM 2001

Interesting Facts

His debut album sold over 180 000 copies, attaining triple platinum status - in less than a year.
Did the soundtrack for Yizo yizo - 'Ghetto Fabulous.'
Has his own shoe and clothing range.

Pro stands for a professional

By: Thobeka Magcai

Stability and focus are keys to success for Soweto-born rap artist Linda ’Pro’ Mkhize who, during this Friday Artists Spot with Sowetan Online, shares his philosophy on maintaining equilibrium.

Describing himself as a bit of a loner, Pro is career oriented and has been pondering his future as an artist and businessman.

Together with a team of about 75 people, he has launched a clothing label called "Dankie San!!", loosely translated as "Thanks Dude".

The design studio has a warehouse in Soweto. They offer a full range of clothing lines for men and women including Tshirts, Beanies, scarves, jackets, sweaters and sneakers. They hope to establish themselves as a major business venture, but have decided to take baby steps in their modus operandi.

"We don’t want to create a mechanism whereby there is too much hoo-ha (hype) and the supply is pathetic," Pro explains.

Pro has come along way since his time in the underground music scene and his professional career in 2005. He has four albums to his name: "Heads and Tales", released in May 2005, "Imbizo Street Mixtape Vol. 1", September 2005, "DNA" in November 2006 and the latest "Dankie San" in November 2007.

Demonstrating the kind of artist that he is not, Pro yells, throwing his hands in the air and says: "I’m not that kind of artist that is loud. I think it just looks too desperate".

His life lessons are: Street knowledge, pride in your origins, "if you are held high by your society, learn how to give back", extend your level of knowledge, including knowledge of self, and to know what’s going on around you, previously, currently and what is about to come.

Pro carefully monitors what he puts across, although he feels he doesn’t have enough time in his lyrics to put across what he really would like to, due to word constraints.

So, he says, "it’s either you tolerate me or ung’thola later," (meaning you either tolerate me or get me later).

"We believe in movement, we believe in self-empowerment, we believe in uhuru.
"But, beyond anything, it is just music that expresses the current era - or how the youth is feeling at this point."

On his Career: Soweto artist Pro aims to project emotional maturity through his music and a business approach to his new fashion label promoting local youth culture. "I’m not that kind of artist that is loud. I think it just looks too desperate."

Life Consciousness lessons to learn from:

- Street knowledge - Pride in your origins

- If you are held high by your society, learn how to give back

- Extend your level of knowledge, including knowledge of self

- Know what’s going on around you, previously, currently and what is about to come

Story by Sowetan

Mzekezeke does it again - Masked wonder launches another cell deal

By: ANDILE APRILWHILE

Other South African artists are struggling to sell their albums, Mzekezeke is boosting his profile with his new cellphone range.

This time the masked singer has ventured into a business partnership with AG Cellular – only a few months after launching his Vodacom-Mzekezeke starter packs.

In that deal, entered into in September, Mzekezeke and TS Records, in partnership with Vodacom, the award-winning muso started his own BlueLabel Vodacom starter pack.

In this way Mzekezeke and Vodacom created new job opportunities for more than 200 unemployed people countrywide selling the starter packs.

Now Mzekezeke, who has been chosen as Ekurhuleni ambassador for the 2010 World Cup, is upping his game.

This week he unveiled his new cellphone at a launch party at the Rocket restaurant in Rivonia, Jozi.

TS Records owner Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza says the cellphone was created by local cellular company AG, which is headed by entrepreneur Anthony Goodman. At the launch Goodman said the cellphones at Edgars in downtown Jozi were sold out in one day.

Nciza says now is the time for South African artists to start their own business ventures. He says the industry has grown and artists should also grow.

Nciza says: “Mzekezeke’s new cellphone is a proudly South African product that will compete with international brands. Our economy is suffering because South Africans focus on only one thing and they never explore,” says Nciza.

As part of this package, AG Cellular have also started a call centre, which has already employed more than 60 previously unemployed people. The phone has a dual sim card, a dual standby, MP3, radio and Mzekezeke ring tones from his latest album titled Back By Popular Demand.

Story by Sunday World

AMA KIP-KIP

World of Business by Sunday World

AMA-WIN WIN

T-Shirts for store opening have become a solid brand

Many brands that have had an impact on our lives were birthed by accident. The story of Sunlight soap comes to mind - the famous bar was designed as a household soap but is widely used as a personal wash.

More than 15 000 Ama kip-kip t-shirts have been sold since late 2006, when they were not meant to be a stand alone brand. In fact, founder Siya Njokwane says when they printed the first 200 shirts, they were part of their promotions strategy for their clothing shop in Rosebank.

"The first batch was given away free," he says. "But then people came back for more."

He says the success has been phenomenal. "Because of that three guys have permanent jobs and we are all able to progresively better our lives," he says. "And we can pay for some sundries." The bran soon gained grip with the fun-loving, easy-going young crowd. Now Siya says they have reps outside Souh Africa in places like Botswana nd Mozambique.

"We sed reps to spread ourselves outside of our initial market of Gauteng," he said. The t-shirts are also available in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo and other provinces including the sleepy Free State, he said.

The t-shirt business is not new. In the 1970s and 1980s they were used to advance the struggle. Wording like Black and Proud and I write what I like were common on the streets. T-shirts are an effective, low cost vehicle for below-the-line advertising campaigns to promote events. Two years ago Class of 76 t-shirts were printed, filling the streets of Soweto with colour.

"The t-shirts were something we did to get an idea out but it became the idea itself," said Siya. "All we wanted was to promote the shop but soon we ended up with a markatable concept that helped bring in an income."

Story by: Mzwandile kaBizokwakhe