Coca-Cola’s Marketing on “Mashesha” and other South African Brands

Coca-Cola’s Marketing on “Mashesha” and other South African Brands

Township marketing has become one of the most important strategies for brands in South Africa today. Townships are not just places where people live; they are spaces where culture is created, shared, and constantly evolving. From music and fashion to language and everyday behaviour, townships influence what becomes popular across the country. Brands that fail to recognise this often struggle to connect with their audience, while those that understand it can build meaningful and lasting relationships.

Understanding South Africa’s shift to short-form video

Understanding South Africa’s shift to short-form video

Short-form video has rapidly transformed how people create and consume content in South Africa, driven by platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. With millions of users accessing social media primarily through mobile devices, quick, engaging videos under 60 seconds have become the preferred format. With this shift, South African creators and brands have adapted by producing relatable, mobile-first, vertical content that resonates with local audiences. As a result, short-form video is not only reshaping storytelling but also creating new opportunities in the creative industry, from influencer marketing to educational “edutainment” content.

The power of visual storytelling

The power of visual storytelling

Visual storytelling is a powerful tool that brings stories to life by combining imagery, emotion, and movement to create meaningful connections. Through digital media, people are able to explore new places, experience different cultures, and see the world through someone else’s lens. From personal journeys to travel stories like those shared by South African creator Popi Sibiya, visual storytelling shows how real experiences can inspire, connect, and shape the way we understand the world around us.

AI misuse deepens grief after fatal school crash

AI misuse deepens grief after fatal school crash

This week, a heavy cloud fell over South Africa as a normal school day ended in tragedy. Fourteen young lives were lost when a taxi and a truck collided, leaving families and communities shattered. As the nation mourned, grief was deepened by the spread of a fake AI-generated image falsely claiming to show the victims. Instead of bringing comfort, the misuse of technology caused further pain, reminding us that in moments of loss, truth, respect, and compassion must always come before clicks and attention.