Recognition Across Integrated Campaigns and Live Experiences

Through its work with and for Disney Africa, the agency received three Practice Area nominations, reflecting the breadth and consistency of its work. Highlight recognition came in the Marketing to Consumers (New Product) and Special Event or Sponsorship categories for National Geographic’s David Blaine: Do Not Attempt, which premiered in March 2025. The launch of this series, which features the globally renowned David Blaine exploring the world through the lens of magic, was brought to life through a multifaceted PR campaign that blended a localised live experience executed in collaboration with Beatrix Events, with a sharp earned media drive, generating strong cultural cut-through.

In the Integrated Marketing category, the judges recognised ESPN On Disney+, the campaign that launched the ESPN Africa linear channels on the Disney+ streaming service in South Africa in October 2025. Jenny Griesel Communications supported the Disney Africa campaign with PR, media and influencer liaison as well as earned media, with the eventing component being executed by Chilliengine.

A Coveted Diamond SABRE and Momentum Built on Trust

In addition, ESPN on Disney+ has been nominated for the Diamond SABRE Award for Superior Achievement in Brand-Building, one of the most coveted honours in the programme. This nomination recognises sustained strategic thinking and disciplined execution across a complex, high-profile launch.

Jenny Griesel, managing director of Jenny Griesel Communications, said the recognition reflects the power of shared ambition and trust. “These projects are always a team effort. They require brave clients, bold thinking from the start, long hours, true collaboration and the understanding that the real magic in PR lies in flawless execution. To be recognised in this way is incredibly rewarding. A heartfelt thank you to my clients for the faith, support, strategy and leadership that made this work possible.”

The nominations build on a strong awards run for the agency. In 2026, together with clients, Jenny Griesel Communications secured a Silver Prism PR Award for David Blaine: Do Not Attempt and a Gold Prism Award for the launch of the Museum of Illusions Johannesburg. The agency received two SABRE nominations in 2025 and, also in 2025, two Bronze Prism Awards and one Gold Prism, all for PR projects done with Disney Africa.

Jenny Griesel Communications is a boutique PR agency known for bespoke work for exciting brands, combining exceptional strategy with hands-on execution. The SABRE Africa Awards ceremony takes place in March.

For more information on Jenny Griesel Communications, go to jennygriesel.co.za.

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Time Out, the global brand that inspires and enables people to experience the best of the city, launched in South Africa in early 2025 in partnership with Kagiso Connect, and currently covers Cape Town and Johannesburg, with plans for imminent expansion to other major centres.

Mohamed brings more than 15 years of senior leadership experience across media, entertainment, broadcasting, and marketing.

Throughout her career, she has operated at the dynamic intersection of culture, creativity, and commerce. In senior roles at Sony Music Entertainment Africa, SABC TV, 5FM, and Viacom, she has led transformative audience growth strategies, digital transformation initiatives, and commercial partnerships, all while managing large-scale budgets and building culturally relevant, commercially sustainable platforms.

Nick Grubb, CEO of Kagiso Connect, said: “Aisha brings the strategic clarity, commercial acumen, and cultural understanding needed to lead Time Out into its next phase of growth and unlock the full potential of the brand in South Africa. She has a strong track record of delivering audience-first growth strategies and building high-performing teams, and we’re excited about the leadership and energy she brings to the business.”

As Managing Director, Mohamed will set the strategic direction for Time Out South Africa’s editorial excellence, with a core focus on commercial partnerships and marketing strategies to expand the brand’s prominence in the local market.

Commenting on her appointment, Mohamed said: “Time Out is one of the world’s most respected cultural authorities, and the opportunity to lead its next chapter in South Africa is both an honour and an exciting responsibility. Our cities are dynamic, creative, and globally competitive, and Time Out is uniquely positioned at the intersection of culture and experience. I’m looking forward to working with the team to deepen audience engagement and build strong, sustainable partnerships.”

Kagiso Connect also houses market-leading radio stations Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio, and independent financial services advisory Vouch. The business recently rebranded from “Kagiso Media Radio”. As part of this transition, Anthea Carstens, who has led the Time Out business through its successful launch phase, will now focus on the rest of the Kagiso Connect Publishing portfolio of platforms.

“Anthea has done a stellar job of building a skilled and passionate editorial team at Time Out and delivering on the objectives set for the launch phase of the business,” added Grubb.

With nearly 60 years of global expertise, Time Out connects audiences in more than 350 cities worldwide, curating the best in food, culture and experiences through trusted local voices.

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Johannesburg, 2 March 2026: Excitement is mounting in northern KwaZulu-Natal as the highly-anticipated Prince Buthelezi Mall nears completion in Empangeni. Set to open at the end of April 2026, the plush new multi-million rand shopping destination promises to bring everyday convenience, a vibrant range of stores and inviting shared spaces to the Empangeni and Richards Bay community.

Shaped by 4 years of planning and 15 months of development, Prince Buthelezi Mall has been thoughtfully designed to make daily life easier and more enjoyable. From grocery shopping and fashion finds to relaxed dining and entertainment, the centre will house everything the people need in a beautiful, comfortable centre that is safe, secure and fully air-conditioned, right next to the R34 and R102 crossing.

“Prince Buthelezi Mall has been designed to be a truly distinctive destination, shaped by its surroundings and the needs of the local community. We believe it will play a meaningful role in enhancing everyday convenience and contributing positively to the quality of life for people living and working in the area,” shared Hermann Stassen, Head of Developments at Moolman Group.

A Place Built with the Community in Mind

Spanning approximately 37,000 square metres, the mall will showcase around 90 stores, including major chains, supermarkets, clothing stores, restaurants and a variety of speciality shops, many of which will be a first for Empangeni.

Accessibility has been a key focus from the start. The development includes plenty of parking and significant upgrades to surrounding roads and the nearby bridge. The developers have also worked closely with local taxi associations to make travelling between the CBD and the mall simple and convenient for shoppers, with a dedicated taxi rank on site as well. During construction, more than 2,000 people have already been employed, with many more jobs expected for local people once stores open their doors.

“We’re incredibly excited to be so close to opening Prince Buthelezi Mall. This development brings a sense of newness to Empangeni, introducing fresh retail brands and experiences that haven’t previously been available in the area, while creating a modern, welcoming space that reflects how people want to shop, dine and connect today,” shared Sonke Moolman Pautz, Retail Director at Moolman Group.

Designed For Comfort, Connection and Ease

Inspired by the lush green hills of the area, Prince Buthelezi Mall blends modern design with a soothing upmarket aesthetic. Inside, shoppers can look forward to comfortable communal seating areas, plenty of greenery, a large entertainment space featuring a big-screen viewing area, free Wi-Fi, ample bathrooms and a creative kids area where little shoppers can enjoy hours of play.

Clear layouts, well-planned free parking and strong security have been prioritised to ensure a relaxed shopping experience, whether visitors are popping in for a quick errand or spending time browsing, meeting friends or enjoying a meal.

As opening day approaches, the mall team has already begun connecting with the local community. School tours are underway, and behind the scenes, teams are working hard to prepare the centre and its stores for launch, creating a sense of anticipation and pride ahead of opening.

Prince Buthelezi Mall is set to become a cherished new presence in everyday life, a place where people can shop, dine and unwind with ease. For Empangeni, it represents greater choice, improved quality of life and a lush new destination designed to bring people together.

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The launch marks a key milestone for Novus Media as it expands its print and digital portfolio with its first national news publication, aimed at serving Afrikaans-speaking communities across South Africa.

Die Papier will be published every Friday in print and digital formats, offering a comprehensive wrap of the week’s news alongside insights into the weekend ahead. Coverage will include community stories, business, sport, culture and lifestyle, tailored specifically for Afrikaans-speaking readers.

“There remains a strong demand for newspapers in focused markets,” says André van der Veen, CEO of Novus Holdings. “Success depends on understanding readers and delivering content they value. We are confident the Afrikaans community will support Die Papier under the leadership of Esmé Smit and Barnard Beukman.”

“Die Papier is significant in our evolution as our first national news publication,” says Esmé Smit, Director of Novus Media. “It honours the tradition of Afrikaans journalism while embracing modern storytelling across print and digital platforms. With more than seven million Afrikaans speakers in South Africa, the opportunity for quality Afrikaans content remains strong.”

Barnard Beukman, appointed editor of Die Papier, says the publication will focus on journalism of depth and relevance.

“A good newspaper is a nation in dialogue with itself,” says Beukman. “Our aim is to build that dialogue with our readers – reflecting their concerns, interests and aspirations, while also engaging younger audiences through contemporary formats.”

The launch of Die Papier forms part of Novus Media’s broader strategy to deepen community connections and expand its national footprint.

“6 March 2026 marks the start of an exciting new chapter,” says Smit. “At a time when local journalism plays a vital role in democratic discourse, Die Papier is committed to serving its readers with integrity and insight.”

About Novus Media

Founded in 2024, Novus Media publishes 21 hyperlocal community newspapers, Rooi Rose, Soccer Laduma, and Kick Off magazine, along with multiple high-engagement digital platforms, all committed to quality journalism.

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TSHWANE, 5 December 2025: Pareto Limited, the proud owner of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, with Divercity Property Group, South Africa’s leading investor in specialist rental housing precincts, today broke ground on the significant R850 million residential redevelopment of Menlyn Office Park. The project commencement follows a highly competitive request-for-proposals process in which Pareto selected Divercity as its residential development partner.

Located immediately adjacent to Menlyn Park Shopping Centre – the award-winning super regional shopping centre situated in the fast-developing Menlyn node in the City of Tshwane – the redevelopment will introduce 1,200 residential apartments into the heart of the popular and growing Menlyn node.

The project includes developing 460 new residential apartments through office-to-residential conversions of the existing three- and four-storey buildings, alongside 740 new apartments to be delivered across four newly constructed buildings, planned at heights of up to 10 storeys.

Malose Kekana, Group Chief Executive Officer of Pareto, says, “This development signals our commitment to shaping the next chapter of the Menlyn precinct. By introducing high-quality residential options next to one of South Africa’s premier malls, we are creating a vibrant, connected node that reflects how people increasingly want to live, work and spend their time.”

Carel Kleynhans, Chief Executive Officer of Divercity, adds, “We are thrilled to begin this new relationship with Pareto with such a meaningful and exciting project.”

The Menlyn node has grown from strength to strength in recent years, driven by the continued success of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre and the growth of nearby Menlyn Maine, leading to rising demand for well-located, mixed-use residential opportunities.

The new apartments will sit within the lush, green, tree-rich environment of the park, and benefit from extensive neighbourhood amenities all seamlessly linked within walking distance, including more than 400 stores, services and restaurants at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre.

Divercity and Pareto will co-design the residential precinct and co-own it on a 50/50 basis upon completion, with Divercity providing residential property management services through its subsidiary Ithemba Property Management. The conversions and new builds will progress simultaneously, with the first units scheduled for delivery in 2027.

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Now in its fourth year, Jacaranda FM’s Her Perfect Pitch campaign has grown into one of the country’s most recognised platforms for female entrepreneurs, offering not only exposure but real business support. The 2025 campaign once again exceeded expectations, with over 927 business profiles created, 220 completed entries, and representation from all nine provinces, a clear reflection of the diverse and thriving entrepreneurial spirit of South African women.

Entries spanned a wide range of industries, from food and agriculture, health, wellness, and personal care, and consulting and professional services, to manufacturing, media and creative industries, and engineering, logistics, and construction. Each entrant brought a unique story of determination, creativity, and purpose.

After weeks of evaluation, mentorship, and pitching, three exceptional women emerged as the 2025 finalists:

• 1st place: Tinny Nkuna – Lindiwe Sanitary Pads
• 2nd place: Prudence Mabaso – The Kitchen Wrap Company
• 3rd place: Trudy Mkansi – Ambesha Africa

The winner, Lindiwe Sanitary Pads, receives R500 000 worth of advertising on Jacaranda FM, including conceptualisation, production, and creation of a bespoke radio advert, as well as digital amplification. In addition, the winner receives a six-week mentorship programme designed to accelerate business growth through a tailor-made business model, research consultation, branding consultation, a digital and PR consultation and SPAR support offering. In addition, each of the top 10 finalists also received R100 000 worth of airtime on Jacaranda FM and a R5000 SPAR voucher. This comprehensive package ensures that Her Perfect Pitch doesn’t just celebrate success, it actively builds it.

Lindiwe Sanitary Pads’ Undeniable Impact

Founded by Tinny Masesi, Lindiwe Sanitary Pads is a proudly South African, black-women-owned manufacturing company dedicated to addressing menstrual poverty and restoring dignity to women and girls across the continent. Operating from a 3,000 sqm facility capable of producing up to 1.5 million sanitary pads per month, the company uses 65–75% South African-sourced materials, a strong commitment to local production, empowerment, and sustainability.

More than just a business, Lindiwe Sanitary Pads is a social enterprise. The company partners with major retailers, government departments, NGOs, schools, and clinics to distribute affordable, high-quality menstrual products to both urban and rural communities.

“Our mission has always been about more than manufacturing,” says Tinny Nkuna. “It’s about restoring dignity, creating jobs for women, and making sure that every girl can go to school without worrying about access to menstrual products. Winning Her Perfect Pitch gives our brand the national visibility and support we need to expand our reach and continue making a difference.” 

The company’s impact extends beyond commerce; it represents a new model for industrial innovation with social responsibility at its core. Each pad produced contributes to employment, mentorship, and leadership development for African women, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.

Runners-Up Making Waves

Second-place winner, The Kitchen Wrap Company, founded by Prudence Mabaso, has carved out a unique niche in South Africa’s home improvement sector by offering fast, affordable, non-invasive kitchen and furniture upgrades using architectural films and aluminium glass doors. A qualified engineer by trade, Prudence turned her career challenges into a powerful business opportunity, transforming homes, offices, and hospitality spaces across Gauteng, Cape Town, Botswana, and Namibia.

In third place, Trudy Mkansi, founder of Ambesha Africa, is redefining outdoor living through eco-conscious design. Her company manufactures sustainable, locally made patio furniture that balances style, durability, and environmental responsibility. Ambesha Africa supplies to major retailers such as Builders Warehouse, Makro, Leroy Merlin, and Takealot, and exports to international markets, all while prioritising ethical sourcing and waste reduction through repair and restoration services.

A Platform That Empowers Women to Build, Lead, and Thrive

Her Perfect Pitch has become a powerful reflection of Jacaranda FM’s commitment to amplifying women’s voices and empowering women-owned enterprises across the country. The platform helps female founders refine their business models, improve visibility, and access mentorship and advertising that can meaningfully scale their enterprises.

“Her Perfect Pitch continues to uncover South Africa’s most inspiring women entrepreneurs, women who are not only building businesses but creating meaningful change in their communities,” says Vuyani Dombo, Managing Director at Jacaranda FM. “Tinny Nkuna and all our finalists embody resilience, creativity, and purpose-driven innovation. We’re proud to play a role in their journeys, and we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who entered, supported, and made this campaign such a success.”

Through platforms like these, Jacaranda FM continues to champion female entrepreneurship, reinforcing the belief that when women succeed, communities thrive, and the economy grows stronger. As the 2025 edition of this award-winning campaign comes to a close, Jacaranda FM’s Her Perfect Pitch once again proves that South Africa is brimming with visionary women who aren’t just dreaming, they’re doing.

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Super EA-Eco toner, developed from more than six decades of Fujifilm expertise in toner science, features one of the smallest particle sizes globally. This allows for sharp reproduction of fine text and thin lines, accurate halftones, and stable gradients. Combined with the LED printhead, which produces an exceptionally thin beam without mechanical vibration, Apeos printers deliver consistent image stability and precise colour reproduction, critical for maintaining brand integrity and professional presentation standards.

The Apeos range is designed for continuous high-volume use, with efficient paper handling and output that minimises downtime.

Security for connected workplaces

Security is a fundamental element of the Apeos design. The range holds ISO/IEC15408 certification for IT security design and operation, the BLI Security Seal for device penetration from Keypoint Intelligence, and ISO/IEC20243 certification, which protects against risks of unauthorised components or counterfeit parts within the supply chain. These certifications ensure that Apeos devices meet stringent global standards for secure document workflows.

The MFPs integrate seamlessly with various digital services, supporting hybrid working environments where employees require secure access to documents across multiple locations. Connectivity options enable smooth document sharing and centralised management while maintaining compliance with data protection requirements.

Sustainable printing systems

The Apeos printers are certified as Fujifilm Green Value Products, aligning with the company’s “Green Value” Climate Strategy. Super EA-Eco toner reduces fusing temperature requirements, cutting energy consumption by up to 54% in glossy mode, while induction heating fusing technology eliminates pre-heating and further reduces power usage. The devices incorporate recycled plastics and bio-based flame-resistant plastics, contributing to lower environmental impact.

Fujifilm’s environmental initiatives have been recognised globally with an EcoVadis Gold Medal, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability in manufacturing and product design.

Product availability in South Africa

The following Apeos series are now available locally:

• Apeos C4030 series: A4 multifunction printers designed for secure, connected office environments, with advanced operability and integration features.
• Apeos C3060 series: A3 multifunction printers with dependable paper handling, optional scalability for higher paper capacity, and robust performance for everyday use.
• Apeos C7070 series: A3 devices featuring AI-based predictive maintenance and remote support tools that reduce downtime, plus usage tracking functions to optimise departmental efficiency and cost control.

Fujifilm’s Apeos portfolio brings together precision engineering, proven reliability, and secure, sustainable design to meet the technical requirements of today’s professional print environments. The Apeos C4030 and C7070 series have undergone rigorous testing by Keypoint Intelligence and have been awarded the Buyers Lab’s “Highly Recommended” rating, validating their reliability and output quality in professional settings.

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Thando Mxosa joins Penquin with a strong reputation for crafting strategies that achieve genuine cultural relevance. He is renowned for his ability to seamlessly blend deep analytical rigour with compelling creative storytelling, ensuring campaigns not only resonate authentically with audiences but also directly propel business goals.

In his new role, Mxosa will be responsible for leading Penquin’s overall strategic vision, sharpening the agency’s consumer insights, fostering enhanced cross-team collaboration, and pushing the boundaries of what integrated communication can achieve in the current market.

Penquin CEO Veronica Moleele says Thando’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the agency, as it continues to evolve and expand its strategic capabilities. “Thando’s arrival marks a pivotal moment for Penquin. We are not just hiring a Strategy Director; we are investing in a future where data and human truths unlock transformative creative work,” she says. “Thando embodies the exact blend of curiosity and commercial foresight we need to elevate our client partnerships and challenge industry norms. His leadership will be instrumental as we move into an era focused on deeper impact and innovation.”

Thando’s arrival signals a new chapter for Penquin, one defined by future-focused thinking, meaningful client partnerships, and a deeper integration of insight into every stage of the creative process. Under his direction, the agency aims to strengthen its reputation as a strategic partner that builds brands people truly care about.

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This year promises to be no different, with a dynamic line-up of speakers who will share their stories of resilience, innovation, and legacy-building. This year’s theme, ‘Own Your Legacy’, challenges attendees to not only build a successful career but to intentionally create a lasting impact.

The 2025 MANCOSA Jacaranda FM Business Breakfast will feature:

• Grace Harding, CEO of Ocean Basket and a corporate coach who has taken a proudly South African brand global with branches in over 16 countries. Harding will unpack the leadership skills, mistakes, and hard-won lessons that shaped her journey to international success.
• Graeme Codrington, the globally recognised futurist, will explore business trends shaping the future, including the role of AI, technological innovation, and leadership in tomorrow’s workplace.
• Patrick Lambie, the former Springbok rugby legend turned property developer, will share insights from his transition from the sports field to the corporate world, highlighting the importance of adaptability and resilience.
• Mamokgethi Phakeng, businesswoman, philanthropist, and former Vice Chancellor of UCT, affectionately known as ‘Deputy Mother’. She will inspire with her story of championing education through the Adopt-a-Learner Foundation and the role education plays in preparing future leaders.

Guests can look forward to a morning packed with powerful insights, networking, and inspiration in an environment designed to inspire action and legacy-building.

Event Details

• Event Name: MANCOSA Jacaranda FM Business Breakfast | Own Your Legacy
• Date: 1 October 2025
• Time: Doors open 07:30 am | Event ends 12 pm
• Venue: Vodacom Dome
• Tickets: Available now via iTickets.

“The concept of ‘owning your legacy’ is about taking control of your professional journey and personal brand and charting a course that is both meaningful and impactful,” says Vuyani Dombo, Managing Director at Jacaranda FM. “This event is a powerful opportunity for our listeners and the wider business community to learn from those who have done just that and to network with like-minded trailblazers.”

With the powerful combination of empowerment through insight, world-class thought leadership, and connection with South Africa’s top minds, this year’s MANCOSA Jacaranda FM Business Breakfast is set to be an unmissable event for anyone looking to define, refine, and own their legacy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to own your legacy. Secure your seat today and gain invaluable insights from South Africa’s most esteemed business minds.

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Launched to coincide with Women’s Month, Her Perfect Pitch 2025 invites female entrepreneurs to enter for a chance to win R500 000 worth of advertising on Jacaranda FM, a comprehensive package that includes the conceptualisation, professional production, and creation of a dedicated radio advert, alongside extensive digital amplification across Jacaranda FM’s platforms.

Beyond the significant advertising exposure, the winner will also benefit from invaluable business support and mentorship tailored to their needs. This includes expert consultation on developing a bespoke business model, in-depth research consultation, strategic branding guidance, and specialised digital and PR consultation to ensure sustained growth and market presence. In addition, each of the Top 10 finalists will receive R100 000 worth of radio airtime on Jacaranda FM.

“Her Perfect Pitch has consistently been one of our most impactful campaigns, and we are thrilled to bring it back for a fourth year with the theme ‘Unlock the Next Level’,” says Vuyani Dombo, Managing Director at Jacaranda FM. “This initiative is at the heart of Jacaranda FM’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. We’re not just offering significant advertising value; we’re providing tangible business support and a platform for these incredible women to gain exposure, mentorship, and ultimately, take their businesses to unprecedented heights. It’s about celebrating their resilience, inspiring others, and actively contributing to their success and the broader economy.”

How to Enter:

Entries are open from 7 to 31 August 2025. To apply, entrepreneurs must visit herperfectpitch.co.za or jacarandafm.com to set up their profile and complete the application form. Applicants are encouraged to set aside time to complete the form thoroughly, as it includes detailed questions about their business model, vision, and unique selling points and requires submission of financial statements.

Once applications close, the top 30 entrants will be selected and invited to submit a 2-minute video pitch. They will also attend an exclusive networking session with fellow entrepreneurs and industry professionals. From there, the Top 10 will be chosen to pitch live at Jacaranda FM studios in Johannesburg in front of a panel of expert judges. The grand prize winner, along with the Top 3 finalists, will be announced at a special #HerPerfectPitch event and on-air during Jacaranda FM’s award-winning Breakfast with Martin Bester.

Now in its fourth year, Her Perfect Pitch has helped transform the trajectory of multiple women-led businesses, connecting them with mentorship, media exposure, and the wider Jacaranda FM audience. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your business with one of SA’s most empowering entrepreneurial campaigns. Enter now and unlock your next level.

For more information, updates, and inspiring stories from past winners, visit jacarandafm.com, tune into Jacaranda FM or listen online.

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