Events

Local is lekker right? So how should local brands appeal to the youth more authentically? Find out why the Sunday Times GenNext campaign is so important in helping South African brands change the perception of buying and supporting local. Lebang Kgosana chats to Siyabonga Zungu, Brand Manager at Proudly SA, about supporting local brands, and how the youth market can enhance the value of local brands.

The youth of South Africa are resilient, creative, and determined to succeed. They are a highly influential, yet largely misunderstood market. Research company Yellowwood conducted research for the Sunday Times GenNext study, and found that the youth have 55% of the spending power in South Africa, but only 20% of advertising is directed at them. Lebang Kgosana chats with Refilwe Maluleke, Managing Director at Yellowwood, about the minds of the South African youth, and the new young professional age category, which has been added to the awards this year.

The 17th annual Sunday Times GenNext awards are here! The online event promises to be entertaining and informative, for both brands and markets. Lebang Kgosana speaks to GenNext Awards MC, Zanele Potelwa, about how brands can connect better with the youth in South Africa. She also chats to Eben Gewers, Head of Advertising Sales and Trade Marketing at Arena Holdings, about how the Sunday Times has managed to remain a relevant and credible source of information all these years.

Gain profound insights into why gender-based violence happens and discover the key actions every man and woman can take to overcome it. The dynamic trio of Craig Wilkinson, Maps Maponyane and Candice Mama get straight to the heart of the issue by discussing the 4 main reasons GBV happens, 5 actions every man must take, and 5 things women can do to add their power to the cause.

In part two of The Power of Human Capital Series, Timothy Maurice Webster continues his insights and learning mission by interviewing more global Duke CE thought leaders, South African human capital thought leaders, partners in the Million Young Minds Project, and the conference host - Sharmla Chetty, Duke CE's President, Global MD, Europe and Africa.

A two-part series exploring the future of human capital, pioneered by and in collaboration with CliffCentral.com and Duke CE. With Brain & Brand author, Timothy Maurice Webster as host, this series seeks to uncover through Duke CE's leadership lens, what it will take for leaders to thrive in a complex era where artificial intelligence and humans occupy the same leadership space. You'll hear from Duke CE thought leaders from around the world, as well as South Africa's top HR talent - along with a number of surprises from talented executives about their plan to apply the human-centric leadership learning. The conversations were hosted at the 2nd Davos of Human Capital Conference.

CliffCentral.com's very own Siya Sangweni hosted interviews with some of the attendees of My Future 4.0, from various schools. From showcasing their talents and sharing their thoughts on the summit, to what the youth think about politics in South Africa today, hear smart perspectives on the world from these amazing young minds.

The unofficial award recipient for the "Best Dressed Man at the Hogan Lovells Party" explains exactly why he's been looking forward to the year-end function.

As one of the first friendly people you see as you walk into the Hogan Lovells office, Thope cites being able to learn from her leaders as the reason for the constant smile on her face.

With her eye on the company's global trends, Sima speaks to Siya about some of the exciting plans the law firm has up their sleeve for 2019.

If you stay on the course, things will end up right for you - that's just one of the great lessons Sibongile shares with Siya as he looks back on the year that was.

Rhonalda recounts sharing fond memories with her colleagues as one of her highlights of 2018.

Mokhutwane says 2018 was the year he was tested to his core, but those were moments that allowed for his integrity to shine. He shares this, amongst many other experiences he's had over the past few months.

Proudly celebrating 10 years at the law firm, Mahashini explains what keeps her driven at work and why she loves getting to stay and grow and Hogan Lovells.

From university to stealing the stage during the Candidate Attorney's performance, Craig has had a thrilling past couple of months being part of the Hogan Lovells team. He tells Siya some of his great highlights.

After serving 32 years at Hogan Lovells, Lorenza recounts some of her fond memories she has shared with the company.

Hogan Lovells makes great impact in the field of pro-bono work. Candice has a front row seat to this, as a pro-bono partner. She speaks with passion as she discusses how lives are changed through the work she and her team do.

Speaking on her personal and professional growth, Amanda has learned a lot from 2018, with most of her inspiration coming from Hogan Lovells. Listen in and she shares her story with Siya here.

Michael Sassoon talks to Gareth Cliff about the challenges facing SMEs today, and how solutions such as Beyond with Sasfin can help create new opportunities. He gives insight into the structure of Sasfin Bank, and shares some stories of famous digital failures, and the lessons we can learn from them.

Frank Ferreira is the Product & Sales Executive for Transactional Banking at Sasfin Bank and has 16 years of experience in the banking industry. He speaks about the new B\Yond with Sasfin platform - the technology behind it, and what he believes digital banking looks like in the future.

Eli Michal – CEO of Payabill, a seasoned banking and financial services professional, is pioneering access to finance for small business in South Africa. In this interview, Gareth Cliff discusses how Payabill is revolutionising trade finance via its unique, 100% online and digital lending platform. Payabill provides trade finance to small business buyers, whereby it settles suppliers directly and allows buyers to elect their own extended repayment terms.

Africa is often viewed as one of the world's largest untapped markets and Ido Sum has taken the task of mining and investing in the continent's private sector with a special focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Find out how he's working on using technology to enhance the work that he does.

Regional Trade Commissioner for Africa in the UK Department for International Trade (DIT) Emma Wade-Smith has been making waves since taking up her post in February 2016. In this interview, Gareth Cliff discusses the journey she's been on in South Africa, trade and investment and how the new focus on technology is changing the way the world works.

With Virgin Atlantic's exciting new announcement of double daily Heathrow-Johannesburg flights, Gareth Cliff finds out what led to this decision from their Head of Middle East and Africa, Liezl Gericke, amongst other prospects for the trailblazing brand.

He's an OBE Challenger, Entrepreneur, Record Breaker, Motivational Speaker - Gareth Cliff sits down with Richard Noble to discuss some of the adventures the Scottish entrepreneur has been on including being the proud holder of the land speed record between 1983 and 1997.

Heading up the classic and luxury brand Bentley in South Africa is a role that takes innovation, great vision and pioneering strategy. CEO Toby Venter expresses more about leading the British brand in the country as he revvs the motoring industry.

What goes into maintaining the Bilateral relationship between the UK and SA? High Commissioner to SA Nigel Casey gives an overview of his work in the country to Gareth Cliff by discussing preserving a strong diplomatic relationship with Britain.

In a position that aims to provide tailored advice for businesses on how to start exporting or increase the amount of goods and services they sell, along with support UK businesses in their overseas investments the Department for International Trade South Africa is all about collaboration. With ever-growing prospects to explore, Gareth Cliff chats to Regional Trade Director for South Africa Elena Williams about the significant business opportunities for companies who are prepared to take advantage of them!

The British Council is in the business of cultural and educational exchange between the United Kingdom and South Africa. Its Head, Colm McGivern gives Gareth Cliff the rundown on the importance of education. As an organisation that supports the youth, Colm also introduces some of the young people who have taken part in FameLab - an annual science communication competition that runs in many countries worldwide.

Mi Casa perform an intimate live performance on the rooftop of the CliffCentral studios as part of the #AramisBlack launch. Hear their classics such as 'Chocolat', 'Jika', and 'Gin and Tonic'.

Mabale Moloi chats to Paul Steenkamp, Head of Innovation Capability at Standard Bank; Kabelo Makeke, Head of Customer Financial Solution at Standard Bank; entertainer and businessman DJ Sbu and our very own Gareth Cliff about the process behind the ideas that are changing the game in South Africa as part of the Mechanics of Brilliance Series.

Siya steals a moment with actress, producer and one of the organizers of the Leading Lady Lounge Terry Pheto. He finds out what the entire Leading Lady Lounge experience has meant to her and why she's so passionate about building stars. Terry also lets him know why she felt incorporating Mandela Day into the Leading Lady Lounge was important; her take on her latest film “Ayanda” and how she feels about the reception it's received.

One of the minds behind organizing this great initiative, Kim Eagle, chats to Siya after the Leading Lady Lounge for 2015 has wrapped up. She breaks down what it takes to make a project like this happen and how their team went about fulfilling their vision. Kim also touches on her experience at the Cannes Film Festival and her hopes for the Leading Lady Lounge in the future.

Producer of drama Dis Ek, Anna Neil van Deeventer speaks about his first time at the Durban International Film Festival, the interesting process of having a movie show at the Festival and working with South African producer Sara Blecher, behind the likes of Otelo Burning.

One of the panellists at the Leading Lady Lounge, actress Charlene Brouwer chats to us about the importance of having passion in everything that you do and all the hard work it took for her to achieve the success she has today. Brouwer also gets real about the industry and her personal connection to portraying characters.

Funny man David Kau gets very serious as he speaks openly and honestly, like you've never heard him before, as he dissects about the realities of the film and movie industry. Hear him also discuss why he thinks the Leading Lady Lounge is a great initiative.

Mampho Brescia discusses what an initiative such as the Leading Lady Lounge means to her as an actress and her opinion on what it takes to excel in the acting industry. This conversation with Siya also leads to the beauty of imperfection and a what Terry Pheto means to Mampho as a friend.

TV and radio personality Relebogile Mabotja sits down with the kids from the Save The Children South Africa to read the children's edition of Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom for #67Minutes of storytelling. Save The Children South Africa is part of the world's largest independent development and rights based organisation for children, represented in over 120 countries worldwide.

Nigerian actor, model and musician OC Ukeje takes time out to discuss starring as David in the movie Ayanda including the large task of portraying romance in film. Listen to hear why he believes everyone should watch Ayanda and how we got the nickname “The Great”.

Siya gets to know more about actor and legend-in-the-making Kenneth Nkosi through finding out about the inspiration he found from watching ‘80s television and how acting has always come naturally to him. His passion from performance exudes as he retells why he signed up to Ayanda and what keeps him going after 22 years in the business.

The legendary Duma Ndlovu, creator of SABC2's Muvhango and currently one of the biggest shows in South Africa, Uzalo, sits down with Siya at the Leading Lady Lounge. Ndlovu gets candid about his relationship with writing which began at the tender age of 12, his secret to capturing an audience's heart and his hope for up-and-coming creatives.

Siya chats to Fulu Mugovhani about landing the acting role of her dreams as the lead protagonist in the movie, Ayanda. She also takes us through her experience at the Cannes Film Festival and how the movie has been received.

Founder and Executive Director of Business DNA, Dr Amanda Hamilton-Atwell, tells Mike and Siya how essential public relations is for a business.

MD Kevin Welman, Brand Marketer Larry Khumalo and Director Vanessa Baard stop by to talk about what achievements mean for their team at FleishmanHillard South Africa as the gold winners in the Pan African Campaign of the Year and Best Large Public Relations Consultancy categories.

Director Lauren Volmink speaks on behalf of Atmosphere Communications about winning the South African Campaign of the Year for the second year in a row.

Wouter Lombard and Jason Harrison from M & C Saatchi Abel tell us what going home with two awards mean to them and what fuels their innovation.

Head of Intergrated Marketing Solutions, Francois Vorster, talks about the importance of being more open-minded as a creative in South Africa and as one of the Prism Award judge.

Digital strategist and specialist Cherylann Smith speaks to Mike and Siya about her role as a judge for the Prisms along with the importance of such an awards ceremony.

How important is networking at a ceremony like the Prisms? Judge and Founder of DNA Brand Architects, Sylvester Chauke, tells Mike and Siya about that and the overall judging process

With over 20 years of experience, Public Relations Consultants' Chapter Chair Kevin Welman talks to Mike and Siya about how the PR and communications world has changed over time.

Michael Flax and Siya Sangweni-Fynn catch up on all of the action that went down at the Prism Awards for 2015 held at The Maslow Hotel. Listen to find out why these are referred to as 'the Oscars of the PR and communication world' and hear what some of the heavyweights in the industry have to say about this ceremony too.