In a bizarre twist of commerce, post-death consumerism has been identified as an emerging retail trend. Before you knock it, take note: 51% of South Africans surveyed are interested, says Hugh Fletcher, Global Demand Content and Thought Leadership Director at VML Enterprise Solutions.

As a conceptual-minded creative, I always notice details. The story behind my new profile picture is the red door. While every other door faded into the exterior, this one pulsed. It made me wonder. What's behind it? That's when I realised that the best direct-response copywriting works like a red door, says South African-based RMBC Direct Response Copywriter, Francois Pistorius.

Winning a Bookmark isn't just about making excellent work — it's also about how you position the work in your submission. Whether you're a first-time entrant or a seasoned pro, Tilesh Bhaga, Creative Director of Digital and Innovation at VML South Africa, provides guidelines that can help turn your great work into award-winning work. 

The Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai), in partnership with Beautiful Destinations, has launched the Beautiful Destinations Academy, Powered by Dubai — a professional development initiative aimed at setting new, global benchmarks for travel content creation and meeting the rising demand for marketing talent within the tourism sector.

SuperSport and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have reached an agreement that will see SuperSport broadcasting the African Schools Football Championships 2025. The tournament will be played in Ghana from Wednesday, 23 to Saturday, 26 April. 

Mdzananda Animal Clinic has invited animal lovers and philanthropists to its second annual Mdzananda Animal Clinic Gala Dinner and Auction. Taking place on Friday, 10 May, at 18:30 at the Two Oceans Aquarium, this event is in support of the animals of Khayelitsha.

In honour of World Book Day on Wednesday, 23 April, Thanda, a non-profit dedicated to improving childhood education in rural communities, has highlighted its work in tackling the root cause of educational disparities — literacy. 

After six years, Mediatech Africa has announced its return in 2026. The trade show for AV, broadcast and live event tech returns from Wednesday, 3 to Friday, 5 June 2026, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec). 

We've all felt it — internally and externally. It's the growing trend where ownership is diluted, responsibilities are blurred and successes and failures are often orphaned. This is a problem that, I believe, knows no geographical boundary. It is a problem that is unfolding across global markets, says Bradly Howland, CEO of Alkemi Collective. 

Collaboration between the creative and client service teams is vital. Striking the right balance between creative freedom and brand limitations requires mutual understanding, deliberate strategy and clear communication, say Matte BLK's Senior Art Director, Thato Moatlhodi and Group Account Director, Fredine Swigelaar.