With the "new normal" transitioning more and more frequently in an incredibly fast-moving world, the forum focuses on creating solutions for future challenges that may affect South Africa's socio-economic status quo, says Brand South Africa.
Moreover, the forum is dedicated to promoting pro-active leadership in the country, as South Africa faces a "brain drain" in the form of mass emigration of skilled and academic professionals, says the agency.
However, according to Brand SA, many inspiring leaders remain and continue to champion nationwide growth, Sithembile Ntombela, ACEO of Brand South Africa, is just one of those leaders.
Winning the Marketing Leader of the Year Award, Ntombela has nurtured Brand South Africa for over a decade, architecting a positive brand image of the country through consistent media campaigns and messaging both locally and abroad, says the agency.
Ntombela, having previously headed up the marketing wing of the organisation, has been ACEO for almost three years, continuing to advocate for South Africa’s multifaceted and unique qualities, adds the agency.
It is for this reason that Brand SA has been selected among 10 other countries as a benchmark study for successful citizen engagement tools, according to City Nation Place.
Ntombela is a qualified chartered marketer and has been in the industry for over 25 years. She has executed a number of targeted and successful marketing strategies in her time, inspiring authenticity and solidarity amongst her teammates, says Brand SA.
The agency adds that Ntombela has been instrumental in Brand South Africa's progressive marketing strategies, leading the way with innovative and impactful messaging.
Brand SA says that Ntombela's commitment to impactful campaigns is what sets her apart from many other industry leaders. She is not just interested in likes and reach, but rather in the social impact aspect where South Africans are celebrated and supported through Brand SA's Play Your Part programme.
For Ntombela, marketing is not just a tick-box but a tool to uplift, empower and inspire. Marketing can create awareness, change perceptions and provoke positive change — and Ntombela is well aware of its power, according to the agency.
In the context of her award, she is also thinking ahead, because South Africa’s global competitiveness relies on it. Perception can make or break economies, and how we consume media is changing by the day, says the agency.
The agency concludes that there is no room for complacency when it comes to Ntombela’s strategic outlook for the future of Brand South Africa. She will continue to lead in her field with confidence, and with the insight and adaptability to take on any challenge that may lie ahead.
For more information, visit www.brandsouthafrica.com. You can also follow Brand South Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor