The ability to "influence" has never been more powerful, or more scrutinised. For marketers, brands and creators, there's an urgency to do more than capture attention. We must earn trust in spaces where campaigns can easily prioritise virality over value. But the truth is, real influence stems from integrity and connection, says Bronwyn Abrahams, Founder of QOJ Consulting. 

The One Club for Creativity has announced the seven agencies and designers in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey and United Arab Emirates that are among the global winners at the ADC 104^th Annual Awards ceremony, announced during The One Club for Creativity's Creative Week 2025 in New York.

WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) has concluded its annual Eco-Schools Programme Provincial Awards, honouring over 350 schools across the country for their commitment to sustainability, climate action and environmental education. 

Pick n Pay and agency partner Gorilla have claimed nine trophies out of their ten shortlisted entries, including Best in Show Industry Award, at the 2025 MMA Smarties Awards on Thursday, 8 May. 

The ACA has launched ADventures, a new podcast created to inform, inspire and ignite conversation across the South African marketing and communications industry. Hosted by Dineo Mashiane, the series brings together voices for insightful dialogue — starting with a conversation with ACA Executive Director, Gillian Rightford.

Cadbury LunchBar has marked its 60^th anniversary with a campaign that reignited the spirit of Bra Lucas Baloyi — this time, on a cosmic mission to uncover a birthday gift that seemingly came from another planet.

The IAB Bookmark Awards has announced the 2025 Learner Jury. The 2025 Bookmark Awards Learner Jury will sit alongside South African digital marketers as they assess digital excellence in the country's leading campaigns.

The Marketing Research Foundation (MRF) has released the latest Marketing All Product Survey (MAPS®) dataset, encompassing the full 2024 calendar year (January to December 2024 fieldwork). The research will be unveiled via a webinar on Thursday, 22 May.

Anglo American, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, has launched an Education Programme in 2018. Since then, the programme has invested over R800-million to improve educational outcomes for learners, supporting 227 schools and 200 Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in their host communities, reaching around 185 000 learners and 4 000 teachers.

Goafest 2025 has introduced 'Advertising Plays' — a sports and wellness IP designed to bring agency professionals together in a fun and informal setting. Debuting at Goafest 2025, 'Advertising Plays' aims to elevate the festival experience by offering delegates a refreshing break from the traditional format and play across new, energised spaces.