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Performance-based agent rankings — a proven international model — now available locally

By
BestAgent
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Performance-based agent rankings — a proven international model — now available locally
Top Agent

In countries like Australia and the United Kingdom, property sellers are already using performance-based digital platforms to choose the best agents in their area — platforms that rely on verified sales data, objective metrics, and transparent rankings. Now, South Africa is stepping into this global trend with BestAgent, the country’s first and only estate agent ranking platform built on performance, not marketing.

According to Marcel Koole, CEO and co-founder of BestAgent, the platform draws inspiration from global leaders such as RateMyAgent.com.au, GetAgent.co.uk, Zoopla, and RealEstate.com.au — platforms that have become integral to how real estate is bought and sold internationally.

“Sellers are no longer choosing agents based on advertising or word of mouth alone,” says Koole. “They want proof. BestAgent brings that same global standard of accountability and transparency to South Africa — for the first time.”

Unlike traditional portals or listing sites, BestAgent does not exist to promote properties. Instead, it exists to help sellers identify the best person to sell their property. The platform evaluates and ranks agents based on the number of verified sales, average sale price, valuation accuracy, time on market, and verified client reviews — all independently sourced.

There is no pay-to-play model, and agents cannot buy their way to the top. “In our system, performance is the only thing that counts,” says Koole.

Reviews That Actually Matter — And Can Be Trusted

While reviews are a common feature on many global platforms like RateMyAgent or even public review sites like Trustpilot, BestAgent takes this one step further. Not only are client reviews verified by a third party, but the platform also collects reviews from both the buyer and the seller for each transaction.

This dual-perspective approach provides a more balanced and transparent view of the agent’s performance — giving future sellers clear insight into how an agent operates across the full buying and selling process.

“Many platforms rely solely on user-submitted reviews, often gathered informally,” says Koole. “At BestAgent, reviews are requested and managed by us on behalf of the agent, which builds trust and ensures they reflect real experiences.”

While verified reviews are just one element of the ranking algorithm, they are an essential measure of quality and serve as a powerful decision-making tool for other sellers. These reviews help sellers form an informed opinion about which agent to work with — especially in a high-trust transaction like selling a home.

Not Just Inspired by the Best — Built for South Africa

BestAgent fills a major gap in the local market. While countries like Australia and the UK have multiple well-established platforms that give sellers access to credible data on agent performance, none of those companies operate in South Africa. That’s why BestAgent was designed as a home-grown solution, mirroring what works internationally but tailored for local conditions.

“This isn’t about competing with global players — they’re not here,” Koole explains. “It’s about bringing those best practices into a South African model that delivers transparency, fairness, and simplicity.”

For agents, the benefits are tangible. By uploading and verifying their sales history, agents can build authority and trust. Top-performing agents become visible to motivated sellers in their areas, who use the platform to compare options based on facts rather than flashy marketing.

A New Era for Agents — and for Sellers

Agents ranked highly on BestAgent receive direct valuation requests from local sellers — warm leads with no cold calling required. Additionally, every BestAgent profile is search engine optimised and indexed by Google, boosting digital presence.

The platform is free to join, whether agents are part of a franchise or operate independently. A Premium tier is available for agents who want to enhance exposure further, but the core ranking is based purely on verified performance.

Early feedback from agents and clients — including strong reviews on Trustpilot — show that the platform is already making a difference.

Koole believes this signals a new chapter for South African real estate — one in which data replaces guesswork, and top agents are recognised based on results.

“Sellers are changing how they choose agents,” he says. “If you’re not ranked, you’re invisible. We’re giving agents the opportunity to be seen for what really matters — their performance.”

Passport Free Plates – Are Culinary Borders Completely Disappearing?

By
LnT Desk
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Passport Free Plates – Are Culinary Borders Completely Disappearing?
BORDERLESS CUISINE Spicy Asian Glazed Fried Chicken & Waffles with Maple Mayonaise

There was a time when French food was French, Indian food was Indian, and anything in between raised eyebrows. But those days are fading fast. Today, menus are breaking the rules, culinary traditions are blending, and chefs are redefining what it means to cook “authentically.” Whether it’s Korean BBQ tacos from a street vendor or Wagyu ragù chawanmushi at a Michelin-starred London restaurant blending Japanese technique with Italian depth, today’s most exciting dishes have one thing in common: they ignore traditional culinary borders. The rise of what is now known as Borderless Cuisine is changing the way the world eats.

Featured in the newly released Future Menus 2025 Vol. 3 report, Borderless Cuisine is one of four global megatrends identified through deep-dive research, online data, and the experience of more than 250 Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) chefs across 75 countries. At its core, this trend celebrates chefs who are boldly merging flavours, techniques, and cultural food traditions to create something entirely new.

“This trend is all about creative freedom,” says Yonela Motloung, Marketing Director at Unilever Food Solutions South Africa. “It’s chefs using flavours from different corners of the world to tell their own story. And when done well, it can be personal and really exciting.”

She’s quick to clarify that this isn’t a throwback to early-2000s fusion, with wasabi mash and soya mayo on everything. Borderless Cuisine is more personal, more considered, and far more respectful.

“Chefs are blending global flavour profiles with local favourites, which isn’t just gutsy, it’s delicious too,” says Motloung. “In South Africa, that could mean Durban curry tacos, Cape Malay risotto, or even a milk tart-filled éclair. This trend is liberating for chefs. It gives them permission to draw from everywhere, so long as it’s done with intention and flavour at the heart.”

The report also highlights the role of Gen Z in driving this movement. Socially conscious, globally connected, and endlessly curious, this generation is calling for more representative menus, cross-cultural dishes, and interactive food experiences. For them, food is about identity and discovery, not ticking boxes on a menu…and it’s not going anywhere.

3 Reasons Why Borderless Cuisine Is Here to Stay

Chef Mary Worthington, Culinary Experience Advisor for Unilever Food Solutions, believes Borderless Cuisine is not just a fleeting trend. Here’s why:

1. It’s inclusive

Food has always been a way to bring people together. Borderless Cuisine takes that a step further. It allows different cultures to be celebrated on the same plate. It creates conversations. It gives chefs a chance to honour influences that matter to them while inviting diners to taste something outside their usual comfort zone.

2. It’s expressive

This approach is incredibly liberating from traditional boundaries for chefs. They can move beyond the constraints of any single culinary tradition, drawing inspiration from their heritage, their travels, even the neighbourhoods where they cook. Cultural boundaries blur – no influence is off limits. Chefs get to cook from their overall life experience, not just one chapter. It becomes deeply personal – a form of self-expression, and that makes the food more meaningful.

3. It’s irresistible

When you mix the familiar with the unexpected, magic happens. These dishes feel both fresh and nostalgic at the same time. They are fun to create, exciting to eat, and they stay with people long after the meal is over. And that kind of emotional connection is what keeps diners coming back.

As lines blur and palates evolve, one thing is clear: Borderless Cuisine is not about erasing identity but expanding it. It’s proof that the best flavours don’t always come from tradition; they often come from boldness, curiosity, and a chef brave enough to mix things up.

And in 2025, that might just be the most authentic thing of all.

FEATURED RECIPE:

Spicy Asian Glazed Fried Chicken & Waffles with Maple Mayonnaise

Ingredients:

For the Fried Chicken

  • 2 kg boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 20 g Robertsons Chicken Spice
  • 30 g Robertsons Barbecue Spice
  • 2 g ground black pepper
  • 30 g cooking oil
  • 400 g Knorr Professional Original Chicken Breading (for wet batter)
  • 700 g cold water (for batter)
  • 400 g Knorr Professional Original Chicken Breading (for dry coating)

For the Spicy Asian Glaze

  • 400 g Knorr Professional Honey & Soy Sauce
  • 400 g brown sugar
  • 200 g water
  • 50 g sugar
  • 15 g salt
  • 30 g garlic, finely chopped
  • 30 g onions, finely sliced
  • 30 g cooking oil
  • 60 g Knorr Professional Soya Sauce
  • 30 g chilli paste oil (adjust to taste)
  • 100 g gochujang

For the Maple Mayo

  • 320 g Hellmann’s Original Mayonnaise
  • 80 g maple syrup

For the Waffle Batter

  • 360 g all-purpose flour
  • 6 g cornstarch
  • 20 g baking powder
  • 6 g salt
  • 280 g sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 200 ml whole milk
  • 200 ml water
  • 60 g unsalted butter, melted
  • 20 g vanilla extract

For the Mango Pineapple Salsa

  • 240 g ripe mango, diced
  • 240 g pineapple, diced
  • 80 g shallots, finely sliced
  • 16 g Thai red birds eye chilli, finely sliced
  • 4 g coriander leaves
  • 2 g lime leaves
  • 20 g lime juice
  • 20 g extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 g black pepper, ground
  • 1 g lime zest

Preparation:

Fried Chicken

1. Marinate the chicken with Robertsons Chicken Spice, Robertsons Barbecue Spice, ground black pepper, and cooking oil. Marinate for 30 mins.

2. Mix Knorr Professional Original Chicken Breading with cold water and stir until well combined. Put some of the breading on a tray for dry coating.

3. Coat the marinated chicken thighs thoroughly in dry flour. Then, dip the chicken pieces completely into the wet batter.

4. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

5. Arrange the fried on a wire rack and coat them evenly with Spicy Asian Glaze sauce.

Spicy Asian Glaze Sauce

1. Heat the cooking oil in a saucepan, add garlic and shallot, and fry until coloured and soft.

2. Add brown sugar and white sugar. Simmer over low heat until the sugars melt and form a dark brown caramel.

3. Add Knorr Professional Honey & Soy Sauce and Knorr Professional Soya Sauce.

4. Stir until all ingredients are combined.

5. Simmer until the sauce boils and thickens, then add Gochujang and chilli paste in oil. Stir until combined.

Maple Mayo

1. Mix Hellmann’s Original Mayonnaise with maple syrup. Stir until well combined.

Waffle Batter Mix

1. Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl.

2. Whisk the wet ingredients together in a medium bowl until fully combined.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until well combined.

4. Spray both sides of the waffle machine with non-stick cooking spray, then pour ¾ cup of waffle batter into the bottom of the pan.

5. Close the lid and cook for 2 mins. Flip the waffle maker over and cook for an additional 2 mins on the other side.

6. Remove the waffle from the machine and place it on a plate to be served or in an oven heated to 70 °C to hold.

Mango Pineapple Salsa

1. Prepare a mixing bowl. Add diced pineapple, diced mango, sliced shallots, sliced red bird chilli, chopped coriander leaves, and shredded lime leaves.

2. Season with lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, ground black pepper, and lime zest.

3. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Plating

1. Place the waffle on the serving plate. Arrange the glazed chicken and drizzle with maple mayonnaise.

2. Serve with mango & pineapple salsa. Garnish with microgreens.

Note: If ripe mango is not available, pineapple can be used for the salsa.

South African Youth in Numbers: Debt, hustles and hope

By
LnT Desk
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South African Youth in Numbers: Debt, hustles and hope

South Africa’s youth are grappling with deepening financial challenges, including crushing unemployment, limited asset ownership and mounting debt levels. Eighty20, South Africa’s leading consumer analytics and research company analyses those aged 24 and younger, who make up 44.5% of the population.  With nearly 30-million people under the age of 24, South Africa’s economic future hinges on whether this generation can break the cycle of financial exclusion that currently defines their prospects.

Eighty20’s National Segmentation reveals that of the 6.7 million youth aged 18-24, only one million are credit active. Yet among these credit users, nearly half have defaulted on their loans. With an average monthly income of R3,400 (less than half the national average of R7,000) and a youth unemployment rate of 62.4% according to Stats SA, financial strain is widespread in this age group.

The Debt Burden

Among the million credit-active youth, retail credit dominates, with 85% holding store accounts. Personal unsecured loans follow at 17%, while 9% have credit cards. Youth represent approximately 4% of South Africa’s total outstanding debt, carrying R10 billion in combined obligations. However, their credit performance is worse than the national average, with R1.1 billion—or 11% of their total debt—currently overdue. This elevated delinquency rate signals particular financial stress within this age segment.

MRF’s Marketing All Product Survey (MAPS) of 20,000 South Africans reveals that the youth are more concerned about privacy when it comes to credit. They over-indexed on preferring that others do not know they are taking a personal loan and would prefer to take the loan from a financial institution rather than friends or family.

Breaking into Credit: ‘Thin File’ Challenge

South Africa faces a stark financial inclusion divide among young adults. While those under 24 represent approximately 20% of new credit market entrants over the past three months—a few hundred thousand individuals—this figure masks a deeper problem: many young South Africans never enter the formal credit market at all.

This exclusion creates two distinct groups. Those who successfully access credit can join the formal financial system and participate in the economy. Meanwhile, many remain locked out—classified as “thin file” clients due to their lack of credit history. Without access to formal credit, these young South Africans are excluded from significant economic opportunities.

A credit score serves as the gateway not only to lending products and favourable terms, but to essential services across multiple sectors. A healthy credit profile enables access to cell phone contracts, rental agreements, and can even influence employment opportunities. Expanding credit access among young adults represents both individual economic empowerment and broader formal economy development.

A further challenge, however, lies in the performance of those with credit: approximately half of young borrowers default early in their credit journey, with most maintaining high-risk credit scores. This pattern underscores the urgent need for enhanced financial education, and for those in distress to get into debt counselling early.

The Side Hustle Economy: Making ends meet

Youth unemployment is at crisis levels, with fewer young people in formal employment now than in 2008. Harambee, an NGO focused on youth employment solutions, reports in their quarterly Breaking Barriers analysis that of the one million young people entering South Africa’s labour market annually, only 40% find work in the short to medium term, 30% find intermittent employment but remain mostly unemployed or outside education and training, 20% want to work but never find opportunities, and 10% stop seeking work altogether.

In addition, for those who have employment, side hustles have become essential to make ends meet. BrandMapp, a survey of South Africans in households earning over R10,000 monthly shows a notable shift: in 2021, 55% reported having no side activities that create extra income, but this dropped to 49% in their most recent survey. The survey asks for details on these activities, and the percentage of people who say they are running small businesses as a side hustle, or taking second jobs in their primary field has grown by 50%.

This trend mirrors international patterns, with about 50% of millennials and 46% of Gen Z reporting side hustles.

The nature of these side hustles vary by demographic. BrandMapp data shows that “home industry” activities are more common among black married couples, while temporary and shift work in restaurants and bars is more prevalent among white South Africans.

According to a recent IOL article, popular side hustles among South African youth include freelancing in areas like graphic design, writing, and web development, e-commerce and drop shipping ventures, ride-sharing and delivery services, content creation and monetization, and online tutoring and teaching services.

Thriving ahead 

The intersection of limited formal employment, growing debt burdens, and the rise of alternative income sources creates both challenges and opportunities for South African youth.

“In the face of considerable financial headwinds, many young people are turning to side hustles as a means of creating opportunity in a tough economy, but with the right support structures and a focus on keeping their credit history clean, this generation has the potential to drive long-term, inclusive growth,” concludes Andrew Fulton, Director at Eighty20.

The Intersection of IT & Business: Making Tech Decisions That Drive Growth

By
Deon van der Walt, Sales Manager at Think Tank Software
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The Intersection of IT & Business: Making Tech Decisions That Drive Growth

In a recent survey, 87% of executives stated that digital transformation is a priority; however, fewer than half believe their current IT investments are delivering measurable value. This disconnect highlights a deeper issue: the increasing need for a closer alignment between technology and business strategy.

For many organisations, the days of IT as a back-office function are long gone. Technology now sits at the core of business models, driving customer experience, unlocking new revenue streams, and shaping how companies compete. Yet despite this shift, many still struggle to ensure their tech investments translate into tangible business outcomes.

Moving Beyond Operational IT

Historically, IT was tasked with maintaining uptime and securing data. But in today’s digital economy, this reactive, operational role is no longer enough. CIOs, CTOs, and business leaders must shift their mindset—seeing IT not just as infrastructure, but as a strategic enabler of growth.

This requires a collaborative approach where cross-functional teams evaluate technology not in silos, but in terms of its ability to drive innovation, reduce cost, scale operations, or enhance customer value. Each technology decision should map to long-term business value.

The most competitive businesses today aren’t just using technology—they’re using it with precision to solve business problems faster than the competition.

Business Goals First, Tech Second

One of the most common pitfalls is adopting the latest tool or platform without a clear line of sight to strategic goals. This leads to underutilised software, missed opportunities, and fragmented systems that add complexity rather than value.

Instead, businesses should start by defining success: Are you trying to grow market share? Increase speed to market? Improve margins? Once these objectives are clear, you should then map the technology needed to support them.

According to McKinsey, organisations that align their tech investment with strategy are 2.4 times more likely to outperform their peers in terms of revenue growth and profitability. This reinforces a simple truth: business strategy must guide technology, not the other way around.

A Collaborative Approach to Decision-Making

CIOs today operate in a vastly more complex environment. They’re expected to balance stakeholder priorities across the C-suite from the CFO’s focus on cost efficiency to the CMO’s demand for seamless digital experiences, and the CEO’s growth mandate.

That’s why collaboration is no longer optional. IT decisions must emerge from integrated conversations between departments. At the heart of successful digital transformation lies the convergence of business acumen and technical expertise, where a shared understanding leads to more informed and effective outcomes.

The best tech decisions aren’t made in the server room—they’re made in the boardroom, with buy-in from across the business.

Balancing Innovation with Governance

Yes, innovation is essential, but so is control. Companies that innovate without proper governance often end up with fragmented systems, security gaps, and rising risk. Successful organisations strike a balance: flexible enough to evolve, structured enough to manage complexity.

This is where modern IT frameworks come in. By embedding agility into your tech environment—while still prioritising scalability, compliance, and security—you ensure tech becomes a growth enabler, not a bottleneck.

From Cost Centre to Value Creator

One of the most critical shifts in recent years is reframing IT from a cost centre to a value creator. This doesn’t just mean saving money—it means demonstrating how tech investments drive revenue, customer loyalty, and operational efficiency.

When business and IT teams are aligned, they unlock measurable returns on investment (ROI). Every system implementation, software upgrade, or infrastructure shift should be able to answer: “How will this help us grow?”

Where Think Tank Software Solutions Comes In

At Think Tank Software Solutions, we help our clients navigate this journey. We don’t just implement tools, we partner to track performance, measure ROI, and ensure that every tech decision is linked to clear business outcomes.

We’ve seen firsthand how collaboration, strategic thinking, and the right frameworks can transform IT from a back-office function into a driver of real, measurable growth.

Looking Ahead

The intersection of IT and business is no longer theoretical, and it’s where the future is being built. As digital transformation accelerates, businesses that thrive will be those that make tech decisions through a business lens.

Smart organisations don’t just adopt new tools, and they align every implementation with purpose.

The Strategic Importance of Telcos in AI Sovereignty

By
Ati Ngubevana
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The Strategic Importance of Telcos in AI Sovereignty
Ati Ngubevana

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the concept of AI sovereignty has emerged as a critical consideration for nations worldwide. Telecommunications companies (telcos) are the unsung heroes in the quest for AI sovereignty, playing a crucial role in technological advancement and the adoption of innovative AI solutions. The robust infrastructure provided by telcos is paramount for the seamless connectivity and integration demanded by AI technologies, particularly in vital sectors like smart cities, healthcare, and public services, where real-time data processing and low latency are essential.

Investing in Telecommunications: Beyond Connectivity

Investing in telecommunications is not just about enhancing connectivity; it is about unlocking the full potential of AI. National policies that incentivize investments in telecom infrastructure create a fertile ground for innovation. For example, tax reliefs, grants, and subsidies for telecom companies enable them to upgrade their networks, thereby supporting broader AI deployment. Studies such as Michael Minges’ research for the World Development Report 2016: Digital Dividends highlight the significant positive impact of broadband infrastructure on economic growth, emphasizing how fixed broadband influences growth and mobile broadband accelerates development in emerging economies.

The Cross-Sectoral Impact of Telecom-driven AI Applications

The cross-sectoral impact of telecom-driven AI applications is profound. As an example, in agriculture, AI systems supported by robust telecom networks enhance crop yields and improve resource management, showcasing the potential for precision farming. The education sector benefits from AI-powered platforms that offer personalized learning experiences, while manufacturing sees optimized production processes and supply chain management due to AI integration. Each sector’s success story underscores the indispensable role of telecom infrastructure in the proliferation of AI technologies.

Effective Regulatory Frameworks: Safeguarding Innovation

Effective regulatory frameworks are essential to safeguard data flows, protect consumer privacy, and prevent monopolistic practices, ensuring fair competition. National telecom regulators should ensure spectrum availability, oversee data governance, and promote the ethical use of AI. This regulatory oversight is crucial for addressing the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI technologies, ensuring that these innovations do not infringe on data privacy rights or exacerbate societal inequalities.

Human Capital Development: Building an AI-ready Workforce

Human capital development is another critical aspect of AI sovereignty. Telecom companies, by providing digital infrastructure, facilitate access to online learning platforms and resources, helping the workforce acquire the skills necessary for an AI-driven economy. Public-private partnerships between governments and telecom providers are instrumental in accelerating AI innovation and deployment. Collaboration in research and development, coupled with joint ventures in pilot projects, leads to groundbreaking advancements in AI, positioning nations as leaders in the global AI landscape.

Expanding Telecom Access: Ensuring Equitable AI Benefits

Expanding telecom access in rural and underserved areas is vital for ensuring equitable AI benefits. The digital divide can hinder the inclusive growth of AI technologies, depriving certain populations of the advantages of digital transformation. Prioritizing digital inclusion ensures that all citizens can access the educational, economic, and social benefits that AI offers. Telecom networks are therefore critical enablers of AI deployment, ensuring that the transformative power of AI reaches all segments of society.

A Case Study in Economic Growth

Michael Minges’ study, prepared for the World Development Report 2016: Digital Dividends, provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between broadband and economic growth. This study is particularly relevant in understanding the pivotal role that telecommunications companies play in enabling AI sovereignty. The link between telco maturity and economic growth is a correlation that cannot be downplayed.

Telcos’ Central Role in National AI Strategies

Telcos are central to national AI strategies due to their control over data flows, cloud infrastructure, and 5G networks. Their extensive networks and vast amounts of data position them as key enablers of AI sovereignty, driving innovation and ensuring that AI technologies align with national priorities. They manage the flow of data across their networks, making them critical players in the AI ecosystem. By controlling data flows, telcos can ensure that AI applications have access to the data they need to function effectively. This control also allows telcos to implement data governance policies that protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with national and international regulations.

The Future of AI Sovereignty

Telcos provide the cloud infrastructure that supports AI development and deployment. Their data centers and cloud services offer the computational power and storage capacity required for AI applications. By investing in cloud infrastructure, telcos can support the growth of AI technologies and ensure that they are accessible to government, businesses, and consumers alike.

The telecommunications sector is a key cornerstone of AI sovereignty, providing the infrastructure, connectivity, and expertise required for AI development and deployment. Telcos enable the realization of national AI strategies through their networks, 5G and edge computing technologies, and collaborative efforts with governments. They also play a critical role in ensuring data governance, ethical AI use, and digital inclusion, fostering a sustainable and inclusive AI ecosystem. As nations strive to achieve AI sovereignty, the contributions of the telecommunications sector will be instrumental in shaping a future where AI drives innovation, economic growth, and societal well-being.

This holistic approach not only strengthens the national AI ecosystem but also positions the country as a leader in the global AI landscape.

Sources:

Michael Minges’ study for the World Development Report 2016: Digital Dividends World Bank Document

Telecommunications Role in the Economic Development and Sector Encouraging Policy Options | SpringerLink Telecommunications Role in the Economic Development and Sector Encouraging Policy Options | SpringerLink

Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy (JTDE) – March 2025 Issue Theme: Driving the Digital Economy with Cutting-Edge Technologies, Innovation and Data Analytics

Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy

Outdated ticketing systems are holding precincts back from achieving their sustainability goals

By
Joshua Raphael, CEO at Parket
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Outdated ticketing systems are holding precincts back from achieving their sustainability goals
Joshua Raphael, CEO at Parket
Every parking ticket printed has an environmental footprint. They need raw materials, energy for processing, and water for production. Discarded parking tickets contribute to land-based litter and pollution, especially if they’re not recycled properly, accumulating in urban areas, waterways and natural habitats. Now, consider how many parking tickets are issued annually, the cost of recycling them, capex costs, and the limitations introduced by erratic power infrastructure and machine breakdowns.
Outdated ticketing systems are holding precincts back from achieving their sustainability goals, and consumers from being able to play their part in keeping the country green. Traditional parking systems introduce a range of avoidable inefficiencies. They waste paper, eat power and often break down which frustrates users and costs money and materials to repair. Switching to digital will help precincts and landlords reach their sustainability targets a lot faster while also cutting costs.
It will also cut back on having to rely on mechanical hardware which needs backup generators during loadshedding and needs regular maintenance. How many times have you gone to pay for parking only to see an Out of Order sign stuck across the screen? People don’t want to wander across parking lots and malls to make a grudge payment, they need it to be simple. Parking operators want it to generate value, not cause problems. Digital solutions, like Parket, generate about the same power as a lightbulb and don’t need constant management and repair – a stark contrast to the neediness of the typical payment machine that’s affected by power outages and downtime. Digital parking minimises reliance on diesel backup or repeated on-site technician visits for machines that endure significant wear and tear thanks to patchy infrastructure and high usage.
The capital expenditure for parking ticketing systems in South Africa is also a factor. It varies significantly based on the technology. Traditional pay-and-display machines cost around R40,000–R80,000 per unit, while more advanced systems like pay-on-exit or license plate recognition range from R120,000 up to R400,000+ per lane, reflecting higher automation and integration needs, and combined these are expensive for landlords to purchase and install.
Then there’s the cost of each parking ticket. Traditional systems cost around 23 cents per ticket, a figure that adds up quickly in high traffic retail or business environments. While there are no specific statistics around the exact number of parking tickets issued by machines in South Africa, there are numbers around parking bays and transactions per bay. With tens of thousands of parking bays in major cities still using machines, it’s reasonable to estimate that millions of machine-issued parking tickets are being issued from sites that have yet to go digital. Eliminating these tickets reduces overheads and waste streams which count against green performance.
Recycling these tickets is challenging, especially if they contain magnetic strips or are coated with thermal paper. These materials make the tickets incompatible with standard paper recycling streams as the magnetic and thermal elements are considered contaminants. As a result, the tickets end up in landfill. Which is a problem in a country which has only 10% of its waste recycled. In one location alone, Parket’s digital platform replaced more than 150,000 paper tickets a month which translates to substantial savings in paper, energy and waste.
And it was just one site.
Digital introduces simpler access with reduced capex, improved sustainability and, as an added benefit, it also gives customers more choice. Book in advance? No problem. Manage tickets without cash? Done. Access tickets and payments from anywhere? Also done. It simplifies ticketing while improving customer experiences and building loyalty, which are invaluable.
Bye-bye circling the block
Globally, up to 30% of urban traffic is caused by drivers looking for parking. This contributes to congestion and emissions while eating into time. When you hit the same traffic light for the third time, you start losing patience and are usually late for your appointment. Digital addresses this with real-time data and pre-booking capabilities which allow you to reserve a bay and drive straight in. This cuts down on idling and emissions (and irritation) while improving flow through the entrances. And all of these are measurable contributions towards a precinct’s environmental performance.
This is very useful for mixed-use and precinct developments where office workers, residents and retail customers are all using the same infrastructure at different times. Parking that can be booked and managed changes from a rigid, underused asset to a dynamic one that can evolve to meet occupancy requirements.
It’s a sharp move when you consider how parking is often one of the most expensive parts of a building’s infrastructure. The ramps, the concrete, the design – these are a significant cost and footprint so if you can optimise what you have then you’re actively contributing to greener cities.
Sustainability doesn’t have to start with sweeping architectural redesigns, often it begins with smaller, high-impact decisions as simple as rethinking how people enter and exit a building. For landlords, developers and asset managers, navigating growing environmental expectations, digital parking is a step in the right direction. The clean technology means less waste and greener precincts and building parking solutions for the world that everyone wants to live in.

Playing to win with gamified marketing

By
Grant Lapping - Digital Executive at midnight, the innovation agency of iqbusiness
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Playing to win with gamified marketing

From corporate learning platforms to Discovery’s Vitality platform, ‘gamification’ has become a part of many people’s daily lives. The idea behind gamification is a simple one: turning tasks into games—often with scorecards, incentives, levels, and other gaming mechanics—is a powerful way to incentivise human behaviour as well as make it more enjoyable and motivating to perform tasks or engage with content.

We are seeing marketers increasingly use gamification as a technique to make their digital ads more engaging and interactive, with the goal of standing out in a crowded display advertising landscape. When done right, the results can be impressive. Not only can gamified experiences increase customer engagement by nearly 50%, they can also significantly increase ad recall as well as build stronger brand affinity.

Gamification has many shapes and sizes

Examples abound of how gamification can help to drive better customer engagement. Even basic mechanics can lead to meaningful results.  For example, a Puma case study from Malaysia shows just how simple it can be: allowing customers to spin a wheel to get a discount. This campaign delivered a 231% increase in lead submission rates, a 163% rise in coupon code usage, and a 10% uplift in conversion rates.

Gamification can also be more ambitious and personalised, as was the case with Louis Vuitton’s Enigma, an immersive game hosted on the Discord platform. Members of the Louis Vuitton Discord were invited to solve daily riddles to find Vivienne, the luxury brand’s mascot. The fashion house created a mystery that highlighted the classic travel motifs as well as building its digital presence.

Source: LVMH News

In between these two extremes, gamification can take many formats—limited only by the imagination of creative teams. It can be as straightforward as letting a consumer swipe to reveal a new product or complete a quiz, or it can involve longer-term engagement through rich graphics, more complex gameplay, and even leaderboards and prizes for top players.

One format we’re seeing grow in popularity is a banner that dynamically pulls in products—similar to a Google Shopping feed—and displays them in a more creative format. For example, imagine a user doing a virtual walkthrough of a lounge and clicking on individual items to learn more or visit a landing page. Another option is to present a video with an interactive end card.

Why don’t more brands use gamified ads?

We’ve seen many clients achieve strong results from using gamified banners compared to standard GIF banners. The question that naturally arises is why standard gif banners with limited functionality continue to dominate. The answer is cost: creating and running an effective gamified banner is far more expensive than a standard ad.

In effect, a gamified banner can become as complex as a mini website—especially if it features intricate mechanics and rich visuals. Marketers need to weigh up whether a 40% increase in engagement or clicks justifies the higher development costs and ad serving fees associated with running gamified banners on programmatic ad platforms.

Another challenge is ensuring the gamified ad—and any incentives it offers—are compelling enough to capture users’ attention. Marketers need to ask themselves why a user would want to engage with their ad game rather than play Candy Crush or scroll TikTok. You shouldn’t do gamification just because you can. It should be based on a concept that genuinely excites the audience and builds a real connection.

A run-of-the mill spin-the-wheel or match-three game people have seen hundreds of times won’t cut it. There needs to be a proper creative strategy behind the campaign with a large marketing budget and the correct user incentives to achieve the campaign objectives. The creative needs to be spot-on to immerse the user into a relevant brand experience.

It’s also worth noting that rich media ads come with significantly higher ad serving costs. For instance, using Google’s Campaign Manager 360 (CM360), the cost of serving a rich media ad can be ten times higher than a standard GIF. A standard GIF can be created in minutes and served at low cost to a highly targeted audience using platform algorithms. Even though engagement is typically much lower, most marketers prefer this option for cost-effective reach of display campaigns.

The good news is that we’ve noticed that the costs of rich media ads are starting to come down. Creative agencies are also using AI tools to speed up production and reduce development costs. Martech platforms and marketing agencies are also benefitting from tools like Google Studio, which make it more affordable to run gamified ad formats than it was before.

Interactive and standard banners both have a place in the marketing mix

We believe that many brands can benefit from running high-engagement interactive ads alongside standard banners that provide broader reach at a lower cost. This approach allows a brand to grab attention with interactive and compelling formats and then maintain a presence through cheaper standard banners that reinforce messaging and build mindshare.

It is true that people experience “banner blindness” due to the constant wallpaper of ads on cluttered ad network sites. However, they are more likely to engage with banners from brands they already know. Using gamified ads to boost initial engagement can therefore be a strategic way to improve the performance of standard banner campaigns that follow.

As production costs continue to decline and creative tools become more accessible, gamified advertising may become a more viable option for a wider range of brands. But even then, it’s unlikely to completely replace standard formats. Instead, leading marketers will continue to balance gamified formats and standard banners to create a multi-layered, cost-effective digital advertising strategy that balances reach, engagement, and return on investment.

Five Things you might not know about SA’s Youth Consumer Class

By
LnT Desk
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Five Things you might not know about SA's Youth Consumer Class

Young South Africans between 18 and 37 years, internet-connected and living in households with incomes of R10k+ a month, now make up the majority of the country’s tax paying base.  This ‘youth consumer class’, a blend of older Gen Zs and younger Millennials, were born into democracy and are now old enough to carry its weight. Their context is defined not just by Wi-Fi and WhatsApp, but by inequality, hustle culture, loadshedding, resilience, and hope.

While their counterparts in lower income communities are unfortunately still mired in the unending battle for educational and job opportunities, the country’s youth consumer class is largely well-educated or getting there, and 24% of them are already earning R20k per month or more. They are making smart decisions by choosing industries with growth potential, upskilling online, and leveraging digital tools to manage money, build personal brands, and work independently.

According to the latest BrandMapp survey, 77% of our youth consumer class are Black South Africans, reflecting gradual economic transformation. BrandMapp’s Director of Storytelling, Brandon de Kock says, “Too often, youth are seen only through the lens of unemployment. But that’s just one side of the story. A huge number are already participating in and reshaping the system from within. They are hyper-connected, socially aware, media-savvy, pure digital natives.  By rethinking careers, finances, and what it means to ‘make it’, they are defining adulthood on their terms. They are also changing the game for all of us in how they spend, live, move, and choose brands. As the first fully digital generation navigating adult life against a backdrop of economic pressure, social change, and constant digital acceleration they have an incredibly interesting story to tell of being young in South Africa.”

SA’s youth consumer class skews female

[Slide 22]

According to stats SA, there is a 51-49% female-male split in the South African population, but when you put a ‘youth consumer class’ lens on this data, it shifts radically to 65% female and 35% male, which is very much in line with published statistics from the education department regarding the female skew in university graduates for the past few years.

Adding context, WhyFive’s Youth Strategist, Ashleigh Cumming explains, “The dominance of females in the youth consumer class is highly relevant because there is such a difference in shopping behaviour between the genders. This may sound like a generalisation, but our data shows it to be true: female consumers drive more frequent and diverse categories of spend including food, beauty, fashion, health, education and home. They tend to plan ahead and budget carefully while leaving some room for emotional or ‘reward’ buys. Male consumers tend to be more goal-oriented in shopping. They are interested in fewer categories, browse less, and have a more ‘get what I came for’ approach. On the other hand, male consumers often spend more per transaction, especially in electronics, alcohol, and personal tech. As traditional consumers age and shrink as an economic force, this youthful, female-skewed base is where growth will come from in retail, financial services, tech, healthcare, and education. Ignore them, and you risk becoming irrelevant. Invest in them, and you can build loyalty that starts early and lasts long.”

Outlook on SA is far from rosy

[Slides 35, 36, 37]

Well-educated and motivated, the taxpaying youth consumer class are unfortunately noticeably less anchored to South Africa’s future. Nearly half, 49%, have their passports ready and say they are likely or very likely to emigrate in the next five years, compared to just 26% of older adults. Turning that desire into reality may prove more difficult than they think, but the fact remains that in terms of ‘intent’, a large percentage of our most educated, highly skilled young people clearly see greener grass outside the borders of South Africa.

Cumming says, “Whether it’s about staying ready to move or redefining what success looks like, we also see that South African youth are shifting away from traditional ownership. Owning a home and buying a car is no longer the ultimate goal – instead, they’re choosing flexible access to what they need, when they need it. From renting apartments and using e-hailing services to streaming content on demand, this generation is choosing convenience over commitment. Today’s youth value mobility and experience over permanence. They want the freedom to move cities, switch careers, or work remotely – and rigid ownership models just don’t fit that lifestyle.

“However, when it comes to social causes, they are not afraid of commitment. 86% of the youth consumer class show up for what matters, with education, gender-based violence, health and youth issues at the top of their list.”

Freedom to live their best lives

[Slide 25]

As true born-free’s, the youth consumer class is almost twice as likely as older South Africans to be themselves and support those that express individuality. In line with global estimates, 9% identify as LGBTQ+. 40% of those who don’t, still support the movement compared to just 26% of older generations.

Is SA their land of hope and dreams?

Aligning with the high rates of young consumers considering emigration, only 37% of youth say that they are optimistic about the future of South Africa, while 41% are unsure.  Cumming notes: “That’s a large portion caught between hope and frustration.  Uncertainty isn’t apathy, perhaps it’s a response to a system that keeps letting them down? When you consider that a whopping 41% of the youth consumer class also say they have aspirations to start a business – entrepreneurial energy that the country needs so badly, it begs the question of what South Africa needs to do to not only get more young people upskilled and into the workforce, but also how it can be the place that meets the aspirations of the well-educated, working youth segment.”

Always online – the generational difference

[Slide 80]

Masters of the digital landscapes they grew up in, like their global counterparts, South Africa’s youth consumer class is exceptionally connected. Their use of generative AI, gaming and streaming services all outstrip the older generations. 68% are streaming music, 42% are job hunting and 26% are upskilling online.

De Kock concludes, “What we are seeing in the emerging youth consumer class is a group of powerful young taxpayers who are employed, connected and active in the economy. Despite economic constraints, they are influential, vocal and central to the future of consumer markets. Rather than focus on traditional home and car ownership, they are hungry for better jobs and far more likely to want to start their own businesses. That kind of ambition isn’t just personal – it’s the spark South Africa’s economy needs.”

Vans Debuts Curren Caples’ First Signature Skate Shoe

By
LnT Desk
-
Vans Debuts Curren Caples’ First Signature Skate Shoe

Vulcanized footwear has been at the heart of the Vans brand since its inception, prized for its unbeatable grip, exceptional boardfeel, and reliable support, qualities that have defined Vans skate shoes for generations. Now, Vans Skate Team member Curren Caples introduces a fresh take on this legacy with his first signature skate shoe, CURREN. This new silhouette elevates vulcanized performance to greater heights, embodying the evolution of skateboarding footwear at its finest.

Photos by Gray Sorrenti

Curren Caples stands as a living testament to his California roots and ethos. From a child prodigy to joining the influential roster of Fucking Awesome, Curren is solidifying his legacy in skateboarding. Now in his never-ending search for Vulcanized Perfection, Curren brings a brand-new silhouette to the mix. Featuring a custom outsole pattern with Vans sidestripe detailing, optimized for grip and boardfeel with Vans tested SICKSTICK™ rubber compound. The upper is reinforced with DURACAP™ underlays for extra durability where it matters most, and the POPCUSH™ insole offers plenty of impact protection. It’s durable. It’s functional. It’s straightforward. It’s everything Curren wants and needs in a skate shoe.

“Curren Caples shared, ‘I’ve been skating Vans my whole life and never really thought I would have a shoe with my name on it. It’s a pretty cool feeling! Being part of the legacy of skaters with their own shoes on Vans is truly an honor.”


Photos by Gray Sorrenti

Photo by Anthony Acosta

The Curren debuts with a campaign that playfully and ironically reimagines fragrance ads. This creative vision is brought to life through the artistry of renowned photographer Gray Sorrenti and filmmaker Grant Yansura. Adding to the campaign’s charm, short cameos feature Vans legends such as Ray Barbee, Anthony Van Engelen, Geoff Rowley, Omar Hassan, and Steve Van Doren.

 Photo by Gray Sorrenti

 The Curren will be available in Red, Black, and Grey/Yellow, along with its accompanying apparel on vans.co.za starting June 19 and available at Vans stores next week.

About Vans

Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the leading skateboarding and original action sports footwear, apparel, and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in more than 100 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors, and international offices. Vans® has more than 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand inspires and empowers everyone to live “Off the Wall” embodying the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless drive to push culture across action sports, music, art and design.

Vans, “Off The Wall” Since ’66

www.vans.com

youtube.com/vans

tiktok.com/@vans

instagram.com/vansskate

How winter blues affects workplace performance (And 7 ways to help It)

By
LnT Desk
-
How winter blues affects workplace performance (And 7 ways to help It)
Mental health

Winter may bring cooler weather, but it also brings a chilling decline in employee wellbeing and businesses should be paying attention. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), 1 in 3 South Africans will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. What’s more, 90% of South Africans with mental illnesses go without care. The colder months often intensify symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially those linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

YuLife, a leading Insurtech in workplace wellbeing, warns that ignoring the impact of seasonal mental health shifts can result in reduced productivity, higher absenteeism, and increased risk of burnout. “We tend to see spikes in fatigue, disengagement, and emotional distress between May and August. It’s not just about mood, it’s a business issue too,” explains Jaco Oosthuizen, the Co-founder and MD of YuLife South Africa.

A recent UK-based HR Review study found that 66% of employees feel less productive during the winter months, a sentiment echoed in local insights. The combination of decreased sunlight, disrupted sleep patterns, comfort eating, and reduced physical activity creates a perfect storm for mental and emotional stagnation.

Winter blues

Warning signs employers can’t ignore

The symptoms of winter-related depression are often brushed off as “just being tired,” but they can escalate quickly. Look out for:

  • Persistent low mood or irritability
  • Excessive sleep but ongoing fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Withdrawal from social or team interactions
  • Emotional eating and weight fluctuations
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Left unchecked, these issues not only affect individuals, but they also have a cumulative effect on team morale and company performance.

Workplace mental health

7 ways to aid your people this winter

YuLife recommends a proactive approach, grounded in daily habits and organisational culture shifts:

  1. Prioritise daylight exposure: Encourage walking meetings or lunchtime breaks outside to boost vitamin D and serotonin levels.
  2. Encourage movement: Exercise increases endorphins. Simple step challenges or app-based wellbeing challenges and rewards (like the YuLife app) can boost motivation.
  3. Promote mindful rest: Help employees stick to healthy sleep routines, encourage the use of annual leave to recharge and offer flexible scheduling where possible.
  4. Normalise mental health conversations: Equip managers to check in with empathy and connect employees to support services early.
  5. Support better nutrition: Promote balance over restriction, healthy food doesn’t have to be boring.
  6. Create social touchpoints: Whether it’s team check-ins, coffee chats or social afternoon Fridays, connection keeps isolation at bay.
  7. Lead with empathy: Show that your culture authentically prioritises wellbeing, not just performance. It pays off in long-term engagement and retention.

The cost of ignoring winter’s impact on mental health is far greater than the cost of prevention. With the right strategies in place, and the right tools to track wellbeing, organisations can turn the coldest months into a time of resilience, connection and care.

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