JOOMA, known for its exceptional coffee in the Mother City, is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new pizza menu just in time for summer. The new menu offers a variety of mouth-watering pizzas that perfectly complement JOOMA’s fully licensed beverage selection, including beers, wines, and their popular range of milkshakes.

According to Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group, the new menu expansion positions JOOMA as more than just a coffee shop. “With its great food and drinks and laid-back atmosphere, our aim is for JOOMA to become the go-to spot for casual dining and social gatherings in Sea Point. To celebrate the launch, JOOMA is offering an incredible promotion: from 1-31 October, buy any pizza and get your choice of a free beer, glass of wine or milkshake.

This promotion is available daily between 12 pm and 7 pm, making it the perfect option for lunch or an early dinner.

Lamont adds that besides their updated menu, JOOMA is currently also renovating its outdoor deck area. “We’re excited to unveil our expanded outdoor space, which complements our new menu offerings perfectly,” he says. “The revamped deck area creates a relaxed setting where patrons can savour leisurely meals or enjoy a sundowner from our great selection of cocktails, beers and wines – ideal for the summer months. It’s our way of embracing the upcoming holiday season and giving more of our guests the option to dine alfresco,” Lamont concludes.

Visit Jooma at Riviera Suites on Sea Point’s Millionaire’s Mile.

In celebration of International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on the 11^th October, Barbie has partnered with the TechnoGirl Trust to empower two girls from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing them with a job shadowing and skills development opportunity hosted by IMCD South Africa, leading global distribution partner, formulator and solutions provider of speciality chemicals and ingredients.

Focusing on advancing the opportunities of girls around the world, this initiative forms part of the Barbie Dream Gap Project in South Africa, aimed at closing the gender gap that begins in childhood. Since its inception in 2018, the Barbie Dream Gap project has been dedicated to providing equal opportunities and removing barriers, fueling education, leadership skills and mentorship opportunities for young girls.

The TechnoGirl Trust, an organisation committed to advancing the educational and career prospects of underprivileged girls in South Africa, has worked with IMCD South Africa for many years to create long-lasting change. By providing girls with real-world opportunities and positive role models, girls learn that they can succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

“This partnership embodies our commitment to closing the Gap between girls and their dreams, and inspiring girls to see themselves in any role they choose, especially in fields like STEM. Collaborating with the TechnoGirl Trust and IMCD South Africa is a fantastic way to show girls that they have the potential to shape their own futures,” said Terusha Naidoo, Marketing Manager of Mattel South Africa.

Starting in Grade 9, two young women will gain hands-on experience from professionals at IMCD offices and labs in South Africa, for one week during each of their school holidays. The programme that enables the girls to gain awareness about various careers, find the STEM career that they’d like to go into and develop professional and life skills, all set out in a programme developed by the TechnoGirl Trust and approved by the Department of Education.

“The work readiness part of the programme was the most impactful for me, as I learnt soft skills like how to articulate myself in a work environment,” says Felicity Dube IMCD SA Internal Sales Administrator, who has also gone through the TechnoGirl Programme, and job shadowing at IMCD. “I think Barbie is committed to giving girls the resources they need, and support to believe that they can be anything. I encourage girls to keep dreaming and, make sure that they chase their dreams, asking for help when they need it,” she says.

IMCD is known for fostering innovation and inclusion. During their time at the company, the girls are supported and mentored by women in various roles previously unfamiliar to the girls, exposing them to careers such as Food Technologist, Quality Assurance Manager, Packaging Engineer, Food Production Manager and many more.

 “STEM fuels innovation and progress, shapes our world through groundbreaking discoveries and unlocks doors to exciting careers and endless opportunities. By exposing the students to the world of opportunities a career in STEM can offer, we hope that one day they might join IMCD on our continuous journey to create positive change through problem-solving, innovation, entrepreneurship and our freedom to act,” says Daniela Bloomer, Marketing Automation and Communication Manager at IMDC South Africa.

Africa’s digital heartbeat is growing louder. It’s no longer a continent on the verge of digital transformation — it’s leading it. With over $180 billion projected for Africa’s digital economy by 2025, and driven largely by its emerging youth, the entire continent is a force brands can’t afford to overlook. But to make a meaningful impact here, it’s not enough to show up – you need to tell the right story.

Albert Makoeng, Managing Director of Nfinity Influencer Group, which holds the exclusive license rights for theSalt in Africa, obtained on the back of their successful track record with the platform in South Africa, says: “The power of influence in Africa is deeply rooted in storytelling. Our storytellers don’t just sell products; they share lives, experiences, and truths. And that’s what resonates.” Since Africa has always been a continent rich in stories, it’s safe to say that today’s creators are the modern-day cultural narrators. They’ve traded fireside tales for Instagram posts and TikToks, but the essence remains the same — connection, credibility, and truth.

Africa’s youth, at the forefront of this digital revolution, are not just embracing technology — they’re redefining how it’s used. Unlike other regions where digital trends often follow established patterns, young African influencers are creating entirely new paradigms. They’re blending entrepreneurial spirit with community-driven engagement, turning mobile-first media into dynamic spaces for commerce, activism, and cultural expression. Their ability to seamlessly integrate social issues and commerce into storytelling gives them a distinctive edge.

“Brands that come to Africa with a cookie-cutter approach miss the mark,” says Makoeng. “What works in Europe or America doesn’t necessarily land here. You have to invest in real relationships, in real stories. That’s how you influence in Africa.”

Real Stories, Real People

By partnering with local creators who are already living the brand, marketers can ensure their message is not just heard but felt. With this in mind, brands can get into the raw tapestry of a culture, and bypass the sales noise, and get straight to what matters: Authentic connections. “In Africa, influence isn’t about the loudest and glossiest voice; it’s about the most trusted,” says Makoeng.

It’s not just about reach; it’s about impact. Consider how theSalt assisted brands like Unilever, Coca-Cola and Pepsico to tap into local creators across the continent. By doing so, they weren’t just selling a drink. They were embedding themselves into the cultural conversations of these regions, making the brand part of daily life. The youth, increasingly digital-first, play a pivotal role in these conversations, driving the culture forward.

Cultural Context as a Strategic Asset

Africa’s cultural diversity is a powerful advantage for brands willing to invest the time to understand and embrace it. Every country, from Ethiopia to Mozambique, presents its own unique blend of traditions, values, and digital habits. “In Africa, context is everything,” says Jhene Nel, Divisional Head of Sales at theSalt. “It’s not just about reaching the audience, it’s about speaking their language, respecting their customs, and building your brand’s story into the local narrative.”

By tapping into regional nuances, brands become a visible part of the culture. This cultural fluency is what separates campaigns that resonate from those that fall flat.

Winning the Digital Game in Africa

There’s a reason why Unilever in Nigeria and Ghana turned to theSalt for their latest campaigns. In Africa, storytelling has always been more than entertainment; it’s a way to pass down values, preserve heritage, and build connections across generations. Whether through folktales or modern digital platforms, the essence remains the same — capturing hearts through stories. TheSalt understands this deep-rooted cultural tradition, and has recently won multiple African Awards by helping brands craft campaigns that don’t just communicate a product but tell a story that African consumers can see themselves in. It’s never just a promotion; it’s a narrative woven into the daily lives and experiences of real people.

“In the African market, trust is currency. And those who control the trust, control the conversation. It’s why creators, not brands, are shaping the media landscape. They are the ones with the audience, with the trust, and with the power to make a product more than just something to buy. But something to believe in,” adds Nel.

Offering market insights directly from South Africa’s pioneering influencer hub, Makoeng and Nel, share 6 of theSalt’s most trusted influencer marketing techniques for optimised African reach:

1. Leverage local voices
   Don’t try to speak for African consumers. Engage those who are rooted in their communities. The most trusted influencers are those who understand their audience’s daily lives.
2. Focus on real fans, not just big names
   The closer you are to the source of influence, the more credible your message becomes. Brands should use real fans as a source of influence to build genuine trust.
3. Don’t aim for one-size-fits-all
   Africa is a continent of many stories, each with its own culture and nuances. Work with influencers who can tell your brand’s story in a way that each specific market will resonate.
4. Embrace the power of vernacular content
   Africa’s linguistic diversity is one of its strengths. Influencers who create content in local languages (such as Zulu, Swahili, Yoruba, or Amharic) can connect with communities in a way that feels familiar, making messages more relatable and impactful.
5. Utilise mobile-first marketing
   Africa is a mobile-first continent, with the majority of users accessing the internet through their phones. Campaigns should prioritise mobile optimisation, ensuring content is easily digestible for the mobile market, from vertical videos to mobile-friendly platforms.
6. Adapt to emerging trends like social commerce
   With platforms like TikTok and Instagram joining social commerce, brands should integrate shoppable posts and livestream commerce to tap into the purchasing power of African consumers. Influencers who combine storytelling with easy shopping experiences can drive both engagement and conversions.

Leading nano-influencer agencies like theSalt, are now giving brands the opportunity to collaborate with African-esque creators in the most relevant and authentic ways, ensuring marketers are at the forefront of intercontinental storytelling that truly connects with African audiences.

For more information on theSalt visit www.thesalt.co.za.

As part of its ongoing commitment to women’s health and corporate social investment (CSI), Skin Renewal is proud to continue its support for the non-profit organisation, ILoveBoobies, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Since the beginning of the year, Skin Renewal has been actively supporting this impressive non-profit organisation, which aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide critical screenings to women in underserved communities across South Africa.

Community-Centred Support

Skin Renewal, founded by Dr Maureen Allem and Victor Snyders, has always aligned itself with initiatives that empower and improve the lives of the beneficiaries. Giving back to the wider community lies at the core of Skin Renewal’s values. Their ongoing support of ILoveBoobies reflects their deep commitment to preventative healthcare and the early detection of breast cancer, which affects every woman.

“As a company founded by Dr Maureen, who is passionate about women’s health, our involvement in this initiative goes beyond business. It’s a personal commitment to the health and well-being of all women in South Africa,” says Victor Snyders, CEO of Skin Renewal. “We are thrilled to be in a position to support ILoveBoobies, give their cause a voice in our business, and share their mission to make breast cancer screenings accessible to the communities that need them most, with both our staff and patients.”

Engaging the Community in Support of Women’s Health

Throughout October, all 20 Skin Renewal branches are featuring pre-loved bra collection boxes, encouraging the patients who come through the doors of a branch to donate gently used bras. This initiative is part of a wider effort to support women, particularly during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Additionally, Skin Renewal branches are selling ILoveBoobies socks and will do so until the end of the year, with proceeds funding breast cancer screenings. For every five pairs of socks sold, one breast cancer screening will be funded, directly contributing to the early detection of this disease. As a further gesture of support, each recipient of a screening will also receive a box of Komani reusable sanitary pads, Komani being another organisation close to the hearts of the Skin Renewal family and an NGO which Skin Renewal continues to support.

Dr Maureen Allem emphasises the importance of breast screenings for all women: “What is vital is that ILoveBoobies not only provides screenings to women, but should a woman need further referral for more extensive tests and treatments, ILoveBoobies has this in place. When one considers that 47,000 women a year should be diagnosed with breast cancer in South Africa, and the estimate is that just 10,000 are, the unbelievable work that ILoveBoobies does is really highlighted. This initiative is deeply aligned with our values, and we are proud to contribute to their mission.”

The partnership has already garnered significant support from Skin Renewal’s patients, who have actively participated in the campaign through bra donations, sock purchases, and sharing the need for all women in South Africa to have screenings.

“We believe in empowering women with the early detection knowledge and tools they need to take better control of their health,” says Cecil Munch, Director at ILoveBoobies. “By providing free breast cancer screenings and medical diagnostics, we are directly addressing the healthcare gap that exists in some underserved communities. We are enormously appreciative of Skin Renewal for their shared passion to transform women’s lives,” adds Munch.

Employee Engagement: The Imagine Challenge

Skin Renewal has also extended its support for breast cancer awareness through ILoveBoobies’ Imagine Challenge. Hosted for the month of October, the Imagine Challenge is South Africa’s largest virtual sporting event. The non-profit’s largest annual fundraiser, the Imagine Challenge, takes place throughout October, with over 9,000 participants joining virtual running, cycling, swimming, and gym challenges. Proceeds from these events help fund screenings for 2,000 women annually, with a portion dedicated to medical referrals and further diagnostic services.

Transforming Lives Through Community Initiatives

Skin Renewal’s commitment to transforming lives goes beyond its support for ILoveBoobies. Last year, the company raised funds for Komani through the sale of reusable sanitary pads to benefit women in need. This year, in addition to supporting ILoveBoobies, Skin Renewal remains dedicated to ongoing community upliftment initiatives, including Streetscapes, Khulisa, and Sooper Troopers, organisations that work tirelessly to uplift vulnerable individuals.

Call to Action: Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Skin Renewal invites the public to participate in purchasing ILoveBoobies socks to help fund breast cancer screenings. Every action counts in the fight against breast cancer, and together, we can make a difference.