Stephen A. Newton

🎄 South Africans are redefining holiday shopping! This season, shoppers are turning to social media and authentic reviews to make smarter decisions. 🌟 Relatable influencer content and peer-driven reviews are the new decision-makers—celebrity endorsements are out! 🚫 How can brands adapt? A seamless mix of online trust and in-store experiences is the key. 👉 Explore the insights driving holiday sales. https://buff.ly/4g7HPTp #HolidayShopping #ConsumerTrends #SouthAfrica #BrandStrategy #Authenticity

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Despite the digital age, in South Africa, economically active consumers preferred identifier is swiping a card, and this has never been different for the many years when we have asked this question of South African consumers. We do see that WhatsApp usage is a growing platform in loyalty programmes and 37% of mass market consumers prefer WhatsApp as their loyalty identifier, as per the MoyaApp research.  Watch this space. There are a lot of exciting loyalty initiatives by South African brands in how they leverage WhatsApp for the loyalty journey. For more loyalty insights, download the Truth Loyalty & CRM & BrandMapp by WhyFive Whitepaper: https://lnkd.in/dJWzc7J

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#DigitalAdvertising is mostly a hit and miss these days, you can never be sure exactly where your precious #brandimage is being exposed ... But not so with #Glovent! With us, you know exactly who you are appearing in front of, and they are blue chip ... There is simply no better place to #boostyourimage! www.glovent.co.za

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South Africa’s mobile penetration has opened new markets and changed how businesses interact with customers/consumers. The smartphone buzz also changed the entertainment and/or gaming landscape with mobile companies being at the forefront and content providers, betting platforms; and banks also leveraging on the ecosystem that brings services and products via telephony. With so much deep mobile and smartphone penetration, an under-banked and online poor consumer market is still left behind in the online transaction journey and unable to transact online in order to enjoy the excitement that comes with online sports betting and general gaming experience. I have formulated a mobile payment solution that will allow the under-banked market I.e. those with unfunded bank accounts, to use their airtime credit to play and place a bet. This is a call to Mobile Network Operators or WASPs to engage me on the concept. This is a fail-proof concept! Message me here on LinkedIn or email me at williamrala77@gmail.com.

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The Power of Democracy and Voting: A Vision for South Africa As a professional business and life coach, distributor, marketer and social media specialist, I’ve worked across various industries, as well as with individuals and organisations, each contributing to our vibrant tapestry. Democracy, more than a political system, embodies freedom, equality, and justice. Voting is its cornerstone, shaping our country’s direction and reflecting our collective aspirations. Standing Together as a Nation In our diverse nation, unity is our strength. The concept of a "Rainbow Nation" symbolizes our potential for harmony and progress. Voting reinforces this unity, allowing us to work towards common goals. Our collective efforts are more significant than individual pursuits, and by participating in the democratic process, we acknowledge this truth. A Vision for South Africa Imagine a South Africa where every citizen, motivated by duty and optimism, participates actively in democracy. This is a nation where diversity drives innovation and economic growth. By voting, we build a future with opportunities for those willing to work hard and make a difference. It’s time to move beyond entitlement and embrace a spirit of initiative and perseverance. The Role of the Business Community Businesses drive economic and social progress. As leaders, we must promote active citizenship within our organizations and beyond. Encouraging voter education and participation ensures our democracy remains robust and representative. Conclusion Voting is an act of hope and determination. It declares our belief in South Africa’s potential. I urge every South African to embrace this responsibility. Together, we can build a prosperous and inclusive future.

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I really enjoyed this article by Andile Masuku on the importance of prioritising connectivity for innovation. We often undervalue the power of community in unlocking both growth and innovation, focusing instead on short-term (and often transactional) sales enablement. One of the key lessons I have learned in my time at 54 Collective VC is that building genuine, trust-based relationships within ecosystems fosters long-term value, which is far more impactful. This approach not only strengthens networks but also ensures sustainable success across the ecosystem. https://lnkd.in/dFukcwgq

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TV viewership in South Africa is declining as viewers move to streaming, and local streaming services like Showmax often lack content compared to major players like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. https://lnkd.in/dPR89SfM

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Great platform to connect, to learn, to be inspired, to get much needed business advice... and if you can demonstrate over the next few months, how these networks and learnings have impacted your business - you could be the recipient of a R500 000 investment. So if you are running a business, thinking about opening your own business or if your son or daughter needs some direction on how they can carve out a career as an Entrepreneur - this 2 day investment will be one of the best investments you could make!

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MTN teams up with China Telecom and Huawei to boost 5G, AI, and IoT, driving digital transformation and business growth across South Africa.

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Loving the new look of iMali Quiz and MoyaApp collaborative reports. Follow the link in the caption to check out the full interactive report!

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In today's volatile economy, one question keeps coming up: How do we protect and grow wealth against persistent inflation? At Grovest, we've seen the impact firsthand. The South African rand has lost nearly half its purchasing power in a decade, and traditional investments are no longer sufficient to outpace this trend. However, this challenge presents an opportunity, and alternative investments are emerging as a powerful solution. Why are alternatives gaining traction? They offer three key advantages: - Diversification through low correlation with traditional markets - Inflation hedging via intrinsic value that often appreciates with inflation - Higher return potential, especially valuable in our current low-yield environment. Africa, and particularly South Africa, stands at a unique juncture. We have a growing pool of high-net-worth individuals, expanding pension funds, and an evolving regulatory framework. This combination creates fertile ground for alternative investments, putting African capital at the centre of African growth and development. Alternative investments are becoming more accessible to a broader range of investors. This trend is opening up opportunities that were once reserved for high-net-worth individuals, institutional investors and family offices, allowing a wider audience to participate in this market and benefit from the potential advantages of alternatives. At Grovest, we believe that a strategic allocation to alternatives isn't just an option – it's a necessity in today's economic landscape. We're here to assist investors in navigating this increasingly important asset class, helping to balance risk, return, and real-world impact. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with alternative investments in the comments below. #AlternativeInvestments #Inflation #Grovest #PioneeringOpportunities

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How To Become a CEO: Skills and Tips for Entrepreneurs! Becoming a chief executive officer (CEO) requires a certain dedication. Becca Millstein CEO of Fishwife, advises aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue the role only if they’re deeply passionate about it and believe they’re the right person to lead. “Also, only do it if you want to do it for at least the next 10 years of your life,” says Becca. “If you want to do that, it’s the best job in the world." Whether you’re working your way up the corporate ladder or starting your own company, here’s how to become a CEO. #ceo #leadership

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Need to invest in tech to drive your South African business forward? The moment is now: Apps have become essential for businesses aiming to boost customer engagement, optimise operations, foster growth, and open up new revenue opportunities. Our latest blog post looks at 8 emerging trends and opportunities for companies to use software enablement to make big moves in South Africa, including: 📲 The rise of mobile-first and growing 5G footprint 💳 How to make the best of FinTech and E-commerce in SA 💻 Using AI and machine learning in Africa Plus: 3 More key South African tech success drivers to unlock.

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Meet Alistair Plint Pioneering Business Sales in South Africa. Just finished a great conversation about the current state of the M&A industry in South Africa. 👉 Few Players 👉 Some Red Tape 👉 Beginning Stage 👉 No Supportive Ecosystem Alistair is active on LinkedIn and building a great network. You are welcome to connect and discover opportunities for collaboration. Alistair back to you 🎙 P.S. Fun Fact: The number one reason a business owner in South Africa is looking to exit business ownership is to migrate to another country like the US, CA, UK, or AU. ---------------------------------- 😋 I am Ray. 🎉Celebrate with you by sharing organic content marketing growth stories. 📈Providing organic inbound deal flow on autopilot for business brokers, M&A advisors, and financial wealth builders. Like this post? Want to see more? 🔔 Ring it on my Profile Follow #marketingforbusinessbrokers ⚓Connect with me #contentmarketing #contentstrategy #linkedin #conversionmarketing

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The World as a Stage: Lessons from Iconic South African Theatre and Art Between the glitz of Broadway and the bustle of Sandton lies a treasure trove of South African storytelling—raw, heartfelt, and unapologetically human. Works like Sizwe Banzi Is Dead, Sarafina!, Have You Seen Zandile?, and Zanele Muholi’s evocative photography don’t just entertain; they hold a mirror to life, offering profound lessons in survival, identity, and connection. From Sizwe Banzi’s reinvention, teaching us adaptability in life and business, to Sarafina’s fiery defiance, reminding us of the power of hope and courage, these stories resonate deeply. Zandile shows the importance of grounding ourselves in identity while growing, and Muholi celebrates the sacredness of visibility and diversity. Together, these works guide us to lead with authenticity, thrive through resilience, and embrace spirituality as a grounding force in a complex world. These aren’t just performances—they’re blueprints for navigating life’s complexities with courage, purpose, and connection. Full essay available on www.vincentzulu.com

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🚀 Experience the Next Generation of Property Investment with Brix World! 🚀 Cutting-edge Technology x Real Estate Innovation = Revolutionary way that South Africans can invest in property. Making it more accessible and user-friendly. For anyone. Anywhere. Anytime.

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