Digital advertising gets more crowded as Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) keeps growing into a flexible and measurable medium. Venelize de Lange from media update talks to Remi du Preez about what marketers misunderstand about outdoor advertising and how to use it more strategically. 

Somewhere in South Africa this morning, someone is being treated by a person whose qualification does not exist. Somewhere else, a Congolese engineer with twelve years of experience is stacking shelves, because the university that awarded his degree no longer answers its phone, says Navin Vasudev, International Education and Qualifications Specialist and Former Manager at the SAQA.

Twelve talented new recruits recently joined the team at VML South Africa after completing a year-long internship with the agency. "Each intern was placed in a department related to their field of study or interest for hands-on exposure to meaningful work in a supportive learning environment," says Khumo du Toit, Learning and Development Manager at VML South Africa. 

Chappies has announced Khuliso Mudau as its new Brand Ambassador, bringing together one of South Africa's brands with one of the country's  football talents. 

Network X OOH, a South African out-of-home (OOH) media owner and township advertising specialist, has announced that is collaborating with Rogerwilco on the independently researched 2026 Township CX Report. 

South African news creators are drawing audience attention on par with traditional outlets. Venelize de Lange from media update looks at how independent creators are rivalling legacy media for reach and whether the industry's fears around algorithms and misinformation hold up locally. 

Blok, in collaboration with Pristine Earth Collective and Statistics South Africa, along with their Neighbourhood Heroes, is inviting residents and visitors to help restore Sea Point's coastline during its fourth annual Blok Spring Clean.

Time Out South Africa has launched a dedicated Time Out Durban platform, bringing the city-guide brand to KwaZulu-Natal. 

In January 2022 the National Credit Regulator put out a statement about adverts running on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. They promised debt "written off" and "government approved" relief, and some carried images of senior public officials. The regulator's verdict on the lot of it was "all lies", says Rowan Breeds, Debt Counsellor, Debt Solutions 4U.

From rising living costs and global uncertainty to the relentless pace of the 24-hour news cycle, consumers are navigating an increasingly overwhelming world. According to Andrion van der Merwe, Head of Production at Penquin, this is fundamentally changing how people respond to brands, and those creating positive, meaningful experiences are emerging as the biggest winners.