This reputation for hosting world-class gatherings was further solidified last week at the Sandton Convention Centre during Meetings Africa 2026. As the 20th anniversary of the event, it demonstrated Gauteng’s unmatched ability to facilitate thousands of confirmed business meetings, directly linking African products to global buyers and generating significant economic impact.

To that effect, Gauteng recently attracted R27-billion in Foreign Direct Investment from key global markets like the UK and the United States. Gauteng is clearly gaining momentum, with the inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference (2025) securing R312-billion in commitments, while the province claimed the lion’s share of last year’s Presidential Investment Conference, with over R180-billion in pledges.

Global industry leaders are moving beyond talk and are physically expanding their operations in Gauteng. Microsoft is currently investing R5.4-billion into local data centre infrastructure, while Heineken Global has committed R1.9-billion to its operations in Midvaal. The automotive sector is also seeing a boost with Chery International establishing local manufacturing, and the creative economy is set for a massive leap with the R4-billion Cradle Film Studios project which is destined to be the largest production facility in Africa.

What keeps Gauteng ahead of the curve is its connectivity. International arrivals hit 3.8-million this year, supported by new strategic air routes linking the province directly to North America and Australasia. With major infrastructure projects like the Gautrain expansion and a R50-billion dry port on the horizon, the province is effectively streamlining the region’s logistics.

Gauteng it the premier meetings destination in Africa while serving as a powerful catalyst for global opportunity. The 2026 Gauteng Investment Conference (GIC 2026) will provide another opportunity to turn conversations into investment.

Investing in Gauteng

Find out more about the economic and investment environment of Gauteng Province and explore projects in progress, insights and investment opportunities in the region.

Comprised of filmmakers, producers, executives and government stakeholders, the roundtable explored the challenges, trends and opportunities within the film industry, and how the Eastern Cape can better capitalise on these opportunities.

The hybrid event attracted more than 30 industry players from across South Africa.

Setting the scene, ECDC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Lulama Mbobo-Vava, said the province continues to face systemic barriers that limit access to funding, infrastructure, skills development and market participation for local filmmakers.

“The ECDC recognises that open dialogue, equal participation and collaborative problem-solving across diverse perspectives are critical to attracting investment into the industry. The roundtable is crucial in identifying short-, medium- and long-term initiatives to support a sustained pipeline of film productions in the province.

“We also recognise the investment promotion potential of positioning the Eastern Cape as a destination for hosting national and international film and television productions. The breathtaking locations the province offers make it a preferred destination for film and television production,” said Vava.

The roundtable discussions were followed by presentations from key sector stakeholders, including the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), which presented on the state of the industry; the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), which outlined the provincial audio-visual policy; and the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts & Culture Council (ECPACC), which detailed available development programmes for the film industry.

The ECDC outlined its support for the sector and presented on the Eastern Cape Film Investment Fund and available incentives. Since 2019, the ECDC has disbursed R48-million to 39 film projects.

FAME Africa’s Martin Hillert presented contrasting views on the future direction of the industry, including predictions for the next five to ten years. Film producers Fabian Medea and Luzuko Dilima spoke about challenges and opportunities within the sector and reflected on their experiences working as filmmakers in the Eastern Cape.

1 of 5

As Host City Co-Sponsor, eThekwini Municipality has partnered with tournament owner Sunshine Tour and title sponsor Jonsson Workwear to secure this annual event for Durban for a three-year period (2026–2028). The partnership delivers extensive global brand exposure for the city, along with a dedicated junior golf development legacy programme. 

The tournament forms part of the South African Swing – a series of four events on the HotelPlanner Tour, which serves as the official feeder tour to the DP World Tour. 

As the final tournament on this opening swing, the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open plays a critical role in the Road to Mallorca Rankings. It provides Sunshine Tour professionals with a final opportunity to earn valuable ranking points and secure promotion to the DP World Tour for the upcoming season. 

The City invites all golf enthusiasts to attend and enjoy the tournament.  
  
Entrance is free to the public. 

An overview of the week’s programme is available below:

Location

• Waaihoek Precinct is located immediately to the south of Bloemfontein CBD, in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Free State Province, South Africa.

Developer

• Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality

Project description

The precinct is near the Bloemfontein CBD and interchange zones. The area’s significant heritage value will unlock tourism potential if it is redeveloped, including:

• An urban park,
• restoration of the Old Fort Estate,
• an amphitheater,
• pedestrian walkways and links between nodes,
• hawker trading zone,
• conversion of old power station into accommodation, galleries and offices.

Project status

• R20-million spent on planning and designs of Phase 1 (St Georges Bridge)

Stakeholders

• Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality,
• Free State Provincial Government,
• National Government departments,
• Private Sector

Issues to be resolved

• Project funding

Interventions

• Design completed for Phase 1, final precinct plan completed and presented to National Treasury

Project cost

• R5.7-billion

Job creation

• 5 000 possible employment opportunities

Investment Enquiry

Interested investors are encouraged to contact the project team. Please include Waaihooek Precinct as reference.

Feature image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/south-african-tourism/20511459716/in/photostream/ 

The modern marketplace is louder than ever. Brands publish constantly, algorithms churn endlessly, and audiences are exposed to more messaging in a single day than previous generations encountered in a month. Yet despite this unprecedented volume, something essential is missing: emotional connection.

The real challenge facing brands in 2026 is not visibility. It’s meaning.

Consumers are no longer moved by polished campaigns or clever slogans. They are looking for something deeper, a sense of alignment, recognition, and shared values. And that level of connection is impossible to achieve when strategy is built without purpose.

“Purpose is not a marketing device. It is the internal compass that shapes how a brand behaves, decides, and communicates,” says Nadia Hearn, PR and brand communications strategist, founder of Get Published and co-founder of Brand Growth Track. She shares why when purpose is absent, strategy becomes a performance. When purpose is present, strategy becomes a relationship.

Across Africa, this truth has long been understood. Communities here have always valued connection over consumption and contribution over competition. As global audiences shift toward values-driven decision-making, this perspective is becoming increasingly relevant and increasingly powerful.

Below Nadia Hearn shares three strategic shifts that will define the brands capable of building genuine emotional connection in 2026:

1. Move from “What We Do” to “Why It Matters”

Most brands still lead with offerings, features, and capabilities. But audiences don’t connect with what a brand does they connect with the meaning behind it. They want to understand the human problem being solved, not the list of services being provided.

This requires a shift from transactional communication to purpose-led storytelling.
It means articulating the deeper intention behind the work, the impact on people’s lives, and the values that guide decisions.

When purpose becomes the anchor, messaging gains clarity, consistency, and resonance. It stops trying to impress and starts trying to matter. Purpose gives strategy direction. Without it, brands drift. With it, they become intentional and intention builds trust.

2. Build Emotional Connection Through Behaviour, Not Words

Audiences today are highly attuned to authenticity. They no longer take brand statements at face value; they look for evidence.

Emotional connection is built through behaviour the lived expression of values not through messaging alone.

This shows up in:

• • How customers are treated
  • How decisions are made under pressure
  • How organisations show up in their communities
  • How transparently challenges are communicated
  • How consistently values are demonstrated

When behaviour aligns with purpose, credibility grows. When it doesn’t, trust erodes quickly. Emotional connection is created when what a brand says, does, and delivers are in harmony.

3. Integrate purpose into strategy, not as an accessory

Purpose cannot sit on a website page or in a brand book. It must inform the strategic engine of the organisation. The most effective brands in 2026 will integrate purpose into:

• • Product and service development
  • Customer experience design
  • Leadership and culture
  • Partnerships and collaborations
  • Communication and content
  • Social and environmental commitments

This integration creates coherence, quality audiences instinctively recognise. It also simplifies decision-making, because purpose becomes the filter through which opportunities, messages, and actions are evaluated.

African innovation offers a compelling example here. “We see that many local businesses are built on principles of community upliftment, shared value, and long-term contribution. These are not marketing narratives, they are strategic foundations. And they are increasingly aligned with what global audiences expect from the brands they support,” says Nadia Hearn.

Purpose-driven strategy builds credibility because it creates consistency. “Consistency builds trust,” she adds.

Aligning strategy with purpose, a practical approach

A useful starting point is to define purpose in one clear, human sentence. Then evaluate every strategic decision, message, and initiative against it.

The guiding questions are simple:

• • Does this reflect why the organisation exists?
  • Does this create meaningful value for the audience?
  • Does this strengthen the relationship the brand is trying to build?

If the answer is no, Nadia Hearn shares, “Then action is likely noise not strategy. Purpose-led alignment is not a campaign. It is more of a discipline. When it is applied consistently, it becomes a powerful differentiator in a crowded and increasingly discerning marketplace.”

The key takeaway

In 2026, the brands that succeed will not be the ones with the most content or the biggest budgets.

They will be the ones that create genuine emotional connection, the ones that behave with purpose, communicate with clarity, and show up with consistency.

Strategy with purpose becomes meaning and meaning is what audiences remember, trust, and choose. To receive a free brand purpose audit workbook email brands@get-published.co.za.

For more brand communications insights follow: Instagram: @getpublishedza, Facebook & LinkedIn: Get Published or Nadia Hearn.

The R6-million (dependant on the US dollar exchange rate) tournament will be played at the historic Durban Country Club from 19-22 February, in partnership with the City of Durban.

A strong field of South African and international golfers will head to a city that is fast establishing itself as a key destination in world golf for rising stars to make their mark in the game.

This comes alongside a revamped Durban Country Club golf course that has been elevated back to its true championship potential, as a continuation of the good work Invest Durban started last year in the PEWG by securing the SA Open Championship a year ago, with a multi-year view for more, annually.

Tickets to the event next month are FREE as all Sponsors want to make it fully accessible to All.

CEO and Chairman of Jonsson Workwear, Nick Jonsson, shared:

“Bringing the Jonsson Workwear Open back to Durban is incredibly meaningful for us. This is where our business was built, and where our headquarters are still located. Seeing it return to the Durban Country Club, one of South Africa’s great historic courses, and witnessing international golfers experience the rejuvenated course makes this homecoming even more memorable. Durban has a proud sporting heritage and we’re proud to partner with the City in hosting an event that spotlights excellence right here on our doorstep.”

The Jonsson Workwear Durban Open forms part of the South African Swing of four tournaments that will tee off the new season on the HotelPlanner Tour, the main feeder to the DP World Tour.

As the final tournament on this opening swing, the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open will play a key role in the quest of South African professionals to make a fast start on the Road to Mallorca Rankings and thereby try and gain promotion to the DP World Tour for next season.

“The Jonsson Workwear Durban Open, as part of our co-sanctioned tournaments with the HotelPlanner Tour, is an extremely valuable element of the global pathway for our Sunshine Tour members. Through consistent exposure on the HotelPlanner Tour, we have seen several members graduate onto the DP World Tour. Jonsson Workwear shares this vision of developing greatness on our fairways, and particularly in Durban, which has a rich golf heritage,” said Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour.

The partnership with Jonsson Workwear, the City of Durban and Durban Country Club has indeed yielded great success for South African professional golf.

JC Ritchie, the winner of this tournament in 2022, became the first South African golfer in history to finish top of the Road to Mallorca Rankings last season, thereby graduating to the DP World Tour.

Durban Country Club’s hosting of the 2025 Investec South African Open was another seminal golf moment for the City as South Africa’s Dylan Naidoo became the first South African player of colour to win his national Open.

Mr Musa Mbhele, City Manager of eThekwini Municipality, said:

“Durban is proud to be the host of a premier golf tournament this February, bringing together top local and international talent for a celebration of sport, community, and economic growth. Hosting the tournament in the City is set to promote Durban as a global sporting destination, while showcasing the City’s world-class facilities and vibrant culture. Young athletes, especially from the disadvantage areas, will be inspired and encouraged to participate in golf through golf clinics, school and mentorship outreach programs, as well as community initiatives.

“This tournament will foster social cohesion and create a platform where diverse communities can come together to enjoy the spirit of competition and friendship. This is an opportunity for local youngsters to learn from the professionals, sparking interest in golf and building skills, while living a healthy lifestyle.”

The HotelPlanner Tour has a long history of co-sanctioned success in South Africa, with this being the sixth consecutive year that the tour tees off its season in the country.

Jamie Hodges, HotelPlanner Tour Director, said:

“Starting our season in South Africa is always a highlight of our schedule, where our players have the opportunity to play alongside the Sunshine Tour’s best. We are delighted to be back again in 2026.”

“We are also very excited to visit Durban this year, with its rich history in our sport. Durban Country Club will provide an outstanding test for our players, and having hosted the Investec South African Open just last year, it is the perfect setting to close out our South African Swing. We are incredibly grateful to the Sunshine Tour, Jonsson Workwear and the City of Durban for their commitment to this event.”

Invest in Durban

Invest Durban act as a partnership between the Metro City Council and the private business sector, offering a free investor advisory service, plus key promotion, facilitation, aftercare services between all investment stakeholders.

Contact Invest Durban to discuss your business or investment objectives:

ERF 3410 and 3411 Odendaalsrus, Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Free State Province, South Africa.

Project developers

DESTEA, through its entities (FDC and FSGLTA) and Matjhabeng Local Municipality.

Project description

The Phakisa Freeway/Raceway is a motor-racing circuit located between the towns of Welkom and Odendaalsrus in the Free State. It is the only oval speedway in Africa.

The intended project will redevelop the Phakisa Raceway and improve its standards in line with Motorsport South Africa (MSA) regulations. 

The Phakisa Freeway/Raceway consists of a 4.242 km road course and a 2.414 km oval course. The road course uses the oval’s pit lane as its backstraight and crosses the oval’s backstretch twice.

History

The Phakisa Freeway/Raceway hosted the penultimate leg of the 1999 Federation of International Motorcycling Grand Prix in 1999, just a few months after it opened. Regarded as very demanding on riders, the oval course is an exact replica of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Built on the site of the old Goldfields Raceway which hosted Springbok Series sports car racing from the 1970s, the modern track hosted three consecutive FIM World Motorcycle Championship Grand Prix, culminating in 2001. The last one was held in 2004. Although a return was promised in 2014, this did not happen.

Testing and track day events are sometimes held at the venue, but regular racing such as used to draw large crowds is something that new investment will hopefully bring back. The Phakisa Freeway has a possible capacity for 60 000 spectators.

Contact the DESTEA

Interested parties are encouraged to contact the DESTEA. Please reference Phakisa Freeway Project in the subject line.

[contact-form-7]

Strategically positioned between the beachfront and the award-winning Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, the Rivertown Precinct is poised to become a high-value connector for international delegates, tourists, and residents. The R3.8-million public realm upgrade, spearheaded by the Municipality’s Catalytic Projects and Architecture Directorates, has reimagined the area with bold urban design interventions, improved infrastructure, and a compelling cultural narrative.

Key features include a striking six-metre rock installation at the corner of Bram Fischer and Florence Nzama Streets, symbolising the precinct’s historical waterway – the Milner Drain – and anchoring the precinct’s identity. Over 190 trees have been planted to green the streetscape, reduce urban heat, and enhance walkability.

Vibrant murals and public art installations, including a powerful tribute to the Rivertown Beerhall and the role of women in Durban’s social history, add cultural depth and visual appeal.

1 of 3

Kamalen Gounden, Programme Manager for Catalytic Projects, said this is more than a beautification project, but a strategic investment in urban renewal.

We are creating a corridor of excellence that will attract private sector investment and stimulate economic activity.

The vision for Rivertown includes mixed-use developments that support residential densification through both social and market-related housing. Rivertown represents an opportunity for the City to establish a cultural precinct featuring private galleries, boutique theatres, restaurants, and entertainment venues – creating a dynamic ecosystem for creative industries and tourism.

Urban Designer, Mohammed Haq, emphasised the precinct’s potential to become a cultural and commercial hub.

The next phase includes a vibrant street market that will showcase local art, music, and cuisine. This will not only enhance the visitor experience, but also create opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The project also addresses urban management challenges such as illegal parking and underutilised public spaces. In parallel, the historic Rivertown Beerhall is undergoing restoration, with plans to activate it as a cultural anchor for the precinct.

With its strategic location, rich heritage, and renewed infrastructure, the Rivertown Precinct is emerging as a compelling destination for investors, developers, and cultural entrepreneurs looking to be part of Durban’s urban renaissance.

Investors

Interested parties are encouraged to discuss investment opportunities in the precinct with Invest Durban. Please send a brief message to the team:

[contact-form-7]

Also see:

• Rivertown Precinct upgrades to change inner-city linkages from Durban ICC to the beachfront
• Large-scale catalytic projects in Durban instills confidence in city’s growth trajectory
• Rivertown Precinct gets underway

Surveying 1 601 business owners across all nine provinces, the report identifies five major pain points impacting growth and confidence – and importantly, provides evidence-based solutions for both small businesses and government.

Pain Point 1

Rising cost pressures: Whether for electricity, fuel or raw materials, South African SMEs are being squeezed by continuous cost hikes. According to the SBGI, over 60% of businesses have seen spikes in transport and energy expenses, leaving many with no choice but to
raise prices.

What can be done?

Small businesses are advised to audit their expenses, switch to energy-saving devices and explore local supply chains. Meanwhile, government should consider offering targeted subsidies and energy grants, particularly for township and rural-based enterprises.

Pain Point 2

Inadequate access to finance: More than 83% of SMEs surveyed said they would need additional finance in the next six months, but fewer than a third feel confident they can access it. Many still operate outside the formal finance system due to poor credit records or limited knowledge of funding options.

What can be done?

Businesses must maintain updated financial statements and look beyond traditional bank loans to alternatives like invoice financing and equity partnerships. Government, on the other hand, must simplify grant processes and scale blended finance offerings that mix subventions, loans, mezzanine funding and mentorship.

Pain Point 3

Infrastructure disruptions: Loadshedding remains a top concern, with over 93% of businesses citing power outages as a major obstacle to productivity. Unstable Internet and poor water infrastructure compound the issue in many communities.

What can be done?

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to invest in basic business-continuity plans and off-grid energy solutions. Government must do its part by accelerating investment in municipal infrastructure and subsidised broadband for SMEs.

Pain Point 4

Skills and knowledge gaps: The report reveals that fewer than one in five SMEs feel adequately skilled in digital management, supply-chain planning or cyber security. Alarmingly, 44.3% are unsure where to even access training.

What can be done?

Business owners should utilise free online platforms like Coursera or Google for SMEs and create internal upskilling plans. Government should scale TVET-SETA training partnerships and roll out a national “SME Skills Navigator” to close the knowledge gap.

Pain Point 5

Regulatory and market-access barriers: Excessive red tape, slow licensing processes and limited procurement opportunities continue to hinder growth, particularly for small firms outside urban hubs.

What can be done?

SMEs should get involved in chambers of commerce and business associations, which can help unlock information and influence change. In parallel, government must streamline compliance requirements and open more procurement doors to emerging businesses.

Conclusion

The SBGI FY2025 H1 confirms what many small business owners already know: running an SME in South Africa requires extraordinary resilience. But it also shows that practical, scalable solutions are within reach. By combining grassroots innovation with responsive policy, South Africa can unlock the true potential of its entrepreneurial economy.

Invitation to register

Small businesses employing 50 people or fewer are invited to register for the Absa/SACCI/BMR Small Business Ambassador Project.

By registering, businesses stand a chance to win the annual Absa/SACCI/BMR Small Business Ambassador Award valued at R25 000.

To register, complete the form via this link: https://bureau-for-market-research.limesurvey.net/

Enquiries: Bureau of Market Research

• Prof DH Tustin: CEO, Bureau of Market Research | deon.tustin@bmr.co.za
• Prof PK Kibuuka: Research Director, Bureau of Market Research| paul.kibuuka@bmr.co.za

Website: https://bmr.co.za/

Are you an existing or potential exporter from the Eastern Cape? Do you want to extend your footprint to global markets?

Our trade missions and exhibitions offer an ideal platform to connect with potential buyers and partners to unlock global growth.

The missions are focussed on businesses in the agroprocessing, agriculture, natural ingredients, cannabis and hemp, aquaculture, renewable and green energy, automotive, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, metals, mining and engineering, cosmetics, and the creative industries.

You’ll benefit from customised export support, which includes matchmaking, business to business networking sessions, as well as critical market insights.

Visit https://www.ecdc.co.za/trade-missions today to download a list of our upcoming missions. Scroll down to ECDC Foreign Missions and click on the download button.

For more information contact: 087 131 1439 or exporthelpdesk@ecdc.co.za

Real trade. Real platforms. Real resources.