First official Liverpool FC retail stores are opening in Africa
Prominent English Premier League soccer club brings official standalone retail stores to the region for the first time.
MARKETING TALENT
South African Tourism announces appointment of new Chief Marketing Officer
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2026
Experienced nation branding and strategic marketing communications specialist, Sithembile Ndaba, joins after almost 15 years with Brand SA.
South African Tourism, the national government’s tourism marketing arm, has announced the appointment of Sithembile Ndaba as Chief Marketing Officer. The new role becomes affective from 1 April 2026.
SA Tourism says in a statement that the appointment further strengthens the organisation’s leadership and governance as it continues to market South Africa as a globally competitive and inspiring tourism destination. It also completes the organisation’s full executive leadership team following the recent appointments of, among others, a Chief Convention Bureau Officer and Chief Operating Officer.
Ndaba is an experienced marketing and communications executive with more than 25 years of experience spanning brand strategy, global positioning, integrated marketing and reputation management.
She has worked across both the public and private sectors, including multinational FMCG organisations such as Pioneer Foods, Tiger Brands and Unilever.
Sithembile Ndaba. Photo: SA Tourism
Joins South African Tourism from Brand South Africa
Sithembile joins South African Tourism from Brand South Africa, where she served as General Manager: Marketing and held leadership roles including Acting Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chief Marketing Officer.
During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in advancing South Africa’s nation brand identity and global reputation, spearheading domestic programmes and representing the organisation on international platforms such as the World Economic Forum and BRICS.
She also contributes to global marketing thought leadership as an advisory board member of the CMO Council Sub-Saharan Africa chapter and City Nation Place (UK), a leading platform for place branding and destination marketing.
Comments Ndaba: “Every new role is an opportunity to reimagine what’s possible. I step into this role with gratitude, clarity of purpose, and a deep commitment to building with others, because the best journeys are never walked alone.”
On her LinkedIn profile she says of herself: “My work sits at the intersection of strategy, storytelling and stakeholder alignment, shaping narratives that reflect both national priorities and lived realities.”
Global report shows retailers still falling short on sustainable chocolate
Latest Chocolate Scorecard reveals uneven progress and gaps in retailer accountability and transparency in cocoa sustainability.
Ghana’s consumers are coming back, but it’s a cautious return
Shoppers are not returning to old habits – they’re redefining them. And affordability is still the single biggest decision driver.
Private operators set to revitalise SA’s struggling rail network?
Inefficiencies in South Africa’s state-run rail system have been a major constraint on economic growth over the past decade.
Malle Mabelane named Supply Chain Professional of the Year by IMM Institute
IMM Institute hosts annual Excellence Awards in Johannesburg, honouring top supply chain professionals, teams and emerging talent.
Uganda launches a national Packaging Centre of Excellence in Kampala
Uganda has unveiled the Packaging Centre of Excellence, a national facility which aims to elevate product branding, packaging standards and market readiness.
Sydney Mbhele named Marketer of the Year at IMM Institute annual awards
IMM Institute hosts annual Excellence Awards in Johannesburg, honouring top marketers, marketing teams and industry up-and-comers.
Junk food campaigns targeting children through digital marketing
Good for business, but bad for kids? Researchers concerned about ‘invasive reach and powerful influence of digital marketing techniques’.
Lay’s World Cup marketing strategy focuses on fan fun and togetherness
Epic watch party-themed campaign for the upcoming FIFA World Cup features major international soccer stars and a touch of Hollywood.
Cost of groceries the primary worry for almost half of SA consumers
Despite income gains, financial pressure remains visible in consumer behaviour, latest data from the Marketing Research Foundation reveals.
Social media overtakes television as main source of news for Kenyans
Media Council of Kenya’s latest survey highlights significant change that has implications for regulation, ethics and misinformation.
