“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat…” – Theodore Roosevelt
This year, Africa boldly stepped into the global arena, challenging stereotypes, rewriting its narrative, and showcasing its rich potential. At Brandhill Africa, we endeavoured to reposition Africa as a continent of innovation, resilience, and excellence – one where dreams are realised and challenges inspire ingenuity. Like Roosevelt’s “man in the arena,” we understood that building brand Africa would not be without setbacks, but we committed ourselves wholeheartedly to the cause.
We faced the critics – those who doubted Africa’s ability to rise above its challenges. We confronted obstacles, from economic uncertainties to the pervasive narratives that continue to undervalue the continent’s contributions. Yet, our resolve was never shaken. Each stumble reminded us that “there is no effort without error and shortcoming”, and each success reinforced the power of our vision.
Effort to re-engineer brand Africa is not built in the safety of the sidelines; it is forged in the dust and sweat of action. It is shaped by Africans who dare to imagine a future where Africa is celebrated not only for its heritage but also for its leadership in innovation, creativity, and enterprise. It is defined by those who tirelessly promote African excellence, open markets for “Made in Africa” product and service brands, and tell stories that amplify the continent’s triumphs.
As we close another remarkable year, we reflect on our journey of building brand Africa – an undertaking filled with triumphs, lessons, and a renewed sense of purpose.
This year, we have stood resolutely in the arena, marred by the dust and sweat of effort, daring greatly to shift perceptions and champion the equity of brand Africa. The journey has been challenging but profoundly rewarding. Among our proudest achievements was being honoured with the Africa Mission Award, a testament to our unwavering commitment to propagating a narrative of hope, resilience, and potential for the continent.
We are also humbled by our ability to consistently publish this news portal every Friday, week after week, ensuring that the stories of Africa – its successes, challenges, and aspirations – reach audiences far and wide. This platform has become a vital tool in entrenching the equity of brand Africa and advocating for its rightful place on the global stage.
One of the highlights of the year was our appointment as the brand and stakeholder management agency for the African Genius Awards, held in Sierra Leone. This prestigious event not only celebrated Africa’s greatest minds but also amplified the message of African excellence and innovation. Through our strategic involvement, we worked tirelessly to position the awards as a benchmark for honouring the genius that abounds across the continent.
The power of storytelling also shaped our year. We proudly published three significant books:
• Rhythms in Black and White: A Visual Journey Through the World of Jazz, which combines breathtaking photography and poetry to celebrate the artistry of jazz;
• The Lion of the North: Peter Nchabeleng, his Family and the National Liberation Struggle, a historical account of a revolutionary legacy that inspires courage and resistance; and
• Chocolate Kisses: Sweet Verses in the Dance of Romance, a collection of poetry celebrating love and human connection.
Each of these works contributes uniquely to the narrative of Africa, highlighting its cultural richness, history, and human stories.
Beyond publishing, we contributed to the growth and development of organisations committed to Africa’s progress. We facilitated team-building sessions from a brand perspective for the Gauteng Community Safety Department, helping to align their teams toward shared goals of service delivery. Similarly, we conducted audits for African Bank’s compliance with disability inclusiveness policies, positioning it as a conscientious corporate citizen committed to equity and social responsibility.
We also made our voice heard on various platforms, delivering keynote addresses and participating in discussions aimed at changing the narrative on Africa. Through our Biashara Services and Products Africa (BiSPA) Conference and Exhibition, we provided a space for thought leadership, collaboration, and economic advancement. These engagements have underscored our commitment to amplifying Africa’s potential and fostering partnerships that drive its growth.
Each of these milestones reflects our dedication to daring greatly. Like Roosevelt’s “man in the arena,” we recognise that striving for excellence comes with risks, setbacks, and criticism. Yet, it also comes with the triumph of high achievement and the fulfilment of serving a cause greater than ourselves.
Our proudest moment was successfully securing an exhibition space at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2024, hosted at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre – which located in Johannesburg in an area often referred to as the richest square mile in Africa. This was a service exchange between us and T-Musicman, the organizers of the Joy of Jazz concert series. What made this achievement even more humbling was standing alongside major brands that invested heavily to showcase their presence. Despite being a young brand ourselves, we shared an entire floor with Standard Bank. This collaboration felt destined, as many of the photos featured in our book captured artists performing on the iconic Joy of Jazz stages. Truly, it’s a testament to how God works in mysterious and remarkable ways.
As we look ahead to 2025, we remain resolute in our mission to build brand Africa. We thank our partners, stakeholders, and supporters who have journeyed with us this year. Together, we have taken significant strides in telling Africa’s story – one of hope, innovation, and boundless potential.
Let us step boldly into the new year, ready to strive, to create, and to dare greatly once again for the Africa we want. Here’s to another year of building, growing, and celebrating brand Africa.
And where we fell short, we found lessons to guide us forward, knowing that even in failure, we “dared greatly”.
As we turn the page to 2025, the challenge remains clear: to continue the work of building a brand Africa that resonates with authenticity and inspires confidence. We invite all Africans – leaders, creators, innovators, and dreamers – to join us in the arena, for it is only through collective effort that we will realise “the Africa we want”.
Let us move forward boldly, undeterred by critics and unafraid of challenges. Let us embrace the hard work of telling Africa’s story as one of resilience, opportunity, and boundless potential. And let us do so knowing that the greatest victories come to those who dare to act.
Here’s to 2025 – a year to strive, to build, and to dare greatly for brand Africa.
Tujenge Afrika Pamoja! Let’s Build Africa Together!
Enjoy your weekend.
Saul Molobi (FCIM)
PUBLISHER: JAMBO AFRICA ONLINE
and
Group Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
Brandhill Africa™
Tel: +27 11 759 4297
Mobile: +27 83 635 7773
Physical Address: 1st Floor, Cradock Square Offices; 169 Oxford Road; Rosebank; JOHANNESBURG; 2196.
eMail: saul.molobi@brandhillafrica.com
Website: www.brandhillafrica.com
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