By Staff Correspondent
Brandhill Africa (Pty) Ltd and Eight Red Apples (Pty) Ltd have solidified their brands by officially entering into a strategic partnership. This collaborative effort is aimed at disrupting the market and providing a formidable challenge to mainstream companies, most of which are international brands with local offices.
Sithembile Masia, affectionately known to many as just S’the – who is at the helm of Eight Red Apples (Pty) Ltd and Brandhill Africa Media Holdings (Pty) Ltd – assumes the pivotal role of the Project Director and Accounting Officer for the groundbreaking Brandhill Africa-Eight Red Apples Partnership. In this dual capacity, she orchestrates the strategy and operations of the partnership, ensuring a seamless fusion of creativity and business acumen.
*** In the Photo: With Nicky Oppenheimer, Saul Molobi and Benedict Madisha ***
As the Chief Executive Officer of both Eight Red Apples and Brandhill Africa Media Holdings, Sithembile wears multiple hats. Beyond her role as the Project Director, she takes on the responsibility of serving as the Editor of Jambo Africa Online, steering the platform’s content with a keen editorial eye. Her commitment extends to the realm of publishing, where she leads projects such as “Chocolate Kisses: Sweet Verses in the Dance of Romance” and “Spotlight and Shadows: Navigating Monnye Kunupi’s Blind Spots.”
The collaborative force of Sithembile and Saul Molobi, the Group CEO and Chairman of Brandhill Africa™ group, stands as the driving force behind the identification of multimedia, multidisciplinary, and multichannel projects. Their vision expands beyond existing ventures like Jambo Africa Online, encompassing subsidiary projects like the JAO Business Directory and JAO Business Awards. Together, they seek out potential partners and clients, crafting strategic alliances to optimise returns on the partnership’s investments.
Sithembile asserted: “To maximise the benefits for Jambo Africa Online stakeholders – including readers, suppliers, and advertisers – the establishment of a pan-African Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMME) directory stands as a strategic initiative. This directory would serve as a comprehensive and accessible platform, fostering collaboration and trade across the diverse economies of Africa.
“For readers, the directory offers a valuable resource for discovering a myriad of products and services from local businesses, promoting economic inclusivity.
“Suppliers will gain increased brand visibility and access to a broader market, enhancing their growth opportunities.
“And advertisers, who are our lifeblood, will benefit from a targeted audience interested in supporting local enterprises.
“By creating a centralised hub for SMMEs, Jambo Africa Online not only contributes to economic development but also strengthens the sense of community and connectivity within the African business landscape. This initiative aligns with the platform’s mission to empower local economies, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved.”
Operating on the principles of equality and clear communication, the partnership undertakes projects through mutual agreement. The profit-sharing model reflects a commitment to fairness, with both partners contributing equally (50-50%). Sithembile emphasises the importance of clearly defined relationships, ensuring accountability, deliverables, and timelines are agreed upon in writing before project commencement.
Sithembile articulated her strategic vision for the company’s future. She emphasised a multifaceted approach to elevate the organization to new heights, focusing on the monetisation of delivery channels and platforms. She expressed her commitment to leveraging the company’s stakeholder networks to maximise outreach and foster mutually beneficial relationships. By enhancing the online presence of Brandhill Africa™ through a corporatised aesthetic and optimised content delivery, she aims to position the company as a leader not only in South Africa but also across the continent.
*** With Saul Molobi and Dr Alistair Mokoena, CEO of Google South Africa, at the Exclusive Books’ launch of the latter’s book ***
Furthermore, Sithembile outlined her ambitious plan to use the Partnership in deepening Jambo Africa Online‘s brand equity, intending to make it a recognised and trusted name not just within the national borders but also extending its influence throughout Africa. As part of this strategy, she envisions the company becoming the first port of call for South African businesses seeking to expand their reach across the continent. She sees the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as a pivotal opportunity and intends to guide Jambo Africa Online’s parent company, Brandhill Africa, in capitalising on this agreement, assisting South African companies in navigating new markets and expanding their brand presence to appropriate opportunities emerging from the AfCFTA. With these initiatives, she is poised to lead Brandhill Africa towards a future marked by strategic growth, expanded influence, and a strengthened position in the African business landscape.
Sithembile’s perspective on the partnership goes beyond business; it’s a testament to inclusive leadership and the empowerment of marginalised groups. She sees it as an opportunity for women to actively participate and shape the narrative on Africa, reflecting her dedication to genuine empowerment and progress.
*** With veteran multiple award-winning filmmaker couple, Firdoze Bulbulia and Faith Isiakpere ***
Who is this phenomenal woman?
Sithembile Masia is an inspiring advocate for the social and economic development of Africans, with a remarkable journey spanning 25 years in the corporate and business world. Throughout her career, she has garnered extensive experience as a Communications Specialist, with a track record that includes notable organisations such as Standard Bank, Liberty Life, Old Mutual Insure, and Sanlam. Her professional journey also saw her serving as an assistant executive secretary to the former CEO of Standard Bank, Jaco Mare, and Chairman, Derek Cooper, an experience that honed her leadership skills.
Born with a passion for driving positive change in Africa, Sithembile has now embarked on a deeply personal mission. Her heart’s desire is to empower both young and old Africans, instilling in them the belief that they possess the power to elevate themselves from poverty and achieve social and financial independence. Her work primarily revolves around South African public schools, where she focuses on motivating students in Grades 8 to 12. Her aim is to guide them through personal and educational challenges, such as the daunting transitions from primary to high school and from grade eleven to twelve, while also preparing them for life beyond matriculation. She nurtures the vision of a future where these young minds are not just academically proficient but also financially independent adults.
Sithembile’s dedication to her mission extends beyond the classroom. Through her organization, Eight Red Apples, she is instrumental in creating innovative solutions that boost the income of informal street traders. Simultaneously, she educates children from low-income households about money management, equipping them with the skills to build brighter futures. Her multifaceted approach seeks to uplift communities and break the cycle of poverty by fostering economic self-sufficiency.
As a skilled Internal and External Communications Specialist, Sithembile’s career has flourished since she first entered the field in 2005. Her notable contributions at prominent organisations have earned her a reputation as a dedicated and accomplished professional. The wealth of experience she gained while working with key players in the corporate world has honed her expertise in effective communication and leadership.
*** With veteran actor, Mike Mvelase ***
Sithembile’s academic journey commenced at Residensia Secondary School, and she continued her pursuit of knowledge by earning a degree in Communications Science from the University of South Africa (UNISA). Her academic background has provided her with a strong foundation for her professional endeavours.
In addition to her corporate career, Sithembile’s entrepreneurial spirit has led her to venture into business. Her independent enterprise enjoyed immense success, amassing a dedicated following of over five thousand loyal customers across South Africa in just five years. This achievement underscores her exceptional business acumen and leadership abilities.
In summary, Sithembile’s commitment to the social and economic development of Africans is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to uplifting individuals, particularly the youth, her innovative approaches through Eight Red Apples, and her career success in communications and business are a testament to her unwavering passion and determination to drive positive change on the African continent. Sithembile is a beacon of hope for countless individuals striving to create a brighter and more prosperous future for themselves and their communities.
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Companies wishing to be listed on the database should send the CEO’s full name, company name, tel and mobile numbers, email address, physical address, website address and industry/sector they are in to info@brandhillafrica.com.