THE SA SPONSORSHIP

In this episode of The SA Sponsorship Podcast , we sit down with Carla Massmann, Show Director for Comic Con Africa, to unpack how one of Africa’s biggest pop culture festivals is redefining the sponsorship game. From authentic fan-first brand partnerships to the unique rise of gaming in the Comic Con experience, Carla shares lessons on building immersive, meaningful activations and why understand...

In this episode of The SA Sponsorship Podcast, host Steven Mervis interviews Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. They unpack the airline’s bold approach to sponsorship, starting with their strategic partnership with the Springboks during one of the team's lowest points, and extending to their more recent involvement with Cricket South Africa. Gordon shares how FlySafair used th...

In this episode of SA Sponsorship , host Steven Mervis sits down with Joe Hamman, founder of Novus Group, to explore the critical role of media monitoring in measuring sponsorship value. From tracking brand visibility on Springboks jerseys to analysing social media buzz, Joe reveals how Novus Group quantifies ROI for sponsors. Discover why South Africa’s sport-loving nation offers a cost-effective...

Hockey in South Africa has a rich history and a growing presence, but how does it fare in the competitive world of sports sponsorship? In this episode of the SA Sponsorship Podcast, host Steven Mervis interviews Shaune Baatjies, interim CEO of SA Hockey, about the challenges and triumphs of hockey in South Africa. From grassroots development to competing on the world stage, Shaune shares insights...

In the final episode of the year, host Steven Mervis is joined by Lindsey Rayner, National General Manager at Machine and judge for the Sport Industry Awards. Together, they reflect on the highlights, trends, and key takeaways from the prestigious awards. From the evolving role of storytelling in sports sponsorship to the rise of women's sports and the impact of major tournaments, this episode unp...

In this episode of the SA Sponsorship Podcast, we welcome Olympian Emma Chelius to discuss her journey in swimming, her recent retirement, and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with sponsorship in South African swimming. Emma shares personal insights on balancing a professional athletic career, the importance of financial backing in sports, and the often-overlooked life skill of sw...

In this episode, our host, Steven Mervis shares a clip from his recent interview on 702, where he dives into the SARU private equity deal. Steven offers a deep dive into the potential impact of this partnership on South African rugby, examining both the financial stakes and the cultural implications for fans. Is this deal with an American investment firm the game-changer SA Rugby needs? Listen in...

Welcome to Season 3 of The SA Sponsorship Podcast! In our first episode, we dive into the exciting new Betway Premiership, a major shakeup in South African football sponsorship. Our guest, Betway Head of Marketing, Mark Rowles, takes us through the journey of this partnership, from the surprise exit of DSTV to Betway’s innovative approach to elevating the local football scene. Tune in and discover...

In this episode of the SA Sponsorship Podcast, we dive into the evolving landscape of Olympic sponsorship. We explore the complexities and opportunities of sponsoring the Olympics, from backing the main event to supporting an Olympic team, individual athletes, and broadcast sponsorship. Tune in to gain valuable insights into how these sponsorships work, their impact, and the strategies behind succ...

WE ARE BACK!!! Join us as we dive into the excitement surrounding the Euros 2024, set to kick off tomorrow! In this episode, we explore the intricate world of sponsorships, uncovering the strategies behind the brands that power one of the biggest sporting events of the year. From the major players to the surprising newcomers, we discuss how sponsorships shape the tournament and enhance the fan exp...

In this episode, we're thrilled to present a replay of an in-depth interview with our very own Steven Mervis, Head of Strategy at Mscsports, originally aired on 702 with host Aubrey Masango. This comprehensive discussion peels back the layers of the sponsorship world, revealing the intricate dance between brands and rights holders. Steven demystifies the essence of sponsorship, explaining how...

In our latest episode, we dive into the world of clever sponsorships. We explore examples that stem from insightful strategies, smart use of technology, and brilliantly executed simple ideas. Join us as we highlight six standout sponsorships, discussing what makes them exceptional and how they leverage creativity and innovation to leave a lasting impact. Tune in to hear our thoughts on these innov...

Join us for a special episode as we delve into the world of sponsorship, in this segment, we bring you an exclusive clip from our host, Steven's recent radio interview with YOU FM, where he shares insights from his article, "How small rights holders can excel in sponsorship." Drawing from his experience in the sponsorship industry, Steven illuminates key strategies for smaller rights...

Join us in this episode as we delve into the fascinating world of sponsorship in music festivals. With Heineken's recent sponsorship of Calabash and Hey Neighbour, we're joined by Marcel Swain, the head of premium at Heineken Beverages. Marcel provides invaluable insights into why Heineken has chosen to invest in these partnerships and offers a unique perspective from the brand's point...

Join us on this episode of THE SA SPONSORSHIP as we sit down with Rebecca Eliot, Founder of ProTouch Africa, to delve into the dynamic world of digital licensing for rights holders and sponsorship.   In this insightful conversation, we explore the profound impact of digital technology on fan engagement and how it revolutionizes the sponsorship landscape. With the rise of digital platforms, we witn...

Tee off with us in our latest episode as we dive deep into the captivating world of the Masters golf tournament, one of the most prestigious events in the golfing calendar. As one of the four majors, the Masters stands out not only for its rich history and iconic green jacket but also for its unique approach to sponsorship.   Join us as we explore the intricate dynamics between the Masters and its...

Step into the world of WrestleMania sponsorship as we dissect the evolution and diversity of brands associated with WWE's flagship event. Join us as we unravel the intriguing tapestry of sponsorship surrounding WrestleMania, exploring the many brands that have jumped into the ring and the innovative ways they've engaged with the WWE universe. From traditional partnerships to cutting-edge c...

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of our colleague Bertine Faber, a former professional golfer turned strategist at Mscsports. Bertine shares her remarkable transition from professional sports to her current role in sponsorship, highlighting the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way. The conversation is about Bertine's recent interview on SABC's Morn...

In this week's episode, we delve deeper into the vibrant world of music festivals, focusing on the iconic Glastonbury Festival. Building upon last week's discussion, we contrast Glastonbury with its American counterpart, Coachella, examining the distinctive atmospheres and sponsorship strategies employed by each. Glastonbury Festival, nestled in the picturesque English countryside, holds a...

Join us for the latest episode of our podcast series as we delve into the heart of one of the world's most iconic music festivals: Coachella. In this episode, we explore the significance of music festivals and events for sponsorship, focusing specifically on the renowned Coachella festival, the intricate web of sponsorships and activations that make Coachella a playground for brands seeking to...

Welcome back to The SA Sponsorship Podcast! This month, we're diving into the thrilling world of entertainment sponsorship, focusing on music concerts, festivals, and events. We're revisiting one of our fan-favourite episodes to kick off our new series: "Sponsorship in Entertainment."   In this episode, we'll take a closer look at the symbiotic relationship between sponsors a...

Welcome to the final episode of our riveting series on Brands and Ambassadors! In this episode, we have the honour of conversing with the eminent Ashleigh Buhai, a shining beacon of excellence who has proudly hoisted the South African flag high in the competitive world of golf. Ranked an impressive 25th globally, Ashleigh's journey began when she turned professional at the tender age of 18, ca...

Join us for an exclusive episode of The SA Sponsorship, where we continue our captivating exploration of brand ambassadors in the sports and entertainment world. In this instalment, we are honoured to be joined by none other than Victor Matfield, one of South Africa's most legendary Springboks. With a career spanning unparalleled achievements, including multiple Super Rugby titles, a Rugby Wor...

Welcome to the latest episode of The SA Sponsorship, where we continue our exploration of brands and ambassadors. In this instalment, we focus on case studies, where each month we delve into examples relevant to our topic. This time, we shine the spotlight on the SUPER BOWL, a global spectacle that captivates audiences worldwide. As viewers witnessed a plethora of ads featuring various ambassadors...

Join us for the second instalment of our exploration into the world of brands and ambassadors on The SA Sponsorship . This episode, we shift our focus from corporate entities to the individuals at the heart of these partnerships. Arye Kellman , co-founder as well as MD of TILT , brings invaluable insights into the human dynamics that drive successful brand-ambassador relationships. From understand...