欧美福利100000

As a department, we are always proud to see our staff achieve their own academic successes. Congratulations Dr Aobakwe Ledikwe, Dr Mariette Frazer and Dr Ryan Mathaba.

The 欧美福利100000 of Johannesburg鈥檚 Department of Marketing Management had the privilege of hosting our distinguished visiting professor, Prof Robert E. Hinson, from Ghana. The week began with warm welcomes and good company as Prof Robert E. Hinson joined colleagues for lunch in Sandton. Prof Robert E.Hinson took to the 听to discuss a topic close to every student鈥檚 heart 鈥� personal branding. The interview sparked energetic dialogue on how students can shape their professional identities in a competitive digital world, with practical advice that bridged academia and industry relevance.

The department’s staff also had the priviledge of working with Prof Robert E. Hinson, as he led a focused two-day writing workshop. Participants spent time drafting articles, refining titles and getting advice on how to present their arguments, guided by Prof Robert E. Hinson’s expertise with over 150 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Our DVP honoured us by attended the College of Business & Economics Staff Awards, sharing in the celebrations.

The week ended with the public lecture 鈥�,鈥� where Prof Robert E. Hinson challenged conventional publishing practices and championed a distinctly African scholarly voice. It was an inspiring call to build intellectual traditions that reflect and empower the continent 鈥� a powerful finale to a transformative week.

Thank you Prof Robert E. Hinson for your engergy, insights and inspiration. We can’t wait for your next visit!听

Every year the College of Business Economics (CBE) invites the top 3 Honours research groups from each department to participate in the Honours Poster Competition. The studies are chosen based on the depth of the research and how interesting the topic is. Although it is a privilege to participate in the competition, the task of condensing an entire research report into a single poster is a tough one.

For the second year in a row the winning group was from the Department of Marketing Management’s Honours programme. Well done to Chris Myburgh, Nthabiseng Mohapi and Shihluke Mongwe, together with their supervisor Prof Isolde Ward, on their winning research study Anthropomorphism and Attitudes in Generation Z鈥檚 Use of AR Retail Assistants.

The other 2 Honours groups representing the department were Tshepho Aphane and Lungelo Ntombela, supervised by Mr Ragesh Lalloo, with their study What drives continuous online sports betting behaviour among consumers in South Africa?, and Phenyo Mothupi and Ntandokazi Ngobese, supervised by Dr Mariette Frazer, with their study Understanding digital fast fashion experiences: A S-O-R exploration of consumer journeys.

Chris Myburgh, Nthabiseng Mohapi and Shihluke Mongwe, supervised by Prof Isolde Ward

Phenyo Mothupi and Ntandokazi Ngobese, supervised by Dr Mariette Frazer

Tshepho Aphane and Lungelo Ntombela, supervised by Mr Ragesh Lalloo

The Department of Marketing Management鈥檚 advanced diploma in marketing students had the opportunity to work with Clover on an exciting industry collaboration project.

Thank you to Clover and well done students!

The Department of Marketing Management鈥檚 strategic marketing students partnered up with students from the Department of Aplied Data Science to collaborate on marketing new tech ideas. Overseen by lecturer Norman Mafuratidze, the marketing students put their skills to the test and their talents on show as they presented their marketing strategies to faculty and industry experts.

We look forward to the group finals in November, when the top groups will participate in UJ’s own Dragens’ Den.

The Department of Marketing Management鈥檚 students recently turned up the heat with a visit to Nando鈥檚 Head Office in Booysens, Johannesburg, home of the legendary flame-grilled peri-peri chicken.

Accompanied by lecturers Mrs Jade Turner and Dr Aobakwe Ledikwe, the retail management students spent the day learning about Nando鈥檚 distinctive organisational culture, the meticulous care that goes into recipe development, and the iconic Nando鈥檚 Peri-Ometer, the famous chilli scale that measures everything from 鈥淟emon & Herb鈥� to 鈥淓xtra Hot.鈥�

The visit ended on the perfect note: a hearty Nando鈥檚 lunch, complete with laughter, inspiration and the unmistakable taste of South African creativity.

The Academic Development Centre (ADC) and the UJ Library proudly hosted the Fifth Annual Undergraduate Research Conference. The two broad purposes of the conference were to showcase undergraduate research at the 欧美福利100000 of Johannesburg and to develop undergraduate students in their preparation for possible postgraduate studies. All Faculties and the College of Business and Economics particiapted in this cross-disciplinary conference, with the theme being Celebrating 20 Years of Research Excellence at UJ.

Khanyisile Ndebele, Ayabonga Ndlela, Teerisa Donlunwad, Thabang Letshele, Sbongile Sibiya, Ungiphile Shabangu and Kaylin Singh represented the Department of Marketing Management with their presentation Examining the impact of GenZ鈥檚 passion points on customer engagement and customer experience towards the Coca-Cola brand: A quantitative study. This insightful study identified brand engagement as the secret to success in the dynamic and competitive beverage market in South Africa. The group was under the proud supervision of their lecturer, Dr Aobakwe Ledikwe.

The 欧美福利100000 of Johannesburg sent a large contingent of delegates to IBC 2025, including our Director of the School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems, Prof Stella Bvuma. The IBC Conference 2025 brought together leading scholars and practitioners to explore the frontiers of marketing, technology and business innovation, with UJ making a strong impact through diverse and timely contributions. Over two days, lecturers from the Department of Marketing Management presented on topics ranging from virtual influencers, TikTok brand engagement, and mobile applications in sales education, to digital health promotion and consumer empowerment, while also offering insights into ride-hailing adoption and stakeholder alignment in the retail sector. Not only were several staff members presenting, but Prof Marius Wait and Prof Ilse Struweg had the honour of chairing sessions. UJ鈥檚 presence at the conference highlighted its role as a thought leader shaping global conversations in marketing and business research.

On Monday, 22 September, the opening day of the conference the department presented 3 competitive papers:

• Dr Karel Mayemba Nzita presented 鈥淭he Power of Virtual Influencers: How Anthropomorphism Drives Authenticity, Credibility, and Purchase Intentions.鈥�
• Dr Semona Pillay & Prof Ilse Struweg delivered insights on 鈥淏rand Engagement and Loyalty on TikTok: #BeautyBrands.鈥�
• Prof Mercy Mpinganjira enriched the discussion with her paper 鈥淒igital Health Consumer Empowerment: Bibliometric and Content Analysis for a Research Agenda.鈥�

Day two, Tuesday, 23 September, followed with another 6 competitive papers:

• Prof Ilse Struweg & Prof Nicole Cunningham鈥檚 work on 鈥淧ersonal Branding and the Authentic Professional Identity Model鈥� 听(presented by Prof Ilse Struweg).
• Prof Marius Wait presented his paper 鈥淢obile Application Impact on Sales Education: An Analysis Using Bloom’s Taxonomy.鈥�
• Prof Mercy Mpinganjira shared a bibliometric analysis on 鈥淢apping Digital Health Promotion in Africa: Research Trends and Gaps.鈥�
• Dr Ryan Mathaba examined ride-hailing with 鈥淒eterminants of Uber User Satisfaction: A Technology Acceptance Perspective in the South African Context.鈥�
• Mr Peter Sibusiso Gwebu discussed 鈥淭he Role of User Skill, Ease, and Enjoyment in Shaping Uber App Usage Intentions.鈥�
• Dr Lehlohonolo Masitenyane (UJ) & Dr Elmarie Strydom (VUT) collaborated on 鈥淪takeholder Perceptions and Strategic Alignment in the Wholesale and Retail Sector: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of W&R SETA Learnerships in South Africa (2019鈥�2023).鈥�

We are also very proud to announce that Prof Ilse Struweg and Prof Nicole Cunningham鈥檚 work on 鈥淧ersonal Branding and the Authentic Professional Identity Model鈥� won the IBC 2025 Best Paper Award.

To learn about the IBC Conference, visit their website:

The Department of Marketing Management鈥� s own Deputy Head of Department, Prof Christine De Meyer-Heydenrych, received not one but two nominations for Best Paper Award at SAIMS 2025. Prof De Meyer-Heydenrych presented her papers, 鈥淭he shopping orientation effect on loyalty programme quality and customer satisfaction in South African supermarkets鈥� and 鈥淐onsumer expectations, satisfaction and purchase intention in the South African short-term insurance industry鈥� to critical acclaim. Well done Prof 听De Meyer-Heydenrych!

Prof Ilse Struweg and Prof Nicole Cunningham also received a prestigious Best Paper Award at the 2025 IBC Conference, hosted in Tanzania, for their paper “Personal branding and professional identity model”.

We are so proud of their hard work and dedication to excellence.

Dr Semona Pillay represented her findings on a recent study into unemployment among W&R SETA bursary recipients

The Department of Marketing Management proudly collaborates with the Wholesale & Retail SETA to host the Wholesale & Retail SETA Leadership Chair (Gauteng).听As the W&R SETA Chair, Dr Semona Pillay, along with Mr Sandile Maseko, attended the , held in Durban. Under the theme “Research for Sectoral Transformation,” the event brought together industry leaders, researchers and stakeholders to share knowledge, discuss challenges and drive innovation in the wholesale and retail sector.

Through our collaboration with the W&R SETA, we aim to empower professionals with advanced skills that contribute to the growth of South Africa鈥檚 retail sector. The Leadership Chair emphasises the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry to produce innovative solutions for contemporary challenges. This partnership supports skills development and research in the retail industry, fostering economic growth and innovation. The mission of the Leadership Chair is to produce research that is both nationally and internationally relevant. It aims to equip retail professionals and academics with the knowledge and skills needed to address the demands of the 4th Industrial Revolution, ensuring that South Africa remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.

Dr Semona Pillay participated in a panel discussion the topic 鈥淭oward Sectoral Transformation and Sustainability Considering the Human Narrative Beyond Compliance鈥�.

UJ鈥檚 Department of Marketing Management was proud to see our very own Nozizwe Sibisi share the stage with at the . The department was asked to nominate a student to attend the event, and Nozizwe was selected based her accomplishments and charisma. As a UJ master鈥檚 student and the current departmental intern, Nozizwe is in the marketing sweet spot 鈥� applying her knowledge and skills both academically and professionally. Fellow UJ BCom Honours student Ntandokazi Ngobese attended to support Nozizwe and enjoy the speakers on the day, along with the HOD Prof Isolde Ward.

Well done, Nozizwe. You made us proud representing UJ with passion and purpose.

The , held at the Mosaiek Teatro in Johannesburg, 听focused on the core theme 鈥淢arketing is Business鈥�. Over 3,000 marketing professionals, brand leaders, strategists and industry stakeholders gathered to explore how marketing is driving business results.听Key moments included discussions around global marketing trends and how African companies can harness them, high-impact plenary sessions and a fireside chat titled 鈥淲hat every CEO wants from marketing but is too polite to ask.鈥� Other topics included integrating marketing and business, leveraging data for decision-making and innovating to stay relevant.

Our delegation of four lecturers showcased impactful research:

• Mrs Jade Turner and Mr Norman Mafuratidze: Employee Theft in South African Retail 鈥� exploring the links between morale, ethics and workplace behaviour.

• Mr Melusi Makhoba: The Influence of Augmented Reality on Purchase Intention among Gen Z 鈥� providing a retailing perspective on engaging younger consumers. Read more here:

• Dr Karel Nzita Mayemba and Prof Isolde Ward: Examining Advergaming Efficacy 鈥� a quantitative study on user control, flow experience and brand attitudes among Gen Z gamers.

These contributions highlight the Department鈥檚 commitment to producing research that bridges theory and practice, addressing the challenges of complexity, sustainability and innovation in marketing.

We鈥檙e thrilled to announce that听Prof. Marius Wait took centre stage as a panelist in the 2025 African Marketing Academic Collaboration (AMAC) Seminar. Prof. Wait contributed to a vibrant discussion that explored emerging challenges and opportunities for marketing education across Africa.

Over the course of the panel, Prof. Wait enriched the dialogue by delving into how curriculum design must evolve rapidly to keep pace with digital transformation, emphasizing skills such as adaptability, data literacy and ethical use of AI in marketing, and advocating for stronger synergy between universities and industry to produce graduates who are both technically competent and socially conscious.

This engagement comes at a pivotal moment: as global markets shift and technology reshapes consumers鈥� expectations, AMAC Seminar participants reaffirmed the urgency of rethinking academic models to ensure marketing education remains relevant, equitable, and forward-looking.

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The Department of Marketing Management manned a stand at .听

Representing UJ loud and proud, the Department of Marketing Management made its presence known at LeaderEx this year. South Africa’s largest gathering of business leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs, LeaderEx gave the department a great opportunity to network and foster industry collaborations. Our HOD, Prof Isolde Ward, was a panelist for the discussion Achieving business results in a stagnant economy. Staff engaged with visitors on a range of topics, from queries on enrolment in the master’s programme to requests for collaboration. A few of our top achieving students were also selected to participate in one-on-one mentoring sessions. Thank you to for inviting inviting the department to attend.

Prof Michael T. Ewing Visits to Share His Insights

The Department of Marketing Management was happy to have Prof Michael T. Ewing back with us, as one of our Distinguished Visiting Professors.听

Prof Ewing had a busy week at the department, starting off with a research workshop for the academics, on Crafting the Introduction and Implications Sections for Top-Tier Journals, which as attending by staff from the Department of Marketing Management, as well as other departments within UJ. Next he presented a public lecture on How AI can 鈥榣evel the marketing playing field鈥� for small businesses/SMEs, which led to some interesting conversation around the ethical use of AI and the evolution of copywrite. Prof Ewing finished off his visit with an in-person lecture on Marketing Research for our marketing students, offering them great insight from his years of research experience. We thank him for sharing his time with us, and eagerly await his next visit.听

UJ鈥檚 Department of Marketing Management, in partnership with Vaal 欧美福利100000 of Technology and the Wholesale & Retail SETA, recently hosted a four-part masterclass series that brought together leading voices in retail strategy, consumer behavior, and supply chain innovation. The sessions offered students and industry professionals a panoramic view of how technology is reshaping the retail landscape and what it means to stay human in a digital age.

The series opened with Rasi Hlahla, Operations Manager at Markham (TFG), who traced the evolution of retail from spaza shops to smart stores. He emphasized that while RFID, AI, and augmented reality are transforming operations, the heart of retail remains human. Empathy, adaptability and storytelling, he argued, are essential to building future-ready ecosystems.

Dr. Semona Pillay followed with a deep dive into the digital retail consumer. Drawing from her PhD research, she challenged traditional behavior models and introduced a non-linear, critically minded decision-making journey. Her insights into omnichannel strategies, webrooming, and personalisation underscored the need for retailers to understand not just what consumers buy but how and why.

Next, Ms. Unati Kildase, VP at Game, explored customer experience in the age of AI. From virtual try-ons to frictionless checkout, she showed how technology is redefining every touchpoint. Her message was clear: 鈥淩etail is no longer about what we sell, it鈥檚 about how we make people feel.鈥�

The series concluded with Charles Kotze, Country Manager at Relix Solutions, who unpacked the seismic shifts in global retail and supply chain planning. He spotlighted how AI and machine learning are helping retailers reduce waste, optimize inventory and respond to disruption with agility and precision.

Together, these sessions offered a bold vision for retail鈥檚 future, one that blends digital fluency with ethical leadership and innovation with Ubuntu. For UJ students and industry associates alike, the message was clear: retail is evolving, and the leaders of tomorrow must be ready to shape it.

Marketing Meets Meaning: UJ at the TMG Winter Career Expo

The Department of Marketing Management at the 欧美福利100000 of Johannesburg was honoured to take part in the inaugural TMG Grade 12 Winter Career Expo, standing proudly as the only university in the room.听

Our presence reflected more than academic outreach, it was a commitment to youth empowerment, cultural relevance and marketing as a tool for societal impact. Our intern, Nozizwe Sibisi, delivered a standout talk that reimagined marketing as 鈥渃ulture creation,鈥� using the iconic BMW 325i to explore how brands shape identity and community narratives, especially in places like Soweto.听

Events like this allow us to connect with future changemakers in real time, bridging the gap between theory and lived experience. It鈥檚 part of our ongoing mission to make education accessible, meaningful and rooted in the realities of South African life.听

We salute the Tebelo Molapo Group for curating such a vibrant, inclusive space. As a department, we remain dedicated to nurturing talent that reflects the richness, creativity and resilience of our communities.

Retail Revolution: 20 Years of Change, Challenge, and Sustainability

Watch the recorded public lecture here:

The Department of Marketing Management recently hosted an insightful public lecture titled听鈥淩etail Revolution: 20 Years of Change, Challenge, and Sustainability 鈥� What It Means for Society and the Future.鈥�听Delivered by UJ alumna Katherine Madley, Executive of Marketing, Brand and Digital at Pick n Pay, the lecture explored the dramatic shifts in the retail industry over the past two decades. Madley examined how global events, changing consumer behaviour and advancements in media and transportation have reshaped the way retailers operate, compete and connect with their customers.

Madley reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated digital transformation across the sector, with South African retailers quickly adapting to a new normal. She noted how Checkers, for instance, had already launched its Sixty60 service before the lockdown, giving it a strategic advantage. Yet this disruption, she argued, was not unique, as retail has always evolved in response to innovation in media and transport. Despite these changes, customer demands for trust, value and convenience have remained constant.

She introduced a framework for understanding the 鈥渇our forces of retail鈥濃�攎erchandise, marketing, supply chain and operations, all of which need constant innovation to keep pace with consumer expectations. Madley highlighted the increasing pressure on retail margins and the need for new income streams. One major development is the monetisation of digital media platforms, where retailers use loyalty data to sell advertising space and target niche customer groups, much like Pick n Pay and Amazon now do.

Artificial intelligence also featured prominently in Madley鈥檚 talk. She explained how AI is already improving merchandising, logistics, and customer engagement at Pick n Pay. As shoppers increasingly use AI tools like ChatGPT and Grok to search for products, marketers must adapt their strategies to remain visible. Concluding with career advice, Madley encouraged students to keep their focus on the product and the customer. Retail, she said, offers one of the most robust environments for mastering the full marketing mix. Our very own Professor Ilse Struweg wrapped up the event by reminding the audience that retail鈥檚 influence extends beyond commerce; it helps shape how society lives, shops and connects.

Human First, Tech Forward: Reimagining Marketing and Customer Experience of the Future

Watch the recorded public lecture here:

The Department of Marketing Management recently hosted a thought-provoking public lecture titled 鈥淗uman First, Tech Forward鈥�, led by customer experience strategist Marnitz van Heerden. The session explored the evolution of marketing from product-based interactions to deeply human, transformative experiences, where value is defined not by what is sold, but by how lives are improved.

Marnitz outlined five key ideas shaping the future of marketing:

• Feelings Matter: Companies that prioritise how their interactions make customers feel consistently outperform their competitors.
• Goal-Focused Design:听Instead of focusing on product features, leading brands focus on customer outcomes.
• Effortless Experiences:听Customers value ease, thus reducing friction in service delivery builds long-term loyalty.
• Smart Investment in customer experience (CX):听Not all parts of the customer experience carry equal weight. According to Gartner鈥檚 research, continual investment in the product experience, not just interaction or price, delivers the highest return in loyalty.
• Marketing鈥檚 Expanding Role:听Today鈥檚 CMOs are not just storytellers. They are CX architects and customer advocates who help shape experiences from the inside out.

He highlighted South African case studies, including Discovery Health鈥檚 鈥淗ospital at Home,鈥� Under Armour鈥檚 smart fitting rooms and Pick n Pay鈥檚 use of blockchain, that show how local brands are already leading in digital innovation.

From AI-generated 鈥渓ove language鈥� where AI tools learn to speak to users in the users鈥� preferred style of communication, 听to hyper-personalisation at scale, the lecture challenged marketers to blend empathy with innovation. The key takeaway? In an era of rapid tech advancement, the brands that thrive will be those that remain human-centric, yet future-focused.

The Next 20 Years of Township Retail: Inclusive, Digital, Locally Empowered

Watch the recorded public lecture here:听

What does the future of township retail look like 鈥� and who鈥檚 shaping it from the ground up? The Department of Marketing Management recently hosted a thought-provoking public lecture that explored this question with depth, data, and heart.

Delivered by Mongezi Mtati, seasoned brand strategist, storyteller and podcast host, the lecture took attendees on a journey through the evolving face of township retail. With nearly two decades of experience in marketing and digital engagement, and currently Senior Brand Strategist at Rogerwilco, Mtati anchored the conversation in lived realities and future possibilities.

The lecture included contributions from Bongani Soko, Co-Founder of Godlela, and Brian Makwaiba, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Vuleka, who added sharp insights on connectivity, community logistics, and informal supply chain innovation.

Connectivity is rewriting the rules. From hyperlocal WhatsApp commerce to five-rand micro-retail models, township entrepreneurs are using fibre, digital marketplaces, and street-smart logistics to build vibrant new ecosystems.

• Relevance outweighs loyalty. Consumers in townships are gravitating toward brands that reflect their aspirations and respect their context. Painted spaza shops aren鈥檛 enough. Real relationships matter 鈥� built on inclusion and community investment.
• Informal doesn鈥檛 mean static. The informal economy is digitalising fast, with supply platforms, social media and smarter purchasing habits reshaping what retail looks like from the ground up.
• The Gogos are online. Fibre access is turning matriarchs into digital decision-makers, challenging assumptions and shifting generational habits in powerful new directions.

This wasn鈥檛 just a lecture 鈥� it was a call to rethink marketing through Ubuntu, inclusion and shared agency. Whether you鈥檙e a student shaping your path or an industry professional expanding your lens, this session invited participants to engage township retail not as an afterthought 鈥� but as a frontier of innovation.

The full Township CX Report by Rogerwilco drops in September 2025. Until then, stay tuned 鈥� the future is already unfolding, one connected corner at a time.

His insights were well received, and his advice will surely inspire!

Navigating Marketing鈥檚 Future: Khensani Nobanda Explores AI, Ethics and Tech at UJ Lecture

Watch the recorded public lecture here:听

The Department of Marketing Management, in partnership with the Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA), recently hosted an illuminating public lecture by marketing executive Khensani Nobanda. Her talk, titled 鈥淔uture-Proof Marketing: Reflecting on the Societal and Ethical Impact of AI, the Metaverse and Emerging Technologies,鈥� drew over 200 online attendees into a timely dialogue on innovation, responsibility and transformation.

From the outset, Nobanda emphasized that trust 鈥� not scale 鈥� is the defining currency of modern marketing. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded across marketing functions, she affirmed that the human touch remains vital. AI-generated content, she cautioned, must still be reviewed through a human lens to ensure inclusivity, relevance and cultural nuance.听Empathy, ethical judgment and cultural fluency听are no longer optional 鈥� they are imperatives.

This evolving dynamic is echoed in Gartner鈥檚 forecast for the future of work, which Nobanda referenced during her talk. The report calls for continuous upskilling and adaptive learning as skills become more short-lived in a tech-driven world (Gartner, 2024).

Creativity, Nobanda emphasized, must now thrive not only in analytical domains, but also in ethical ones. 鈥淲hat is marketing?鈥� she asked. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about identifying opportunities for growth using the right tools and platforms.鈥�

With most marketing skills now carrying a shelf life of just 18 months, the future demands a mindset of learning, unlearning and relearning. This includes cross-functional learning labs, ethical micro-learning, and critical audits of generative AI outputs. Marketers must not simply execute 鈥� they must reflect, refine and adapt with agility.

In today鈥檚 ecosystem, relevance requires reflexivity. The next generation of marketing leaders will succeed not just by mastering tools, but by cultivating ethical clarity and strategic curiosity. Nobanda urged participants to rethink what marketing is 鈥� and whose values it serves.

In an era shaped by algorithms and shifting cultural norms, the true competitive edge lies in fostering marketers who audit with empathy, act with integrity and adapt with intention.

Khensani closed with a powerful reminder:听鈥淭he future of marketing is marketers.鈥�

In a landscape where culture, trust and ethical leadership matter more than efficiency, Nobanda鈥檚 talk encouraged professionals to remain curious, intentional and courageous in redefining the discipline.

Reference

Gartner Inc. (2024). Gartner Unveils Top Predictions for IT Organizations and Users in 2025 and Beyond. Press release, 22 October. Available at:听

The Marketing 1st-year students had the privilege of attending a dynamic guest lecture by Mathapelo Mofokeng, the Senior Brand Manager at Nestl茅 SA. With a rich background in strategic communications and a robust career spanning major companies like Clover, Unilever, Bayer, and now Nestl茅, Mathapelo brought both experience and insight to the session.

Her lecture focused on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and its profound impact on industries such as manufacturing and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). She highlighted how technologies like automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping traditional operations and enhancing efficiency in production lines and marketing strategies.

Mathapelo also introduced students to the Internet of Things (IoT) and its rollout across various sectors, demonstrating how connected devices are revolutionizing everything from supply chain management to consumer engagement. One of the key takeaways from her talk was the role of AI as a tool to supplement human input, helping reduce human error and support decision-making, rather than replacing human roles entirely.

The session not only enriched students鈥� understanding of modern marketing environments but also emphasized the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the age of digital transformation.

Our very own Sisekelo Simelane came to discuss the SRC’s role in his peers’ academic journeys. As the SRC president, Sisekelo is a dedicated student, currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Marketing.

Passionate about public speaking, Sisekelo has consistently demonstrated strong leadership skills throughout his academic journey. He is currently serving as the President of the Student Representative Council (SRC), a position that reflects his commitment to representing student interests and fostering a positive campus environment.

His insights were well received, and his advice will surely inspire!

The Department of Marketing Management celebrated academic excellence during the 2025 Club 15 Awards Ceremony, held on 14 April 2025.

Prof Nicole Cunningham, who opened the programme, and the Hod Dr Isolde Ward welcomed attendees with inspiring words of encouragement, setting an uplifting tone for the ceremony.

The guest speaker, Cameron Sivalingam, a proud alumnus of the department, delivered an engaging keynote address. He emphasised the importance of fully immersing oneself in the various industry projects offered by the department. Sivalingam highlighted that the combination of excellent academic performance, visibility, and strong networking skills is the ultimate recipe for success. He also encouraged students to proactively identify and meet the needs of their environments before being asked, to distinguish themselves.

The 欧美福利100000 of Johannesburg鈥檚 Department of Marketing recently had the honour of hosting Professor Jukka Ojasalo, a visiting professor from Finland and a globally respected authority in services marketing.

Prof. Ojasalo, whose career spans over two decades of pioneering research in professional service management, spent two enriching days at UJ鈥檚 Auckland Park campus. His visit underscored the department鈥檚 steadfast commitment to global collaboration, academic excellence, and advancing thought leadership in marketing practice and scholarship.

The centrepiece of his visit was a public lecture on Managing Customer Expectations in Professional Services鈥攁 theme he has explored extensively throughout his career. Held to a packed audience both in-person and online, the session offered invaluable insights into how service firms can strategically align customer expectations with deliverables to enhance satisfaction, loyalty, and brand trust. Drawing on years of empirical research, Prof. Ojasalo provided both practical frameworks and theoretical underpinnings for managing these complex customer dynamics in a competitive service economy.

In addition to the public lecture, Professor Ojasalo led a highly interactive masterclass on qualitative data analysis. This interactive workshop, designed for researchers, academics, and postgraduate students,听 looked to deepen understanding of Grounded Theory.

Both events were met with enthusiastic participation, reflecting Prof. Ojasalo鈥檚 status as a leading voice in services marketing and the growing appetite among UJ鈥檚 academic community for international research exchange.

Learn more about Professor Jukka Ojasalo

The 欧美福利100000 of Johannesburg鈥檚 Department of Marketing recently welcomed Professor Nripendra P. Rana, a distinguished visiting academic and globally recognised expert in digital marketing and emerging technologies.

Professor Rana, who holds the prestigious title of Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher, spent a productive few days at UJ鈥檚 Auckland Park campus, sharing his wealth of knowledge with both students and academic staff alike. His visit formed part of the department鈥檚 ongoing commitment to fostering cutting-edge thought leadership and enhancing academic excellence in the field of marketing.

The highlight of Prof. Rana鈥檚 visit was a public lecture held on 26 March, titled AI-Powered Marketing: A Sustainable Strategy for Future-Ready Managers. The one-hour session drew a full house鈥攂oth in-person and online鈥攁s attendees gathered to hear his thought-provoking insights on how artificial intelligence is reshaping marketing strategies. Prof. Rana delved into how AI can be harnessed not only to optimise business performance but also to embed sustainable, ethical practices into the future of marketing. His lecture was a timely reminder of the need for today鈥檚 marketing professionals to be agile, responsible, and digitally astute.

The day before, on 25 March, Prof. Rana led an intensive three-hour workshop tailored for postgraduate students and emerging researchers. The session, Finding Research Gaps: A Systematic Review of Literature, offered a practical guide to mastering the art of systematic literature reviews鈥攁 critical skill for any aspiring academic. Attendees were taught how to critically assess existing research, identify gaps, and position their work for impactful publication in leading journals. Once again, the workshop attracted capacity attendance both on campus and virtually, reflecting the high level of interest in Prof. Rana鈥檚 expertise.

Learn more about Professor Nripendra P. Rana

Our Marketing 3 students had the incredible privilege of engaging with the legendary Mrs Maphuthi Rankapole, Marketing Executive at Famous Brands and the creative powerhouse behind the iconic KFC Streetwise Two campaign. From bold brand stories to real-world insights, Mrs Rankapole inspired the next generation of marketers with wisdom, wit, and the magic of authentic connection. A true masterclass in marketing excellence!

Mrs Rankapole also gave great advice on “getting infront of important people” in the market to increase employability. The students were told about the value of taking initiative, freelance work and building a portfolio. #ThePowerOfTheSideHustle

The Higher Certificate students recently experienced Marketing 1 from a whole new perspective when Aphiwe Bukani, Marketing Manager of McDonalds South Africa, guest lectured for them.

The students were intrigued to hear from such an experienced and results-driven marketer. Mr Bukani shared insights from his experience in the FMCG, QSR, Telecommunications, and Media sectors spanning over 15 years. The students gained a practical understanding of how to drive successful marketing and brand management initiatives, crafting effective marketing strategies, fostering impactful partnerships, and excelling in stakeholder management. They gained invaluable advice on building national campaigns that yield significant outcomes in the South African Market.

The Diploma students got to see personal selling from a super-charged perspective when Mbali Nyembe, a Digital Marketing Specialist from Red Bull, joined them as a guest lecturer.

The students gained great insights as Ms Nyembe related her experiences with digital marketing to their personal selling syllabus. The students heard how collaboration, empathy, agility and synergy are vital for success in the current market. Being a marketer today requires being prepared to work with different elements of the digital world, and Ms Nyembe highlighted important areas such as social media management, content creation, community engagement, influencer collaboration and website content management. It is always great to get practical marketing advice for the South African market.

The Diploma in Retail Business Management first-year students were honoured with a guest lecture by Masego Pilanyane, a seasoned marketing professional with over 12 years of industry experience spanning pharmaceuticals, beauty, and FMCG.

She currently serves as the Senior Brand Manager at Bayer South Africa, where she leads the Dermatology category across Sub-Saharan Africa, overseeing iconic brands such as Zambuk, Bepanthen,听and听Canesten.

PhD Research That Makes a Difference

Over the month of March, has taken to the Khwezi FM airwaves, Wednesdays at 15:15, to share valuable insights on how digital stokvel platforms can enhance financial inclusivity, improve savings culture, and simplify group money management for rural consumers. The sessions have provided a unique opportunity to address common concerns, break down complex digital financial concepts, and encourage trust in modern fintech solutions.

We are so proud of Ms Thusi’s far reaching impact

Pizza Date on 3 March 2025

The UJ Department of Marketing Management hosted a lunch at Piza E Vino for our W&R SETA Youth Project bursary recipients to reconnect, share their journeys, and inspire one another. 听The event was hosted by 饾棗饾椏 饾棪饾棽饾椇饾椉饾椈饾棶 饾棧饾椂饾椆饾椆饾棶饾槅, Chair of W&R SETA, alongside 饾棗饾椏 饾棞饾榾饾椉饾椆饾棻饾棽 饾棯饾棶饾椏饾棻, Head of Marketing Management.

We were also pleased to welcome the W&R SETA Gauteng leadership team, including Norman Mafuratidze, Sandile Maseko, and Nhlamolo Chabalala, whose presence added valuable insights and support for the students. During the event, students were encouraged to express what success means to them through artistic representations. This exercise sparked meaningful conversations and provided the Chair team with profound insights into the students鈥� aspirations and personal definitions of success.

Learn more about our Youth Project Initiative

Welcoming Mukundi Munzhelele as Guest Speaker at the BCom Honours in Marketing Management Orientation

The Department of Marketing at was honored to welcome Mukundi Munzhelele, Marketing Director of KFC Africa, as the guest speaker at the BCom Honours in Marketing Management orientation on 7 February 2025.

Students had the incredible opportunity to hear firsthand about his marketing career journey, experiences, and successes in the dynamic world of marketing. His insights into brand strategy, consumer engagement, and market leadership in Africa provided invaluable lessons for our future marketers.

Following the presentation, students eagerly engaged in discussions, seeking advice and inspiration to shape their own careers in marketing. We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Munzhelele for his time and for sharing his expertise with the next generation of marketing leaders.

The Department of Marketing extends a heartfelt thank you to Staedtler and PNA for their vibrant engagement with first-year students during the First-Year Seminar from 3 to 7 February 2025. Their presence brought energy and excitement to the event, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our newest students.

Over the course of five days, caps, water bottles, sweets, and stationery were generously handed out, ensuring students were well-equipped for the year ahead. The event was further brought to life with balloon popping and creative poster competitions, adding an extra layer of fun and interaction. The strong branding and activations by Staedtler and PNA made an impactful contribution to the overall experience.

A special highlight was the participation of past UJ graduates, now working at PNA, sharing their career journeys and experiences. On the Thursday, three BCom Honours alumni 鈥� Nhlanhla Ndlazi, Kgothatso Motlana and Kylie Kisten 鈥� delivered an inspiring alumni presentation, motivating students to make the most of their academic and career opportunities.

We appreciate the support of Staedtler and PNA in making this seminar an unforgettable experience for our first-year students. Their involvement underscores the strong industry connections and career pathways available to our students.