#SABrand: Recapturing the South African narrative

Cape Town - South Africa’s brand will come under scrutiny at a new summit aiming to start a series of important conversations about the country.

The South Africa Brand Summit & Awards, with the theme “Recapturing the South African narrative”, seeks to analyse South Africa as a brand and recognise organisations and people who have enhanced the country’s reputation.

"The need for such an initiative has never been more critical. And it has never been more timely," according to reputation specialist & project convenor Solly Moeng.

READ: Let's talk: What makes South Africa's brand identity?

"The summit will initiate and lead critical conversations about our nation's brand image; the attributes that make us proud, as well as the opportunities that remain to improve on our best efforts to progress in an increasingly global and complex world," he explained.

"This initiative will also provide an opportunity to reflect on how best to position South Africa as an attractive destination for FDI, discerning tourists, project collaboration in many sought-after fields (academia, sports, etc.); all aimed at promoting sustainable development, as well as regional and global leadership for South Africa.”

Moeng said the inaugural summit has secured a growing list of exceptional speakers, panellists, moderators and sponsors from all sectors of our society into the fold.

Among them are Yanina Dubeykovskaya, founder and chairperson of The World Communication Forum, Professor Jonathan Jansen, acclaimed journalist Siki Mgabadeli, Gamiro Investment Group executive director Crispin Sonn and Western Cape MEC for Economic Opportunities Alan Winde.

Captions of business, politics and civic society will explore various challenges and opportunities such as the size of the gulf that exists between South Africa’s brand identity and brand image, how South Africa is currently perceived, our nation’s brand narrative and South Africa’s best-loved brands.

The two-day event will take place on 16th & 17th November in Cape Town, culminating in a Gala Awards Dinner at which brands that make South Africa shine will be celebrated.

*More information is available at sabrandsummit.co.za.