Adland’s Top Strategists on AI, Tools & the Strategic Human Advantage
South Africa’s top ad strategists warn that while AI can accelerate data collection and pattern detection, the true strategic advantage remains human deep thinking and cultural insight. Leaders such as Pepe Marais and Neo Makhele stress that only a small minority who habitually think will retain value, as the majority risk automation. They highlight essential tools: human‑led research, ethnography, cultural intelligence, and prompt‑craft, which complement AI rather than replace it. The consensus is that judgment, taste, and empathy will differentiate brands in an increasingly data‑rich environment.
#ClicksnTricks: The 3′ Banana & the Great Content Credibility Collapse
The article warns that AI‑driven content saturation and the rise of fabricated experts are eroding trust in both media and brand communications. Over 50 non‑existent "experts" have been quoted in UK outlets, illustrating how cheap synthetic voices infiltrate reputable sources....
#ThisWeek on MarkLives MEDIA: Conscious Uncoupling — Media Inhousing • #NextWeek: How Saffers Eat
Brands are increasingly pulling media strategy and buying in‑house, a trend dubbed “conscious uncoupling.” Executives cite greater accountability, faster decision‑making, and tighter budget control as primary drivers. Agencies are no longer full‑service partners but are retained for niche expertise, audits,...
#OnTheRadar: Rapt Restructures in Wake of Account Loss
Rapt Group ended its three‑year partnership with Signal Hill Products, losing roughly R60 million of its R200 million turnover and prompting a restructuring that trims 19 roles across media, strategy, creative and activations. CEO Garreth van Vuuren is moving into an operational, margin‑focused...
![#Outlook: How CMOs Will Measure Success in 2026 [Part 2 of 2]](/cdn-cgi/image/width=1200,quality=75,format=auto,fit=cover/https://admin.marklives.com/temp/images/1770630728.png)
#Outlook: How CMOs Will Measure Success in 2026 [Part 2 of 2]
South African CMOs are redefining success for 2026 amid a sluggish 1.4% GDP outlook. Rather than increasing campaign volume, they will focus on brand purpose, customer loyalty, and measurable commercial impact. Executives highlighted the blend of AI‑driven analytics with human...