Gabriel Unigwe in BIRKENSTOCK SS25

A summer of movement, freedom, and effortless style — captured in Cape Town

Cape Town served as the scenic canvas for a new lifestyle feature starring Nigerian creative GABRIEL UNIGWE, styled and produced by independent fashion platform THE BEAU GUIDE, in a visual story that celebrates freedom, travel, and timeless style.

This seasonal editorial spotlights a pair of BIRKENSTOCK EVA silhouettes — the BOSTON EVA and ARIZONA EVA in the refined EGGSHELL tone — styled against the vast coastal beauty of the Mother City. The imagery captures barefoot elegance and a sense of grounded movement, with BIRKENSTOCK styles anchoring every step.

Crafted from one-piece molded EVA, these lightweight silhouettes are water-resistant, easy to wipe down, and perfect for beach settings — blending durability with the timeless, structured aesthetic BIRKENSTOCK is celebrated for. Whether oceanside, in the city, or somewhere in between, the EVA range offers freedom of movement without compromising on elegance.

“There’s a simplicity to these shoes that mirrors the way I want to live — light,grounded, and always moving,” says Gabriel Unigwe, who styled his looks with clean layers and neutral tones to reflect his nomadic spirit.

Shot as a visual travel diary, rather than a traditional campaign, this story is an ode to summer movement, personal style, and the quiet confidence of everyday wear. With a focus on lifestyle and location, it reflects the kind of effortless dressing that’s both practical and beautiful

Shop the latest BIRKENSTOCK styles online at www.bashafrica.com and in BIRKENSTOCK stores across South Africa.

Cape Town Wine Lovers to Taste SA’s Best Winesin One Place

Diners Club Winemaker of the Year finalists to pour at Cavendish Square

Cape Town, 4 October 2025: For the first time, Cape wine lovers can taste all the finalists of the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year awards in one place at Cavendish Square. Now in its 45th year, this iconic South African wine competition celebrates the country’s top winemakers, and on Saturday 25 October, the Cavendish centre court will become a playground for the senses.

A Rare Opportunity to Sample the Best

Hosted by Wine Tonight, Cavendish, this tasting offers the uniquechance to discover and savour all of the award finalists. Shopperscan purchase a glass for R50 to sample the selection and take home their personal favourites directly from the Wine Tonight shop. With no pre-booking required, adults over 18 can simply arrive at the mall between 11am and 2pm to join in the experience. Credit and debit cards and Snapscan are accepted (no cash), and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

Supporting Aspiring Winemakers

Beyond the tasting, Diners Club continues its commitment to the Dine for Change initiative, raising significant funds each year to support underprivileged aspirant winemakers in their studies. While the winners of the 2025 awards will be announced at a gala dinnerat Arabella Golf Estate later in November, this tasting provides a great opportunity to engage with the talent shaping South African wine today.

“Cabernet Sauvignon is often referred to as the King of cultivar and South Africa produces some of the best in the world. So, this is a special chance to taste the very best Cabernets South Africa has to offer, all in one place!” said Giscard Collard from Wine Tonight.

For more information on the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year awards, visit https://www.dinersclub.co.za/news-events/winemaker-of-the-year. For more details on Cavendish Square shopping centrestores and promotions, visit www.cavendish.co.za or follow the centre on social media for regular updates https://www.instagram.com/cavendishsquare/

Absa returns as Betway SA20’s Official Banking Partner for another three years

Absa and Betway SA20 join forces for an unmissable cricketing experience for a second season.

Johannesburg, 13 October 2025 – Absa is proud to announce a return as the official banking partner for Betway SA20 in a new three-year-partnership. This comes after a successful Season 3 collaboration.

The extension of the partnership embodies Absa’s ‘Your Story Matters’ ethos, focusing on creating meaningful opportunities, empowering future generations and enhancing the customer journey, but also providing life-changing opportunities for cricket fans across the country.

Speaking about this exciting partnership, Tshipi Alexander, Interim Managing Executive: Unsecured Lending at Absa Personal and Private Banking says, “We at Absa are excited to continue our journey with Betway SA20 as the official banking partner for the next three years. Our customers remain at the heart of everything we do, and through this partnership we can continue fostering meaningful connections and rewarding our loyal customers this summer.

We look forward to offering exclusive experiences such as instant giveaways and engaging activations. By signing up at our in-stadium activations, Absa cardholders can enter the Absa Card Play of the Day and stand a chance to win up to R200 000. We are bringing all the fun and excitement to our customers this festive season.

“Beyond the thrilling matches, our loyal customers will be rewarded before the games start. They will receive discounted tickets when they purchase using their Absa cards; instant giveaways at every match and stand to win the grand prize trip to India and many more rewards”.

Here’s what’s in store for Absa cardholders at the matches:

·       The Absa Card Play of the Day: Absa cardholders can swipe or tap their cards to win up to R200 000 at every live match by registering at our in-stadium activations. Non-cardholders can also participate by signing up for an Absa account at the stadium.

·       Fast track access: Absa cardholders will enjoy quick access lanes at the stadium for the final match.

·       Park and Ride: Absa cardholders will enjoy exclusive access to a convenient park and ride service for the final match, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience.

·       Grand prize draw: Two lucky couples will win an all-expenses-paid trip to India for a bespoke Indian Cricket Experience – an unforgettable journey celebrating the spirit of the game in its birthplace.

·       Building on these activations that elevate the consumer experience, Absa introduces The Absa Moneyball – a gamified innovation that transforms every dot ball in the Betway SA20 into a savings moment. This initiative spotlights the Absa Savings Coach, turning one of the most overlooked aspects of cricket into a powerful metaphor for financial growth and smart money habits.

The Betway SA20 tournament promises to bring fans across different continents and cultures, it is a sporting experience like no other, weaving in the festive season’s energy.

The tournament will be held from 26 December 2025 to 25 January 2026, across various provinces, starting with the first match where MI Cape Town will begin the title defense against Durban’s Super Giants at Newlands in Cape Town.

For further information follow us on IG @absa.southafrica | #YourStoryMatters

For more information on Betway SA20, visit the website here to register and be the first to get your hands on tickets for the 2025/2026 season this October.

Bravo Africa Arrives on DStv & DStv Access: 

Star-Packed Launch Event Showcases Ultimate Reality TVChannel

Johannesburg, 9 October 2025: Johannesburg turned all the way up yesterday as NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-To-Consumer celebrated the highly anticipated launch of Bravo Africa at Four Seasons, The Westcliff. The packed event marked the arrival of the ultimate destination for reality TV, now available to viewers on DStv channel 124 and on DStv Access.

A guest list that brought the star power

The venue was buzzing with some of South Africa’s favourite personalities including Minnie Dlamini, Somizi, ThembisaMdoda, Nia Brown, Candice Modiselle, 

Vourne Kgosinkwe, Mamello Makha, Buntu Petse, Taryn Louch, Kayise Ngqula, Lula Odiba, Jo Judnick-Wilson, Judie Kama, Kay Sibiya, Jason WIlliemse, Yaya Mavundla, Kuhle Adams, Ray Neo Buso, 

Diolan Govender, Margo Fargo, Danny Painter, Sachi Okada, Roxy Burger, and Jason Goliath.

MC for the event, Thulane Hadebe (@YesitmeToolz), kept the energy high, entertaining the room as he highlighted the fun, the personalities and the unmissable drama that viewers can expect from Bravo Africa’s fresh slate of reality entertainment.

An exclusive first look at Bravo Africa’s content

Guests enjoyed an advance screening of the highly anticipated first episode of The Real Housewives of London, the 30th international instalment of the world-renowned franchise, premiering Sunday, 12 October at 19:00. The sneak peekshowed off the signature mix of drama, glamour and wit that hasmade The Real Housewives a global obsession.

The party also teased the return of the immensely popular comedy dating show Dating #No Filter South Africa, premiering Saturday, 11 October at 18:00. Guests were treated to a Q&A, hosted by Thulane, with cast members Jason Goliath, Kim Jayde, Carpo More,

Nadia Nakai, Jo-Anne Reyneke, Tums The Narrator, Skyf Your Loss and Robby Collins. 

Immersive brand experiences

Overlooking the Jozi skyline, the launch event featured plenty of fun interactive elements including guests getting their glam on at the Fenty Beauty station and indulging in Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl fragrance experience.

Africa’s new home for reality TV

Bravo is NBCUniversal’s global home of unscripted entertainment; the channel is available outside the US in Africa, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Through the exciting launch of Bravo Africa, local viewers are introduced to a huge line-up of top reality content. In addition to The Real Housewives of London and Dating #No Filter South Africa(Season 2), the channel offers an exciting range of iconic titles such as The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Below Deck Mediterranean, Married to Medicine and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

Bravo Africa is available now to DStv subscribers on channel 124, and on DStv Access. For regular updates and the inside scoop on Bravo programming, follow@bravotv_africa on Instagram. 

MOODSWING LANDS GLOBAL SONY MUSIC PARTNERSHIP TO ADD MUSIC TO CONVERSATIONS


Cape Town, Paris, New York (8 October 2025) — Delaware-incorporated, South African-founded music startup Moodswing has secured a global partnership with Sony Music Entertainment (SME), granting access to tracks from Sony’s world-class artist catalog for integration into its AI-powered communication app.

Moodswing lets users merge their voice notes and conversations with instrumental background music or music clips based on their mood. Its AI engine analyzes the emotion in a user’s voice and recommends music from genres such as happy, romantic, exciting, dramatic, funny, and more — turning everyday conversations into expressive, emotional, and shareable moments.

Co-Founder & CEO of Moodswing Jimmmy Muteba said: “Music is the language of emotion — it helps us express what words alone can’t. With over 3.5 billion people using messaging apps globally, the next evolution of communication is emotional. We live in a world where people don’t just want to play music — they want to play with it. Moodswing is opening a completely new, deeper emotional layer of communication — letting people add music to their conversations based on their mood. Partnering with Sony Music marks a major step forward, giving us access to a world-class artist catalog and reinforcing the scale of what we’re building.”

Founded by Jimmy Muteba, a South African and French entrepreneur and recording artist (known as CAPSO), Moodswing builds on his deep experience in music and media. As an artist, he has collaborated with global stars including Wyclef Jean and Fally Ipupa, created TRACE Music Star — Africa’s largest music talent search with over nine million users and celebrity judges such as Akon and Keri Hilson — which won Best Pan-African Initiative at AfricaCom, and created and executive produced the TV format The Coolest OG’s, licensed to Netflix and sold internationally to Banijay — the studio behind Survivor, Big Brother, and MasterChef — and nominated for Competition Show of the Year at the TBI Content Innovation Awards.

Moodswing has also recently secured a strategic partnership with TRACE, the leading global Afro-urban media group.

       “The mission of TRACE is to empower and entertain our people — the young audiences who love Afro-urban culture, but also the artists who create it. Anything that helps artists monetize their talent makes sense. And if we believe that a product is truly relevant in today’s digital world, it’s also our duty to support it. The other reason we decided to support Moodswing is because of the longstanding professional relationship we have with its founder. Over the past 15 years we have worked closely with him. His passion, resilience, flexibility and ability to always find solutions in difficult environments makes it worth our support. We all know that when we invest in a project, it’s not just about the project but the people behind it. I can already see the evolution and how much they will listen — to advice, the market, and all the users of the product — to make sure they always find the best solutions to answer their needs.  And given the massive usage of messaging apps, bringing added value, differentiation, and joy to that experience is a major plus. The support of key players across the music industry is a testament to the quality and growing interest the product has right now for the entire industry. When you add all of this together, you have the elements of a recipe that made us decide to invest” stated Olivier Laouchez, Founder & Executive Chairman of TRACE.

Moodswing is currently raising its pre-seed round, with several prominent angel investors already on board, including:

• Zachariah George – Managing Partner, Launch Africa Ventures
• Raj Kulasingam – Senior Counsel, Dentons; Venture Investor, SM River/V&R; Angel Investor of the Year, 500 Startups
• Audrey Verhaeghe – CEO, Anza Capital
• Nadia Seemuth – Managing Partner, Jambaar Capital
• Rajiv Daya – Head of Investments, NEXT176
• Gérald Croonenberghs – Managing Director, Silikin Village; Board Member, TEXAF
• Yosuke Yoshida – CEO, Emurgo Kepple Ventures & EMURGO MEA (Cardano)

Zachariah George, Managing Partner at Launch Africa Ventures, said: “One of the reasons I invested is because Moodswing is genuinely one of the most innovative products I’ve seen at the intersection of music and messaging — two of the most engaged digital behaviours globally. It allows users to layer emotionally matched soundtracks onto voice notes — something I never thought was actually possible. The fact that it will also work for live calls is just brilliant. It’s intuitive, works seamlessly across existing messaging apps, and lets musicians extend their reach across multiple platforms without any incremental work. What excites me most is that Moodswing’s path to monetization is clear — from its freemium model and creator tools to brand partnerships, and ultimately, music licensing, which gives this a serious route to market. And Jimmy has serious music-industry chops and vision. It’s hard to find someone as passionate and relentless as he is. He’s up working all hours of the night, across multiple time zones, to get things done. All in all, it’s culturally relevant, has strong early traction, and a founder and team who can execute. That’s why I’m proud to be one of its early backers.”

Raj Kulasingam, Senior Counsel at Dentons and Venture Investor at SM River/V&R, added “They’re solving a pretty big problem. It’s not about needing another messaging app — it’s about the fact that many creatives and musicians don’t make much money from streaming. Moodswing gives them another revenue stream — and young people already send emojis and stickers; now they can share their emotions through music too. The fact that they’ve closed a deal with a major music label means users will have access to all sorts of amazing tracks they can use in their conversations — and this gives me even more conviction in what they’re building. I’ve gotten to know Jimmy quite well — he’s one of the hardest-working founders I’ve backed — and our many conversations inspired us to come up with the catchphrase ‘turn your music into cash’ (#TMC) which underpins all of this.”

Selected among the top 12 startups from more than 750 applicants in the Création Africa 2024 accelerator — an initiative launched by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and led by the Embassy of France and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) to support entrepreneurship in the cultural and creative industries — Moodswing is currently live in beta on iOS and Android.

GAME CHANGERS. INNOVATORS. LEADERS.INTRODUCING THE INNOVATOR TRUST WOMEN IN TECH AWARDS POWERHOUSE LINEUP

 
Johannesburg – From coding the backbone of our networks to scaling innovative enterprises, women in ICT are building South Africa’s future, and on 20 November 2025, the Innovator Trust’s Women in Tech Awards will honour their impact on the local economy.

This year’s theme, “Shaping Her Growth: Code it. Shape it. Scale it,” recognises the advancement of female owned SMME’s who are building foundations, honing their leadership, and expanding their enterprises into lasting, influential businesses. In this context, the concept of redefining strength becomes tangible.

As one of South Africa’s premier events for women in ICT, the Awards promises a truly unique experience—honouring the exceptional contributions of the Innovator Trust’s women-led SMMEs and spotlighting the inspiring stories of trailblazers who have broken barriers and made a lasting impact on society.  This forum continues to underscore the profound impact of technology on the contemporary world and the evolving role of women in society. It serves as a unifying call for women of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures to rise and collectively envision a brighter future—leveraging the transformative potential of technology to develop innovative solutions to Africa’s most significant socio-economic challenges.

Get ready to be inspired and empowered as Innovator Trust proudly reveals an electrifying speaker line-up for the 2025 edition of the Women in Tech Awards to accompany this years’ celebrations. From a blend of cross-industry entrepreneurs and thought leaders, to seasoned experts of brand executives and also content creators, the Women in Tech Awards proudly showcases the diverse talent driving innovation in the tech industry. The exciting programme will be filled with thought provoking keynote addresses with lively and insightful panel discussions.
 
Renowned broadcast journalist and global conversation strategist Nozipho Tshabalala will guide the formal proceedings as the official moderator of the programme. Adding to the prestige of the event, corporate power player and Vodacom Business Operations Director: Vodacom Ventures and Business Partners; Martha Lamola will deliver the keynote address—sharing insights on leadership, innovation and the evolving role of women in the ICT sector.
 
A preview of the list of some of the distinguished speakers in the different panels include:
 
PANEL ONE
 
TOPIC: The Creative Corner – Reflection on Digital Creative Agencies and impact of AI 

  • Janine Wood – Founder and Marketing Manager of Ignite Media
  • Aphiwe Tafeni – Founder and CEO of Olem Business Boutique
  • Zumurrud Rinquest – Managing Director of Curious & Creative

 
PANEL  TWO
 
TOPIC: SMME Leadership in the Age of AI: How you can Lead Beyond Your Limits

  • Nomvuyiso Batyi  – CEO of Association of Comms and Technology
  • Zukiswa Phillips – Managing Executive Financial Planning & Analysis of Vodacom South Africa
  • Charmaine Houvet – Senior Director Africa of CISCO
  • Siphokazi Simandla – Managing Director of Bolunga Systems

 
PANEL THREE 
 
TOPIC: One Africa, One Market: African Women SMMEs Trading Without Limits

  • Smangele Nkosi – General Manager South Africa of CISCO
  • Kanini Mutooni – Regional Managing Director of Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation

 
PANEL FOUR
 
TOPIC: Africa’s Youth – How are they Coding, Shaping and Scaling?

  • Serisha Barrat – CEO & Co-Founder of Laweyerd Up
  • Thabile Makhoba – Director of Makhoba Professional Services

 
Additional speakers are set to be announced over the next few weeks.

As in previous years, the awards will be held in a hybrid format, featuring a live audience of invited guests alongside virtual participation. Viewers from around the world are encouraged to join via livestream.
 


Virtual registrations are NOW OPEN until 14th November 2025.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
 
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE WOMEN IN TECH AWARDS

DATE              Thursday, 20th November 2025
TIME               9am – 4pm
 
For more information about the Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards, visit any of the Innovator Trust online platforms below:
 
Instagram:     @innovatortrust
Facebook:     @innovatortrust
Twitter:           @innovatortrust
YouTube:      Innovator Trust
Website:        www.innovatortrust.co.za

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