by Mercedes Westbrook | Sep 18, 2025 | Business
The South African Institute of Welding (SAIW) is tackling one of the country’s toughest challenges: unemployment. This release highlights how the organisation is addressing the skills gap in welding through innovative training programmes, new digital tools, and global partnerships. It’s a strong example of a press release that combines technical expertise, industry alignment, and social relevance.
The Press Release
South African welders remain unemployed and under pressure to find work, despite a global demand for the skill and a firm commitment from the South African government to spend millions on public work projects specific to the power generation and petrochemical sectors, positions that require certified welding skills.
Fine-tuning the complexities of bridging the current unemployment gap and securing the future of welding, the SAIW is poised to leapfrog the global pandemic lockdown and play a positive role in employment and skills upliftment. With the opportunity for local fabricators and manufacturers to gain skills value, the SAIW is launching its progressive online training programs, introducing a new Prospectus App due to launch to market by the end of November 2020, and developing a Welders Register available to SAIW Members, which will match welder skills and job opportunities.
SAIW Business Development Manager Etienne Nell explains; “There is a demand for welding skills in South Africa, yet locally, many South African training facilities only offer basic welder training resulting in a lack of properly qualified prospective employees. We also see welder certifications become outdated or the welder certification does not meet industry requirements especially now with more exotic materials being used in fabrication, also training providers are not familiar with the requirements of the pressure equipment regulations (PER). Additionally, current school leavers are unaware of the potential for long term welding employment and business entrepreneurship within this informal sector.
“As a non-profit and non-governmental organisation which addresses these core challenges, the SAIW has launched a series of progressive tailor-made training programs specific to manufacturers and fabricators, together with a comprehensive 28-week International Institute of Welding (IIW) course, which includes the five different welding processes. We also train welders to meet sector and project specifications and collaborate with fabricators on-site to advise where we see a need for upskilling, in response the majority of fabricators have reported as much as a 20% increase in productivity of their equipment and improved quality and hourly output of their welders.”
Welder certification and train the trainer opportunities
For first-time career welders, the QCTO 3-year internationally-recognised training program, registered through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), is comparative to a University degree and is based on the dual system, a system widely used with the USA, Germany and Switzerland.
The Department of Higher Education and Training has also embarked on establishing Centers of Specialization (CoS) where the dual system in South Africa is being piloted and therefore capacity building our TVET Colleges.
Train the trainer opportunity is imminent with Mozambique’s R128 billion oil and gas fabrication facility which will require that for every South African welder being employed the Fabricator needs to train 10 local welders from within the local community.
Companies may partner with SAIW to make use of its specialist training services which align with the International Institute of Welders (IIW) training guidelines. Uganda has partnered with the SAIW in this regard, to become registered as an approved training body to roll out specialist training programs in their country.
New app means welder connectivity
Mobile connectivity is also set to fast track the SAIW’s training contribution and welding education process whereby its 200-page Prospectus document will be converted into an easily navigated communication tool where key features can be accessed via mobile phones.
Offering interactive communications for welders and empowering career development guidelines, the App enables quick access to register. Welders will be able to enter their welding credentials via the App, should they not be SAIW certified they may be required to complete a certification of competency test or take advantage of the SAIW’s short upskilling courses.
Given that there are a number of career paths and associated courses in practical welding, welding coordination, welding inspection, competent persons and Non-destructive Testing. Once launched, the app will seek to navigate these course requirements by clearly show a future career path that these courses will allow students to follow. Alternatively, one can enter one’s current level of qualification and experience and the App will determine course options and career path possibilities based on the course entry requirements.
Welder Register: Will the SAIW help me find a job?
The SAIW is currently compiling a database of qualified welders who, once registered according to confirmed credentials, will be made visible to SAIW fabricator members looking to either recruit qualified welders or invite them for an interview together with undertaking the mandatory Code Certification test.
Any welder who is certified by the SAIW or has successfully undertaken the Code certification test may upload their information onto the welder register, hereby they advertise themselves for job opportunities offered by SAIW members. Member manufacturers and fabricators may also send apprentices on the SAIW training and certification programs.
Click here to complete your application for the SAIW welder register where you will also be asked to upload your CV and welding certification as part of the application process. For any other enquiries please email info@saiw.co.za
Results & Impact
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Positioned SAIW as both an industry authority and a social impact driver.
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Elevated welding as a credible, long-term career path with global relevance.
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Generated visibility for new initiatives: the mobile app, the welder register, and internationally aligned certification programmes.
This release illustrates how technical industries can be positioned as solutions to unemployment and economic growth, not just as niche sectors. For organisations working in training, accreditation, or technical fields, strategic communications like this make the connection between industry expertise and national development visible and compelling.
by Mercedes Westbrook | Sep 18, 2025 | Firehorse Media
Celebrity chefs often shape food trends, but they can also shape conversations around sustainability and food security. This release for Luke Dale Roberts highlighted his partnership with Chefs for Change, connecting his culinary prestige to the vital work of Farm Africa in protecting Lake Victoria’s resources. It’s a prime example of how to align a public figure with a global movement in a way that feels authentic, impactful, and newsworthy.
The Press Release
Luke Dale Roberts Joins Chefs for Change
CULINARY trailblazer, Luke Dale Roberts has heeded the call to ‘protect the planet and its people’ by joining forces with Chefs for Change to support the upliftment of farmers, suppliers and traders involved in Kenya’s Farm Africa project focused on sustainable farming approaches to protect Lake Victoria’s strained resources.
Uniting the world’s best chefs and the world’s most remote rural communities, Chefs for Change transforms lives through the provision of sustainable sources of protein and provides fish farmers with access to high-value markets to increase their incomes.
Voted one of the world’s 50 best chefs and founding owner of The Test Kitchen and The Pot Luck Club, Luke Dale Roberts said: “I am honoured and excited to work with the Farm Africa organisation. I look forward to visiting Kenya and learning more about the fish farming in the region. Supporting local farmers and growers who are invested in their communities and engaging and promoting sustainable farming methods is something I am deeply passionate about”.
Produced on behalf of Manley Communications
Results & Impact
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Positioned Luke Dale Roberts as a socially engaged culinary leader, not just a restaurant innovator.
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Strengthened visibility for Chefs for Change and Farm Africa by attaching them to a globally recognized chef.
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Secured coverage in lifestyle, sustainability, and food industry press.
This release shows the power of pairing a respected brand or personality with a meaningful cause. For businesses or leaders seeking to amplify their impact initiatives, messaging like this creates authenticity while also extending their influence beyond their immediate industry.
by Mercedes Westbrook | Sep 18, 2025 | Firehorse Media
Some press releases carry weight far beyond media visibility. This release for the African Child Trauma Conference was written to spotlight Dr. Ayelet Giladi’s groundbreaking research in child sexual abuse prevention, while framing the conference as a crucial convening for change. It’s a powerful example of how strategic communications can elevate awareness, mobilize support, and influence systems that directly protect vulnerable children.
The Press Release
The Honest Truth: 1 in 3 South African Children Will Be Sexually Abused by Age 17
Sexual Abuse Prevention Tools for Children to be Revealed at African Child Trauma Conference by International Sociology Researcher
The rate of sexual violence in South Africa is among the highest in the world and young children are its most vulnerable target but according to Dr Ayelet Giladi, a Consulting Educational Sociologist and author of Sexual Harassment: No Children’s’ Game,we can empower children as young as 5 years to learn to protect themselves.
The phenomena of sexual harassment reached global awareness amidst high profile news stories from Hollywood celebrity circles which sparked the global #Metoo campaign. It also brought awareness to the #Childrentoo campaign and reinforced the work of African child rights protectors, educationists and parents who deal with the trauma of victims who are defined by a faceless statistic: 1 in 3 South African children will be sexually abused by age 17.
Sharing her international research at the upcoming African Child Trauma Conference in Cape Town 18 – 21 August 2019, Dr Ayelet Giladi says 1 in 5 children are experiencing sexual harassment from other children from as young as age four and as much as 20% of children’s’ games between the ages of 5 to 8 are seen to include elements of sexual harassment.
“Adults in general and children in particular still have difficulty identifying violence and sexual harassment. We see this behaviour in children associated with social and cultural gender and as a result of the need to demonstrate power and gain social capital within their age group as a foundation of human behavior.
“It is necessary to provide children with parameters for flexible gender behavior early on, in order to relieve them of the violent social stigma that would otherwise dictate their lifelong behavior. My work is of particular importance in the African context as many educational institutions may be the setting for sexual abuse and sodomy, the harsh psychological effects of which will have long-term effects on all those involved.”
Dr Giladi’s research offers training programmes, workshops to professionals, teachers and parents with age-appropriate interventions from age 4 up until age 17 where participants gain the ability to identify patterns of sexual harassment at preschool age, prevent and manage sexual harassment and abuse and protect children from future vulnerability.
Her research draws a clear line in identifying the difference between bullying and sexual harassment and provides early interventions and children with the appropriate support needed during their formative years with programs that are inclusive of the entire community.
“It is important to start with the tools to prevent sexual harassment at an early age,” says Dr Giladi. “Having a good curriculum is not enough and educators need practical interventions from an early age until 16 years using varies techniques across a common value language that is easy to learn and easy to use.”
Dr Giladi, who presents globally to governments, educators and parental audiences, will be showcasing her research and innovations in preventing and managing child harassment and abuse when she joins conference partners and sponsors of the African Child Trauma conference, which include Ispcan, Unicef, Children’s Institute, Centre for Child Law, Teddy Bear Foundation, Childline,Matla a Bana and the Dullah Omar Institute.
She will be offering delegates an opportunity to share in her skills-building workshop and her programme of interventions represented internationally through her Voice of the Child Association(VOCA) with the aim of finding African routes towards ending violence for all children with a commitment to changing the landscape of child protection in Africa.
“I’ve been researching sexual harassment prevention in children for 19 years and the world is now ready to hear it,” says Giladi. “It is my aim to bring the tools for sexual harassment prevention to as many children, teachers, parents and supporting corporate bodies as possible so we can ensure that our children of today will not have a need for a #Metoo campaign in the future.
About Dr Ayelet Giladi holds a doctorate in sociology education from ARU University, England and Bachelor and Master degrees from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is the author of the book, ‘Sexual Harassment: No Children’s’ Play – Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Educational System and the Community’.
The African Child Trauma Conference takes place 18 -21 August 2019 and is organised by Jelly Beanz and their partners Ispcan, Unicef, Children’s Institute, Centre for Child Law, Teddy Bear Foundation, Childline, Matla a Bana and the Dullah Omar Institute. The conference aims to gather delegates from across Africa committed to changing the landscape of child protection in Africa and finding African routes towards ending violence for all children. Jelly Beanz is run by Edith Kriel and Marita Rademeyer its two founding members who are considered leaders in the field in helping children who have experienced abuse and neglect. The conference will be opened by Chairperson Dr Maria Mabetoa South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP). The keynote speaker is Yusuf Abramjee, a Consultant for Interpol #TurnBackCrime Ambassador, Play your Part Ambassador and Social Cohesion Advocate.
Delegates may register athttps://www.childtraumaconferenceafrica.org/
Results & Impact
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Drew media and stakeholder attention to the African Child Trauma Conference as a must-attend event for child protection professionals.
SMILE FM Radio Interview: Listen here https://smile904.fm/the-honest-truth-1-in-3-south-african-children-will-be-sexually-abused-by-age-17/
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Elevated Dr. Ayelet Giladi as an international authority with practical, age-appropriate interventions.
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Strengthened visibility for the coalition of African child rights organizations driving systemic change.
This release illustrates how messaging can serve as both advocacy and education. For organizations working on human rights, children’s rights, or trauma prevention, communications that balance urgency with solutions are critical to building trust and engagement with funders, policymakers, and the public.
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Child Protection South Africa
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African Child Trauma Conference
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Sexual Abuse Prevention
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Dr. Ayelet Giladi
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Voice of the Child Association
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#Childrentoo
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UNICEF and Partners
by Mercedes Westbrook | Sep 18, 2025 | Business
Property is more than bricks and mortar — it’s one of the most effective tools for long-term wealth creation, especially when paired with South Africa’s current tax incentives. This release for Knight Frank positions the firm as both an investment guide and a trusted partner for high-net-worth individuals looking to maximize their portfolios. It’s a strong example of turning technical financial guidance into accessible, client-friendly messaging.
The Press Release : Knight Frank Property Investment
A Tax-deductible Property Portfolio is One of the Best Investments to Consider
Your assets for the future determine your current net worth today, and with a healthy property portfolio and the current SARS tax incentives in place, you as the property owner can maximise the growth of your investments.
In order to enjoy tax-free ownership incentives, property investment portfolios in South Africa may be residential, such as single-family homes, multi-family properties or commercial properties. The distinction lies in the fact they are ‘buy to let’ residential or commercial properties as opposed to falling under the income tax of primary residences.
Defined within an investment portfolio, your properties are considered ‘income properties’ that are bought and developed with the sole intention of earning revenue from them.
A successful property portfolio comprises of five or more ‘buy to let’ properties that are rented or held while the property appreciates. All expenses on your property portfolio are deductible from the rental income, before tax is calculated. The gains that you see to growing your net worth lies in the interest, capital gains and dividends you earn from them being completely tax-free.
Rental properties, such as holiday homes, guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments bought with the intention of generating rental income can not only cover your property’s bond but will also allow you to claim for certain expenses you may further acquire on the property. This might include levies charged by body corporates, repairs and maintenance, insurance premiums and municipal service costs charged to the owner.
Keep in mind that you can invest R33 000 per tax year up to a lifetime maximum of R500 000. If you contribute more than these maximums, you will incur penalties.
Your property portfolio investment is also beneficial in estate planning. Your dependents can be financially secured through estate planning which pays your beneficiaries immediately, does not incur executor fees and ensures your beneficiaries receive the maximum benefit from your estate.
As with any investment, Knight Frank advises you consult with a certified tax advisor to ensure you receive the best legal and investment guidance for your distinctive property portfolio.
ENDS/
Results & Impact
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Strengthened Knight Frank’s positioning as a trusted thought leader in wealth management through property.
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Reinforced the link between property investment, tax efficiency, and estate planning.
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Provided accessible, actionable guidance that positioned the firm as approachable for clients seeking clarity in complex areas.
This release illustrates the value of creating content that educates while positioning a brand as a premium advisor. If your company operates in finance, property, or wealth management, well-crafted releases like this not only secure coverage but also build trust and long-term client relationships.
by Mercedes Westbrook | Sep 18, 2025 | Business
Some press releases mark not just a company milestone but a national turning point. This release for House of Hemp captured a historic achievement: the awarding of South Africa’s first private commercial cannabis production license. It framed the win not only as a business development but as the start of a new, job-creating industry rooted in indigenous knowledge and global competitiveness.
The Press Release
The House of Hemp Strikes Green Gold for South Africa for the Second Time in History
Front-runners in the quest for using South Africa’s indigenous knowledge rights to commercialize medical marijuana and by products produced from hemp for the benefit and upliftment of our local economy, House of Hemp has been honored as the first private company to receive a license to commence commercial production.
Founder and visionary Dr Thandeka Kunene comments: “We celebrate this success for all of South Africa. It has been a 20 year journey of endeavour to fulfil a vision for a new industry that speaks to our nation’s cultural heritage, our skills, our resources and as a new business arm that will compete with global players. We believe we have received this honour based on our meritocracy fuelled by our passion and years of research. We are ready to fuel a new industry for South Africa in the product of hemp.”
History repeats itself
Since its grass roots endeavors in 1999, when House of Hemp first set down its mandate to be a part of a new South Africa focused on reducing poverty and creating jobs, its 28 black directors lobbied for their vision of a future hemp industry and won the first permit granted by the South African government at that time for cultivating hemp for commercial research purposes.
Working with research arm of the University of Free State and the Department of Science & Technology on non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) and its uses in the medical, food, textile, and fuel industries, House of Hemp’s exemplary protocols based on foundational values as a company has seen the company expand its footprint over the past twenty years. The result of House of Hemp’s efforts, together with the Department of Agriculture has charted a corruption-proof path towards a legitimate business blueprint for hemp production in South Africa.
Hi-tech operations underway
Following the recent granting of the first license for commercial production of Medical Cannabis within the new proposed Medical Controls Council (MCC) guidelines, operations have already ramped up at Dube Trade port’s AgriZone complex – one of the most high-tech agricultural facilities in Africa.
Once in full operation, House of Hemp will not only compete with the current high-value import industry but says it is poised to create 500 000 jobs in as little as 36 months and play a pivotal role in the countries future according to its National Development Plant (NPD).
With licenses already operating in Zimbabwe and Lesotho and the global success of hemp industries as seen especially in Canada and the United States, South Africa has, with the granting of the license for commercial hemp production, taken the first step to using its natural resources and cultural traditions as a mechanism to creating jobs while at the same time developing commercial opportunity to benefit agriculture, retail and government sectors.
Says Dr Kunene says: “We welcome discussions from other players in the industry who share the same vision and will continue to seek opportunities for our country by partnering for a rainbow nation that empowers everyone.”
A media briefing will take place on the 24th April 2019 at a venue in Johannesburg where the full roll out of House of Hemp’s strategy and its potential will be presented and where relevant stakeholders and potential investors can have their questions answered.
All enquiries can be directed to E: info@ihouseohemp.co.za
Results & Impact
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Positioned House of Hemp as an industry leader and first mover in South Africa’s cannabis and hemp economy.
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Elevated the role of founder Dr. Thandeka Kunene as a visionary voice in indigenous knowledge and commercial innovation.
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Generated interest from investors, government stakeholders, and international media in the future of the cannabis industry in South Africa.
Visuals (Optional Enhancements)
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Image of Dr. Thandeka Kunene.
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Photo of Dube TradePort AgriZone facilities.
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Infographic showing projected job creation and economic impact.
Closing / Call-to-Action
This release demonstrates the power of framing a single license approval as a transformative industry moment. For companies navigating regulation, innovation, and market entry, strategic messaging like this builds credibility, attracts partners, and anchors public perception at launch.
by Mercedes Westbrook | Sep 18, 2025 | Business
When it comes to luxury travel, exclusivity is the ultimate currency. This release for Hayward’s Grand Safari Company positions the brand at the pinnacle of African travel experiences — mobile 5-star safari expeditions designed for royalty, celebrities, and corporate elite. With its mix of sensory storytelling and corporate appeal, it’s a great example of how I build luxury narratives that both entice and establish authority.
The Press Release
Hayward’s Secret Safaris Cater to the International Elite seeking Travel Exclusivity
Where do royalty, millionaires and corporation heads like to travel? To unique, untouched locations where no one has stepped foot before and where no one may disturb their peace, unless of course, it’s the nocturnal roar of a big cat on the prowl or sweet bird song chorusing to a pink-hued African dawn.
Celebrated as Africa’s 5-star safari specialists, Peter & Celia Hayward and their skilful service team have been conjuring up big group safari adventures and private mobile expeditions for over 25 years. Hosting high-end safari clientele and their staff entourage in Africa’s most beautiful natural wonders of sea, land and sky, many of their bespoke safari destinations lie within exclusive World Heritage Sites where access is restricted.
“You can find budget flights and hotel stays for the ordinary traveller just about anywhere on the globe these days,” says Peter Hayward, “but you can’t book a safari expedition in the era of Livingstone into untouched Africa. The Grand Safari is the art of bringing luxury living into bespoke experiences within pristine natural landscapes to co-exist in complete ecological balance. When our mobile 5-star safari expedition departs, not a blade of grade is left bent to show our group of private safari explorers were ever there.
“And we are clear that the emphasis is on privacy and personal luxury, from non-disclosure agreements to personal requests. If you want to smoke cigars from Cuba with a case of the finest wine or whisky at your side while stargazing in the Waterberg Wilderness, we are happy to oblige. If you want to set up a casino event as a private networking opportunity with a group of global business elite in the middle of the Kruger National Park’s Big 5 territory, we will make it happen. If you want to be entertained by your favourite international rock band in the Namib Desert for your 60th birthday with friends and family, we are your go-to team.”
Off the Radar
Choosing your own unique luxury destination starts by looking at the map. Then you are provided with choices for getting there and what you want to experience. Think luxury train travel, charter flights, overland vehicles, hot air balloons, luxury yachts and camel taxis.
Arrival at camp is a warm welcome which reveals only the finest in Livingstone-style safari comfort in 30 en suite Presidential Suites, manned by your personal butler. The dining tent caters to seven-course silver service meals, including mid-morning and afternoon high teas and sundowner cocktails served at various natural locations outside of camp.
When not engaged in safari excursions, Big 5 walking safaris, Big 6 diving excursions, or other business or adventure activities, a massage and spa service assist you to prepare for the evening’s black-tie events. Canapes, cocktails, oysters and champagne, wine and whiskey tastings set the tone until dinner is served and the evening’s entertainment commences.
“Culture, history, art, science, nature, adventure and food are pivotal players in each bespoke location,” says Peter, “and we incorporate choices for learning and entertainment within all of these, so our clients may experience the essence of action adventure along with immersing themselves in the local culture and current influencers that match with today’s authentically luxurious lifestyles.”
Customizable Corporate Incentives
It is not only celebrities who look for customized experiences that thrill and delight. Hayward’s Grand Safari Company is ahead of its game when it comes to one-of-a-kind travel incentives that are worthy of rewarding top corporate sales staff on international travel incentive programs that guarantee no individual participant could replicate the same for themselves or their families.
Achieving a once in a lifetime incentive trip for personally pushing the boundaries and achieving as a company incentive winner sets you apart from the rest, as you are whisked away to an unknown grand safari tented camp in the heart of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal. Its awe-inspiring to say the least, according to the Hayward Safaris’ latest group guests from Sanlam Connect International Convention who found themselves with breath-taking views over Lake St Lucia, backed by untouched coastal forest and dunes teeming with fauna and flora.
“One of my favourite pastimes is hunting down incredible camp site locations so we can offer guests the privilege of wilderness regions never safaried before and better still, where there are no other hotel options available, making it a truly rare and privileged occasion for all participants,” says Peter Hayward.
Whether you choose to be ensconced in a crater or the birthplace of mankind, amidst the San people, an island beach or a valley of a thousand purple tinged mountains, Hayward’s classic safari camps will take you there, just the way you want it.
Hayward’s Grand Safari Company provides tailored experiences in custom designed safari camps into unexplored Africa, compiled by experts with the utmost taste and insider knowledge for total travel exclusivity for VIP private groups and well-heeled globetrotters. Visit www.haywardsafaris.com
Results & Impact
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Positioned Hayward Safaris as Africa’s premier provider of ultra-exclusive mobile safari experiences.
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Secured coverage in luxury lifestyle, travel, and incentive industry outlets.
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Elevated brand appeal to both ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and corporate incentive buyers.
This release illustrates how luxury branding goes beyond simple description to evoke an experience that only a select few can access. If your business is seeking to elevate its messaging to attract a discerning, global clientele, I can help you shape communications that not only describe, but truly transport your audience.
