TikTok x SAMA28

I recently attended a launch event where TikTok announced that it has partnered with the 28th South African Music Awards (SAMA28), to introduce the inaugural public-voted “TikTok Viral Song of the Year” category. This award recognises and celebrates local songs and artists that have dominated the entertainment platform in South Africa in the past year.

A number of the most popular songs of the past year made their debut on the entertainment platform before shooting to the top of the music charts globally – earning the platform its well-deserved spot in the music industry.

The TikTok Viral Song of the Year nominations can be voted for exclusively on TikTok from Thursday, 11 August at midday until 24 August, and the winner will be announced at the live SAMA event taking place on 28 August 2022 in Sun City, North West.

Continue reading

Cotton On Group unveils R300 million new headquarters and distribution centre for Southern Africa

The Cotton On Group has long been loved for the brands and trend-driven value products that it has brought to South Africa’s shores, such as Cotton On, Typo and Factorie. Now, the retail group has taken its presence in the region further by investing in a R300 million custom-built new central office and distribution centre in Johannesburg, that will further enhance their customer experience. Beyond signifying a commitment to the country, the new premises are an extension of the company’s pledge to Doing Good in all areas of its operations.

I was part of a handful of selected media to attend a VIP walk through of the new facility, and I got to see just how massive an operation it is to house millions of items, and to satisfy customers when they “add to cart” and order online.

Continue reading

Winners of the inaugural Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards 

Mishkah Roman-Cassiem (Guest)

Just a day before commemorating the June 16 Soweto Students Uprising, Pat on Brands, a digital media platform that is always on the Pulse with Brands, announced the winners of its inaugural awards initiative – the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards (YOBA) brought to you by Sakhumnotho Group Holdings.  

The main aim of YOBA is to recognise South African youth-owned brands’ excellence, innovation and hard work across 16 categories. The honours were revealed and celebrated on the 15th of June 2022 under the theme ‘Real Recognises Real’ at The Capital On the Park hotel in Sandton. 

The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands is a Pat on Brands initiative aimed at shining a light on brands that are established and run by South Africans between the ages of 18 and 35. The brand recognises brands that operate in 16 categories. Why 16? June 16. The initiative is born from the notion that the youth of 1976 fought a political fight and the youth of today is fighting an economic one, they are building brands that are contributing to the economy of South Africa. 

Continue reading

Cell C Inanda Africa Cup 2022

The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup is a knockout polo championship that offers an action-packed day with a display of exceptional horsemanship amongst competing teams from all over the African continent. The polo season continues to bring together a premium audience, with a taste for fashion, delectable dining experiences and an action packed game of polo with teams competing for the opportunity to be crowned the winners. This year’s tournament is set to take place on Sunday 26 June 2022, returning to the picturesque Inanda Club, situated in the heart of Sandton, where the influential polo set will experience a high-octane polo demonstration of talent and horse power in the dual for the coveted trophy. Teams from South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, Tanzania as well as Zimbabwe have announced their return to the tournament to reclaim their winning title.

The polo season has had the country abuzz as fashion savants and polo novices all the way through to experts join in on enjoying and celebrating the fast-paced sport.  The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup is no exception to this experience and promises to bring together patrons to enjoy an afternoon of horsemanship, swinging mallets and a social experience like none other.

“We are excited to join forces with the Inanda Club as they continue to pioneer and create development opportunities while retaining the entertainment value of the sport of polo. At Cell C, we pride ourselves in meaningful projects that drive unique experiences for consumers and the Cell C Africa Polo Cup will do exactly that. We are excited to see our South African development team showcase their skills against teams from the continent.” – Chief Commercial Officer, Simo Mkhize.

Well-known as the Sport of Kings, polo has always been known as a spectator sport for equestrians and high society, however with Cell C’s support, it is now accessible to all. The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup promises to bring a luxe experience with its Africa Now theme celebrating Africa’s elite fashion and social experiences in the 21st century. The event invites patrons from all walks of life to enjoy unique experiences tailored to perfection.

Craig James, Polo Manager at Inanda Club concludes: “The Cell C Inanda Africa Cup is an exciting project for us at the Inanda Club. We are thrilled to be teaming up with an incredible partner such as Cell C who have made this prestigious event possible. Over the years we have seen a tremendous growth and interest in the sport of polo in communities where the sport was previously inaccessible and with every game we wish to execute bigger and better experiences so that patrons can come and enjoy an affair like none other.”

Patrons and guests can expect to be whisked away with upbeat sounds from Mzansi’s much loved DJs, while soaking up the sun, enjoying a delicious cocktail or drink of choice and, of course, enjoying the sport of polo and its well-known traditions such as divot stomping.

Let’s get ready to paint the polo field orange!

Packages include:

Picnic sites from R 3,000 for 5 pax OR R 5,500 for 10 Pax.


Go to Howler.co.za to book your tickets or click here: https://www.howler.co.za/cellcinandaafricapolo


Address Inanda Club, Forrest Rd & 6th Ave, Inanda, Sandton, 2196.

Ultramel Turns 50 & Launches New Milkshake Range

I’m a big fan of custard, and in particular Ultramel custard. My favourite way to enjoy it, is with canned pears – my mouth is watering just writing this sentence!

Everyone has their favourite UltraMel custard moment, reminiscent of all the great memories created with friends and family for generations. Having enjoyed 5 decades of being Mzansi’s favourite custard, it’s time to shake things up with Ultra Mel’s new and exciting full cream milkshake variants.

Social media has been abuzz with the question “How do you UltraMel?” … Red or green jelly? Vanilla or cinnamon? Hot or cold? Malva or Trifle? Big or small spoon? However you UltraMel, everyone has memory-filled stories to share.


If the original UltraMel is anything to go by, it’s time to indulge in great tasting milkshakes and create some more memories, whether you’re in the streets of eKasi or the suburbs of Sandton. No matter which flavour moves you more, chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, you’re bound to find a firm favourite. The new thick and creamy range will be sure to deliver joy in every drop!


“We’re excited to be introducing South Africans to the new way to UltraMel – bringing all of the exceptional taste heritage you’ve come to love over the last 50 years into this new, fun, anytime treat.” said Lazola Dali, Marketing Manager: Local Icons, Danone Southern Africa.


With the iconic brand celebrating its 50th Birthday this year, the new product launch marks an important milestone for the UltraMel family and is a great prelude to the astounding anniversary.

The new UltraMel Thick & Creamy Milkshakes are convenient and embody a rich, delightful taste that allows for an anytime and any occasion treat.


With a long shelf life, you can have a few of the 275ml milkshakes stocked up for those daily on-the-go moments. Packaged in 70% recycled PET plastic and priced from R15,99, this new range is available nationwide at all leading supermarkets and even your nearest fuel station.


After 50 golden & creamy years, Mzansi’s families have a tasty new way to “Ultra Mel” and enjoy their favourite dessert – old school or new school, glug or straw, spoon or shake… either way, it’s certainly still the tasty experience of joy in every drop that you have come to love.

Check out my Instagram or TikTok for the press drop video – @mishkah7 on both platforms.