Vega School News Feed

Vega School News FeedCopyright © 2013 - Vega SchoolCorporatePhotography74http://www.vegaschool.com//news/JobsCorporateWant to join the Vega Team?Vega is looking for outstanding people to help shape outstanding minds. For more information on available positions read on! Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 +02002013-05-16T00:00:00+02:00<p> Vega is looking for outstanding people to help shape outstanding minds. The following positions are available:</p><p>Please email your CV with the position as the subject line to: louise@vegaschool.com</p><p></p><ul><li> Position:  Lecturer Digital Media - Bordeaux Campus </li></ul><p></p><p>Relevant Honours degree. (Not BTech degree).Knowledge and advanced experience in the following software:</p> <div>DTP/Design applications:</div> <div>Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe Illustrator CS5, Adobe InDesign CS5, Adobe Acrobat Pro</div> <div>WEB Applications:</div> <div>Adobe Dreamweaver CS5</div> <div>MULTIMEDIA Applications:</div> <div>Adobe Flash CS5</div> <div>APPLE Applications:</div> <div>iLife suite namely:</div> <div>iMovie, iPhoto, Garageband, iTunes</div> <div>MS OFFICE Applications:</div> <div>Word, Excel, PowerPoint</div><div> </div><div><ul><li>Position: Lecturer Multimedia Design - Bordeaux Campus</li></ul></div><div> </div><div>Relevant Honours degree. (Not BTech degree).?Min 2-5 years relevant experience.?Must have a background in Design and Interactive/Digital Design - Portfolio of work essential.?Must be competent in the Adobe Creative Suite CS5.5 (Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, InDesign, Flash etc.)?Must have knowledge of HTML5, CSS and Actionscript 3.?Advantageous if experienced in all iSoftware (e.g. iMovie, iPhoto, iLife and GarageBand) as well as Adobe Premiere CS5.5 and Adobe After Effects CS5.5.?MS OFFICE Applications:Word, Excel, PowerPoint </div><div> </div><div><ul><li>Position: Lecturer Visual Communications - Bordeaux Campus</li></ul></div><div> </div><div>Relevant Honours degree specialising in graphic design, is a non-negotiable; (Not BTech)?Three years or more experience in the agency and advertising industry as creative art director; tertiary teaching experience will be an advantage.?(Must be able to teach a combination of graphic design and art direction, and have impeccable taste in all things photography/typography related). Working knowledge of the Adobe Suite and an impressive portfolio of work a must. </div><div> </div><div><ul><li>Position: Lecturer Honours Brand Management and Leadership (Full time or Flexi time) - Bordeaux Campus</li></ul></div><div> </div><div>Masters/MBA degree (Brand Strategy / Marketing) and at least 3-5 years industry experience. Portfolio of work essential.</div><div> </div><div><ul><li>Position: Contact Navigator - Bordeaux Campus </li></ul></div><div> </div><div>Relevant Marketing/Sales qualification. Must have excellent presentation skills, as well as sales/marketing /negotiation skills. A drivers’ license and own car a requirement. </div><div> </div><div><ul><li>Position: Contact Navigator - Durban Campus</li></ul></div><div> </div><div>Relevant Marketing/Sales qualification. Must have excellent presentation skills, as well as sales/marketing /negotiation skills. A drivers’ license and own car a requirement. </div><div> </div><div><ul><li>Position: Contact Navigator - Pretoria Campus</li></ul></div><div> </div><div>Relevant Marketing/Sales qualification. Must have excellent presentation skills, as well as sales/marketing /negotiation skills. A drivers’ license and own car a requirement. </div><div> </div><div> </div><br />73http://www.vegaschool.com//news/2014-how-to-applyCorporateHow to applyApplications for 2014 are open and we look forward to help you navigate the process. The steps to finding wisdomwithmagic are as follows.Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 +02002013-05-03T00:00:00+02:00<div>Applications for 2014 are open and we look forward to help you navigate the process. </div> <div> </div><div>Vega aims to inspire a new breed of thinkers; those with the expertise to generate healthy brand ideas, linking business profit to adding value to the lives of people. Pertinent and purposeful, our commitment to cultural and social responsibility comes naturally, and is reflected through context, content and creativity. That is what we identify as Vega thinking, as whole-brain thinking. We call it wisdomwithmagic.</div> <div> </div><div>The steps to finding wisdomwithmagic are as follows:</div> <div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Step 1: Preliminary assessment</strong></div><div>If you are applying for Undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate studies you need to submit the following documentation to your Contact Navigator first:</div><div><ul><li>Completed application form </li><li>Certified copy of your ID </li><li>Certified copy of your Matric Certificate (if you have already completed matric) or latest results (if you are currently in matric) </li></ul></div> <div> </div><div>If you are applying for Honours you need to submit the following: </div><div><ul><li>Completed application form </li><li>Certified copy of your ID </li><li>Certified copy of your Matric Certificate AND a certified copy of your academic transcript for your undergraduate qualification AND a certified copy of your degree certificate </li><li>Research paper/essay (1000 words) previously done by you</li></ul></div> <div> </div><div>After you have submitted these documents your application is reviewed to establish if you would qualify in principle. So for undergraduate studies we check if your marks would allow you access to the programme you're applying for. If you're applying for postgraduate studies we check if your previous qualification is a fit for the programme and if you are academically strong enough to have a reasonable chance of successfully completing the course.</div><div> </div><a href="https://portal.iie.ac.za/vgapplication/" target="_blank" title="Click here to apply online"><img style="margin: 5px 5px 5px 5px; border: solid 1px black; float:left; " src="http://www.vegaschool.com/Uploads/Banners/click-to-apply-banner.jpg" alt="" /></a><div> </div><div><span id="dx_temp_1367574298072_870"></span></div> <div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Step 2: Entrance Challenge </strong></div> <div>If your application is sound in principle, we invite you to come and write the entrance challenge. This is a 3 hour session during which you need to demonstrate practical problem solving and creative thinking skills. Your work will be assessed by Vega academic staff.</div> <div> </div><div>At this stage you will need to submit a portfolio if you are applying for</div><div><ul><li>BA Creative Brand Communications, Creative Honours (your portfolio should consist of 12 – 15 creative pieces of your best work.) </li><li>Higher Certificate in Photography (The portfolio should consist of 12-15 photographs which you think portray your best creative work.)</li></ul></div> <div> </div><div>Students applying for BA Brand Building and Management need to write the National Benchmarking Test (AQL component only). Applicants applying for any other programmes are encouraged to sit the test. It will enhance your application to Vega.  For more information and to book your seat to write this test, please visit www.nbt.ac.za. You will need to provide your Vega Contact Navigator with your NBT Test Number before your Interview can take place.</div> <div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Step 3: Interview</strong> </div> <div>Once your entrance challenge has been assessed and you have demonstrated the required level of wisdomwithmagic, we invite you to an interview. During your interview we will give you feedback on your entrance challenge. </div> <div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Finally</strong></div> <div>Following the successful completion of all these steps, we will notify you if you are accepted into Vega.</div> To apply online, <a href="https://portal.iie.ac.za/vgapplication/">click here</a>. 72http://www.vegaschool.com//news/aad-2012PhotographyAfrican Aerospace and Defense Photographic CompetitionWe're very proud to announce that first- and third place winners in the African Aerospace and Defense Photographic Competition, as well as a top 10 finalist are all Vega current- and past students.Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +02002012-10-30T00:00:00+02:00<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">We're very proud to announce that first- (Anton Guyt) and third place (Glenkelvin Teague) winners in the African Aerospace and Defense Photographic Competition are both Advanced Certificate in Professional Photography students from Vega Pretoria. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">We also had a past Vega graduate from Vega Johannesburg (Kamlesha van den Broek) in the top 10 finalists.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial">Well done and congratulations!  </p>70http://www.vegaschool.com//news/2012-awardsCorporateAwards for Vega in 2012The Vega School of Brand Leadership’s (Vega) reputation as a leader in brand innovation has again been cemented having recently won one Gold, three Silver, and three Bronze awards, and claiming three out of four craft awards at this year’s Loeries.Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +02002012-09-28T00:00:00+02:00<div>The Vega School of Brand Leadership’s (Vega) reputation as a leader in brand innovation has again been cemented having recently won one Gold, three Silver, and three Bronze awards, and claiming three out of four craft awards at this year’s Loeries.</div><div><br /></div><div>In addition, its students also collected two silver Pendoring Awards for the Owl Rescue 911 campaign submitted by the Johannesburg campus, and for the Cape Town campus’ Big Blue campaign.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ralf Degni, CEO of Vega asserts that these accolades are testament that the institution is breeding whole-brain brand thinkers that are not only creative and exceptionally talented but are eager to problem solve and are inspired to lead with distinction.</div><div><br /></div><div>“While we train creative strategic thinkers and strategic creative thinkers, we also focus on an entire brand value chain which results in healthier brands, businesses, and communications campaigns. </div><div><br /></div><div>“It is evident through these awards that Vega offers a stimulating environment to produce the best creative ideas, while our students understand what is required in the business of brand building and how it fits into the greater business environment.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Degni affirms that Vega’s teachings and its creative outputs whether it be student award entries, craft projects or addressing clients’ brand challenges, are wholly aligned to delivering authentic brands with social significance.</div><div><br /></div><div>“Vega has grown in leaps and bounds since our inception as a tiny renegade brand innovation school 13 years ago. However, looking back on the successes of our students and the school, Vega may have grown physically and philosophically, but the essence remains unchanged. We will continue breeding visionary designers who build brands that matter.”</div><div><br /></div><div>The Loerie Awards, which recognise entries from South Africa, Africa and the Middle East, and the Pendoring Awards, which attract a large number of international entries, focus on both recognising creative excellence in all areas of brand communication, and rewarding the sharpest minds in the industry. </div>71http://www.vegaschool.com//news/capture_joburg_2012PhotographyHonouring budding photographersWith the aim of nurturing the city of gold’s photographic talent, the Vega School of Brand Leadership in partnership with the Joburg Tourism Company (JTC), announced the winners of the recently concluded Capture Jo’burg Photographic Competition, during the JTC’s official spring celebration event on 7 September. Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +02002012-09-28T00:00:00+02:00<div>With the aim of nurturing the city of gold’s photographic talent, the <a href="http://www.vegaschool.com">Vega School of Brand Leadership</a> in partnership with the Joburg Tourism Company (JTC), announced the winners of the recently concluded Capture Jo’burg Photographic Competition, during the JTC’s official spring celebration event on 7 September. </div><div><br /></div><div>The competition was aimed at unearthing new photography talent and creating a platform for emerging photographers to interpret Johannesburg’s core essence using this creative and expressive medium. </div><div><br /></div><div>Scooping the ultimate prize, Lerato Maduna’s winning photo epitomises the general sentiments of Joburg being the metropolis of possibilities and a city that is pregnant with buzz and vibrancy. A total of eight photographers were awarded for their exceptional talent to capture the diverse aspects of the city life.</div><div><br /></div><div>“Joburg is not just a city but my home and home to millions of other people from across the world. I knew that my photo had to embody colour, life, freedom, character, noise and power. I was inspired by the city buzz, its colourful people, and its space for one to live life large,” said Maduna about her winning image. </div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking at the event, Ralf Degni, CEO of Vega said the school is very proud to have partnered with the JTC in nurturing and equipping young photographers, and opening a gateway to greater opportunities in the photography industry. </div><div><br /></div><div>“This partnership is aligned rightly with our commitment to playing our part in empowering the youth and giving them skills to introduce change into their lives and communities. We are very impressed with the talents that they portrayed and can’t wait to welcome the winners who won bursaries to take up their studies with us.”</div><div><br /></div><div>JTC’s Acting CEO, Phelisa Mangcu noted that photography plays a critical role in inviting tourists and teaching them about South Africa, and that partnership with Vega has enhanced the city of Johannesburg’s drive to educating tourists about what the city has to offer. </div><div><br /></div><div>“This is not the first time that Joburg Tourism has collaborated with the Vega School, drawing on the fresh, inspired flair of its dynamic students, giving them exposure, while also benefiting from their talents,” adds Mangcu. </div><div><br /></div><div>“As the City’s destination marketing organisation, we’re always on the lookout for fabulous images to promote Joburg’s rich, multi-faceted appeal, so we thought what better way of refreshing our database, than by once again appealing to the youthful talents of Vega School’s photographic students?”</div><div><br /></div><div>The top 20 photographs will be exhibited at Vega for a week, where after it will be displayed at the JTC’s offices. They can also be viewed on <a href="www.capturejoburg.com">www.capturejoburg.com</a>. </div>69http://www.vegaschool.com//news/capture_joburg_2012PhotographyCapture Joburg Photography CompetitionHave you entered @Joburg Tourism’s Capture Joburg photographic competition yet? You can win R40 000 worth of photographic equipment or photographic short courses from Vega School.Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +02002012-07-24T00:00:00+02:00<p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; ">Have you entered @Joburg Tourism’s Capture Joburg photographic competition yet? You can win R40 000 worth of photographic equipment or photographic short courses from Vega School. </span></p><a href="http://www.vegaschool.com/Uploads/News/Capture Joburg Poster.jpg" rel="shadowbox"><img style="margin: 5px 5px 5px 5px; border: solid 1px black; float:right; " src="http://www.vegaschool.com/Thumbnail.ashx?Image=Uploads/News/Capture Joburg Poster.jpg" alt="" /></a><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; "> </span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; ">Go to <a href="http://capturejoburg.com/vega/pages/competition.php" target="_blank">capturejoburg.com</a> to enter.</span> </p>66http://www.vegaschool.com//news/black-and-white_nominee_celeste_mckenziePhotographyBlack and White Spider Awards Honors Photographer Celeste McKenzieProfessional photographer Celeste McKenzie of South Africa was presented with the 7th Annual Black and White Spider Awards (nominee) in the category of Architecture at a prestigious Nomination & Winners PhotoShow.Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +02002012-06-28T00:00:00+02:00<div>Professional photographer Celeste McKenzie of South Africa was presented with the 7th Annual Black and White Spider Awards (nominee) in the category of Architecture at a prestigious Nomination & Winners PhotoShow. The live online ceremony webcast Saturday, June 9, 2012 was attended by photography fans in 72 countries who logged on to see the climax of the industry's most important event for black and white photography.</div><div><br /></div><div>The awards international jury included captains of the industry from National Geographic, Fratelli Alinari, Heffel Fine Art to the Tate in London who honored Spider Fellows with 180 coveted title awards and 875 nominees in 14 categories.</div><div><br /></div><div>"It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the 8,223 entries we received this year," said Basil O'Brien, the awards Creative Director. "Celeste McKenzie's "Burwick Upon Tweed", is an exceptional image entered in the Architecture category, and represents black and white photography at its finest, and we're pleased to present her with the title of Nominee."</div><div><br /></div><div>You can view the 7th Annual Winners Gallery at <a href="http://www.thespiderawards.com/gallery/7th">www.thespiderawards.com/gallery/7th</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>BLACK AND WHITE SPIDER AWARDS is the leading international award honoring excellence in black and white photography. This celebrated event shines a spotlight on the best professional and amateur photographers worldwide and honors the finest images with the highest achievements in black and white photography.</div><div><br /></div>Celeste McKenzie is an Academic Navigator in Photography at Vega School of Brand Leadership, Pretoria Campus. 67http://www.vegaschool.com//news/vega-vibe-2012CorporateVega Vibe 2012 National WinnerForty schools. Two hundred and forty learners. Enthusiastic Vega Students and Navigators. Five briefs. One day. One winner in four regions. And a multitude of phenomenal ideas. One national winner.Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +02002012-06-28T00:00:00+02:00<div>Forty schools. Two hundred and forty learners. Enthusiastic Vega Students and Navigators. Five briefs. One day. One winner in four regions.  One national winner.  And a multitude of phenomenal ideas. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is what VIBE was about. Giving school learners a taste of the world of branding. Getting them to experience the joy of being surrounded by creativity, being led by a single, great idea and seeing it bloom into a campaign in less than 8 hours. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Vega Inter-school Brand Experience was a competition run by Vega School of Brand Leadership to expose the youth to what it would be like to work in the advertising industry, building brands in an innovative way.  </div><div><br /></div><div>It was amazing to see what the dedicated teams of enthusiastic learners came up with. They worked, deliberated, listened to advice from both Vega students and Navigators, and absorbed, sponge-like, all that they saw or heard - fuelled by the desire to do great things. Teams were judged on ideas, execution, originality, presentation skills, strategic insight and target market analysis. There was no limit to the amount of ideas they could come up with, but each team had to showcase at least two creative executions, be it television, radio, print or billboard, as well as one innovative activation demonstration. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the regional competitions, Pretoria Boys High School managed to walk away with the accolades in their region based on an amazing strategy for DealClick, as did Durban Girls High School.  Cannon’s Creek Independent School in Cape Town won with their innovative campaign for Nando’s, but is was Crawford College Lonehill who managed to stun judges with their work on the IIE (Independent Institute of Education) brand.  They identified a simple human truth, concerning all teenagers everywhere, and utilized that in creating a campaign so simple, so eye-catching, so effective, communicated in such a simplistic way that it can only work. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Crawford College team was made up of Nkululeko Zulu, Regan James, Michelle de Clercq, Natalie de Canha, Tatum Baker and Calvin Miller (Photographed left to right).  </div><div> </div><a href="http://www.vegaschool.com/Uploads/News/CrawfordLonehillTeam.jpg" rel="shadowbox"><img style="margin: 5px 5px 5px 5px; border: solid 1px black; float:left; " src="http://www.vegaschool.com/Thumbnail.ashx?Image=Uploads/News/CrawfordLonehillTeam.jpg" alt="" /></a><div> </div><div>In the words of team member Kulu,  “The Vega VIBE challenge was an experience that I found fundamental as a creative thinker. Physically and emotionally it was draining as a guppy in a pool filled with colourful thinkers and movers. Socially, the experience was interesting for both me and my team and creatively it was an experience in itself.” </div>68http://www.vegaschool.com//news/d-and-ad_2012CorporateVega D&AD Proud Pencil Winners We're delighted to announce that Vega students Batya Raff and Kyle Jacobson, along with Vega Alumnus Chad Goddard, have won prestigious Yellow Pencils at the D&AD awards in London this week.Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +02002012-06-28T00:00:00+02:00<div>We're delighted to announce that Vega students Batya Raff and Kyle Jacobson, along with Vega Alumnus Chad Goddard, have won prestigious Yellow Pencils at the D&AD awards in London this week. D&AD is one of the most prestigious and recognised award shows in the industry, and creatives the world over value the D&AD Student Awards above any other. Winning a D&AD Student Award truly marks you out as one of the best and is the first step in becoming a creative superstar.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kyle Jacobson and Chad Goddard (pictured below), won in the ‘Make Your Mark’ self promotion category, guided by lecturer Anthea Moys. Both Kyle and Chad are currently making their mark at TBWA as copywriters.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.vegaschool.com/Uploads/News/kyle.jpg" rel="shadowbox"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid black; float: left;" alt="" src="http://www.vegaschool.com/Thumbnail.ashx?Image=Uploads/News/kyle.jpg" /></a></div><div>Batya Raff (pictured below) won for her impressive concept and design in the ‘Packaging’ category. She was guided by Vega 3rd year lecturers Jonathan Cane and Shakera Kaloo. Batya is finishing her final year at Vega and was also invited to join the esteemed D&AD Graduate Academy. Based in London, the Graduate Academy kicks off with a week-long creative bootcamp which focuses on self-exploration and best practice in order to understand the positive legacy a student’s work can create. From self-publicity stunts and live art battles to anarchic scientists, the bootcamp widens perceptions as well as prospects.</div><div><br /></div><div>Participants then take part in a series of industry workshops over three weeks where they build up a portfolio of work while collaborating on new responses to issues raised by the White Pencil; the power of creativity to change the world for the better. Each week sees the participants visiting some of the most creatively renowned companies, where they’ll be set a brief, and then asked to pitch back their ideas to industry leaders just days later. A tough challenge, but one a student like Batya is sure to excel in.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.vegaschool.com/Uploads/News/batya.jpg" rel="shadowbox"><img style="margin: 5px; border: 1px solid black; float: right;" alt="" src="http://www.vegaschool.com/Thumbnail.ashx?Image=Uploads/News/batya.jpg" /></a></div>Vega is the only South African university to have been awarded not just one, but two Yellow Pencils. 65http://www.vegaschool.com//news/team_namibia_2012CorporateGordon Cook talks to Team Namibia about brandingGordon Cook, the National Brand Navigator at Vega School of Brand Leadership, addressed the annual general meeting of Team Namibia on the subject of country branding.Thu, 21 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +02002012-06-21T00:00:00+02:00<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Gordon Cook, the National Brand Navigator at Vega School of Brand Leadership, addressed the annual general meeting of Team Namibia on Wednesday, 13 June 2012. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">"Namibia's brand can never be a brand like KFC or McDonald's. Country brands are much more complex than that,” said Gordon. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Whether the country likes it or not, Namibia already has a brand. Outsiders have a specific idea of the country’s character, and at the moment that character is branded by generalisations, narrow perceptions, stereotypes, and clichés. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Gordon suggested a number of ideas that Team Namibia can use to improve it’s global competitiveness.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Namibia needs to look at a more layered meaning of what the brand is about. It needs to take into account its rich history and culture, as well as its various corporate identities. "This is not an easy task. It's a long-term investment which will take persistent patience." </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Team Namibia needs to decide which league it wants to play in. If Namibia decides to play in the "premium league", it will have to compete against countries like China, India and Korea. Gordon suggested that Namibia benchmark itself against other African countries and secure a competitive niche.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Local products need to have world-class packaging and the country needs to produce and buy more local products, even if it is cheaper to import. The country needs to cultivate a culture of "what can we make?" Exporting raw materials without adding value is the quick profit route. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">"It's the economy of stupidity." </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Namibia's domestic market is too small to sustain local manufacturing, therefore the export market should be all manufacturers' target from day one. “There's no point in crying while others steal our bread."</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">To keep up with global trends, where manufacturing can be done in any country and skills are mobile, Namibia needs to have a "big brand". More than attracting tourists, it’s important to attract top talent, keep existing talent in the country, and lure back those in diaspora.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Another challenge is Namibia's high unemployment rate of 51,2%. It is very difficult to build a strong country brand if people don't have jobs. All good brands paint a future, and Namibia needs to pin down its own future. "If you don't believe in the future of Namibia, you will look for a future elsewhere."</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">To take advantage of global connectedness, Namibia needs to get its foot in the door with the international media. "If the international media ignore you, it's a nightmare."</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Brand Namibia is flawed with stereotypes, narrow perceptions and clichés. To compete on a global stage, it needs to change to a bold, multi-layered brand. A brand is a promise for a specific set of experiences and the challenge lies in delivering those experiences. "Mediocrity is out."</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">A country brand is about more than outsiders’ views. A country brand fundamentally comes from the inside, from the citizens of the country. Government doesn't own Brand Namibia. The collective citizens of yesterday, today and tomorrow do. Government is merely the caretaker. Everybody in the country, including big business, needs to pull their weight to make Namibia more competitive. "The days of just taking and making money are over." The corporate world needs to plough profits back into the socio-economic development of the country.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Gordon proposed establishing a Namibian Brand Council. A bold and competitive institution which will have to make broad brush strokes to capture the country’s identity.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">--</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">Gordon Cook is the National Brand Navigator at the Vega School of Brand Leadership. Gordon is an executive member of The Think Council, part of South Africa's Design Council, and is involved on various judging panels such as Business Arts South Africa (BASA). He has delivered hundreds of brand and marketing specialist workshops to various organisations such as Discovery, SABC Radio, Old Mutual, Create SA and South African Breweries (SAB).<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; "> </span></p>