THE PULSE
BUSINESS AS USUAL – BUT WITH NEW FACES
South Africa is keeping busy, and as November rolls in, the country’ s business, fashion, entertainment and hospitality scenes are giving us plenty to talk about.
Leadership changes are setting the tone in corporate South Africa. Boxer has named Justin Galloway as CEO-designate, while Primedia Broadcasting has introduced a co-CEO structure with Kelvin Storie and Mzo Jojwana. These appointments reflect an evolving business landscape where leadership, innovation, and adaptability remain key.
LOCAL BRANDS, GLOBAL AMBITIONS
Freedom of Movement, the South African leather goods brand backed by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, has opened its first international store in Bath, England, taking local craftsmanship global.
TOURISM TAKES CENTRE STAGE
South Africa’ s tourism sector is also showing encouraging momentum. The country had already welcomed more than one million international tourists in August 2026, according to the Department of Tourism.
With international connections, distinctive destinations, and fresh visitor experiences driving interest, the sector remains an important contributor to jobs and economic growth.
RETAIL GETS A REFRESH
The retail landscape is changing, with brands looking beyond traditional shopping experiences. Represent, the British luxury streetwear label, made its African retail debut at Cape Town’ s V & A Waterfront. Meanwhile, local luxury designer Gert-Johan Coetzee is part of a growing movement to give South African design a stronger presence in premium retail spaces.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROGRESS
Marcel and Simoné Hattingh, alongside Nicholas Eve, co-founded Donkey Long Tong, a proudly South African brand supplying heavy-duty braai and fire tools locally and internationally. The trio were named finalists in the Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year category at the 38th annual Business Partners Limited awards. The category recognises businesses with annual turnovers between R10 million and R50 million. IB
HOSPITALITY WITH A PURPOSE
Hotels and restaurants continue to shape South Africa’ s tourism offering. Johannesburg’ s Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff welcomed Pieter Ham as its new general manager, bringing extensive international hospitality experience to one of the city’ s bestknown luxury addresses.
92 INBOUND SA / NOVEMBER 2026