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Where powerful conversations shape powerful brands.
The Comms Hub is Tishala’s podcast exploring the ideas, strategies,
and stories behind impactful communication. Featuring industry leaders, industry experts, and bold thinkers, it dives into what it truly takes to build brands that stand out, grow, and lead in their space.
Each conversation is designed to unpack real insights, practical strategies,
and the thinking behind powerful brand narratives — giving listeners a clearer understanding of how to communicate with purpose and intention. It’s a space where ambition meets strategy, and where brands learn how to be seen, heard, and remembered in a way that drives lasting impact.
Essential Episodes
Press Release
Taking Risks Wisely, Tertiary Edition Across South Africa
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is deeply concerned about the rise in online betting among tertiary students, who are wagering state-funded bursary allowances on betting platforms. This trend is exposing financially vulnerable students to escalating debt, anxiety, and severe gambling harm, while directly undermining public investment in higher education. While South Africa lacks exhaustive national empirical data on this emerging crisis, the warning
Jul 163 min read
South Africa needs more young people in STEM to drive innovation and economic growth
As South Africans continue to navigate economic uncertainty, technological change and growing demand for specialised skills, the conversation around Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has never been more important. While interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers is growing globally, more needs to be done locally to encourage young South Africans to pursue these fields and recognise the wide range of opportunities they
Jul 13 min read
Embassies Business Fair & Conference returns in 2026 to strengthen trade links between business and diplomacy.
The 3rd Annual Edition will focus on market access, investor engagement, global buyer linkages and practical trade opportunities for businesses seeking regional and international growth. The Embassies Business Fair & Conference will return for its 3rd Annual Edition from 8 to 9 September 2026 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, with a renewed focus on helping businesses access buyers, investors, global distribution platforms and international market opp
Jul 13 min read
Africa Emerges as Global iGaming Fraud Hotspot as Suspicious Transactions Surge, Sumsub Report Reveals
Africa records the world's highest iGaming fraud rate, standing 66% above the global average, while operators face increasingly sophisticated identity and transaction-related threats. Africa has emerged as the global epicentre of iGaming fraud, according to Sumsub's newly released iGaming Fraud Report 2026, with the continent recording the highest fraud rate of any region analysed worldwide. The findings highlight a rapidly evolving threat landscape in which fraudsters are in
Jul 14 min read
Enyobeni commemoration invites reflection on the true cost of alcohol
The anniversary of the Enyobeni tragedy provides an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on their relationship with alcohol. Not one of the 21 youngsters who lost their lives at the Enyobeni Tavern in East London on 26 June 2022 would live to see their 21st birthdays. Twenty-one lives were cut short in the months South Africans celebrate the youth for their contribution to democracy. Seventeen of them were underage, which made those serving them the alcohol that contri
Jun 162 min read
Sports betting surge fueled by the FIFA World Cup puts spotlight on gambling harm.
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) is concerned about the expected surge in gambling-related-harm as the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off. Sports betting currently accounts for 70% of the country’s gambling market, and the heightened interest in soccer during the tournament is predicted to drive significant betting activity. The SARGF’s National Responsible Gambling Programme already reports a concerning rise in gambling-related harm, with counsell
Jun 12 min read
Tech PR specialist Tishala Communications celebrates 8 years of excellence
Award-winning PR and Digital Marketing Agency, Tishala Communications, celebrates its 8th birthday, and with its specialisation in tech PR cements its reputation as a small, yet effective agency. Tishala first dipped its toes in tech PR in 2019, when it publicised the AI EXPO. Then Covid-19 hit in 2020, which could have threatened the agency’s existence. However, through the AI Expo, Tishala gained access to an international tech ecosystem as various start-up companies neede
Jun 12 min read
The Rise of “Looksmaxxing”: Why Experts Are Warning Young Men Against Chasing Perfection Online.
As social media continues to shape beauty standards and self-image among young people, a growing online trend known as “looksmaxxing” is raising concern among health and wellness experts globally, and South Africa may not be immune. Popularised on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Reddit, looksmaxxing refers to the practice of attempting to maximise one’s physical appearance in pursuit of an idealised version of attractiveness. While some content focuses on harmless se
Jun 13 min read
Africa’s Instant Payment Boom is Outpacing its Defences
As instant payments, AI-driven fraud, and digital finance scale across Africa, institutions can no longer rely on fragmented legacy systems to build trust, security, and financial inclusion. Johannesburg - Africa’s digital finance ecosystem is scaling rapidly, but so are the risks emerging alongside it. Across Nigeria and other rapidly digitising markets on the continent, instant payments, mobile-first banking, fintech innovation, and cross-border digital transactions are tra
Jun 14 min read
Soweto 1976 Youth March retraced to focus on unchanged conditions 50 years later
To finish what was started by the Class of ’76 fifty years ago in Soweto. This is the objective of a march taking place on Tuesday (16 June 2026) to Orlando Stadium, where veterans of the 1976 Uprising together with present-day youths plan to hand over a Manifesto to President Cyril Ramaphosa. “It is an affront to us and the youth of today that the main commemoration of the 1976 Uprising should not take place at Orlando Stadium,” says Seth Mazibuko, who helped organise the
Jun 14 min read
KwaDukuza learners in KwaZulu Natal urged to take risks wisely to avoid gambling addiction
Whilst underaged gambling is prohibited by law, the reality is that it has become attractive to children supplement their families’ incomes as financial hardship bites in many South African households. Children and adolescents also turn to gambling to cope with stress, peer pressure, or to seek excitement and social acceptance among their friends. The National Responsible Gambling Programme – Taking Risks Wisely – is aimed at creating awareness among school-going learners of
Feb 282 min read
Post-Festive Season Skincare: Recovering from late nights and overindulgence
The festive season is marked by celebration, indulgence and a departure from routine. While these moments of excess are often short-lived, their effects on the skin can linger well into the new year. Dehydration, inflammation, breakouts and a dull complexion are common concerns as many people return to work and daily life, only to find their skin showing visible signs of strain. According to biomedical scientist Dr. Judey, the skin is highly responsive to lifestyle changes, m
Jan 1, 20263 min read
Africa’s iGaming Sector Cuts Fraud but Faces Ongoing Verification Challenges
Johannesburg, South Africa (28 August 2025) - Africa’s iGamingsector continues to chart a unique course in the fight against fraud, recording a 14.7% reduction in fraud rates over the past two years, even as global levels rise. The findings, published in the State of Identity Verification in the iGaming Industry 2025 report, underline the region’s progress while also exposing the challenges that still stand in the way of a fully secure and seamless player experience. Globally
Nov 26, 20254 min read
SARGF Urges for Tighter Gambling AD Regulations to Protect the Youth Amid Industry Boom
Johannesburg, 20 October 2025 — The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has noted the release of the National Gambling Board’s (NGB) 2024–2025 Annual Report, which recorded a staggering R1.5 trillion in gambling turnover over the financial year — up from R1.1 trillion in the previous period. From this amount, R75 billion was generated in gambling profits, with online betting contributing more than half of this figure. Betting alone accounted for R52.3 billio
Oct 20, 20253 min read
Skin, Strength and Self-Care: Navigating Skin Health During Breast Cancer Treatment and Mental Health Struggles
Johannesburg, October 2025 - With South Africa marking both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month this October, the spotlight turns to a lesser-discussed, yet deeply personal subject: how cancer treatment and emotional wellbeing intersect with skin health. Skin, often considered simply cosmetic - is in fact a mirror to our physical and emotional states. During breast cancer treatment, as well as periods of emotional distress or anxiety, the skin can
Oct 1, 20253 min read
Understanding Albinism and Skin Care: Prioritising Protection, Health and Dignity
Johannesburg, September 2025 - In recognition of National Albinism Awareness Month this September, biomedical scientist and skin care expert, Dr. Judey is shedding light on a long-neglected public health issue: the critical and often life-saving skin care needs of people living with albinism - a genetic condition often misunderstood, yet deeply significant in the context of health and inclusion. Albinism is characterised by a lack of melanin pigment in the skin, hair, and eye
Sep 1, 20253 min read
The South African Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 to chart a concrete path for Responsible Gambling Reforms
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (September-November) – South Africa’s gambling industry stands at a critical juncture, balancing its role as a significant economic contributor against the imperative to mitigate social harm. The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025, to be held on 13–14 November at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, will confront this central paradox, uniting global experts, policymakers and industry leaders to forge a sustainable path forward. According to the National Ga
Sep 1, 20254 min read
Johannesburg welcomes 8th edition of Africa's largest AI trade event and conference
28 August 2025 Africa’s largest Artificial Intelligence & Intelligent Automation event, AI Expo Africa, will be running its highly acclaimed conference & trade show at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa 29-31 October 2025. Now entering its 8th year, the annual AI Expo Africa event unites regional and international AI thought leaders, suppliers, investors and start-ups to discuss and showcase the latest AI and smart tech innovations from the biggest glob
Aug 28, 20253 min read
Press Release: Betting on Desperation: 48% of SA’s Problem Gamblers Are Under 35
South African Responsible Gambling Foundation Johannesburg, June 17, 2025 – As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) warns of a troubling surge in problem gambling among young adults aged 18 to 35. Amid soaring youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities, many are turning to high-risk betting as a perceived income source, often with devastating financial and social consequences. According to the SARGF’s 2
Jun 17, 20253 min read
Allan Gray Makers Launches Artisans of Mzansi 2025 to Elevate South Africa’s Skilled Artisans
Allan Gray Makers has officially opened entries for Artisans of Mzansi 2025, a national campaign designed to recognise and empower South Africa’s most outstanding artisan entrepreneurs. The initiative seeks to challenge negative perceptions around technical trades, inspire young people to pursue artisanal careers, and accelerate the growth of small and medium businesses in the sector. Despite the National Development Plan’s target of producing 30 000 qualified artisans annu
May 12, 20252 min read
Thought Leadership Insights for Powerful Brands
My journey of leaving the newsroom for PR.
I did not foresee that my professional journey would lead me to PR. I was committed to journalism – print journalism specifically. I was so committed that I married a fellow journalist. Having said that, there were things about journalism that didn’t work for me. As a young hack working for a daily publication, I’d look at the mothers in the newsroom and the difficulty they experienced with the irregular work hours. Long hours were not the problem, it was the fact that you co
May 134 min read
World PR Day: The Work Behind the Story
PR isn’t just about headlines — it’s about the authentic, creative process that happens long before.
Jul 16, 20251 min read
The power of PR: Your business’s hidden superpower
If you've wondered what drives business growth and fuels trust and positive relationships, the answer lies in Public Relations (PR) says Nomsa Mdhluli, Founder of Tishala Communications. Mdhluli highlights the untapped potential of PR as a key driver of business growth and reputation. In today's competitive and ever-changing business landscape, companies are constantly looking for ways to build credibility, expand their reach and connect with their audiences in meaningful way
Mar 12, 20252 min read
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