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

[Construction World] Search on for South Africa's best artisan business owner

Applications for the prestigious Artisans of Mzansi are open, affording artisanal entrepreneurs throughout South Africa the opportunity to compete for prize money of up to R200 000. Hopefuls have until 30 June 2026 to submit their applications to this initiative, powered by Allan Gray Makers, at https://allangraymakers.co.za/artisans-of-mzansi/. They must be 50 years or under, a qualified artisan, who part or wholly owns a business in any trade.

May 251 min read

Allan Gray Makers launches Artisans of Mzansi 2025

22 May 2025 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 a

May 22, 20252 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

Allan Gray Makers and E Squared Investments launch Imara SMME Fund

South Africa's first SMME Fund aims to transform 20,000 artisan SMMEs into drivers of job creation and community growth.

Apr 1, 20252 min read

Allan Gray Makers and E Squared Investments launch Imara SMME Fund

The fund aims to transform 20,000 artisan SMMEs into drivers of job creation and community growth. In a bold move to reshape South Africa’s economic landscape, the Imara Artisan SMME Fund has officially launched, pledging to empower the nation’s unsung heroes: artisan entrepreneurs. Spearheaded by Allan Gray Makers and seeded by E Squared Investments, this fund targets the R300bn funding gap stifling small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in critical artisan trades. The initiat

Apr 1, 20252 min read

Africa’s mobile payment boom demands robust security to safeguard growth

Allan Gray Makers and E Squared Investments launch Imara SMME Fund

27 March 2025 The fund aims to transform 20,000 artisan SMMEs into drivers of job creation and community growth. In a bold move to reshape South Africa’s economic landscape, the Imara Artisan SMME Fund has officially launched, pledging to empower the nation’s unsung heroes: artisan entrepreneurs. Spearheaded by Allan Gray Makers and seeded by E Squared Investments, this fund targets the R300bn funding gap stifling small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in critical artisan trade

Mar 27, 20252 min read

Applications Open for the Allan Gray Makers StartUp Academy 2025: Empowering South Africa's Future Entrepreneurs in Plumbing and Electrical Trades

The StartUp Academy is dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, providing aspiring business owners with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to succeed in their ventures.

Nov 4, 20242 min read

Changing the Narrative: Why Matriculants Should Consider Artisan Careers throughTVET Colleges or Apprenticeship

Johannesburg, South Africa – October 2024 Matriculants, as you approach the end of your school journey, we understand that you are facing a pivotal decision about your future. While the allure of university life may be tempting, we urge you to consider an alternative pathway: artisan careers through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges or an apprenticeship. According to the latest scarce skills report, South Africa is experiencing significant shorta

Oct 14, 20243 min read

[Allan Gray Makers] Butting out the competition.

Below are some of the pictures of #MakersFest2024 For more information, please visit the link below. https://allangraymakers.co.za/

Sep 13, 20241 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