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.

Allan Gray Makers puts artisan entrepreneurship at the heart of the fight against unemployment

Fusion Fest 2026 brings experts and artisan entrepreneurs to spearhead job creation. Johannesburg, September 2026 – South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is growing, with almost one in every two young people in the labour force unable to find a job. Allan Gray Makers is working to change this by supporting artisan entrepreneurship and helping young people use their skills to start businesses to contribute to economic growth. Under the theme “Catalysing South Africa’s Artis

Sep 72 min read

Why Embassies Are Africa's New Business Accelerators

Ten years ago, the UAE's embassy in South Africa spent 60% of its time on politics and 40% on business. Today that's flipped to roughly 80/20. Jacob Ssali, economic advisor to the ambassador, says most entrepreneurs still treat embassies as visa offices when they should be treating them as a free way into a market: regulations, introductions, the people you'd otherwise spend months trying to find. Read why on the site, then hear the full conversation, including a cross-border

Aug 271 min read

[IOL] Empowering women: The inspiring journey of Nomsa Mdhluli from journalism to entrepreneurship

Nomsa Mdhluli never planned to become an entrepreneur. “I didn’t harbour dreams of being an entrepreneur some day,” she said. Her move into business began while she was working in journalism, after someone approached her for help with a public relations project — a field she had studied at an undergraduate level. The work went well, and the client returned year after year.

Aug 211 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

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

[IOL] Celebrating National Entrepreneurship Month: empowering women in South Africa

As the calendar turns to November, the country will soon turn its attention to National Entrepreneurship Month, a time to recognise the vital role entrepreneurs play in driving innovation, economic growth, and job creation. In South Africa, where the unemployment rate hovers at a staggering 32.9%, highlighting entrepreneurship is more critical than ever. With traditional job markets constrained, nurturing entrepreneurial spirit is essential for empowering individuals, particu

Oct 24, 20241 min read

Allan Gray Makers Offers Free Entrepreneurship Training for Aspiring Plumbers and Electricians to Launch Their Own Businesses

In response to the pressing need for job creation and entrepreneurship in South Africa, Allan Gray Makers has announced the opening of applications for its free 8- 8-month incubation programme. Aimed at empowering aspiring artisan entrepreneurs in the plumbing and electrical trades, the programme is a unique opportunity for individuals to gain the skills and support needed to kickstart their own businesses. “Probably the biggest challenge for technically talented South Africa

Jan 23, 20242 min read

Essential Episodes

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