Absolute Media
Media That Works …
Absolute Media has positioned itself as a broad spectrum media company that has four divisions of functionality:
Absolute Media has a dynamic team of professional, qualified media staff and offices in Sunninghill (Sandton, Gauteng), Rivonia (Sandton, Gauteng), Marshall Street (JHB, Gauteng) and Cape Town. We publish five specialist magazine titles, create websites, hosting and online marketing with our BetterNet™ brand and design and print a vast array of products from business cards to brochures to posters, for a varied range of clients. In addition, Absolute Media has an 'outdoor' division that supplies and installs banners, signage and the like. We are the media professionals.
The founder and CEO of Absolute Media, Lance G. Whatmore, has been at the cutting edge of South African media for over a decade and is a recognised marketing professional and graphic designer, having won numerous awards for packaging design, exhibition stands and concept creation. Deon A. Vurden (our famous Marketing Director!) ‘graduated’ as a supreme marketing champion at Johnnic Publishing and has done tours of duty at Primedia, with FHM, Business Day, Financial Mail and other distinguished publications. He is a consumate campaign professional. Minx Avrabos is a top editor, having been on Lance’s staff in the last and this company, encompassing a career period of well over 11 years. This devil does wear Prada! Minx is our bona fide Editor In Chief. Tracy Banks is what one would call a ‘workaholic’ editor. With way too many achievements under her belt to mention, Tracy brings her inimitable style to Absolute Media. Lurissa Erasmus was born to be an editor, with her forté being fashion and beauty. Lurissa brings style and flair to all the pages we publish. Nomsa Xalaba was ‘stolen’ from South African Airways, where she spent many years working within the financial division.Tebogo Molete began her deputy editorial and research career as a trainee and general dogsbody with Absolute Media at it’s inception and steadily climbed the ladder to deputy editor. Tebogo is a professional deputy editor with more than 5 years under her belt. Graham Cooper is a publishing veteran, having spent 12 years at International book publisher, Macmillan. Graham was head hunted and joined Absolute Media in 2009 as a managing publisher. Leigh-Ann Stevens comes to us from the pedigree team at Bonisani Publishing, where she was tutored by none other than Glynis Dietrechsen and is a consumate advertising agency professional! Astrid Crime has been marketing publications and media for close on two decades and is a frequently head-hunted professional media maestro. Michael Williams has spent a career as a graphic designer with powerful titles like the Sunday Times and Avusa Media, to mention but a few. An ingenius originator, Michael is the ad campaign king! With a passion for photography and an unmatched talent, Blane Venter has photographed the world’s leading figures, from Saudi Royals to International celebrities - an international photographer with a renowned gift. Natasha Whatmore has an eye for the perfect visual. Natasha’s photographic contribution to our titles are gaining somewhat of a cult following from discerning readers. Bobby Lee Neto is a graphic designer extraordinaire, with a creative talent that leaves the design community in envy. Charles Abinaar learnt the craft of fine graphic design at an early age and is a pioneering designer with unparalleled software knowledge and design skill.
Tip Top Nails had a spectacular "colours @ FaceBook" party at the Movida nightclub in Sunninghill (Sandton, JHB). Absolute Media proudly assisted with this dynamic party! Seen having fun (above) is our Chairman, Lance G Whatmore and his lovely wife, Natasha ;-)
Kuli Roberts steals a moment with Amore Vittone on the Yellow carpet at the 18th Annual MTN SAMA Awards. Kuli is wearing a Craig Jacob design created using SanDisk photographic memory cards and USB sticks. Photo by: Ouparazzi
The Oracle Women’s Leadership (OWL) program started in 2006 and has grown phenomenally! OWL aims to create local and global opportunities that support, educate and empower current and future generations of women at Oracle – as well as within Oracle’s network of customers and partners. We profile this incredible Oracle initiative in The Businesswoman Magazine and delve into the lives of four amazing examples of the Oracle way, pictured above, Wendy Beetge, Kholiwe Makhohliso, Bev Scott and Thozama Nene. Read all about it!
There’s a new columnist in The Businesswoman Magazine! How does one define a ‘renaissance women’? Perhaps on the premise that she may love art and support struggling artists? Perhaps being an erp software guru and helping build a south african software house into a leading global player? Perhaps just an avid cook and food lover, who adores spending time with friends? Welcome to the world of Meryl Malcomess, a true woman of africa, of colour and of passion for life. The new issue of The Businesswoman brings with it a series of columns in this magazine and corresponding online blogs (go to www.womeninit.co.za or simply Google Meryl), that will not only be the imparting of incredible wisdom, but entertaining and humbly honest. In a candid chat with the editorial team at The Businesswoman magazine, Meryl broke the ice of our perceptions about the inimitable Mz M, author extraordinaire! Read all about it in this issue of The Businesswoman Magazine!
In May 2012, our Chairman & CEO, Lance Whatmore and his wife Natasha, were treated to an incredible weekend at Maropeng - the Cradle of Humankind. This destination and World Heritage Site is featured in the July 2012 issue of our Diplomat South Africa magazine. Maropeng means “returning to the place of origin” in Setswana, the main indigenous language in this area of South Africa. Our ancestors have lived in this area for more than 3-million years. By coming here, you are coming to the birthplace of humanity. The Maropeng Visitor Centre is an exciting, world-class exhibition, focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years. The Maropeng Hotel is ideal for a romantic getaway, for executives seeking a convenient conference venue with accommodation not too far out of town, for local visitors wanting a short escape to refresh their souls, or for international tourists wanting to see some of the best tourist attractions South Africa has to offer. Lance and Natasha joined Maropeng’s resident astronomer Vincent Nettmann for a basic introduction to astronomy, featuring some of the winter “Hollywood” astronomical objects, including a glorious view of the Scorpius and Crux, also known as the Southern Cross, in the most spectacular region of the heavens visible in the Southern Hemisphere during the winter months.
There’s a new series in The Businesswoman Magazine. It’s about “Building Your Personal Brand” and it’s by the dynamic and incredibly talented Louise Mowbray. Louise is an international leadership, impact and personal brand coach and speaker. She owns Mowbray by Design, founded PIPBA (the global association for her industry) and lectures for business schools including Durham, Chicago Booth, Cass, GIBS, Wits & UCT. Co-Founder of smart®evolution – Powered by Consciousness and the author of Personal Branding – The Competitive Edge. She is a Consciousness Coach®, professional member of the Professional Speaking Asscociation (PSASA), accredited practitioner of The Science of Happiness at Work. Louise is regularly quoted in the press, runs a blog for The Collective Review and is the author of Personal Branding : The Competitive Edge. For more ... go to www.mowbraybydesign.com
Catch KPMG’s business paragons in the June 2012 issue of The Businesswoman Magazine! KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing audit, tax and advisory services. With over 145 000 outstanding professionals working together to deliver value in 152 countries worldwide, KPMG continues to build on our member firms’ successes thanks to clear vision, underpinned by our values and, above all, our people. Pictured above; Tshidi Mokgabudi, Makgotso Letsitsi, Tantie Fubu, Nosisa Fubu, Andronicca Masemola and Tersia Rossouw.
Catch AngloGold Ashanti’s Oresome Women in the latest issue of The Businesswoman Magazine! Anglogold Ashanti’s true brilliance shines through in their business principles and ethics - “ensuring performance with integrity”. This has been adopted by the nearly 65 000 people they employ. We take a look at a few of the remarkable women behind this international conglomerate. Pictured: Italia Boninelli (Senior Vice President: Human Resources Strategy and Change Management).
At last! Our CEO and Chairman, Lance Whatmore and our Marketing Director, Deon Vurden, both finally took delivery of their Harley Davidson Custom 883 Motorcycles in June 2012! These incredible motorcycles were supplied by HARLEY DAVIDSON INSYNC BIKES AND ACCESSORIES, in Sandton (011 884 0454). The Absolute Media team and Harley Davidson wish both Lance and Deon many years of great riding!
The Businesswoman Magazine welcomes our new guest writer, FAITH NGWENYA! Faith writes from the desk of The Technical And Standards Executive: SAIPA.
Our Marketing Director, Deon Vurden and CEO Lance G Whatmore caught at Moscow's airport whilst involved in negotiating publishing rights in Russia - May 2012!
SEEN AT THE CLARINS MOST DYNAMIC WOMAN AWARDS...
(CREDIT: SARIE Magazine) Angela Larkan & Christa Botha Blackberry Corporate Communications Manager Sub Sahara Africa ... Avis chief executive, Wayne Duvenage congratulating Angela Larkan the winner of the Clarins/FAIRLADY/SARIE Most Dynamic Woman of the Year Award.
SEEN AT THE CLARINS MOST DYNAMIC WOMAN AWARDS...
(CREDIT: SARIE Magazine) Robynne Adams, GM of Clarins South Africa Angela Larkan Suzy Brokensha, Editor of Fair Lady Magazine Christian Courtin-Clarins, Michelle Van Breda, Editor of Sarie Magazine.
The SIX LAUREATES of the 2012 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards were announced at the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society in Deauville. Selected among over 1,000 candidates, each presented businesses that demonstrate exceptional creativity, financial sustainability and social impact. They win the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards trophy, one year of personalised coaching and US$20,000 of funding. The Laureates of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards are chosen by an independent and voluntary Jury composed of entrepreneurs and business leaders. This year, the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards celebrates its fifth Anniversary. Since its inception, the competition has supported 76 women entrepreneurs from all over the world. Laureate for Latin America - Carolina Guerra; Laureates for North America - Benita Singh and Summer Rayne Oakes; Laureate for Europe - Kresse Wesling; Laureate for Sub-Saharan Africa - Lorna Rutto; Laureate for Middle East and North Africa - Rana El Chemaitelly; Laureate for Asia-Pacific - Chunhong Chen.
BUSINESSWOMEN’S ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES CORPORATE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL WINNERS
The powerhouse employment funder, Philisiwe Buthelezi and dynamite medical & dental supplier, Nondumiso Mzizana scooped the Businesswomen’s Association (BWA) Businesswoman of the Year Awards in the corporate and entrepreneurial categories respectively.
More awesomeness than you can handle with Bonang Matheba and BlackBerry!
25 March 2012 - Bonang Matheba, South Africa's Coolest Female TV Star (2011 Sunday Times Generation Next Survey) joined BlackBerry® at the launch of the BlackBerry "Touch Awesomeness" campaign at Sandton City Fountain Court. The campaign celebrates the launch of the new all-touch BlackBerry® Curve™ 9380 smartphone - the first BlackBerry® Curve smartphone with a touch screen. Awesome prizes were up for grabs, including a new Audi A1 1.4 TFSi and BlackBerry Curve 9380 smartphones.
Our Cover Star - April 2012 - The Businesswoman Magazine
DR. MAUREEN ALLEM
COSMETIC DOCTOR AND FOUNDER OF SKIN & BODY RENEWAL
Dr Maureen Allem is the founder of national anti-aging company Skin & Body Renewal, with thirteen clinics across South Africa’s major cities. She has five medical doctors working with her using the same methods she has spent years honing. She frequently travels all over the world attending World Anti-Ageing Congresses and Laser Forums to stay abreast of the most up-to-date non-surgical procedures. Dr Allem is a sought after speaker on anti-ageing and non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques and body sculpting. She has appeared on TV and radio many times discussing non-surgical aesthetic solutions and her advice articles have appeared in numerous publications.
MARKETING GURU
Read all about it in issue 24! The Businesswoman magazine interviewed one of SA’s leading marketers. Celeste Gibbens is the Marketing Manager for Acer South Africa. No small feat! This position incorporates a 360 degree approach and includes public relations, advertising, sponsorship and communication and of course, endless internal marketing! Acer Group consists of four very powerful, international multi-brands, namely Acer, Packard Bell, Gateway and e-Machine. Says Celeste, “Each of these multi-brands has its own, unique set of marketing objectives and tasks.”
16 November 2011 - Meryl Malcomess (SYSPRO Marketing Director) launched the Women In IT column at the Salvation Café (44 on Stanley). At The Businesswoman magazine, the entire editorial team are extremely excited at the prospect of this upcoming regular column! Look for it in your newest issue! The owner of Salvation Café and chef extraordinaire, Claudia Giannoccaro treated guests to a spectacular pre-Christmas turkey! Pictured above: Natasha (Absolute), Meryl (SYSPRO), Claudia (Salvation) and Lance (Absolute).
A Team effort at the Hot Tables, Monarch Hotel, 20 May 2010:
Media is …
Irrespective of whether you're giving someone your business card or perhaps a quote on a letterhead, you are branding your company with media. The more obvious examples of advanced brochures or advertisements are correctly percieved as media for your brand - but don't be fooled - everything you present about your company carries an inherent media value! At Absolute Media, we recognise that no matter what form media takes, it is a vehicle that carries your brand message, even with something as simple as a logo or brand identity.