Understanding the State of Strategic Communications in South Africa
As a strategic communications firm helping businesses build tailored public relations (PR) strategies for the South African market, we make it a priority to stay ahead of trends shaping our industry.
Each month, our team analyses data from our website, Google Search Console, and external media sources to identify key developments that could influence how companies communicate with their stakeholders.
Here’s what we’re watching closely this month.
What Our Data Reveals About Investor Communications in South Africa
Our digital insights highlight several recurring search phrases and keywords, including:
- Fabricio Bloisi
- Impact Reporting / What is an Impact Report
- Heartwood Properties
- The Youth Content Collective
These search patterns give us a fascinating view of where public and investor attention is focused. Answering what narratives are resonating in 2025.
Fabricio Bloisi and Strategic Leadership at Naspers and Prosus
Fabricio Bloisi, the CEO of Naspers and Prosus, continues to attract significant search interest. We’ve previously written about his highly effective communication style and leadership approach.
In 2025, both Naspers and Prosus have been standout performers on the JSE (Johannesburg Stock Exchange), with Prosus shares up over 60% year-to-date and Naspers completing a 5-to-1 share split. These moves have cemented Bloisi’s reputation as one of the most strategic communicators in the South African market.
Impact Reporting: A Consistent Global Trend
Impact Reporting continues to be one of the most searched terms across our platforms this year. Globally, investors and regulators are pushing for more transparency around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes.
For South African businesses, understanding what an impact report is, and how to structure one effectively, has become a vital part of corporate strategy. It’s also an area where communications teams are playing a larger role in shaping narrative and accountability.
Heartwood Properties: Spotlight on the Cape Town Stock Exchange
Heartwood Properties, a Cape Town Stock Exchange (CTSE)-listed property developer, continues to generate interest among investors seeking smaller-cap, growth-oriented plays.
Coverage of CTSE-listed entities remains limited, and our team has been proactive in giving these companies a platform. We previously interviewed CEO John Whall following the company’s financial results. Which provides rare insight into one of South Africa’s alternative listed markets.
The Youth Content Collective: Impact through Opportunity
The Youth Content Collective (YCC) remains one of the most inspiring impact projects we’ve supported. The initiative provides young videographers and photographers with meaningful work experience. Helping them build professional portfolios by connecting them with top South African brands.
This model of linking corporate storytelling with youth development aligns perfectly with our belief that communications can drive measurable social and economic value.
The Launch of the SA Trade Desk
We’re proud to announce the launch of the SA Trade Desk, an initiative designed to promote South Africa as a premier destination for investment capital.
After several challenging years, there’s a growing sense that South Africa may be poised for recovery. The SA Trade Desk will serve as both a thought-leadership platform and a point of contact for businesses looking to expand their footprint. While sharing insights on positioning the country in the global economy
This initiative reflects our long-standing mission to connect capital with opportunity through strategic, informed communication.
A Venture Capital Success Story: Altera Biosciences
While South Africa’s venture capital ecosystem remains relatively small compared to global peers, 2025 has seen notable progress.
A recent highlight is Pretoria-based Altera Biosciences, a breakthrough technology that could transform transplant medicine in Africa. This secured R29 million in pre-seed funding to develop a universal donor cell platform,
This milestone represents one of the continent’s most exciting biotech stories to date. For more insight, we recommend the BizNews interview unpacking Altera’s vision and its implications for local innovation:
Watch the BizNews interview here.
A New Fintech Player Heads to the JSE
In a positive development for local markets, the JSE is preparing to welcome a new fintech and AI listing, Optasia, valued at around R1.3 billion.
Founded in 2012, the company is backed by respected investors, including private equity firm Ethos, and its listing marks a welcome addition following a period of steady JSE delistings.
Optasia’s entry signals a potential revival of investor confidence in South African technology and capital markets.
Leadership Changes at the JSE: Leila Fourie Steps Down
After 15 years of service, Dr. Leila Fourie has announced that she will step down as CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Her successor, Valdene Reddy, currently Director of Capital Markets, brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to innovation.
Fourie’s tenure was defined by a focus on modernising the JSE and strengthening corporate governance, themes that will likely remain central under Reddy’s leadership.
Bank of America Eyes Ratings Upgrades for South Africa
While South Africa lost its investment-grade status with Fitch and S&P in 2017, followed by Moody’s in 2020 and there are emerging signs of optimism.
According to Bank of America, the country could see potential ratings upgrades by 2026, with Tatonga Rusike, Chief Sub-Saharan Africa Economist, telling BusinessTech:
“Our best-case scenario would be two-notch upgrades at Fitch and S&P and one notch at Moody’s within three or four years, taking us to the 2029 election.”
Such upgrades would represent a meaningful shift in investor sentiment and reinforce confidence in South Africa’s fiscal and monetary direction.
Looking for a Strategic Communications Firm to Level Up Your PR?
Our experienced team can help. Whether you’re looking to position your business as a thought leader, develop an Impact Report, or refine your B2B strategy,
At Investor Comms, we work with listed and private companies to translate complex strategies into clear, compelling narratives that attract investors.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.