Decode Afrika

28/08/2026

Decode CEO, Lorato Tshenkeng today joins Africa’s leading media, marketing and PR thinkers at Africa PR Week 2026 in Nairobi, where 81 speakers are exploring how to strengthen the continent’s global reputation.

Lorato’s panel focuses on how strategic communication and cross-border alliances can build investor confidence and position Africa as a compelling investment destination.

24/08/2026

Social media has given organisations far more ways to reach people than communicators had a decade or two ago. A story no longer lives only in the newspaper, television interview or publication in which it first appeared; it can travel much further through the people and communities who share it.

Our CEO, Lorato Tshenkeng, sees that as one of social media’s great advantages for communication. He also makes an important distinction: reaching more people and influencing them are not the same thing.

How do you leverage social media in your communication strategy?

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23/07/2026

"AI can read the signal; the accountability stays human."

That's the central message from Dr Christopher Mahlathi's reflections on the Social Media Summit for Government 2026.

From scientific research to public communication, AI can help us process information faster than ever before. The responsibility to question, validate and make decisions, however, remains ours.

Read the full article and share your thoughts: https://jo.my/aigvsm

21/07/2026

Can AI help governments communicate more effectively without losing human connection?

That's one of the important questions explored by Prof Mandla Radebe following the Social Media Summit for Government Communicators.

His latest article looks at why trust, ethics and responsible communication must remain at the centre of every AI conversation.

Have a read and let us know what you think: https://jo.my/gvcomm

Explore how AI is revolutionising government communication strategies, enhancing engagement, and fostering trust between citizens and public institutions.

08/07/2026

Today is the day! The 2026 Social Media Summit for Government officially kicks off, bringing together leaders from government, academia, technology and communications to explore how AI and human intelligence can work together to improve citizen engagement.

This morning's programme features:

- Philasande Sokhela, Senior Manager, Johannesburg Business School Centre for African Business

- Lorato Tshenkeng, CEO of Decode Afrika, opens the summit with a look at why Human Intelligence + Artificial Intelligence matters now more than ever.

- Alistair King, Vice Chair of the Philipstown Wirecar Foundation, shares how creativity can solve society's biggest challenges.

- Dr Caroline Azionya, President of PRISA, explores why professional communication standards are becoming even more important in the age of AI.

- Botshelo Baloyi, Founder and CEO of Umkho AI, unpacks how AI can help governments create more human-centred services.

And that's only the start of two days of thought-provoking conversations.

Will you be joining us? Which discussion are you most looking forward to?

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07/07/2026

Tomorrow, Minister Solly Malatsi joins leaders from across government, academia and technology to discuss the future of digital transformation and citizen engagement.

In-person tickets are sold out.

Get tickets to join us virtually: https://jo.my/sms4g

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06/07/2026

Only two days to go!

Have you seen what's on this year's programme?

From an international keynote on AI and political communication to practical sessions on crisis communication, public trust, digital ethics, journalism and the attention economy, the Social Media Summit for Government brings together some of the country's leading voices in communication, technology, government and media.

Highlights include:

- Minister Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies

- Prof. Dr. Martin Emmer (Germany), Professor of Communication Science and Head of the Division of Media Use Research, Freie Universität Berlin. He is also a Founding Director and Principal Investigator at the Weizenbaum Institute for the Networked Society

- Alistair King, Fractional, Founding creative partner of former King James Group

- Dr Caroline Azionya, President of PRISA

- Botshelo Baloyi, CEO of Umkho AI

- Toni Mautsu, CEO of Social Light

- Mongezi Mtati, Snr Brand Strategist, Rogerwilco and Host of The Lead Creative

- A panel with Prof JJ Tabane, Qaanitah Hunter, Lance Witten and Phumi Mashigo

Whether you've already registered or you're still thinking about it, take a look at the programme and join us for two days of conversations that matter.

To join us, get your tickets: https://jo.my/sms4g

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06/07/2026

Credibility is no longer determined solely by the newsroom. Trust is built across social platforms, independent publishers, creators and communities, fundamentally changing how journalism influences public discourse.

Prof JJ Tabane, Editor of Leadership Magazine, moderates a timely discussion on how social media is reshaping journalism and what that means for governments, communicators and citizens.

Join us on 8-9 July at the Johannesburg Business School.

Get your tickets: https://jo.my/sms4g

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05/07/2026

Every day, people scroll past thousands of messages.

How can governments make sure the important ones are remembered?

Join Mongezi Mtati as he explores the attention economy and what it means for public communication.

Get your tickets to participate in the conversation on 8-9 July: https://jo.my/sms4g

03/07/2026

Some conversations change the way we think.

Join award-winning broadcaster Bongiwe Zwane as she leads a fireside discussion on innovation, resilience and social impact at the Social Media Summit for Government.

Get your tickets to join the conversation at JBS on 8-9 July: https://jo.my/sms4g