Decode Afrika

20/06/2026

The future of citizen engagement will be shaped by how governments use technology, data and communication to build trust.

We are honoured to announce that the Minister of the Department of Communications & Digital Technologies., Solly Malatsi, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Social Media Summit for Government.

As South Africa navigates rapid technological change, AI adoption and evolving citizen expectations, the Minister's keynote will explore how digital transformation can strengthen the relationship between government and the people it serves.

His participation reflects the growing importance of communication, innovation and public trust in shaping the future of governance.

Join us on 30 June 2026 at the Johannesburg Business School as we unpack this year's theme:

Power Shift+: Reimagining Citizen Engagement through Human + Artificial Intelligence.

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

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The premier event for public sector communicators navigating digital transformation. 30 June – 01 July 2026, University of Johannesburg Business School.

18/06/2026

Can AI help government move from communicating with citizens to truly understanding them?

Botshelo Baloyi, Founder and CEO of UmkhoAI, joins us at this year's Social Media Summit for Government to unpack how AI-powered government can improve communication, uncover insights and increase impact.

Get your ticket: https://jo.my/s4gv

Government generates and receives vast amounts of information every day. From citizen feedback and service delivery conversations to social media engagement and public sentiment, the opportunity lies in turning data into action.

Botshelo will explore how AI can help communicators identify patterns, understand communities and engage more effectively at scale.

If you're interested in the future of citizen-centred communication, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

To join us, get your tickets here: https://jo.my/s4gv

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18/06/2026

What happens when AI meets the human insight needed to build trust, engagement and meaningful public communication?

At this year's Social Media Summit for Government, Lorato Tshenkeng, CEO of Decode., will explore how Human Intelligence (HI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can work together to help government communicators better understand citizens and create communication that resonates.

Get your ticket: https://jo.my/s4gv

As technology transforms how we gather insights, create content and engage communities, the role of the communicator becomes even more important.

He'll share practical perspectives on how communicators can use AI to strengthen citizen engagement while keeping people at the centre of every interaction.

Join us on 30 June as we explore the future of government communication.

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The premier event for public sector communicators navigating digital transformation. 30 June – 01 July 2026, University of Johannesburg Business School.

20/05/2026

Our Social Media Summit for Government saw huge success in 2025, in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg and featuring many inspiring speakers. It's back and even bigger this year.

We have more speakers who are changing communication using digital media. We also have a very current approach to creating content, which will happen in real-time at the summit.

This year's Summit is also endorsed by PRISA Southern Africa.

Here are some highlights from last year. Get your tickets and join us on World Social Media Day, 30 June 2026, at the University of Johannesburg Business School (JBS).

🔗 https://decode.co.za/sms4gov-2026

30/04/2026

A day after Freedom Day, our CEO Lorato Tshenkeng took over this week's SAfmRadio's The Meeting Point for an hour and instead of asking who South Africans don't trust, he asked something far more powerful: Who do you trust in South Africa and why❓

During a time when South Africa is grappling with questions of accountability, leadership and public confidence, the conversation unpacked how trust is built and how easily it is tested, through transparency, communication and consistent delivery.

Joined by Dr Linda Ncube- Nkomo, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and Kaizer Kganyago, NPA Spokesperson, South Africans also shared who they trust and why, bringing real perspectives into a national conversation about confidence in institutions and leadership.

🎧 Listen to the full conversation here: https://omny.fm/shows/safmthemeetingpoint/tuesday-takeover-lorato-tshenkeng-founder-and-ceo-of-decode

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28/04/2026

LIVE Tonight on SAfm! 📻

Tonight, our CEO, Lorato Tshenkeng, takes over the mic on ’s on The Meeting Point.

Tune in from 20:00 – 21:15 as he sits down with Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo, CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and Kaizer Kganyago, NPA spokesperson, for a thought-provoking conversation exploring the question:

“Who do you trust in South Africa and why❓”

Don’t miss this powerful discussion on nations building, leadership and communication.

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17/04/2026

We have some news, and we'd love for you to be among the first to hear it.

After thirteen years as Decode Communications, we’re evolving. We are dropping “Communications” from our name, not from our purpose.

We are now simply: Decode.

There are moments in a firm’s journey when a shift in language signals something deeper - a change in capability, in focus, in how value is created. This is one of those moments.

After thirteen years of building, delivering, and earning the trust of clients and partners, we are formalising what has long been true. We have dropped “Communications” from our name - not from our purpose, and not because it no longer describes what we do - but because it no longer captures the full scope of how we show up.

The full stop is intentional. It reflects a quiet confidence in who we are, the work we do, and the relationships that have shaped us.

Because over time, the work has evolved.
From communication to reputation advisory.
From messaging to meaning.
From outputs to outcomes.
From activity to impact.

Today, Decode operates as a Pan-African reputation advisory and strategic communications firm - working across sectors, borders, and disciplines. Our approach is grounded in intelligence, shaped by our proprietary D.E.C.O.D.E. methodology, and informed by platforms like the South African Government Leaders on X (SAGLOX) Report and the annual Social Media Summit.

But more importantly, it is defined by a simple belief: reputation is not built in moments of visibility, but in moments of consequence.

To our clients, partners, and collaborators: this evolution carries your fingerprints. You have shaped how we think, how we deliver, and who we are becoming.

Thirteen years on, we are clearer in our focus, stronger in our capability, and more deliberate in the role we play.

We’re building what comes next.

Visit our new website: decode.co.za

20/11/2025

We’re excited to share some wonderful news from the Decode family! 🎉

Please join us in welcoming Nhlanhla Kubeka, who has joined Decode as our new Senior Account Manager.

Nhlanhla brings over 10 years of experience in strategic communications, working across sectors to deliver impactful storytelling, strong stakeholder relationships, and award-winning campaigns. He will be leading our work with three key clients: Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls- South Africa, Vaal University of Technology, and Sasria SOC Ltd.

As we continue to grow, we’re proud to strengthen our leadership team with passionate, talented professionals who believe in the power of communication to make a real difference. We’re excited for the value and creativity Nhlanhla will bring to our clients and our team.

Read more about his appointment here:🔗 https://bit.ly/47H8Zhs

Welcome to Decode, Nhlanhla! 💛

21/05/2025

Lead The Conversation. Shape Public Opinion. For public sector leaders and communication professionals, the ability to effectively manage your narrative and digital impact is paramount.

Join us at the Social Media Summit for Government 2025 (June 30 – July 01, University of Johannesburg Business School & Virtual).

You will discover proven strategies to:
• Amplify your organisation's digital impact.
• Proactively manage and mitigate reputational risks.
• Confidently own and shape your public narrative.

This summit is designed to equip you with actionable insights and tools relevant in today's complex information environment. The event is fast approaching, and seats are limited.

BOOK NOW to secure your place — tickets are selling fast! https://bit.ly/4iZq5eh

08/05/2025

🚀 Exciting Keynote Announcement for Social Media Summit for Government 2025🇿🇦: Welcoming Professor Eldrid Jordaan!

We are exceptionally pleased to announce that the highly esteemed Professor Jordaan will be the Keynote Speaker for the upcoming Social Media Summit for Government 2025!

Professor Jordaan stands as a visionary leader at the critical intersection of digital transformation, civic engagement, and public sector communication. With a career marked by profound insights and impactful contributions, he brings a wealth of knowledge that is particularly relevant as governments worldwide navigate the evolving digital landscape.

Why This is a Must-Attend Keynote:
☑️ Pioneering Digital Transformation in Governance: Professor Jordaan has been instrumental in guiding public sector entities through the complexities of digital adoption, ensuring technology serves to enhance transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric services.

☑️ Championing Meaningful Civic Engagement: His work deeply explores how digital platforms, including social media, can be leveraged to foster genuine dialogue, empower communities, and build stronger relationships between governments and the citizens they serve.

☑️ Shaping Modern Public Sector Communication: Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities, Professor Jordaan has helped redefine effective communication strategies for public institutions, focusing on clarity, trust-building, and impactful outreach.

☑️ Bridging Theory and Practice: With a formidable background that combines rigorous academic research with the successful implementation of real-world public sector solutions, he offers perspectives that are both innovative and actionable.

☑️ Driving Inclusivity: A key focus of Professor Jordaan's work has been on developing strategies that effectively bridge the digital divide and ensure that technological advancements foster greater inclusion for all segments of society.

Professor Jordaan's keynote address at the Social Media Summit for Government 2025 promises to deliver cutting-edge insights and practical strategies for public sector professionals looking to harness the full potential of social media for effective governance and enhanced citizen engagement.

Secure your seat today! Tickets are on sale now: Shttps://bit.ly/4iZq5eh

This is an unparalleled opportunity to learn from one of the leading minds in the field!