KG:
As a young black woman in digital marketing, would you say that gender bias in Digital Marketing is real? What have been some of your observations in this regard?
As a young black woman in digital marketing, would you say that gender bias in Digital Marketing is real? What have been some of your observations in this regard?
OM:
There is a global gender bias. It is not limited to the industry I have chosen to operate in unfortunately. Capitalism and patriarchy are benevolent bedfellows. Women have historically been unable to participate in the formal economy and now that we are, we are paid significantly less for the same amount of work. Recent statistics show that black African women bear the biggest brunt of this gender bias. Regardless of industry.
There is a global gender bias. It is not limited to the industry I have chosen to operate in unfortunately. Capitalism and patriarchy are benevolent bedfellows. Women have historically been unable to participate in the formal economy and now that we are, we are paid significantly less for the same amount of work. Recent statistics show that black African women bear the biggest brunt of this gender bias. Regardless of industry.
KG:
Tell us about your Creative Consultancy Makhathini Media, and how it aims to close the gap with regards to the lack of digital literacy in South Africa?
Tell us about your Creative Consultancy Makhathini Media, and how it aims to close the gap with regards to the lack of digital literacy in South Africa?
OM:
We are closing the digital literacy gap by offering Digital Marketing workshops for government agencies, parastatals, NGOs, corporate companies of all sizes and individuals.
We are closing the digital literacy gap by offering Digital Marketing workshops for government agencies, parastatals, NGOs, corporate companies of all sizes and individuals.
Makhathini Media aims to create solutions through technology, content and up
skilling of vulnerable girl children. My goal through Makhathini Media is to teach young black girls coding, programming
and digital media skills.
KG:
The journey of an entrepreneur is not always an easy one. What are some of the lessons you have learned along the way and how have they shaped your outlook on life?
The journey of an entrepreneur is not always an easy one. What are some of the lessons you have learned along the way and how have they shaped your outlook on life?
OM:
Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey. No one sees your vision the way that you do so you are ultimately responsible for auctioning it as best you see fit. I have learned patience and the importance of going inward to find solutions. This can be through prayer, meditation or a cathartic chat with girlfriends. I have relied on myself more than I ever had to and it is both empowering and terrifying. Becoming an entrepreneur has made me smarter, more agile and way more empathetic than I previously was. I have had to accept my shortcomings, commit to working through them while also never forgetting my natural strengths. Remembering to always hone my talents and not take them for granted just because they come naturally.
Entrepreneurship is a lonely journey. No one sees your vision the way that you do so you are ultimately responsible for auctioning it as best you see fit. I have learned patience and the importance of going inward to find solutions. This can be through prayer, meditation or a cathartic chat with girlfriends. I have relied on myself more than I ever had to and it is both empowering and terrifying. Becoming an entrepreneur has made me smarter, more agile and way more empathetic than I previously was. I have had to accept my shortcomings, commit to working through them while also never forgetting my natural strengths. Remembering to always hone my talents and not take them for granted just because they come naturally.
KG:
How has Digital Marketing changed the way in which brands and businesses utilize technology for marketing?
How has Digital Marketing changed the way in which brands and businesses utilize technology for marketing?
OM:
Brands can tell richer stories about themselves and their audiences through the various mediums Digital Marketing provides. It has made brands human and accessible. DM has made it easier for brands to be more agile and responsive too. It has given way to useful data and insights, creativity and of course contributed significantly to job creation.
Brands can tell richer stories about themselves and their audiences through the various mediums Digital Marketing provides. It has made brands human and accessible. DM has made it easier for brands to be more agile and responsive too. It has given way to useful data and insights, creativity and of course contributed significantly to job creation.
KG:
Digital media has grown immensely by helping brands engage consumers about their products/services in a personalized way. What are some of your favourite Digital Mediums?
Digital media has grown immensely by helping brands engage consumers about their products/services in a personalized way. What are some of your favourite Digital Mediums?
OM:
I love a well curated newsletter. I love long form articles. I also really enjoy aesthetically consistent images.
I love a well curated newsletter. I love long form articles. I also really enjoy aesthetically consistent images.
KG:
What advice would you give people when it comes to the professional use of social media?
What advice would you give people when it comes to the professional use of social media?
OM:
I would say establishing a consistent voice is very important. People need to know what you are about in case they would like to collaborate with you or speak to you about your personal brand and/or business offering. People connect with authenticity so knowing yourself and curating a theme for your online presence is very important. Secondly, I would say do not be afraid to reach out to people you admire in your industry, most folks are willing to answer a DM or chat. Lastly, people should know what you are selling through your use of social media. Small things like having a working link in your bio and posting regularly from your digital properties is key.
I would say establishing a consistent voice is very important. People need to know what you are about in case they would like to collaborate with you or speak to you about your personal brand and/or business offering. People connect with authenticity so knowing yourself and curating a theme for your online presence is very important. Secondly, I would say do not be afraid to reach out to people you admire in your industry, most folks are willing to answer a DM or chat. Lastly, people should know what you are selling through your use of social media. Small things like having a working link in your bio and posting regularly from your digital properties is key.
KG:
Through digital communications, a multi-communication channel where information can be exchanged around the world is created. How can African luxury brands use digital marketing effectively?
Through digital communications, a multi-communication channel where information can be exchanged around the world is created. How can African luxury brands use digital marketing effectively?
OM:
Without you booking a consultation with Makhathini Media, I can say this; look to what other luxury brands are doing globally and adapt their strategy with your offering. No need to reinvent the wheel. Know your industry, know your market, and know your audience.
Without you booking a consultation with Makhathini Media, I can say this; look to what other luxury brands are doing globally and adapt their strategy with your offering. No need to reinvent the wheel. Know your industry, know your market, and know your audience.
KG:
Connecting to the digital world ensures that we remain informed, however there is a lack of basic computer literacy skills in South Africa. How can we fix this?
Connecting to the digital world ensures that we remain informed, however there is a lack of basic computer literacy skills in South Africa. How can we fix this?
OM:
Access is a huge barrier. Data costs, high costs of luxuries like smartphones and very low minimum wage figures prevent many people from thinking about how to effectively use luxuries such as the Internet. Also, there is a huge lack of basic computer literacy skills among learners and job seekers between the ages of 18-35.
Access is a huge barrier. Data costs, high costs of luxuries like smartphones and very low minimum wage figures prevent many people from thinking about how to effectively use luxuries such as the Internet. Also, there is a huge lack of basic computer literacy skills among learners and job seekers between the ages of 18-35.
Secondly, young people are not equipped with basic digital skills that
can help them navigate information online. Many young South Africans do not
know how to look for information online or how to use it to their own benefit.
This is a failing on our education system; subjects like Life Orientation
should put a bigger effort in equipping young people with relevant, up to date
skills on how to thrive in the real world. Thirdly, a huge attitude shift must
be prioritized.
KG:
How can digital marketing have a positive impact on society?
How can digital marketing have a positive impact on society?
OM:
There is a huge pool of potential that is not being tapped into because older generations do not value the power of the internet. People are uninformed about the benefits on DM. Digital marketing can be used to leapfrog our economy monumentally especially through ICT, infotainment, e-learning and e-commerce platforms. Both the government and average citizens should be prioritizing an understanding of the digital landscape for the good of our nation.
There is a huge pool of potential that is not being tapped into because older generations do not value the power of the internet. People are uninformed about the benefits on DM. Digital marketing can be used to leapfrog our economy monumentally especially through ICT, infotainment, e-learning and e-commerce platforms. Both the government and average citizens should be prioritizing an understanding of the digital landscape for the good of our nation.
KG:
What do you believe is the secret to success? How can one ensure that they achieve their goals in spite of complications and set-backs?
What do you believe is the secret to success? How can one ensure that they achieve their goals in spite of complications and set-backs?
OM:
Complications and set backs are just a part of life, it’s the Universe's way of helping you see your blind spots while building your resolve and resilience. It isn’t easy, nothing really is but it’s worth it.
Complications and set backs are just a part of life, it’s the Universe's way of helping you see your blind spots while building your resolve and resilience. It isn’t easy, nothing really is but it’s worth it.
I do not
believe there is a secret to success. I think that defining success for
yourself and hard work get you far. I think the key is competing against
yourself, constantly working to be a better version of yourself so that you can
bring that energy into every space you enter. I think being successful is being
yourself and finally liking it. To paraphrase Master P ‘the glory is in you’.
Contact Details:
Owethu Makhathini
@owethumack
owethumack@gmail.com
Makhathini Media
@makhathinimedia
makhathinimedia@gmail.com
*images provided by Owethu and sourced on Twitter
*Interview conducted by Noemi Muya, King Gina Contributor
Contact Details:
Owethu Makhathini
@owethumack
owethumack@gmail.com
Makhathini Media
@makhathinimedia
makhathinimedia@gmail.com
*images provided by Owethu and sourced on Twitter
*Interview conducted by Noemi Muya, King Gina Contributor
Really a amazing post...very informative. Thanks for sharing.
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