Latest news with #MargaretNienaber
News24
16-07-2025
- Business
- News24
Standard Bank launches campaign to back your growth journey
Standard Bank has launched its new 'Keep Growing' brand campaign, a powerful affirmation of the bank's purpose: 'Africa is our home, we drive her growth'. The advertising campaign, which launches with a brand advert in the South African market, champions the limitless potential of the African continent, its people and communities - recognising that every individual and every business possesses both the ability and desire to grow. As Africa's largest bank by assets with over 50,000 employees and 20 million customers, Standard Bank is uniquely positioned to drive the continent's growth as Africa's population surges towards an estimated 2.5 billion people by 2050. Standard Bank Group Chief Operating Officer Margaret Nienaber says: 'Our 163-year history on the continent gives us a deep understanding of Africa's unique context. This campaign is a statement of our unwavering commitment to the people of this continent. We want our customers to know that their dreams matter and that we're here to support them. We're not just their bank – we're their trusted partner on every step of their growth journey.' Created in partnership with M&C Saatchi Abel, part of the Up&Up Group, the campaign's creative direction captures a fundamental truth: growth transforms everything – it creates impact, unlocks opportunities, and has the extraordinary power to elevate all aspects of life, from financial prosperity to personal fulfilment and thriving communities. Diana Springer, Standard Bank's Head of Group Brand and Marketing, says: 'We wanted to ensure the message truly resonated with our markets. The creative treatment needed to be visually memorable and emotionally powerful. It was crucial for us to communicate that growth isn't always easy, but it is worth it. Our message is simple yet profound: Keep growing with Standard Bank by your side.' The Up&Up Group Chief Strategy Officer, Robert Grace, adds that: 'Instead of spotlighting the finish line, be it a new home or a thriving business, Keep Growing motivates us to focus on the climb itself. In a first for South African advertising, using the gimbal, the advertisement literally tilts the characters' environments, transforming their aspirations into a tangible, visual, uphill journey. It's an arresting image that mirrors the real-life, lived experiences of customers.' Zoe Modiga's powerful rendition of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' brings soul and depth to the campaign – a perfect rendition for a story about resilience and growth. 'Zoe is a celebrated Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner, and her journey since receiving that recognition has been remarkable. She's become one of South Africa's most compelling voices in contemporary jazz and soul,' concludes Springer. The television commercial goes live in July 2025. Watch the full brand ad here.
Mail & Guardian
15-07-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Standard Bank's Keep Growing campaign: A promise to embrace the journey of growth with customers
Standard Bank has launched its new 'Keep Growing' brand campaign, a powerful affirmation of the bank's purpose: 'Africa is our home, we drive her growth '. The advertising campaign, which launches with a brand advert in the South African market, champions the limitless potential of the African continent, its people and communities – recognising that every individual and every business possesses both the ability and desire to grow. As Africa's largest bank by assets with over 50,000 employees and 20 million customers, Standard Bank is uniquely positioned to drive the continent's growth as Africa's population surges towards an estimated 2.5 billion people by 2050. Standard Bank Group Chief Operating Officer Margaret Nienaber says: 'Our 163-year history on the continent gives us a deep understanding of Africa's unique context. This campaign is a statement of our unwavering commitment to the people of this continent. We want our customers to know that their dreams matter and that we're here to support them. We're not just their bank – we're their trusted partner on every step of their growth journey.' Created in partnership with M&C Saatchi Abel, part of the Up&Up Group, the campaign's creative direction captures a fundamental truth: growth transforms everything – it creates impact, unlocks opportunities, and has the extraordinary power to elevate all aspects of life, from financial prosperity to personal fulfilment and thriving communities. Diana Springer, Standard Bank's Head of Group Brand and Marketing, says: 'We wanted to ensure the message truly resonated with our markets. The creative treatment needed to be visually memorable and emotionally powerful. It was crucial for us to communicate that growth isn't always easy, but it is worth it. Our message is simple yet profound: Keep growing with Standard Bank by your side.' The Up&Up Group Chief Strategy Officer, Robert Grace, adds that: 'Instead of spotlighting the finish line, be it a new home or a thriving business, Keep Growing motivates us to focus on the climb itself. In a first for South African advertising, using the gimbal, the advertisement literally tilts the characters' environments, transforming their aspirations into a tangible, visual, uphill journey. It's an arresting image that mirrors the real-life, lived experiences of customers.' Zoe Modiga's powerful rendition of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' brings soul and depth to the campaign – a perfect rendition for a story about resilience and growth. 'Zoe is a celebrated Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner, and her journey since receiving that recognition has been remarkable. She's become one of South Africa's most compelling voices in contemporary jazz and soul,' concludes Springer. The television commercial goes live in July 2025. Watch the full brand ad
Daily Maverick
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Standard Bank's Keep Growing campaign: A promise to embrace the journey of growth with customers
Standard Bank has launched its new 'Keep Growing' brand campaign, a powerful affirmation of the bank's purpose: 'Africa is our home, we drive her growth '. The advertising campaign, which launched with a brand advert in the South African market, champions the limitless potential of the African continent, its people and communities – recognising that every individual and every business possesses both the ability and desire to grow. As Africa's largest bank by assets with over 50,000 employees and 20 million customers, Standard Bank is uniquely positioned to drive the continent's growth as Africa's population surges towards an estimated 2.5 billion people by 2050. Standard Bank Group Chief Operating Officer Margaret Nienaber says: 'Our 163-year history on the continent gives us a deep understanding of Africa's unique context. This campaign is a statement of our unwavering commitment to the people of this continent. We want our customers to know that their dreams matter and that we're here to support them. We're not just their bank – we're their trusted partner on every step of their growth journey.' Created in partnership with M&C Saatchi Abel, part of the Up&Up Group, the campaign's creative direction captures a fundamental truth: growth transforms everything – it creates impact, unlocks opportunities, and has the extraordinary power to elevate all aspects of life, from financial prosperity to personal fulfilment and thriving communities. Diana Springer, Standard Bank's Head of Group Brand and Marketing, says: 'We wanted to ensure the message truly resonated with our markets. The creative treatment needed to be visually memorable and emotionally powerful. It was crucial for us to communicate that growth isn't always easy, but it is worth it. Our message is simple yet profound: Keep growing with Standard Bank by your side.' The Up&Up Group Chief Strategy Officer, Robert Grace, adds that: 'Instead of spotlighting the finish line, be it a new home or a thriving business, Keep Growing motivates us to focus on the climb itself. In a first for South African advertising, using the gimbal, the advertisement literally tilts the characters' environments, transforming their aspirations into a tangible, visual, uphill journey. It's an arresting image that mirrors the real-life, lived experiences of customers.' Zoe Modiga's powerful rendition of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' brings soul and depth to the campaign – a perfect rendition for a story about resilience and growth. 'Zoe is a celebrated Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner, and her journey since receiving that recognition has been remarkable. She's become one of South Africa's most compelling voices in contemporary jazz and soul,' concludes Springer. The television commercial goes live in July 2025. DM
Daily Maverick
23-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Standard Bank Named Africa's Most Admired Financial Services Brand
Standard Bank, Africa's biggest bank by assets, has been named as Africa's Most Admired Financial Services Brand for 2025. The accolade was conferred as part of Brand Africa's 15th annual Africa's Best Brands report, based on an independent study conducted across 31 countries throughout the continent. The Africa Best Brands study is described as the most comprehensive, research-based ranking of Africa's most admired brands. Released annually during Africa Month (May), the survey is independently conducted by GeoPoll and Kantar, with strategic insights and rankings led by Kantar and Brand Leadership, Africa's leading brand advisory firm, and supported by regional experts across the continent. 'We are delighted to receive an accolade that is distinguished by being authentically African, data-driven and consumer-led. This acknowledgement reflects the trust that we have built and our commitment to providing consistently excellent service to our clients across the continent,' says Sim Tshabalala, Chief Executive, Standard Bank Group. 'Africa is our home, and we strive to drive her growth every day. This award reaffirms our Africa focus by being rooted in research that relays the continent's voice and vision. As the most comprehensive barometer of consumer brand preferences, this award reflects our uncompromising commitment to our diverse client base and driving value for all stakeholders. We are grateful to our employees who have made this achievement possible,' concludes Margaret Nienaber, Chief Operating Officer, Standard Bank Group. Earlier in the year, Standard Bank was named Africa and South Africa's Most Valuable Banking Brand by Brand Finance. As Africa's biggest bank by assets, Standard Bank has a brand presence across 20 African countries. DM
Daily Maverick
22-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Tapestries weave aspects of SA life and a bank's history with wool into today's artistic landscape
The Standard Bank Art Lab is showing that when it comes to art, the bank is not a sheep but a shepherd. The merino sheep is possibly the most consequential animal to the South African banking sector. The Spanish breed was first donated by the Dutch in the late 1700s, and its value to the growing South African economy was felt by the 1860s. The Cape Colony used the sheep's high-quality wool to distinguish and expand its economy. The booming industry would facilitate the establishment of one of the leading financial institutions in South Africa – the Standard Bank Group. This is a peculiar fabric of the blue bank's history, but nevertheless a pivotal strand that it continues to weave into its identity. The latest iteration is the establishment of the Standard Bank Art Lab. Situated at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton City, the Art Lab reimagines how audiences engage with art through encouraging interaction that is up close, in motion and in dialogue with the present. The premise of the inaugural exhibition, Following the Blue Thread: It's Woven Into Who We Are, stitches those days of trade to today's artistic landscape. 'At Standard Bank, we believe that contemporary art is not peripheral to progress,' says Margaret Nienaber, Standard Bank's Group COO. 'Instead, it is central to how we see, shape and share our future. [Art provides] a space where legacy fuels innovation and where creativity is treated not only as a luxury, but also as a vital form of engagement.' Standard Bank has never been sheepish in its affinity for the arts. From its decades-long collaboration with the National Arts Festival to the renowned Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year Awards, South African arts across many disciplines have become stitched to the brand of the bank. The inaugural exhibition includes the work of past award winners in fine arts William Kentridge (1987) and Sam Nhlengethwa (1994), as well as household names such as Penny Siopis, Judish Mason and Mirriam Ndebele. A meticulous process of selection was undertaken by curator Dr Same Mdluli. 'At the core of its curatorial premise the exhibition threads together the tapestries as centring collections as a source for artistic appreciation and inspiration, but more importantly, a rich resource for both academic and curatorial research,' said Mdluli. Stitching together an exhibition Allina Ndebele's tapestry titled Ancestors was the first acquisition for the bank's corporate art collection in 1976. A colourful and vibrant tapestry depicting what can be interpreted as episodic anecdotal visual representations of African spirituality, folklore or history, it's the woven equivalent of a captivating nganekwane (Zulu fantasy story). Office Love (2001), Kentridge's contribution in collaboration with the Stephens Tapestry Studio, has a more modern and industrial outlook. With muted tones and dark silhouette imagery, the hand-woven mohair tapestry is an image of an everyman with a typewriter for a head, who is striding towards a workstation superimposed over what seems to be a map of Johannesburg. 'There is a worldview each of the tapestries present that resonates with a South African context in particular ways,' Mdluli said. 'This can be seen in how the work also presents symbolism employed by the artist in condensing a convoluted cultural myth and telling this through simplistic visual language.' Siopis's Shame (2003) and Nhlengethwa's Late Night Jazz (1994) best exemplify Mdluli's assembly of artworks that speak to varying yet deeply interconnected sociopolitical themes with enduring South African contexts. Late Night Jazz has eccentric visual undertones in its depiction of culture, fashion and perspective, evoking a sense of nostalgia that harks to the black diasporic influence on the youth of South Africa at the height of Sophiatown. It is both a warming and haunting reminder of how black people found joy amid the cruelty of apartheid. Shame, on the other hand, is striking in its use of red to depict a feminine figure gushing what seems like blood. Siopis is interested in what she calls the poetics of vulnerability. Considering the never-ending aggression South African women endure, the piece is chilling. When it comes to art, Standard Bank is not a sheep but a shepherd. The exhibition seamlessly connects different aspects of South African life. Its Art Lab is perfectly designed to be a space that values curiosity over convention, and community over exclusivity – a space where legacy meets possibility. DM
