Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion ~ renowned statistician W. Edwards Deming.

Today, on World Statistics Day, we celebrate the vital role statistics play in understanding and shaping the world around us. At Reputation Matters, our commitment is to help businesses and communicators quantify their value and leverage data and insights to elevate their reputations. Our focus extends beyond just numbers – we aim to build G.R.E.A.T.E.R. businesses through our core values of Growth, Respect, Ethics, Authenticity, Trust, Excellence, and Relationships.

At Reputation Matters, we give your brand a stronger voice by helping you measure the intangible. Measuring and quantifying your reputation enables you to identify the areas that you are excelling at and the areas that need some work. More often than not, issues can be resolved through strategic communication. Numbers provide credibility to business and communication strategies, allowing professionals to demonstrate their impact, showcase year-on-year progress, and proactively identify risks before they escalate. Effective communication management is a critical function within business leadership.

“The C-suite is far more likely to listen to facts and figures than intuition. Statistics underscore the value of measurement over instinct, giving communicators the credibility they need to be heard at the boardroom table,” says Regine le Roux, founder and managing director of Reputation Matters. This is especially relevant in communication and reputation management, which are often seen as dealing with 'soft' issues like press releases or only being called upon in times of crisis. In reality, communication is about much more:

·         Building strong, mutually beneficial relationships;

·         Understanding and engaging with audiences through timely, appropriate messaging;

·         Ensuring feedback mechanisms are in place to foster two-way communication.

“Building a reputation is proactive; crisis management is reactive,” adds le Roux. It is important to remember that you can’t manage what you have not measured.

“Our proprietary Repudometer® reputation measurement tool, evaluates ten core areas of a business, we provide clear, data-driven insights. This approach empowers business owners and communicators to drive their strategies proactively rather than reactively. By combining the art of communication with the science of measurement, we ensure that messaging is both impactful and measurable.

“Our research-driven approach ensures that our clients' business and communication efforts are grounded in data, allowing them to build trust and authenticity with their stakeholders.

At Reputation Matters, we understand that facts and figures, when paired with authentic communication, create meaningful connections between businesses and their stakeholders, building greater businesses. Our goal is to ensure companies not only communicate effectively but also have the data to validate their impact and reputation.

“Communication professionals play a vital role in every organisation, and by equipping them with the right data and insights, they can contribute meaningfully to strategic decisions,” concludes le Roux.

For more information about how Reputation Matters can help your business quantify its value and enhance its reputation, visit www.reputationmatters.co.za.

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Brand Building: It's a Marathon, So Lace Up!

 

By Regine le Roux, Founder and Managing Director of Reputation Matters

How do you know someone is training for a marathon? They will tell you.

This year, I’m tackling my fifth marathon—because apparently, once wasn’t enough. Surviving such an endeavour (without questioning all my life choices) takes stamina and preparation. Sadly, ‘winging it’ isn’t an option, but neither is having the wrong coach or training plan. Last year, while prepping for marathon number four, the coach let me down, and the training program I ended up using, just wasn’t right for me. The lesson? Your strategy, training, and support need to be tailored to you and your goals. Stamina is key, and there are no shortcuts. You simply have to put in the work.

Running a business is no different. You need a clear strategy and strong support—not only to build your brand but to ensure it stands out. Your reputation is your stamina, helping you weather tough times and build a consistent brand that lasts.

In both marathons and business, quick wins only get you so far. You need a well-rounded plan: strength training, endurance, and yes, those dreaded hill repeats. The same goes for your brand—you need to go beyond flashy campaigns, media releases, or a TikTok video. It’s about steady, sustained effort, and making time for the tasks that may feel like a schlep but are essential for long-term success.

No Short Cuts: Plan for the Long Haul

Success—whether in running or business—starts with a solid strategy and plan. Your strategy should outline clear goals, milestones, and metrics to track progress. A well-crafted plan provides guidance on what to do, when to do it, and for how long. I’ve learned (the hard way) that one-size-fits-all approaches rarely work. You need a plan tailored to your business and its unique challenges. Just like in training, consistency in your actions and communication builds the foundation for a strong reputation. Understand your audience, know your strengths, and trust the process. By knowing both yourself and your audience, you'll be better equipped to navigate challenges, adapt when needed, and stay on course for long-term success.

Core Values: The Energy Bars of Your Brand

A strong reputation isn’t built overnight—it’s the result of consistent actions aligned with core values. At Reputation Matters, we believe in building G.R.E.A.T.E.R businesses, guided by our values: Growth, Respect, Ethics, Authenticity, Trust, Excellence, and Relationships. These aren’t just buzzwords; they shape our decisions and behaviour, much like a disciplined training schedule.

Just as I ask myself whether that whole slab of chocolate (or glass of wine!) will help or hinder my marathon training goals, businesses need to ask if their actions align with their core values. Consistency between what you say and what you do is what builds reputation stamina, laying the foundation for long-term success.

Business Stamina: Strength Training for Your Brand

Running a marathon isn’t just about running. It’s about mental strength, nutrition, and cross-training—doing the tough stuff to prepare for the unexpected. Businesses need the same resilience. This means having the right processes in place and being ready for whatever challenges come your way. Preparation is key.

Fuel for the Finish Line: Teamwork and Tools that Drive Success

Just as good nutrition fuels a marathoner, a strong team and the right tools fuel your business. Surround yourself with people who share your values—they’ll drive your success. Equally important are the tools you use; without the right technology, systems, and resources, even the best team can be held back. It’s like trying to run 42.2 km in sandals—not a great idea. The right combination of a strong team and effective tools is essential for reaching your goals efficiently and sustaining success in the long run.

Consistency: The Long Run’s Secret Weapon

One training session won’t get you through a marathon, and one press release won’t build your reputation. Consistency in action and communication is crucial. Sporadic efforts can do more harm than good, so make sure your internal and external messages align.

Track Your Race: Measuring Progress Along the Way

Marathoners track their performance, and businesses should do the same with their reputation. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Regularly tracking how your business is perceived helps you adjust and improve.

A strong reputation doesn’t mean you’ll avoid challenges—it just means you’ll be better prepared to handle them. Think of it as building crisis-proof stamina, one kilometer at a time.

Don’t Skip the Rest Days: Recharge for the Next Big Push

In marathons and business, rest is crucial. It’s tempting to push harder, but taking time to reflect and recharge is just as important for long-term success. Don’t skip the rest days—they’re as vital as the work itself. Listen to your body, and in a business context, listen to your stakeholders.

Building a brand is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, consistency, and commitment to core values. With the right strategy, tools, and team, your brand will develop the kind of lasting reputation that goes the distance—no shortcuts, just results.

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🌟 Customize Your Re.Bag.Re.Use Bag! 🌟

 

n the spirit of sustainability and supporting local, we're excited to offer a unique customization option for your Re.Bag.Re.Use bag! Partnering with a local entrepreneur, we’re now able to add your company’s logo or a personal name to our eco-friendly bags using off-cut wood. Perfect for your next corporate event or as a thoughtful, personalized gift.

Product Highlights:

🌳 Materials: Made from repurposed empty bread bags, with straps crafted from fabric off-cuts. Each bag also includes a sturdy zip.

🌳 Dimensions: 37 cm wide x 27 cm high

🌳 Wholesale Price: R380 R290.90 each (for orders of 10 or more)

Not only will you be supporting local craftsmanship, but a percentage of each purchase goes to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA.

Interested? Let’s chat! We’re here to help you create something special. 🌍💚

The Re.Bag.Re.Use Team

🧶 🤗

sales@rebagreuse.com

083 3021528

www.rebagreuse.com

More about Re.Bag.Re.Use

Re.Bag.Re.Use, the initiative behind crocheting these shopping bags, addresses poverty and plastic waste by empowering people to earn income through repurposing plastic bags into multifunctional products and artworks. Focused on socio-economic development and environmental sustainability, this initiative uplifts individuals and promotes stewardship. Currently, seven women cut plastic bags into strips and 16 crochet products, benefiting 23 households in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay. Besides earnings, a percentage of each sale is donated to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA.

Giant Trolley Installation Elevates Conscious Consumption at V&A Waterfront

When you visit the Waterfront, you're in for a big surprise! Suspended from the rafters, a trolley catches your eye. Five huge, colourful bags made from repurposed materials now tell a bright story of waste turned into art.

A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship

Last Saturday, the V&A Waterfront officially launched the "Our Better Nature" (OBN) platform. Nisha Maharaj, V&A Waterfront senior marketing manager, explains, “OBN is the V&A’s platform that speaks to our commitment to sustainability and an invitation to our community to join the journey as we believe every little act of good culminates in big changes. We encourage conscious consumption as a way to reduce reliance on landfill and inspire our community to be more responsible consumers.”

Central to this platform is a gigantic, suspended shopping trolley, an impressive 2.7 meters high, 3 meters wide, and 1.5 meters broad.

The entire installation is a collaboration between the V&A Waterfront, Platform Creative Agency along with local designers and makers. The concept has been brought to life by designer, Matt Edwards, who shares, “Our aim is to build consumer awareness around waste and promote conscious consumption. By using waste materials in the installation, we hope people will see the value in their discarded materials”

Cathy O’Clery, creative director at Platform Creative, adds, “Our hope is to inspire people to rethink their habits and make more sustainable choices. To do this we collaborated with creative local artists, especially those who could turn waste materials into beautiful art pieces."

Crafted by Brendan Wessels and his talented team from Santa World, this custom-made trolley made from steel has been hand-shaped and welded to perfection. Lifted into place with rope access pulleys and secured to a purpose-built motor box that revolves, this trolley is a testament to engineering excellence and artistic vision.

The trolley features five massive shopping bags, each 1 meter in width and between 1.2 and 1.4meters high, crocheted by the Re.Bag.Re.Use team from Hout Bay.

Repurposed Art: A New Perspective on Waste

Two of these vibrant shopping bags, one pink and one blue, are crocheted using approximately 660 empty bread bags each. The bright orange bag is made from repurposed Discovery Vitality T-shirts, the metallic black one from VHS tapes, and the mottled brown one, from recycled rope. These shopping bags are filled with magnificent artwork by Richard Mandongwe from Makombe Artworks, featuring:

• Eight oversized toothbrushes made out of powder-coated galvanized wire

• Eight hangers made out of steel bound in solid panel wire

• Seven large bleach bottles made out of white recycled plastic bottles

• Three large shoeboxes made from wood

• Five AA batteries made from PVC drainpipes with galvanized wire structures inside

Each bag is supported by a wire frame made from steel.

Richard shares, "The project was a challenge as I had to create items I had never made before. It was a learning curve, but an exciting experience to collaborate with other artists. I'm incredibly proud to have my handiwork displayed at the Waterfront; it's an honour for me."

A Community Effort

Darmeris Makovere, part of the Re.Bag.Re.Use team that crocheted the bag made from t-shirts, expressed her amazement: "It is incredible to see our handiwork hanging in the Waterfront! I had no idea that this is how it would come out; it looks fantastic!" Crocheter Portia Chirawu adds, "I am so proud of what we have achieved and being part of a project that shares such an important message."

The Impact of "Our Better Nature"

The installation will be on display until September 2024 in Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre. Its main goal is to encourage people to be more mindful of their shopping habits and packaging usage.

Transforming Waste into Opportunities

"Our Better Nature" is a testament to how acting from our better nature can lead to significant positive changes for the environment.

For more information, visit https://explore.waterfront.co.za/our-better-nature/

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The APRA / PRCA Ethics and PR Landscape Webinar

Did you miss the live session? The Ethics and Practices Network panel discussion is now available to watch on the PRCA’s YouTube channel. This panel unveiled the findings of the joint PRCA Africa and APRA State of Ethics and the Public Relations Industry in Africa 2024 research, which was presented at the APRA Conference in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The session was moderated by Katy Katopodis, an independent member of the PRCA Network and included:

🔹 Arik Karani, newly elected APRA President and President of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK)

🔹 Bridget von Holdt, Co-Market Leader and Managing Director at BCW Africa and Network Board Member 

🔹 Dustin Chick, Partner & Managing Director at Razor PR and Network Chair 

and myself:

🔹 Regine le Roux, Founder and Managing Director of Reputation Matters®

Watch the session here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvbUU2UMp-o

Have a good week!

Celebrating Three Years of Re.Bag.Re.Use and World Environment Day

Caption: Peg bags made from repurposed empty plastic bags featuring a cute elephant design, available at www.rebagreusehub.co.za. Over the past three years, Re.Bag.Re.Use has repurposed the equivalent of 92,124 empty bread bags, helping to keep 645 kg of plastic out of the environment. As we celebrate our third anniversary and World Environment Day, we continue our commitment to creativity and sustainability.

One bread bag weighs approximately seven grams. Over the past three years, the Hout Bay-based initiative, Re.Bag.Re.Use, has repurposed plastic equivalent to just over 92,000  empty bread bags! To put this into perspective, that’s the weight of about five baby elephants!

“Facebook reminded me earlier today that one of the very first Re.Bag.Re.Use meetups took place exactly three years ago at Hout Bay Harbour. At that time, I had started meeting with a group of ladies to share the basics of crocheting. On one of these occasions, for a bit of fun, I showed the ladies my experiment: crocheting with an empty bread bag. When I look at that memory shared by Facebook, it feels like I’ve blinked, and my bread bag experiment has snowballed into something extraordinary!” shares Regine le Roux, founder of the Re.Bag.Re.Use iniative.

One of the initial biggest frustrations was having enough plastic cut while crocheting. It’s such a pain to be in a crocheting rhythm and then have to stop to cut plastic. The initiative now has five ladies cutting empty plastic bags into strips, and there are ten ladies from the Hout Bay community and surrounds who crochet different multi-functional items.

Apart from creating the most beautifully creative and vibrant pieces, Re.Bag.Re.Use have also been involved in incredibly exciting art projects. These include the Waterfront’s annual Joy for Africa initiative last year—check out the beautiful dancing skirts still hanging from the ceiling at the Waterfront’s Watershed—and working closely with Ananta Design Studio’s creative design team on their products for Decorex and their recent design for the UPCYCLE exhibition.

“We are incredibly grateful for Blue Ribbon's phenomenal support of our initiative by providing us with empty bread bags for our projects,” adds le Roux.

Tapiwa Likona, who has been part of the initiative from the beginning, shares: "Looking back at our Re.Bag.Re.Use journey, we had no idea how far we would go. Over the past three years, we have met so many wonderful people and achieved significant progress in recycling. Our efforts to save the environment have grown into a large, dedicated group committed to this cause. This initiative has not only benefitted the environment but has also provided crucial support to our families in various ways. The work we do continues to make a positive impact on our community and our planet."

The community’s support has been incredible, with many people collecting bags for us and dropping them off at Fiddlesticks Haberdashery, the Hout Bay Library, and Pick n Pay in Hout Bay.

It all started with just one empty bread bag. This shows that with a bit of creativity and fun, you can make something out of nothing. Most importantly, something beneficial to all. Apart from 645 kg of plastic not ending up in our environment, the ladies earn some pocket money for groceries and school supplies for their children. With each sale, a percentage gets donated to the Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH) and the SPCA, spreading the love even further.

For more information, please visit: www.rebagreusehub.co.za or email sales@rebagreuse.com or WhatsApp 083 302 1528

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Opinion Piece ~ Ethics in Africa: The Essential Role of Public Relations

Earlier this month, Reputation Matters presented the annual APRA / PRCA Ethics and Public Relations (PR) landscape in Africa survey results at APRA’s conference in Côte d’Ivoire.

Here is an opinion piece that I have penned down, including insights from Arik Karani, newly elected President of APRA, and Dustin Chick, chair of the PRCA Africa’s Ethics and Practices Network.

Ethics in Africa: The Essential Role of Public Relations

Africa is a magnificent, vibrant continent, with each of its 54 countries showcasing unique cultures and traditions, yet all united as one Africa. In this diverse fabric, the concept of ethics transcends national borders, raising the question: what does it mean to be ethical across different cultures? At its core, it is about respect—respect for oneself and others, all for the greater good. It begins with a set of non-negotiable values and extends to robust governance structures with clear guidelines, policies, and procedures. Importantly, it involves accountability and consequences for disregarding established boundaries. Respect for these boundaries is essential for fostering a culture of integrity and mutual respect across our beautiful continent.

Ethics and Public Relations are not mutually exclusive

“When we evaluate the annual African Public Relations Association (APRA) / Public Relations and Communication Association (PRCA) Ethics and Public Relations (PR) landscape in Africa, it becomes clear that ethics and PR are not mutually exclusive. We cannot build ethical societies without the support of PR and Communication professionals,” shares Regine le Roux, Founder and Managing Director of Reputation Matters. “One of the fundamental roles of PR and Communication professionals, and a key concept taught early in this field, is the responsibility to build mutually beneficial relationships with all stakeholders,” le Roux adds. Arik Karani, President, African Public Relations Association (APRA) affirms, “Ethics in PR is about being truthful, transparent, and accountable in communication, while respecting people's rights and privacy.”

From Ethical Individuals to Ethical Nations

The study examines ethics on individual, company, and country levels. People want to do business with companies they trust and resonate with—companies that share their values of mutual respect. Ethical companies, driven by ethical individuals, should ultimately build ethical countries.

Why, then, is there still so much corruption? “Corruption is driven by ego and selfish intentions. It is short-sighted and does not bring goodwill; it is solely about personal gain,” says le Roux. This raises the question: who is responsible for maintaining ethics and holding the unethical accountable? Le Roux continues, “Without question, leadership needs to set the tone and example when it comes to ethical behaviour. The PR and Communication Team is best positioned within organisations to communicate and uphold ethics.” Karani agrees saying that, “PR and communications should help professionals, CEOs, and organisations to behave responsibly and ethically. PR professionals should also serve as ethical counsellors to senior executives.”

Stop cutting PR budgets

“It is therefore clear, and supported by our research, that PR professionals should play an integral part in decision-making. Yet, PR is still underrepresented at the boardroom level, often called upon reactively in times of crisis or to win favour during dire times,” says le Roux. Moreover, PR budgets are among the first to be cut when financial constraints arise. This was one of the biggest challenges highlighted in the research, with 66% of responses indicating that budget cuts hamper their work.

“We can no longer afford to put a price on ethics. As we face tremendous economic headwinds which bring with them the temptation to cut budgets; we must pause to consider what the investment in ethics requires. From training, to systems and processes, to the investment in our people it is key that we distinguish between ‘cut’ and ‘gut’,” adds Dustin Chick, chair of the PRCA Africa’s Ethics and Practices Network.

PR needs a seat around the boardroom table

Amongst the respondents of the survey, comprising of PR/communication experts and top executives (CEOs, Managing Directors, Chairmen, Founders, Corporate Affairs Heads, and Chief Communicators), 45% stated that the role of PR and communications is not adequately appreciated at the board level. Despite 30% of respondents noting that CEOs and business leaders are relying on PR counsel more than ever, PR and communication professionals still lack a significant voice around the boardroom table.

Karani adds, “This research is important because it helps us to look at ethics from a governance, policies, and procedures lens.

“Governance forces us to examine organisational systems, whilst policies set the parameters for decision making. The procedures on the other hand, explains the “how” behind the decisions. PR professionals should use all three lenses to guide internal and external communication and it is therefore crucial for organisations to include PR and communication professionals at the boardroom table.”

Elevating PR as the Voice of Reason

Organisations can function more ethically and responsibly with the 'voice of reason' provided by PR and communication professionals at the boardroom table. A good PR professional should have credible qualifications and be a member of their industry association or body. These associations uphold a code of ethics and conduct that PR professionals must pledge to adhere to, and they facilitate knowledge sharing, valuable training, and cross-cultural insights. Recent conversations and encounters reveal that much work remains to be done to uphold the ethics of companies, and ultimately, of countries. There are insufficient governance protocols in place to ensure ethical behaviour and inadequate recourse for unethical conduct. While ethics statements in annual reports are commendable, it is the actual behaviour and trust that truly matters.

The future of PR and Ethical Communication

“Since the future of communications is about rebuilding trust and fighting disinformation, we will require new and creative ways of getting messages across to audiences. Getting the message across ultimately comes down to repairing trust through transparency and responsibility. But what does this look like in action? This means that the future of communications will require increased efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation,” concludes Karani.

Ethics: A Collective Responsibility

Although PR should have a seat at the boardroom table, it is not solely the responsibility of PR as an industry to uphold ethics, but rather that of each individual in Africa. Our research indicated that individuals view themselves as ethical, yet this does not always translate into the workplace, the country, or the continent. To change the narrative and ethics of Africa, it starts with the individual. Regardless of qualification, position, or culture, ethics should not fluctuate based on demographics but should be the consistent benchmark against which we measure and hold ourselves and everyone around us accountable.

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