Johannesburg packaging design agency, Stratcom Branding, has announced the opening date for applications for the Sisonke Design Sprint– a bi-annual social responsibility initiative which gives two 100 per cent black-owned SMME’s, a pro-bono packaging design every year. This year, they also challenge other members of the industry to join and partner with them in their efforts to help SMME’s succeed.
Sisonke was launched in 2018 to coincide with Mandela Day – as Nelson Mandela’s legacy challenges all South Africans to play their part in growing our country’s people. The first candidate chosen was Sharpeville Breweries, a craft brewer from the Vaal Triangle, from Sharpeville Township.
Twice a year, Stratcom Branding opens applications for one small business to be selected in this shoulder-to-shoulder initiative where we will sprint with the successful applicant through the branded packaging design process. The end goal is to create disruptive, hard-working and relevant branded packaging, at a global design standard.
CEO of Stratcom Branding, Gail Macleod explains, ‘As the founder of an SMME that started in my kitchen, I believe that small businesses are the ticket for economic recovery, growth and job creation in SA. Yet an estimated 75 per cent fail – 71 per cent in the first year. Distinctive packaging design is often something SMME’s pass up on due to lack of resources, yet it could make all the difference.’
And this year they are challenging other companies in the chain to join them. She says, ‘It would be great to see other businesses in the chain, such as label printers, marketers, plate makers, and distributors or even retailers, step into their place in the chain of successful product and brand development packaging from farm to fork,’ she adds.
