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Get ready to be transported to the breathtakingly beautiful Italian landscape with JAN Voyage: Italy, a new six-part series premiering exclusively on Primedia+. The show follows multi-talented Michelin-star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen as he explores the country’s hidden culinary gems, accompanied by his adorable dog, Elizabeth.

JAN Voyage: Italy is Primedia Studios’ first original production, and it’s a game-changer. The series showcases Jan Hendrik’s passion for food, people, and connection, taking viewers on a journey of simplicity, inspiration, and the beauty of shared meals.

“Food is never just about what’s on the plate; it’s about the hands, the hearts, and the histories that bring it to life,” says Jan Hendrik. The series features intimate encounters with local artisans, chefs, and families, highlighting the stories behind the food.

The first three episodes of JAN Voyage: Italy will be available on Primedia+ from Friday, 21 November, with the remaining episodes added a week later. Don’t miss this unforgettable culinary journey – download the Primedia+ App or visit the website to start streaming.

“Jan Hendrik brings the Midas touch to everything he does, and JAN Voyage: Italy is a sure-fire recipe for binge-worthy viewing,” says Jan du Plessis, Primedia Studios’ President.

Join Jan Hendrik and Elizabeth on this incredible adventure and experience the beauty of Italy, one delicious meal at a time.

J.C. Le Roux, South Africa’s iconic sparkling wine, is shaking up the celebration scene with its new ‘EXACTLY’ campaign. The brand is rewriting the rules of celebration, encouraging South Africans to pop a bottle not just for special occasions, but for everyday moments that matter.

Leading the charge is rugby star Makazole Mapimpi, who embodies confidence, originality, and style. As J.C. Le Roux’s ambassador, Mapimpi brings a unique cultural flair to the celebration, setting the tone for authentic moments that embrace the specialness of everyday life.

“For me, it’s about celebrating who you are – your story, your journey, and your wins, big or small,” says Mapimpi. “I love that J.C. Le Roux is encouraging South Africans to celebrate themselves, not just the occasion.”

The ‘EXACTLY’ campaign is all about embracing the freedom to celebrate life’s moments, big or small. With its premium sparkling wines crafted in Stellenbosch, J.C. Le Roux is the perfect wingman for any occasion.

“J.C. Le Roux is redefining what premium celebration looks like – bold without gatekeeping, stylish without asking permission,” says Siphokazi Solani, Assistant Brand Manager for J.C. Le Roux. “It’s designed to show up on your table, at your brunch, in your TikTok feed, and throughout your weekend.”

So, raise a glass of J.C. Le Roux and celebrate the moments that make life special. Whether it’s a milestone night, a romantic evening, or just because it’s Friday, J.C. Le Roux is the ultimate celebration partner.

It’s time to say yes to more sparkle, and absolutely to more joy.

Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced its Official Global Partnership with the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 and the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026. The agreement, signed in Hamamatsu, Japan, solidifies Suzuki’s commitment to African football and its presence on the continent.

The partnership will see Suzuki serve as an Official Global Partner for four major CAF tournaments, including the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2026/27, and the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2026/27.

“Sports has the power to bring people together and nurture hope for the future,” said Yusuke Kato, Managing Officer and Executive General Manager, Automobile Marketing, Europe, Middle East and Africa at Suzuki Motor Corporation. “Through this partnership, we wish to strengthen the links between Suzuki, football, and Africa, while further establishing our presence on the continent.”

Suzuki Auto South Africa is proud to be part of this global collaboration, which aligns with the brand’s commitment to sport as a unifying force and a platform for community development. Locally, Suzuki has partnered with Orlando Pirates Football Club, Cricket South Africa, and Griqualand West Rugby Union, among others.

“We are thrilled to see our global brand contributing to the growth of football across the continent,” said Henno Havenga, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa. “This partnership with CAF is a natural extension of our local initiatives, from football and cricket to rugby and grassroots programmes. Sport unites communities and creates opportunities, and we are proud to be part of that journey, celebrating the passion and spirit of African sport.”

The Macallan hosted an exclusive evening at the Cirrus Aircraft Hangar in Lanseria, marking the grand entrance of its Timeless Collection in South Africa. The event brought together the country’s most discerning tastemakers, creators, and cultural voices for an immersive journey into the artistry behind the world’s most valuable single malt whisky.

Diane Stuart, Whisky Maker at The Macallan, made her first visit to South Africa to share the brand’s vision for the future. With precision and passion, she guided guests through the whisky-making process and the philosophy that has shaped The Macallan since 1824.

“The Timeless Collection captures the essence of who we are: a brand rooted in heritage, driven by creativity, and always looking to the future,” said Stuart. “At The Macallan, every detail tells a story, from the casks we craft to the natural colour drawn from them.”

The new Timeless Collection, comprising The Double Cask, The Sherry Oak, and The Colour Collections, represents a striking new era for The Macallan. Conceptualised through the artistic lens of graphic design visionary David Carson, the refreshed look draws inspiration from The Macallan Distillery’s iconic architecture and the Sherry Triangle of Spain, uniting the brand’s past and future in one elegant design.

Guests, including style icon & reality star Kefilwe Mabote, fan’s favourite Kwenzo Ngcobo, and Rapper Ricardo Moloi (aka Priddy Ugly), toasted to The Macallan’s continued story of timeless craftsmanship. The evening was a fitting tribute to The Macallan’s enduring legacy, blending heritage with innovation, and mastery with imagination.

With the unveiling of its Timeless Collection, The Macallan continues to shape the future of whisky with the same integrity that defined its past. For over 200 years, The Macallan has remained a symbol of refinement, creativity, and excellence, and this new chapter is sure to delight connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has launched Create Possible, a free online education programme designed to support teachers and students aged 11-14 in tackling classroom challenges and bridging the UK’s STEM skills gap. The initiative comes in response to a survey of 1,000 pupils, which revealed misconceptions and barriers around STEM subjects.

The survey found that over a quarter (26%) of students believe STEM is “just for boys,” while only 1% think it’s “just for girls.” However, 75% of girls say they would consider a career in STEM, highlighting the potential for more to be done to encourage girls to pursue STEM fields.

Create Possible offers curriculum-aligned lesson plans, interactive activities, and engaging Q&A videos with JLR employees to support teachers and help students identify their strengths, boost motivation, and improve academic outcomes. The programme aims to address regional disparities in access to STEM opportunities and provide equal access to STEM education.

The launch of Create Possible responds to growing concerns about the UK’s STEM pipeline with demand for STEM skills outpacing supply across key sectors such as engineering, digital and manufacturing. Without targeted interventions, the UK risks falling short of the workforce needed to drive innovation and economic growth.

“Teachers face real pressures in preparing students for a fast-changing world,” says Morgan Gore, Schools Engagement Lead at JLR. “Through the launch of Create Possible, JLR is making a vital investment in future talent – helping address the UK’s STEM skills gap and secure the next generation of innovators.”

The programme has already received positive feedback from educators, with Lorna Trout, Head of Design Technology at Oakley School in Warwickshire, praising Create Possible for providing students with early access to real-world career insights and hands-on experiences.

Create Possible builds on JLR’s long-standing commitment to advancing youth futures, complementing a suite of initiatives designed to inspire and empower the next generation. These include the JLR Schools’ Partnership Programme and the virtual work experience programme, which has engaged over 7,500 students since its inception in 2023.

By providing access to STEM education and opportunities, JLR aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and help bridge the UK’s STEM skills gap.

Continental Tyre South Africa has joined forces with Mercedes-Benz South Africa as the official tyre partner for the AMG Experience, held at Zwartkops Raceway near Pretoria. This partnership sees Continental’s SportContact 7 ultra high-performance (UHP) tyre fitted across the fleet of Mercedes-AMG models used for driver training, delivering exceptional driving precision and confidence on track.

The SportContact 7 is Continental’s range-topping UHP tyre, preferred by many vehicle manufacturers and fitted as original equipment on the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance. It has won numerous awards in independent UHP tyre tests worldwide.

“We are delighted to join forces with Mercedes-Benz South Africa as its official tyre partner for the AMG Experience,” says Dustine Gascoyne, Market Manager at Continental Tyre South Africa. “The SportContact 7 is engineered to provide exceptional grip, handling, and safety, making it the perfect choice for high-performance driving experiences.”

The AMG Experience offers a range of high-performance driving courses that focus on car control and safety, featuring a thrilling lineup of Mercedes-AMG models, including the A45, C43, C63 S E Performance, and the AMG GT 63 S E Performance.

“Mercedes-Benz South Africa is proud to announce its partnership with Continental Tyre South Africa as the official tyre partner of the AMG Experience,” says Alexandra Boavida, VP Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz South Africa. “This collaboration brings together two brands renowned for precision engineering, innovation, and performance excellence.”

The SportContact 7’s exceptional performance is attributed to its unique Macro Block tread design, Adaptive Pattern, and advanced Harmonised BlackChili compound. These features work together to provide outstanding grip, control, and safety on both wet and dry surfaces.

“This partnership highlights Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s dedication to providing drivers with the very best in performance and control,” says Clint Weston, AMG Experience Head Instructor. “Together, Mercedes-Benz and Continental are reshaping what it means to experience pure driving performance at its most exhilarating.”

October proved to be a sweet month for Suzuki Auto South Africa, with the Japanese carmaker achieving a new overall sales milestone. According to the latest data from naamsa, Suzuki sold 6,890 passenger and light commercial vehicles, surpassing its previous record of 6,534 units set in August.

This impressive feat marks the fourth consecutive month that Suzuki has exceeded 6,000 vehicle sales, solidifying its position as South Africa’s second-best-selling manufacturer. The brand’s robust performance was driven by strong sales across its model lineup, with the fourth-generation Swift hatchback taking the top spot with 2,377 units sold.

Other top-performing models included the Fronx crossover SUV (1,369 units), Baleno hatchback (596 units), Ertiga MPV (521 units), and Dzire sedan (409 units). Dealer sales accounted for 4,842 vehicles, while government, rental, and fleet customers added 2,048 units, beating the January record by 183 units.

“We are absolutely thrilled to set a new monthly sales record this October, and I want to thank every customer who chose Suzuki for their journey,” said Henno Havenga, General Manager of Auto Sales and Marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa. “From our best-selling Swift to our versatile commercial and SUV lineup, every model has played a part in this achievement. I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to our dedicated dealer network – their passion and commitment to service excellence make milestones like this possible.”

As the year draws to a close, Suzuki Auto South Africa remains focused on delivering exceptional experiences to motorists across the country. “With the final stages of 2025 ahead of us, we are more motivated than ever to finish the year strong and continue bringing exceptional Suzuki experiences to motorists across South Africa,” added Havenga.

Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has announced the appointment of Satish Ranchod as its new Human Resources Director, effective November 1, 2025. This strategic appointment sees Ranchod joining the Board of Management, leveraging his 36-year tenure with the company and extensive experience in leadership positions across various business areas.

Ranchod’s career with Volkswagen began in 1989 as a Graduate Trainee in Internal Audit. He has since dedicated most of his career to Human Resources, playing a pivotal role in shaping compensation, benefits and governance structures that drive employee wellbeing and organizational excellence. His leadership on key committees, including the VWSA Provident and Pension Funds, Risk and Insurance Committee, and Joint Union and Management Benefits Committees, has been instrumental in driving business success.

Notably, Ranchod has represented VWGA in the Automobile Manufacturers Employer Organisation (AMEO) collective bargaining process, leading financial modeling efforts since 2016. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Information Processing from Rhodes University, and he has completed the Volkswagen Group Junior Executive Programme at Ashridge Business School in London. He is also a Certified Internal Auditor and an Associate Principal Executive Officer with the Council of Retirement Funds South Africa.

“Satish’s long-standing commitment to Volkswagen and his extensive experience in Human Resources makes him an invaluable addition to our board of management,” said Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa. “His institutional knowledge of our people, culture, and business will continue to strengthen VWGA’s position as an employer of choice.”

With Ranchod’s appointment, VWGA solidifies its commitment to attracting and retaining top talent, driving business success, and fostering a culture of excellence.

The City of Love played host to the eighth annual L’Oréal Paris runway show, Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris, where South African actress Ama Qamata made a stunning debut on the catwalk. As the newly appointed Sub-Saharan Africa Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, Qamata embodied empowerment and elegance in a striking red creation designed by Mélique Street.

The show, themed “Liberté, Égalité, Sororité. You’re Worth It,” celebrated femininity, feminism, and the democratisation of beauty. Qamata’s confident walk down the runway was a powerful embodiment of the theme, which reimagines the French national motto to focus on sisterhood and solidarity.

“I’m inspired by the power of dreaming big and hoping that this moment will motivate South African girls and women to believe in their worth and pursue their aspirations,” Qamata shared.

The brand’s Brand Business Lead, Sikelela Finini, expressed pride in Qamata’s appointment, stating, “With Ama’s inherent beauty, remarkable talent, and undeniable grace, she perfectly embodies everything our brand stands for – self-worth, empowerment, and authenticity.”

The event was celebrated in Johannesburg with an exclusive watch party hosted by Bonang Matheba, where L’Oréal Paris’ sisterhood of influencers gathered to show their support for Qamata’s achievement.

Ama Qamata’s appointment marks a new chapter for L’Oréal Paris in the region, with the brand committed to championing women’s worth and empowerment. As Qamata takes on her new role, she joins a legacy of inspiring women who have partnered with L’Oréal Paris to promote self-worth and confidence.

In a playful campaign featuring acting legends Joanna Lumley and Richard E. Grant, H&M is proud to introduce its latest collaboration with Belgian fashion designer Glenn Martens. The highly anticipated H&M Glenn Martens collection is a masterclass in wit, individuality and self-expression offering customers a chance to own never-before-seen designs alongside Martens’s signature pieces.

This diverse and versatile collection combines womenswear, menswear, unisex pieces and accessories, twisting clothing archetypes into new and unexpected forms. Each piece is a testament to Martens’s innovative approach, which has long pushed the boundaries of fashion. By exploring H&M’s archive, Martens has reimagined iconic pieces like best-selling t-shirts, checked shirts, bomber jackets and jeans, transforming them into extraordinary, newly-designed pieces that play with trompe-l’œil and customisation.

The collection is not only a reflection of Martens’s design philosophy but also a tribute to his journey as a designer. Nods to his iconic work for Y/Project are evident in various pieces, from boots to prints. “I see this collection as a big family of garments, all of which have multiple purposes and personalities: like people, they grow and change each day,” Martens explains.

The campaign, featuring Lumley and Grant, is a delightful celebration of British humour and wit. “It was great fun to be a part of Glenn Martens’s and H&M’s special family portrait,” Lumley says. “I always say that the best fashion is rule-breaking – people should wear whatever they want to wear – and I admire Glenn’s daring spirit and eye for twisting things in unusual ways.”

The H&M Glenn Martens collection will be available from October 30 at H&M Sandton City and online from Superbalist. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of fashion history and celebrate the art of self-expression.