In this episode of South Africa Tech Marketers, Sivu Giba, founder of Sivubuhle Media, shares her journey from marketing graduate to building a thriving media empire in the Eastern Cape. From working on international productions like Mad Max: Fury Road to creating a one-stop media shop serving global clients, Sivu offers practical insights on building a business that bridges local talent with international opportunities.
Topics Discussed:
- Traditional marketing foundations and pivoting into creative industries
- Building a full-service media company in an emerging market
- Working with international productions and managing global clients
- Developing regional talent and creating opportunity pipelines
- Pricing strategies for service-based businesses
- The importance of strong business foundations
- Balancing multiple service offerings under one brand
- Creating pathways for new talent in the film industry
Takeaways:
- Start with a solid business plan – understand your numbers and market before launching
- Be confident in your pricing – know your worth and be able to break down costs clearly
- Don’t feel limited by location – build what’s missing in your region instead of following the crowd
- Combine multiple skills and experiences to create unique service offerings
- Build strong foundations before expanding – website, social presence, and clear service offerings
- Create opportunities for others while building your business
- Be bold about promoting yourself and your business – everyone successful started somewhere
- Look for gaps in your local market that can serve international clients
