According to du Plessis, there is a raging debate regarding the future of print. This is backed up by declining circulation figures and the shift in consumption patterns with a move to online, coupled with potentially game changing industry issues such as the proposed alcohol advertising ban. This suggests that marketers need to relook their approach to marketing and unite to speak with one voice or risk being left behind.

“In its essence the discipline of marketing has not changed and still remains as the art of adding value to business. This sentiment of adding business value to corporate South Africa as well as to individual marketers lies at the core of MA(SA)’s objectives,” says du Plessis.

The associations other fundamental role is to be the representative voice of the industry in all marketing matters. “This is key, especially in these trying times when we are faced with the proposed ban on alcohol advertising, a decision that will force us to change the way we do marketing and threaten some of our livelihoods. We need to be unified in our approach as marketers to highlight our rights. Which is why in future all full marketing definition bodies and associations (including classical marketing, advertising, public relations, direct marketing and online) should join forces under one umbrella association to represent the rights of the industry,” continues du Plessis.

In South Africa marketing has long been a career that ‘sits on the fence’ so to speak, often not being recognised as a professional career. In light of this MA(SA) sees chartered status as the only way to the boardroom for marketers.

Du Plessis adds, “As an association dedicated to giving the industry a voice and raising the bar for marketing as a discipline in South Africa, we saw it as pivotal to embrace education and training in order to bolster the stature and credibility of the profession through administering the Marketing Practitioner SA (MPSA) and the Chartered Marketers SA (CMSA) designations.”

The MPSA, an entry level designation is targeted at middle management marketers and is a great foundation for marketers who wish to complete the more advanced CMSA designation, which is recognised by the European Marketing Confederation (EMC).

The Chartered Marketer designation propels marketers to the same professional stature as chartered accountants, which automatically enhances the qualifications of the holder. Both designations recognise marketers in terms of their experience, skill and mix of formal qualifications and serve as a quality guarantee to employers when establishing if potential employees have the necessary expertise needed as well as individuals as it assists them in highlighting competence levels when seeking employment to further their careers.

“So I call on all our existing corporate members and individuals to renew their annual memberships with MA(SA) and for potential members to sign up to the association. As members of MA(SA) both corporate and individuals members reap the benefits of having access to leadership, mentorship and guidance on issues in the industry. For our association to effectively oversee the needs of the marketers it is vital to increase our critical mass and become the unified voice for the marketing industry,” concludes du Plessis.

MA(SA)’s 2012 membership rates:
Corporate membership: R25 000 per year excluding vat^*
Individual membership: R1 000 per year excluding vat^*

MA(SA) is a Section 21 company and does not charge vat.

To sign up as a new member or to re-new membership go to www.marketingsa.co.za to complete the forms. For further information email Bonny Benadé on info@marketingsa.co.za or call (012) 751 7566/ 082 560 3658