Greeting and welcome to the latest digital edition of AV Integration magazine.

As we enter the third quarter of a somewhat anxiety-provoking year for many South Africans, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the many factors, both inside and outside of our local control, that continue to undermine our economic growth. I am sure that I am not alone in noticing that sales are harder to close than ever, and more skilled professionals are seeking opportunities in the AV and integrated technology fields abroad.

The picture may look a little gloomy; however, as the weather warms and the days get balmy, it is important to remember that South Africa is still alive with opportunities – even if we have to look a little harder to find them.

In the spirit of the recently launched #ImStaying campaign, a Facebook group dedicated to the South African women and men of all races and religions who remain loyal to South Africa, our spring edition is dedicated to unpacking new opportunities and success stories in the professional AV sector in the country.

To start with, we spoke with the managing director of Frog AV, Adre’ Pansegrouw, about the first phase of a groundbreaking integrated technology deployment recently achieved for EXXARO, one of South Africa’s leading resource firms. The project is a stellar example of the enterprising spirit of South African business, which despite trying conditions, is still willing to make sizable investments in the infrastructure needed to remain internationally competitive. We also chatted with Adre’ about her incredible professional journey, which saw her rise through the ranks to become the owner and managing director of one of the country’s most innovative and successful integrated technology solutions businesses in the country.

Our feature in this issue unpacks the enormous potential for growth that recent trends in the retail sector have opened up for AV integrators in shopping centres across South Africa. Despite our current floundering economic performance, South Africa is home to some of the largest and most prestigious shopping malls on the continent and ranks sixth in the world for total number of shopping centres in a country. While online shopping continues to play a disruptive force in traditional brick-and-mortar retail markets, modern shoppers are not all flocking to their browsers to purchase goods, and shopping centres around the country continue to attract visitors. According to industry experts, audiovisual and integrated technologies have an enormous role to play in keeping physical retailers competitive in the ever-evolving retail market – which is opening new doors for AV integrators in South Africa.

Enjoy the read.

Regards
David Cornwell and the AV Integration team