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Grapevine Communications is a highly successful and niche media relations consultancy.
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I love what I do
Were you able to have a well-deserved December break, step back from your busy schedule and declutter your mind? Perhaps even more important, were you able to breathe and reflect on what you want out of life or what inspires you? 16 Jan 2023 Read more

Another high end brand engages Grapevine
Grapevine Communications was delighted to add Taj Cape Town to its prestigious portfolio of brands; a win we celebrated during the latter part of 2022. The Taj was named the world's strongest hotel brand for 2021 & 2022. 13 Jan 2023 Read more

Bitventure teams with Grapevine to boost profile and raise awareness
Grapevine Communications has been appointed by Johannesburg based fintech company, Bitventure, a provider of state-of-the-art real-time automated verification and payment solutions. 10 Jun 2022 Read more

Marie Yossava
Why the magic of personal connection simply cannot be ignored 12 May 2022 Read more

Real Heroes Connect success shows South Africans are eager to increase coronavirus knowledge
South Africans are eager to update their knowledge about the coronavirus pandemic and its spread, as shown by a report detailing the viewership of edutainment video series Real Heroes Connect. 28 Jul 2020 Read more

#Covid19: A global crisis requires courage
As the world faces this extraordinary predicament, never has it been more important for those in the PR and communications industry to remain brave and positive. 2 Apr 2020 Read more

Grapevine's clients hit the headlines
Grapevine Communications is thrilled to welcome on board two new clients, and more pleased still to secure excellent coverage for these industry leaders. 5 Mar 2019 Read more

Marie Yossava
Times are tough. But does that mean we should accept every piece of business that comes our way? 6 Nov 2018 Read more

The 7% Tribe event supports South African businesswomen
South African media has joined forces in the 7% Tribe, a new initiative to empower and advance South African women. 10 Aug 2018 Read more

Saluting and celebrating our clients
One of the greatest joys of being a PR practitioner is finding clients whose values are aligned with your own. At Grapevine Communications, we're delighted to be able to say that all of our clients tick this box: apart from the day to day operations which make them leaders in their various fields, many support interventions that are making a significant contribution to the South African community. 11 Jun 2018 Read more

Marie Yossava
Social media has changed the PR landscape irrevocably. The challenge now facing practitioners is this: how do you effectively convey your clients' message in an environment where audiences are distracted and fragmented? 8 Mar 2018 Read more

Grapevine adds Serengeti to residential portfolio
Grapevine Communications welcomes Serengeti Estates to its existing luxury residential portfolio. 8 Nov 2017 Read more

Grapevine chosen to represent Beautiful News, a showcase of South Africa's positive stories
The creators of 21 Icons South Africa, Ginkgo Agency, has appointed Grapevine Communications to launch its digital platform, Beautiful News, that delivers an inspiring story each day that reflects the goodness of South Africa's people. 20 Apr 2017 Read more

Marie Yossava
This is why we've added networking as a service to augment Grapevine's existing bouquet of offerings. 8 Mar 2017 Read more

Putting PR in perspective
With the first quarter of the year well underway and marketing budgets being finalised, the time has come for businesses to make the decision – do we hire PR professionals or don't we? – and to allocate available spend accordingly. 2 Feb 2017 Read more

July sees a bumper month for Grapevine
It's been an abundant month for Grapevine Communications as we picked up new accounts: Afrika Tikkun - a 'Cradle to Career' programme that offers corporates more than just a socio-economic platform to make a difference but the opportunity to make a sustainable contribution to job creation and youth development. 28 Jul 2016 Read more

Two new property developments for Grapevine
Luxury residential developments, The Houghton Residential Golf Estate, as well as the Eye of Africa Signature Golf Estate, have appointed Grapevine Communications as their official PR agency, adding to Grapevine's existing luxury residential property portfolio. 7 Jul 2015 Read more

Zebra Technologies chooses Grapevine
Global communications group Lewis PR (UK), partner agency to Grapevine Communications for selected EMEA campaigns, has appointed the local public relations and communications specialists to represent them in South Africa for their international client, Zebra Technologies. 17 Apr 2015 Read more

Marie Yossava
The current power/energy crisis has seen power utility Eskom dealing with a seemingly impossible communications task when it comes to managing understandably negative customer/public perceptions. Blame game aside one thing that is certain, is that no one can accuse the state-owned enterprise of shying away from updating the public across an array of television, radio, print and online platforms as well as their social media channels including @Eskom_SA. 4 Feb 2015 Read more

Marie Yossava
Wading through the deluge of information made accessible to us each day is virtually impossible. In the knowledge economy, information is our most valuable commodity but the constant overload is resulting in negative implications. 20 Jan 2015 Read more

21 Icons launches season two
21 Icons South Africa has appointed Grapevine Communications to manage its publicity for season two. 21 Icons reveals the stories of remarkable South Africans who continue to make a difference in our community and beyond our shores. Grapevine has been tasked with profiling these extraordinary individuals and bringing their stories to the fore to inspire citizens of all ages, races and creeds, and ensure that these well-known and lesser known icons' stories are told for South Africans to aspire to and emulate. 13 Aug 2014 Read more

Grapevine chosen for good reason for Rare Disease Day 2014 'Jeans for Genes' awareness campaign
Rare Disease Society South Africa has appointed Grapevine Communications to handle its publicity for the Rare Disease Day 28 February 2014 'Jeans for Genes' awareness campaign. Grapevine's dynamic media relations and successful track record in profiling organisations secured this appointment as well as their existing relationship with the face of the 2014 campaign, Oscar von Memerty and brand activation, event and entertainment specialists, Zinto Marketing Group. 20 Feb 2014 Read more

Grapevine awarded PR/Communications for Team Abantu
Grapevine Communications has been appointed by professional cycling team, Team Abantu, which in 2013 became the most successful cycling team in South Africa, winning a total of 25 races. 6 Feb 2014 Read more

PR SA versus UK
On a recent trip to London, I had the good fortune to meet up with a former Grapevine colleague, who left South Africa five years ago and with whom I have remained in contact. She subsequently stayed in the PR/communications industry, for the first two years working for a London PR agency, later moving outside London and joining a franchise business as their PR/marketing manager. Today she is the media relations manager for a corporate in Berkshire. 4 Nov 2013 Read more

The power of a brand
Never underestimate the power of a brand. This is the message to all business owners from Marie Yossava, founder and owner of Grapevine Communications, a Johannesburg PR and communications agency. 18 Sep 2013 Read more

PR Boutiques International survey results reveal insights into members
PR Boutiques International (PRBI), a global network of 31 boutique public relations companies in 13 countries, has released the first report of data from its 2013 member survey. 11 Sep 2013 Read more

Grapevine Communications has been appointed by one of the top pie brands in South Africa, King Pie, to manage the PR/communications for their launch into retail. 23 Jul 2013 Read more

Global survey indicates low uptake in request for proposals (RFP's)
Boutique PR agency owners are finding value in building professional networks that are local and global. Having been made possible by technology and social media, these networks give PR agencies the opportunity to brainstorm with their peers, share best practice on a global level and offer clients a macro perspective on PR / media industry-related issues. 21 Jun 2013 Read more

Remaining relevant as a PR/communication agency in a tech-driven world
Grapevine was registered in the mid-1990s, and as such, experienced the advent of the internet and South Africa's transformation into a democracy. Since then electronic and digital communications have dramatically changed the way, as well as the pace, with which we conduct business and communicate with one another. To survive, the old adage - adapt or die - continues to apply. 24 May 2013 Read more

Grapevine Communications has been appointed by Johannesburg executive search company SearchSpecifics. 16 May 2013 Read more

With recent incidents like the Boston Marathon bombing, one has to ask, has the world gone mad or is it simply a case of access to too much information? People cannot process tragedies like these in such volumes. The news available these days in one week is more than people were exposed to in a lifetime a century ago. And it's always readily available and instantaneous. 24 Apr 2013 Read more

Grapevine Communications has been appointed to manage the PR/communications for local office furniture manufacturing company, Angel Shack. 16 Apr 2013 Read more

"Be good at what you do and do what you are good at"
Grapevine Communications MD Marie Yossava has been profiled on the Prisa website. 13 Mar 2013 Read more

March 2013 - Grapevine Communications has been appointed by SETA-accredited The Mindspa Institute as their PR and communications agency. 11 Mar 2013 Read more

Grapevine is looking forward to another exciting and challenging year ahead with existing and new clients. The advances in technology that are revolutionising the communication industry are continually setting Grapevine new goals to embrace, so as to offer our clients' optimum exposure. 17 Jan 2013 Read more

Grapevine Communications' managing director, Marie Yossava, has attained the internationally recognised accreditation certification for PR practitioners, called the APR (Accredited in Public Relations), cum laude. 23 Nov 2012 Read more

Grapevine Communications has been appointed to launch new online boutique ChicShapewear.com to market. It specialises in importing premium Shapewear products from all over the world for the discerning South African woman. Chic Shapewear.com is by women for women and the range has been designed to shape the body and make women look great and feel confident. 13 Nov 2012 Read more

Grapevine Communications has been appointed by Kent Gush Properties to launch a PR/communications campaign for a new residential development in Hatfield, Pretoria. Duncan Court will comprise approximately 400 studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments, well positioned between the University of Pretoria (Tuks) and the Hatfield Gautrain Station. 13 Nov 2012 Read more

The managing director of Grapevine Communications in Johannesburg, South Africa, Marie Yossava was recently asked to submit an article for the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (Prisa) newsletter about how to stay the distance in the PR industry. 16 Oct 2012 Read more

Grapevine Communications, as a boutique agency, is continually demonstrating how providing professional and personalised service is core to building and maintaining strong relationships. Grapevine specialises in media and client relations and develops successful campaigns that are tailored to a client's specific needs. 6 Sep 2012 Read more

Following Grapevine's successful PR campaign for the launch of Maramedia Publishing's interactive digital education manuals, the company has extended Grapevine's appointment to include upcoming project work. 5 Sep 2012 Read more

With social media's popularity increasing rapidly, PR and advertising agencies have been feeling the pressure to embrace this global development and incorporate social media into their client offering. This has resulted in many ad agencies hiring social media professionals. 3 May 2012 Read more

Johannesburg-based Grapevine Communications has been selected as the South African representative for PR Boutiques International and is the first member on the continent. 30 Mar 2012 Read more

The Soul City Institute was established 17 years ago as a 'social change communication organisation' to communicate important health and human development messages to the public, and package these messages in an edutainment format (education via entertainment). 28 Mar 2012 Read more

Automation is a reality of the digital age in which we are living. Many customer services have been streamlined and made more efficient through call centre and email automation, which has allowed for huge call volumes and queries being attended to and proved cost-effective to companies who now need fewer employees manning their call centres. When it works, it saves time and frustration; when it doesn't, a company runs the risk of losing customers. 8 Mar 2012 Read more

Want to be kept up to date with what's happening in the PR industry? Follow us on Twitter for news and commentary about trends, events and issues. @Grapevine_comms 5 Mar 2012

The Barrow Group, a Johannesburg-based construction and property development company, has appointed Grapevine Communications to conduct their PR campaign. 1 Mar 2012 Read more

Steyn City Properties, a visionary new lifestyle development in Johannesburg's Northern Suburbs, has appointed Grapevine to implement a PR/Communications campaign. The 2000-acre wooded parkland estate will be situated between William Nicol Drive and Cedar Road and will incorporate commercial, retail, residential and leisure nodes, including an 18-hole Nicklaus design golf course. 6 Feb 2012 Read more

Soul City Institute for Health and Development Communication is launching its eleventh series of Soul City on SABC 1 on 11 October 2011 at 20h30 and has appointed Grapevine Communications to handle the media/PR campaign. Soul City Series 11 is scripted to be 13 riveting episodes communicating key health messages to the public while providing weekly half-hour episodes of exciting drama for SABC viewers. 22 Sep 2011 Read more

IFFCO Worldwide, a United Arab Emirates-based international group, which manufactures and markets a well integrated range of mass-market food products, related derivates, intermediates and services launched in South Africa in October 2010. IFFCO SA has appointed Grapevine Communications, an agency which has extensive FMCG experience, to implement its PR/Communications campaign for the company and their flagship brand, Tiffany, a range of impulse foods including biscuits, confectionery and chocolates. 5 Aug 2011 Read more

SASSETA, the Safety and Security SETA, has appointed Grapevine Communications to handle their PR/communications. 17 Mar 2011 Read more

Tastic has appointed Grapevine to implement a PR/Communications campaign for their extensive and innovative portfolio of rices and complimentary products including; Tastic Parboiled Rice, Tastic Nature's range of Brown Rice, Tastic Rices of the World, Tastic Simply Delicious Ready to Eat range and cook in sauces. Grapevine will focus on communicating Tastic's intrinsic benefits which are not only wholesome and nutritional, but versatile, easy to prepare and cook perfect every time. 26 Jan 2011 Read more

Grapevine Communications is excited to be entering the dynamic coffee segment, with the appointment by Ciro Beverage Solutions, to conduct PR for its Out of Home business continuing to lead and innovate this burgeoning industry sector. 10 Aug 2010 Read more

Menlyn Maine Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd has appointed Grapevine Communications to handle its PR for Menlyn Maine, Africa's first 'Green City' quality mixed-use precinct located in Pretoria's eastern suburbs. 26 Jul 2010 Read more

Fromageries Bel, French producers of fine cheese, has appointed Grapevine Communications as their PR partner of choice due to their impressive experience within the FMCG sector. Patleys, a member of the Bidvest Group Limited, are the sole distributor of Bel cheese into the South African market. 24 Feb 2010 Read more

The phrases most commonly mentioned in 2009 were ‘the economic downturn' or ‘recessionary times', and there are few local companies that won't admit they have felt its effects in different ways. From downsizing and restructuring to smarter operations and cutting overheads, the year was a trying one that tested everyone's ability to bounce back and make use of innovative thinking to make it through to year-end. 9 Feb 2010 Read more

Pasco Risk Management, a global risk consultancy, has appointed Grapevine Communications to handle their media/communications. 30 Oct 2009 Read more

Eye of Africa Developments (Pty Ltd) has appointed Grapevine Communications to handle its PR specifically for the Eye of Africa Golf and Residential Estate, located in southern Johannesburg. This appointment was based on Grapevine's past performance and experience in residential golfing developments. 13 Oct 2009 Read more

Zinto Marketing, leading Brand Activation Specialists, has appointed Grapevine Communications to handle their PR. Grapevine's dynamic media relations and successful track record in profiling secured this appointment. 13 Oct 2009 Read more

Size doesn't matter when it comes to PR
That's what we at Grapevine Communications tells SMEs who often have a value-add offering or service, but not the established confidence to understand that they have an important message to take to market. The perception of ‘small fish in a big pond' can often intimidate smaller businesses away from investigating their ability to benefit from public relations. 29 Jul 2009 Read more

One of South Africa's leading pharmaceutical companies, Adcock Ingram Healthcare (Prescription Marketing Division) has appointed Grapevine Communications for its PR services kickstarting with a new campaign, 'Adcock Ingram gives a heart'. 13 Feb 2009 Read more

Youth marketing company, Three Ring Circus, has renewed its contract with Grapevine Communications for 2009 to conduct its third consecutive annual PR Campaign for the Standard Bank Rocking Future Roadshow, now running in its ninth year. The roadshow inspires, motivates and guides matriculants in their tertiary study making decisions. 21 Jan 2009 Read more

Grapevine Communications has become further entrenched in the FMCG market by adding food giant, Foodcorp, to its portfolio. Foodcorp is Africa's largest black-owned food manufacturer and the world's fourth-largest wheat milling complex. 7 Jul 2008 Read more

Grapevine Communications has been appointed to handle the communications for Rosebank College, part of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) which is a registered provider with the Department of Education. The IIE is part of the listed AdvTech Group. 25 Jun 2008 Read more

Bob Martin, leader in pet healthcare, has appointed Grapevine Communications to launch a new product range of pet supplements. 3 Mar 2008 Read more

Montagu Property Group has appointed Grapevine Communications to handle their PR and communications. 7 Feb 2008 Read more

Youth marketing company, Three Ring Circus, has committed to a second consecutive year with Grapevine Communications. 30 Jan 2008 Read more

Grapevine has been appointed by Zanusi Brand Solutions, a leading brand management consulting firm, to build their media profile during the coming months and the Zorgvliet Group to launch two of their new projects namely the Privilege Wine Club and the Zorgvliet Private Residence Club. 3 Oct 2007 Read more

Below the line brand marketing and sponsorship agency, MindSpace Africa, has appointed Grapevine Communications to conduct a public relations campaign to build awareness of the MindSpace Africa brand. 8 Jun 2007 Read more

Grapevine Communications bags another project from the Tiger Brands stable. 28 May 2007 Read more

Global public relations group - Lewis PR (UK) has appointed local agency, Grapevine Communications to represent them in South Africa for their international client, Lexmark with effect from 02 May 2007. 10 May 2007 Read more

Grapevine Communications has been reappointed by two former clients, Red Cherry and The Jo’burg Wine Show. 2 Apr 2007 Read more

Grapevine Communications has been appointed by General Motors South Africa and Three Ring Circus to conduct an annual PR campaign for their Opel Rocking Future Roadshow. 26 Jan 2007 Read more

Grapevine Communications has become further entrenched within the FMCG market. 25 Oct 2006 Read more

It is all systems go for PR consultancy, Grapevine Communications.  10 Oct 2006 Read more

Grapevine Communications has scooped two of South Africa's recent Technology Top 100 Award winners, an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, Da Vinci Institute and Eskom to celebrate technology successes in South Africa. 6 Oct 2006 Read more

Demonstrating our diverse skills and experience, Grapevine Communications has secured the accounts for the launch of two new products to be brought to the market within the next six weeks.  5 Jul 2006 Read more

Grapevine Communications has hit the ground running in 2006 by being awarded two new contracts. 23 Jan 2006 Read more

'n Noodsaaklike kommunikasievennoot, of maar net spin-spesialiste? Ongeag van 'n mens se mening van die openbare-betrekkinge-bedryf se funksie, het me. Marie Yossava, eienaar van Grapevine Communications, dit op haar eie reggekry om in 'n oorvol mark maatskappye soos Samsung, National Brands en Oracle te oortuig dat sy waarde tot hul bedrywighede kan voeg. 15 Aug 2005 Read more

Grapevine Communications is celebrating ten successful years in the business! From a one-woman, standard PR operation, Grapevine has been transformed into a media relations business with blue chip clients. 28 Jul 2005 Read more

The public relations industry has, for too long, been perceived as the poor cousin of the marketing mix and plagued by accusations of poor quality service and a lack of transformation. Now it's time for PR to bite back. 3 May 2005 Read more

Spectrum Visual Networks (SVN), who are leading the way in mobilising digital media in South Africa, have appointed PR company, Grapevine Communications to handle their media liaison. 6 Apr 2005 Read more

The Businesswomen's Association (BWA) has renewed its contract with PR company, Grapevine Communications for a third year to handle the communications campaign for the BWA South African Women in Corporate Leadership Census 2005 and the 2005 Businesswoman of the Year Award. 2 Mar 2005 Read more

Marie Yossava, MD, Grapevine Communications, lists her top five trends: 9 Jan 2005 Read more

Is it chemistry or kismet or just plain business sense? In choosing the right PR company for the job, clients need to consider a variety of tangible issues. 25 Feb 2004 Read more

[Home Goods Retailer, February 2003] The press release is the cornerstone of a communications strategy. It is also one of the most abused and misused tools in the PR toolbox. 14 Feb 2003 Read more

[Advantage, December 2002] Africa is a continent that attracts the adventurous and the entrepreneur. For the adventurous, it conjures up excitement, and an opportunity to see a world largely unspoilt by modern development. Vast and beautiful vistas with wild animals and primitive societies found nowhere else in the world. 14 Dec 2002 Read more

[Marketing Mix, April 2001] The promotions, advertising and communications fraternity is under increasing scrutiny by clients to justify costs and quantify performance. The communications industry needs to respond to these heightened demands by focusing corporate efforts on developing long-term brand-building partnerships with clients. 14 Apr 2001 Read more