Listen "Woolworths’ New Bag Colour - A Masterclass in Crisis Management?"
Episode Synopsis
Guest: Jeremy Sampson – Executive Chairman, Brand Finance Africa
What happens when a grocery bag becomes the star of a national scandal?
After businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala told Parliament he used a black Woolworths shopping bag to deliver R300 000 to former police minister Bheki Cele, the internet erupted with memes, punchlines and cultural commentary. And right in the middle of the conversation… the bag itself.
Then, in a twist nobody saw coming, Woolworths rolled out new white, semi-transparent bags less than a week later sparking speculation of crisis management, symbolism, brand protection and even “transparency marketing.”
Was this an accidental PR storm? Smart timing? Damage control? Or part of a longer sustainability journey that just happened to collide with the headlines? Kaya FM
What happens when a grocery bag becomes the star of a national scandal?
After businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala told Parliament he used a black Woolworths shopping bag to deliver R300 000 to former police minister Bheki Cele, the internet erupted with memes, punchlines and cultural commentary. And right in the middle of the conversation… the bag itself.
Then, in a twist nobody saw coming, Woolworths rolled out new white, semi-transparent bags less than a week later sparking speculation of crisis management, symbolism, brand protection and even “transparency marketing.”
Was this an accidental PR storm? Smart timing? Damage control? Or part of a longer sustainability journey that just happened to collide with the headlines? Kaya FM
More episodes of the podcast Kaya 959
Drive Moment - Rate The Year 2025
19/12/2025
Do you still get on the bus for that long-distance trip when you can see that its overloaded?
19/12/2025
SA’s Most Fabulous Food Experiences of 2025
18/12/2025
Profile Feature: Dr Lesley Mofokeng
18/12/2025
PIVOT POINT – Billy Tom: Steering South Africa’s Automotive Industry Through Transformation.
18/12/2025
Crypto in 2025: The Year in Review.
18/12/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.