The Namibia Economist

DV8’s Jerry goes down under

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In order to stay on top in the world of digital marketing, Namibian advertising agency, DV8 Saatchi & Saatchi is sending Jerry Shikongo way down under.
Jerry, a UNAM graduate and art director at DV8 since 2007, has been awarded a bursary for 2012 to study Web Development at the prestigious Natcoll Design Technology School in Auckland, New Zealand. The bursary, which is worth over N$200,000, will cover his studies, travel and living expenses for the year.
The 41-week diploma course includes intensive training in advanced client-side development, web protocols and communication, advanced client-side, server-side development and goes on to advanced studies in areas such as industry standard content management systems, database-driven website design, credit card payment technology, Google maps, Ajax, code libraries, how to make sites for mobile phones and for the disabled, amongst others.
“As an industry leader in the merging of traditional marketing with digital strategies, Jerry’s training serves as a vital component in DV8’s ongoing quest to develop vital skills within Namibia. With the global surge in web access, mobile devices and digital communication, it’s crucial that we embrace world standards, and Jerry will bring home the latest trends and practices to strengthen our digital division.
“The current ‘digital marketing’ offerings in Namibia consist of random elements, usually limited to a website, bulk SMSs, spam mail or maybe even a Facebook page. Without a comprehensive through-the-line approach, encompassing traditional and fully integrated and interactive digital strategies, businesses are spending a lot of money for very little noise”, says Mark Bongers, MD of DV8 Saatchi & Saatchi.
As much as the entire DV8 team would like go to Auckland, there’s heaps of work to be done right here in Windhoek, so nine ‘Deviants’ from the creative and strategic department will be studying online for the Certificate in Digital Marketing through the University of Stellenbosch Executive Business School. This 10-week course covers topics such as digital strategy, creating digital assets, social media and viral marketing, web PR and online reputation management, CRM and email marketing, affiliate marketing, mobile engagement, paid media, web analytics and conversion optimisation.
With a very exciting 2012 ahead of us, we wish Jerry all the best in ‘The Land of The Long White Cloud’ and as they say down there, “Good on ya, mate!”

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