An evening of connection that gathered South Africa’s marketing decision-makers, agency leaders and industry partners beyond the boardroom.
On the evening of 28 May 2026, Kaya 959 and United Stations hosted the CMO Sundowners at Kaya House in Johannesburg, bringing together around 40 chief marketing officers, brand leaders and industry partners for an evening of connection.
The gathering drew marketing leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across the industry. Among the guests was marketing leader Dale Hefer, whose contribution to the profession continues to inspire many across the sector. Conversations through the evening returned often to the value of strong professional communities and to platforms such as the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) Conference that bring diverse voices together to challenge thinking and shape the future of the discipline.
The evening was built on a simple conviction that the strongest media partnerships are formed beyond the boardroom, through relationships, cultural insight and meaningful engagement. From the moment they arrived, guests were welcomed personally at the door, a deliberate gesture that set the tone for the night. Every handshake and conversation carried the same message: welcome eKaya.
“Great relationships do not begin on a stage or in a boardroom. They begin with a warm welcome. In a world driven by brands, data and technology, human connection remains our greatest competitive advantage, and community is built one conversation at a time.”
– Dr Tumelo Chaka, Marketing and Commercial Director, United Stations.
The CMO Sundowners sits within a broader commitment by Kaya 959 and United Stations to create spaces where the marketing community can connect, learn and grow together. By convening media owners, agencies, brands and thought leaders in one room, the evening reflected a shared belief that the future of brand storytelling and audience connection is collaborative.
Both partners have signalled their intention to continue these engagements and to explore future collaborations that advance the profession. For partnership and event enquiries, contact United Stations on hello@unitedstations.co.za
Written by Katlego Sekhu
