Marketing from the Heart
Held under the theme ‘Marketing from the Heart’, the 2026 MTC Branding and Marketing Indaba set the stage for people-centred communication, encouraging professionals to move beyond transactions and build meaningful, lasting connections. This message echoed throughout the three-day programme, including in the keynote remarks the by Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Hon Emma Theofelus, reminding the audience about the importance of nation branding.
Staff from the Department of Corporate Engagement and Internationalisation (CEI) and the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships (DRIP), as well as over 30 students, joined over 400 delegates and exhibitors at this growing industry platform.
Across the three days, the Indaba delivered a mix of insight, creativity and spectacle. Stand-out sessions included ‘Seen, Heard and Paid: The Heart of Authentic Marketing’ by Maukeni Ribeiro from Ghana, which challenged professionals to think more intentionally about visibility and value, and ‘From Crisis to Comeback: Namibia’s PR Playbook Revealed’ by Josy Nghipandua, offering practical insight into navigating communication in high-pressure environments.
The programme also featured NUST voices, with CEI’s Manager of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Kuda Brandt, contributing to a panel discussion on public relations and Namibian media, bringing an institutional perspective into broader industry conversations. “Sometimes there is tension between public relations practitioners and journalists. In today’s fast-paced digital environment, journalists often need information immediately, while PR professionals require time to verify every detail before releasing it. However, regardless of these pressures and the evolving media landscape, the fundamental principle remains, upholding media ethics. That is non-negotiable,” she said.
Beyond the presentations, the Indaba delivered an immersive experience. A full-scale fashion show brought energy and flair, turning the event into more than a conference. Each day introduced something different, from business pitches, to exhibitions, keeping delegates engaged and curious about what would come next.
For NUST attendees, the Indaba offered both reflection and momentum. It reinforced the role of communication, marketing and branding not just as functions, but as bridges between institutions and the people they serve.
