EXPLAINER: How are adverts regulated in South Africa?

Loading player...
GUEST - Gail Schimmel, CEO of the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB)



In this conversation we unpack how advertising is regulated in South Africa and why truth in branding matters.



Gail Schimmel, CEO of the Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB), explains the role of the ARB in safeguarding consumer interests, setting industry standards, and ensuring advertisers strike a balance between creative expression and factual accuracy.



We dive into the recent Liqui Fruit case, where the ARB ordered the company to drop its long-standing slogan, “Nothing But Fruit”, after finding it misled consumers about the actual contents of its juices. Gail takes us through how the ARB evaluates consumer complaints, investigates claims, and makes rulings that impact both brands and the public.



From the complexities of regulating creativity to the next steps for Liqui Fruit, this conversation highlights how advertising watchdogs are shaping accountability and why every word in an advert matters.
15 Sep 2025 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

South Africa's Car Buyers Defy Economic Pressure

Despite higher interest rates, rising fuel prices and growing living costs, South Africa's vehicle market continues to show remarkable resilience. Thanda Sithole, Senior Economist at FNB and WesBank, unpacks what strong vehicle sales reveal about consumer confidence, how buyers are adapting to affordability pressures, the rise of new-energy vehicles, and…
12 Nov 12PM 13 min

The Economics of Diabetes

Ahead of World Diabetes Day, Sara Norcross, VP and General Manager of Novo Nordisk South Africa, joins Kaya Biz to discuss the growing burden of diabetes and its impact beyond healthcare. From workplace productivity and economic growth to treatment access and prevention, the conversation explores why diabetes should be viewed…
12 Nov 12PM 20 min

Protecting Yourself in the Age of Digital Scams

Online scams are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly difficult to detect. Sylvia Musalagani, Head of Safety Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Meta, discusses the growing threat of digital fraud, Meta's anti-scam initiatives, and how partnerships with local institutions are helping consumers identify and avoid online scams…
12 Nov 11AM 10 min

South Africa's Capital Puzzle

South Africa has no shortage of capital, yet economic growth remains elusive. Jurie Strydom, CEO of Old Mutual, joins Kaya Biz to unpack why the challenge may not be attracting investment, but deploying existing capital into productive sectors of the economy. The conversation explores investor confidence, policy certainty, infrastructure constraints…
12 Nov 11AM 7 min

Reading South Africa's Economic Pulse

South Africa's economic activity weakened again in October, but there are emerging signs that pressure on households and businesses may begin to ease. Independent economist Elize Kruger unpacks the latest PayInc Economic Index, the fuel price outlook, consumer behaviour, business confidence and the key economic trends to watch heading into…
11 Nov 12PM 10 min