Kicking off his Africa tour in Johannesburg, APRA President, Mr. Arik Karani, made his first stop at Burson – a long-standing strategic partner to APRA, and one of the six firms recognized for driving innovation in our work.

He was received by Karl Haechler, CEO of Burson South Africa, alongside Lerato Songelwa, Managing Director, for a high-level engagement at the firm’s Johannesburg office.

The discussion focused on reputation leadership, global best practices, and the evolving role of strategic communications across the continent. It also explored emerging communication and PR opportunities in the context of the rapid rise of AI and technology, and what this means for the future of the profession in Africa. As Karl noted, “the future of communications will be defined by how well we integrate global thinking with deep local insight.”

The conversation reinforced a shared commitment to elevating professional standards and shaping a more confident, credible African voice in global discourse.