Happy Birthday to Africa’s youngest state, South Sudan - 9 Jul 2012

Just one year ago, South Sudan achieved independence by becoming Africa's 54th state. The past 366 days (2012 is a leap year) must have been an exciting time for the South Sudanese with a whiff of promise in the air and a new-found hope in what the future holds, but it has also been a year filled with corruption and a weakening economic crisis that underlines the difficulties of constructing a state.

My wish for the years to come is to see the country develop into a blossoming nation and see the current government sow the seeds to success while taking care of its citizens.

On the marketing and media news front: the Broadcast, Film and Music Africa Conference kicks off tomorrow in Kenya. Delegates at the conference will be addressed by several international film and broadcast experts, scholars and researchers in media.

Described as Africa's leading literary award, the 2012 Caine Prize for African Writing has been awarded to Nigerian Rotimi Babatunde.

Founder and chairman of Arcay Burson-Marsteller, Robyn de Villiers speaks to us about succeeding in Africa's PR industry.

Kenyan correspondent, Carole Kimutai investigates how to earn some cash as a content producer.

In the last part of the four-part series, Wikus Engelbrecht provides some tips on the role of email marketing in the multi-channel evolution.

PS: The London 2012 Summer Olympic Games are just 18 days away! Are you as excited as I am?

Have a great week!

Evan-Lee Courie @evan1985