Developments like shopping centres, restaurants, traditional and more stylish taverns as well as sports stadia have all played an important role in this process. In addition, township residences and businesses are being upgraded and local entrepreneurs are attracting tourists to experience eKasi. 
 
From a commercial perspective, the retail developments in many townships have given marketers endless options as they realise the significant consumer spending potential of the sector and immense opportunity for growth available to businesses operating in a significant number of categories; from FMCG to banking.
 
Bearing the above in mind, the public transport system remains the heartbeat of the township.  Approximately 20 million people use taxis, buses and trains to commute to and from work on a daily basis.  More than 20 years experience in successfully advertising to the South African commuter proves that ComutaNet understands the dynamic nature of the commuter market and that they have developed an “inside edge” through their street smart research approach. 
 
Market research commissioned by the media company shows that a lot more companies are interested in making use of commuter transport advertising platforms and that these platforms are trusted, above traditional media, by the market.  Big brands within the furniture, insurance and automotive industries have (eventually) realised that public transport commuters are employed decision makers within their respective households. 
 
The trust in a medium such as Rank TV can be attributed, in part, to the content which is tailored to the specific region and the sector as a whole.  Each site is an independent channel with unlimited access to a variety of relevant tailor made content. This assures that the best content is delivered for each environment which is further enhanced through the advertising in various local vernaculars.   The high entertainment value creates a sense of community around what is being flighted including live crossovers to soccer matches and gospel programmes on Sundays. 
 
It is ComutaNet’s wealth of experience and intuitive feel of the commuter market that has advised the recent restructuring of audio-visual components of the media stalwart’s arsenal; with the objective of maximizing the effect of both Rank TV and Comuta Radio.  Years of expert effort and strategic planning have gone into ensuring that the company’s Rank TV and Comuta Radio sites have been optimized according to the needs of each community.
 
Terence Marsh, CEO of ComutaNet is excited about the streamlining of the AV section; which is still set to evolve further, ‘In order to improve our audio visual efficiencies as well as service to our clients, we have invested significant capital and will spend the next few months in an extensive process of designing an integrated audio visual system.’
 
According to Marsh, future plans include the construction of 5 new Comuta Radio sites as well as 3 new Rank TV sites which will be equipped with brand new, state of the art amphitheatres, ‘Comuta Radio currently has a combined audience of 3.4 million listeners.  This number will increase dramatically in the next year with the planned evolution of the medium.’
 
‘It is essential for media companies seeking a competitive advantage in the 21st century to optimise their operational capabilities through the innovative use of technology. One such an example is the Bara taxi rank in Soweto. This used to be a large open site, ideal for facilitating the broadcasting of Rank TV.  After developing the site into an indoor arena, we made the strategic decision to change Bara from a TV to a Radio site; therefore targeting a bigger audience.  This is only the first of many such optimisation projects soon to be underway at ComutaNet sites,’ concluded Marsh.