Entries for the iPendoring Awards 2025 are open, with submissions closing on August 22, 2025. The awards mark a major milestone in 2025: 30 years of celebrating indigenous language creativity in South Africa’s communication industries. And this year, the message is loud and clear: ‘Taal Never Die. We Multiply.’
For more information on entering, view the guide here. The awards are open to agencies, publishers, filmmakers, designers, digital creators, game developers and anyone producing work in South Africa’s indigenous languages. Categories include traditional advertising, digital storytelling, publishing, design and more.
The Prestigious Umpetha Award includes a single entry into the international One Show Awards, along with a trophy and certificate. The Overall Student Winner will receive R10,000, along with a trophy and certificate.
‘Taal Never Die. We Multiply’ – more than just a slogan, the 2025 campaign captures a bold, distinctly South African spirit. It is rooted in youth culture but speaks across generations. It celebrates the way we speak, remix and reimagine language in everyday life. Conceptualised by Sanele Ngubane (Toasted Samish) and Vumile Mavumengwana (VM DSGN), and supported by Breinstorm Brand Architects, the campaign is a call to all who qwel. Those who speak their truth, in their own language, with pride and conviction.
‘While honouring the legacy of indigenous storytelling, this year’s iPendoring also asks what comes next. For three decades, it has created space for work that reflects the multilingual heart of Mzansi. In a country where over 91% of people speak an indigenous language as a first language, this mission is more relevant than ever. iPendoring continues to champion creative expression in our own taal,’ said Eben Keun, iPendoring Awards’ General Manager.
Endorsed by UNESCO, iPendoring continues to bring together community and industry to celebrate the richness of South Africa’s indigenous language creativity.
IPENDORING AWARDS
www.pendoring.co.za
