iPendoring Awards Celebrated Excellence In Creative Communication Across SA’s Indigenous Languages

Established in 1995, the iPendoring Awards celebrate excellence in creative communication across South Africa’s indigenous languages. The coveted Prestigious Umpetha Award went to Joe Public for their remarkable work on Afrikaraoke for SAB / Castle Milk Stout. The campaign not only had the audience cheering, it swept the judging tables with 6 Golds, 5 Silvers and 12 Craft Certificates across Radio and Audio, Print and Out Of Home, Film, Integrated and Digital.

Afrikaraoke earned the Prestigious Umpetha for good reason. Afrikaraoke is accessible on both the Castle Milk Stout website and Joe Public’s YouTube channel as a karaoke platform where users can choose from 12 traditional songs about wedding and coming-of-age ceremonies. Working closely with Dr Evans Netshivhambe, a composer and professor of indigenous music studies, the team researched and rearranged 12 traditional songs representing all South African indigenous languages and significant cultural moments, from weddings to coming-of-age ceremonies.

A choir and a traditional percussionist brought these songs to life for the platform. The arrangements were crafted to help users learn the lyrics and melodies with ease, letting them step up, take the mic and carry the music forward themselves.

‘What a spectacular night. The iPendoring Awards would like to thank everyone who joined them for an unforgettable iPendoring Awards 2025,’ said iPendoring Managing Director Eben Keun. ‘Congratulations to the entire Joe Public team for an extraordinary piece of work.’

The room was full of talent, laughter and a generous helping of linguistic magic. Guests were treated to an exclusive food experience including delicious canapes curated in partnership with Babylonstoren, followed by an afterparty on the lawn that closed out the night with high energy.

A big round of applause also goes to the University of Johannesburg, winners of the Overall Student Award for their standout project From Corner Shop to Kitchen for Design Bites. They also walked away with a Gold and two Silvers for Publication Design. Their work showed that the next generation of creatives is more than ready to shape the future of indigenous expression.

The piece is a 100-page multilingual recipe book that goes far beyond a collection of dishes. It’s a beautifully crafted project that uses food and storytelling to honour personal histories, memories and the rich cultural mix of its contributors, many of them drawing from South African traditions.

Keun offered his congratulations to the team for ‘This inspired display of creativity on this multi-departmental project. The project included students from Design, Strategic Communication, and UJ’s School of Hospitality and Tourism.’

With double last year’s entries, the standard across all nine categories was exceptional. Radio and Audio stood out in particular, with ideas that sparked, surprised and kept the room leaning forward. ‘A huge congratulations to every finalist and winner who qwel’ed to the highest taal level. You lifted the bar once again.’

Group Executive Creative Director at Machine_ and Jury President, Jabulani Sigege, also rocked the iPendorings with Khuphuka Nathi winning in Online Film Commercials, Film Crafts – Direction, Cinematography, Writing, Editing, Original Music and Sound Design and Performance.

Director Jefferson Tshabalala said ‘Directing the awards has been an exhilarating process of harmonisation. We wanted to create a truly infinite world of South’Ahh, and that required every creative element to speak the same Spraak. We played on the concept of creativity — visually, sonically and performatively — to showcase the infinitude of Taal and how alive it is, both in today’s digital-driven world, and through our Ghost of Advertising Past.’

Guests were taken on a vivid journey into the world of Lingo, led by the custodians of Spraak. Tshabalala kept the room buzzing, while the musical fire of Muneyi, Kekelingo and band (Cindy Tembo and Rigby Banks) hit everyone square in the chest before the smile appeared.

The cast for the evening included Vele Manenje, Mathews Rantsoma and Pule Welch. Vus’umuzi Phakathi served as co-writer. Costuming was by Tebogo Motshabi, with scenery by Mosie Mamaregane.

Among them is none other than Ntate Sello Maake kaNcube, who stepped back into the sharp suit of advertising legend Archie Moroka from New Horizons, Generations. It was a nostalgic moment with real star power. Known for iconic roles in Generations, Scandal and The Queen, he brought that same presence to the iPendoring stage in a captivating performance.

‘We wish to express our profound gratitude to Neville Matjie, CEO of Brand South Africa, and Siphelele Sixaso, Head of SABC Radio (ALS), for their distinguished presence and invaluable contribution, which made last night a truly remarkable success,’ said Keun.

‘As we look ahead, we are proud to move forward with Brand South Africa as our partner. Their support aligns the national brand with the celebration of mother tongue communication. They join our valued sponsors and partners: Media24, ATKV, Babylonstoren, SABC Radio, UNESCO, UJ Humanities, UJ Arts and Culture, Caxton, Dagbreek Trust and The One Show New York.’

‘To everyone who attended, supported, judged, created or cheered from afar, thank you for making this year’s awards a true celebration of South Africa’s linguistic brilliance,’ Keun concluded.

Winners

Design

Digital Communication

Film

Integrated Campaign

Live Communication

Out Of Home

Print

Radio And Audio

Student Awards

IPENDORING AWARDS
https://www.pendoring.co.za/