The Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Alumni Awards were created to celebrate outstanding alumni who use their talent, leadership and expertise to contribute positively towards society while addressing complex challenges and having a positive impact on those around them. Chief Executive Partner of the M&C Saatchi Group South Africa, Mike Abel, was recognised for his excellent contribution to South Africa’s business and creative sectors by being awarded an NMU Alumni Achievement Award on December 7, 2021.
Abel has enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades in different countries, building some of the biggest names in advertising. He co-founded M&C Saatchi Abel, the first creative company in the M&C Saatchi Group SA, just over a decade ago. In October 2020, in his book Willing & Abel: Lessons from a decade in crisis, Abel captures key lessons behind building one of the most recognisable creative brands on the continent during a difficult 10 years in South Africa.
Abel’s belief that ‘the people with the best people win’ has underpinned much of his leadership: investing in talented people and giving them the space to grow into industry leaders. This unrelenting orientation towards excellence has paid off handsomely, with all M&C Saatchi Group companies being recognised as leaders in their fields and representing top brands on the continent, while simultaneously being demographically diverse and transformed.
‘This university carries the name of the greatest South African to have lived, Nelson Mandela. And so, beyond it being a massive honour to receive this award, it is a massive responsibility to live the values and build on the legacy of our nation’s founding father,’ said Abel.
‘I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Nelson Mandela University and the Alumni association for bestowing this huge honour on me. I remember the university fondly and it played an integral role in shaping my values, just as it continues to develop tomorrow’s leaders today. Beyond being a beacon in the city and a driver of economic growth in the region, the university shaped me personally in my formative years – knowledge and wisdom I have carried with me throughout my career.’
Led by Abel, M&C Saatchi Abel founded #TheStreetStore, a global movement of innovative pop-up stores that clothe the homeless while prioritising their dignity. Almost 1000 pop-up stores have taken place around the world to date. ‘It’s important to drive change with humility and respect for that which unites us as people as opposed to that which separates us, a great lesson from Madiba whose name reverberates in Nelson Mandela Bay and the university of which I am a proud alumnus,’ said Abel.
Abel has built a successful career with his conviction that creative companies should grow clients’ bottom line, boost their market share and increase their brand equity. This, he says, requires Brutal Simplicity of Thought – in other words, a laser-sharp focus – and the discipline of nurturing long-term relationships built on honesty and transparency, both inside agencies and between agencies and clients.
Over many years, he has overseen the development of best-practice thinking and fully integrated business models and solutions to enhance both clients’ businesses, as well as M&C Saatchi Group SA companies’ performance.
Group Managing Director of M&C Saatchi Abel, Jason Harrison, said, ‘Like Abel, I grew up in Gqeberha, went to the same school and also attended NMU. He hired me for my first job when I came to Cape Town and 20 years later we are co-founders of the same business, so our shared history runs deep. But it is his values, work ethos and commitment to community and country that has always inspired me. It is a huge honour to call him a business partner, but more importantly, a friend.’
M&C SAATCHI GROUP SOUTH AFRICA
www.mcsaatchigroup.co.za
