Algorithm Agency And Mobiclicks Celebrate New Generation Awards Win

By

-

October 2, 2025

Algorithm Agency And Mobiclicks Celebrate New Generation Awards Win

In a landmark moment for Algorithm Agency and their valued partner, Mobiclicks, they have secured a Bronze at the prestigious WesBank New Generation Awards. This honour for ‘Best use of AI in a marketing campaign by an Agency,’ earned on behalf of their client, BUCO, marks not just a win, but a significant milestone in their journey.

‘While we were honoured to be finalists in other categories, this award is especially meaningful as it is a powerful validation of our strategic shift and a stepping stone for our business. For a first-time sponsor and a first-time win, this award means the world to us. It confirms our vision that modern marketing demands more than just traditional tactics; it requires the intelligent use of data and technology to solve real-world business problems. Our collaboration with BUCO was born from a desire to push boundaries, to move beyond a simple reliance on last-click metrics, and to prove that digital engagement could drive tangible, in-store footfall,’ said Algorithm Agency.

Graeme Stiles, CEO of Algorithm, said, ‘We’re delighted to celebrate this award alongside BUCO and MobiClicks. That it’s for AI makes it even more meaningful. AI may be a new horizon for many, but it’s embedded in Algorithm’s DNA and how we solve real business problems. We’re immensely proud of the entire BUCO team and grateful to a client who backs ambitious ideas and the craft to execute them. This recognition is proof of what true partnership can achieve.’

This award is a testament to the strength of their long-standing partnership with BUCO, a forward-thinking client who trusted them to experiment with a new approach. It’s also a celebration of their collaboration with Mobiclicks, whose technology was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. By leveraging advanced AI to identify and act on real-time signals of intent from a consumer watching a how-to video (Mirrors) to a shopper near a competitor’s store (Blis), they were able to create a campaign that was both data-driven and deeply human.

The results speak for themselves, demonstrating the power of this approach:

• Expanded reach: the campaign generated over 3.4 million impressions and 28,467 clicks, significantly increasing audience engagement.
• Enhanced targeting: the OpenWeb campaign achieved a Click-Through Rate (CTR) of 1.29%, nearly 13 times higher than the industry benchmark.
• Driving in-store traffic: The location-based campaign’s CTR was more than double the industry benchmark at 1.02%, effectively connecting online ads to in-store visits.

The WesBank New Generation Awards are the largest independent, performance-based accolades in social-first marketing, digital media, AI, and integrated marketing. ‘Algorithm Agency are incredibly proud to be recognised among the industry’s best for our use of creative strategy and advanced technology. This win solidifies our position as a leader in the new era of marketing, where we turn data into dollars and digital engagement into real-world action. We believe this is just the beginning.’

‘As a brand that combines experience with innovation to drive real results, we are proud to be the very first in the building and construction industry to be recognised for such innovation. By bringing together quality, creativity, and technology, we continue to empower professionals and homeowners with solutions and inspiration, while remaining attuned to the demands of South Africa’s dynamic retail landscape,’ said Tumi Mphelo, Brand and Advertising Manager, BUCO.

ALGORITHM AGENCY
www.algorithm.agency

Nedbank IMC Breaks Own Record As Africa’s Largest Marketing Conference

By

Modern Marketing

-

October 2, 2025

Nedbank IMC Breaks Own Record As Africa's Largest Marketing Conference

On 18th September, IMC CEO Dale Hefer welcomed over 3300 communicators from over 20 countries to the Nedbank IMC, confirming its place as the continent’s top marketing showcase. The line up of global leaders from as far afield as Dubai, Accra and London included Charl Bassil, Chief Brand Officer of the BBC. His opening address was a heartfelt call to action for marketers to be brave, be kind and believe in the industry’s ability to effect positive change. Modern Marketing was a proud media partner of the event.

In his opening message, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, emphasised the industry’s role as a key growth multiplier and the conference’s global reach and ability to shine a spotlight on the skills, talent and innovation of this sector.

Major Mandisa Mfeka, South Africa’s first black female combat pilot, received a double standing ovation and inspired marketers to ‘not be afraid to go against the grain’. Her message and many others, highlighting how creative bravery, resilience and integrity are challenging but necessary ingredients to building brands that make a real difference.

Jason Quinn, Chief Executive: Nedbank Group Limited and Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive: Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Nedbank Group Limited, engaged in an honest and thought provoking discussion around why marketing deserves a seat at the boardroom table; agreeing that bold ideas, brave leadership, and authentic connections make marketing a key commercial force.

Another stand out presentation was from Vaughan Croeser, VP of Marketing at South African Breweries. His very own marketing team’s choir performance showcased collective harmony, leaving delegates wowed and proving that ‘a team that sings together, wins together!’

The conference also featured an industry-first partnership with the SABC, with their GCEO Nomsa Chabeli and SAfm’s live broadcast adding to the day’s success.

Industry leaders who presented at the conference also included:

– Melusi Mhlungu – Founder and Chief Creative Officer, We Are Bizarre.
– Ryan Sauer – CEO Redwood Analytics.
– Craig Shapiro – Executive: IP, ENS.
– Bryony Rose – Director, Yext Enterprise International Business.
– Mukona Ligege – Student, AAA School of Advertising.
– Nozizwe Sibisi – Student, University of Johannesburg.
– Micaela Wathen – Student, University of Pretoria.
– Stacy Jayne Saggers – Commercial Growth Director, Insights Division, Kantar.
– Lyn Bird – Corporate Vice President for Industry Solutions Delivery (ISD) at Microsoft.
– Dr. Gillian Hammah – Chief Marketing Officer, Aya Data.
– Welcome Witbooi – Inspirational Speaker.
– Zubair Timol – Partner and Global Vice President, Culture at Meltwater.
– Dean Oelschig – Founder and Managing Partner of Halo.
– Bridget Harpur – Head of Marketing, VW Group Africa.
– Mbalenhle Bhengu – Founder of Mind Switch and Marketing Lecturer.
– Darren Morris – Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lucky Hustle.
– Preetesh Sewraj – CEO, The Loeries.

Registered delegates may access all presentations on the event app for 3 months. The Nedbank IMC 2026 will take place on the 17th September. Information to follow.

NEDBANK IMC CONFERENCE
www.imcconference.com

Find Your Way Back To Your Career Dreams

By

Modern Marketing

-

October 2, 2025

Find Your Way Back To Your Career Dreams — Tinyiko Ndlala, Leagas Delaney South Africa.

As the year draws to a close, Tinyiko Ndlala, Business Unit Director at Leagas Delaney South Africa, is reflecting on career dreams – those quiet, persistent visions we sometimes tuck away as life gets busy.

I’m taken back to my high school valediction, one of my fondest memories. We were reminded of Dr. Seuss’s words: ‘Oh, the places you’ll go’. I remember my English teacher reciting the book, and even now, every time something happens (good, bad or unexpected) the words come back to me. They remind me that life is not intended to be linear. Most importantly, those words felt limitless. Somewhere along the way, especially as the dust begins to settle in our ’30s, we tend to get caught up in the doing and forget the dreaming. We become so focused on tasks, KPIs and daily deadlines that we sometimes forget to ask ourselves what we truly want from our careers, what would make our work feel meaningful, or what would make our professional journey exhilarating.

Why We Stop Dreaming

There’s something that happens in your ’30s that nobody really warns you about. The world starts asking different questions. Suddenly, it’s not ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ but ‘Where are you in your career progression?’ The conversation shifts from possibility to positioning. We trade wonder for stability, and somewhere in that exchange, we convince ourselves that dreaming is for people who haven’t figured it out yet.

Perhaps it’s the weight of responsibility that creeps in. Paying bonds, dependents, the very real need for medical aid and a decent pension. Or maybe it’s simply exhaustion. When you’re juggling client demands, team management and the perpetual quest for work-life balance, fantasising about your career can feel like an indulgence you can’t afford. But here’s the thing: when we stop dreaming, we stop growing. We become maintainers rather than creators of our own professional narratives.

Finding Your Way Back

When I first started out, I had a long list of aspirations, some clear, some that evolved from full stops to question marks, others written in the smallest font, and a few in bold red caps. Some I couldn’t have imagined at all. Like the time I was one of two people selected to represent my agency in Paris for a WPP programme called Craft Skills Training. That wasn’t on my list, but it became one of the highlights of my career. More recently, opportunities like writing and sharing parts of my professional journey have reminded me how fulfilling it feels to see my words out there and to connect and exchange ideas with others. It’s in those moments that I realise career success isn’t always linear or predictable. It’s often unexpected and can be wonderfully serendipitous.

If you’re reading this and thinking ‘I can’t even remember what my career dreams were’, you’re not alone. Reconnecting with those buried aspirations doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul or a vision board (though no judgement if that’s your thing). Start small. Ask yourself: What parts of my work genuinely excite me? What would I do more of if I could? What opportunities have I dismissed because they seemed impractical or too far-fetched?

Sometimes, it helps to look sideways rather than up. Your dream might not be the next rung on the corporate ladder. It could be mentoring junior colleagues, speaking at industry events, learning a new skill that has nothing to do with your current role, or even working fewer hours to pursue something meaningful outside the office. Give yourself permission to want something different from what you thought you should want.

Career fantasies come in all shapes and sizes, and not all of them have to end up on LinkedIn. For some, it’s a coveted title. For others, it’s financial freedom. It could be working on a passion project, building something of your own, or simply carving out the time to live fully outside of work. Big ones, small ones, they all matter. They matter because careers should be more than a value exchange measured solely by time and remuneration. In an ideal world, we should walk away from our careers with more than just a retirement annuity. Who did you get to meet along the way? Where did your journey take you? How did you positively influence someone else’s path?

It’s easy to forget that the fantasy isn’t just about a title, a salary or a shiny accolade. It’s about fulfilment, impact, growth and joy. It’s about aligning your work with your values and making space for those things that light you up. Sometimes, the fantasy is daring; other times, it’s quiet but no less powerful. It’s the little victories, the risks you took, the lessons learned and the stories you’ll carry forward that truly define it.

So as this year winds down, I’m asking you: What’s your career fantasy? Say it out loud. Write it down. Share it with someone you trust. Give it the space to exist, even if it feels far away or unconventional. Because as Dr. Seuss reminds us, ‘Oh, the places you’ll go. How much can you lose? How much can you win?’ Read that again. Let it sink in. And then, maybe, start imagining the next chapter with courage, curiosity and a teaspoon of audacity.

LEAGAS DELANEY
https://www.leagasdelaney.co.za

2025 WesBank New Generation Awards Announce Trailblazing Winners

By

Meggan McCarthy, Modern Marketing

-

September 29, 2025

2025 WesBank New Generation Awards Announce Trailblazing Winners

Renowned as the largest independent, performance-based accolades in social-first marketing, digital media, AI, creativity, integrated marketing, and online technology, the WesBank New Generation Awards embody the pinnacle of achievement in these vibrant fields. The winners were announced at a packed banquet ceremony in Sandton on Tuesday, 23 September. Modern Marketing is the proud media partner of these prestigious awards.

Kenosi Matsebatlela, Unilever South Africa.

Simon Lloyd and Graeme Stiles, Algorithm Agency.

The awards, now in their thirteenth consecutive year, received over 500 submissions from the corporate, agency, and tertiary sectors, as well as from individual candidates. They honour the innovators among corporates, agencies, and individuals who embrace creativity and leverage advanced technology to elevate their brands and products, adapting to the evolving demands of today’s consumers.

Stephen Paxton, founder of the awards, remarked that this exceptional engagement is a powerful testament to South Africa’s vibrant growth in the digital and online technology sectors over the past year. ‘We extend our deepest gratitude to all participants for their outstanding contributions. The remarkable quality of this year’s submissions has truly surpassed our expectations. Many silver and bronze winners achieved the gold benchmark of 80% and above, and campaigns that received identical scores from our judges were honoured with multiple gold, silver, and bronze awards,’ said Paxton.

‘Our analysis highlighted a significant rise in Influencer Marketing, Technical Innovation, and strategic Content Marketing that resonated powerfully with audiences. Virality emerged as a pivotal force in numerous campaigns, particularly those with modest budgets. Furthermore, an increasing number of brands are boldly embracing the limitless potential of artificial intelligence.’

Paxton conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the 30 esteemed jury members for their dedication and invaluable insights throughout the judging process. Special gratitude was directed to the Headline Naming Sponsor, WesBank; Bronze Sponsors, Unilever South Africa and Algorithm Agency; Brand Sponsor, Forge By Brave; and Vehicle Brand Sponsor, Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa. ‘As an independent awards programme, sponsorship plays a crucial role in creating a truly memorable event, and we eagerly anticipate continuing these partnerships for many more inspiring gatherings in the future.’

Lebo Gaoaketse, Head of Marketing and Communication at WesBank said: ‘WesBank extends its warmest congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the New Generation Awards. The ground-breaking work we saw this year is truly inspiring and is rapidly advancing the digital marketing space. This spirit of innovation perfectly reflects and aligns with WesBank’s core brand promise of moving forward with our customers. Just as these talented individuals and teams are charting new territory, we pledge to move in lockstep with the creative industry that they represent, providing the support needed to reach future milestones.’

Here are your winners:

CORPORATE CATEGORIES:
Best Revenue-Generating Marketing Campaign or Event
GOLD WINNER 2025	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Net#work BBDO	Keep Them Guessing
SILVER WINNER 2025	Clicks Group		Clicks & Vaseline Cera Glow
SILVER WINNER 2025	The Beverage Company	Hellosquare	Reboost Watermelon Splash
BRONZE WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	M+C Saatchi Abel & PHD	Weet-Bix Flavourites
BRONZE WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	M+C Saatchi Abel, IMA SA (Pty) Ltd, MSports Marketing	Simba x KFC: Original Recipe campaign
Best Social Media Reach from an Event / Activation – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	MPA Alliance	Flow Communications	MPA Day 2024
SILVER WINNER 2025	Nedbank	Levergy	Ya Rona House
SILVER WINNER 2025	SuperSport	Blue Robot	SuperSport’s SA20 SuperFan Engagement Challenge
BRONZE WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	M+C Saatchi Abel, PHD, IMA SA (Pty) Ltd, EVG Media, Hirt and Carter, MSports Marketing	Simba x KFC: Original Recipe campaign
Best Online Competition – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	Accenture Song	NikNaks #OwnYourNak & Cheesy Kota
GOLD WINNER 2025	Volkswagen South Africa	OGILVY	#SHOULDGOTAVIVO
SILVER WINNER 2025	Absa	Flume Digital Marketing	Absa Group Tyla Concert
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Heineken Beverages	Dentsu Red Star	UCL Delivery
Most Innovative App Developed – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	Shyft, powered by Standard Bank		Shyft
SILVER WINNER 2025	Global Business Solutions		Disciplinary Enquiry Bots
BRONZE WINNER 2025	NEXT ORBIT		Docaroo.ai
Best Use of Technical Innovation – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	Unilever South Africa	VML	Dove Real Beauty Generation
SILVER WINNER 2025	Ringside Fitness	Lucky Hustle	The Legacy of Ludumo Lamati
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Castle Lite	Blue Robot	Extra Cold Quest
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Volkswagen South Africa	OGILVY	The Night School Life-Saving Platform
Best Low Budget Campaign
GOLD WINNER 2025	Ringside Fitness	Lucky Hustle	The Legacy of Ludumo Lamati
SILVER WINNER 2025	SuperSport	Blue Robot	SuperSport’s SA20 SuperFan Engagement Challenge
SILVER WINNER 2025	TEARS Foundation	Dark Matter Creative Communications	Soothing the Nation
SILVER WINNER 2025	Unilever South Africa	Oliver Marketing	Vaseline Cera Glow & Clicks Live Shopping
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Absa	On Point PR and Lifestyle Management	AbsaXTakealot House of Beauty
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Cape Union Mart International – Old Khaki	365 Digital Media	Old Khaki’s TikTok Journey to Community and Revenue
BRONZE WINNER 2025	PluxNet	Spitfire Inbound	Fibre50: Connected for Less
Mobile Marketing Excellence – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	Vodacom	OGILVY	Vodacom V-Up Summer
SILVER WINNER 2025	Castle Lite	Blue Robot	Extra Cold Quest
SILVER WINNER 2025	Vodacom	OGILVY	When You See It
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Tiger Brands	Hellosquare	Albany Breaducation
Blogging Excellence – Sponsored by Unilever
GOLD WINNER 2025	Hippo	Pitch SM	The Complete Car Guide (SA)
SILVER WINNER 2025	Nedbank Limited		MoneyEDGE
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Chas Everitt International	Stratitude	Chas Everitt International Property Group Blog
Most Innovative Use of Social and Digital Media – Sponsored by Algorithm Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Woolworths		This Apple Can Save the World – Farming for the Future
GOLD WINNER 2025	Volkswagen South Africa	OGILVY	#SHOULDGOTAVIVO
SILVER WINNER 2025	Mondelez South Africa	VML	They’re out there. LunchBar’s, UFO’s and Aliens.
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Net#work BBDO	Keep Them Guessing
Most Innovative Gamification Campaign – Sponsored by WesBank
SILVER WINNER 2025	Vodacom	OGILVY	Vodacom V-Up Summer: Count The V’s’ Gamification
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Castle Lite	Blue Robot	Extra Cold Quest
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Aware.org	WONDER	Makers of Tomorrow – Party in your Pocket
Best Community Engagement Award
GOLD WINNER 2025	AB InBev	draftLine	Messages of Support
SILVER WINNER 2025	Volkswagen South Africa	OGILVY	#SHOULDGOTAVIVO
BRONZE WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	Accenture Song	NikNaks #OwnYourNak & Cheesy Kota
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Umlazi Mega City	Mbuso Media	Azidle Ekhaya With Maka Enzo
Excellence In Content Marketing – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	Mondelez South Africa	VML	They’re out there. LunchBar’s, UFO’s and Aliens.
SILVER WINNER 2025	Bryte Insurance	Instinctif Partners	#PackBryte: Redefining Insurance Through Data, Design, and Digital Culture
SILVER WINNER 2025	Woolworths		This Apple Can Save the World – Farming for the Future
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Heineken Beverages (Amstel)	Accenture Song, Dentsu Red Star, AIR Agency, Red Pepper Pictures	Friends of Amstel
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Standard Bank South Africa	VML	Standard Bank Budget Speech Blow by Blow
Best Online PR Campaign – Sponsored by Algorithm Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Unilever South Africa	Oliver Marketing	Dove Express Yourself in 100 Colours
SILVER WINNER 2025	Nedbank	Levergy	Ya Rona House
BRONZE WINNER 2025	African Union Sports Council	Flow Communications	Keep Moving Campaign
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Shein	Dialogue Communications	Shein Johannesburg Pop-up Store
Best Integrated Marketing Campaign – Sponsored by Unilever South Africa
GOLD WINNER 2025	Mondelez South Africa	OGILVY	#RealMzansiNames
GOLD WINNER 2025	Mondelez South Africa	VML	They’re out there. LunchBar’s, UFO’s and Aliens.
SILVER WINNER 2025	Volkswagen South Africa	OGILVY	The Night School Life-Saving Platform
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Net#work BBDO	Keep Them Guessing
Most Viral Campaign – Sponsored by Unilever South Africa
GOLD WINNER 2025	Woolworths		This Apple Can Save the World – Farming for the Future
SILVER WINNER 2025	MPA Alliance	Flow Communications	MPA Day 2024
SILVER WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	Accenture Song	NikNaks #OwnYourNak & Cheesy Kota
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Simba (PepsiCo)	M+C Saatchi Abel & PHD	Simba: For The Love of Tomato Sauce
Best Use of Social Media to Research and Evaluate – Sponsored by WesBank
SILVER WINNER 2025	Bed Bath Home	Correlate	Hospitality Checks Out Online
SILVER WINNER 2025	Mondelez South Africa	OGILVY, Publicis-Starcom	Cadbury Mzansi Names
Best Influencer Marketing Campaign
GOLD WINNER 2025	Standard Bank South Africa	VML	Standard Bank Budget Speech Blow by Blow
SILVER WINNER 2025	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Net#work BBDO	Keep Them Guessing
SILVER WINNER 2025	Woolworths		This Apple Can Save the World – Farming for the Future
BRONZE WINNER 2025	PepsiCo South Africa	MullenLowe South Africa	7 Days 7 Ways for 7 Weeks with Spekko Rice
BRONZE WINNER 2025	The Beverage Company	Hellosquare	Reboost Watermelon Splash
Best Use Best Use of AI in Marketing Campaign – Sponsored by Forge By Brave
GOLD WINNER 2025	Ringside Fitness	Lucky Hustle	The Legacy of Ludumo Lamati
SILVER WINNER 2025	SA Heart	The MediaShop & Lucid	Check My Beat
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Momentum	Techsys Digital	She Owns Her Success
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Unilever South Africa	Oliver Marketing	Lifebuoy Global Handwashing Day 2024
Best Email Marketing Campaign by a Corporate – Sponsored by Unilever
SILVER WINNER 2025	FUTURELIFE® (PepsiCo)	TDMC	From Shelf to Self
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Good Work Foundation	Flow Communications	Reimagining Rural Education campaign
Best CRM Strategy Campaign – Sponsored by Volkswagen Financial Services
GOLD WINNER 2025	Takealot	Blue Robot	Takealot Ultimate Checkout Sale
SILVER WINNER 2025	Suzuki Auto South Africa	Spitfire Inbound & Penquin Advertising	Driving Loyalty Through CRM Excellence
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Clicks Group		ClubCard loyalty programme
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Bonitas Medical Aid	Adclick Africa	Bonitas For All Life Stages

AGENCY CATEGORIES:
Best Augmented Reality Marketing Campaign by an Agency
SILVER WINNER 2025	Hailr and XR Growth Lab	uCreate Design & Innovation Hub	Wild Space “Space Grannies” AR Activation
Best Use of Technical Innovation by an Agency – Sponsored by Forge By Brave
GOLD WINNER 2025	VML	Unilever South Africa	Dove Real Beauty Generation
SILVER WINNER 2025	OGILVY	Volkswagen South Africa	The Night School Life-Saving Platform
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Blue Robot	Castle Lite	Extra Cold Quest
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Dentsu Red Star	Amstel	Amstel Radler Re-Launch
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Rookdigital & PHD	Audi South Africa	Audi Aftercare
Most Viral Campaign by an Agency – Sponsored by Algorithm Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	OGILVY	Volkswagen South Africa	#SHOULDGOTAVIVO
SILVER WINNER 2025	Net#work BBDO	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Keep Them Guessing
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Levergy	Nedbank	Ya Rona House
BRONZE WINNER 2025	M+C Saatchi Abel & PHD	PepsiCo South Africa	Weet-Bix Flavourites
Most Innovative Social and Digital Media by a Small Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Correlate	Bed Bath Home	Hospitality Checks Out Online
SILVER WINNER 2025	2Stories	Shyft – Standard Bank	Shyft Squadcation
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Hellosquare	The Beverage Company	Reboost Watermelon Splash
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Lumico	Estee Lauder	Foundation for the Nation
Most Innovative Social and Digital Media Campaign by a Medium Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Machine_	PepsiCo South Africa – SASKO Bakeries	SAM’s Stacks
SILVER WINNER 2025	Net#work BBDO	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Keep Them Guessing
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Mscsports	Engen	Engen Champions
BRONZE WINNER 2025	The MediaShop & Lucid	SA Heart	Check My Beat
Most Innovative Social and Digital Media Campaign by a Large Agency – Sponsored by Algorithm Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	VML	Unilever South Africa	Dove Real Beauty Generation
SILVER WINNER 2025	VML	Mondelez South Africa	They’re out there. LunchBar’s, UFO’s and Aliens
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Oliver Marketing	Unilever South Africa	Cleanipedia -Countdown To Clean
BRONZE WINNER 2025	OGILVY, Publicis-Starcom	Mondelez South Africa	Cadbury Mzansi Names
Best Influencer Marketing Campaign by an Agency
SILVER WINNER 2025	Net#work BBDO	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Keep Them Guessing
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Mediology	Tetmosol	#MySkinTrustsTetmosol
BRONZE WINNER 2025	OGILVY	Volkswagen South Africa	#SHOULDGOTAVIVO
Best Integrated Marketing Campaign by an Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Net#work BBDO	Mercedes-Benz South Africa	Keep Them Guessing
SILVER WINNER 2025	OGILVY	Volkswagen South Africa	#SHOULDGOTAVIVO
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Publicis-Starcom	Mondelez South Africa	Cadbury LunchBar Bra Lucas
Blogging Excellence by an Agency
SILVER WINNER 2025	Media24	Vodacom	Vodacom now! Blog
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Spitfire Inbound and Penquin Advertising	Suzuki Auto South Africa	From Strategic Blogging to Market Leadership through SEO-First Content
Best Use of AI in Marketing Campaign by an Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Avatar Agency & 99c	Absa	Behind the numbers
SILVER WINNER 2025	The Brave Group	Nedbank	Nedbank NAR Africa Month Campaign
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Algorithm Agency & MobiClicks	BUCO	Begin with Buco
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Dentsu Red Star	Amstel	Radler Re-Launch
Best Email Marketing Campaign by an Agency
GOLD WINNER 2025	Black&White (The Up&Up Group South Africa)	Dis-Chem	Extra Rewards
SILVER WINNER 2025	Flow Communications	Good Work Foundation	Reimagining Rural Education campaign
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Publicis-Machine	Sanlam	SLS Sync
Best CRM Strategy Campaign by an Agency – Sponsored by Volkswagen Financial Services
SILVER WINNER 2025	Black&White (The Up&Up Group South Africa)	Dis-Chem	Extra Rewards
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Adclick Africa Agency	Bonitas Medical Aid	Bonitas For All Life Stages

ONLINE MEDIA & TOOLS CATEGORIES:
Best Intranet
SILVER WINNER 2025	Accenture	Stratitude	Accent on You
Best Corporate Website
SILVER WINNER 2025	Lexus South Africa	Flume Digital Marketing	Lexus Website
SILVER WINNER 2025	Toyota South Africa	Flume Digital Marketing	Toyota Website
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Barloworld Equipment	Spitfire Inbound	Barloworld Equipment Website Digital Overhaul
Best Marketing Automation Campaign
GOLD WINNER 2025	Telkom	Dentsu Data	Merkury for Telkom
SILVER WINNER 2025	Spitfire Inbound and Penquin Advertising	Suzuki Auto South Africa	Smart Journeys, Real Results: Suzuki’s Always-On Automation Engine
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Vodacom	OGILVY	Vodacom Postpaid Always On
Best Online Newsletter
GOLD WINNER 2025	Travelisa	Flow Communications	Travelisa newsletter
SILVER WINNER 2025	Good Work Foundation	Flow Communications	Reimagining Rural Education newsletter
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Chas Everitt International Property Group	Stratitude	THE PROPERTY SIGNPOST
Best Use of Podcast/Vlog to Promote a Brand or Event – Sponsored by Unilever
GOLD WINNER 2025	Savanna	Dentsu Red Star	Weekend of Marvels Live Podcast from the Durban July
SILVER WINNER 2025	TIM.Africa		The Incredible Machines Podcast
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Jacaranda FM		Mevrou Mevrou (Season 2)
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Transnet	Brand Leadership Group	Transnet Red Table Podcast
Best Online Magazine/Newspaper
SILVER WINNER 2025	SME South Africa
BRONZE WINNER 2025	Publicis-Machine	Sanlam	Connect Client Whisperer Special Edition digi mag

STUDENT CATEGORIES:
The New Generation Student Group of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	AAA School of Advertising Bryanston	Hisense, More Than a Brand
GOLD WINNER 2025	IIE-Vega	Cipla South Africa
The New Generation Student of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
GOLD WINNER 2025	AAA School of Advertising Bryanston	Mehna Gokal	If your shoes were On

BLACK ONYX AWARD WINNERS:
The New Generation Agency Community Engagement Manager of the Year Award
	Philani Mokoena	DNA Brand Architects
The New Generation UX UI Designer of the Year Award
	Lara Nel and Elizabeth Ras	NEXT ORBIT	Docaroo.ai
The New Generation Digital Marketer of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
	Nicole Glover	Penquin Advertising
	Thato Soato	Vodacom
The New Generation Top Animator of the Year Award
	Shaheen Jacobs	Clicks Group
The New Generation Social Wiz of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
	Oarabile Kgantsi	DNA Brand Architects
The New Generation Best Customer Experience (CX) of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
	Publicis-Digitas SA	South African Tourism	Perfect Match
The New Generation Digital Brand of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
	Vodacom
The New Generation Online Strategy of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
	Suzuki Auto South Africa	Penquin Advertising and Spitfire
The New Generation Small Agency of the Year Award – Sponsored by WesBank
	Lucky Hustle
The New Generation Medium Agency of the Year Award
	Penquin Advertising
The New Generation Large Agency of the Year Award
	Dentsu Media South Africa
The New Generation Overall Social & Digital Corporate of the Year Award – Sponsored by Algorithm Agency
	PepsiCo South Africa

WESBANK NEW GENERATION AWARDS 2025
https://www.newgenawards.co.za/pages/awards

Algorithm Agency Discusses Performance Marketing Trends And How Marketers Can Use AI To Its Fullest Potential

By

Meggan McCarthy, Modern Marketing

-

September 23, 2025

Algorithm Agency Discusses Performance Marketing Trends And How Marketers Can Use AI To Its Fullest Potential — Jamie-Leigh Barnett, Algorithm Agency.

Algorithm Agency is a Bronze sponsor for the 2025 WesBank New Generation Awards, a move reflecting the agency’s ongoing investment in digital excellence and emerging talent. Jamie-Leigh Barnett, Director of Growth and Development at Algorithm Agency, discusses the top performance marketing trends; how marketers can use AI for prediction, personalisation, and efficiency; as well as the value Algorithm brings to the awards. Modern Marketing is a proud media partner of the awards.

Why did Algorithm Agency decide to be involved as a sponsor for the WesBank New Generation Awards?

This is our first year as a sponsor, and we’re excited to be part of a platform that celebrates digital excellence and innovation. At Algorithm, we believe in turning potential into performance, and the New Generation Awards champion exactly that by recognising work that delivers measurable impact. Sponsoring these awards allows us to support the broader marketing community, showcase the power of performance marketing, and celebrate those pushing the industry forward.

What value does Algorithm Agency bring to the awards?

Algorithm brings a perspective grounded in data-led creativity and commercial impact. Our team lives and breathes performance marketing, so we understand that great work is not just about clever ideas or pretty pictures, it’s about measurable outcomes. By participating as a sponsor, we’re not only contributing to the dialogue around accountability, innovation, and the smart use of AI and data, but also creating visibility for Algorithm as a growing independent agency.

As a small business, we see the New Generation Awards as an opportunity to expand our footprint and share the work we’re so proud to deliver for our incredible clients. We partner with ambitious brands that value results, and these awards provide a platform to highlight those partnerships, celebrate their success stories, and connect with like-minded marketers who share our passion for turning potential into performance.

What are the top performance marketing trends for 2025?

We’ve all heard these buzzwords, so it’s about knowing what is important and what will pass. We have seen the following really stand out this year:

AI is everywhere, but smarter: Moving beyond experimentation to fully integrated AI for predictive targeting, dynamic creative, and automated optimisation. However, the data that goes into these AI tools needs to be accurate, relevant and clean, which will ensure the output will make a real impact to the business. Rubbish in also means rubbish out!

First-party data acceleration: With privacy changes continuing, brands that own and activate their data will have a clear competitive edge.

Performance and brand convergence: The line between performance and brand marketing is blurring; winning campaigns will connect storytelling with measurable conversions.

What are your top three performance marketing tips?

Start with business goals: Define success in terms of leads, sales, or lifetime value, not just clicks or impressions. We are moving away from vanity metrics to those that actually move the needle for our clients’ businesses, so understanding what success looks like will help define the strategy to get there.

Build a clean data foundation: Data quality, as I mentioned before, is the fuel for AI and automation; invest in accurate tracking and attribution.

Test relentlessly: From creative formats to bidding strategies, continuous experimentation is key to unlocking incremental gains. Make sure you trust your agency partners to do this well for you!

Are marketers using AI to its fullest potential, and if not, what can they do to harness its power?

Most marketers are still scratching the surface. AI is more than a buzzword, it’s a toolkit for prediction, personalisation, and efficiency. To harness its power, brands need three things:

Structured data: AI is only as strong as the data it learns from.

Clear use cases: Identify where AI can solve real business problems (e.g., lead quality, budget allocation).

Human oversight: Pair AI’s speed with human creativity and strategic judgement to keep campaigns both effective and authentic. We have been using AI at Algorithm for years, and while it’s evolved, it’s just reinforced why we need that human touch to make sure the output is relevant and useful to our clients.

How does Algorithm’s culture drive the kind of innovation recognised by the WesBank New Generation awards?

Our culture is built on three values: Act Like a Business Owner, Be Curious, and Don’t Be a D*ck (pardon the swear word). These principles aren’t just words on a wall, they shape how we show up every day. Acting like a business owner means every team member takes full accountability for results, treating client challenges as if they were their own. Curiosity pushes us to constantly ask why and what if, encouraging experimentation with new tools, data sets, and creative approaches that drive breakthrough performance. And by committing to respect and transparency, we create a safe space where diverse ideas can be debated, tested, and refined without ego getting in the way.

This combination of ownership, relentless questioning, and collaborative problem-solving creates the conditions where genuine innovation happens. It’s what allows a lean, independent agency like Algorithm to stay agile, embrace AI and emerging technologies quickly, and consistently deliver the kind of measurable, forward-thinking work that the New Generation Awards celebrate.

What does ‘turn potential into performance’ mean for your clients and your team?

It’s our philosophy and our promise. We show up as business partners, not vendors, asking the hard questions, challenging briefs, and delivering work that moves the needle. It’s about curiosity, accountability, and never settling for ‘good enough’. We push our team hard because we know they can perform and we work hard because we want to deliver and deliver well!

ALGORITHM AGENCY
www.algorithm.agency

NEW GENERATION AWARDS
www.newgenawards.co.za

VML Study: Brands Are Still Failing To Deliver On The Basics Of Customer Experience

By

Modern Marketing

-

September 23, 2025

VML Study Brands Are Still Failing To Deliver On The Basics Of Customer Experience

VML has unveiled its ninth annual Future Shopper report, an expansive global study revealing that, despite years of digital acceleration, many brands are still failing to deliver on the basics of customer experience. Surveying over 25,000 shoppers across 16 countries, the 2025 edition exposes a gap between what consumers expect and what brands provide when it comes to value, speed, and trust.

In fact, 45 percent of global shoppers surveyed, and half of South Africans surveyed, often abandon their online shopping cart because the digital experience is too frustrating.

According to the report, brands must prioritise human-centric experiences and address consumer frustrations with current digital offerings, especially if they want to grow in an AI-first world. Although in its infancy in the customer journey, AI’s high usage and trust indicates that it will fundamentally change how consumers shop, from discovery to purchase. Despite marketplaces setting the benchmark for customer service, their market share has dropped since last year and search engines have seen a resurgence during the information and search phases of the journey, possibly fuelled by AI integration.

AI’s Rapid Emergence Across The Path To Purchase

– 81% of South African respondents have used ChatGPT or an alternative.
– 30% of South African respondents have used AI tools like ChatGPT to create shopping lists or meal plans or find inspiration for what to purchase, while more than 18% have used these tools to find the best place to buy something.
– 59% are excited by the prospect of having their own AI agent to talk to brands or retailers on their behalf and get the products they want at the price they want.

Personalisation Powers Discovery But Falls Short For Some

– 75% of South African consumers surveyed say personalised recommendations help them discover new products (significantly higher than the global average of 63%.
– 72% are more likely to buy from brands that remember their preferences.
– 46% think most brands do a poor job of personalisation.

A Shift Toward True Omnichannel Retail

Globally, marketplaces remain the dominant force throughout the shopper journey, with 22% using the lead marketplace in the region for inspiration, 15% using the secondary marketplace, and 9% using other marketplaces. When it comes to search, 17% use the lead marketplace, 12% the secondary and 7% other marketplaces. However, marketplace share of wallet has slipped to 22%, down from 29% last year, signalling a shift toward true omnichannel retail.

In South Africa, 76% of respondents prefer to shop with a brand that has both a physical store and an online store and 66% wish brands communicated with them seamlessly across different channels.

Jade dos Santos, Strategy Director at VML South Africa, noted: ‘South Africans have always had incredibly high expectations and very high adoption rates, despite economic constraints. This stems from widespread digital adoption across all market segments, creating a wonderful dichotomy in our technological advancement; we’re simultaneously early adopters and harsh critics.’

He sees this play out in the survey data: ‘We’ve readily adopted AI in our day-to-day lives; 81% use tools like ChatGPT compared to 68% globally, yet we’re equally quick to abandon purchases when online experiences don’t meet our standards, with 50% dropping off versus 45% globally. We demand compressed commerce, moving seamlessly between online and offline, expecting true omnichannel experiences while wanting them made specifically for us through intelligent use of our data. And we need it almost instantly, with a higher-than-global-average need for fast journeys and a massive dislike for poor digital experiences where brands get punished with abandoned baskets.’

More findings:

Customer Experience

– 47% of South African respondents are often amazed at the poor online shopping experience by major retailers.
– 54% think businesses have no idea what customers want from their digital channels.

‘I Want It Right Now Or I Don’t Want It At All.’

– 32% of global shoppers surveyed expect delivery within two hours; 40% will not order if same-day delivery or scheduled delivery isn’t available.
– 71% of South African respondents want to move from inspiration to purchase as quickly as possible, a trend VML has coined ‘compressed commerce’.

‘The South African consumer has evolved rapidly; we’re AI-native, require personalisation, and demand omnichannel excellence above global standards,’ concluded Dos Santos. ‘This might be because we need to be smarter and better with limited resources, but it positions us to leapfrog global competition by creating nothing short of world-class experiences.’

VML SOUTH AFRICA
https://www.vml.com/south-africa

Leadership, Performance And Workplace Culture Lessons From A Female-Led Agency

By

Modern Marketing

-

September 23, 2025

Leadership, Performance And Workplace Culture Lessons From A Female-Led Agency — Katlego Mahura, Idea Engineers.

Katlego Mahura, MD at Idea Engineers, says in an industry where women make up a significant portion of the workforce, the presence of female decision-makers has a noticeable impact. However, the differences observed are not limited to gender equity, they reflect how organisations can strengthen teams by aligning with the realities of modern working life and creating space for more inclusive, adaptable cultures.

Here are six lessons learnt from leading an agency as a female:

Flexibility Drives Performance

During the pandemic, flexible working models showed clear benefits for both businesses and employees. Yet most South African companies have now called staff back to the office: Discovery Bank reports that more than 75% of office workers now commute at least three days per week and office rentals have surpassed pre-pandemic levels in most metros.

For many women, reverting to a rigid office-first model risks undoing hard-won progress. If we measure outcomes rather than hours, it can result in higher morale, stronger retention and better performance.

Kind Leadership Can Be Strong Leadership

Leading a company is often associated with making difficult decisions and keeping the workforce in line. While it is important to be strong and decisive, leadership can also be kind and empathetic. We understand what it means to juggle deadlines with school runs, doctor’s visits or the logistics of family life.

This has shaped a culture where people don’t have to apologise for needing flexibility, provided they deliver. This approach builds loyalty and a performance mindset based on mutual trust.

Trust Is Based On Accountability

Flexibility must be underpinned by accountability. That means clear expectations, transparent performance measures and robust tools for collaboration. When delivery is non-negotiable, flexibility enhances rather than threatens business outcomes. It can strengthen client relationships and reduce attrition.

Thriving Requires A Safe Space

A workplace where people feel safe to speak up, share challenges and be themselves unlocks greater creativity and innovation. People who feel safer, more trusted and more purposeful will usually be more willing to go the extra mile.

McKinsey research shows that 89% of employees believe psychological safety in the workplace is essential and highlights how leadership behaviour strongly influence whether teams feel able to take risks and contribute ideas. Breakthrough ideas surface and collaboration thrives when team members know they can speak openly without fear of judgment.

The Invisible Load Remains A Challenge For Women In The Workforce

The unpaid workload outside the office remains unequal. Data from UN Women shows that South African women and girls spend 15.6% of their day on unpaid care compared to just 6.5% for men. When workplaces ignore this imbalance, women are forced to cut back hours, miss promotions or leave industries entirely.

Throughout my career, I have seen talented colleagues struggle to balance demanding roles with caregiving responsibilities, often at the cost of their career growth. Companies that address the invisible load through flexibility, fair pay and supportive policies will be better positioned to attract and retain talent.

Diversity Isn’t Just About Gender And Race

Diversity and inclusion is a strength for organisations that get it right, but this should not only be about categories recognised in the employment equity legislation. Forward-thinking employers should be considering how they can be inclusive of people with disabilities (including hidden ones), neurodiversity and different age groups.

Accommodating people at different life stages is becoming increasingly important. Parents or caregivers may need flexibility to manage school runs and medical appointments, while employees later in their careers may prioritise stability or health-related considerations.

Workplaces should flex around these needs. I have witnessed how small but well-considered accommodations, like flexible scheduling or mentorship opportunities, made colleagues feel valued and able to thrive at work.

IDEA ENGINEERS
https://www.ideaengineers.co.za

African Creatives Shortlisted For Global Competition

By

Modern Marketing

-

September 23, 2025

African Creatives Shortlisted For Global Competition

Celebrating its 10th year, Next Creative Leaders was created in partnership with The 3% Movement as the industry’s only free portfolio competition that identifies, celebrates, and provides a global platform to talented women, non-binary, and trans creatives who are making their mark on the world. The One Club for Creativity today announced 13 young creatives in the Middle East & Africa region who are among the 120 entrants from 30 countries who are shortlisted for Next Creative Leaders 2025.

Creatives from the region on the NCL 2025 shortlist are as follows:

South Africa

– Michelle Marais, creative director, Dentsu Creative, Cape Town.
– Jasmin Vandersteen, copywriter, and Zainab Mitha, art director (team), Joe Public, Durban.
– Lesego Molaudi, art director, Ogilvy South Africa, Cape Town.

Kenya

– Divya Buddhdev, associate creative director, Ogilvy Africa, Nairobi.
– Olive Wangai, associate creative director, Dentsu Creative Kenya, Nairobi.

NCL 2025 entries were judged by an esteemed jury of 39 top creatives from 21 countries. The complete NCL 2025 shortlist can be viewed here.

Along with announcing global winners on November 4 based upon the highest jury scores, the competition will also recognise regional winners in APAC, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, and North America.

A special virtual NCL winners celebration will be held on November 6, and include a celebration of all winners and discussion with judges and winners. More details and registration for the online event can be found here.

Eligible participants for NCL were those who are stepping into leadership roles, including copywriters, art directors, designers, ACDs, content creators, and recently promoted creative and design directors with less than one year in the role, and creative teams who are doing game-changing work. To make NCL as accessible as possible, there is no fee to enter.

They were judged on four-to-six pieces of creative work and information about how they — and their work — are pushing the industry forward and making a positive contribution in terms of diversity, mentoring, and advocacy.

Each NCL winner receives a one-year complimentary individual membership with The One Club, with opportunities to serve on juries for one of The One Club’s awards programs, and receive a complimentary ticket to a One Club professional development conference ($1,000+ value), panels, and mentorship events.

Winners also have their work showcased on The One Club website and social channels, covered by media partners, and have potential opportunities to speak at NCL events. Branding for Next Creative Leaders 2025 was designed by Du Nieto (he/they), an NCL 2021 winner who serves as lead designer at Revolut, and independent creative at dadada.work. Font for the branding – Romie Light Italic – was donated by Margot Lévêque Studio, based in New York.

NEXT CREATIVE LEADERS
https://nextcreativeleaders.oneclub.org

Feed That Bird Appointed Marketing And PR Partner For Lion Roars Hotels And Lodges

By

Modern Marketing

-

September 23, 2025

Feed That Bird Appointed Marketing And PR Partner For Lion Roars Hotels And Lodges — Gustav Reyneke, Avuyile Masekwana, Jillian Clinton and Jeanri-Tine van Zyl-Punt.

Feed That Bird Communication Consultants (Pty) Ltd has secured the Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges marketing account. The partnership sees Feed That Bird entrusted with the full marketing function of the Lion Roars portfolio, spanning digital strategy, social media management, public relations, influencer engagement, design, and content creation.

Feed That Bird will be taking on full marketing responsibilities for the group’s collection of boutique hotels, game lodges, and restaurants across South Africa.

‘We are thrilled to partner with Lion Roars. Not only is it a dynamic portfolio, but the company culture – defined by its can-do spirit, commitment to exceeding expectations, and emphasis on positivity and kindness – aligns strongly with our own values at Feed That Bird,’ said Jeanri-Tine van Zyl, Founder and Director of Feed That Bird. ‘From a marketing perspective, it is especially exciting to partner with a group that allows us to tell such an extensive story: whether it’s experiencing the bustling heart of Cape Town, sipping wine in the Winelands, exploring the unspoilt beauty of the Garden Route, or going on a game drive – Lion Roars has it all.’

Feed That Bird is uniquely positioned to serve the brand in its multiple locations, with its teams based in both Cape Town and George. ‘Beyond this, we are looking forward to introducing our long-standing media and hospitality relationships to Lion Roars, and to engage in authentic storytelling that resonates with travellers,’ said Van Zyl.

Vincent Bouwer, Chief Revenue Officer at Lion Roars, said: ‘As a family-owned group, we were looking for an agency that could relate to our values, offer personalised service, and truly embody the spirit of partnership. Feed That Bird, with its nimble approach and energetic mindset, stood out among full-service agencies. We are excited to welcome the team into the Lion Roars pride and to share our story with visitors both locally and abroad.’

Feed That Bird, celebrating its 10th year in business, values creative storytelling and authentic brand narratives and has worked with numerous established brands in the wine, spirits, lifestyle and corporate sectors. The Lion Roars account marks an exciting step in expanding the agency’s footprint within the travel and tourism space, aligning seamlessly with its lifestyle-driven portfolio.

The partnership officially commenced in August 2025, with a comprehensive marketing rollout already underway under the creative banner: ‘Live Lion Hearted’. This campaign will highlight Lion Roars’ signature warmth, curated guest experiences, and world-class destinations, while building deeper digital engagement with both new and loyal audiences.

FEED THAT BIRD
https://feedthatbird.com/

Judging Opens For 2025 PRISMS Awards

By

Modern Marketing

-

September 23, 2025

Judging Opens For 2025 Prisms Awards — Paul W. Reynell, Chief Judge of the 2025 PRISMS Awards.

The Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) has officially begun judging for the 2025 PRISMS Awards. Just as Heritage Month reminds us of the values we inherit and pass on, the awards recognise the stories, strategies, and standards that will shape the future of public relations and communications across the African continent.

‘This year’s Awards theme, The Human Factor, could not be more relevant. It speaks directly to the essence of PR, which is the courage to care, the empathy to listen, and the responsibility to act with integrity,’ said Paul W. Reynell, Chief Judge of the 2025 PRISMS Awards and PRISA Vice-President. ‘In an age increasingly defined by data and automation, the PRISMS remind us of what makes communication truly powerful – the ability to connect people, bridge divides, and influence society for the better.’

A panel of 50 esteemed judges, including leaders, mentors, and innovators in the PR profession, will assess campaigns not only on outcomes but also on their humanity and purpose. The judging process also incorporates the PRISM Young Voices Programme, which pairs emerging PR professionals with experienced judges, ensuring that the values of excellence and integrity are passed on to the next generation.

The 2025 PRISMS Awards have received 392 entries, underscoring the strength and creativity of the African PR industry. ‘This response reflects both the resilience of our profession and the appetite for work that demonstrates not just innovation, but impact with heart. It is proof that The Human Factor is alive and thriving in our industry,’ added Reynell.

The winners will be announced on 18 October 2025 at a prestigious gala dinner in Johannesburg, following a two-day industry summit. Both the PRISMS Awards and Summit will bring together communication professionals from across the continent to share insights, celebrate innovation, and collectively shape the future of an industry that continues to evolve while remaining rooted in humanity.

‘Just as heritage celebrates the richness of our past, the PRISMS celebrate the promise of our future, where creativity, integrity, and humanity remain at the heart of communication,’ Reynell concluded.

PRISMS Awards
https://www.prisa.co.za/