The Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA) has officially opened the call for entries for the 2026 PRISMS Summit and Awards. The 2026 awards are anchored in the theme Kaleidoscope: Patterns of Impact Across Past, Present and Future, a concept that reflects the evolving role of communication in shaping meaning, influencing systems and contributing to sustainable development.
Much like a kaleidoscope reframes familiar fragments into new patterns, the theme recognises how strategic communication brings Africa’s past, present and future into sharper focus, revealing new possibilities with every turn.
PRISA invites practitioners, agencies, corporates, NGOs and government practitioners across the continent to submit their most impactful work. The entry portal opens this May and closes on 2 August 2026, meaning a three-month entry window this year.
PRISA President Bradly Howland said the theme arrives at a pivotal moment for the continent and the profession.
‘Africa’s communications landscape is expanding, maturing and asserting its voice. PRISA continues to bring the continent’s practitioners together, strengthening the profession through shared standards, learning and purpose,’ said Howland. ‘As we advance the African Declaration, currently underway, PRISA remains a lighthouse for communicators across the region, guiding the industry towards ethical practice, meaningful impact and a unified professional identity. Kaleidoscope speaks directly to this moment, reminding us that when we shift perspective, we unlock new patterns of possibility for Africa.’
Chairman of the PRISMS Awards 2026 Committee, Paul Reynell, emphasised the theme’s importance in shaping the industry’s contribution to society.
‘Kaleidoscope: Patterns of Impact Across Past, Present and Future calls on our profession to elevate its thinking and responsibility. The work we do influences public understanding, strengthens institutions and shapes the trajectory of communities. This theme challenges practitioners to bring clarity to complexity and to use communication as a force for positive, measurable change. 2026 PRISMS Summit and Awards celebrates work that not only tells powerful stories, but drives transformation, contributing meaningfully to the future of Africa and her people.’
In support of the theme, PRISA has introduced a new special category for 2026: Kaleidoscope, Patterns of Impact Across Past, Present and Future. This category recognises an exceptional PR campaign in any sector that demonstrates a meaningful or measurable contribution to sustainable development in one or more of the following areas: Economic Growth and Innovation; Climate Resilience and Environmental Stewardship; Social Equity, Health and Human Development; and Governance, Accountability and Ethical Leadership.
The PRISMS Awards remain the benchmark for excellence in strategic communication across Africa, celebrating work that is innovative, ethical and impactful. Entrants are encouraged to demonstrate clear objectives, strategic insight, creativity, measurable outcomes and alignment with responsible communication practice.
Entries must be submitted via the official PRISMS portal before 2 August 2026.
PRISMS AWARDS
https://www.prisa.co.za/
