The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), in partnership with Don’t Forget to Look, is introducing The Agency Commercial Edge, a six-part masterclass series focused on the commercial skills agencies need to compete effectively and protect the value of their work. Agency leaders and those responsible for new business and client growth are invited to join Stuart Dunk and Gillian Rightford, Executive Director of the ACA, for the free introductory session on 12 November 2026, from 10h00 to 11h00. Dunk is an agency growth advisor and ex-marketing procurement professional, and Founder of Don’t Forget to Look. Attendees will learn more about the programme, the areas each masterclass will cover and how the series can support their commercial priorities for 2027. Agencies face pressure to demonstrate meaningful differentiation while managing demanding selection processes, pricing discussions and negotiations. Strong creative and strategic capabilities remain essential, but agencies also need to articulate their value, assess which opportunities to pursue and understand how clients and procurement teams make buying decisions. The series addresses these challenges through six connected areas: positioning, selling, pitching, pricing, procurement and negotiation. Led by Dunk, the masterclasses will offer practical strategies and approaches to help agencies make better commercial decisions, strengthen client conversations and pursue business on terms that support sustainable growth. “Supporting our members and the broader industry means helping agencies build the capabilities they need to move forward with confidence,” says Rightford. “Commercial knowledge is an essential part of that support. From how an agency positions itself to how it approaches a pitch, sets its price and negotiates an agreement, these decisions shape the health of the business. The Agency Commercial Edge is one of the ways the ACA is helping agencies develop that knowledge and put …
2026 Effie Awards South Africa Winners Announced
Effie Awards South Africa announced its 2026 winners at The Venue, Melrose Arch, celebrating the ideas, strategies and measurable results that define marketing effectiveness. Following another record year for entries, the programme recognised 45 finalists and awarded 27 trophies: one Grand Effie, four Gold, ten Silver and twelve Bronze. Hosted by the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), this year’s celebration also introduced South Africa’s first Effie Marketer of the Year and Agency of the Year recognitions, awarded to Women for Change and Joe Public respectively. The Grand Effie, the highest honour recognising South Africa’s most effective campaign of the year, was awarded to Edelman South Africa and Women for Change for “The Unburied Casket” in the Non-Profit category. View highlights from “Inside the Judges’ Room with the 2026 South Africa Grand Effie Jury” HERE “This year’s winners demonstrate the extraordinary possibilities when a clear understanding of the challenge meets bold creativity and rigorous measurement. The work shows how effective marketing can build businesses, shift behaviour and make a meaningful contribution to society. We congratulate the agency and client teams behind these achievements and look forward to building on this momentum in 2027, continuing to champion work that proves its impact,” said Gillian Rightford, ACA Executive Director for Effie South Africa. Introducing Marketer of the Year and Agency of the Year For the first time in South Africa, Effie recognised organisations whose work has made its mark across the programme through two new titles: Marketer of the Year, awarded to Women for Change, and Agency of the Year, awarded to Joe Public. These recognitions celebrate performance across a body of effective work. They are determined by the points earned through the year’s Effie finalists and winners, using the Effie Index methodology. New leadership for the 2027 programme Effie South Africa …
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Voxcomm Welcomes Its First African Board Members
VoxComm, the global voice of communications agency associations, today welcomed Gillian Rightford and Hassan Rouissi to its Board, marking the first seats representing Africa since the organisation's founding in 2020. The appointments extend VoxComm's board to North America, Europe, Oceania and now Africa. The appointments come as VoxComm continues to press the case, through its "Redesigning the Agency Value Model" Guidance Paper, for agencies to move beyond time-based remuneration towards models that reflect the value they create for clients and economies. The paper took centre stage at Cannes Lions this year, where VoxComm President Charley Stoney presented its key findings, followed by a panel discussion with Floriane Tripolino, CEO of WPP OpenX, Patricia Corsi, Chief Growth Officer at Kimberly-Clark, and Justin Thomas-Copeland, CEO of the 4As, moderated by Giorgos Vareloglou, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at REBORRN. “VoxComm gives agency associations access to some of the best and most current thinking in our industry and reminds us that many of the challenges we face are universal. Instead of every market trying to solve the same problems independently, we can share thinking, resources and experience, drawing on the extraordinary work being done by associations around the world”, said Gillian Rightford, Executive Director of the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA). “I’m particularly excited that Africa now has two seats at the VoxComm Board table, through South Africa and Morocco. That matters. It means Africa is not only part of the global conversation, but has a voice in helping to shape it. We have much to learn from the global industry, but we also have a great deal to contribute.” “I am honoured to join the VoxComm Board and to contribute the perspective of Morocco and the wider African advertising industry. Morocco’s unique position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East gives us a valuable role to play in …
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Solarpop to Host Kids’ Pokémon Cosplay Competition at CCA
Young Pokémon fans will have the chance to step into the spotlight with Solarpop’s kids’ Pokémon cosplay competition at Comic Con Africa. The competition will be taking place daily as part of the brand’s long weekend activations. With amazing daily prizes up for grabs, a special KidsCon stage walk, and incredible photo opportunities, it's the perfect opportunity for kids to bring their Pokémon dreams to life! Children are invited to come dressed as their favourite Pokémon character and register for the day’s competition, registration is open until 11h30. At 12h00 noon, all registered entrants will take part in a fun stagewalk, giving them the opportunity to show off their costumes and character-inspired moves. A panel of judges will then select the day’s winners, with the top three entrants receiving prizes. “The competition is designed to be fun and family-friendly. Kids can come dressed as Pikachu, Eevee, Charizard, Bulbasaur or any other Pokémon character. Every day at Comic Con Africa, at midday, the stage will open for every young fan who has dressed up and entered. It’s going to be awesome!” says Philip Galliford, spokesperson for Solarpop. More info: Open for ages 8 to 13 Only Pokémon themed cosplay will qualify Register at the Poké Party cosplay desk before 11:30 every day All participants report to the KidsCon stage by 11:45 Entry is FREE! Follow @solarpopsouthafrica for more #SolarpopSouthAfrica #ComicConAfrica #Pokemon #PokemonCosplay #PokemonSouthAfrica #PokemonTCG #Pokemon30 #ComicConAfrica2026 #KidsCon #KidsCon2026 CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: Veruska D from Twiga Communications on behalf of Solarpop. …
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Can Your Team Build the Fastest F1 Puzzle at Comic Con Africa?
Think you have the focus, speed and team spirit to turn a table full of puzzle pieces into a finished masterpiece? At Comic Con Africa, Solarpop will be putting puzzle fans to the test with a Trefl Puzzle Speed-building Competition. The challenge is simple: gather a team of four people, take your place at the table and see how quickly you can build an awesome Formula 1 puzzle. It will require you to bring your eagle eyes, concentration and ability to work in a team to the challenge, as teams race against the clock and each other to complete their puzzle first. The fastest builders will walk away with an awesome puzzle hamper, making this a must-try activity for F1 fans, puzzle lovers, families and anyone who enjoys a bit of friendly competition. “Puzzle building is great to do on your own, but it has become such a brilliant shared activity too,” says Philip Galliford of Solarpop. “The Trefl Puzzle Speed-building Competition adds a great competitive edge to the hobby and we’re expecting a lot of interest and many entrants.” Whether you are a seasoned puzzler or simply convinced your group has what it takes, this is your chance to prove it piece by piece. For more information follow @solarpopsouthafrica CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: Veruska D from Twiga Communications on behalf of Solarpop. …
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How Creators Are Shaping the Next Chapter of South African Sport
The way South Africans watch and connect with sport is changing. The game may still begin on television, but the conversation now continues through social media, podcasts, watch-alongs and creator commentary online—turning sports viewing into a shared cultural experience. This evolution was a central theme at the second Africa Creator Festival Sports Summit, held at the NBA offices in Sandton on 3 September. The Summit brought together creators, athletes, broadcasters, sporting organisations and brands to explore how content is helping sport reach new audiences and build stronger fandom. Fandom grows beyond the game Audiences are increasingly interested in more than results. They want deeper insights into the ‘real’ people behind the performance, how they prepare themselves, more about their personalities, personal and professional challenges or success, and lives away from the field of play. Creators help bring these stories closer to fans by connecting sport with culture, music, fashion and everyday experiences. For audiences who may not yet follow a particular team or sporting code, relatable content can become the first step towards increasing fandom and gaining new followers of South African sport. NBA South Africa Country Head Zeph Masote described content creators as an important link between sport and its audiences. “Creators serve up content that grows the brand and the sport and brings both closer to audiences,” said Masote in reference to basketball on the African continent. When sport is presented through familiar voices and cultural references that are relatable, it becomes easier for people to see themselves as part of it. This is particularly important for South African sporting organisations seeking to attract younger and more diverse fan communities. NBA South Africa Head Zept Masote on Sports viewing becomes a shared experience Watching sport is no longer limited to one screen. Fans may follow a live broadcast while …
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2026 Effie Awards South Africa Grand Jury Announced
Effie Awards South Africa has announced the senior panel of industry leaders who will serve on the 2026 Grand Jury, tasked with adjudicating the programme’s highest honour, the coveted Grand Effie. Hosted by the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), the Effie Awards remain the globally recognised benchmark for marketing effectiveness. The Grand Effie recognises the campaign that best demonstrates effectiveness at its highest level, where clear strategic thinking, powerful creative work and measurable results come together. The Grand Effie is not guaranteed each year and is awarded only when a case meets the exceptional standard required. The 2026 Grand Jury will meet in person on Thursday, 10 September 2026, to review qualifying Gold-winning cases and determine whether any campaign stands above the rest as the year’s most effective work. “The Grand Jury represents one of the most senior and considered moments in the Effie process,” said Gillian Rightford, ACA Executive Director for Effie South Africa. “This panel is drawn from the highest levels of client and agency leadership, bringing together deep experience across marketing, strategy, creativity, media and business. Their role is to look beyond the award level already achieved and determine whether a case truly represents effectiveness at its peak. That requires judgement, rigour and a clear understanding of how marketing creates measurable value.” The 2026 Grand Jury will be co-chaired by Refilwe Maluleke, Executive Head of Marketing at Discovery Health, and Ahmed Tilly, Creative Consultant at Number 10 | A Creative Consultancy. The 2026 Effie South Africa Grand Jury: Refilwe Maluleke, Executive Head of Marketing, Discovery Health Ahmed Tilly, Creative Consultant, Number 10 | A Creative Consultancy Bridget Harpur, Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Group Africa Carl Willoughby, Chief Creative Officer, TBWA\Hunt Lascaris Gugu Mthembu, Chief Marketing Officer, Telkom …
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Africa Creator Festival Returns for Fourth Edition to Advance Africa’s Creator Economy
Taking place in Johannesburg on 3 and 5 September 2026, the festival will bring together creators, brands, platforms and industry leaders to explore the growing commercial influence of creators and their role within the broader marketing communications landscape. As brands increasingly adopt social-first strategies, creators are playing a more significant role in how they communicate, build relevance and connect with audiences. Creator partnerships now extend beyond content for social feeds, influencing brand storytelling, sponsorship, entertainment, commerce and wider integrated marketing campaigns. Against this backdrop, the Africa Creator Festival returns for its fourth edition this September, bringing together the people and organisations helping to shape Africa’s growing creator/influencer economy. The 2026 programme comprises two distinct events: MatchDay, a dedicated Sports Summit on Thursday, 3 September, and the flagship Africa Creator Festival on Saturday, 5 September. Over its first three editions, the festival has welcomed more than 800 influencers and creators and over 20 participating brands, supported by a programme of masterclasses, panel discussions and direct opportunities for creators and brands to connect. It has developed into an important platform for practical learning, commercial collaboration and new partnerships across the creator ecosystem. “The creator economy is becoming an increasingly important part of the broader marketing and business landscape,” says Africa Creator Festival founder Jolene Roelofse. “Creators are no longer simply producing content for brands. They are building communities, shaping culture and developing businesses of their own. The Africa Creator Festival brings this ecosystem together to share knowledge, create meaningful connections and catalyse the partnerships and opportunities that will support its continued growth.” MatchDay: Where Sport, Fandom and the Creator Economy Meet, 3 September 2026 The …
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Women Designers Shaping the Games We Love
Did you know that many of the tabletop gaming favourites were designed by women? Qwirkle, Wingpsan, Wyrmspan and Point Salad are games that are all designed by highly creative and imaginative women. Qwirkle, designed by Susan McKinley Ross, is a bright, pattern-building game where players match colours and shapes to score points. It’s a great family game that is easy to learn but surprisingly strategic. Wingspan, by Elizabeth Hargrave, invites players into the world of birdlife, where they attract birds to different habitats and build clever card combinations. Wyrmspan, designed by Connie Vogelmann, takes that same sense of wonder into a fantasy world of dragons, caves and discovery. Point Salad, co-designed by Molly Johnson, is a fast, smart card game about collecting vegetables and scoring combinations in as many different ways as possible. Together, these titles show how women designers continue to create games that are welcoming, imaginative, replayable and entertaining. Part of what makes these titles so appealing is that they bring a different creative dimension to the table, whether through theme, visual storytelling, elegant mechanics or a more welcoming approach to how people learn and play together. “Women designers have played a major role in shaping some of the most loved and respected games in the modern hobby,” says Philip Galliford of Solarpop. “Their work brings fresh perspectives, strong creative choices and beautifully considered play experiences that appeal to families, casual players and serious gamers alike.” For more tabletop gaming inspiration follow @solarpopsouthafrica CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: V D from Twiga Communications on behalf of Solarpop. …
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AI Will Not Replace Great Salespeople. It Will Expose Generic Sales Training.
Many organisations know more about their pipeline than the people expected to convert it. Sales leaders can see every opportunity, every conversion rate and every forecast in real time. AI is helping teams prepare for meetings, generate proposals, analyse conversations and predict outcomes with remarkable speed. So, why do some salespeople consistently outperform everyone else? The answer may be simpler than one may expect. We have spent years refining sales processes, investing in technology and standardising training. We have devoted far less attention to understanding the people expected to bring those systems to life. The more AI standardises the mechanics of selling, the more individual strengths become a competitive advantage. AI will not replace great salespeople. It will expose generic sales training. Standardised sales training assumes there is one blueprint for sales success. Experience suggests otherwise. The strongest salespeople rarely succeed for exactly the same reasons, and the organisations achieving the greatest gains are recognising that developing people is every bit as important as refining processes. I was reminded of this during a recent conversation with a sales executive whose team had attended multiple sales programmes over the years. The organisation had made substantial investments in methodologies, CRM systems and dashboards. Still, only a small percentage of the team consistently exceeded target. My comment to him: "What if the salesperson is your differentiator? You keep conducting skills training, but have you invested the time to truly understand the people behind the sales numbers and what it takes to get the best out of them?" The problem with standardised sales training Most sales programmes are designed around a fairly standard idea of what a successful salesperson looks like—someone who is outgoing, highly assertive, quick on their feet and naturally good at building relationships. But really, …