The Media Online’s weekly column delivering news of award wins, entries, competitions, dates to note and winners in the media..
iPendoring appoints Thembalethu Msibi as Jury President for the 2026 Awards
The iPendoring Awards has announced Thembalethu Msibi, co-founder and creative partner of BlackSwan, as Jury President for the 2026 awards programme, placing one of South Africa’s most respected purpose-driven creative leaders at the helm of this year’s adjudication process.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Msibi has built a reputation for creating work that is culturally rooted, strategically sharp and emotionally resonant. Through BlackSwan, she has led through-the-line campaigns for brands including Telkom, KFC, Absa, Clicks, South African Airways and the Joburg Film Festival, while helping establish the agency as one of the country’s most influential independent creative businesses.
Her appointment comes at an important moment in the 2026 awards programme, with entries remaining open until 28 August 2026 and the industry continuing to submit work that celebrates the depth and diversity of South African creativity.
“Thembalethu brings a fresh perspective to this year’s adjudication and is a natural fit to lead the jury. She understands that language carries culture, context and connection, which is exactly what iPendoring exists to celebrate,” says iPendoring general manager Eben Keun.
The iPendoring Awards announces its 2026 adjudicators
The iPendoring Awards has announced its 2026 adjudicators, bringing together some of the most respected leaders and indigenous creatives in South Africa’s advertising, media, storytelling and communications industries.
This year’s jury reflects the full breadth of indigenous-language creativity in South Africa.
At a time when much of public communication still defaults to English, iPendoring’s 2026 campaign, #SayMo, asks a simple but powerful question: what happens when South Africans stop translating themselves and speak in the languages that raised them?
Entries for the 2026 iPendoring Awards are open until 28 August 2026, with the awards ceremony taking place in November 2026.
Among the adjudicators are:
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Toni Hughes – Executive Creative Director and Creative Partner, Ogilvy
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Khethiwe Makhubo – Creative Group Head, McCann Joburg
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Nkululeko Vilakazi – Head of In-house Agency, Inspired Education Group
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Refiloe Dlamini – Founder, Creative Director and Strategist, Her The Company
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Jacque Moodley – Creative Director, DNA Brand Architects
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Rendani Nemakhavhani – Senior Art Director, The Odd Number
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Richardt Strydom – Lecturer in Graphic Design and Critical Studies, Greenside Design Center, and freelance digital content creator
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Rita Coetzer – Executive Creative Director, Publicis Groupe Africa
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Tanya de Jongh – Founder and Creative Partner, LNGR
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Thandeka Gilbert – Creative Director, McCann Joburg
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Tshepo Tumahole – Integrated Creative Director, Joe Public
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Wendy Seleme – Senior Copywriter, The Odd Number
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Willie Struwig – Creative Director, Publicis Groupe Africa
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Kgothatso Maditse – Creative Director, Retroviral
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Sibuyiselwe Nhlangwini – Integrated Art Director, The Odd Number
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Koketso Masisi – Creative Director, Retroviral
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Wynand Botha – Creative Director, Joe Public
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Anelde Greeff – Co-CEO, 2Stories
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Coenie Grebe – Executive Creative Director, Halo
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Brandt Botes – Head of Design, Dentsu
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Kgomotso Molosioa – Creative Director, DNA Brand Architects
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Boitumelo Moeketsi – Integrated Creative Group Head, Duma Collective
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Lerato Mbangeni – Senior Copywriter, TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris
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Mokgethwa Machaka – Senior Copywriter, Independent
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Obakeng Rapoo – Creative Group Head, Ogilvy
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Siyabonga “Scoops” Moloi – Integrated Senior Copywriter, The Odd Number
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Lufuno Mavhungu – Co-Founder and Creative Director, All Caps Creative
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Marvin Mpanda – Senior Copywriter, The Odd Number
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Vumile Mavumengwana – Design Specialist and Creative Director, VM DSGN
Western Cape crowns the 2026 Kfm 94.5 Best of the Cape winners
Kfm 94.5 has revealed the winners of the 2026 edition of the annual Kfm Best of the Cape Awards, powered by Yoco. This year’s edition smashed all previous records, with more than 18,000 nominations and over 440,000 votes cast.
The 2026 winners showcase a vibrant blend of dedication, innovation and community spirit:
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Best Date Night Restaurant: The Farm Eatery at Diemersdal in Durbanville, with Beluga at the V&A Waterfront taking silver.
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Best Breakfast Spot: The Meeting Place in Stellenbosch reclaimed its crown.
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Best Coffee: Bootlegger Coffee retained its title for a sixth consecutive year, making it the only winner to hold the title since the awards began.
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Best Family Restaurant: Ashley’s Family Restaurant in Goodwood claimed an impressive fifth consecutive win.
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Best Adventure Experience: Ceres Rail Company took top honours.
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Best Place to Be Seen: The Galileo Open Air Cinema won the newly introduced category.
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Best Weekend Stay: Kagga Kamma Eco Lodge & Spa in the Cederberg was recognised for its blend of nature, comfort and adventure.
The Station’s Choice Award went to the Tulbagh Boutique Heritage Hotel for its innovative and inclusive social media campaigns featuring staff members and their stories. The hotel also won Best Hotel.
The Yoco Choice Award went to Le Pickle in De Waterkant, recognised for its bold burgers and distinctive brand story.
The full list of winners, finalists and past winners is available on the Best of the Cape website.
The search for South Africa’s next big idea begins as YouthX returns
Nedbank has opened entries for the 2026 YouthX Awards, inviting ambitious South Africans aged 18 to 26 to share their ideas and unlock their entrepreneurial potential.
YouthX by Nedbank is designed to help young entrepreneurs turn potential into progress by combining funding with mentorship, financial education, business support and access to meaningful opportunities.
Whether participants are building a business, solving a community challenge, creating a product or developing an innovative solution, YouthX aims to provide the tools, connections and confidence needed to take the next step.
Elwin Smith, head of group sponsorships and events at Nedbank, says YouthX is about more than recognising young entrepreneurs.
“We believe South Africa’s young people already have the ideas, creativity and ambition to shape the future. YouthX by Nedbank is about helping them unlock their potential by giving them the confidence, support and opportunities to turn their ideas into action.”
Entries are open from 14 August to 9 October 2026.
Mpho Popps to host the 2026 Content Creator Awards
The Content Creator Awards, sponsored by Samsung, has announced that Mpho “Popps” Modikoane will host this year’s awards ceremony on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at The Galleria in Sandton.
Known for his work across comedy, television, podcasting and live entertainment, Popps will bring his trademark humour and energy to an evening celebrating South Africa’s creator economy.
“I’m excited to be hosting the Content Creator Awards this year,” says Popps. “Content creators are literally driving culture right now. They keep us laughing, informed and inspired every single day on our phones. To be on stage celebrating the brilliant minds behind South Africa’s best digital content, with Samsung backing the vision, is going to be electric.”
Beekman Group receives KZN Top Brand 2026 honour
The Beekman Group has been named KZN Top Brand 2026 at the KZN Top Business Awards, held at the Durban International Convention Centre on 16 July 2026.
The award recognises organisations that have earned exceptional support while highlighting the reputation of KwaZulu-Natal’s most respected brands. Winners are determined through votes cast by employees, clients and service providers.
Hosted by Standard Bank and the Women of Africa Group, in association with East Coast Radio, the awards celebrate business excellence, innovation and leadership across the province.
Lamelle Research Laboratories named South Africa’s best luxury beauty brand
Lamelle Research Laboratories has once again been recognised by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards as Best Luxury Beauty Brand in South Africa for 2026, marking the second consecutive year the South African skincare brand has received the accolade.
Founded in 2005, Lamelle is a South African biotechnology company specialising in professional aesthetic skincare. The company has built its reputation on evidence-based formulations designed to address acne, pigmentation, ageing and skin sensitivity.
Lamelle says the award reflects its continued focus on science-led skincare innovation.
Standard Bank announces Top 10 finalists in the 2026 Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge
Standard Bank Business and Commercial Banking has announced the Top 10 finalists in its 2026 Kasi SME National Pitch Challenge, part of the Kasi SME Summit taking place in Gqeberha on 27 August 2026.
Representing all nine provinces, the finalists will compete for the R1 million grand prize.
Naledzani Mosomane, head of enterprise and supplier development at Standard Bank South Africa, says the competition continues to showcase the talent and potential within township businesses.
- Buhlebenkosi Agri Productions (Pty) Ltd: Free State
- Ezempilo Primecare Clinic (Pty) Ltd: North West
- GQ Creamery (Pty) Ltd: Eastern Cape
- Maduwa Paint World (Pty) Ltd: Gauteng
- Marabou Essentials (Pty) Ltd: North West
- Muzi Capital Media (Pty) Ltd : Western Cape
- Mycopro: KwaZulu-Natal
- PSD Scent Perfumes (Pty) Ltd: Mpumalanga
- Trash Converters (Pty) Ltd: Limpopo
- Uuka Bricks (Pty) Ltd: Northern Cape
Iwisa No.1 turns 70 and launches its boldest Designer Search yet
Iwisa No.1 is celebrating its 70th anniversary by launching the 2026 edition of its Fills Bold Designer Search Competition, inviting young South African designers to reimagine homegrown luxury sports streetwear.
The competition is open to South Africans aged 18 to 35 and focuses on fashion, storytelling and self-expression.
Phumzile Nhlapo, Premier senior brand manager for Consumer Staples, says the initiative is about investing in the next generation of creatives.
Entries close on 17 September 2026.
Hyatt Hotels South Africa earns 2026 World Travel Awards nominations
Hyatt Hotels South Africa has received multiple nominations in the World Travel Awards 2026, recognising its hotels and restaurants across several hospitality categories.
The nominations include:
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Room 32 – Africa’s Best New Hotel Restaurant 2026.
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Park Hyatt Johannesburg – Africa’s Best New MICE Hotel 2026.
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Urchin Restaurant’s Journey menu – South Africa’s Best Culinary Experience 2026.
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Urchin Restaurant’s Journey menu – Africa’s Best Fine Dining Experience 2026.
Hyatt says the nominations reflect its commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences across its South African portfolio.
FPi announces 2026 Financial Planner of the Year finalists
The Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPi) has announced the finalists for its 2026 Financial Planner of the Year Award.
The award recognises professionals who demonstrate excellence, innovation and leadership in financial planning.
The finalists are: Russell Ho, CFP, Gareth Collier, CFP, Brendan Dunn, CFP
