Awards Wrap: Conservation tech project wins award at WEF, nominations open for SALGA Communicators Forum awards, RSG & ATKV announce 30th Radio Drama Writing competition

The Media Online’s weekly column delivering news of award wins, entries, competitions, dates to note and winners in the media.

Conservation innovation from the Garden Route recognised at World Economic Forum

A conservation technology project from South Africa has been recognised at one of the world’s most influential global gatherings. Project ZOA (Zoological Open Architecture) has been awarded the Startup Innovation Award for Top AI Sustainability Project during Davos Innovation Week at the World Economic Forum 2026.

The project was founded in South Africa’s Garden Route and presented in Davos by its founder, Douglas Eriksen. Eriksen is also the CEO of Cango Wildlife in Oudtshoorn, a premiere conservation centre that plays a central role in the project’s work.

“We are living through an unprecedented era of technological change,” said Eriksen. “Artificial intelligence is reshaping how decisions are made. But when those systems do not understand nature, the consequences can be serious.”

Project ZOA focuses on a growing global problem. While AI systems increasingly influence decisions about land use, infrastructure, finance and development, they often lack reliable information about biodiversity and ecosystems. Without accurate ecological data, environmental impact is easily overlooked or misunderstood.

To address this, Project ZOA is developing the Ecological Intelligence Dataset, known as EID. In simple terms, the dataset turns real, verified observations of wildlife and ecosystems into information that AI systems can correctly read, compare and use. This approach helps ensure that AI systems work with ecological reality rather than assumptions or incomplete information.

The initiative is a partnership between Cango Wildlife, technology company Zindalo, and Wits Enterprise, the research commercialisation arm of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

Nominations open SALGA National Communicators Forum Awards

Nominations are open for the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) annual SALGA National Communicators Forum (NCF) Awards. The awards – now in their third year – celebrate excellence, innovation and impact in municipal communication across South Africa. SALGA invites stakeholders, including municipal officials, partners, and community members, to submit nominations for outstanding municipal communicators, teams, and communication campaigns.

“By recognising communicators who go beyond the call of duty to keep the public informed, SALGA aims to inspire higher standards of service and innovation in local government communication,” explains Sithole Mbanga, SALGA chief executive officer.

There are six award categories covering key facets of communications performance in local government. Nominees can be submitted in each of the following categories for work done during January to December 2025.

Most Proactive & Responsive Communication Team; Most Active Communications Team on Revenue Collection; Crisis Communication Excellence; Most Active Municipality on Social Media Platforms; and Most Media Profiled Municipality (Media Monitoring)

SALGA encourages stakeholders to submit their nominations by no later than 30 January 2026 through the online nomination form available atforms.office.com/r/qsNLqqH2z6 or by visiting our website www.salga.org.za. After the closing date, a panel of judges comprising communication experts will review all submissions and adjudicate the awards.

RSG & ATKV announce 30th Radio Drama Writing competition

RSG and the ATKV are celebrating the thirtieth Radio Drama Writing Competition this year. To commemorate this milestone, the 2026 competition will offer more prize money and more winners.

The competition is one of the oldest and longest-running writing competitions, and the only one that continues to promote radio drama in Afrikaans. This year the total prize money amounts to R135 000, and instead of a single merit prize, there will now be a total of three merit prizes in celebration of the thirtieth anniversary.

The winning drama will receive R50 000, the second prize R25 000, and the third-place winner R15 000. There is also a prize of R15 000 for the Young Writer (under the age of 30). To crown it all, three participants will each receive a merit prize worth R10,000.

Thanks to the ATKV partnership, dozens of aspiring writers and participants will also have the opportunity to attend a free, full-day workshop in Cape Town or Johannesburg. Kobus Burger, RSG’s programme manager, will present the workshop in Johannesburg on Saturday, 28 February, followed by a workshop on Saturday, 14 March at the SABC studios in Sea Point, Cape Town.

Entries for the competition close on Tuesday, 30 June at 13:00. For more information, visit rsg.co.za.

Mondelēz International recognised among Africa’s Top Employers

Mondelēz International has been recognised by the Top Employers Institute as one of Africa’s leading employers for the sixth consecutive year, achieving outstanding rankings across key markets in the 2026 Top Employers Awards.

The company secured Top Employer status in Nigeria, South Africa, and continued winning across Africa, reinforcing its position as an employer of choice and a people‑first organisation across the continent. Additionally, for the first time Mondelēz International received global recognition as an employer of choice.

The recognition highlights Mondelēz International’s continued commitment to building a future‑fit, high‑performance organisation that places people at the heart of its growth ambitions in Sub‑Saharan Africa (SSA), while strengthening its role in shaping the future of the snacking and confectionery market.

Commenting on the recognition, Cebile Xulu, Senior Director, People, Mondelēz International Sub‑Saharan Africa, said: “This recognition is a powerful reflection of the deliberate choices we have made to build a future‑fit organisation where our people can thrive, grow and contribute meaningfully to our business ambitions. Being recognised as a Top Employer across Africa, and achieving category‑leading positions in Nigeria and South Africa, affirms our belief that putting people first is fundamental to sustainable growth.”

Makosi recognised as a Top Employer for 2026 in South Africa

Makosi has been recognised as a Top Employer in South Africa for the fourth consecutive year by the Top Employers Institute. This recognition highlights Makosi’s commitment to reimagining workforce potential. By creating an environment where top-tier professionals can thrive, grow, and lead, Makosi continues to shape what a modern accounting career looks like.

Through real-time coaching, global exposure, flexible work models, and smart tech built to support how consultants work, Makosi empowers its people to unlock new levels of growth and deliver exceptional outcomes for clients around the world. This is how we lead the future of work, one opportunity at a time.

Tanya Grota, Makosi’s chief financial officer, said: “This recognition is a direct reflection of the investment we continue to make in our people and in our business. When our consultants are supported, challenged, and growing, our clients feel the difference. Being a Top Employer reinforces our belief that purpose-driven people deliver powerful results.”