Dedicated to collaboration and becoming partners rather than service providers, The Hardy Boys has developed an enviable reputation of finding strategic and creative solutions to the marketing challenges of its clients - including Unilever, Diageo, RCL Foods and SA Home Loans.

In the agency’s 20th year they have firmly cemented their reputation as one of South Africa’s three - and indeed one of Africa’s - leading advertising agencies by landing five prestigious Loerie Awards and one Craft Award for various campaigns, a Bronze Medal at the 55th annual Clio Awards in New York and two silver awards at the ADVAN Awards in Nigeria.

But their reputation extends beyond only dealing with big name brands. Never lacking in courage, the Agency recently devised an award-winning NSPCA guerrilla campaign that ran the day before voting took place during South Africa’s general elections. Existing election posters of the various political parties contesting the election were creatively ‘extended’ visually to bring attention to the plight of animals. This clearly got the vote of both the public and media, with huge social media spread and coverage on TV news and in print media. It also famously attracted the attention of some high profile politicians.

However, one of The Hardy Boys most significant events was the majority acquisition by JWT Worldwide – the world’s best-known marketing and communications brand. This mutually beneficial collaboration undoubtedly opens up an exciting future for the Durban based agency. JWT Africa’s Chief Operating Officer, Chris von Selle, is enthusiastic about this latest venture, which is destined to open new doors for them into the African market. “Boosting our capabilities in the important fast-developing African markets will help our clients to leverage the opportunity Africa offers. Not to mention The Hardy Boys’ innovative outlook and passion for driving effective solutions that complements JWT’s pioneering spirit,” says Von Selle.

The Hardy Boys, throughout its existence, has thrived and progressed as a result of relentlessly pursuing their three driving tenets – Curiosity, Courage and Collaboration. So it is no surprise that 20 years on The Hardy Boys are going from strength to strength thanks to their ability to remain relevant and courageous problem solvers in an ever changing landscape.

A mix of clients, industry professionals, members of the South African media as well as key stakeholders will celebrate the past 20 years with The Hardy Boys team on Wednesday, 3 December during an appropriately themed, glamorous 20’s speakeasy-style birthday celebration. Miles Dally, CEO of RCL and Peter Cowan, CEO of Unilever South Africa, will give their insights to their companies’ partnership with The Hardy Boys over the years. CEO and founder of The Hardy Boys, Dale Tomlinson, will also reflect on the successes and challenges the Agency has encountered to reach this milestone.

Says Tomlinson, “We have had 20 great years and now for both our clients and ourselves this next phase of The Hardy Boys will give us the opportunity to develop our business across Africa and give our talent the exciting opportunity to tap into the extensive knowledge and global expertise JWT represents. We are extremely proud of reaching this milestone and thankful to everyone in The Hardy Boys team - and of course our clients - who have helped us get here.”

For more information on The Hardy boys, visit www.hardyboys.co.za. Alternatively, visit and like their Facebook page.