Upon announcement of his appointment, Chowles committed to hosting the first One Show Diversity Boot Camp in South Africa to address the need for more black creative talent in the country, and globally. The Boot Camps have previously been held in America with great success.

60 students will spend Wednesday, 1 to Sunday, 5 July 2015 with several of South Africa’s leading creative directors and will also be privileged to meet Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Show, and two international Lecturers/Creative Directors: Jimmy Smith of Amusement Entertainment in Los Angeles, and Sal Lombardo of Y&R in New York.

Says Chowles, “During the week, we’ll be adding tobacco sauce to these students existing skills to help increase black hires in the local advertising industry. The five days are going to be intense but exciting with students learning more about our industry than they would in any school. They will also learn more about themselves and how far they can push their creativity. Ultimately, they will leave on the fifth day armed and inspired.”

The format for the boot camp is identical to that of the industry: They will receive a brief on the first day that will be unpacked and tackled over the next four days. Teams will have a mentor - Sal Lombardo, Jimmy Smith, Roger Paulse (singh&sons) or Xolisa Dyeshana (Joe Public) – and each day will round off with a presentation from a respected Executive Creative Director from the Industry.

On Sunday, 5 July, all the teams will present their ideas to a panel. In the afternoon, an award ceremony will take place with Khaya Dlanga.

Because The One Club is a non-profit organisation, the following businesses, agencies and people have enabled this boot camp:

Woolworths; Ogilvy, Y&R, King James, 99 cents, BBDO, The Jupiter Drawing Room Cape Town; Xoliswa Dyeshana of Joe Public; Roger Paulse of singh&sons; Khaya Dlanga from Coca-Cola; and Protea Hotels Fire and Ice

The One Club’s main mission is to promote creative excellence through recognition and education.

For more information on The One Club, visit www.oneclub.org.