The new members will work together with fellow industry bodies and partners to champion diversity and inclusivity in the industry. Their aim will be to facilitate lasting change that empowers black digital media and marketing professionals. Leading by example, this iteration of the council highlights that it comprises of over 50% female and almost 100% diversified members.

The council has the aim of facilitating lasting change that empowers black digital media and marketing professionals. Leading by example of what it hopes to achieve industry-wide, this iteration of the council comprises 73% female and almost 100% diversified members.

Members will serve for two years. The first will in the capacity of members of the Transformation Council and the second as transformation representatives on the speciality council of their choice.

"The fourteen new council members were chosen for their passion for championing diversity and inclusivity in the industry, their varied and dynamic skill sets and their willingness and ability to promote and implement positive change," says Ngubane.

"The council faces a crucial task, [which is] to ensure that young creatives are able to enter an industry that has their best interests at heart. In other words, an industry that is diverse, inclusive and one that welcomes them with open arms," Ngubane adds.

Dr Oupa Monamodi, IAB South Africa executive board member, WPP South Africa chairperson and IAB South Africa head of transformation and education, says, "The time is now to issue a call to arms to South African media and marketing companies. In the case of the IAB South Africa digital media and marketing companies, it's to commit to transformation by embracing and implementing actionable steps that will see the industry transform into one that is authentically diverse and inclusive."

"The IAB South Africa Transformation Council plays a significant role in facilitating these changes and is thrilled to welcome the new members of the council and is excited to work alongside them to create new possibilities for black digital media and marketing professionals in South Africa," concludes Monamodi.

The Transformation Council members for 2021 include:

  • Nomacala Mpeta, head of learning at Digify Africa
  • Motshidishi Mokoena, social media manager and strategist at Cherry Republik
  • Taahira Kimmie, marketing manager at First National Bank
  • Anusha Harri, associate account director media and creative at Kantar
  • Nokuthula (Nox) Magwaza, founder and MD at Bloom Marketing and Bloom Infinite
  • Razia Van der Schuur, founder and director at Fouir (Pty) Ltd.
  • Siya Metane, MD at SlikourOnLife
  • Rorisang Setlogelo, managing director at Roth Media
  • Joyce Dodd, chief talent officer at Publicis Groupe Africa
  • Tshepo Matsheng, head of IT and leader of Diversity Council at VMLY&R
  • Zubeida Goolam, chief creative officer at Valiant Digital
  • Andrew Allison, chief commercial officer at Red and Yellow
  • Asha Patel, head of marketing South Africa and ads marketing sub-Saharan Africa at Google South Africa, and
  • Khuthala Gala Holten, co-managing director at Joe Public United.
The IAB South Africa Transformation Council has indicated that it will tackle numerous exciting projects in 2021. These include the launch of an annual transformation survey in partnership with several relevant industry bodies.

As part of their work with the MAC Charter Council, the council will concentrate on increasing data and reporting around transformation targets and achievements of IAB South African members. In addition, the council will raise funds for digital media and marketing courses of ten black female students.

For more information, visit www.iabsa.net. You can follow IAB South Africa on Facebook or on Twitter.