"We have a stellar jury this year to review our record number of entries," says Eben Keun, Pendoring's GM. 

"We have steadily increased entries since we took over management of the awards, while also working to drive them into a more inclusive and diverse space. This year, we have reached a new record high — which is indicative really of South Africa embracing and celebrating the use of our indigenous languages more and more in all communication," adds Keun.

The jury members include:
  • Sanele Ngubane, CD of Toasted Samish
  • Ntando Msibi, senior copywriter at Joe Public United
  • Vumile Mavumengwana, CD of VM DSGN
  • Bonolo Modise, creative fixer and creative director
  • Seth Beukes, senior AD at WPP Team Liquid
  • Coenraad Grebe, CD Halo
  • Sunshine Shibambo, owner of Cheri Yase Kasi
  • Sibusiso Sitole, CEO of The Odd Number
  • Dillion Phiri, festival curator of Fak’ugesi / Tshimologong Precinct
  • Jabulani Sigege, ECD of Wunderman Thompson
  • Richardt Strydom, digital brand custodian manager at Black Khaki Brand Communicators
  • Terry McKenna, ECD of The Odd Number
  • Lilian van der Merwe, CD of Independent
  • Khuthala Gala Holten, Co-MD of Joe Public United
  • Tumi Sethebe, ECD of The Riverbed Agency
  • Tshepo Tumahole, copywriter at Joe Public United
  • Tshepo Mogorosi, creative group head at Joe Public United
  • Justice Mukheli, film director of Romance Films
  • Mpumi Ngwenya, founder / CD of 88 Eleven Concepts
  • Lufuno Mavhungu, CD of Independent
  • Simone Bosman, founder of OsuCreative, and
  • Tshegofatso Phetlhe, CD of VMLY&R. 
The awards have indicated its 2021 campaign focuses on the importance of developing multilingualism in society.

In a country where more than 91% of South Africans have an indigenous mother tongue, mono-culture strips us of our dignity and rich cultural resources in favour of internationalisation, says the awards. 

The female-led campaign is led by Think Creative Africa and visual artist Lady Skollie. The initiative aims to make a bold call for mother tongues and for multilingualism to be applied at all levels of society — from early childhood development to the corporate environment. This is underpinned by the global United Nations Decade of Indigenous Languages that kicks off in 2022.

For more information, visit www.pendoring.co.za. You can also follow the Pendoring Awards on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram