According to the gala, the 2023 event was doubly special, as it not only announced the celebrated winners but also unveiled the finalists for the first time, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation and excitement.

The awards say that the crowning moment of the evening was the unveiling of the Grand Effie winner, a campaign from Ogilvy South Africa and KFC South Africa.

Effie Worldwide COO Allison Knapp Womack graced the occasion with her presence, emphasising the global significance of the Effie Awards South Africa in recognising marketing excellence.

Womack said at the gala, "The winning campaigns showcased tonight demonstrate the vibrancy and health of the marketing sector in South Africa. They rightfully claim their place on the global stage by contributing to the Effie Index, solidifying South Africa's presence in the global context of marketing effectiveness".

In addition to her attendance at the gala, Womack hosted a breakfast at Google Johannesburg, leading a panel discussion that shed light on the minds behind past Grand Effie-winning campaigns. The breakfast provided a unique opportunity to delve into the insights that drive marketing effectiveness.

Mathe Okaba, ACA CEO for Effie Awards South Africa, says, "The success of any awards programme can, in many ways, be measured by the quality and quantity of entries it receives. The entries and winners in this year's programme have more than reinforced the fact that our sector exhibits world-class levels of creative effectiveness."

"More importantly, the work entered is underpinned by a clear and strategic understanding of the importance of effectiveness in relation to marketing and business objectives," adds Okaba.

Co-jury chairs Mpume Ngobese and Pete Case lauded the incredible results and the rigorous judging process, emphasising the exceptional quality of entries.

Ngobese says, "Winning an Effie is 'next level tough.' The magic continues to lie in balancing the narrative when talking about the effectiveness story: the context, the brand challenge, the campaign objectives, the [growth] insight, the work and the results."

Case says, "The entries and winners in this year's programme have demonstrated the exceptional creativity and effectiveness that our industry is known for. The rigorous judging process ensured that only the most deserving campaigns received recognition."

Effie Awards South Africa proudly acknowledges the invaluable support of its sponsors for the 2023 programme, including:
  • Primedia
  • Nedbank
  • Kaya FM
  • Mediamark
  • SAB
  • GIB Insurance
  • Net#work BBDO
  • Unilever
  • Google
  • Aon
  • Investec
  • Pride Wealth, and
  • Brand South Africa.

The Effie Awards South Africa and the Nedbank IMC Conference partnered in 2023 for the benefit of the marketing industry at large. The merging of the two industry events meant that on Friday, 15 September, attendees were treated to one hard-hitting day of 15-minute relevant insights into marketing and advertising during the Nedbank IMC, followed by the showcasing and recognition of the most effective campaigns of 2023 at the Effie gala.

Okaba concludes, "The work our sector produces and that has been presented during this year's programme reinforces and consistently ensures that we remain relevant where it truly matters — as valuable partners in the pursuit of business success."

The full list of the 2023 Effie Awards South Africa winners is as follows:



For more information, visit www.effieawards.co.za or visit www.acasa.co.za.