The AMARA’s is an awards recognition for outstanding service and achievement in the South African recruitment industry, across both the public and private sectors. Jimmy Wayland from Gear Advertising was the recipient of the Publisher’s Award, while Whoodoo Media Advertising received the Rising Star Award.

Reardon Sanderson, general manager of group sales and marketing at Tiso Blackstar, says, "The AMARA’s have grown to become the most sought-after accolade in an industry that faces enormous challenges in South Africa."

"The responsibility the HR industry carries in matching employers and employees in mutually beneficial relationships is immense and often goes unacknowledged. This is why Tiso Blackstar is committed to honouring those individuals and agencies that contribute so much to the development and success of South Africa’s human capital," adds Sanderson.

South Africa’s HR professionals adjudicated the entries in both the public and private sectors. Alan Hosking (HR Future publisher) chaired the panel, which included Mateboho Green (manager corporate communications at higher education South Africa), Nikki Munsie (business director at Independent Agency Search & Selection), Ross Mengel (managing director at DMA People), and Welile Mabaso (human capital consultant).

"Whereas in past years, recruitment ads appeared to be treated as 'routine' advertising, it’s becoming clear that some recruitment companies are now starting to exercise creativity in order to attract the right talent for their clients. This is evident in the concepts, wording, and visuals being used," says Hosking.

The AMARA winners for 2017 are listed below.

Best Recruitment Advertising Agency:
  • Winner – Gear Advertising;
  • First runner-up – Basadzi Personnel; and
  • Second runner-up – Strategy Recruitment Marketing.
Best Newsprint Creative: Private Sector:
  • Winner – Human Communications for Group 5;
  • First runner-up – Human Communications for Debswana; and
  • Second runner-up – Human Communications for Impala Platinum Mining.
Best Newsprint Creative: Public Sector:
  • Winner – Basadzi Personnel for the National Treasury;
  • First runner-up – Human Communications for National Health Lab Services; and
  • Second runner-up – Siyafika Communications for Landelahni SAA.
Best Newsprint Creative: Education Sector:
  • Winner – Goodbye Boring for Henley Business School;
  • First runner-up – Gear Advertising for Diocesan School for Girls; and
  • Second runner-up – Human Communications for University of the Free State.
For more information, visit www.tisoblackstar.com.