The IAB says that while they won't have an impact on the scoring and final outcomes, their involvement marks a bold step towards nurturing young professionals and spotlighting the next generation of visionaries. 

The Learner Jury is spread across various judging panels, reflecting the spectrum of the Bookmark Awards. From Performance Marketing and Marketing Craft to Social, Community & Influencer Marketing, these learners are matched with panels where their fresh perspectives can flourish, says the awards.

A Glimpse into the Future of Digital 

The 2025 cohort includes 18 early-career professionals who are making an impact in their respective fields. According to the awards, the jury comprises:

  • Hamzah Limalia, Art Director at Machine_, brings creative vision to the Marketers Panel, joined by Chuma Maqanda, Content and Community Manager at McCann Joburg.
  • The Marketing Craft Panel boasts Lauren Gericke from Ogilvy Cape Town and Mukondeleli Munyai from Humanz.
  • Yumna Benjamin of Incubeta and Nomonde van Rooyen of Freshive Digital, represent the Performance Marketing Panel.
  • On the Publishers Panel, Thahasello Mphatsoe and Lwandile Bhengu of Media24 bring newsroom insight and digital strategy to the forefront.
  • The world of social media is being explored by Sarah-Justine Ward, Clockwork, and Sinegugu Ngwenya, MullenLowe South Africa, in the Social, Community & Influencer Marketing Panel.
  • Representing youth voices on the Youth Action Panel, Lindo Myeni, Writers-Bloc, and Hope Zakwe, Simple Black Creative, offer perspectives.
  • The Builders Panel features design-forward thinkers like Sydney Wohlman, Rapt Creative, and Aqeelah Kader, Ogilvy One SA.
  • The Innovative Engineers Panel includes Kubashni Govender, GroupM, and Limpho Mokuku, Joe Public.
  • The Special Honours Panel welcomes Neo Molefe, Vodacom, and Inamangwe Mtumtum, Boom Group. 

More Than Just a Seat at the Table 

"What makes the Learner Jury stand out is its powerful promise that the next generation of digital leaders will be seen, heard and given space to learn in real time from the best in the business. This initiative breaks down silos between emerging talent and industry leaders, encouraging meaningful mentorship, professional exposure and access to invaluable networks," says Bookmarks Committee Lead and MD at Retroviral, Pippa Misplon.  

The Bookmark Awards says it continues to set the pace for industry transformation. With the Learner Jury programme, they're sending a clear message: The future of digital excellence doesn't start in the boardroom, it starts with opportunity and inclusion.   

Why This Matters 

The awards concludes that the announcement of the 2025 Learner Jury is a barometer of the future of the industry. It highlights the importance of diversity and access in shaping South Africa's digital economy. It is a reminder that for industry to thrive, it must continually evolve and invest in those who will drive that evolution forward. The Bookmark Awards aren't just honouring the best talent, they're building them. 

For more information, visit www.thebookmarks.co.za. You can also follow the Bookmark Awards on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor