Prestigious IAB Bookmark Awards Crown South Africa’s Digital Elite

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) South Africa has announced the highly anticipated winners of the 2025 Bookmarks Awards. Hosted by media personality Sne Dladla, the event drew a high-calibre audience of leaders from advertising, publishing, technology, and brand marketing sectors. Alongside creative agencies, corporates, and entrepreneurial innovators.

This year’s competition was fierce, with agencies and brands showcasing a new level of digital mastery. Winners were recognized across platforms, channels, communities, publishing, campaigns, emerging digital technologies, and craft categories.

Ogilvy emerged as a dominant force, securing multiple gold accolades for campaigns including KFC South Africa’s KFC Sauce Code, KFC Block Booked, Your Ma Se KFC, and Cadbury Presents Real Mzansi Names.

Among other standout performers, winning gold is:

TBWA\ Hunt Lascaris: Sloom NapBot and City Lodge Hotels Save Our Stay (SOS)
Juno Media: Chicken Licken – It’s the little things that satisfy us most
Rogerwilco: Stellenbosch University – The S.E.O in G.E.O
Joe Public: Nedbank – Bank Your Time
Media24: Daily Sun – A Re Buwe, 2024 May Elections Coverage and Video News Reporting

“The awards showcase the incredible talent and impact driving South Africa’s digital landscape,” said Chris Borain, Executive Director at IAB, South Africa. “Our winners are setting universal benchmarks, proving that digital marketing is not only growing in scale and skill, but creating work that competes on a global stage. This is the kind of innovation and impact that inspires the next generation to aim even higher.”

A Historic First: Outstanding Individual Impact in Digital

In a landmark moment for the IAB Bookmark Awards, 2025 saw the introduction of a brand-new accolade, the Outstanding Individual Impact in Digital Award. Designed to honour an individual whose vision and leadership have tangibly advanced South Africa’s digital industry, the award sets a new standard for recognizing personal achievement in the sector.

After a rigorous selection process led by the IAB Board and the Bookmark Awards Committee, Jarred Cinman was named the inaugural recipient. A pioneer since the 1990s, Cinman co-founded one of the country’s earliest digital agencies and has been instrumental in shaping both the IAB and the Bookmarks Awards themselves. His influence spans measurable business results, industry best practice, and online culture, while his commitment to mentorship, ethical leadership, and knowledge-sharing has helped nurture the next generation of digital talent.

The IAB Front Row Initiative Welcomes 15 Young Delegates

Adding to the evening’s celebration, the IAB SA Education Council’s Front Row initiative was proud to welcome and host 15 young ambitious talents, who were recently announced as the official 2025 delegates.

In addition to access at the ceremony, the selected participants will for the next 12 months acquire invaluable mentorship, and networking opportunities with respected industry leaders – a true springboard for their careers.

They will also gain access to the upcoming Nedbank IMC Conference, SMARTIES Awards, New Gen Awards and Assegai Awards. As well as participate in personal brand virtual workshops, Effie Dialogues, Loeries workshops, and more.

The Journey Continues: Rankings to Honour Consistent Excellence

The highly anticipated Bookmarks Digital Rankings will be announced later this year, recognizing the agencies and brands that have consistently delivered award-winning digital work. In the meantime, winners are encouraged to log into the Bookmarks entry portal to update their credits, ensuring every contributor is recognized for their role in these achievements.

The Bookmarks remain a vital platform for recognizing and fostering growth in the digital industry, inspiring both established and emerging talents to reach new creative heights.

Mzansi Pulse

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Prestigious IAB Bookmark Awards Crown South Africa’s Digital Elite

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