Creative Circle endorses Pendoring

Creative Circle chairperson Rob McLennan: ”Similar to what the Eagle Awards have achieved to raise the standard and profile of print advertising, Pendoring has done for Afrikaans advertising.”

With the official Creative Circle endorsement, Pendoring hopes to encourage agencies to enter their innovative and dynamic advertising in full force for Pendoring 2009.

In a statement released this week, Rob McLennan, Creative Circle chairperson, said: "The Creative Circle fully understands and appreciates the importance of an awards ceremony that celebrates Afrikaans advertising and the culture of the Afrikaans language.

"In an environment where it has become increasingly important to celebrate all languages, cultures and traditions, Pendoring has actually gone out and done it. While there is a fear that we can't be seen to be favouring one culture over another, Pendoring has come a far way in recognising other
cultures.

Celebrate SA advertising

"Obviously we have to be aware that we're playing in a global arena, at the same time, whether it's the Loeries or Pendorings, it is much more important that our advertising resonates in our own market and celebrates South African advertising and culture, than to endorse international advertising campaigns.

"Similar to what the Eagle Awards have achieved to raise the standard and profile of print advertising, the Pendoring Awards have done for Afrikaans advertising. Through the Eagle Awards, print advertising has become South Africa's biggest scoring section at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. In the same way, the Pendoring Awards can only help us create better advertising, hence the Creative Circle's support for and endorsement of these awards."

Grown in stature

Adds senior Pendoring coordinator Franette Klerck: "The fact that the Pendoring Advertising Awards, after 15 years of existence, now officially enjoy the Creative Circle's endorsement and support, clearly shows the extent to which Pendoring's stature has grown in the advertising industry over time.

"South Africa boasts some of the sharpest creative minds in the world, many of whom are Afrikaans speakers. The Creative Circle's endorsement should not only boost the number of Pendoring entries per se and the quality of Afrikaans advertising in general; it should also go a long way in driving
home the message of the importance and effectiveness of marketing communication messages to a strong and affluent market segment in their home language."

Pendoring entries opened last month and the closing date for entries is 17 July 2009. For more information on the awards go to www.pendoring.co.za.