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Association for Communication and Advertising Press Office
The ACA is the official representative body of South Africa's advertising and communications profession.
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Time to get creative about raising standards in the creative industry
South Africa’s poor showing at international awards reflects a notable drop in standards. It’s not too late to change direction. 4 Dec 2024 Read more

Embracing the production renaissance
The ACA Producers Committee plays a pivotal role in the evolution of production within the South African advertising landscape. Made up of senior producers from across its member agencies, the committee serves as a vital resource, keeping agency producers informed about legislative changes and best practices. This includes nurturing important industry relationships, such as those with the National Association of Model Agencies (NAMA) and the Commercial Producers Association (CPA), and reviewing key contractual changes between model agencies, performers, and production companies. 25 Nov 2024 Read more

Transformation in South Africa's advertising industry: Moving beyond compliance to genuine change
Sharleen James, chairperson of the ACA, addresses the gap between compliance and genuine transformation in South Africa’s advertising industry. She emphasises the need for authentic empowerment, structural leadership changes, and meaningful enterprise development to foster real inclusivity and diversity, moving beyond mere regulatory targets toward lasting cultural and creative impact. 5 Nov 2024 Read more

Reigniting the industry: The ACA’s bold path forward
Sharleen James, chairperson of the ACA, outlines the association’s bold new direction, emphasising key initiatives such as the formation of industry-specific ‘tribes’. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the ACA remains relevant and influential in shaping the future of the advertising and communications industry. 19 Sep 2024 Read more

Effie SA holds thought-provoking dialogue on the effectiveness of influencer marketing
Effie Awards South Africa recently hosted an insightful dialogue at Discovery HQ in Sandton, focused on the evolving role of influencer marketing in achieving marketing effectiveness. Titled 'Beyond the Hype – Influencer Marketing and the Search for Marketing Effectiveness', this dialogue provided a robust platform for discussions about strategic influencer engagement and its impact on brand growth and consumer interaction. 10 Sep 2024 Read more

The best of marketing: 2024 Effie Awards finalists announced
Effie South Africa is pleased to announce the 26 finalists in the 2024 Effie Awards South Africa programme following the first round of judging which took place at the end of July. Effie Awards finalists earn points toward the global Effie Index and attaining finalist status ensures that agency and client partnerships are globally recognized for having implemented campaigns that delivered against business objectives. 15 Aug 2024 Read more

Effie joins Ascential’s Lions Division to amplify marketing and creative industries
Ascential plc (LSE: ASCL.L), the specialist events, intelligence and advisory company has entered into an agreement to acquire the commercial assets of Effie, the global benchmark in marketing effectiveness. 13 Aug 2024 Read more

2024 Effie Awards South Africa Grand Jury announced
Effie South Africa is proud to announce the Grand Jury for the 2024 Effie Awards. Assembled to select the most effective marketing effort of the year, the Grand Effie Jury comprises eleven of the industry's most distinguished leaders from diverse sectors, including creative agencies, marketing, and strategic planning. 12 Aug 2024 Read more

Upcoming Effie dialogue to focus on influencer marketing and marketing effectiveness
Effie South Africa is thrilled to announce the upcoming dialogue exploring the effectiveness of influencer marketing. ‘Beyond the Hype - Influencer Marketing and the Search for Marketing Effectiveness’ is the topic of discussion scheduled for 22 August at the Discovery Group HQ in Sandton. 1 Aug 2024 Read more

2024 Effie Awards South Africa judges announced
The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and Effie South Africa are delighted to announce the Jury for the 2024 Effie Awards. This respected panel of experts is tasked with adjudicating the most effective campaigns by ensuring that all entries meet the highest standards of strategic and effective marketing communication. The winners of the 2024 programme will be revealed at a gala awards ceremony to be held in October in Johannesburg. 3 Jul 2024 Read more

Effie South Africa hosts dialogue on AI's impact on marketing effectiveness
Effie South Africa recently hosted a groundbreaking dialogue featuring a panel of leading advertising executives and industry experts. The dialogue focused on the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and the broader agency-client ecosystem. Under the theme "From Disruption to Creation: AI’s Impact on the Agency-Client Ecosystem," the dialogue provided a valuable platform for discussions regarding collaboration among key stakeholders in the advertising community. 10 Jun 2024 Read more

The world’s Most Effective Marketers are announced: 2023 Global Effie Index Results
Repeat chart toppers AB InBev & McDonald’s demonstrate their continued success. Close competition amongst agencies illustrates commitment to effectiveness globally. SA’s Joe Public features as the most effective independent agency in the Middle East & Africa. 6 Jun 2024 Read more

Effie South Africa extends 2024 deadline
The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and Effie Awards South Africa have extended the deadline to enter this year’s programme and are calling on South African agencies, clients, media partners and start-ups to submit their Effie Awards entries before the final extended deadline on Thursday, 13 June. 5 Jun 2024 Read more

The ACA announces 2024/25 board of directors
The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) South Africa is pleased to announce the new board of directors for the 2024/25 fiscal year. 31 May 2024 Read more

Effie Worldwide Report shows humanity lies at the heart of effectiveness
The most important factor driving effectiveness in marketing isn’t data or AI, but human qualities and behaviours says a new global report by Effie Worldwide. 28 May 2024 Read more

Applications open for fourth intake of the ACA Women in Leadership Programme
The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and programme sponsor GIB Insurance are proud to announce the launch of the fourth intake of the ACA Women in Leadership Programme. This groundbreaking initiative aims to champion transformation in the advertising, marketing and communication industry, with a specific focus on promoting gender equality and empowering women to drive meaningful change. 23 Apr 2024 Read more

ACA Intern Programme: Nurturing future talents in collaboration with MICT SETA
The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) is pleased to provide an update on its internship programme, enabled through its collaboration with advertising schools, member agencies and the MICT SETA, a key player in developing skills within the sector, working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to ensure a well-trained and dynamic workforce. 15 Mar 2024 Read more

Effie Awards South Africa 2024 call for entries
Effie South Africa has issued the 2024 Effie Awards South Africa Programme call for entries. 19 Feb 2024 Read more

Applications to judge Effie Awards 2024 announced
The Effie Awards South Africa, proudly hosted by The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) invites representatives of the marketing and communications industry to apply for consideration to be selected to participate on the 2024 Effie Awards South Africa judging panel. 16 Feb 2024 Read more

The ACA welcomes Gillian Rightford, ensuring smooth transition following former CEO's departure
The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) announces that Mathe Okaba, who served as chief executive officer for over five years, stepped down from her role in December 2023. The board assures stakeholders that a smooth transition is underway, and in this regard, has appointed Gillian Rightford as interim executive director on a fixed-term contract. 29 Jan 2024 Read more

Ogilvy SA’s 'Bride Armour' a contender for 2023 Global Best of the Best Effie Award
Effie South Africa proudly announces that South Africa’s most effective marketing campaign of 2022, ‘Bride Armour’, created by Ogilvy South Africa for Carling Black Label, has been recognised as a Global Grand Contender in the prestigious 2023 Global Best of the Best Effie Awards. 7 Dec 2023 Read more

Effie South Africa and Ipsos partner to present 2023 Effie Trends Report
Effie Awards South Africa proudly announces its partnership with Ipsos, a global leader in research and creative effectiveness, to launch the inaugural Effie South Africa Trends Research Report. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the South African marketing and advertising sector, providing invaluable insights for entrants, marketers, and advertising agencies. 16 Oct 2023 Read more

Exploring the intersection of technology and marketing effectiveness at upcoming Effie SA dialogue
The third instalment of the Effie South Africa 2023 dialogue series sees yet another notable panel of senior advertising and marketing leaders exploring the relationship between technology and its role in achieving marketing effectiveness. Expanding on this vital theme, the dialogue will spotlight technology's pivotal role in propelling marketing objectives and driving tangible business outcomes. 22 Sep 2023 Read more

The ACA announces the incoming Board of Directors for 2023/24
The Association for Communication and Advertising is pleased to announce the incoming Board of Directors for the 2023/2024 fiscal year, as elected at the association's 76th Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, 11 July 2023. Thabang Skwambane was elected to the position of chair and Sharleen James to that of vice chair. The newly elected executive committee includes John Dixon, Wayne Naidoo and ACA CEO, Mathe Okaba. 20 Jul 2023 Read more

Applications open for third intake of the ACA Women in Leadership Programme
The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and programme sponsor GIB Insurance are proud to announce the launch of the third intake of the ACA Women in Leadership Programme. This groundbreaking initiative aims to champion transformation in the advertising industry, with a specific focus on promoting gender equality and empowering women to drive meaningful change. 19 Jul 2023 Read more

Recognising remarkable results: Introducing the 2023 Effie Awards Jury
The Jury for the 2023 Effie Awards has been announced by The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and Effie South Africa. The Effie Jury has the crucial responsibility of upholding the integrity of the industry's ability to deliver against business objectives while ensuring that the judging process adheres to the highest industry standards. The winners of the 2023 programme will be announced at a gala awards ceremony to be held in Johannesburg on 15 September 2023. 11 Jul 2023 Read more

Effie South Africa sparks dialogue on maximising marketing value through effective procurement
Effie South Africa is bringing together a distinguished panel of senior advertising and marketing leaders to delve into the interplay between marketing effectiveness and the procurement of marketing services. The dialogue aims to explore whether efficiency is working against the growth mindset. 7 Jul 2023 Read more

Secure your spot at the Effie Awards 2023 Gala and witness the industry's finest achievements
Tickets for the 2023 Effie Awards, taking place on 15 September 2023 are now available for purchase. The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and Effie South Africa encourage early booking in order to avoid disappointment as tickets are limited. 19 Jun 2023 Read more

Deadline to enter the Effie Awards extended
The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and Effie Awards South Africa have extended the deadline to enter this year's programme and are calling on South African agencies, clients, media partners and start-ups to submit their Effie Awards entries before the final deadline on Thursday, 21 June. 8 Jun 2023 Read more

Effie South Africa hosts dialogue on Creative and Effective Marketing with leading industry experts
Effie South Africa has assembled a leading panel of senior advertising and marketing leaders to discuss 'Creative & Effective Marketing' ahead of the upcoming Effie Awards. In the first of the Effie dialogue series exploring collaboration in pursuit of marketing communication effectiveness, the panel will be uncovering and sharing their different views and approaches in terms of ensuring marketing delivers on both metrics of creativity and effectiveness. 18 May 2023 Read more

Effie dialogue series returns with an expanded programme featuring 4 thought-provoking panels
Effie South Africa is expanding its dialogue series in 2023 with four thought-provoking panels focusing on marketing effectiveness. Led by individuals drawn from the C-Suite in the sector, the Effie dialogues aim to facilitate industry debate in an engaging platform while sharing impactful insights on themes related to marketing and performance. 9 May 2023 Read more

Effie South Africa announces call for 2023 Awards jury members
The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) has announced a call for representatives of the marketing and communications industry to apply for consideration to be appointed to the 2023 Effie Awards South Africa judging panel. The Effie Awards South Africa, hosted by the ACA, recognize marketing communication that is not only creative, but most importantly, effective. 25 Apr 2023 Read more

Effie South Africa Committee tasked with highlighting effectiveness in marketing
Effie South Africa appoints new committee to drive excellence in marketing and communication; Anwar Jappie elected Effie South Africa chair; Committee to oversee annual awards programme, Effie dialogue series, and Nedbank IMC partnership 6 Apr 2023 Read more

Effie South Africa launches 2023 season, calls for entries
  • Effie South Africa has issued a call for entries for the 2023 Effie Awards South Africa Programme
  • Entries will be accepted via the Effie entry portal from 6 April through to midnight on 14 June 2023
  • The Effie Gala Awards Ceremony will be held on 15 September in Johannesburg 24 Mar 2023 Read more

  • The ACA and CPA submit joint feedback on Copyright and Performers' Amendment Bills
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and the Commercial Producers Association (CPA) have made a joint submission to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Small Business Development, Tourism, Employment and Labour on the key concerns for stakeholders in South Africa's advertising and television commercial production industries. The representation was made in relation to the proposed Copyright Amendment Bill and the Performers' Protection Amendment Bill. 24 Feb 2023 Read more

    Effie Awards 2022 finalists announced
    Effie South Africa is pleased to announce 30 finalists in the 2022 Effie Awards South Africa programme. Finalists were announced and celebrated at the Effie finalist's party held at Hill on Empire's rooftop venue. The event was hosted by Effie South Africa and The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), organiser of the Effie programme in South Africa. 27 Sep 2022 Read more

    Effie Awards South Africa 2022 judges announced
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and Effie South Africa are pleased to announce that the jury for the 2022 Effie Awards South Africa has been confirmed. The most effective marketing communications campaigns for the 2022 programme will be announced at the gala awards ceremony to be held in Johannesburg on 27 October 2022. 19 Aug 2022 Read more

    Book your Effie Awards 2022 events tickets now
    Tickets for the 2022 Effie Awards events are now on sale and the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and Effie South Africa encourage early booking in order to avoid disappointment as tickets are limited. 12 Aug 2022 Read more

    ACA invites black women to sign up for the Second Co-Hort to the Leading Women Creating Change in the New World Order programme
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and the Media Development & Diversity Agency (MDDA) are championing transformation in the industry, specifically the gender agenda, with a programme that will move ambitious bright young black talent from discourse to action and celebrate the industry champions who are moving from good intentions to action. 21 Jul 2022 Read more

    ACA announces 2022/2023 board of directors
    The incoming board of directors of the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) for 2022/2023 was announced at the association's 75th Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 6 July 2022 as follows: 13 Jul 2022 Read more

    Effie Awards South Africa entry deadline fast approaching
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and Effie Awards South Africa is calling on South African agencies, clients, media partners and start-ups to submit their Effie Awards entries before the last-minute entry deadline on Wednesday, 15 June. 10 Jun 2022 Read more

    Effie Awards South Africa call for jury members
    The Effie Awards South Africa, proudly hosted by The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) has issued a call to representatives of the marketing and communications industry to apply for consideration to be appointed to the 2022 Effie Awards South Africa judging panel. 19 May 2022 Read more

    New insurance broker appointed to service ACA members
    The Association for Communication and Advertising NPC (ACA) is pleased to announce that GIB Insurance Brokers (Pty) Ltd has been appointed by the board to service ACA members with respect to preferential insurance rates for ACA Members. 18 May 2022 Read more

    One profession. One voice. ACA announces broader, more inclusive membership
    In November 2020 the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), the official representative body for the communications and advertising profession in South Africa, launched its new brand identity in preparation for a new era in the broader communications sector in South Africa. The new brand identity provided the springboard along its journey of diversity and inclusiveness as an industry body. The next step on the journey, a more inclusive and accessible membership proposition has been announced by the organisation. 28 Apr 2022 Read more

    Effie Awards South Africa 2022 call for entries
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) has opened the call for entries for the 2022 Effie Awards South Africa. The second edition of the globally recognised Effie Awards for effectiveness in marketing communications is expected to expand substantially on the success of the inaugural programme held in 2021. 14 Apr 2022 Read more

    ACA issues RFI for Effie Awards SA Events and Sponsorship Supplier
    The ACA, the local organising partner of the global Effie Awards and host of the Effie Awards South Africa, is conducting a review of the Events and Sponsorship Supplier for the upcoming 2022 Effie Awards South Africa programme. 3 Nov 2021 Read more

    Tickets on sale for first ever Effie Awards South Africa Gala and Summit
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and Effie Awards South Africa have announced that ticket sales have opened for the first Effie Awards South Africa Gala and Summit. 12 Oct 2021 Read more

    2021 Effie Awards South Africa announces 38 finalists
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), organiser of the Effie Awards South Africa has announced that 38 finalists have made it through the first round of judging. Finalists will be competing for a highly coveted Effie in the inaugural Effie Awards South Africa. 27 Aug 2021 Read more

    Judges announced for very first Effie Awards South Africa
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and Effie Awards South Africa are pleased to announce that the jury for the 2021 Effie Awards South Africa has been confirmed. 13 Aug 2021 Read more

    ACA announces incoming board of directors for 2021/2022 fiscal
    The new board of directors of the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) for the 2021/2022 fiscal was announced at the association's 74th Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday, 30 June 2021. 15 Jul 2021 Read more

    ACA invites Black women to sign up to the Leading Women Creating Change in the New World Order programme
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and the Media Development & Diversity Agency (MDDA) are championing transformation in the industry, specifically the gender agenda, with a programme that will move ambitious bright young Black talent from discourse to action and celebrate the industry champions who are moving from good intentions to action. The Leading Women Creating Change in the New World Order programme is open to all Black women working in advertising agencies from mid-management level and above. 13 Jul 2021 Read more

    2021 Effie Awards South Africa last-minute entry deadline imminent
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and Effie Awards South Africa is calling on South African agencies, clients, media partners and startups to submit their entries for the inaugural Effie Awards in South Africa as the last-minute entry deadline date of 15 July nears. 7 Jul 2021 Read more

    ACA issues RFI for the provision of preferential insurance rates to ad industry
    The Association for Communication and Advertising NPC (ACA) has taken a decision to conduct a review of its financial services provider as well as the current insurance policies, which are accessible at preferential rates by member agencies of the ACA. The policies under review cover cancellation and abandonment insurance and personal accident schemes policies. 10 May 2021 Read more

    Applications to judge 2021 Effie Awards South Africa announced
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) invites representatives of the marketing and communication industry to apply for consideration to be selected to the 2021 Effie Awards South Africa judging panel. 16 Apr 2021 Read more

    2021 Effie Awards South Africa announces call for entries
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) has opened the call for entries for the 2021 Effie Awards South Africa. This is the first time that the globally recognised Effie Awards for effectiveness in marketing communications are being held in South Africa. The inaugural programme, initially scheduled to take place in 2020 was postponed due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. 14 Apr 2021 Read more

    The 2021 Effie Awards South Africa season opens with virtual entry workshop on Tuesday, 23 February
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), is pleased to announce that the very first Effie Awards South Africa will be held in 2021 following the postponement of the inaugural programme due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. 19 Feb 2021 Read more

    The ACA unveils its new brand identity
    With a view to preparing it for a new era in the industry in South Africa, the Association for Communication and Advertising has unveiled its new logo and corporate identity. 18 Nov 2020 Read more

    Marketing degree bursary on offer from Abey Mokgwatsane
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) has a long history of providing bursaries to disadvantaged students through its APEX and Effie Bursary programmes, as well as having secured funding in 2019 toward providing 20 academic bursaries to prospective students looking to attain a qualification in copywriting. 19 Oct 2020 Read more

    Handshakes and promises - a happily ever after or a marriage made in hell
    Sharon Bergmann, financial manager at the Association for Communication and Advertising, argues that contracts are a critical part of the day-to-day operations of ad agencies. Here she unpacks the importance of contracts in multi-agency partnerships participating in the pitch process. 13 Aug 2020 Read more

    ACA launches webinar series on critical role of human capital
    As part of its #ACACaresCovid19 initiative to address various issues affecting the marketing, advertising and communications sector, the ACA will be launching a series of webinars. The series is aimed at helping the industry understand the human capital function and the myriad layers of which it is composed. 3 Aug 2020 Read more

    ACA Board of Directors and Executive for 2020/21 announced
    The new Board of Directors of the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) for the 2020/2021 fiscal were elected at the 73rd Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday, 24 June 2020. 1 Jul 2020 Read more

    Mathe Okaba, CEO of the ACA.
    The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and the Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA) have joined forces to launch an initiative designed to provide a platform for dialogue targeted at developing sustainable and effective solutions to common issues facing the creative and marketing industries alike. 14 May 2020 Read more