13 Effie finalists across 7 clients: Joe Public’s work that worked

Living up to their name, Effie is the globally recognised benchmark for effectiveness. According to the Effie Awards South Africa: “Reaching finalist status is already a significant achievement, recognising work that has demonstrated potential to meet Effie’s rigorous standard for effectiveness through clear objectives, strategic thinking, creativity and measurable results.”

Adds Laurent Marty, group strategy director: “Effies are demanding because they evaluate the whole journey – the challenge, the insight, the strategy, the creative idea and, ultimately, whether it made a meaningful difference to the business. That’s what makes finalist status so rewarding.”

Mpume Ngobese, managing director, goes further: “We’ve always believed that creativity has to do more than get attention – it has to move a business forward. To see 13 finalists across seven clients, in a year when entries were up 29%, is incredibly encouraging. It speaks to the trust our clients place in us and to the power of growth through creativity.”

Effie finalists all earn points towards the global Effie Index, which means recognition beyond Effie South Africa. They now progress to Round 2 of judging, where Bronze, Silver, Gold and Grand Effie Awards will be decided. Winners will be announced on 20 October at the 2026 Effie Awards South Africa Gala.

For Joe Public, the shortlist is a reminder that creativity matters most when it makes a measurable difference.