Effie SA's new committee leadership for 2027 announced

Effie South Africa's incoming committee leadership and jury co-chairs for the 2027 programme have been announced, with Refilwe Maluleke, executive head of marketing for Discovery Health, taking over as Effie South Africa Committee chair, succeeding Anwar Jappie, whose tenure concludes with the 2026 programme.

21 Oct 2026

Refilwe Maluleke, executive head of marketing for Discovery Health, is the Effie South Africa Committee chair for the 2027 programme (Image supplied)

Ogilvy South Africa's chief strategy officer, Neo Makhele, is the deputy chiar.

New co-jury chairs

The incoming Effie jury co-chairs are Fran Luckin, co-chief creative officer of Boundless, and Mandisa Theko-Khitsane, marketing executive at Sanlam Retail Mass.

“We thank Anwar for his leadership and commitment to Effie South Africa throughout his tenure as chair, and Refilwe Maluleke and Ahmed Tilly for their dedication and rigorous oversight as jury co-chairs over the past two years," says Gillian Rightford, ACA Executive Director for Effie South Africa.

"As we welcome Refilwe, Neo, Fran and Mandisa into their new roles, we look forward to the experience, perspective and care they will bring to the programme.

"Their collective leadership will help us build on its success, uphold the professionalism and rigour of our judging process, and ensure that strong jury oversight continues to underpin every Effie awarded."

The programme has commenced following the awards ceremony held last night, 20 October 2026.