Bridget Harpur, head of marketing: Volkswagen South Africa was named Marketer of the Year.

“To receive this award in the presence of the best strategic and creative minds from the continent and the Middle East is honestly very humbling,” she said on receiving the award.

She added that everyone in this room has chosen a career that they believe can bring positive change.

“What we do is not just about driving sales and growing brands, but it is about highlighting burning issues, sparking conversations, shaping culture, and creating opportunities for people to think differently.

“We can pave the way for societal change, which is huge, we reflect diversity, challenge stereotypes and package new perspectives. We show the world not what it is but what it could be,” she said.

Friendship and support

Paying homage to the evening’s winners she said, “To end up on this screen does not only take innovation and creativity, but it requires massive personal sacrifice and dedication, and I congratulate all of the winners tonight whose brilliant ideas and craft are up here in light.

“Enjoy the recognition, success and champagne, and come back next year even hungrier to make an impact.”

She also thanked her team, saying this is not a solo effort. “To my team and my agencies, which I see as an extension of the Volkswagen team, thank you for bringing your unbelievable talent your excellence, your fire and your passion every day, but also for your friendship and your support.”

Grand Prix

Two Grand Prix were awarded.

In the Brand Identity & Collateral Design – Digital branding category Dash Digital Studio won for the brand Enpower Trading for the campaign Putting The Power In Your Hands.

In the Print – Indoor Posters category Leo Burnett Dubai won for the brand NBA for the campaign The Great Indian Dunk.

All the winners

Tables: Andre Rademan
Additional reporting: Danette Breitenbach