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The AdFocus Awards 2021 winners. Picture: Supplied
The AdFocus Awards 2021 winners. Picture: Supplied

Joe Public United Johannesburg was named the Overall Agency of the Year at the 2021 FM AdFocus Awards.

Since the inception of the FM AdFocus Awards in 1990, the platform has been the leading forum for individuals and agencies to be recognised not only for their creative marketing skills but for their overall business acumen. The awards have grown to become a landmark on the SA marketing and communications landscape, with business effectiveness being the primary measurement tool.

FM AdFocus Jury chair Tumi Rabanye says: “This year’s winners are testament to the hard work and dedication the marketing and communications industry continues to display towards clients and brands at a time when businesses need people with dynamic, can-do attitudes in what has been a challenging period for everyone. The innovation that has been displayed by agencies and marketers, and the collaborations they have forged, show us how resilient and determined the industry is – it’s an industry of game-changers.”

This year’s winners are:

  • Small Advertising Agency of the Year – Special Mention – Avatar Durban
  • Medium Advertising Agency of the Year – Grey
  • Large Advertising Agency of the Year – Joe Public United Johannesburg
  • Public Relations Agency of the Year – Razor Communications
  • Specialist Agency of the Year – Triple Eight
  • Digital Agency of the Year – Rogerwilco
  • Media Agency of the Year – Mediology
  • Partnership of the Year (sponsored by IAS and Scopen) – Joe Public United Johannesburg / Chicken Licken
  • African Impact Award – Dentsu International
  • Transformation Award – Joe Public United                          
  • Adaptability Award – Levergy
  • Student of the Year

Winner – Niamh Aremband

Finalist – Janine Louw

Finalist – Zahra Khan

Lifetime Achievement Award – Thebe Ikalafeng

Industry Leader of the Year – Khensani Nobanda

Shapeshifter – Tshepo Tumahole

Overall Agency of the Year – Joe Public United Johannesburg

The winner of the Best Tactical Print Ad title, part of the annual FM Creative Challenge, was the Abnormal Group, for its client PinkDrive’s breast cancer awareness ad.

The organisers would like to acknowledge the support of Ornico and The MediaShop as partners of the 2021 FM AdFocus Awards.

The big take-out:

‘This year’s FM AdFocus winners are testament to the hard work and dedication the marketing and communications industry continues to display towards clients and brands at a time when businesses need people with dynamic, can-do attitudes in what has been a challenging period for everyone.’

Watch the full AdFocus Awards 2021 below:

In this age of ever-changing landscapes and shifting horizons, the brand and communication industry needs a new rule book, a new focus on demonstrable value and a new breed of game changers to deliver business results with flair, guts and unrivalled creativity. Join us at the AdFocus Awards as we celebrate these pioneers and reward our industry’s game changers. #SouthAfrica #OnlineEvents #Advertising #FinancialMail

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