Machine_

The IAB South Africa Youth Action Council for 2025 has been announced, and we’re thrilled to share that our very own Keaton Wenn has been selected as a member! “I’m excited to join the IAB SA Youth Action Council for 2025,” says Keaton Wenn, Senior Account Manager. “I look forward to channelling my passion for creativity, innovation, and problem-solving to help shape the future of our ever-evolving industry.”

Machine_, part of the Publicis Groupe, delivered an exceptional performance at the Pendoring Awards, an event celebrating the originality of South African indigenous language creative content and local talent. | #bizpressoffice

“Machine demonstrated excellence across a wide spectrum of categories and channels – spanning digital publications, email, and print – serving internal communications, loyalty and rewards, and retail clients,” says Paige Dorkin, Head of Content Marketing at Machine. “With decades of experience crafting impactful content, our team is thrilled to see the depth and breadth of our work recognised.” Learn more about our South African Publication Forum wins here:

We’re closing the 2024 award season with a perfect 100% finalist conversion rate at the Pendoring Awards.   Our wins include: CRAFT GOLD: Spotify Africa: Skathi Sokubuya – Best Use of Licensed Music SILVER: Spotify Africa: Say it with Lyrics – Integrated Multimedia Campaign Spotify Africa: Skathi Sokubuya – Online Film Commercials   Jabulani Sigege, Group Executive Creative Director at Machine, captured the essence of our success: “Xa uthetha, uzibonakalisa ngolwimi lwakho lwenkobe, soze ulahleke” – when speaking using your home language, you can never go wrong. 

“This Assegai Awards win is a testament to the power of collaboration and data-driven creativity,” says Robyn Campbell, Managing Director at Machine. “We’re incredibly proud of the work we did with Sanlam to deliver a campaign that resonated with consumers and drove tangible results. This award reflects our team’s dedication to pushing boundaries and delivering impactful solutions for our clients.”

GAME-CHANGING IS WHEN CONVERSATIONS ABOUT INSIGHTS CHALLENGE OUR ASSUMPTIONS Jabu Sigege's presence on our upcoming podcast episode was a gift. Our culture chop went beyond industry trends. We explored the heart of marketing and advertising industry: 1. Success parity between network and independent agencies 2. Nurturing talent from grassroots levels 3. Purposeful marketing that resonates Jabu's passion, expertise, and willingness to share will undoubtedly inspire you !! Ekse’ danko, Jabu, for being a shining example of leadership and compassion. Stay tuned for the episode release on: youtube.com/@culturexcode Jabulani Sigege Brehndan Botha Phindile Gebe Gavin Kennedy Machine_ Publicis Groupe #CulturexCode #Podcast #PurposefulMarketing #Leadership #Inspiration #TalentDevelopment

Introducing Art & Sole - a local concept I'm incredibly proud of. Celebrating 250 years of shoemaking tradition, BIRKENSTOCK South Africa presents the Art & Sole limited edition store, a 280-square-metre space with a double-volume ceiling, located at 44 on Stanley, the heart of Johannesburg’s creative community. A tribute to 250 years of BIRKENSTOCK's orthopaedic and cultural heritage.   Art & Sole is designed as an experiential space that honours the unique history of the brand while also celebrating local artists and designers such as Mpho V. from Urban Native, Naledi Modupi, and Mandla Thabethe from Project Inflamed, giving it a distinctly South African feel. Visitors can explore the brand's history while enjoying a cup of Bean There Coffee Company and customising their BIRKs in the laser engraving area. Spearheading this project and co-creating my first retail space has been incredibly rewarding. I am grateful to the TDC&Co team for collaborating with our team on building this unique celebration store. Open from November 1st until December 16th, 2024.

Proudly clinching gold at the 2024 DMASA Assegai Awards – a testament to our fearless creativity and impactful work!

#NeverAfraid to invest in (and empower) young talent.

What a week for galvanising great STRATEGY. I had the privilege and honour to share some inspiration to Mphothe Elizabeth Mokwena's #HomecareHomies at Unilever SA on great strategy behind iconic heritage brands. The mastermind that is Nothando Vilakazi brought this together in such a perfect season of brand planning. And my gosh, sharing insights beside Nkanyezi Masango was beyond serendipitous . We often take for granted the memory structures of legacy brands we inherit, and the hidden power we can pull out to remind consumers why to choose us over and over again. And through a defined strategy anchored in distinction, nostalgia, and culture-plays, you will find the magic you need to show up in category-breaking ways. *Sometimes when resonance is the problem, the familiar is the answer.* Thank you Nothando Vilakazi, who is equally passionate about strategic creative (and always adding to my fire when we speak about advertising and marketing). The Lunch & Learn was revitalising. To more moments that move us. 👌 Machine_ Publicis Groupe Africa #StrategyWins #BuildingBrandsInCulture #FearlessMindsBorderlessIdeas #WhatCreativityCanSolve