21 April 2026 — As the global creative industry prepares for its most influential annual gathering, South Africa is stepping firmly into the spotlight. The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has officially announced its 2026 awarding juries, and among the world’s most respected voices in marketing and creativity is a powerful contingent of South African talent.
Set to take place in Cannes from 22 to 26 June 2026, the 73rd edition of Cannes Lions will once again define the global benchmark for creativity — and this year, South Africa’s influence will be impossible to ignore.
A Global Recognition of Local Excellence
For Ster-Kinekor, the official Cannes Lions Festival representative in South Africa, the announcement signals more than participation — it marks validation.
“We are delighted with the inclusion of this prestigious list of industry heavyweights, 18 in total, as a global acknowledgement and celebration of the very high standard of local talent,” says Lynne Wylie, Chief Marketing Officer.
At the heart of Cannes Lions lies the Lions Awards, widely regarded as the most respected honours in global advertising and creativity. The integrity of these awards rests heavily on the calibre of its juries — the individuals tasked with identifying work that not only inspires, but shapes the future of the industry.
South Africa’s Creative Voices on the World Stage
This year’s jury selection reflects a broader shift within the global creative economy — one that embraces diversity, fresh perspectives, and cross-sector expertise. South Africa’s representation across multiple categories ensures that local insight will contribute directly to global standards.
Among the distinguished South African jury members are:
- Audio & Radio: Jabulani Sigege (Machine_)
- Creative Business Transformation (Jury President): Gugu Mthembu
- Creative Data: Veli Ngubane (Avatar)
- Creative Effectiveness: Mpume Ngobese (Joe Public)
- Creative Strategy: Neo Makhele (Ogilvy South Africa)
- Design: Simone Rossum (SHIFT)
- Digital Craft: Stephanie Mazingi (Havas South Africa)
- Direct: Khethiwe Makhubo (McCann Joburg)
- Entertainment Lions for Gaming: Danni Pinch (Accenture Song)
- Entertainment Lions for Music: Phiona Okumu
- Glass: The Lion for Change: Suhana Gordhan
- Industry Craft: Liana Liebenberg (Design Bridge & Partners)
- Media: Dashni Vilakazi (The MediaShop)
- Pharma: Mandi Fine
- Print & Publishing: Nkgabiseng Motau
- Social & Creator: Khangelani Dziba
- Sustainable Development Goals: Bogosi Motshegwa
- Dan Wieden Titanium: Tseliso Rangaka
This collective represents a cross-section of South Africa’s creative leadership — spanning agencies, brands, strategy, design, media, and innovation.
Setting the Global Creative Benchmark
The role of the Cannes Lions jury extends far beyond awarding trophies. It is about defining what creativity means in a rapidly evolving world — identifying work that drives business, influences culture, and creates meaningful societal change.
“The impact of the Cannes Lions Jury can’t be underestimated,” says Simon Cook, CEO of Lions. “Their time and expertise in recognising ground-breaking work sets the global creative benchmark for the year ahead and provides a view of the future shape of creativity.”
Each year, juries are carefully curated to reflect the highest standards of excellence. For 2026, that includes a deliberate effort to bring together new voices, diverse markets, and multidisciplinary expertise — ensuring the work is judged through a truly global lens.
A Moment of Influence for South Africa
For South Africa, this level of representation is more than symbolic. It is strategic.
Having local experts embedded within global judging panels ensures that African creativity is not only seen, but understood — evaluated within context, and elevated on its own terms.
It also signals a broader shift: South Africa is no longer simply participating in global creative conversations. It is helping lead them.
Creativity That Shapes the Future
As Cannes Lions 2026 approaches, one thing is certain — the decisions made in those jury rooms will ripple across the global industry, influencing campaigns, strategies, and creative direction for the year ahead.
And this year, South African voices will be part of every conversation that matters.
From Cannes to the world, the message is clear:
Local talent is not just competing.
It is defining the future of creativity.
