Ster-Kinekor, the official South African representative of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, has announced the launch of the Cannes Young Lions South Africa 2026 competition in partnership with Heineken Beverages.
For emerging creatives across the country, this is more than a competition. It is a gateway to Cannes, France — and a shot at competing on the world’s most prestigious platform for creative excellence.
A Direct Path to the Global Stage
The Cannes Lions Festival sits at the heart of the initiative, offering young South Africans the opportunity to benchmark their talent against the best creative minds globally.
The Young Lions competition has long been recognised as one of the most significant opportunities for rising talent. Teams compete locally for the honour of representing South Africa at Cannes Lions 2026, where they will test their ideas under intense pressure — and in front of the global creative industry.
“At Heineken Beverages, creativity is not just a craft, it is a growth driver and a cultural force,” says Andrea Quaye, Marketing Director at Heineken Beverages. “Cannes Young Lions represents the very best of what young talent can achieve when given a platform to challenge conventions and push boundaries. We are proud to continue investing in South Africa’s creative future and enabling the next generation of industry leaders.”
Storytelling, Ideas and Industry Impact
For Ster-Kinekor, the competition aligns seamlessly with its long-standing commitment to storytelling and audience engagement.
“Ster-Kinekor has always been passionate about storytelling and the power of ideas to move audiences,” says Lynne Wylie, Chief Marketing Officer at Ster-Kinekor Theatres. “The Cannes Young Lions competition is a natural extension of this belief. We are excited once again to support young creatives as they bring fresh perspectives, bold thinking, and new energy to the table, and the industry.”
With entries now officially open, young creative professionals across South Africa are invited to register in teams of two. The competition is designed to test creative instinct, strategic thinking and the ability to deliver bold, innovative solutions under pressure — mirroring the demands of the global stage.
Who Can Enter?
Eligibility is clear:
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Participants must be born on or after 26 June 1995
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Entries must be submitted in teams of two
All registered entrants will receive the official 2026 brief on 13 March, along with detailed information on categories, judging criteria, timelines and entry mechanics.
From there, the clock starts ticking. Teams will have limited time to produce work capable of carrying them to Cannes Lions 2026 — widely regarded as the global benchmark of creative excellence.
Investing in the Creative Future
The partnership between Ster-Kinekor and Heineken Beverages underscores a shared belief: creativity fuels industries, shapes culture and drives economic growth.
By opening the doors to Cannes Lions 2026, the initiative places South Africa’s emerging talent firmly in the international spotlight — offering not just exposure, but the opportunity to redefine how South African creativity is perceived globally.
Terms and Conditions apply.
Registration & Information
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Website: cannesyounglionssouthafrica.co.za
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Terms & Conditions: https://lion.box.com/s/fqtp3bkzbraqzg7eyijdjjb776a3tjah
