The South African landscape of creativity is one that can best be described as a melting pot bubbling over with ideas and insights unique to our heritage, our experiences and our potential, says the agency.

It adds that the country is naturally a hub filled with opportunity but in reality, these opportunities do not always trickle through the cracks of bureaucracy and status quo — a challenge that has remained constant for years.

This was something the founding members sought to address in a real way when Just Exists was born, says the agency. 

The creatives indicate that they are "go-getters [who] are unapologetically pushing the passion that drives them and plan to shake things up in a positive way for Africans at large".

The leadership of the agency includes: 
  • Nomkhosi Mkhalipi
  • Ashley 'Shimza' Raphala
  • Hoosain Van Roos, and
  • Malenah Bapela.
The collective has experience with a sizeable number of collaborations with global brands and are committed to breathing new life in the creative marketing space in a way that tells authentic stories through uniquely African eyes.

The agency's mission is to showcase local talents and bridge the gap between disenfranchised youth creatives and corporates — making a tangible impact in their potential career paths and creating memorable work in the process.

"We exist in order to enrich, build and collaborate with brands through strategies that define the now and shape the future, by telling genuine African stories. We do this by partnering with creatives from townships and empowering them to showcase their work," says Raphala.

"[This is] something that, if done, is not done enough. We want to change that," adds Raphala.

"Brands need to do more than just exist. Our aim is to weave brands into the daily lives of the consumers by creating and telling brand stories that pull at their heartstrings and create memory structures for many years to come," says Mkhalipi.

Mkhalipi has over a decade of experience within agencies, working on a variety of sectors and portfolios for global and local brands in:
  • Telecommunications
  • FMCG
  • Banking
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Services, and
  • Technology.
Just Exists is currently managing Friday's Restaurant, One Man Show, Lebowa and Hollywood Bets CSI.

For more information, visit www.justexists.com. You can also follow Just Exists on Twitter or on Instagram.