The event was hosted by Effie South Africa and The Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), which is the organiser of the Effie programme in South Africa.

Effie Awards finalists earn points toward the global Effie Index and attaining finalist status ensures that agency and client partnerships are globally recognised for having implemented campaigns that delivered against business objectives.

In 2022, finalists got to take home 'the metal' with the introduction of the Effie Finalist Trophy, a welcome addition to any agency or client's brag bag.

The finalist party, complete with incredible views over the Johannesburg skyline, was preceded by the Effie Summit at which 2022's keynote was delivered by Google's country director for South Africa Alistair Mokoena.

The address provided highly informative insights into using effective marketing to drive shared inclusive sustainable growth in organisations. The keynote focused on the importance of how Sustainable Development Goals and the 3Ps (People, Planet and Profit) should inform everything we do as an industry.

"The Effie Summit proved to be the ideal precursor to the finalists' announcement as Alistair, a highly respected business leader within the agency world and beyond, captivated the attendees with his take on effectiveness and 'the bigger picture'. And then it was time to celebrate like only our industry can, with DJs, music, great food and incredible views," says Mathe Okaba, ACA CEO.

Okaba adds, "And importantly, recognising that having earned a 'finalist nod' in an Effie Programme is irrefutable proof of the relevance and effectiveness of the work we deliver as an industry."

In 2022, a total of 85 entries across 42 categories were adjudicated by a jury representing the marketing, communications and advertising sector and drawn from a variety of disciplines including:
  • strategy
  • digital
  • creative
  • research
  • media, and
  • marketing.

The jury was tasked with Awarding Ideas that Work®, with finalists competing for an Effie Award. Winners of the 2022 programme will be announced at the Effie Awards Gala event to be held on Thursday, 27 October.

Jury chair Mpume Ngobese says that the continued desire and willingness to participate in the Effie Awards, backed by a superb quality of entries, is indeed proof that the marketing and communications industry should be taken seriously for its ability to contribute to brand success.

"If 2021 was considered a learning curve, the excellence reflected in the 2022 entries is something worth noting. The jury had their work cut out for them as they read through, unpacked and debated each effective entry in detail. We look forward to announcing this year’s most effective campaigns and to celebrating the 2022 Effie Awards winners in October," concludes Ngobese.

The 2022 Effie Awards finalists are: 


Tickets for the Effie Awards Gala are exclusively available for purchase online here. 

The Effie Awards South Africa is organised by the ACA with sponsors:

For more information, visit www.effieawards.co.za. You can also follow the Effie Awards South Africa on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.