The university says that the MACE Excellence Awards take place annually to recognise and celebrate excellence and the achievements of specialists and practitioners in marketing, advancement and communication in South Africa's higher education sector. Competing alongside South Africa's top universities and higher education institutions, the DIA showcased creativity and innovation in alumni relations, fundraising, marketing and communications.

One of the DIA's most notable achievements was winning a Platinum Award for its ground-breaking work on Re.Search Magazine 9: What If? Edition in the Digital: External Magazines and Newsletters category, the university says. 
 
"This edition focused on emerging research that, while still in its early stages, holds great potential for the future," adds Re.Search Editor, Shakira Hoosain. "We approached it differently, framing each article around the question, 'What if?' — a fresh perspective that challenged our readers to consider what could be possible." 
 
The DIA team also earned a Gold Award for the 'ChooseUP Day' direct campaign. This annual campaign, which kicks off the year, is designed to inspire prospective students from South Africa and around the world to follow in the footsteps of accomplished professionals, entrepreneurs and pioneers by enrolling at UP, says the university. 
 
"Congratulations to the team on this incredible achievement," concludes Rikus Delport, DIA Director. "Your dedication and creativity have truly paid off. This recognition reflects the exceptional work you do. I've watched you tirelessly create UP's best student recruitment campaign, communicate our growing academic excellence, secure vital funds for student financial aid and elevate our Postgraduate website and graduation ceremonies. Well done." 

The team also received the following awards:  

  • Gold: Re.search 8 in Design for Digital Channels
  • Gold: 'This is How we Make Today Matter' in the Media category
  • Gold: 'UP Gets h'Appy' in the Mobile Apps category
  • Gold: Postgraduate website
  • Gold: Re.search 8: Connect in the Printed Eternal Magazines and Newsletters category
  • Gold: 'Choose UP Day' direct campaign
  • Silver: 'Choose UP Day' video invitation
  • Silver: Re.Search 9: What If? in the Writing for Features category
  • Silver: UP Discovers Nine New Species of Trap Door Spiders
  • Silver: UP Researchers Discover Superpowers in Mole Rats
  • Silver: Re.search 8: Connect in the Design for Printed Channels category
  • Silver: UP Gets '#Ready4Work'
  • Bronze: Hello World: UP Country-specific information leaflets
  • Bronze: Postgraduate news
  • Bronze: '67 VW Beetle Raffle video
  • Bronze: UP Emergency booklet
  • Bronze: 'Choose UP Day' photography
  • Bronze: Lead UP Podcast Season 4
  • Bronze: Community Matters digital newsletter
  • Bronze: Re.Search 8: Connect, and
  • Bronze: '#UPGraduationIsCalling'
  • Bronze: 'Choose UP Postgraduate' on campus campaign.

For more information, visit www.up.ac.za. You can also follow the University of Pretoria on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor