WISH I IDID THAT: May / June / July / August 2025

We all know the feeling when a piece of work drops and you think, “Damn, I wish I did that.” Instead of pretending we’re above it, we decided to lean in and turn those envy tingles into something worth celebrating. So we gathered some of South Africa’s sharpest creative minds, handed them some of the best work agencies have released over the last few months, and asked them to pick the pieces they wish they did. Here’s to giving credit where it’s due and maybe inspiring a little healthy jealousy along the way.

[PODCAST] Bigger, Better, Awarded: How to build case studies that actually win. With Fran Luckin, Khensani Nobanda, Kabelo Moshapalo and Xolisa Dyeshana

When four South African respected jury presidents sit down together, you listen. Between them, they’ve presided over Cannes Lions, Loeries, Dubai Lynx, and the IAB Bookmark Awards - shaping what the world calls “award-winning work.” At this year’s IDIDTHAT HOUSE, inside the Nedbank Loft at Loeries Fringe 2025, this powerhouse panel brought together Fran Luckin (CCO, VML South Africa), Khensani Nobanda (Group Executive: Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Nedbank Group), Kabelo Moshapalo (CCO, Ogilvy), and Xolisa Dyeshana (CCO, Joe Public).

[PODCAST] Future Proof: what will a winning production company look like in the age of AI? With Jarred Cinman, Alexa Wilson, Stuart Stobbs, and Shane Jacobs

Budgets are shrinking. Deadlines are gasping for air. And AI? It’s not knocking on production’s door, it’s already moved in, rearranged the furniture, and started editing the showreel. At this year’s IDIDTHAT HOUSE (Loeries Fringe), inside the Nedbank Loft, we hosted Future Proof: a brutally honest panel asking the question everyone in production is quietly panicking about. What will it take for a South African production company to still exist, and thrive, in 2027?

[PODCAST] The Great Debate: To in-house or not to in-house production with Colin Howard, Kathi Jones, Peter Little and Monareng Makwetla

When agencies start building their own production arms (think Prodigious, Hogarth and beyond) it raises the question everyone in the industry’s been whispering: what happens to South Africa’s independent production companies? Are in-house models the sleek, efficient future of advertising… or are they quietly dismantling the craft that made our work world-class?

[PODCAST] Client Hot Seat: How marketers really assess creative, briefs and production partners with Bridget Harpur, Grant Macpherson, Tebogo Motsepe and Star Kachisa

Ever wondered what really happens when your script lands in a marketer’s inbox? What makes them sit up, what makes them stall, and what sends your big idea straight to the bin? At this year’s IDIDTHAT HOUSE, inside the Nedbank Loft at Loeries Fringe 2025, we flipped the script and put the marketers in the hot seat. Moderated and joined by Tebogo Motsepe (Executive Head: Marketing Strategy, Nedbank), the panel pulled zero punches as Grant Macpherson (CMO, KFC South Africa), Bridget Harpur (Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Group Africa), and Star Kachisa (Head of Marketing, Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa) revealed how ideas really get judged behind closed doors.

IDIDTHAT HOUSE 2025 Gallery, Loeries Fringe Day 2

(See all this pics) Day 2, 10 October, IDIDTHAT HOUSE was back in full swing. We kicked things off with brekkie rolls, Bloody Marys, and coffee strong enough to power another round of inspiring panel chats, with POPCO keeping everyone cool in between. Then came the IDIDTHAT HOUSE Party. An exclusive party for those who got the nod from our incredible production partners, and wow, did you show up. Massive love to everyone who joined us, laughed with us, and made it one for the books. We had the absolute best time with you.

2025-10-14T15:35:18+02:00October 14th, 2025|Categories: Editorial, Loeries|Tags: |

IDIDTHAT HOUSE 2025 Gallery, Loeries Fringe Day 1

(See all the pics) Day 1 at IDIDTHAT HOUSE was everything we dreamed of, old friends, new faces, industry-shaping panel chats, and big laughs. This is why we love this industry. Thank you to all our Brand Partners, Production Partners and guests for making this Loeries Fringe such a success. See you next year!

2025-10-14T10:10:06+02:00October 13th, 2025|Categories: Editorial, Loeries|Tags: |

Cannes Lions 2025 wrap-up, the South African winners and the work

Yes, we know Cannes is over… but we’re not quite done talking about it. Here’s your full roundup of the week: the complete winners table, the work, and the companies that brought it home. You’ve inspired us all and reminded the world (and ourselves) what South Africans are capable of.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 5 by Pete Case

As the curtains close on Cannes Lions 2025, Pete Case, CEO and Creative Chairman of Ogilvy South Africa, shares a final day full of reflection. From his time judging Creative Strategy to stepping on stage for Titanium, Pete wraps the week with insights on the power of creativity, a toast to South Africa’s wins, and a reminder that what we do, and who we do it with, really matters.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 5 by Carl Willoughby

Okay, so Carl Willoughby may have technically written about more than just Day 5, but when the reflections hit this deep, we’ll allow it. As CCO of TBWA\Hunt Lascaris South Africa, Chairman of the Creative Circle and a first-time Cannes juror, Carl captures the full emotional arc of the festival: from intense jury rooms to late-night inspiration, powerful panels, and South African pride - all wrapped in the beautiful messiness of being human in this industry.

Live Updates: South Africa’s Winners & Shortlists at Cannes 2025

Cannes Lions 2025 is a wrap and what a special year it was for South Africa. This page has been your live hub for everything SA at Cannes, proudly in partnership with LITTLEBIG. From shortlist excitement to big-stage wins, this year SA did us proud! The work, the energy, the people (especially the people!)… South Africa showed up with heart and an undeniable presence. Scroll back to relive the magic, and thank you to everyone who flew the flag loudly and proudly on the global stage.

2025-06-27T10:16:16+02:00June 21st, 2025|Categories: Cannes Lions, Cannes Lions 2025, Editorial|Tags: , |

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 4 by Gillian Rightford

Through quick quips, overheard truths, and notes from boardroom meetings, Gillian Rightford captures the contradictions of Cannes like only she can. As Executive Director of the ACA - now Africa’s first member of VoxComm, the global body of advertising associations - and a newly appointed member of the Effie Global Council, Gillian’s Day 4 reflections remind us that the business of creativity is as complex, messy, and fun as ever.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 4 by Steph van Niekerk

It’s Day 4, and Steph van Niekerk is serving 25,000 steps. As Executive Creative Director at TBWA\ Hunt Lascaris, Steph reflects on what really matters at Cannes: from Droga’s wisdom to Shonda’s brilliance, to the pride she feels for her fellow South Africans. Spoiler: she loves us, and boy, do we love her!

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 3 by Andrea Quaye

From paying her own way to Cannes to now judging one of the festival’s most prestigious categories, Andrea Quaye, Marketing Director at Heineken Beverages, brings a sharp perspective and love for the craft. On Day 3, she takes us inside her more intentional approach to the week filled with meaningful connections and a reminder that, yes, Club Duvet by 10pm is a real Cannes flex.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 3 by Mpume Ngobese

Today’s diary comes from Mpume Ngobese, Co-Managing Director of Joe Public and proud first-time Cannes attendee. Wide-eyed, curious, and taking notes like a pro, Mpume shares her Day 3 highlights, and it’s a fresh, fired-up take from someone soaking up every moment of the festival. Cannes virgin no more!

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 2 by Koketso Masisi

For Day 2, we hear from Koketso Masisi, Creative Director at Retroviral, whose reflections cut through the noise with warmth and insight. From the power of women-led innovation and standout Outdoor Lions work, to meaningful moments with fellow South Africans, Koketso captures the rhythm of Cannes with a clear reminder to stay grounded, stay curious, and show up with intention.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 2 by Koo Govender

Day 2 of Cannes Lions and we soak in the elegance of Cannes through the eyes of Koo Govender. From early morning rituals on a quiet beach to fine dining at JAN in Nice, the CEO of Publicis Groupe Africa gives us a grounded, generous look behind the Cannes rush.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 1 by Khensani Nobanda

Every day this week, we’ve asked one or two brilliant South Africans at Cannes to report back from the frontlines of Cannes Lions. First up, it's Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, who’s kicking off our coverage with a high-energy run and some even higher creative takeouts.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 1 by Mike Abel

Every day this week, we’re handing the mic to a different South African at Cannes Lions 2025. We’ve asked them to capture one day, however they experienced it, in their own words. First up is Day 1 with none other than Mike Abel, Founder & Executive Chairman M&C Saatchi Abel & Group SA, here to give us a taste of his first day of Cannes, South African style.