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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last week we hosted our first-ever IDIDTHAT Cannes Predictions Night, bringing together agency creatives to celebrate South Africa's work entered into Cannes 2025. It was a night full of love, laughter, wristbands and world-class craft.
The IDIDTHAT x LITTLEBIG Cannes coverage collab returns, and we couldn’t be prouder. Thanks to our partners at LITTLEBIG, we’re once again able to back South African creativity loudly and proudly. Follow us as we spotlight the work, the talent, and the gees that make our industry world-class.
As always, IDIDTHAT is bringing you the Cannes Lions action live, this year in partnership with LITTLEBIG. As of the 17th of June 2024, this page is your gateway to all things South Africa in Cannes. Right here you can check in to view South Africa’s winners and shortlists, the work, and the talented IDIDTHAT members involved in the work. We’ll be updating this page as results come in. Also, head over to our Instagram and Facebook for more coverage. Good luck and here's to championing South African creativity on a global stage. Go Saffas!
Each year we team up with a partner to bring the South African ad industry all the Cannes Lions coverage and most importantly celebrate South Africa’s creative work and strengthen our unique ad culture. As we gear up for the festival, we are excited to announce our partnership with production company, LITTLEBIG. Thanks to the team’s support IDIDTHAT is yet again able to bring home all the Cannes 2024 news. Having won Gold at Cannes themselves, LITTLEBIG understands the significance of Saffas supporting each other internationally. Thank you for joining us in championing South Africa’s creativity.
As always, IDIDTHAT is bringing you the Cannes Lions action live, this year in partnership with Howard Audio. As of the 18th of June 2023, this page is your gateway to all things South Africa in Cannes. Right here you can check in to view South Africa’s shortlists, the work and the talented IDIDTHAT members involved in the work. We’ll be updating this page as results come in. Good luck and may the France be with you!
The countdown to Cannes Lions 2023 has begun. As always IDIDTHAT will be the ultimate source of all the South African news live from Cannes. This year, IDIDTHAT has joined forces with Howard Audio led by Cannes veteran Adam Howard. Howard Audio is the perfect partner for Cannes, having previously won Gold, Silver and Bronzes at Cannes, the company understands the importance of supporting our Saffas nominated on the international stage.
Follow South Africa’s Cannes Lions Shortlists and Winners right here from the 19th of June. We’ll be updating this page as results are announced – listing all South Africa’s shortlists, showcasing the awarded work, and featuring all the IDIDTHAT members involved.
Follow South Africa's Cannes Lions Shortlists and Winners right here from the 21st of June. We’ll be updating this page as results are announced - listing all South Africa’s shortlists, showcasing the awarded work, and featuring all the IDIDTHAT members involved.
Art directors, writers, producers, filmmakers, aged 30 or younger register NOW for the Cannes Young Lions Film Competition. Brief coming in hot this Friday, 28th of February, and you'll have 48 hours to film, edit and deliver a 60-second commercial on the topic provided. Win a free trip to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and the chance to compete against other winning teams from around the world for the ultimate prestige of being crowned this year’s Young Lions! Huge thanks to South Africa's Official Cannes Lions Representatives, Ster-Kinekor Sales for making this possible *FistBump