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!

By Steph Van Niekerk | Day 4 at Cannes Lions 2025
6am. Woke up to the mysterious mouldy/musky smell of my apartment. Four days later I still marvel at how they’ve actually managed to fit a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and cupboard into 15 square meters. Le wow.
9am. The glamour quotient increases ten thousand percent as I leave my Le Petit Mistake and am greeted by another glorious day in Cannes. Walk to the Palais. 3000 steps.
10am. David Droga talk. Probably in my Top 3 this year. He talks about care, and how all his success can be ascribed to caring. Caring about the work, caring about the people. Caring is an act of resistance against mediocrity. He mentions his people by name as we watch his impressive reel of award winning work. I love that. I spill water all down my front. Might have to stay in Debussy forever.
12:00 Brief interlude with a baguette.
2pm Shondaland. Wow wow wow! What a wonderful woman. She’s so real and humble and grounded. She says that her philosophy is to let the people she hired to do a job, do their jobs. Preach. Trying to control everything is arrogance. Fun fact. One of the most successful TV writers started as a receptionist at an ad agency.
5pm. Julie does a stellar job herding all  the cats for the annual South African photo.
6pm. Having a moment. Something so powerful happened in my heart this week. The most valuable thing I’m taking home didn’t come from on a screen in an auditorium it was the realization that what I love most about this industry are the friends I’ve made along the way. South Africa might not have the budgets, we might not have the scale  but my God we have the people. I love the vibe, the energy and the incredible kindness this Cannes brought out in us. If we can bottle it and hang onto it we’ll be unstoppable. I know this. The expats all agree. Nowhere in the world will you find people like South Africans. I’m so proud to be one. I love everyone and no I haven’t even had a drink 😂🥹

7pm. How did I do 18 000 steps today???

9pm. It’s not dinner, it’s ballet darling. A great night with my TBWA fam and Andrea.
1am. Walk home. 25000 steps.
A very good day.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES LIONS 2025 NEWS

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 5 by Pete Case

June 21st, 2025|

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

June 21st, 2025|

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

June 21st, 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.

SOUTH AFRICA AT CANNES: Day 4 by Gillian Rightford

June 20th, 2025|

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

June 20th, 2025|

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

June 19th, 2025|

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.