Nedbank Africa Regions Executive Head of Marketing Tatiana Ndlovu packs more into a single Cannes day than most people manage in a week. And we thought rosé on the terrace was exhausting. It's inspiring to see someone make the most of every opportunity this festival offers. If you've ever wondered what Cannes Lions really has to offer, this diary is for you.
Last week, South Africa’s Cannes Lions jurors made a little history. For the first time, current jurors came together with former jurors and Jury Presidents for Jury Duty, a new IDIDTHAT.co and Nedbank initiative designed to share knowledge and hard-earned lessons before they step into the world’s most influential judging rooms.
Last night, at a packed Cannes Predictions Dinner hosted by IDIDTHAT in Johannesburg, South Africa’s 2026 Cannes Contenders were revealed live to the industry. And now you can view that work right here.
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).
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.
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’s creative scene made a strong showing at this year’s One Show, bringing home two Bronze Pencils, three Silver, and 13 Merits. Congrats to the teams at Joe Public, TBWA\Hunt Lascaris, Carbon Films, Darling Films, Dash Digital, Post Modern, Sterling Sound, and newly launched agency Bananas! Here you can view all the awarded work and the brilliant talent behind it.
The One Show has revealed its 2025 finalists, and South Africa again shows up with 18 for the second year in a row. Finalists include local agencies and production companies: Joe Public, TBWA\Hunt Lascaris, Bananas, Promise, Carbon Films, and Enpower Trading. These finalists await the final Pencil decisions, which will be announced during Creative Week in New York on May 15. All finalists will win Gold, Silver, Bronze Pencils or Merits. Go team SA!
As Nedbank’s Group Executive for Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Khensani Nobanda is a firm believer in the power of well-crafted creativity. She backs ideas that are not only socially impactful but beautifully executed, like Nedbank Youth X The Class of ‘76, which won Best in Craft for Direction in IDIDTHAT’s Craft Awards last year. Here’s 5-minutes with Khensani Nobanda.
During Loeries Creative Week, Open Chair, in partnership with Nedbank, hosted a speed dating afternoon with a difference. Aptly called, “Friends in High Places,” it was held at The Cape Wheel at the Waterfront. 65 mentees had face time with 31 mentors from across the industry. The pods on the wheel served as an ideal safe space for these women to share their stories and receive guidance.