IAB South Africa Assembles Dream Team for the 2025 Bookmark Awards Jury
Johannesburg, South Africa – March 2024 –The Interactive Advertising Bureau South Africa (IAB SA) is thrilled to welcome, nine Jury chairs and a full panel of judges, alongside Elizabeth Mokwena as the Jury President for the 17th annual Bookmark Awards, set to take place in August 2025.
With their expertise and sharp eye for innovation, the Jury will lead the charge in recognizing the most innovative work in the industry.
With 14 years of experience in the FMCG industry, Mokwena brings deep expertise and strategic vision to her role as Jury President. As the Home Care Executive Marketing Director for Unilever Africa, she has played a key role in adapting global brands for the African market while also bringing African brands to the world. Passionate about brand-building, she is committed to shaping the future and mentoring the next generation of African leaders.
"Digital innovation holds the power to transform industries and elevate brands to new heights. As we move into 2025, I am excited to witness how creativity continues to shape the digital landscape and drive measurable impact. The Bookmark Awards present a unique opportunity to celebrate those who are pushing boundaries, setting new standards, and building the future of marketing. I’m truly honoured to be a part of this journey and to recognize the brilliance that is defining tomorrow’s digital world,” says Mokwena.
To guide the judging panel with expertise and insight, nine industry professionals have been appointed as Jury Chairs.
Carl Willoughby, Chief Creative Officer, TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris
Deshnie Govender, Global Marketing Manager at TikTok
Insaaf Khan, Chief Growth Officer, VML South Africa
Jerusha Raath, Publisher, News24
Jeanette Grove, Director: Digital, Content & Creative, Instinctiff Partners Africa
Senzo Xulu, Head of Digital, The Odd Number
Alex Goldberg, Creative Partner, Ogilvy South Africa
Paula Hulley, Managing Director, Digitas Liquorice
Jabulani Sigege Group Executive Creative Director, Machine_
The Jury Chairs will represent diverse areas of panels and expertise, ensuring that every entry is evaluated with the highest standards of creativity, effectiveness, and technical execution. The 2025 panels include the Marketers Panel, Marketing Craft, Performance Marketing, Publishers, Social, Community & Influencer Marketing, Youth Action, Builders, Innovative Engineers, and Special Honours.
We are also in the process of selecting Learner Jurors, who will be announced in the next two weeks, underscoring the Bookmarks Awards and IAB’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of digital talent.
“Under Mokwena's leadership and with the support of the esteemed jury, the 2025 awards are poised to highlight groundbreaking work that drives digital change,” says IAB Executive Director, Chris Borain. “The Bookmark Awards have an extraordinary history, and they’ve quickly become the gold standard for digital excellence. Each year, the awards attract industry giants and the top creative minds in digital marketing. Thanks to our prestigious partners, they have evolved into the premier event to recognise groundbreaking work in the digital world. 2025 promises to be even more extraordinary, as we continue to honour and celebrate the best and brightest in digital marketing.”
View the full list of Jury Panels here.
Key Dates for the 2025 Bookmark Awards:
Standard Entry Deadline: March 31, 2025
Late Entry Period: April 1 – April 16, 2025
This year, the Bookmarks are leveling up! With refreshed categories and sharper criteria, the 2025 Bookmark Awards are set to celebrate the trailblazers shaping the future of digital. Whether you’re a creative powerhouse, pioneering publisher, or game-changing brand, there’s a category designed just for you!
Think you’ve got what it takes to stand out? Explore the full list of categories and find your perfect fit. The time to shine is NOW!
For more information about the Bookmark Awards and entry submissions, please visit thebookmarks.iabsa.net
About The IAB South Africa
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) South Africa is an independent, voluntary, non-profit association focused on growing and sustaining a vibrant and profitable digital media and marketing industry within South Africa. For more information, visit https://iabsa.net/