Boss of chicken fast-food brand flies high as SA’s Marketer of the Year

The Awards honour those individuals and marketing teams who have made significant contributions to the marketing industry in the country.

Chicken Licken is a popular local fast-food brand. Under Sombonos–Van Tonder’s tenure, the brand has garnered multiple accolades, including 133 Loeries and seven consecutive ‘Brand of the Year’ awards.

This is alongside eight D&AD Pencils and a Bronze Cannes Lion. In 2020, Sombonos–Van Tonder won the prestigious Loeries Marketing Leadership and Innovation award.

Pat Mahlangu won the Emerging Marketer of the Year accolade. Mahlangu is a marketing media entrepreneur with over 12 years of experience. In 2020, he launched Lerato Agency, serving both local and international brands. His commitment to inspiring young people led to the creation of the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, celebrating youth excellence in brand building. 

Dhashika Ramgolam was named Marketing Student of the Year. Ramgolam is a digital marketing manager with 15 years’ experience. She is an academic achiever who consistently excels, currently pursuing her honours degree while managing a full-time role as a digital marketing manager.

The Albany Bread Brand Team from Tiger Brands won Corporate Marketing Team of the Year. Albany is woven into the fabric of South African culture, and its brand team is passionate about preserving this legacy while meeting the evolving needs and preferences of South African consumers.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Brand Pretorius, an iconic motor industry marketer for Toyota, who also went on to take the helm at McCarthy Motor Holdings, skilfully rescuing the company from financial distress and saving thousands of jobs. His journey has been characterised by unwavering integrity and a commitment to literacy through initiatives like the Rally to Read.

Angela Bruwer, Academic Head of the IMM Graduate School and also a judge, congratulated each of the deserved winners, noting the decisions had been tough choices. She observed that classic marketing strategies are no longer enough to move businesses forward, which was the theme of the conference.

Conference ventures into the AI realm

The 2023 IMM Marketing Conference, held at the IMM Graduate School in Parktown Johannesburg on 8/9 November 2023, this year ventured into the realm of AI, exploring its potential in marketing. 

It also delved into the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, redefining its impact. Delegates were given hands-on tips on how to navigate the intricacies of user-generated content – striking a balance between its vibrant energy and potential risks.

Attendees enjoyed an array of practical case studies, panel sessions, and insights from international and local industry giants as they shared what it means to be a marketer in 2023.

A highlight of the conference was a Brand SA session looking at ways to position the South African brand. It commenced with the keynote presentation titled ‘Creating a Compelling Brand Story for South Africa: Unleashing its Global Appeal’, followed by a review of global trends and innovations in destination marketing, and a panel discussion.