LOYALTY PROGRAMMES

SA loyalty sector shines at International Loyalty Awards in Dubai

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2024

Eight awards and six out of 24 categories won by South African loyalty programmes on glittering night for the global industry.

South Africa’s loyalty sector triumphed at the International Loyalty Awards in Dubai on Wednesday (24 April 2024) for the second year running.

 

A total of eight awards were successfully secured by SA brands, while six out of 24 categories were won by SA loyalty programmes.

 

The International Loyalty Awards were established 12 years ago and bring together leaders in loyalty from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Americas to celebrate innovation and creativity in the sector.

 

TFG Rewards, the loyalty programme of The Foschini Group (TFG Africa), won two awards – for ‘Loyalty Redefined’ and ‘Best Use of Technology’.

Xtra Savings, the loyalty offering of grocery retailer The Shoprite Group, also received two awards. These were for ‘Best Regional Loyalty Programme in Africa’ and ‘Best Loyalty Initiative’ for its Xtra Savings Plus programme.

CAPTION + PHOTO CREDIT:

Amanda Cromhout (left) presents the ‘International Loyalty Personality of the Year 2024’ to Zsuzsa Kecsmar. Photo: Supplied

First National Bank’s eBucks, and African Bank Audacious Rewards, both received one accolade – for ‘Best Loyalty Programme in Financial Services’ and ‘Best Short-Term Initiative’, respectively.

 

Two South Africans make prestigious list

 

There were two South African individuals recognised for their contribution to loyalty by inclusion in a global list known as ‘30 under 40’. They are Ros Netto from fitness brand Virgin Active and Carla Cloete from Old Mutual Rewards. Old Mutual is an insurance and financial services brand.

 

This follows last year’s individual recognition awarded to Amanda Cromhout, CEO of Truth, the SA-based loyalty specialist consultancy, as ‘International Loyalty Personality of the Year 2023’.

 

Cromhout was on stage in Dubai to hand over the same award to the 2024 winner, Zsuzsa Kecsmar, Founder of Antavo Loyalty Cloud, a global, remote-first technology company.

 

Commented Kromhout: “Tonight, South African loyalty brands led the global landscape of loyalty excellence. We can stand proud as our industry receives powerful recognition at the most prestigious loyalty awards globally.”

 

The International Loyalty Awards followed a two-day Loyalty Global Connect conference, during which loyalty leaders from around the world shared insights with their peers.

 

African-based loyalty professionals who made keynote presentations included Amanda Cromhout (Truth), Fionna Ronnie (TFG), Dr Nceba Hene (African Bank), Bathandwa Mbovane (FNB) and Mateboho Malope (Vodacom).

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.