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IMM Institute Excellence awards

The IMM Institute, through the Excellence Awards, recognises contributions to the industry by bold brands and individuals who displayed thought leadership and commitment to excellence in the arts of marketing and supply chain.

Nominate bold brands and visionary individuals who demonstrated leadership and excellence in 2025!

Three finalists will be selected for each category, and the winner will be announced at the IMM Institute Excellence Awards Dinner on 6 March 2026.

The Excellence Awards is not just a celebration, it’s a moment of inspiration, learning, and growth. This year, we are proud to welcome Pat Mahlangu, an award-winning marketer, media entrepreneur, and industry leader, as our keynote speaker.

IMM Institute Excellence awards

The IMM Institute, through the Excellence Awards, recognises contributions to the industry by bold brands and individuals who displayed thought leadership and commitment to excellence in the arts of marketing, supply chain, and business.

Nominate bold brands and visionary individuals who demonstrated leadership and excellence in 2025!

Three finalists will be selected for each category and the winner will be announced at the IMM Institute Excellence Awards Dinner 2026.

 

6 March | Johannesburg

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights from one of South Africa’s most influential marketing minds, who brings:

Expert Industry Insights

With 12+ years of experience in marketing and media, Pat will share powerful strategies for brand growth, PR, and digital excellence.

Youth Empowerment & Industry Leadership

With 12+ years of experience in marketing and media, Pat will share powerful strategies for brand growth, PR, and digital excellence.

Entrepreneurial Success & Innovation

Founder of leading PR and digital creative agency helping businesses build lasting brand connections.

Academic & Thought Leadership

A former lecturer at UJ and Boston Media House and co-author of The Book Every Marketer Should Most Definitely Read, Pat brings cutting-edge knowledge and practical insights.

Award-Winning Recognition

Recognised as the IMM Institute’s 2003 Emerging Marketer of the Year and one of Sunday World’s Unsung Heroes in Entrepreneurship, Pat’s journey is one of impact, resilience, and success.

6 March 2026, Johannesburg

THE EXCELLENCE Awards Judges

Thobekile Nxumalo

Head of Supply Chain at Iqbusiness
A seasoned professional with exceptional expertise in shaping national supply chain strategies and conducting operational readiness assessments.
Read Bio

Ronald Mlalazi

Managing Director at Commerce Edge
An accomplished procurement professional who has attained the prestigious Fellow status at the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
Read Bio

Ronald Muringai

Head Lecturer of Supply Chain Management at IMM Graduate School
A seasoned international manager with over 15 years of experience in FMCG, key account management, corporate sales and academia.
Read Bio

Lethabo Sekhu

Co-founder and COO at Credipple
An experienced architect with a strong background in the marketing and advertising industry, Lethabo is a professional in guiding projects from conceptualisation to execution and post-production.
Read Bio

Brad Watridge

Senior Partner, Marketing & Sales Strategist at Hot Mustard Africa
Brad Watridge is a published co-author and senior partner in a group of companies, passionate about exploring success stories across Southern Africa, supporting SMMEs, and blending strategic creativity with integrity to drive business and personal growth
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Pat Mahlangu

Founder and CEO at Lerato Agency
Pat Mahlangu is an award-winning marketing and media entrepreneur, and the founder of Pat on Brands, a digital platform at the forefront of brand insights.
Read Bio

Mpumi Zondi

Head of Brand Africa & Global Client Lead at Edelman
Mpumi's hands-on experience includes co-founding Dona Communications and partnering in a digital and design start-up, giving him a deep understanding of brand strategy, innovation, and market influence.
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Phumelele Zulu

Marketing Director at RS for South and Sub-Saharan Africa
Phumelele Zulu is a strategic marketing leader and RS South Africa’s Marketing Director, driving innovation and growth across Sub-Saharan Africa. She is passionate about diversity, mentorship, and industry transformation.
Read Bio

Nominations are Open!

Submit Your Nomination
View Awards 2026 Brochure

Award Nomination deadline: 16 January 2026

Award Nomination deadline:
16 January 2026

Marketing Excellence Awards

Marketing
Excellence Awards

Marketing Student
of the Year

Acknowledging the outstanding achievements of marketing students who are the future of our industry.

See Criteria

Emerging Marketer
of the Year

Recognising the rising star in marketing who has shown exceptional promise and potential.

See Criteria

Marketer
of the Year

Celebrating the individual marketer who has demonstrated excellence in their field.

See Criteria

Corporate Marketing Team of the Year

Honouring the collaborative efforts of a high-performing marketing team within a corporation.

See Criteria

Lifetime Achievement
MArketing Award

Celebrating a seasoned professional's lifelong contribution to the marketing industry.

Winner will be announced
at the Awards

See Criteria

Supply Chain Excellence Awards

Supply Chain
Excellence Awards

Supply Chain Student
of the Year

Acknowledging the outstanding achievements of supply chain students who are the future of our industry.

See Criteria

Supply Chain Professional
of the Year

Celebrating the individual who has demonstrated excellence in the supply chain industry.

See Criteria

Corporate Supply Chain Team of the Year

Honouring the collaborative efforts of a high-performing supply chain team within a corporation.

See Criteria

Lifetime Achievement
Supply Chain Award

Celebrating a seasoned professional's lifelong contribution to the supply chain industry.

See Criteria

Emerging
Supply Chain Practicioner Award

Celebrates an early-career professional showing outstanding potential, innovation, and leadership in advancing modern, ethical, and efficient supply chain practice.

See Criteria

Business Excellence Awards

Business
Excellence Awards

Entrepreneur
of the Year

Celebrating the individual who has demonstrated entrepreneurial excellence in the business world.

See Criteria

Sustainability Impact
Award

Honours individuals, teams, or organisations that embed sustainability and social responsibility into their marketing or supply chain practices, creating meaningful and measurable ESG impact.

See Criteria

Best Integrated Marketing & Supply Chain Initiative
of the Year

Recognises exceptional collaboration between marketing and supply chain functions that delivers measurable business results through innovative, cross-functional strategy and execution.

See Criteria
View Awards 2026 Brochure
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See 2025 Finalists
2025 Awards Gallery

Thobekile Nxumalo's Bio

Thobekile Nxumalo is a seasoned supply chain professional with over a decade of experience in driving impactful projects across diverse industries. Currently leading key initiatives at a management consulting firm, she began her career as a solution analyst, collaborating with supply chain and design teams to develop innovative solutions. Her expertise spans regional logistics, warehouse optimization, and integrated supply chain strategies, with a strong focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

As a technical advisor on national supply chain strategies, Thobekile has played a pivotal role in transformative projects, particularly within the public healthcare sector. Her contributions extend across Africa, where she has led strategic initiatives that deliver measurable value. With a deep commitment to excellence and a talent for navigating complex challenges, she brings a wealth of knowledge and industry insight to the IMM Institute Excellence Awards judging panel.

See LinkedIn Profile

Ronald Mlalazi's Bio

As an accomplished procurement professional, Ronald holds an MBA from Mancosa and a Master’s degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management from South Wales University (UK). With a career dedicated to advancing the field of procurement, Ronald has served as the CIPS Congress Representative for Africa for six years, actively contributing to the professional development of procurement practitioners across the continent.

His impact extends beyond professional organisations, as he has significantly contributed to academic and industry advancements. He has also developed curriculum frameworks for leading institutions like the Da Vinci Institute and Stellenbosch Business School, shaping the next generation of procurement leaders.

Ronald’s expertise is highly sought by government entities, where he has presented on key industry topics to senior officials, emphasising the strategic importance of supply chain management in economic development.

See LinkedIn Profile

Ronald Muringai's Bio

A seasoned international manager with 15+ years of experience in FMCG, key account management, corporate sales and academia. Ronald has vast experience in supply chain, procurement, logistics, change management and programme management. He brings with him a proven track record for enhancing business processes, increasing revenue performance and maximising shareholder value.

Specialities: Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Development, Business Optimisation, Cost Control, and Performance Management.

See LinkedIn Profile

Lethabo Sekhu's Bio

Lethabo Sekhu is the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Credipple, bringing a wealth of experience in marketing, advertising, and event execution. He has a proven track record of successfully
managing BTL campaigns, experiential events, and brand activations.

Before co-founding Credipple in 2017, Lethabo served as an Event Producer at SPACE.™, a leading through-the-line (TTL) advertising and media company. In this role, he executed high-impact campaigns
and experiential events for prestigious luxury brands, including BMW, MINI, Montblanc, IWC, Audi, Roger Dubuis, and Tom Ford.

See LinkedIn Profile

Brad Watridge's Bio

With over 27 years of experience, Brad Watridge is passionate about uncovering diverse success stories across Southern Africa. He works strategically with businesses of all sizes, with a strong focus on B2B and championing the growth of SMMEs. Committed to driving business growth and personal development, he upholds integrity and firmly opposes superficial displays and corruption.

 

As a senior partner in a group of companies, Brad actively supports initiatives that foster the success and sustainability of SMMEs. He advocates for a balance between innovation and the art of storytelling in business, ensuring meaningful and lasting impact.

See LinkedIn Profile

Pat Mahlangu's Bio

With over 12 years of experience, Pat holds a BCom, BCom Honours, and MCom from the University of Johannesburg, and is an internationally certified digital marketer. As an academic, he lectured at the University of Johannesburg and Boston Media House.  In 2020, he launched Lerato Agency – a PR and Digital Creative Agency with a purpose to craft brands that people love. Pat co-authored The Book Every Marketer Should Most Definitely Read, which was recently published.

He is committed to youth empowerment, creating the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. Pat has served on various industry bodies, including IAB South Africa, AMASA,  and Brand Africa. He is the Advisory Board Member for the Consumer Excellence Awards South Africa. In 2023, he was named one of the Top 200 Young South Africans by Mail & Guardian and was honoured as the Emerging Marketer of the Year by IMM. Sunday World named him as one of the Unsung Heroes in Entrepreneurship and he is Brand South Africa’s Play Your Part Ambassador.

See LinkedIn Profile

Mpumi Zondi's Bio

A passionate and dynamic marketing professional, Mpumi brings over 20 years of expertise in brand marketing, advertising, public relations, and digital strategy. With experience across local and global markets, he has led creative campaigns, influence strategies, and business development initiatives that drive impactful results.

As a co-founder of Dona Communications—later integrated into the Bester Berg Slingers group—Mpumi has firsthand experience in building purpose-driven brands. His deep understanding of brand strategy, consumer engagement, and market influence makes him a valuable judge for the IMM Institute Excellence Awards. With a keen eye for innovation and impact, Mpumi will assess entries with a focus on creativity, strategic thinking, and meaningful brand influence in today’s competitive landscape.

See LinkedIn Profile

Phumelele Zulu's Bio

Phumelele Zulu is a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in brand development, customer engagement, and impactful storytelling. She currently serves as the Marketing Director for RS South Africa, overseeing operations across South and Sub-Saharan Africa. In this role, Phumelele leads award-winning teams and campaigns, driving innovation and market growth. Her strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in positioning RS South Africa as a key player in the region’s industrial and electronics sectors.

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Phumelele is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusive growth. She actively mentors emerging talent and collaborates with industry bodies to elevate the African market. Her commitment to shaping the future of the industry is further demonstrated through her recent appointment as a Professional Associate at the IMM Institute. Armed with an MBA and multiple marketing qualifications, Phumelele continues to break barriers and champion innovation, making a lasting impact on the marketing landscape in Africa.

See LinkedIn Profile