The 2024 MACE (Marketing, Advancement, and Communication in Education) Excellence Awards were a night to remember for the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
Both institutions shone brightly at the prestigious event, held in Cape Town on November 28, walking away with multiple accolades that showcased their innovation and impact in higher education communication.
UJ claimed the spotlight by winning the coveted Platinum Award, the highest honor at MACE, for its Mpumi Alumni Animation Campaign. This creative initiative introduced Mpumi, an animated character designed to engage alumni and encourage their active participation in university life.
Named after UJ’s alumni magazine "Impumelelo" (meaning “success”), the campaign highlighted how the Alumni Office supports graduates in their career journeys and fosters lifelong connections.
Dr. Nell Ledwaba, UJ’s Senior Manager for Alumni Relations, expressed pride in the campaign: “This Platinum Award is a celebration of our vibrant alumni community. It reflects our commitment to ensuring every alumnus feels connected to and proud of their alma mater.”
UJ didn’t stop there. The university's University Relations division scooped up six more awards, including:
Bronze Awards - Sophiatown Reborn (Videography) - Student Success Stories Campaign (Audio/Visual) - UJ Student Graduates with Distinction Despite Life-Changing Accident* (Writing for the Web) - Celebrating Excellence: UJ’s Tribute to Pitso Mosimane (Events)
Silver Awards - UJ Community Corner (Social Media) - In the Media: UJ’s Facial Recognition for 2024 Student Registration (Media Relations)
Professor Bongani Ngqulunga, Senior Executive Director for University Relations, highlighted the team’s dedication: “Our role is to shine a light on every corner of this great university. These awards validate the hard work and talent of our communications, brand, and marketing teams.”
UWC also made a strong impression, winning a Silver Award in the Brand-Building Campaign category for its WYSA initiative. This AI-powered chatbot supports mental health resilience for students and staff, demonstrating UWC’s forward-thinking approach to well-being.
Prof. Matete Madiba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Development and Support, reflected on the win: “WYSA* is more than a chatbot—it’s a critical tool for building mental health resilience. This award recognizes our commitment to holistic student and staff support.”
Additionally, UWC’s Top Achievers Awards 2024, which celebrates outstanding student performance, earned a Silver Award in the Events category.
The MACE Awards ceremony was a gathering of thought leaders, practitioners, and innovators from across the higher education landscape.
Prof. Anesh Singh, Director of Institutional Advancement, summed up the spirit of the event: > “These awards showcase the incredible talent and dedication within our institutions. Winning here is not just about recognition; it’s about setting the standard for excellence in higher education.”
With their combined wins, UJ and UWC have set a high bar for innovation, creativity, and impact in marketing and communication. Their achievements are a testament to the power of storytelling, community engagement, and forward-thinking strategies in shaping the future of education.
IOL Entertainment