Eight trailblazing South Africans, led by Tseliso Rangaka and Bongiwe Neema Nouse, join The One Show 2026 jury, bringing local vision to the global stage.
South Africa’s creative industry has always had a pulse that beats louder than expected; A rhythm that refuses to be ignored. This year, that rhythm echoes across the globe as eight South African creatives step into the spotlight as jury members for The One Show 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious advertising and design awards.
Each juror embodies a different facet of the country’s creative DNA. Together, they form a kaleidoscope of voices-seasoned veterans, bold experimenters, and cultural translators who know how to turn local truths into global resonance.
- Tseliso Rangaka – As Jury President, Rangaka isn’t just judging; he’s setting the tone. His appointment as the only African Jury President across all categories is historic. It signals that African leadership in creativity is not symbolic, it’s structural.
- Bongiwe Neema Nouse – The Odd Number’s digital dynamo, she represents the restless energy of South Africa’s youth culture. Her work thrives in the spaces where memes meet meaning, proving that interactive storytelling can be both playful and profound.
- Rita Coetzer – A design purist with a strategist’s mind, she reminds us that craft is not decoration, it’s persuasion. Her presence on the Design Advertising jury ensures that South African design thinking is judged by one of its finest.
- Xolisa Dyeshana – Film is his language, and he speaks it with cinematic authority. His seat on the Film & Video jury is a nod to South Africa’s ability to tell stories that feel both intimate and epic.
- Snooze Kambuwa – With a name that belies his energy, Kambuwa thrives in immersive experiences. He’s the architect of campaigns that don’t just sell, they surround, engage, and transform.
- Steph van Niekerk – Radio may be the oldest medium, but in her hands, it’s reborn. She proves that audio storytelling can still cut through the noise with wit, rhythm, and emotional punch.
- Lubabalo Mtati – A craftsman of moving images, Mtati ensures that executional excellence is not just a technicality but a narrative force. His eye for detail elevates production into poetry.
- TJ Njozela – Out-of-home and print are his playgrounds. He knows how to make a billboard whisper, shout, or sing—turning static formats into cultural landmarks.
South Africa’s creative industry has long been underestimated, often seen as a regional player rather than a global force. But this jury selection dismantles that perception. It’s proof that:
- Johannesburg is a creative capital with influence stretching far beyond Africa.
- South African storytelling is versatile, excelling across every format from radio to immersive tech, from print to film.
- Representation is shifting, with African creatives not just participating but leading and shaping the criteria of global excellence.
This isn’t about eight individuals alone. It’s about the ecosystem they represent: agencies that nurture risk-taking, communities that inspire authenticity, and audiences that demand relevance. Their presence on the jury is a mirror held up to the world, reflecting South Africa’s ability to innovate without losing cultural truth.
In a global industry often obsessed with trends, these jurors remind us that the most powerful creative work doesn’t chase- it roots, it resonates, it redefines.
South Africa’s creative heartbeat is now amplified on the world stage. The One Show 2026 jury isn’t just a panel, it’s a chorus, and eight South Africans are singing lead. This isn’t just representation. It’s a declaration: South African creativity is no longer a guest at the global table, it’s hosting the conversation.
Check out the Top Creatives from 46 Countries Named to The One Show 2026 Global Jury.
