SABC 3 is thrilled to announce the official judging panel for the highly-anticipated new reality series; The Next Brand Ambassador.
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The show adds a unique spin to the compelling reality TV format by searching for three industry leading marketing talents to work with the marketing team of South Africa’s number one retail bank, Capitec.
After whittling the national entries down to 10 regional finalists competing in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town respectively, the judges will eventually send 12 national finalists to a dedicated house in the Mother City for the rest of the series. From here, the contenders will be tasked with tackling a series of challenges that are specifically designed to test whether they have the persona, quirky creativity and skill-set to be The Next Brand Ambassador. The ultimate prize: a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to work with Capitec’s marketing team in the bank’s Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town regional office.
The contestants will be judged by some of the most respected and influential professionals in the business, Odette van der Haar, Sylvester Chauke and Nandi Madida.
Odette van der Haar was already revealed as one of the main judges when the call to entry was launched during early July. Recognised as The Most Powerful Women in SA Digital Marketing in 2016, Odette is the CEO of advertising agency J Walter Thompson Johannesburg, and the former CEO of South Africa’s Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA). Her celebrated tenure saw the official body raise more than 80 bursaries for the students of the AAA School of Advertising, and the development of the APEX Awards into a significant brand with enormous equity. Odette’s wealth of knowledge and experience, positions her perfectly to be a judge of a reality series of this nature.
An excited Odette shared that; “Being a judge on The Next Brand Ambassador affords me the opportunity to pay it forward, by finding great talent for the profession that I work in and am most passionate about.”
Joining this industry heavyweight on the judging panel are two other industry experts; Sylvester Chauke and Nandi Madida.
Sylvester Chauke certainly knows a thing or two about brand building. He is The All Africa Young Business Leader of the Year 2017 and a multi-award winning entrepreneur and founder of 2018 Agency of the Year, DNA Brand Architects; a marketing and brand consultancy that works with some of the most revered brands on the continent.
Sylvester is one the 22 young leaders from around the world to sit as the Advisory Council for the World Economic Forum Global Shapers and selected to the Harambe Entrepreneurs Alliance in 2018. He intends sharing his insights while judging the efforts of the contestants with a view to shaping the influencers of the future.
“With the right brand champions behind them, brands can illuminate incredible value in the communities they serve, ‘’ says Sylvester. “This show is not just about being famous; it’s about unlocking the next wave of brand ambassadors who will create impact. I am so excited to be part of this show for that reason; because with the right influence, many people can be inspired and lifted.”
Nandi Madida (née Mngoma) is a well known and celebrated media personality, singer, actress and fashion designer. She landed her very first television presenting gig at age 15 when she hosted the SABC2 pre-teen entertainment show Bling in 2004. Since then her television career has grown to co-hosting the BET entertainment magazine show BET A-List, covering red carpet events and interviewing A-Listers from home and abroad.
As a singer, Nandi has been featured as a vocalist on the chart topping hit single “Tonight” by DJ Franky in 2011. Later she signed with Universal Music and released her self-titled debut album “NANDI”. Her song with KO “Skhanda Love” was nominated for Record of The Year at the 2016 South African Music Awards.
Nandi, who is married to musician Zakes Bantwini, has her own fashion label Colour, is the face of many brands and has 1.7 million followers on Instagram.
“Being a judge for TNBA is incredible,’’ says Nandi. “As someone who values the future of this country and practices giving young talent empowering opportunities through my Fashion label Colour I am looking forward to what will be a riveting experience for both myself and the viewers at home.”
Sbusiso Kumalo, Head Brand Marketing at Capitec, shared his excitement saying; “We are pleased to have a panel of judges who are specifically selected for their credibility as celebrity influencers, marketing and media moguls, as well as their expertise in developing talent. I do not envy the task they have of selecting our Next Brand Ambassador.”
Hamilton Ngubo, SABC3 Programming Manager, adds: “The three judges are perfectly aligned with the SABC3 brand and this series is giving them a stage to share their knowledge and experience with not only the contestants but all our viewers as well”.
The launch season of The Next Brand Ambassador premieres on Thursday 15 August at 19:30 on SABC3 and is proudly brought to you by Capitec.
Image Courtesy: Supplied