The ultimate winners of Capitec’s reality show The Next Brand Ambassador will be announced on the Grand Finale, this Thursday, 19:30 on SABC3. Excitement has been building over the last couple of weeks as the Top 12 contestants sweated it out in various marketing-related challenges in order to secure a place as one of the Top 5 finalists to make it to the final episode, where three finalists will win career opportunities within the Capitec marketing team.
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The exciting reality series had South Africa’s top young aspiring marketers compete in tasks that tested both their strategic and creative skills. After each challenge, the contestants were judged on their performance by a panel of highly respected personalities in the digital marketing and media world, including brand guru, Sylvester Chauke, digital marketing leader, Odette van der Haar, and social media, fashion and entertainment icon, Nandi Madida.
Nandi Madida is full of praise for the Top 5 contestants, saying: “This is a moment that makes me proud not only as a judge, but South African! I am proud of these five young and talented individuals. They’ve gone through so much to get to the final stage of the competition, and they’re all so close to the finish line. It’s all about who will put that last necessary push to be the next brand ambassador. It’s been a fantastic experience to unlock incredible minds for the work place. To find someone who will add to Capitec and more importantly to their life story.”
Odette van der Haar commends the unorthodox recruitment of the show, as well as the calibre of contestants, saying: “Too often talented people are overlooked because of what their CVs say, and The Next Brand Ambassador has allowed candidates who would not have gotten shortlisted through traditional recruitment processes to show their talents and skills. This interesting and rather unconventional, creative and innovative way of finding great talent has proven that with the right support, those with inherent talent were able to flourish and succeed. I have no doubt that the Top 5 will thrive in their careers if afforded the opportunity to supplement their natural born talent with formal training and skills development whilst working in the field. The Top 5 certainly have what it takes to succeed in the business of marketing, branding and communications. I look forward to seeing them in the trenches as they progress in their respective careers!”
“It has been an honour to be tasked to find our very first next brand ambassadors!” says Sylvester Chauke. “The journey has been thrilling! It is clear that talent cannot be ignored and the Top 5 are testament to that. Each brings a unique take to the competition, but each would need to bring a heightened combination of skills and personality to clinch the title.”
Capitec Head of Brand Marketing, Sbusiso Kumalo, reflects on the success of the show for the bank: “This has been an incredible journey for us in identifying South Africa’s top marketing talent, and seeing them develop over the course of the show. The Top 5 contestants are each very strong, but only three can be the best. I’m looking forward to having such passionate and skilled marketers on our team.”
SABC 3 Programming Manager, Hamilton Ngubo, is proud of the show’s success, saying: “This exciting reality show format has showcased some of South Africa’s top marketing talent, with five exceptional finalists making it through some very tough challenges to get to the Grand Finale. For them the stage is truly theirs and we are excited to see who will own it, as they are crowned the next brand ambassadors!”
The Grand Finale of The Next Brand Ambassador broadcasts on Thursday, 7 November at 19h30 on SABC3.
The Top 5 finalists had the following to say about their journey:
Porschia Kim Pedro:
My Next Brand Ambassador journey has been challenging, but extremely rewarding. I never would’ve dreamed to be in the Final 5, and it goes to show that a positive attitude, consistent hard work, and authenticity goes a long way.
Cebo Mpanza:
The best way I can describe my journey on the show is ‘wild’, I’ve experienced a lot of highs and lows, but with that being said, each week has challenged me to become a better version of myself. I’m excited to be a part of the Top 5, it’s the final stretch and I’m ready!
Sharadel Reddy:
The entire experience has been eye opening. Eye opening to who I am, how I have grown, and what I could be. Making the Top 5 is such an amazing achievement, and without a doubt ranks amongst the things I am most proud of doing.
Chace Geyer:
The term ‘ever evolving’ has lived prominently within me during my time in this competition. Each day I have learnt, adapted and most definitely grown exponentially. Reaching the Top 5 is a victory in its own light for me.
Mpho Monareng:
My journey on TNBA has been absolutely amazing. It has given me the confidence, drive, and the opportunity to rebrand and rebuild. Being in the Top 5 already makes me feel like a true WINNER.
Image Courtesy: Supplied