The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) and excellent communications and marketing practices go together like peas and carrots. This is a fact that has become apparent at every MACE Excellence Awards ceremony in the past seven years.
MACE stands for Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education. The organisation fulfils a leadership role in the higher education, TVET and private education sectors within Southern Africa by adding value to practitioners in marketing, communication and advancement. This is achieved through high quality development programmes, facilitating networking partnerships and transformation, as well as promoting best practices amongst these professions at its member institutions.
The MACE Excellence Awards is an annual event that recognises and celebrates excellence and the achievements of specialists and practitioners in marketing, advancement and communication in the higher-education sector. Institutions are afforded the opportunity to enter various works in 29 different categories which include campaigns, photography, news writing and graphic design, among others. The entries thereafter go through an evaluation process by a panel of expert judges whose overall marks decide whether an entry is worthy of a bronze, silver, gold, platinum or special award.
UNIZULU received four bronze awards and an additional silver award this year during the highly coveted awards ceremony which recently took place at Eureka Estate, Durbanville in Cape Town.
According to Siyanda Mntambo, Communications and Marketing Director, receiving recognition again this year signifies the high calibre of work that the Communications and Marketing Division produces. “Receiving recognition at the MACE Awards once again this year underscores the exceptional calibre of work produced by the CMD. This achievement is a direct reflection of our team’s unwavering dedication, as they work tirelessly—through both pre- and post-event, to ensure every project aligns with the strategic vision for 2027. Our commitment to excellence continues to drive impactful communication that resonates with our university’s mission and broader goals,” he said.
The awards were handed over for the following projects:
SILVER AWARD
Division 3: Skills
Category 25 (Writing for features, documentaries and brochures)
BRONZE AWARD
UNIZULU Science Centre Website
Division 2: Media
Category 16 (Websites)
BRONZE AWARD
From Humble Beginnings to Top Achiever
Division 3: Skills
Category 28 (Photography: News, feature articles and documentaries)
BRONZE AWARD
Penelope Mthethwa: My Journey as a Student
Division 3: Skills
Category 29 (Videography)
BRONZE AWARD
2024 UNIZULU Open Day Highlights with Ocean Kwaziey
Division 3: Skills
Category 29 (Videography)
The pleasant gala dinner followed a two-day conference which attracted over 200 guests from a range of universities and TVET colleges within South Africa.
Picture 1: Webmaster Mmeli Gwebu (right) accepts an award from Thembi Tlale, the outgoing MACE Board Deputy Chairperson.
Picture 2: Naledi Hlefane (right), Communications and Marketing Manager, receives an award from outgoing MACE Board Member Dr Hestie Byles.
Picture 3: Xolani Ngidi (right), Graphic Designer, is handed over a bronze award by outgoing .
– Naledi Hlefane
Pictures: Supplied
