14 Years of Excellence
The WesBank New Generation Social & Digital Media Awards continue to serve as the definitive benchmark for South Africa’s digital landscape. Recognized as the country’s largest independent, performance-based accolades, we celebrate the pinnacle of achievement across social-first marketing, digital media, AI, creativity, integrated marketing, and online technology.
We shine a spotlight on the visionaries who bridge the gap between human connection and advanced technology—redefining brands, maximizing ROI, and meeting the evolving demands of today’s modern consumer with brilliant, creative strategy.
Over the past 13 years, New Gen has processed over 6,000 submissions from corporates, agencies, students, individuals, and brands and bestowed more than 1,700 accolades, codifying the industry’s most impactful work into a lasting legacy. Across 60 specialized categories, we provide a rigorous platform for leading brands and agencies to showcase the 'Architecture of Leadership'—demonstrating how disruptive creativity and cutting-edge tech drive measurable ROI.
For the second consecutive year, we are honoured to welcome back WesBank as our Platinum Headline Naming Sponsor. In celebration of this continued partnership, the awards will be named The WesBank New Generation Awards through May 2027, reflecting our sustained commitment to excellence in the digital landscape. The WesBank New Generation Awards: 'We move with you."
"New Gen is also thrilled to welcome Mettlestate and Naritive as official Brand Sponsors for the 2026 Awards."
🏆 "More than an accolade, a New Gen Award validates true excellence amidst a rapid digital shift. It represents the intersection of pure data and creative brilliance—the space where impactful strategy, human connection, and advanced technology come together to redefine brands that become part of our industry's legacy." — Stephen Paxton, Awards Founder.
CRUCIAL 2026 ENTRY MILESTONES:
- Core Window: Entries will be considered for work that has been commercially launched in South Africa between May 1st, 2025, and June 12th, 2026.
- Standard Entry Fee Phase: 01 May – 03 July 2026, midnight. Entries submitted on 3 July must be paid in full by 10 July to secure the standard rate. Late payments will incur a 10% surcharge. (This window has closed)
- Late Entry Fee Phase: (10% Surcharge added to standard entry fees): 06 July – 17 July 2026, midnight. Entries submitted on 17 July must be paid in full by 24 July. (This window is open)
Witness the evolution of the awards at our most immersive Johannesburg ceremony yet!
“The 2026 Awards Gala marks a bold new era for the New Gen legacy. We have refined every detail to create a sleeker, sharper, and more impactful ceremony that honours the pace of the digital world. New Gen is shedding the traditional to embrace the dynamic, creating a stage dedicated to the work and people behind it. Mark your calendars for September 23rd at NH Sandton, in their newly transformed event space, which is set to become one of Sandton's most talked-about event destinations. This is the night Johannesburg witnesses the pinnacle of South African digital achievement.”
Interested in elevating your brand at the 2026 awards? To explore our bespoke sponsorship packages, please email stephen@newgenawards.co.za
Previous Sponsors include: Endemol, Old Mutual, Liquorice, Standard Bank, Brave Group/Forge by Brave, MultiChoice, DStv, Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa, MediaCom, FujiFilm SA, Supersonic/MTN, WeGather, Futuretech Media, YOUKNOW Digital, Brandwatch, JustPalm TV, Arc Interactive, Joe Public, Disrupt Technology Advisors, Wunderman Thompson/VML, Helm Digital, Wimpy South Africa, Algorithm Agency, WesBank, our current Headline Naming Sponsor in 2025 & 2026, Mettlestate and Naritive, our 2026 Brand Sponsors, and Unilever South Africa, our 2026 Bronze Sponsor.
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE ENTRY FEES AND JUDGING PANEL. CLICK BELOW FOR THE CATEGORIES & ENTRY GUIDELINES.