Special Honours

Where we celebrate the people and organisations driving digital transformation and impact.

 

This section recognises the visionaries, innovators, and change-makers shaping the digital marketing ecosystem - from students and rising stars to established marketers, agencies, publishers, and brands. It also honours work that drives purpose, inclusivity, and long-term industry growth.

 

HON01: Best Digital Student

Best student studying a digital marketing course at an institution, including digital marketing and related disciplines.

Jury Panel: Youth Action Panel

 

 

HON02: Digital Rising Star
Best person under 35 who has made a significant contribution to digital marketing this year through their work (can be agency, publisher or other).

Jury Panel: Youth Action Panel

 

HON05: Best Contribution to Transformation in the Digital Industry
Organisation or the person who has made the most convincing contribution to growing diversity in the digital marketing industry in line with overall goals for an integrated South Africa. This could be through any meaningful mechanism ranging from ownership to participation.

Jury Panel: Special Honours Panel

 

HON06: Pixel for Purpose
Awarded to a piece of work (site, app, publication or any other digital piece) that made a significant positive impact which reflects long term sustainable change.

The winner will have conclusively proven that the idea worked.

Jury Panel: Special Honours Panel

 

HON07: Best Individual Contribution to Digital Marketing
This award recognises an individual who has made the greatest contribution to the digital marketing industry in South Africa, in the past 24 months. (agency, publisher, brand or other).

This individual would be someone who has delivered innovative thinking to the digital industry and used their influence to drive our industry forward.

*IAB Chairperson and CEO not eligible.

Jury Panel: Special Honours Panel

 

HON08: Best Direct Brand or Online Business
A company born in digital and enabled by technology to build their business through direct customer relationships and non-traditional, non-linear supply chains, where revenue results from the direct relationships between the company and its customers.

Jury Panel: Special Honours Panel

 

HON12: Localisation & Cultural Relevance

This category celebrates work that resonates deeply with South African audiences through authentic cultural insight, inclusive storytelling, and meaningful local relevance. It recognises ideas rooted in African context

Jury Panel: Special Honours Panel

 

Best Marketer Based on performance in the Bookmark Awards, and does not require an individual to enter.	Category Criteria Points earned in the 2026 Bookmark Awards.
Best Creative Based on performance in the Bookmark Awards and does not require an individual to enter	Category Criteria Points earned in 2026 Bookmarks Awards
Digital Brand of the Year Based on performance in the Bookmark Awards and does not require an brand to enter	Category Criteria Points earned in 2026 Bookmarks Awards
Best Publisher Based on performance in the Bookmark Awards and does not require an brand to enter	Category Criteria Points earned in 2026 Bookmarks Awards
Best Digital Agency Based on performance in the Bookmark Awards and does not require an brand to enter	Category Criteria Points earned in 2026 Bookmarks Awards
Outstanding Individual Impact in Digital This award recognises an outstanding contribution by an individual to the digital industry, regardless of age, title, or tenure. It is not a lifetime achievement award, nor is it age-restricted. Instead, it celebrates a specific contribution that has had a tangible impact on the industry or audiences.	Category Criteria The award recipient will be selected from a shortlist compiled by the IAB Executive in conjunction with the Bookmark Awards Committee.