The inaugural Meerkat Design Awards took place in March 2024. As has become practice over the years, and the Nedbank Design Team rocked up to the venue to celebrate another year’s hard work and successes. From the start of the event, it was clear that the team is as serious about business as they are about having a great time.
Terry Behan (Executive Head: Design) opened the day with an inspirational note on how to be resilient through trying and uncertain times. Observing that culture plays a significant role in resilience, and culture is a choice, the team was implored to find the balance and remember that it’s still possible to find enjoyment in their work while learning to live with the ambiguity that 2024 might bring.
The team heard some insights around use cases for AI and about how we can be mindful and deliberate in employing the power of AI in design. The creative potential of combining AI with the platforms regularly used by designers was showcased. With the way consumer behaviour has changed and adapted, the team also saw how the marketing funnel has changed and, in turn, how we respond to maintain connection with our clients.
The 2023 Learning Leaders of the team was celebrated and the participants in Design for Good was acknowledged for their contributions to the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals. The team was also briefed about the success of the Innovators of tomorrow Hackathon and how it generated the interest of 7000 applicants.
We saw the official launch of the Product Centre of Excellence and heard some of their plans. We recapped the successes of other projects through the year, such as the launch of Greenbacks 2.0, the updates to Avo, and Project Happiness in collaboration with GIBS.
A quick lunch break with a spread of food fit for kings was followed by a pub-style quiz, where groups of four competed based on their knowledge about meerkats. A tiebreaker almost resulted in a dance-off to determine the true Meerkat royalty, but with Louise Salemink as quiz master proceedings came to an orderly end with a clear winning group.
Special thanks to the morning’s speakers:
Terry Behan, Louise Salemink, Jaun du Toit, Ramo Phalatse, Nadene Brokensha, Kagiso, Thulani, Winnie, PCoE, Mike, Angus, Miranda, David.
The new and official Recognition committee with representatives from all areas of the Design Team was also announced, so keep an eye out to see what next year will bring!
With that, congratulations to the final list of nominees and winners:
Awarded to those who execute with empathy, true craft, and an understanding of enterprise design.
Winner: Thulani Dube
1st runner up: Winnie Mulli
2nd runner up: Andile Nxongo
Design Leader 2024
Awarded to those leaders who respect and empower their team. They listen, collaborate, and guide their team to do good for users and the business and drive the bank’s strategy. They unblock any obstacles and incorporate design into everything they do, taking accountability for their and their team’s actions.
Winner: Ronnie Handukani
1st runner up: Thulani Dube
2nd runner up: Louise Salemink
Design Changemaker 2024
Awared to those who incorporate innovation, scalability, data and disruption in everything they do. They align all involved parties in the design process. Their design-led approach results in actual, measurable benefits for clients and the enterprise.
Winner: Winnie Mulli
1st runner up: Ronnie Handukani
2nd runner up: Inge Malan
Most Improved Designer 2024
Awarded to those who embrace a culture of growth within design, innovation and creativity. They have solid goals and aspirations and share their learnings freely.
Winner: Amanda Hlatshwayo
1st runner up: Ian Ludick
2nd runner up: Kai Attias
Design Advocate 2024
Awarded to those who consistently take a more mindful and human-centred approach to product development. They help connect people to information, and by doing so the design community has an increasing influence in shaping its own future.
Winner: Jaun Du Toit
1st runner up: Thulani Dube
2nd runner up: Inge Malan
Designer at Heart 2024
Awarded to those who think, act and problem-solve like a designer. They are deliberate, intentional, and innovative in how they approach their work. They are passionate about finding solutions that will improve the client’s life through both product design and delivery.
Winner: Chris Marsh
1st runner up: Natasha Kisten
2nd runner up: John Makgato
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