Thebe Ikalafeng honoured with EMY award for leading brand revolution in Africa

South African brand expert Thebe Ikalafeng received an award from the Exclusive Men of the Year Awards (EMY) in Ghana for championing a brand-led revolution across Africa for more than two decades.

The awards recognise and celebrate distinguished men across Africa since 2016. Men from various industries and different walks of life have been honoured by the awards that take place in the West African country.

“Humbled to receive the prestigious EMY Africa award in Accra, Ghana, for championing a brand-led revolution across Africa,” said Ikalafeng on his Instagram.

“For more than two decades I have dedicated my life to a brand-led revolution to re-imagine the continent because “brands of a nation become a vector of its image, identity and competitiveness”. If we are going to change the continent we should start by eating, dressing, living and celebrating Made-in-Africa,” said Ikalafeng on his Instagram after the receiving the award.

Renowned Kenyan businesswoman Gina Din-Kariuki spoke glowingly of the South African brand expert saying, “When it comes to African brands, no-one can talk about them without mentioning a very special person, the person that’s being honoured and celebrated today Thebe Ikalafeng.”

ALSO READ: Top New York private school names its art centre after Tbo Touch

“Thebe has worked to ensure more than a hundred brands get recognised for being quality, for being professional and that they are able to take their place in terms of global brands.”

Recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential Africans, Ikalafeng has worked in more than 25 countries building brands across Africa. He is the founder of BLG, a multi-disciplinary advisory group at the intersection of strategy, creativity and intellectual property law.

Honorary doctorates

The seasoned and well-travelled Ikalafeng also confirmed that he was set to receive honorary doctorates from two reputable South African institutions.

“What I didn’t expect is that en route to Ghana, two of the country’s Top 10 reputable universities with deep heritage, going against the idiom that ‘a prophet is never celebrated at home’ announced that they will confer me with honorary doctorates (honoris causa) for my ‘thought leadership, branding, and contribution to society in their upcoming graduations.”

“I can’t wait to soon walk the great stages of these legendary universities take a moment to breathe. I left my city of Kimberley as a rough diamond more than three decades ago, not to seek any honour, but to work honourably.”

NOW READ: Miss SA finalist Melissa Nayimuli reflects on pageantry journey and her upcoming doccie