The new extended deadline for entries is scheduled for Friday, 12 June, says the duo.

The extension provides entrants with additional time to finalise and refine submissions ahead of judging for the 2026 programme, which continues to recognise and celebrate marketing communication that delivers measurable business results.

"Effie remains the benchmark for marketing effectiveness globally, and the standard of work being submitted into the South African programme continues to reflect the importance agencies and clients place on proving the impact of their campaigns. We encourage entrants to use the additional time to ensure their cases clearly demonstrate the strategic thinking, creativity and results that underpin effective marketing," says Gillian Rightford, Executive Director of the ACA.

Entries must be submitted exclusively via the Effie Awards South Africa entry portal before the final extended deadline. Full details on categories, eligibility and entry requirements are available on the Effie South Africa website, adds the duo.

The first round of judging for the 2026 programme is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 16 July, with the final round of judging taking place on Thursday, 13 August. The Grand Effie judging session, where a select jury determines the most effective campaign of the year, is scheduled for Thursday, 10 September.

The winners of the 2026 programme will be announced at the Effie Awards South Africa Gala event on Thursday, 22 October, says the duo.

Effie Awards South Africa is hosted by the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and sponsored by Nedbank, South African Breweries (AB InBev), Heineken Beverages, Emeris, IAS, Eat Big Fish, Investec and Motion Ads.

For more information, visit www.effieawards.co.za. You can also follow Effie South Africa on Facebook, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor