The ranking, announced as part of the Loeries' annual results is compiled using findings from the student category alone. This means the ranking is driven purely by student performance and recognition, and ultimately aims to highlight the strength of the school's creative output and the calibre of talent it continues to nurture, says the school.

The Loeries Official Rankings remain an independent benchmark of excellence across Africa and the Middle East, measuring sustained performance in brand communications over a three-year period. They aim to reflect the most innovative companies, institutions and individuals working in the region's creative industries, and to be regarded as a barometer of creative leadership and impact, adds the school.

All rankings are publicly available via the Loeries website, and the methodology is outlined in the official rankings publication, says the school.

"For us, this number one position is particularly meaningful," says Verusha Maharaj, Managing Director at Red & Yellow. "It affirms the school's standing locally, and positions a South African institution at the forefront of creative education across the continent."

Founded in Cape Town, Red & Yellow is a CHE-accredited private higher education institution and a member of Honoris United Universities, Africa's first and largest pan-African private higher education network, adds the school.

The school has long championed an approach to education that blends critical thinking, creativity and commercial relevance, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to industry, rather than simply enter it. That philosophy is reflected in the individuals recognised in this year's rankings, says the school.

Ranked students from Red & Yellow include:

  • Emma Blomerus
  • Renée Pedegana
  • Ethan Stadler
  • Lin Ncube
  • Maria du Toit
  • Nadine van Doesburgh
  • Caitlin Woldu
  • Amy Mills
  • Dario Yesca
  • Emma Randell
  • Georgina Forde
  • India Trapman
  • Jade Horn, and
  • Johny Sathekgé.

The rankings also aim to acknowledge the role of educators in guiding and challenging emerging creatives. The Red & Yellow representatives include:

  • Steph Simpson
  • Craig Strydom (Academy Award winner)
  • Henriette van der Westhuizen
  • Heloise Bottomley, and
  • Nini van der Walt.

"This recognition speaks to the kind of work students are producing when they are trusted to think creatively, experiment boldly and respond to real societal and commercial challenges," says Craig Strydom.

"What makes this really special is that it's driven entirely by student performance," adds Steph Simpson. "It reinforces the idea that African creativity doesn't need validation. It already belongs on the world stage."
 
With these rankings, the proof is in the clear when it comes to the depth of creative talent being developed in South Africa — informed by real-world context and refined by educators and students who know how to translate local insight into globally relevant work, concludes the school.

For more information, visit www.redandyellow.co.za. You can also follow Red & Yellow on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesty of contributor