Students were divided into seven groups, with two groups executing their campaigns per day. The first group, called Short a Link, started their campaign with loud music and a rapper to attract a crowd. The title of the campaign was “Wheel of Steel” and they created a wheel to facilitate a “spin and win” game, branded in the Gautrain colours and logo. The next team, called Booya, presented a concept similar to that of the Coke happiness vending machine. The students built a mini Gautrain, had two of the team members climb into the train and handed out over 400 prizes to participating students, which was well received by the crowd.

Then the next two groups, named Journey and The Avengers took on the challenge. Journey’s campaign included a well-branded, environmentally friendly and informative tunnel, and attempted to break the record for the longest passenger train. The Avengers then followed with “Flash” running around campus, handing out flyers inviting students to their campaign where the crowd was entertained with a rapper and a dance group.

The next two groups were Moovers and Smoothers, and eGoli. Moovers and Smoothers really surprised the crowd with their interpretation of the brief. Their campaign began with a teaser, painting the Piazza wall with a map of the Gautrain routs, as well as an invitation to their campaign, followed by free coffees for the crowd. They then continued with a fashion show, themed with the Gautrain station themes, asking the audiences to guess which station the model on the platform was representing. eGoli then followed with a well-executed and entertaining flash mob. They went on to a question and answer session, inviting the crowd to participate and win prizes.

Last but certainly not least, Choo-Choo Crew set up a chill zone, using gazebos and ottomans all matching the Gautrain brand. They invited students to participate in a game show, competing in teams to see which group knew the most about the Gautrain. They also formed a passenger train, where participants were led to a gazebo station to collect a giveaway.

Overall, the honours students impressed the lecturers evaluating the campaigns. Miss Nontu Mashaba and Mrs Juanne Lauer, both lecturers in the Department of Marketing Management, evaluated the campaigns en were highly impressed by the students’ initiative. The event was also followed Twitter, using the #TuksGautrain handle.