The University of Pretoria’s Department of Institutional Advancement (DIA) secured remarkable victories in 12 out of 19 categories at the 2023 Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education (MACE) Excellence Awards, which was held recently in Cape Town.

The annual awards celebrate excellence in marketing and communication within the higher education sector, and comprise three divisions (Campaigns, Media and Skills) and 30 categories. The DIA was acknowledged for its creativity in areas such as alumni relations, fundraising, marketing and communication, beating off formidable competition from various universities and higher education institutions. This accomplishment highlights the University’s commitment to excellence in engaging alumni, fundraising initiatives and strategic communication within the higher education sector.

A major highlight for the team was winning the Platinum Award for its inaugural postgraduate digital campaign.

“I am delighted to congratulate our exceptional colleagues at the DIA for their outstanding achievements at the MACE Excellence Awards 2023,” said Prof Themba Mosia, Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP. “This victory not only highlights their innovative skills but also demonstrates their adaptability to navigate new frontiers of communication. Such achievements bring immense pride to our University and support our standing as a formidable force in the higher education sector. Well done to the DIA team for this well-deserved recognition.”

UP Registrar Prof Caroline Nicholson expressed her pride and delight in the DIA’s performance at the awards.

“Congratulations to the DIA for their outstanding accomplishments and for bringing home well-deserved recognition on the global stage. Their achievements not only reflect the team's capabilities, but also contribute significantly to the University's reputation for excellence.”

“The triumph at the MACE Excellence Awards underscores the team’s dedication and hard work, and cements UP as a powerhouse in the field of institutional advancement within the higher education landscape,” said DIA Director Rikus Delport. “I am proud of this achievement and the various teams who work behind the scenes to support all our campaigns and initiatives.”

Below is a list of awards that the DIA won:

BRONZE (6)

Division 1: Campaigns

Fundraising campaigns

Winner: #UPGivingMatters campaign

Division 1: Campaigns

Alumni campaigns

Winner: UP alumni online mall (alumni benefits and rewards)

Division 3: Skills

Writing for news media

Winner: ‘UP researchers decode genome of king protea’

Division 2: Media

Events: Single and multi-day

Winner: Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Expert Lecture Series 2023 – Prof Ann Skelton

Division 2: Media

Printed: External magazines and newsletters

Winner: RE.SEARCH printed magazine

Division 3: Skills

Writing for news media

Winner: ‘Moo-nlight sonata’

SILVER (2)

Division 2: Media

Digital: External magazines and newsletters

Winner: Alma Matters digital newsletter 2022

Division 3: Skills

Design for digital media

Winner: RE.SEARCH magazine

GOLD (3)

Division 2: Media

Printed: External magazines and newsletters

Winner: Tukkie 2022

Division 2: Media

Digital: External magazines and newsletters

Winner: RE.SEARCH magazine

Division 1: Campaigns

Issue-management campaigns

Winner: #UPGiving Matters campaign

PLATINUM (1)