Rotocon has announced the two award recipients of its second Wine Label Design Competition in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Department of Visual Communication, Faculty of Arts & Design. A panel of judges made the selection at an event held at the TUT Arts Campus on April 16.

Zenele Nkambule won the top prize for his ‘Route 62’ design that impressed the judges with its clever simplicity. Nkambule is an Advanced Diploma Integrated Communication Design (ICD) student.

Nkambule received R30,000 as well as return flights and accommodation to attend the prestigious WineLand Media/Rotocon 30 Under 30 Awards in Paarl on June 14, 2024.

Runner-up is Syamdumisa Mbele, a third-year ICD student, for his “Soet Uitnemendheid” (Sweet Excellence) design. Mbele won R15,000 and will also attend the WineLand Media/Rotocon 30 Under 30 Awards, all expenses paid.

Rotocon partnered with TUT for the second year in a row to give students the opportunity to pitch a brand design idea for wine labels. Students were challenged to develop innovative, cutting-edge wine label designs that factor in the design process and strong ideation. The designs had to consider the use of contemporary printing processes, as well as finishing, including foils, varnishes, diecuts, and embossing. A total of 49 entries were received.

The partnership was spearheaded by Banie Stafford of Rotocon’s Marketing and Advertising agency and a proud TUT Arts alum, who led a series of bespoke lectures at TUT to prepare the students for the competition. “This is an opportunity to give back to my alma mater and to challenge students who are not necessarily familiar with the wine industry to carefully research what they ultimately incorporate into their designs,” says Stafford. “I’m extremely pleased with the effort and caliber of all entries.”

ROTOCON Group CEO Michael Aengenvoort, also on the judging panel, was equally impressed by the students’ level of creativity. “The Rotocon Wine Label Design Competition is a showcase of our wide range of label printing and finishing solutions,” states Aengenvoort. “It’s an honor to witness these young talents take a concept to design that integrates a range of printing processes that bring wine labels to life. All participating students in this competition should be proud of their wine label designs.”

SA Litho Label Printers and Cape Village Lodge joined the collaboration with Rotocon and TUT this year to support the annual student Wine Label Design Competition. Both award-winning labels will be printed by SA Litho Label Printers.