ROTOCON has announced the winners of its fourth annual student wine label design competition, held in collaboration with Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), SA Litho Label Printers, and Polyflex Premedia.

Mpilo Mthembu took first place, followed by Kara-Mari Gresse in second and Itumeleng Mohlala in third, with Ntokozo Tshabalala receiving a special mention. The competition drew participation from 57 undergraduate students in TUT’s Integrated Communication Design program.

This year’s theme, “A New Vintage of Vision,” focused on the next generation of designers shaping wine branding. As part of the program, students received guidance on label printing processes, embellishments, and design fundamentals, including substrate selection, color, die-cutting, and typography.

The winning students will travel to Cape Town for a tour of SA Litho Label Printers, where the top design will be produced. They will also be recognized at the WineLand Media 30 Under 30 Awards in June.

“This competition is about more than design — it’s about shaping industry-ready thinkers,” says Banie Stafford of B Creative, who led the initiative. “And this year’s group delivered exactly that.”

ROTOCON says the competition reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting education and talent development within the label and packaging industry.