Telkom's #StandTall campaign, an inspiring initiative aimed at promoting netball and empowering South African youth, has been shortlisted for the prestigious WARC Awards 2024. Photo: Supplied

Telkom’s standout campaign, #StandTall, has been shortlisted for the WARC Awards 2024, joining global brands making a significant impact.

#StandTall is an enduring netball communications platform designed to showcase the transformative power of netball and position Telkom as an enabler of growth and empowerment leading up to the 2023 Netball World Cup and beyond.

Ahead of the 2023 Netball World Cup and as an Official Partner of the event, Telkom launched the ‘Stand Tall‘ campaign. This initiative aims to use netball as a catalyst to encourage South African youth to embrace their individuality, follow their dreams, and increase participation in the sport ahead of the tournament.

The Spar Proteas netball players Bongi Msomi, Izette Griesel, Khanyisa Chawane, and Tshina Mdau were selected to inspire young South Africans to reach their potential before the first African-hosted Netball World Cup 2023 in Cape Town in July. These sporting heroes shared personal stories, encouraging the youth to overcome challenges in pursuit of their dreams.

In a recent interview with gsport, former Proteas captain Bongi Msomi spoke about the impact of the #StandTall campaign. 

“The Telkom #StandTall campaign really put not just netball but also the players on the map.”

Fomer Spar Proteas netball captain, Bongi Msomi

She feels that the initiative was well thought out and made a big impact on her personally. “I saw one of the kids who came to a #StandTall campaign and this child said to me, ‘The first time I saw you was at the launch. I was completely shocked! 

“Sometimes people will say, ‘I have seen you on TV playing for the Spar Proteas,’ and for this 12-year-old to say, ‘That is the first time I saw you and I loved that big picture. I didn’t know you make pictures so big!’ I could just see the excitement on her face,” said Msomi.

At the time of the launch in February 2023, Telkom’s Chief Marketing Officer, Gugu Mthembu, said: “Our hope is that with the launch of Stand Tall, we will be able to contribute to the continued growth of the sport, shine a light on its heroes, and inspire future generations. 

“I urge all South Africans to get behind netball and our national team ahead of the various tournaments.”

Chief Marketing Officer at Telkom, Gugu Mthembu

Later in the year, reflecting on the campaign’s progress and success during the Netball World Cup, Mthembu told attendees at the 2023 gsport Business Breakfast: 

“We firmly believe that sports have the power to drive positive social change and pave the way for a prosperous future for our country. We take immense pride in contributing to the development of netball in South Africa and creating opportunities for countless players.”

“We have a very bold brand purpose which talks about making sure that we leave no South African behind. So if we say we’re leaving no one behind, we therefore cannot leave women behind.”

At the launch of the Telkom Netball 2024 edition, President of Netball South Africa, Cecilia Molokwane, praised the #StandTall campaign for taking netball to the people and bringing heroes closer to their fans.


Photo Caption: Telkom’s #StandTall campaign, an inspiring initiative aimed at promoting netball and empowering South African youth, has been shortlisted for the prestigious WARC Awards 2024. Photo: Supplied

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