The IAB SA is excited to announce the Youth Action Council’s new leadership, welcoming Lotang Mokoena & Meaghan Essel as the new Co-Chairs.
Taking over from outgoing Chair Luzuko Tena, Lotang and Meaghan bring fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and a shared commitment to strengthening youth participation and action within the council. The two will work alongside new and existing members of the council to ensure that youth voices are not only heard but responded to.
As the Head of Strategy at Wonder, Lotang brings a wealth of insight and a strategic lens for the council, while Meaghan brings her creative experience as a Senior Copywriter at Ogilvy Social.Lab, where her work puts culture, creativity, and community together.
“The last thing young people need is to feel lonely or vulnerable in this industry that is vastly changing and moving faster than CVs can keep up with. The Youth Action Council can be the community that people under 35 navigating change need. I’m excited for our work to make an impact.” – Meaghan
“In a world where AI can generate almost anything, our greatest advantage is what makes us human: our lived experiences, perspectives and creativity. The Youth Action Council exists to remind young people that our skills go beyond advertising; we bring human instinct to the future of digital innovation.” – Lotang
With new leadership and focus around youth engagement in the digital industry, Lotang and Meaghan hope to grow meaningful conversations, offer the council’s skills to others, and create more opportunities to share with others.
The Youth Action Council consists of:
- Amy Gajjar, Creative Consultant & Lecturer, FEDISA, Founder of Sacred Heart and Coffee Snob
- Blessing Letsoara, E-Learning Manager – Digify Africa
- Boitumelo Motheng, Client Director: L’Oréal South Africa – Humanz
- Cordelia Moyo, Media Strategist – Publicis Groupe South Africa
- Gugulethu Emily Muzondo, Social Media Manager – MetropolitanRepublic
- Keamogetswe Mathe, Media Strategist and Account Manager – Dentsu
- Keaton Wenn, Account Director – Promise
- Mahlakane Mafoko, Manager – MTN TV & Video Operations and Markets
- Menzi Mhlongo, Senior Project Manager – Digify Africa
- Ruaan Marais, Consumer Brand Manager – Austell Pharmaceuticals
- Thabani Khumalo, Chartered Marketer and Founder, HOK Ventures
- Tshwanelo Fokazi, Senior Social Media Specialist – Nedbank
- Tynielle Beyers, Senior Account Manager: PR & Influencer – Ogilvy
- Ziyanda Thomas, Digital Marketing & Brand Communications Specialist – MTN