IEC Wins Gold at PRISM Awards for Excellence in 2024 Election Reputation Management

For the IEC, this accolade represents far more than a trophy — it is an affirmation of its continued efforts to uphold its image as an independent, credible, and trusted election management body.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has been honoured with a Gold PRISM Award for its outstanding achievement in “2024 Elections Reputation Management and Public Relations Strategies in the Public Sector.” The award, presented at the 25th Annual PRISM Awards this past weekend, underscores the IEC’s unwavering dedication to maintaining transparency, integrity, and public confidence in South Africa’s democratic processes.

Recognition of Excellence in Public Sector Communication

The PRISM Awards, hosted annually by the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA), celebrate exceptional communication campaigns that demonstrate strategic innovation and measurable impact. This year’s ceremony brought together leading communication professionals and institutions from across the country to honour excellence in storytelling, reputation management, and public engagement.

For the IEC, this accolade represents far more than a trophy — it is an affirmation of its continued efforts to uphold its image as an independent, credible, and trusted election management body. The Commission’s approach to public relations during the 2024 elections was defined by proactive communication, transparency in electoral operations, and effective crisis management.

A Testament to Transparency and Integrity

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo expressed his pride in the recognition, saying, “This award is a testament to the impactful communication work undertaken to promote transparency, integrity, and confidence in the electoral process.”

Mamabolo added that the honour reflects not only the Commission’s internal commitment but also the strong partnerships it has built with communication professionals and the media to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of information during a politically sensitive period.

Collaboration with Magna Carta

The award-winning campaign was submitted by Magna Carta, the IEC’s communications partner, which played a pivotal role in designing and implementing comprehensive strategies that bolstered public engagement and reinforced institutional credibility. The campaign’s success was measured through increased voter confidence, widespread media coverage, and positive sentiment around the management of the 2024 elections.

The Commission extended its appreciation to all internal teams, partners, and stakeholders whose collaborative efforts contributed to enhancing the IEC’s reputation both nationally and internationally. Their collective work ensured that the Commission remained a trusted voice during one of South Africa’s most dynamic election cycles.

Upholding Trust in Democracy

As misinformation and political tension continue to pose challenges to democratic institutions worldwide, the IEC’s success demonstrates the importance of strategic communication in safeguarding electoral credibility. By maintaining open lines of communication, promoting accurate reporting, and responding swiftly to public concerns, the IEC has set a benchmark for reputation management in the public sector.

The Gold PRISM Award is a recognition not just of a campaign, but of a sustained institutional ethos — one rooted in the belief that credibility, integrity, and transparency are essential for the health of a democracy.