The award-winning projects included a student’s crochet magazine and a typeface inspired by a mother’s love for the ocean.
South Africa (29 June 2026) – We’re celebrating yet another proud moment for South Africa’s bright students!
A group of young designers across four campuses of the Vega School at Emeris brought home an incredible tally of 20 awards and seven honourable mentions at the Africa International Design Awards (AIDA).
The competition celebrates designers from across Africa and beyond. Every entry is judged by a panel of respected designers, educators, cultural leaders and creative industry experts.
Among this year’s South African winners was third-year communication design student Nandipha Matyumza, whose project YARNE earned top honours in the Book and Magazine category! The magazine grew from a university assignment but was inspired by a personal love for crafting.
“I love to crochet. My aftercare teacher in primary school taught a bunch of us how to crochet, knit and sew because she didn’t like that we were always watching television. YARNE was a way to show younger people how to crochet and that it’s not just for one specific generation,” she said.
The win came as a big celebration for the Matyumza family.
“I sent my mum a screenshot of the email and the next thing I know, I’m getting phone calls and messages from my whole family. My mum had sent the screenshot to our family group chat,” she laughed.
Another winner, third-year communication design student Waseela Khan, was recognised for Shoreline, a custom typeface inspired by her mother’s love of the ocean.
“For me, the choice was immediate. My mother has always been drawn to the ocean. It is her way of destressing and of finding peace within herself,” she explained.
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She never expected the project to receive an award, and says it has given her a huge boost in confidence.
“Personally, I loved the project and poured my heart into it, but I didn’t think it would be up to award standard. This was a huge confidence boost.”
Communications design lecturer Vian Roos also received four awards and two honourable mentions for his work submitted both as a master’s student and as an industry professional.
“I was so excited when I received the news. Having four wins and two honourable mentions is a big,” he said. “Students often hear feedback from their lecturers and their parents, so hearing it from external judges and getting this recognition confirms they’re on the right track and it boosts their confidence.”
The winning list also included Taylor Jordaan, Stephanie Waugh, Demi-Leigh Bell, Racheal Keats, Shaye Cornish, Joash Gounden and Diya Rabikisoon, whose work was recognised across interior and communication design categories.
It’s been an incredible few weeks for South African students, with young people earning international awards and recognition in everything from science and architecture, now to design!
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