Charities need marketing too so when DKMS Africa heard they got named as a qualifier at the Marketing Achievement Awards, they were overjoyed!
South Africa (16 February 2025) – DKMS Africa made history at the Marketing Achievement Awards earning qualifier status for 2025. The non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders is the first non-profit organisation to achieve the qualifier status as an independent entrant.
In addition, the qualifier status marks the first time the organisation’s marketing campaigns receive recognition from the marketing community at an award level.
DKMS is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to fighting blood cancer. Founded in 1991 by Dr. Peter Harf, it now has offices in Germany, the US, Poland, the UK, Chile, and South Africa, making the fight against blood cancer a global one.
DKMS is also heavily involved in medicine and science, with its own research unit focused on continually improving patient survival and recovery rates. In its high-performance laboratory, the DKMS Life Science Lab, the organisation sets worldwide standards in the typing of potential blood stem cell donors.
For the local and lekker South African team, they achieved qualifier status in three categories, namely, Excellence in Integrated Marketing, Excellence in Purpose-led Marketing, and Excellence in Resourceful Marketing. The qualifier status underscores the powerful impact of marketing in raising awareness, fostering education, and driving action to potentially save the lives of patients awaiting a stem cell transplant.
The Head of Corporate Communications and Community Engagement, Palesa Mokomele, shared the team’s joy.
“In a country where blood cancer and disorders continue to affect thousands, our innovative approach to marketing has proven instrumental in educating the public about the critical need for stem cell donors. In leveraging targeted campaigns, we’ve reached diverse audiences, ensuring that information about registering as a stem cell donor reaches those who can make a life-saving difference.”
Blood cancer and disorder patients have a 1 in 100 000 chance of finding their perfect match. Thus, DKMS Africa has tirelessly worked over the past three years to ensure there are more potential stem cell donors available on the stem cell registry for patients to reach transplant.
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“Effective, purposeful marketing plays a vital role in ensuring our message gets to the right people at the right time. Through strategic marketing efforts, we’ve increased our understanding of stem cell donation, dispelling myths and addressing concerns in addition to highlighting the urgent need for a diverse donor pool. Every new registration brings hope to those battling blood-related diseases, and our outreach efforts are helping to secure a better future for patients across South Africa,” added Mokomele.
As DKMS Africa continues to educate, inspire, and mobilize, the Marketing Achievement Awards qualifier status serves as a reminder of the power of marketing in shaping a healthier, more connected society. The fight against blood cancer is far from over, but with sustained awareness and the support of committed donors, we are making a difference in potential donors at a time.
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