“As a Strategy Director with extensive experience in digital marketing and social media, I work across Central, West, East, and Southern Africa, offering expertise in campaign strategies, customer journey mapping, and product communications. My freelance role empowers organizations to navigate complex markets while delivering impactful digital solutions tailored to their unique needs,” said Shifotoka.

“Previously, as Head of Digital and Innovation at Publicis West Africa, I led transformative strategies for a global brand, driving digital excellence and innovation. With a results-driven mindset and a collaborative approach, I am passionate about enabling teams to achieve success through strategic vision and creative problem-solving.”

How many years have you been a judge?

5+ years

What was your first job in the industry? 

Social media account manager

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

The development of the WesBank App for vehicle asset financing in South Africa

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

Finding clients, work, and most importantly getting strategy right and clients to pay for strategy first

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

Concept and story arc.

What inspired you to join the field and create the kind of work you do?

My Sister was the one who actually advocated for me. Ive always been a creative, she just opened my eyes to a career in it as opposed to accounting.

In your experience, what is a significant change happening in the video and television industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

Concepts are becoming blurred with the advance of AI. Also things are turning around, adverts are using old or previous popular culture moments from the 90s and early 2000s to bring their concepts to life now. It’s fascinating, it’s like fashion, it fades out and then returns

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

Strategy director – I do all things digital strategy and integrated brand strategy.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

Freelancing across Ghana, Zambia, Namibia, Kenya and South Africa and looking for more clients