DNA Brand Architects has secured the prestigious Campaign of the Year title at the 2026 PRISM Awards for Microsoft’s Your Next Is Now campaign, adding to an impressive collection of accolades at this year’s ceremony.
The Johannesburg-based agency was recognised for its strategic communications work, which placed South African entrepreneurs and their stories at the centre of Microsoft’s business empowerment initiative.
Held under the theme Kaleidoscope, the 2026 PRISM Awards celebrated creativity, innovation and excellence across Southern Africa’s public relations and communications industry.
Microsoft’s Your Next Is Now Takes Top Honours
At the centre of DNA Brand Architects’ success was Microsoft’s Your Next Is Now campaign, which transformed an existing funding initiative into a storytelling platform focused on entrepreneurial growth.
The campaign highlighted how access to technology, mentorship and business support can help entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.
Rather than focusing solely on the funding initiative, DNA Brand Architects brought real entrepreneurial journeys into the campaign.
These included internationally acclaimed South African fashion designer Thebe Magugu and The Awareness Company, a previous beneficiary of the initiative.
Through their stories, the campaign demonstrated the role technology can play in supporting small businesses and creating opportunities for growth.
The approach earned Your Next Is Now three major accolades at the 2026 PRISM Awards, including Campaign of the Year, Gold for Best B2B Campaign: Education and Training, and Gold for Best Digital Campaign.
DNA Brand Architects Celebrates Multiple PRISM Awards Wins
Beyond the top campaign award, DNA Brand Architects received recognition across several categories for work delivered on behalf of Microsoft, Lay’s, Nedbank and Cheetos.
The agency’s 2026 PRISM Awards results included:
- Campaign of the Year: Microsoft – Your Next Is Now
- Gold, Best B2B Campaign: Education and Training: Microsoft – Your Next Is Now
- Gold, Best Digital Campaign: Microsoft – Your Next Is Now
- Silver, Best Video Communication: Microsoft – Your Next Is Now
- Silver, Best Launch of a New Product or Service: Lay’s Kettle Cooked
- Bronze, Best Financial: Nedbank #GetMoneyFit
- Bronze, Best FMCG: Lay’s No Lays No Game
- Bronze, Best Influencer Management: Lay’s No Lays No Game
- Special Mention, Best Influencer Management: Cheetos Can’t Hide The Fun
- Special Mention, Best Large Agency of the Year: DNA Brand Architects
The results reflect the agency’s work across technology, financial services and consumer brands, demonstrating its ability to develop campaigns for different audiences and industries.
Sylvester Chauke Reflects on a Challenging Year for Agencies
For DNA Brand Architects founder and Chief Architect Sylvester Chauke, the recognition comes during a period of increasing pressure on the communications industry.
“2026 has been a challenging year for our industry and the broader economy,” Chauke said.
He noted that changing budgets, project scopes and client expectations have placed greater demands on agencies, with businesses increasingly expecting more from limited resources.
Despite these challenges, Chauke believes the industry’s creativity and resilience continue to drive meaningful results.
“It is a powerful reminder that even in challenging times, great ideas, strong partnerships and bold thinking continue to make a difference,” he added.
Building on More Than a Decade of Industry Recognition
Now in its 14th year, DNA Brand Architects has established a track record of recognition within South Africa’s public relations industry.
The agency’s previous achievements include Best Large Consultancy, Best Medium-sized Consultancy and the President’s Award for founder Sylvester Chauke.
Its latest Campaign of the Year victory follows its first win in the category in 2019.
The 2026 recognition further strengthens the agency’s position within the African communications landscape.
Why the Microsoft Campaign Matters for Brand Storytelling
The success of Your Next Is Now demonstrates how effective brand communication can move beyond promoting products or services.
By focusing on real entrepreneurs, Microsoft and DNA Brand Architects connected a business support initiative with relatable stories of ambition, opportunity and growth.
The campaign positioned technology as an enabler of entrepreneurship while giving audiences examples of how business support can translate into progress.
For brands, the campaign highlights the importance of combining strategic messaging with authentic human experiences.
For DNA Brand Architects, the PRISM Awards recognition reinforces the value of creative storytelling that connects business objectives with meaningful audience engagement.
The recognition highlights the strength of South Africa’s creative communications industry. Explore more award-winning agencies and brand campaigns on Pat on Brands, or visit the DNA Brand Architects website to learn more about the agency’s work.
Watch Microsoft’s Your Next Is Now campaign.
