Number One Mageu is one of the most loved traditional drinks in South Africa.
Last month, the brand embarked on a search for SA’s freshest and most exciting design talent.
Entrants were challenged to create a highly unique design for the Number One Mageu’s iconic banana packaging where the winner walked with a R10000 cash prize.
All finalists had to round up their friends, followers and fans to help them win the coveted Art & Soul prize via an Instagram voting mechanic.
The competition winners were announced at the RCL Foods Head Offices in Durban last week, where 20-year-old graphic design student, Hannah Smith walked away with the grand prize.
Smith, who is in her third year at the Durban University of Technology, she says she entered the competition as part of a university project.
"My peers at university inspired me to create my design. Being on an arts campus, we have an array of interesting individuals and characters who all express themselves differently through their physical appearances. I wanted to show off the beautiful jazz and soul that youth culture in South Africa has. My design is a celebration of people," she said.
Hannah Smith's Number One Mageu Soul & Art banana packaging that won. Picture: Supplied Smith has been involved in both visual arts and performing arts from a young age. Hannah says she feels amazing, knowing that she gathered nearly 6000 votes in six days with the help from her Instagram, friends, family, local designers and creative’s.
"I feel as incredibly supported as a creative. So many people contributed towards helping me create awareness about the competition and voting for me. It makes my heart so happy to see people coming together and supporting others" says Smith.
The runner up, Rapule Mathonsi walked away with a R5000 cash prize.
Number One Mageu Senior Brand Manager, Aamina Shaik says Number One Mageu is an iconic South African brand that has been feeding the bodies and souls of South Africans for nearly 50 years, giving them a boost when they need it most.
“We believe in celebrating our South African heritage and culture – more importantly celebrating the individuals who make up our culture.
.0001pt;background:white">“We celebrate individuals who are able to express themselves with their passions, whether it is through dance, music or art. This time, we decided to choose the passion for art – we wanted to give these creative, artistic souls a voice on our cartons – a chance for them to speak their minds and express their souls on this iconic piece we love – our Mageu Number 1 Banana carton” she says.