From packaging and furniture design to digital campaigns and advertising, Vega School at Emeris has plenty to celebrate after its students walked away with eight awards at the 2026 Loeries.
South Africa’s next generation of creative talent is making its mark, and the students at Vega School at Emeris have the awards to prove it.
The school has plenty to celebrate following the 2026 Loerie Awards, where its students secured an impressive eight awards from 38 finalist entries, including one Gold, four Silver and three Bronze Loeries.
And we’re not talking about just one area of design. The winning work covered everything from packaging and furniture design to out-of-home advertising, digital media and integrated campaigns.
It’s a pretty impressive showing for the young creatives preparing to enter an industry where standing out takes more than just a good idea.
A golden moment for young talent
Among the standout achievements was a Gold Loerie in Package Design for Melrose Strange Tongues, created by Communication Design student Danica Viljoen under the guidance of lecturer Wilmarie Staub.
The project was one of several recognised for combining creativity with research, cultural insight and storytelling.
Across the eight winning entries, students demonstrated how creative thinking can be used to develop fresh ideas and tackle real-world challenges.
For Emeris, the results are also a reflection of the importance of preparing students for what awaits them beyond the classroom.
“Creative excellence is about more than producing compelling work; it is about understanding people, challenging convention and translating insight into ideas that make a meaningful impact,” says Louise Wiseman, Group Executive at Emeris.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and the lecturers who guide them, and of the recognition Vega School has received. These achievements reflect Vega’s enduring contribution to the creative industries and our commitment at Emeris to developing graduates who are equipped to shape the future of their professions.”
Even the rebrand got a nod
It wasn’t only the students receiving recognition.
Creative agency Utopia also picked up a Bronze Loerie in Brand Identity & Collateral Design for the Vega School rebrand.
The award marks another milestone for the school as it continues its journey within Emeris, maintaining its established creative identity while entering a new chapter.
More than just a trophy cabinet
For students studying design, branding and creative communication, industry recognition like this is about more than having an award to add to a CV.
It’s an opportunity to have their work recognised alongside some of the industry’s creative talent, while showing what they’re capable of before officially entering the professional world.
Vega School has built its reputation around design, brand communication and business management, with a focus on combining creative thinking with practical skills.
And with the school currently described by Emeris as South Africa’s most awarded specialist school, its latest Loerie success adds another chapter to that reputation.
Eight awards, 38 finalist entries and a Gold Loerie among them. Not a bad way for the next generation of creatives to make an impression.
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