about us

Amanda Hlahleni | PR Engineer

With experience in events, media and R&D Amanda joins the team with years of knowledge and a deep passion for PR. She has worked her way through various industries, which have now led her to Idea Engineers. This social butterfly has longed to work within in an agency that is reputable and displays visible agency-client trust; Idea Engineers is that place.

Amanda Horwitz | Creative Engineer (Conceptual Writer / Creative Director)

Inadvertent reality TV founder, copywriter, creative director, teetotaller on Guinness and vegetarian on Steers, she’s a dog lover that packs a pretty impressive pedigree herself. Twelve years ago, she blazed the reality TV trail in SA with “Amanda's Topdogs” on M-Net, in search of a rewarding career, or eligible bachelor. Thankfully the former won out and the ad industry was richer for it. Amanda’s plied her trade as a copywriter and conceptualiser at Saatchi, Y&R, Ogilvy, and Sonnenberg, Murphy, Leo Burnett. She went on to do a five year stint as creative director at TBWA Hunt/Lascaris. Of late, she’s toyed with the idea of farming, but for now a hard hat, the big smoke and engineering are home to this intrepid storyteller.

Angelina Maphanga| Advertising Intern Engineer

Angelina - little Miss Beyoncé - studied a BA Marketing Communications at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). She was a BlackBerry Ambassador for UJ in 2011 and worked on promotions for Sony 3D TV and Johannesburg Fashion Week before joining Idea Engineers as an intern. She is passionate about music and marketing and aspires to be a marketing strategist.

Benedict Matjiu | Creative Engineer

Ben swiftly moved from client service & brand strategy to the rousing world of copywriting and content generation. This petrolhead was born and raised in the fast-moving lanes of Joburg. Given his broad scope of interests and talents in client service, strategy, content generation and copy, and his current gig as a 5fm producer, he can’t be too narrowly cast, so better known as a slasher. Some of you have already had an entrée to his fresh, compelling, non-vanilla thinking.

Caroline Buffey | Advertising Engineer

The saying “walk the talk” has never been truer when it comes to communications engineer Caro. Her ad agency credentials gleam across her CV like stars on a General’s sleeve. The Jupiter Drawing, HKLM Group, McCann Group, Stonewall Digital and Tequila/TBWA are but a few agencies we can name-drop. Prior to becoming an Idea Engineer, she had worked with many of the current Engineers in different roles. If there is one person who knows advertising, it’s Caroline.

Casey Dare | Traffic Engineer

Soon after completing her studies in Business Management, and before becoming traffic cop at Idea Engineers, control freak Casey kicked off her career at Flying Frog Production House. Here she was managing the studio that did all the Old Shanghai Fire Cracker Factory design work. She also gained a lot of experience in production, but mainly as the traffic manager (or as ‘lady with the whip’ as she’s known around here).

Catherine Gurwitz | Public Relations Engineer

Catherine was one of the first members of the Idea Engineers team and we were delighted for her to be back on board after a gap of a few years. Cath has extensive marketing experience and has worked for leading advertising and PR agencies in London, Johannesburg and Cape Town. We needed someone to keep Cape Town cool, so we sent her to work from there. In her current role at Idea Engineers, she takes care of the Maharishi Institute and Acceleration Media accounts from Cape Town.

Chaz Xulu | Advertising Engineer

Only a red cape away from being an actual superhero, Chaz brings proper meaning to brains meets beauty. Studying towards a BA in Communications Science and juggling an impressive client portfolio, she is always one step ahead and delivers with ease. Advertising agencies are her second home, with years of experience in the fast lane of briefs, creativity and solid execution.

Constance Walaza | Production Engineer

Connie started her career as a nurse (child minder), but she has now moved into the business world amd has grown tremendously with the team. She assists with office administration, oversees the office and outdoor assistants, as well as the reception. Currently she’s doing her Personal Assistant Internship with Idea Engineers. Connie is the office go-to-girl and always solves a problem with a smile.

Dalton Jacobs | Creative Engineer

Dalton started his career at Beith Digital where he learnt his craft from masters in the art of repro and print. Over the past 10 years, he’s worked at a number of agencies in South Africa, including Red Nail, In Roads and Leo Burnett. He joined Idea Engineers in 2008 and is currently responsible for DTP and finished art and managing the studio. When he is not pretending to be in a bad mood, Dalton is known to be a bit of an office clown. But only on Fridays.

Danielle Fromentin | Advertising Engineer

Danielle completed a business diploma in 1996, and gained invaluable experience in client services and account management over the past 12 years. She co-founded a real estate business, and headed up a property development division focusing on the marketing and sales of new development projects. She was also Business Manager for a business consultancy company offering outsourcing and project management services to large corporate companies. At Idea Engineers she handles The Regus Group, Legal & Tax and Bayer HealthCare accounts.

Darko Franic | Creative Engineer

Armed with 10 years of creative brand experience, Darko can click through Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign quicker than an airport check-in agent can confirm a booking. It seems there is nothing the Croatian gent can’t do. With brands like Kaya FM, Mutual & Federal, Thai Airways and Summercon in the nag, his alternative view on brand design has seen him craft a collection of top class designs.Gilbert saw an opportunity for Darko to tackle some rugby kit and after a few month the Blue Bulls rugby fans can be seen charging proudly into stadiums donning Darko’s newly design rugby jersey.

Del-Marí Roberts | Public Relations Engineer

While completing her BTech (Hons) in Public Relations Management, Del-Mari was a manager at a Floristry and Events. She later joined Development Communication Solutions as a Communication Consultant and Events Manager, where she worked with The Swiss South African Corporation Initiative (SSACI), Child Welfare South Africa (CWSA) and Restorative Justice Centre amongst others. She is thrilled to be an Idea Engineer as well as to be part of the Research In Motion (RIM) BlackBerry PR team. Del-Mari is a talented photographer and without even asking for any bribe money, she always makes the Idea Engineers team profile pictures look perfect.

Duduzile Mthembu | Receptionist

Dudu is the first friendly face you see when arriving at Idea Engineers. And the pleasant voice that greets you on the phone. Dudu began work life in the motor industry in Joburg. After a year, she joined the architectural industry, working at a company called Batley Partners for three years. She then joined Idea Engineers and has been working here since 2009. As if manning our reception is not a big enough challenge she has recently completed my Certificate for Human Resource Management.

El Loubser | Public Relations Engineer

This caffeine-powered mom makes many people look like mere mortals. She has a global footprint that is larger than many of the animals she has worked with. From the wildlife in the advertising industry to zoos of the world, El has tamed them all. Her experience is difficult if not impossible to clone, with Corp Comms, reputation and crisis management all under her black belt.

Hannes van Eeden|Creative Engineer

Hannes thinks of himself as a full time husband and father and part time designer. He studied at the University of Pretoria and earned an honours degree in Information Design. He has worked in the advertising industry for various agencies and brands over the years. He has freelanced for Idea Engineers for more than six years and has now joined the team as a full-time employee.

Ingrid Taylor | Advertising Engineer

25 years worth of advertising experience is no fleeting achievement, coupled with a list of credentials that could intimidate a long-serving military man. This is Ingrid’s cred sheet, which stretches from above the line, below the line, events & activation to retail and work in telecoms, automotive and FMCG markets.

Isadora Isaacs | Public Relations Engineer

Isadora has worked in the PR industry for the last decade and held senior positions at several leading PR agencies in Johannesburg. She has a diploma in Public Relations Management and a certificate in Journalism from the Cape Technikon. She’s worked across many sectors and has extensive experience in corporate communications, consumer PR and government relations. This food fundie loves having fun, so at Idea Engineers she works/plays on the Gold Reef City Casino and Theme Park accounts.

Jacqueline Boulos | Public Relations Engineer

Before joining Idea Engineers in 2007, Jacqueline worked as Public Relations Officer at Montecasino, Gauteng’s premiere leisure and entertainment destination. She studied BA Communications Science at the University of Pretoria and completed a Public Relations diploma at PRISA (Public Relations Institute of South Africa). Over the last few years at Idea Engineers, she’s worked on accounts such as Gold Reef City Theme Park, Nashua Mobile, Acceleration, Consology and RIM, the holding company of BlackBerry. Jacqueline tends to work around the clock, but we make her go outside in the sunshine now and then. Sunshine is a source of vitamin D, which is necessary to be a healthy hard worker.

Janice Spark | Director and Managing Partner

Janice has over 20 year marketing experience and before co-founding Idea Engineers, she was a director of Estee Lauder South Africa, where she entrenched Aramis as a market leader and introduced Tommy Hilfiger and DKNY to South Africa. She is regularly published in local and international marketing and branding media publications, and is often invited to speak at brand conferences. Janice is currently considering treatment for her BlackBerry addiction. In the interim, she encourages all her employees to read and learn about marketing and trends, all the time. That’s why they are so smart.

Janina Otto | Public Relations Engineer

Janina joins the team with a PR qualification and experience in the vineyards of Vrede en Lust Wine Estate. She has conquered the online grapevine of social media, blogging, website management and an online shop. She’s a quality cultivar, set to age well.

Karen Peacock | Production Engineer

Before joining Idea Engineers, Karen worked for a wide spread of companies including BP Petroleum Head Office (PR Division), Tower Group Recruitment and Clarins. She is currently the Production Manager at Idea Engineers and has the unique opportunity to be involved with all the Idea Engineers clients on some level or another. When Karen laughs, everyone laughs. And she laughs a lot. We keep her close at hand during stressful times.

Kevin Kleynhans | Creative Engineer and Partner

Kevin’s been engineering ideas for close on thirty years now. During this time he’s worked on cars, trucks, banks, casinos, fashion brands, FMCG, IT, in fact virtually every segment of the market. As well as on many client services’ nerves. But we love him and we love his talent. In 1991, he co-founded multi-award-winning sales and promotion company Red Nail with Jon Olsen. In 2007, he started working for Idea Engineers on a part time basis and enjoyed it so much he signed on permanently as Creative Director.

Kevin Pillay | Production Engineer

Described in a few words as the “go-to-guy”, Kev joins the team with mountains of experience including work on Virgin Mobile, ACSA, Lulu, SA Tourism and the list goes on like the credits of a Hollywood film. The soft-spoken yet commanding Engineer thrives in pressure situations, who is grounded by faith and kept alert by his son.

Kim Kruger | Advertising Engineer

Bubbly Kim spent the past 16 years working in client service, where she started out as an Account Executive, working up to Director of Offline at TBWA\Tequila. Working for companies such as TBWA\Tequila and KSDP Pentagraph she’s gained experience in not only advertising but graphic design, industrial and environmental design, direct marketing, BTL and ATL advertising as well as digital marketing. Throughout her career she’s made great brands such as SABC, Telcom, Plascon, Sun International, Coca-Cola, Willards and Edgars even better. At Idea Engineers Kim works as Advertising Account Director on the RIM/BlackBerry account.

Leanne Emery | Advertising Engineer

This pretty ballerina hung up the dancing shoes and started her career at Draftfcb as part of the Vodacom team and then moved to Kaelo Worldwide Media, where she primarily managed the sponsorships and eventing around Sanlam South African Fashion Week. She was also part of the project management team that developed and implemented events for the International Marketing Council of South Africa, during the World Economic Forum (Davos, Switzerland) in January 2009. She then worked with the UN and diplomatic community at Westcom PR and Strategic Communications before joining Idea Engineers. As if that’s not enough to brag about, she also holds a BA Marketing Communications degree from RAU, and a PDM (Business Administration) from Wits Business School.

Leany Erasmus | Social Media Engineer

After completing her B.com (Hons) Communication Management degree at The University of Pretoria, Leany kicked of her career at Soul Circle. She later joined Lesley Simpson Communications, which specializes in public relations in the travel and tourism industry. She was then adopted into the Idea Engineers team. Here Leany manages the PR for clients Gold Reef City, Acceleration and Consology. Leany is currently completing an M.Phil. Communication Management degree at the University of Pretoria. Her studies focus on the impact that social media is having on the PR industry in SA. She is closeted nerd, and spends her spare time reading Tintin and tweets on Twitter.

Lee-Anne Grassie | Advertising Engineer

Lee-Anne completed her diploma in Graphic Design at Wits Technikon, after which she subsequently branched into client service and has gained 11 years of invaluable experience in the field of branding, design, marketing and advertising. Some of her previous clients include Appletiser SA, Coca-Cola Central Africa and L'Oreal - Garnier, Lancome, Designer Fragrances. Idea Engineers discovered her and her bubbly personality back in 2008, and now she works on the Gold Reef City Casino, Clarins and Schering-Plough accounts. During coffee breaks Lee-Anne dispenses pilates advice to her fellow Idea Engineers. In return they teach her about Twitter and Facebook.

Lindsay Hartland | Advertising Engineer

Lindsay has developed a dual personality in both client and agency positions. Eventually swaying towards agency, she has garnered heaps of experience and know-how in the retail field. She is also no stranger to the mobile technology world.

Lorraine Soko | Office Engineer

Lorraine the Bcomm Financial Management student is all about dispensing quality service and can do it with her eyes closed. She has gone from juggling pizza plates to dishing out business solutions for a number of years. We love her personal payffo line: Keep your head up and keep on moving.

Marle Prinsloo | Public Relations Engineer

Marlé has been with Idea Engineers since 2003, presiding over the PR portfolio. And she’s still with us, which goes to prove how good she is. Marlé’s worked with key clients across a broad spectrum of industries such as: mobile and telecommunications, digital marketing, IT, entertainment and leisure, recruitment, and healthcare. She has a Bachelor of Communication Honours degree (cum laude) from the University of Pretoria. She is passionate about technology and trends. Our clients reap the rewards.

Masamo Mojapelo | Public Relations Engineer

Mas, or Petite Pocket Rocket, as she is known around here, completed a Marketing Communication Degree with the University for Johannesburg, where she also worked as a Peer Educator. In 2008 she was introduced to the world of work, through Sanctuary Lodges and Camps as a Sales and Marketing Assistant. She was with the company for four months until she got the creative itch that only the advertising/media industry could scratch (we’re very grateful), so she went on to work at BOO! Alternative Media and Communications. An opportunity to work on the coolest brand in SA (BlackBerry) came along and she just knew she had to step up to the plate and is now a part of the BlackBerry PR team! Wise choice, we say.

Mira Jurgens | Advertising Engineer

Mira, or Miss Perfectionist as she is known around here, has an educational background in Business Management, Event Management, Communications and DTP,coupled with 12 year’s Marcoms experience in various industries - such as Metal and Steel, Tyres, Office Automation, Mining and Cellular. She has diverse experience in the field of marketing, branding, design and corporate communications. Mira’s considering patenting her technique of being a superstar.

Mmabatho Magoai | Creative Engineer

Her goal to aim higher, go further and do more makes Mmabatho a sterling member of the creative team. A confident DTP operator with vast agency experience is all about learning, and as such is studying towards a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration). Knowledge is her power.

Mmakafela Mojapelo | Public Relations Intern Engineer

Being a new member on the team, Kafi brings fresh ideas, innocent charm and a diehard work ethic. Her love for rock music and crush on Chris Martin are evidence that she is young at heart and ready to kick butt.

Nicolette Petrak | Creative Engineer

Nikki studied at the Triple A in Cape Town and her first job was at the delightfully named Baked Beans Advertising. Over the years, she’s worked for IdeaWorx and the Old Shanghai Firecracker Factory where she worked on Sasko Flour, Mitsubishi, SARS, Tempest and Fuso. She joined Idea Engineers in 2010 and is currently really enjoying working as an Art Director on clients such as BlackBerry, Gold Reef City, heat and FHM. And clients are really enjoying her work. Win-win.

Nolwazi Hlebela | Public Relations Engineer

A young Nolz was selected to represent the Heart Beat Charity Organisation in New York City, then in 2005 was selected to go to Edinburgh Scotland for the G8 summit to voice her thoughts and opinion. She then completed her matric in 2005 and in 2007 started working for Idea Engineers (we know how to spot talent) as a receptionist before moving into her current role as PR Account Executive. The only thing that beats her eagerness to learn is her bright smile.

Pearl Hlanze | Advertising & Public Relations Engineer

Pearl has extensive experience working as a Freelancer on Events (Event Management); working with companies such as Kadoro Events and Communications, as well as Clarins amongst others. She has also worked at Star Productions as a Production Assistant and was part of the production for an international ad for Crystal Clear, the Louise Carver music video, as well as a Fiat commercial, all thanks to her film background at AFDA. Prior to joining the team at Idea Engineers, she worked as an Event and PR assistant for Eventfull Productions, for Thought24 magazines - TRUE LOVE, TRUE LOVE BRIDE, Real, Move! and Move! BestParent. As humble as she is, Pearl has been awarded the title of celebrity publicist superstar in the Idea Engineers office. She refuses to wear the badge though.

Pontsho Maduna | Advertising Engineer

Pontsho joins Idea Engineers with a gracious smile she carries from the hospitality industry. She has dabbled in both client and agency offices across various industries. A well-travelled engineer indeed.

Rene Brits| Social Media Intern Engineer

Rene completed her Bcomm Communication Management and Honours degrees at the University of Pretoria. She has worked at Idea Engineers as an intern since October last year.

Renee Conradie | Public Relations Engineer

Renee is a PR IT geek without the nerdiness. She has racked up 8 years of experience in the IT and tech space. Renee knows the ins and outs of the www and dot com world. Her baie-lingual* talents include binary code.

Riaan Venter | Creative Engineer

Riaan graduated from the Vaal University of Technology in 2005. Since then, he’s worked at Spirit Interactive, The Girls and Switch Design as a digital designer. He is adept in Dreamweaver, Freehand, Flash, Adobe Photoshop and strives to keep himself ahead of the technology curve. Riaan’s been employed at Idea Engineers for two years now, and we’re particularly proud of the work he did on the highly successful BlackBerry youth campaign in 2010.

Sandy Heath | Partner

Sandy was a founder member of Red Nail Advertising, the multi award winning through the line advertising agency. On occasion she enjoys painting her nails, and the town, red. Over the years, she has worked on Designer Group, Supercall, SAB, Mitsubishi, SARS, FHM and heat amongst others. Currently she handles the Gold Reef City account.

Sarah Hammill | Advertising Engineer

Sarah joined Idea Engineers to manage a portfolio that includes Old Mutual and SAVA. She is an advertising engineer with solid experience on both the client and agency side. Her brand exposure is vast and includes Edcon, Mecer, DHL, Qantas, Plascon, Procter & Gamble, Adcock, Reckitts etc. Her agency experience includes Grey, SBBW, Herdbuoys McCann, Publicis, Mortimer Harvey and FCB.

Shauneen Procter | Director and Managing Partner

Shauneen commenced her advertising career at Grey Phillips in the 1980’s, the then powerhouse of the SA advertising industry. She developed extensive and versatile experience on top local and global brands, trademarked by her relentless pursuit of innovation and returns. Her ‘can do’ mantra, a relentless entrepreneurial spirit and delivery ethos led to the establishment of the first in a number of successful businesses in the communications industries in the early 1990’s. She garnered the Award for Best Local Advertising Agency in 2004, as voted by clients. In 2006 the agency emerged with a new identity....Idea Engineers. The old principles and values remain...

Shirley Keet | Advertising Engineer

Her online gaming background and love for books and DVDs makes Shirley an information absorber of note. Her strong business mind makes her a force to be reckoned with, which is why she is on our side.

Suzie Mann | Financial Engineer

Suzie is in charge of paying our bills and salaries. She’s always on time and keeps the boat afloat. We love her. Suzie’s worked in accounts & finance for 35 years, both freelance & full time. She started working for Sorcery part-time in 1999 which developed to full time at Idea Engineers in 2008. Her portfolio currently includes maintenance & IT as well as all accounting matters.

Thabiso Khena | Creative Engineer

Mr. Smooth always wears a smile keeps the creative studio cool. He attended the Boston Media House from 2008 to 2010. During this time, he interned at Ebony and Ivory. After graduating, he joined Idea Engineers and has been working here since January 2011. He enjoys working on Gold Reef City and BlackBerry.

Thandi Masombuka | Advertising / HR Engineer

With marketing, radio and MCing experience, one would be forgiven for thinking she is the life of the party. Self-professed shy girl, Thandi joins the team with a degree in Human Resources and the aim of achieving another in marketing. Her love for music, writing, communications and media coupled with a bubbly alter ego make Thandi an intoxicating engineer.

Tricia Willis | Advertising Engineer

Trish’s career started in the fashion world, but it moved into the world of marketing and advertising when she joined the advertising team at the South African Medical Association in 1997. She joined NetActive Internet in 1999, where she worked on the online communities and shopping portals. She joined Sorcery in 2001 as a junior account executive and completed her BCom Hons in Business Management in 2004 (not just a pretty face!). She currently handles advertising on the BlackBerry account, and serves as admin police officer in the Idea Engineers office.

Tsepo Makate | Creative Engineer

This contemplative and talented illustrator starts thinking where many stop. A degree in Graphic Design launched his seven year creative lift-off. He’s an exceptional ‘visual articulator’ and his ability to marry illustration & design has taken clients well beyond their expectations. Be it for FNB, MTN, Coca-Cola or MasterCard, Tsepo has done it all, and he hasn’t even started yet, so watch this space! Tsepo joins us from Metropolitan Republic in October (a brief stint at Leo Burnett doesn’t count).

Wanita Berry | HR/ Ops Engineer

If “fabulous” was your favourite word, you would no doubt tackle life with a certain energy and vigour. This is Wanita’s outlook, which she applies to life, work and love. A talented lady herself, Wanita comes from a background where talent management is her passion.

Wendy Wade | Creative Engineer

Wendy’s been a graphic designer for 17 years, mostly running her own studio called WondaWorx and working on premium accounts such as Nedbank, Diners Club, Dimension Data, One&Only and Gold Reef City, BlackBerry and Clarins. She used to be the preferred supplier for Idea Engineers before she took a small break to have children. We begged her to come back and now she’s come home permanently and heads up art and design at Idea Engineers.

The Team