South Africa’s iconic maize brand is giving young creatives the chance to design its official promoter uniform while celebrating seven decades of homegrown heritage
Iwisa No.1 is marking its 70th anniversary by handing the canvas to South Africa’s boldest young designers. The Iwisa No.1 Fills Bold Designer Search 2026 returns bigger, bolder and more purpose-driven than ever, inviting the country’s next generation of creatives to reimagine what “homegrown” looks like through luxury sports-inspired streetwear.
The winning designer will create the brand’s official promoter uniform, while a range of prizes will equip young creatives with tools to build their careers beyond the competition.
A competition inspired by 70 years of heritage
For seven decades, Iwisa No.1 has been a household name in South Africa. This year’s competition celebrates that legacy while looking firmly towards the future.
“For seven decades, Iwisa No.1 has filled tummies, homes and lives with nourishment. Now we’re filling the future – with boldness,” says Phumzile Nhlapo, Premier Senior Brand Manager: Consumer Staples.
She explains that the Fills Bold Designer Search is more than a design competition. It is a platform that backs young talent by using the brand’s heritage as a launchpad for the next generation of creatives.
Nhlapo says Iwisa No.1 has remained committed to building communities and improving everyday lives since its launch in 1956. The competition continues that promise by empowering young South Africans to express themselves, celebrate their culture and shape a bold future.
What designers need to create
The competition is open to South Africans aged between 18 and 35.
Participants are challenged to create an exclusive sports-inspired streetwear collection that blends Iwisa No.1’s heritage with contemporary youth culture.
The required collection includes:
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Collared jersey
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Straight-leg joggers
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Bucket hat
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Tote bag
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Socks
The designs should reflect the brand’s legacy, community spirit and proudly South African identity through bold storytelling and fashion.
A prize that goes beyond recognition
The biggest prize is unlike anything the competition has offered before.
The winning designer will create the official Iwisa No.1 Promoter Uniform, meaning their work will be worn by the brand across real-world campaigns.
“Winning means your work doesn’t just get seen; it gets worn by the brand in the real world,” says Nhlapo.
In addition, the winner will receive:
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MacBook Pro valued at up to R35,000
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R10,000 cash
Second prize
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iPad valued at up to R15,000
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Apple Pencil valued at up to R2,000
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R5,000 cash
Third prize
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Noise-cancelling earphones
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R5,000 cash
Nhlapo says every prize has been chosen as a practical tool that can help young creatives continue building their careers long after the competition ends.
How to enter the Iwisa No.1 Fills Bold Designer Search 2026
Entries are now open and close on 17 September 2026.
Young creatives can access the entry templates, competition guidelines and terms and conditions via the official Iwisa No.1 competition website or through the brand’s social media platforms.
Adding further credibility to the initiative, Best Ncube, last year’s Designer Search winner, returns in 2026 as one of the competition’s lead ambassadors.
Filling the next 70 years with bold creativity
As Iwisa No.1 celebrates 70 years of serving South African households, the brand says it is committed to investing in the country’s creative future.
Rather than simply celebrating its legacy, the brand is inviting a new generation of designers to help shape the next chapter.
“We have spent 70 years filling South Africa’s homes; now we’re asking South Africa’s boldest young designers to help us fill the next 70. The canvas is yours,” Nhlapo concludes.
