DKMS Africa Makes History as First Nonprofit to Achieve Marketing Achievement
DKMS Africa has made history by becoming the first nonprofit organization to achieve qualifier status for the prestigious Marketing Achievement Awards (MAA) 2025 as an independent entrant. This milestone marks the first time the organization’s marketing campaigns have received recognition at an award level within the marketing community.
DKMS Africa secured qualifier status in three key categories:
- Excellence in Integrated Marketing
- Excellence in Purpose-led Marketing
- Excellence in Resourceful Marketing
This achievement underscores the critical role of marketing in raising awareness, fostering education, and driving action to potentially save the lives of patients awaiting stem cell transplants.
Marketing for a Life-Saving Cause
Speaking after the 2025 qualifiers unveiling, Palesa Mokomele, Head of Corporate Communications and Community Engagement at DKMS Africa, highlighted the significance of this recognition:
“In a country where blood cancer and disorders continue to affect thousands, our innovative approach to marketing has proven instrumental in educating the public about the critical need for stem cell donors. By leveraging targeted campaigns, we’ve reached diverse audiences, ensuring that information about registering as a stem cell donor reaches those who can make a life-saving difference.”
Patients suffering from blood cancer and blood disorders face staggering odds—just 1 in 100,000 find their perfect stem cell match. Over the past three years, DKMS Africa has worked tirelessly to grow the number of potential donors on the stem cell registry, giving more patients a chance at survival.
Purpose-Driven Marketing Saves Lives
Mokomele further emphasized the power of strategic marketing in transforming public perception and increasing donor registrations:
“Effective, purposeful marketing plays a vital role in ensuring our message gets to the right people at the right time. Through strategic marketing efforts, we’ve increased understanding of stem cell donation, dispelled myths, and addressed concerns, while highlighting the urgent need for a diverse donor pool. Every new registration brings hope to those battling blood-related diseases, and our outreach efforts are helping to secure a better future for patients across South Africa.”
Recognition of Marketing’s Role in Healthcare Advocacy
As DKMS Africa continues its mission to educate, inspire, and mobilize potential donors, the Marketing Achievement Awards qualifier status serves as a powerful validation of marketing’s role in shaping a healthier, more connected society. The fight against blood cancer is far from over, but with sustained awareness efforts and the support of committed donors, DKMS Africa is making a life-changing difference—one potential donor at a time.
About DKMS
DKMS is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer. Founded in Germany in 1991 by Dr. Peter Harf, DKMS has registered over 12 million donors worldwide and facilitated more than 110,000 blood stem cell transplants. The organization operates in Germany, the US, Poland, the UK, Chile, and South Africa, as well as through a joint venture in India (DKMS-BMST). Beyond donor registration, DKMS is heavily involved in medical research, continuously working to improve patient survival and recovery rates.
For more information on becoming a stem cell donor, visit www.dkms-africa.org.