A Toast To Talent – ROTOCON Wine Label Design Competition 2025. The ROTOCON Wine Label Design Competition 2025 has proven once again why it is considered one of the most prestigious platforms for young creatives in South Africa. Held in collaboration with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), this annual event shines a light on the next generation of talented designers, giving them the stage to showcase their artistic vision, innovation, and professional execution in the field of wine label design.
This year’s competition theme, “Cultivate a Life Worth Tasting,” brought forth a spectacular display of originality and creative brilliance, capturing the attention of industry experts, academics, and the public alike.
Spotlight on the Winner: Mufaro Ncube and The Point
The spotlight in the ROTOCON Wine Label Design Competition 2025 was firmly placed on Mufaro Ncube, a 21-year-old third-year Integrated Communication Design (ICD) student at TUT’s Department of Visual Communication (VISCOM). His award-winning design titled “The Point” captivated the judging panel, securing him the prestigious title of overall winner.
Ncube’s label design drew inspiration from Cape Town’s topographical map, creatively incorporated into the die-cut layout of the label. With the strategic use of embossing, high-end print finishes, and classic serif typography, the design conveyed a sense of luxury and exclusivity. The label subtly integrates the ROTOCON brand name, forming a hidden topographic signature that elevates the narrative.
“This was completely unexpected and a personal achievement for a design in which I invested my heart and soul,” said Mufaro Ncube.
Honouring Creative Excellence: Runner-up and Second Runner-up
The judges were so impressed with the high calibre of entries that they named two additional top performers, each demonstrating outstanding conceptual depth and technical skill.
Runner-up
Katlego Madikane (22), an Advanced Diploma student, secured the runner-up position with his concept titled Two Distal. His design takes cues from biomimicry, exploring the link between nature and technology—a harmony that resonates deeply with ROTOCON’s advanced printing capabilities.
Key elements of Madikane’s label include:
- A grape leaf, symbolising the natural origins of wine.
- A network of leaf veins representing life and information.
- A mirrored network of technology, symbolising innovation.
- A triangular die-cut, serving as a bridge between nature and machinery.
The label cleverly celebrates ROTOCON’s dedication to advanced label printing technology while staying grounded in the essence of winemaking.
Second Runner-up
Lesedi Sephadi (20), a third-year student, took third place with her design Ilanga, inspired by Adam’s Calendar—an ancient South African stone structure used to track the sun’s movement.
Her design features:
- Three sun symbols representing sunrise, midday, and sunset.
- A central die-cut showcasing the sun’s unique colors across different wine types.
- Radiating rays that offer a symbolic nod to balance, time, and nature’s cycle.
Ilanga is both poetic and powerful, creating a strong emotional connection with the viewer while showcasing superb label crafting techniques.
Competition Overview: A Platform for Rising Stars
The ROTOCON Wine Label Design Competition 2025 attracted 60 ICD students, each tasked with developing an original wine label aligned with this year’s theme.
Requirements for Participation
Participants were expected to:
| Design Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Design Process & Ideation | Strong conceptual foundation and creativity |
| Printing Techniques | Use of modern print finishes (e.g. foils, embossing, varnishes) |
| Die-cuts | Creative shapes that enhance the label’s storytelling |
| Research & Concept Development | In-depth exploration of the theme and design inspiration |
| Presentation | Professional-quality flats and 3D visualizations |
This practical exercise not only tested the technical proficiency of the students but also gave them exposure to real-world printing constraints and expectations—a valuable experience for any aspiring designer.
Prizes and Recognition
This year’s winners walked away with substantial monetary prizes and national recognition.
| Position | Name | Prize Money | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Winner | Mufaro Ncube | R30,000 | ROTOCON |
| Runner-up | Katlego Madikane | R15,000 | ROTOCON |
| Second Runner-up | Lesedi Sephadi | R10,000 | SA Litho Label Printers (Dawrian Salies) |
Additionally, all three will be celebrated at the prestigious WineLand Media 30 Under 30 Awards on 30 May, with ROTOCON sponsoring the event for the sixth consecutive year.
Insights from Industry Experts
At the award ceremony held at the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice in Pretoria, several leading voices in the design and printing industry shared words of wisdom.
Michael Aengenvoort – CEO of ROTOCON
Michael’s words were both inspiring and metaphorical, drawing parallels between winemaking and personal growth:
- On growth: “Challenges aren’t obstacles; they’re the tannins of your personal story.”
- On timing: “When life hands you bubbles, embrace them.”
- On collaboration: “See others not as rivals, but as barrels – enriching your journey.”
- On branding: “Make sure your label reflects authenticity and integrity.”
Dawrian Salies – SA Litho Label Printers
As a new partner in the competition, Salies emphasized the professional quality of the student submissions, saying:
“With the right guidance and support, these designs could compete globally.”
Academic and Industry Partnership: A Winning Formula
Dr. Herman Botes, Head of VISCOM at TUT, highlighted the educational importance of this annual event:
“Our students gain hands-on experience working directly with international industry leaders. This sets them apart in a competitive design industry.”
This marks the third year of collaboration between ROTOCON and TUT, a partnership that continues to bridge the gap between education and professional practice.
The Role of B Creative and ROTOCON’s Global Reach
A special mention was given to Banie Stafford of B Creative, a TUT alumnus who played a crucial role in managing the event alongside the VISCOM staff. His agency ensures that the competition remains a highlight of the university calendar.
Meanwhile, ROTOCON, with headquarters in Hamburg and Cape Town and branches in Johannesburg, Durban, and Asia, continues to be a global leader in customised label printing and packaging solutions.
Why Design Competitions Like This Matter
Design competitions such as the ROTOCON Wine Label Design Competition 2025 serve multiple purposes:
- Talent Discovery – Spotting and supporting future leaders in design.
- Skill Development – Encouraging students to work within real-world constraints.
- Industry Exposure – Offering direct networking with companies like ROTOCON and SA Litho.
- Portfolio Building – Equipping students with high-quality work for their future careers.
Conclusion
The 2025 edition of the ROTOCON Wine Label Design Competition was not just a celebration of artistic creativity—it was a testament to the power of collaboration between education and industry. The brilliance shown by Mufaro Ncube, Katlego Madikane, and Lesedi Sephadi is a promising sign for South Africa’s future in visual communication and packaging design.
