“This is not a decision that we have taken lightly but feel that our relationship has run its course and that the time is right for us to go our separate ways,” he explains.

“We leave on a high note with regards to the highly successful ‘Engen African Welcome’ campaign, which ran over the last two years, culminating at the end of the World Cup and their current brand performance.

“During our relationship the convenience retail offer was pioneered in South Africa and the Engen brand rose from fourth to joint first in the Sunday Times Top Brands 2009 survey (Retail Forecourt Category).”

In 2009 Engen’s convenience shops took first place at The Times and Sowetan Retail Awards, this was based on research by TNS Research Surveys, to determine the most popular forecourt retailer.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Engen for the last 15 years and wish them and their future partner all the success for the future.”

“Saatchi & Saatchi have been an integral part of the Engen family and we are extremely disappointed not to have them participate in this mandatory process. Their insights into our industry and their contribution to building the Engen brand over the decade and a half, will be sorely missed,” says Natie Maphanga, GM Corporate Affairs, Engen Petroleum.