TransUnion, the global information and insights powerhouse, is redefining how South Africans see technology, storytelling, and inclusion. In a bold new chapter of its Be the Reason Things Change campaign, the company has launched an emotionally charged, AI-driven brand film — one that fuses innovation with humanity to spotlight stories of visibility, empowerment, and hope.
Created in collaboration with creative agency One Over One and production partner Run Jump Fly, the film merges artificial intelligence with authentic South African experiences. It’s more than just digital artistry — it’s a social statement, proving how responsibly used data can illuminate lives too often left in the dark.
“The AI film is more than a creative milestone; it’s a deeply human story told through the lens of technology,” said Amy Beck, CMO of TransUnion Africa. “It brings to life the emotional realities behind financial data — the hope of opportunity, the weight of exclusion, and the power of visibility. Rooted in empathy and powered by innovation, the film embodies our belief that technology should serve people, not the other way around.”
Turning Data into Impact
The AI film extends the reach of TransUnion’s Be the Reason Things Change movement — a campaign that has already inspired thousands to act, revealing what’s possible when technology meets purpose.
In just one month, the initiative achieved remarkable results:
- 10,838 panels peeled nationwide, unlocking access to free credit education courses valued at R2,000 each.
- Five education fund prizes worth R20,000 each were awarded to learners and beneficiaries, supporting dreams through education.
- Ten tech-for-learning prizes, including laptops and data bundles worth R7,000 each, empowered individuals to thrive in the digital world.
For many, the campaign has been life-changing. Prize recipient Roggers Mamaila shared:
“This contribution towards my family’s education means more than words can express. It’s a tangible step toward a better future – one my family will carry with pride for years to come. It’s proof that when people are seen, real change becomes possible.”
AI with a Purpose
At a time when AI is often seen as cold or distant, TransUnion’s film shifts the lens — revealing how innovation, guided by empathy, can drive inclusion and reshape lives.
Unlike most AI projects that rely on partial automation, this production is entirely AI-powered — from concept to completion — marking a first-of-its-kind achievement in Africa. Yet, what truly distinguishes the film is its authenticity. The story draws from lived South African experiences, transforming raw data into emotion and statistics into stories that resonate.
Every frame embodies the campaign’s central truth: visibility drives change. This is not just an experiment in technology; it’s a revolution in storytelling. It challenges viewers to see beyond numbers — to recognise every data point as a person and every innovation as an opportunity for inclusion.
As the Be the Reason Things Change movement continues, TransUnion remains committed to reshaping financial systems through alternative data and inclusive scoring models, ensuring that everyone — especially the underserved — is seen, valued, and empowered.
