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1 November 2025 | Press release

Christmas Comes Early with DPD

Meet Delvan, the Gnome on the Go

Santa might still be in the workshop, but at DPD we simply couldn’t wait that long, and the festive spirit has already left the depot. This year, we wanted to do something small to spread joy to customers across the country, a little reminder that there’s someone out there who cares.

All across South Africa, 6 000 festive gnomes named Delvan are travelling with DPD deliveries, popping up in homes, offices and mailrooms to surprise customers with a chance to WIN your share of over R70 000 in cash, vouchers and products from your favourite brands this festive season. Because for team DPD, the festive season is about connection, from our teams to our customers, from one doorstep to another.

A Festive Passenger with Purpose

Delvan has hitched a ride with thousands of parcels heading to every corner of the country. He’s small, red-hatted and impossible to miss a cheerful symbol of what this season is all about: Spreading joy and giving back.

“We will not disappoint you this festive season, as we are committed to deliver your parcel anywhere in South Africa timeously before your event starts,” says Solly Mathebula, Chief People Officer, DPD South Africa. “We are a reliable parcel delivery company that you can trust throughout the year including this festive season.”

 

Delvan also reminds us that even in the rush of the holidays, there’s always time to make someone smile – whether that’s opening a parcel, finding an unexpected surprise or sharing a photo that makes someone else’s day.

How to Join the Fun

If you’re one of the lucky few to receive a Delvan gnome in your DPD delivery, here’s how to enter:

  1. Snap a photo of Delvan having fun at your home, under the tree, on your desk, or joining your family festivities. Be as creative as you want!
  2. Post your photo to Facebook or Instagram.
  3. Tag @DPDSouthAfrica, tell us your city, and use #GnomeOnTheGo and #DPDjoy so we don’t miss it.

That’s all it takes to stand a chance of winning your share of over R70 000 in cash, vouchers and products from your favourite brands this festive season. Special thanks to our sponsors and valued clients who made this competition possible:

  • Bogart Man
  • Lizzard
  • Wine of the Month
  • Shzen
  • Shoe Box
  • Avroy Shlain
  • The Gift Lady
  • Pet Heaven
  • MyRunway
  • Unit 43

Delivering Festive Cheer

The holidays might be our busiest time, but it’s also our favourite! Every parcel carries someone’s plans, stories and hopes for the season and Delvan is our way of celebrating the joy of the season. But this year, we’re taking that spirit of connection even further: Members of our leadership team will be joining drivers on selected routes, hand-delivering festive parcels and meeting customers face-to-face. It’s their way of sharing in the joy we deliver every day, and seeing firsthand the difference that care and connection can make.

“We are the trusted household brand that aims to deliver exceptional results that would excite our customers during the festive season,” says Andy van der Velde, Chief Executive Officer,  DPD South Africa.

So, keep an eye out for your next DPD delivery, you never know who might be delivering your parcel or if Delvan might be hiding inside.

Snap it. Share it. Spread a little festive cheer with #GnomeOnTheGo. For full terms and conditions, click here.