With an intentional approach in doing good business, Brenda Khumalo, Founder and Managing Director of Lobengula Advertising was awarded the Standard Bank Top Women Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 award.
This recognition comes at a time when Khumalo has been intentional with her agency’s strategic growth marrying innovation and authentic storytelling for her clients in the advertising and marketing industry.
Khumalo reflects that this award comes at a time where they as an agency have been celebrating their four year journey since inception. Giving her award acceptance speech Khumalo shares “It’s such a privilege to be presented with this award. I’m grateful for platforms like these that recognise women entrepreneurs. It’s accolades like these that serve as a reminder, as an agency, that our efforts are not futile. This win is for all the women who sometimes feel unheard and unseen. We as an agency exist to be a catalyst for those untold stories to be heard and amplify their voices.”
Established during the height of the global pandemic in 2020, Khumalo’s agency has quickly made its mark with some notable wins, embodying resilience and creativity in a competitive and evolving landscape.
Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Brenda’s journey in becoming one of the first youngest black female managing directors in her field highlights her determination and innovative spirit. Brenda has been instrumental in driving inclusivity and creating opportunities for women in the advertising industry. Lobengula Advertising reflects her vision of empowering women, with 70% black female ownership and a 67% female staff complement—transforming an industry still dominated by men.
As a board member of the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA) and the Pendoring Awards, Khumalo’s influence extends beyond her agency, championing creativity, indigenous languages, and diversity in the industry.
The Standard Bank Top Women Awards celebrates the achievements of women leaders driving inclusivity and creating opportunities in South Africa. Winners were announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday, 4 December at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.