Business to Brand Summit

Event details

Mutual Place, 107 Rivonia Road, Sandown, Sandton, 2031
2026-04-16 8:30 to 2026-04-17 15:30
Pat On Brands

Tickets details

Day 1 Pass – Corporate Brand Leadership 400 remaining
~~R1950~~ R1,950.00
Day 2 – Emerging Brands 400 remaining
~~R1950~~ R1,950.00
Two Day Pass 400 remaining
~~R3750~~ R3,750.00

The Business to Brand Summit is South Africa’s premier gathering of marketers, communicators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who believe in the transformative power of branding. Returning for its second annual edition in 2026, the summit goes beyond traditional conferences. It is a strategic platform where business meets brand, and vision meets execution.

In today’s dynamic and increasingly digital economy, brands are more than visual identities, they are economic assets, cultural symbols, and catalysts for trust and growth. The Business to Brand Summit exists to help South African and African businesses unlock the full potential of branding by empowering them with the strategies, insights, and connections needed to move from transactions to transformation, and from small business to standout brand.

Why This Summit Matters

South Africa is investing heavily in entrepreneurship to combat unemployment and stimulate growth. Yet, over 70% of small businesses fail within five years, and youth unemployment remains above 43%. The challenge isn’t a lack of ambition but the lack of strategy for scalable, sustainable brand growth.

Brand strategist and entrepreneur Pat Mahlangu believes the missing link is branding:

“We’re encouraging South Africans to start businesses but not equipping them to build brands – the kind that attract investment, retain customers, and create jobs.”

The Business to Brand Summit tackles this gap head-on by helping businesses move from surviving to scaling by building brands that resonate deeply, lead confidently, and compete globally.

What To Expect

Across two days of high-impact sessions, the summit will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, masterclasses, and networking sessions that explore how to:

Turn marketing into a powerful engine for sustainable growth
Build authentic, purpose-driven, and customer-centric brands
Leverage AI, data, and digital innovation to stay future-ready
Tell stories that connect emotionally and convert effectively
Align internal culture with external brand promise
Scale African brands from local relevance to global recognition

Who Should Attend

Marketers seeking bold strategies to grow brand equity and market share
Communicators and PR professionals shaping trust and reputation in a fast-changing world
Entrepreneurs and executives ready to evolve from business owners to brand builders
Agencies, consultants, and creatives driving innovation in advertising, design, and storytelling
Policy makers, investors, and thought leaders exploring the link between brand strength and national competitiveness

The Impact

The Business to Brand Summit is more than an event – it’s a movement to strengthen South Africa’s brand-driven economy. When brands thrive, industries flourish, employment grows, and national confidence deepens.

By equipping today’s businesses with tomorrow’s branding tools, the summit invests in Africa’s most valuable currency: brand equity. Together, we’re not just shaping marketing. We are branding the future of Africa’s economy.

Keynote Speaker

Thebe Ikalafeng

A globally respected brand strategist, thought leader, and purpose-driven advocate for Africa-led growth and sustainable brand building. His meteoric and distinguished career commenced in corporate brand management at Colgate-Palmolive in New York and culminated in his appointment as Chief Marketing Officer for Nike Africa in 2002.

He is the founder of the award-winning Brand Leadership (est. 2002); Brand Africa (est. 2010), the non-profit initiative driving a brand-led African renaissance; the Africa Brand Leadership Academy (est. 2020), a postgraduate institution dedicated to developing Africa-focused brand leadership capability; and Africa Intellectual Property Partners (est. 2023), a specialist brand-led intellectual property law practice.

Through his work, writing, and leadership, Ikalafeng has established himself as a purpose-led authority on building sustainable and globally competitive African brands. In recognition of his contribution to leadership, education, and nation-building, he was recently appointed Chancellor of Sol Plaatje University.

A Fellow of the Institute of Directors, he has served on listed and non-listed African and international boards across diverse industries for over 25 years. A seasoned global traveller and adventurer, he has visited every continent, travelled to over 115 countries—from the North Pole in Greenland to the South Pole in Antarctica—covered every country in Africa from Cape to Cairo, and summited Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus, the highest mountains in Africa and Europe respectively.

Ikalafeng is widely quoted and referenced in industry, academia, and international media, including CNN, BBC, Sky News, the Financial Times, CNBC Africa, African Business, and New African. A Chartered Marketer (SA), he holds a BSc, MBA, and LLM in Intellectual Property Law.

Moderator

Kgomotso Modise

A seasoned broadcaster, multi–award-winning journalist, and compelling storyteller who brings insight, clarity, and authenticity to every stage she steps onto. With more than a decade of experience in journalism and broadcasting, she has reported on some of South Africa’s most defining news moments, including the Thabo Bester prison escape case and the ongoing Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, helping audiences make sense of complex stories shaping the country’s democracy. Widely respected for her ability to translate difficult issues into accessible, engaging conversations, Kgomotso has built a reputation for integrity, sharp insight, and meaningful audience connection.

Her storytelling extends beyond traditional media, with vibrant digital platforms on TikTok and Instagram where a combined community of over 390,000 followers engages with her fresh and impactful approach to news. Throughout her career, Kgomotso has received numerous accolades, including the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Award for Innovation at both Gauteng and national levels. In 2023, she was selected for the prestigious International Sound Documentary Programme in Paris, where she spent two months further developing her craft in global storytelling.

In addition to her journalism work, Kgomotso is a regular voice on 702 and CapeTalk, where she occasionally stands in as a presenter. Today, Kgomotso brings her journalistic depth, storytelling ability, and natural stage presence to events as a moderator, facilitator and MC, creating conversations that are insightful, engaging, and memorable.

Speakers

Thobile Zuma

A South African technology and business professional, currently serving as the Co-Founder of Intelio, a company focused on smart technology and innovative security solutions.

With over 9 years of experience in commercial and technology contracts, she has built a strong career at the intersection of technology, business strategy, and digital transformation. She is also associated with MTN South Africa, where she has contributed her expertise in managing complex commercial agreements and technology-driven projects.

Thobile’s work is driven by a passion for innovation, smart infrastructure, and future-focused solutions, particularly in the evolving landscape of connected technologies. As a co-founder, she plays a key role in shaping Intelio’s vision to deliver secure, intelligent, and user-centric tech solutions.

Kurt Schröder

Founder and Managing Director of DoubleShift, a South African strategic brand and communications agency. DoubleShift helps high complexity challenger brands in fintech and new financial services build trust with their audiences and stand out in competitive markets.

Kurt also serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Monavate, a Cambridge-based fintech company specialising in global infrastructure that enables cutting-edge payment solutions. Monavate is regulated in the UK and Europe as an FCA-registered e-money institution and a principal member of Mastercard, Visa and Discover.

His dual role gives him a unique, real-world perspective on both the creative and commercial sides of brand-building across regions and across partnerships.

Nomzamo Ntuli

A seasoned marketing and communications professional currently serving as Marketing and Communications Manager at Primedia Outdoor. She brings over a decade of experience across marketing, brand management, public relations, and events, having worked across industries including media, advertising, financial services, recruitment, and training.In her role, Nomzamo is responsible for driving go-to-market strategies and shaping the organisation’s brand positioning through integrated marketing channels. She plays a key role in aligning internal business units—such as sales, operations, finance, and product teams—to deliver cohesive and impactful campaigns.Her expertise spans brand strategy, market research, demand generation, content creation, social media, and experiential marketing. Known for her strategic thinking and creative approach, she is passionate about building meaningful brand experiences and leveraging data-driven insights to deliver measurable growth.

Mosala Phillips

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Old Mutual, one of Africa’s leading financial services organisations. He is a seasoned marketing and commercial strategy executive with extensive experience in building and managing iconic brands across global markets.He joined Old Mutual in 2021, bringing over 15 years of experience from Procter & Gamble, where he worked across a portfolio of globally recognised brands including Always, Ariel, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, and Oral-B. His career at P&G spanned multiple regions, including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, giving him a strong international perspective on brand building and consumer insights.As CMO, Mosala is responsible for shaping and strengthening the Old Mutual brand across its operations in multiple African markets. His role focuses on driving customer-centric strategies, leveraging data and insights, and aligning marketing initiatives with broader business objectives to deliver growth and long-term value.Mosala holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cape Town and has furthered his executive education through the London Business School.Known for his strong analytical approach to marketing, he champions the integration of data, customer insight, and commercial impact—ensuring that marketing plays a central role in business strategy and performance.

Zama Mkosi

As a seasoned media and entertainment lawyer, business and legal Strategist, and creative economy researcher, Zama Mkosi brings over 25 years of experience in empowering businesses and creatives to thrive in the global economy.

With a Master of Philosophy in International Business, specializing in the integration of creative industry firms into global value chains, Zama has developed unique expertise in navigating the complexities of the creative industry.

She is the Founder and CEO of Mkosi Group, providing strategic advisory services, film production insurance, and online learning platforms to support SMMEs in the protecting and growing their creative businesses.
With a proven track record of spearheading initiatives to grow and develop the South African film industry on local and international platforms, Zama is a respected thought leader in the creative economy. Her passion lies in enabling women and youth-owned enterprises in particular to profitably participate in the global economy, contributing to the socio-economic development of the African continent. As a coach, mentor, and keynote speaker, Zama empowers creatives and entrepreneurs to unlock their potential, build sustainable businesses, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of the creative economy.

Siyabonga Zungu

A seasoned marketing professional with over 14 years of experience across a broad range of marketing functions. He holds a BCom in Strategic Marketing Management and a BPhil Honours in Strategic Management from the University of Johannesburg, as well as a Digital Marketing certificate from UCT. He is currently completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA) at Wits Business School. Siyabonga has worked with leading brands, including Puma, Capitec, and Proudly SA, where he has led initiatives that influence consumer behaviour and strengthen brand positioning in highly competitive markets. He currently serves as Marketing and Stakeholder Manager at Old Mutual Masisizane Fund, where he focuses on driving SMME growth through strategic marketing, stakeholder engagement, and improved access to business financing.

Thabang Hleza

The Executive Head of Investments and Business Development at Old Mutual’s Masisizane Fund. He is an experienced Investment professional, passionate about SME development and value creation. Prior to joining Masisizane Fund, Thabo held various roles in development finance and private equity, where he was responsible for the strategic, operational, and financial performance of several portfolios.
He also boasts experience in post-investment due diligence, deal structuring, and implementing value-creation opportunities within portfolio companies. With his passion and extensive experience working with SMEs, Thabang is committed to creating a greater impact and sustainable development of SMEs.

Qualifications:

B Com Acc (UCT)
MBA (University of Pretoria)
Executive Leadership Program (Oxford)
Mechanics in Private Equity (Middlesex University)

Mmaphuti Rankapole

Ms Rankapole is a seasoned business executive with over two decades of experience driving brand growth, category leadership, and commercial strategy across leading multinational and South African organisations.

She has served as Managing and Marketing Executive at Famous Brands, Pioneer Foods, and Tiger Brands, where she led iconic, market-leading brands and delivered record commercial performance.

Earlier in her career, she gained extensive global and local experience through senior marketing roles at Yum! Restaurants International (KFC), Unilever, and Brand South Africa, where she notably served as Marketing Manager: Domestic & International.

Ms Rankapole holds a Master of Business Administration from GIBS Business School and a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo

A prominent South African business leader and hospitality executive, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer and board member of City Lodge Hotels. With over three decades of experience in the tourism and hospitality sector, she is widely recognised for her leadership in driving transformation, inclusivity, and operational excellence within the industry.

Born in Eswatini to South African parents in exile during apartheid, Sangweni-Siddo’s early life was shaped by international exposure across Africa, Europe, and the United States. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management from Penn State University and began her career in 1993 with Hyatt Hotels in Washington, D.C.

Throughout her career, she has held several senior leadership roles, including General Manager of the InterContinental Sandton Towers, CEO of the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, and founder of the Zuka African Tourism Investment Corporation (ZATIC), through which she pioneered the development of the Soweto Hotel and Conference Centre—one of the first black female-owned four-star hotels in a South African township.

At City Lodge Hotels, Sangweni-Siddo plays a key role in overseeing operations across multiple countries, focusing on business performance, customer experience, and talent development. She is also a strong advocate for diversity and gender transformation in leadership, having contributed to increasing representation within executive structures.

Beyond her corporate role, she is the founder of Pronet, an intergenerational networking platform aimed at empowering young professionals. She is also an author, having written The Syndicate of Twenty-two Natives: The Stan Sangweni Story, a tribute to her father’s legacy and South Africa’s historical journey.
Sangweni-Siddo is widely respected for her commitment to mentorship, transformation, and the advancement of African tourism, making her one of the leading voices in the continent’s hospitality industry.

Kgomotso Mannya

The Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung Africa, with nearly 20 years of experience leading brand and commercial strategy across the beauty, technology, and consumer goods sectors. Her rise from marketing coordinator to one of the continent’s most respected marketing leaders reflects a sharp strategic mind, a strong commercial instinct, and a deep commitment to purposeful storytelling. Appointed CMO in July 2025, Kgomotso previously served as Head of Marketing for Samsung’s Mobile Experience division, overseeing the Samsung Mobile Experience strategy for smartphones, tablets, and wearables. In that role, she led flagship launches and high-impact campaigns that strengthened Samsung’s position as a leader in innovation and accessibility in South Africa. Before joining Samsung, she spent 11 years at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. in senior brand roles across Clinique, Smashbox, and Glamglow. As Brand General Manager, she drove brand development, market expansion, and long-term growth strategy across Sub-Saharan Africa. Earlier, as Business Development Manager, she played a key role in launching MAC Cosmetics into new markets, combining deep regional insight with a performance-driven marketing approach. Her experience spans trade marketing, category leadership, media strategy, and stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about consumer-first innovation, inclusive leadership, and building high-performing teams that deliver measurable business impact. As a mentor and strategist, Kgomotso is deeply invested in shaping the future of marketing in Africa. She brings authenticity, expertise, and a forward-looking perspective to every table she joins. As a dynamic leader, she is passionate about consumer-centric innovation, building inclusive teams, and developing strategies that drive market impact and brand loyalty. Her skill set spans strategic communications, negotiation, integrated marketing, and pan-African stakeholder management. An advocate for women in leadership, Kgomotso is committed to mentoring the next generation of marketing professionals. She brings her full experience and authenticity to the evolving African consumer landscape, which she is deeply invested in helping shape.

Elizabeth Mokwena

A seasoned pan-African marketing executive and brand strategist with over 14 years of experience in the FMCG sector. She currently serves as the Home Care Executive Marketing Director for Unilever Africa, where she leads the growth and expansion of major household brands across the continent.Renowned for her strategic vision, Mokwena focuses on bridging global and local markets—“giving global brands an African passport while giving African brands global exposure.” Her work is rooted in building culturally relevant brands that resonate with diverse African consumers.In addition to her corporate leadership role, she has been recognized as an influential voice in the marketing and digital industry. She was appointed Jury President for the 2025 IAB South Africa Bookmark Awards, reflecting her expertise in digital innovation, creativity, and brand storytelling.Mokwena is also passionate about developing future talent and is committed to mentoring the next generation of African brand builders, with a strong belief in the transformative power of creativity and innovation.

Tshepo Mohlala

South African fashion entrepreneur, designer, and the founder and creative director of Tshepo Jeans, a premium denim brand established in Johannesburg in 2015. He is widely known as “Tshepo the Jean Maker” and is recognised for redefining African luxury denim through locally produced, high-quality garments.

Born and raised in Tsakane, Gauteng, Mohlala developed an early passion for fashion influenced by his family, particularly his grandmother, and exposure to global pop culture. His journey into fashion was largely self-driven—after studying briefly at the University of Johannesburg, he left to pursue hands-on experience in design and garment construction.

Mohlala began his entrepreneurial journey by selling custom-made jeans, eventually launching Tshepo Jeans with a small loan and just 100 pairs of denim, which he personally distributed. Over time, the brand grew into one of South Africa’s most recognisable fashion labels, known for its craftsmanship, storytelling, and commitment to local manufacturing.

His brand focuses on creating denim tailored to African body types while promoting African identity, pride, and inclusivity. Tshepo Jeans has gained both local and international recognition, with celebrities and global audiences embracing the brand’s unique aesthetic and quality.

Beyond fashion, Mohlala is an advocate for local production and entrepreneurship, using his platform to support South Africa’s textile industry and inspire young creatives.

Vincent Maposa

In his role, Vincent plays a pivotal role in shaping Wetility’s strategic direction, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a customer-centric culture. Vincent’s leadership leverages his deep industry knowledge to guide Wetility’s growth and expansion, ensuring that the company remains competitive and responsive to market trends.

Prior to founding Wetility, Vincent was the strategy manager at a global power generation company, where he led strategic initiatives for growth and efficiency. Earlier, he worked as a management consultant, advising power utilities, regulators, and energy ministries across Africa and the Middle East. Vincent holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical and Statistical Science, is a member of the CFA Institute, and has completed both Level I and Level II of the CFA Program.

Mayur Bhana

With more than 20 years of experience within the Mercedes-Benz Group, Mayur Bhana is a commercially focused marketing and communications leader currently serving as Head of Customer Connection for Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa. He is responsible for shaping customer-centric growth strategies that integrate brand, performance marketing and retail demand creation within an Agent direct selling model.

In his role, Mayur oversees all things digital, national brand campaigns, data driven marketing, retail and tactical performance, partnerships, sponsorships, PR and regional content operations.
Mayur is passionate about building high performing teams, forging strategic collaborations and advancing innovative customer engagement solutions that position Mercedes-Benz as a progressive and future-focused luxury mobility brand.

Mpoomy Ledwaba

In 2017, Mpoomy launched Aneno Nails, a mobile nail service that later evolved into a full-service salon in Melville, Johannesburg. She eventually sold the salon in 2022 to focus on other ventures.In 2019, she founded Wisdom & Wellness, a holistic wellness movement aimed at educating and inspiring women to lead balanced lives by addressing mental, physical, and spiritual needs. Mpoomy initially pursued accounting at the University of Johannesburg but later left to explore her entrepreneurial passions.Mpoomy’s digital presence is significant. She is an award-winning podcaster and was part of YouTube’s Black Voices Creator Class of 2022. Her YouTube channel features content on personal growth, wellness, and lifestyle, attracting a substantial following.She has collaborated with major brands, including Dove, Clarins, and Colgate, and has been invited to speak at global events such as a Facebook event in 2021. Mpoomy is also an author. Her book, “How Did We Get Here?”, offers a candid account of her personal experiences and life lessons.On a personal note, Mpoomy is married to singer Brenden Praise. They have two children together. Her journey from an accounting student to a celebrated entrepreneur and wellness advocate highlights her dedication to purposeful living and empowering others.Reflecting on this achievement, she expressed gratitude and acknowledged the challenges she overcame, stating:

“I felt like a fraud. I questioned for the longest time whether I made things up and masked it as ‘God’. I have lived my twenties as an overachiever with goals to tick just to heal the little 19-year-old who was scared, felt like an outsider and a failure. Today, God granted me the gift of a full circle / closure.”

This accolade underscores her influence and dedication to her craft, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in South Africa’s entrepreneurial and digital landscapes.

Nuala Harris-Morele

A seasoned executive who co-leads Kantar’s South Africa business, and resides on the Kantar Middle East, Africa and Turkey board. Known for her strong client partnerships and deep industry influence, Nuala has built a career defined by long-standing relationships with a particular passion for guiding CMOs and CEOs with clarity, rigor, and commercial impact.

With more than two decades of experience across brand strategy, media, creative, audience measurement, and growth advisory, Nuala brings a rare dual perspective shaped by both agency leadership and client-side experience during her years at L’Oréal. This grounding enables her to fuse analytical discipline with practical commercial intuition, making her a trusted advisor to organisations across Financial Services, Telecommunications, Entertainment, and FMCG.

Although she operates within the research and insights industry, Nuala’s passion lies in enabling strategic business growth. Her cross-category and cross-market expertise allow her to distil complex dynamics into clear, actionable direction, helping clients make confident decisions that accelerate value creation. Her remit includes leading the Consulting practice in South Africa – a competitive advantage that sets Kantar apart.

Beyond her executive responsibilities, Nuala is an active contributor to the broader insights community. She serves on the SAMRA Board, represents South Africa within ESOMAR’s Market Representative network, and now extends her influence through the MAA — reflecting her commitment to elevating the role of brands across the continent.

Ivan Moroke

One of South Africa’s foremost business and marketing A business executive advisor trusted to turn insight into decisive commercial advantage.

With more than three decades of experience in diverse sectors, i.e. FMCG, Telecommunications, Financial Services, Construction, FMCG, Petroleum, Technology, Travel and Tourism, Automotive, Alcohol industries and Education across African markets, Ivan has built a reputation for helping organisations make sharper strategic choices that unlock measurable growth. His work sits at the intersection of consumer intelligence, brand strategy, and commercial performance, where evidence doesn’t merely inform decisions, it shapes them.

Ivan is particularly known for his ability to synthesise complex and fragmented data into behavioural insight, market performance, brand metrics, cultural signals, and organisational realities into clear, compelling strategic narratives that drive executive alignment and investment confidence. He ensures that insights translate into action, not information; into competitive advantage, not reports.

A seasoned executive advisor, Ivan combines analytical rigour with commercial instinct and stakeholder leadership. He is frequently called upon by boards and executive teams to navigate complex growth challenges, reposition brands, sharpen go-to-market strategy and reframe marketing as a core business driver rather than a cost centre. His facilitation style enables leadership teams to confront difficult trade-offs, challenge assumptions and commit to bold but evidence-based strategic moves.

His career spans both the client and consultancy sides of the industry, including senior leadership roles within global organisations such as BATSA, TBWA and Kantar, as well as founding Co-Currency, a strategic consultancy focused on collaborative and inclusive growth models. This dual perspective allows him to balance strategic ambition with operational pragmatism.

Beyond client advisory work, as an independent industry voice and often referred to as “The Brand Provocateur”In this role, he challenges organisations and agency partners Ivan to elevate brand thinking from communications to competitive strategy, asking the questions others avoid and reframing brands as powerful business tools.

He has chaired leading industry bodies including the APEX Effective Awards, Brand Council South Africa (BCSA), and the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA). He is a respected global juror for the Loeries and Cannes Lions, and currently serves as Chairperson of the Marketing Achievement Awards South Africa.

Ivan also serves on the boards of Heartlines: Fathers Matter and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, reflecting his commitment to social impact and responsible leadership.

Domaine Rautenbach

A seasoned Senior Brand Manager at JDE, joining the company in September 2023 with over a decade of experience in the food production industry. She excels in crafting and executing brand strategies, overseeing online marketing efforts, and guiding new product development and packaging.

At JDE, Domaine has been instrumental in rolling out the Jacobs rebrand, launching Jacobs Mochas in partnership with Cadbury, and leading the Tokinomo Shelfobot campaign. Her initiatives have delivered impressive results, including a 78.1% increase in value sales and a 32% boost in unit sales during the Roodepoort activation and a 61% increase in value sales alongside a 39.4% rise in unit sales with the Tokai Hyperactivation.

Previously, as Brand Manager at Eskort Limited, she drove key brand strategy initiatives, managed financial planning, and spearheaded social media campaigns to enhance market presence. Known for her collaborative, data-driven leadership, Domaine leverages market insights to foster innovation and sustainable growth.

Domaine holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Marketing from WITS Business School and a National Diploma in Marketing from Tshwane University of Technology.

Zakithi Mncwango

A marketing and communications professional, category development specialist, and business speaker with experience across FMCG, fashion, and cosmetics brands. She has worked on well-known brands such as NikNaks, Estée Lauder, Carrera, and Tommy Hilfiger eyewear, and currently serves as the Category Marketing Manager for Cocoa Malt Beverages at Nestlé South Africa.

Having studied Economics and Management, she combines business knowledge with a passion for brand building, storytelling, and demonstrating the real value brands bring to everyday life. Her work focuses on crafting meaningful brand narratives and connecting brands to people in authentic ways.
Recognised for her pursuit of creative excellence, Zakithi takes a people-first approach to business and remains deeply committed to continuous learning and growth.

Lunga Siyo

Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Telkom Consumer & Small Business in May 2018. He leads one of the organisation’s most dynamic portfolios, responsible for driving growth, innovation and customer experience across Telkom’s consumer and SME segments.

With a strong foundation in finance and strategy, Lunga brings deep expertise across financial analysis, digital transformation, e-commerce, commercial operations, sales and marketing. His leadership approach combines strategic clarity with execution discipline, enabling sustainable growth in highly competitive and rapidly evolving markets.

Prior to joining Telkom, Lunga built an impressive track record at leading blue-chip organisations including MTN, BP, Santam and Standard Bank, where he held several senior and executive roles. Across these organisations, he played a pivotal role in commercial optimisation, digital channel development, customer-led innovation and business transformation.

Lunga has consistently demonstrated the ability to conceptualise, build and scale digital platforms and distribution channels, positioning businesses for long-term competitiveness. Under his leadership, Telkom Consumer & Small Business has accelerated its digital-first strategy, strengthened its product portfolio, and enhanced customer-centric service delivery.

He is recognised for his forward-thinking mindset, commercial acumen and ability to align technology, strategy and people to unlock value. Lunga remains committed to driving inclusive digital access, operational excellence and sustained performance within the telecommunications sector.

Bulelani Balabala

An award-winning South African entrepreneur, business speaker, and township enterprise developer. He is the founder of Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA), a transformative initiative that has empowered over 80,000 small businesses across township and rural communities, facilitating funding opportunities for more than 430 enterprises.

He is also the CEO of IAF Brands, a specialist township agency delivering integrated marketing solutions that connect corporate South Africa with the township economy. Through his leadership, the agency has supported leading local and international brands with strategy, insights, and nationwide implementation.

A respected voice on entrepreneurship, productivity, and the township economy, Bulelani is a regular business media contributor and has shared platforms with top business and government leaders. His work has earned him multiple national awards and recognition, including acknowledgment by the Presidency as a youth trailblazer.

Driven by his mantra #GetThingsDone, Bulelani is committed to empowering communities and driving inclusive economic growth.

Marko Stavrou

Known across South Africa as the Gen Z Guy, is an entrepreneur, strategist, and investor. At 17, he became the youngest person accepted globally into Henley Business School. Today, aged 21, he is the founder of Genlink, an investor-backed consulting and insights firm focused on unlocking the potential of organisations’ next-gen talent and customers. Genlink’s clients include Standard Bank, Nedbank, SAICA, and Universal Music South Africa, among many others. He is also an investor at Buffet Investments, backing early-stage companies through to Series A. Marko has presented at over 100 events on entrepreneurship, marketing, and Gen Z, engaging audiences from students to Fortune 500 CEOs. He documents his life and lessons through his social media channels, which have more than 40 thousand followers and garner more than 3 million views annually. Marko’s lifelong ambition is to invest in the growth of African businesses while empowering entrepreneurs and leaders to lead more purposeful and fulfilling lives.

Andrea Quaye

Marketing Director at HEINEKEN Beverages, South Africa. With an impressive 26-year career in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, Andrea has amassed a wealth of experience across various high-profile companies, including Unilever, SABMiller, AB InBev, The Coca-Cola Company, and HEINEKEN.

As a commercial marketing leader, Andrea has consistently demonstrated her ability to spearhead turnarounds and build new categories. Her innovative approach and multi-cultural expertise have allowed her to navigate and excel in diverse markets across Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America, APAC, and MENA regions.

Andrea’s exceptional work has not gone unnoticed, as she has received numerous accolades for effectiveness and creativity. Her achievements have been recognized both in her home country of South Africa, with prestigious awards such as the Loeries, and on the international stage, including Cannes Lions, Effies, D&AD, and Clio Awards.

Andrea’s dedication to her craft and her proven track record make her a standout professional in the marketing industry.

Tshepang Makofane

The Founder and Insights & Strategy Lead at Context Africa, an award-winning research and insights firm helping brands uncover meaning in the everyday realities of the communities they serve. A brand strategy lecturer, Tshepang combines academic rigor with hands-on expertise to bridge theory and practice, enabling organizations to make culturally grounded, impactful decisions that resonate with audiences.

Rucien Petersen

a seasoned marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in both traditional and digital marketing, coming from the insurance and fitness industries. Holding a Diploma, Degree, and Honours in Brand Management, he has developed a deep understanding of comprehensive marketing strategies that drive business growth.

In 2017, Rucien founded Spottmedia, a marketing agency born from extensive research, recognising that many business owners lack the time, knowledge and skills to execute effective marketing strategies. Under his leadership, Spottmedia has successfully serviced over 100 businesses and entrepreneurs across various industries.

Rucien’s work and insights have been featured across prominent media platforms such as SABC News, ETV, and Bizcommunity, where he continues to champion practical, forward-thinking marketing solutions that resonate in today’s digital economy.

His dedication to continuous learning and business excellence led him to participate in the Small Business Academy Programme at Stellenbosch Business School, where he was named the 2024 Top Achiever for the year.

Beyond his agency work, Rucien is actively involved in the Tygerberg Cape Chamber of Commerce Committee and is a certified coach and trainer, accredited by the Combined Skills Group. His expertise, leadership and passion for marketing continue to empower businesses and entrepreneurs throughout South Africa to refine their strategies and achieve sustainable growth.

Mike Sharman

Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Retroviral, which has made more brands ‘go viral, globally’ than any other agency in Africa.

He has developed campaigns that have been classified as ‘truly viral’ (The Sixty60 Swindler, My Kreepy Teacher, Nando’s Last Dictator Standing, and Castle Lager Granboks to name a few)

Mike is obsessed with branded content advertising and was named both a finalist in South Africa’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023, and a winner in SA forty under 40 for his work in the media space.

Dr. Beatrice Ndung’u

One of East Africa’s most influential voices in branding, marketing, and creative strategy. As the Founder and CEO of Brand Power (Sanaa Studios), she leads an award-winning agency building bold, bankable, and culturally relevant brands across Africa.

Renowned for her signature framework — Branding. Marketing. Distribution. Strategy. Dr. Beatrice challenges businesses, leaders, and creatives to think beyond visibility and focus on value creation. She teaches that branding without marketing is silent, marketing without distribution is loss, and distribution without strategy is simply noise.

A strategist by profession and storyteller by instinct, she transforms ideas into movements and brands into institutions. Her work spans corporate organizations, government institutions, entrepreneurs, creatives, and social impact leaders — helping them move from obscurity to authority.

As a speaker, Dr. Beatrice is known for her clarity, confidence, and commanding stage presence. Her talks are practical, bold, and deeply inspiring — equipping audiences with actionable strategies for brand growth, market positioning, and sustainable influence.

Beyond business, she is deeply committed to women’s leadership, youth mentorship, and advancing Africa’s creative economy. She speaks passionately about building brands that not only generate revenue but also shape culture and drive social impact.

Bronwyn Pretorius

A marketing leader whose career spans some of Africa’s largest and most dynamic industries, from retail to fintech to banking. Currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Ackermans, she directs strategy across one of South Africa’s most loved apparel and fashion brands, steering campaigns that connect with customers while driving business growth.

Her career began at Shoprite Holdings, Africa’s largest retailer, where she spent more than a decade. As National Marketing Manager across Shoprite, Usave, Liquorshop, Financial Services, and MediRite, she led the marketing, media, and whitespace initiatives of five brands across the continent. She also played a pivotal role as marketing lead on the hugely successful Checkers Xtra Savings loyalty programme, a campaign that redefined customer engagement in South African retail.

She then moved into fintech as Executive Head of Marketing for Mukuru, one of Africa’s largest financial technology companies. With responsibilities spanning multiple African territories and the UK, she helped position Mukuru as a trusted, human-centred brand in a fast-moving industry. Her role extended beyond marketing as she spearheaded the Women in Leadership programme, creating space for authentic dialogue on gender bias and cultivating a culture of inclusion and growth. A career highlight during this time was brokering a partnership between Mukuru and English Premier League team, Crystal Palace.

After Mukuru, Bronwyn became Group Head of Brand and Communications at Capitec Bank, South Africa’s largest retail bank. There she oversaw brand strategy, positioning, digital communications, PR, production, and internal communications across both the Retail and Business Bank. Her leadership sharpened the bank’s voice in an increasingly competitive landscape and reinforced Capitec’s standing as a brand built on clarity and customer trust.

Across these heavyweight portfolios, Bronwyn has built a reputation for thriving in complex and fast-changing environments. She has an instinct for turning challenging briefs into opportunities and is known for her ability to bridge commercial strategy with brand purpose.

What sets her apart is her belief that marketing is ultimately about people. She often says that “a day spent not learning is a day lost” and draws inspiration from Brené Brown’s philosophy of courage over comfort. Her leadership reflects a balance of strategic sharpness and human connection, and her career demonstrates a passion for building brands that matter, brands that serve both business ambition and the people they touch.

GG Alcock

An entrepreneur and author. His business Minanawe Marketing pioneered marketing to township and informal mass markets in South Africa. He is the author of Born White Zulu Bred, KasiNomics, KasiNomic Revolution & in 2025 KasiNomics Unleashed, books about South Africa’s informal economies and the people who live in them. GG’s business KasiNomics provides insights, strategies & marketing services to South African informal markets.

Katekani Baloyi

Commercially driven business leader with a proven track record of building brands, driving category growth, and leading innovation across consumer goods and digital platforms. I bring deep expertise in portfolio strategy, revenue management, and cross-functional leadership within complex, matrixed environments, coupled with a passion for mentoring entrepreneurs and executives to achieve sustainable growth.

Theme: Africa Rising – Building Iconic Brands for a New Era

Dates: 16–17 April 2026

Venue: Mutual Place, Sandton, Johannesburg

Format: Single-stage summit (no breakaway rooms)

DAY 1 — CORPORATE BRAND LEADERSHIP DAY

Theme: Brand Leadership in a Changing World

Time	Session	Speaker Type / Lead
08:00 – 09:00	Registration, Coffee & Founder Networking	Summit team
09:00 – 09:25	Welcome to Corporate Brand Leadership Day	Pat Mahlangu
09:25 – 09:55	Africa Rising: Why Brand Leadership Matters More Than Ever	Thebe Ikalafeng
10:05 – 10:30	Panel 1: Brand Leadership in a Disruptive Age	Mike Bhana, Andrea Quaye, Domaine Rautenbach Moderator: Ashraf G
10:40 – 11:05	Panel 2: C-Suite: Brand as a Business Asset	Lunga Siyo, Lindiwe Sangweni Siddo, Mosala Phillips Moderator: Kendal M
11:15 – 11:35	Tea Break & Networking	—
11:40 – 12:00	Inclusion: For LOVE and/or MONEY	Ivan Moroke
12:05 – 12:30	Kasinomics Unleashed	GG Alcock
12:40 – 13:40	Lunch Break	—
13:45 – 14:10	The Future of Media & the Attention Economy	Elizabeth Mokwena, Nomzamo Ntuli, Mpoomy Ledwaba
14:20 – 14:45	CMO Power Conversation	Bronwyn Pretorius, Kgomotso Mannya Moderator: Thabani K
14:55 – 15:20	Reading the Room: How Marketers Use Cultural Insight to Build Better Brands	Zakithi Mncwango, Katekani Baloyi, Mike Sharman
15:30 – 15:55	Beyond Logos: How Brand Partnerships Create Real Business Value	Thembi S, Siyabonga Zungu Moderator: Noni K