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Pat on Brands Dialogues: The Evolution of Heritage Brands
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Tuesday, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
September 30, 2025
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Pat On Brands
Organizer's other eventsOn 30 September 2025, Pat on Brands will host a thought-provoking edition of the Pat on Brands Dialogues (in association with Telkom) at Workshop 17, 138 West St, Sandton from 18:00 – 21:00.
Born out of the culture of storytelling, Pat on Brands Dialogues is a space where meaningful conversations spark insight, connection, and transformation. They serve as a platform for brand custodians, marketers, entrepreneurs, and culture shapers to share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in building brands that resonate deeply with people.
This September, the Dialogues return with a powerful theme: “The Evolution of Heritage Brands”, will bring together leaders of some of South Africa’s most iconic heritage brands to unpack how these brands have stood the test of time, adapted to societal shifts, and remained relevant across generations.
The session will explore:
- How heritage brands preserve their legacy while embracing innovation.
- The role of heritage brands in shaping culture and national identity.
- Lessons in brand building that emerging brands can learn from these legacy powerhouses.
The evening will feature powerful storytelling, networking opportunities, and knowledge sharing with some of the country’s most influential brand custodians.
Meet Our Storytellers
Gugu Mthembu
CMO at Telkom
With a career spanning over 20 years in ICT and marketing, is as passionate about developing and growing iconic brands as she is about facilitating
diversity and inclusion. With a breadth of skills rooted in information technology, she transitioned into marketing, recognising it as the domain where she would add the most value.
Gugu drives the brand and commercial strategy of one of South Africa’s fastest-growing telecommunications brands and has been the Chief Marketing Officer for Telkom since 2020. Under her stewardship are the data science & CVM, product
development & management, customer experience and segments, brand & marketing communications and digital marketing teams.
A respected voice within the global marketing and advertising communities, Gugu serves as jury, speaker and council member for various industry organisations, locally and globally and also serves on the boards of public benefit organisations as a way of giving back to society and her profession.
Sbusiso Kumalo
CMO at African Bank
Sbusiso Kumalo is a visionary leader with over two decades of experience in the financial services industry. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Capitec’s transformation into a full retail bank during his time there, rising from a Brand Manager to Head of Brand Marketing. In his current role as Managing Executive at African Bank, Kumalo is dedicated to transforming and inclusive banking, aligned with his vision of a people-owned and run financial sector. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is passionate about empowering young professionals and is committed to providing accessible banking services. Sbusiso Kumalo’s career highlights are still ahead of him, driven by his dedication to authenticity, truth, and a touch of love in all endeavours.
Elizabeth Mokwena
Executive Marketing Director at Unilever
Multi-award winning curator of ‘Glocal” brand experiences; Liz is a seasoned Pan-African brand builder, with 14 years’ experience in the FMCG industry. She has harnessed the art & science of marketing to deliver sustainable brand growth & shareholder value creation.
Liz has led more than 10 billion-dollar brands in Africa (including Sunlight, Pampers, Omo, Duracell, Ariel, & Domestos), driving all of them to leading share positions & accretive bottom-line delivery.
She is an enthusiastic & purpose-driven marketeer, who believes in the power of creativity to change the world.
Liz leads the Home Care division at Unilever Southern Africa, expanding the footprint of its iconic portfolio across the region. She summarizes her work as ‘giving global brands an African passport; whilst giving African brands global exposure.’
Liz is an intersectional feminist, enthusiastic about women’s equal involvement in all spheres of society. In her personal life, Liz is a wife & mother of two. She finds joy in exploring the bounties of African creativity through fashion, literature, music & food. Liz is also an entrepreneur & currently busy with her post-graduate studies in digital disruption.
With a passion to raise the next generation of African brand-builders, Liz has judged, spoken and
advised on various awards including Cannes, Effie’s, Advertising Week, Loeries, Bookmarks President
Judge and the Marketing Achievement Awards SA.
Liz currently sits on the advisory boards of the
Marketing Association of South Africa, Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), the
Unstereotype Alliance SA Chapter, as well as the Red& Yellow Creative School of Business
Program Flow
Venue: Workshop 17, 138 West St, Sandton.
18:00 – 18:30 | Arrival & Registration
- Guests welcomed with light refreshments.
- Branding wall / media backdrop for interviews and photo opportunities.
- Networking and ice-breaker session.
18:30 – 18:40 | Opening & Welcome
- Welcome remarks by Pat Mahlangu (Founder, Pat on Brands).
- Context setting on the theme: “The Evolution of Heritage Brands.”
18:40 – 19:00 | Keynote Address
- Delivered by a leader from a renowned heritage brand (e.g., Telkom, Unilever, African Bank etc).
- Focus: “Heritage in Motion – Staying Relevant Across Generations.”
19:00 – 19:50 | Panel Discussion
- Moderated by Toni Gumede.
- Panelists: Gugu Mthembu (CMO at Telkom), Sbusiso Kumulo (CMO at African Bank), and Elizabeth Mokwena
- Topics: Legacy, innovation, relevance, and cultural impact.
19:50 – 20:10 | Audience Q&A
- Open floor for participants to engage directly with panellists.
20:10 – 20:20 | Closing Remarks
- Key takeaways from the Dialogue.
- Acknowledgment of partners and sponsors.
20:20 – 21:00 | Networking & Media Engagement
- Guests connect with panelists and each other.
- Media interviews and coverage.
- Light snacks and refreshments served.
