an accomplished marketing executive with more than two decades of experience in South Africa’s financial services industry.
Sbusiso Kumalo is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at African Bank and an accomplished marketing executive with more than two decades of experience in South Africa’s financial services industry. Renowned for his strategic leadership and innovative approach to brand building, he has played a significant role in shaping some of the country’s most recognised banking brands while championing customer-focused and inclusive financial services.
Throughout his career, Sbusiso has built a reputation for transforming brands through strategic marketing, authentic storytelling and customer-centric innovation. During his time at Capitec, he played a key role in the bank’s evolution from a challenger brand into one of South Africa’s leading full-service retail banks. Progressing from Brand Manager to Head of Brand Marketing, he helped position Capitec as one of the country’s most trusted and admired financial institutions.
As Chief Marketing Officer at African Bank, Sbusiso leads the bank’s marketing and brand strategy with a vision of creating a more inclusive, accessible and people-centred banking experience. His leadership focuses on transforming perceptions, strengthening customer relationships and ensuring African Bank continues to deliver meaningful value to South Africans. Beyond the boardroom, he is passionate about mentoring young professionals, developing future leaders and using business as a force for positive social impact.
• Chief Marketing Officer – African Bank
• Former Head of Brand Marketing – Capitec Bank
• Over 20 years of leadership experience in financial services
• Played a key role in Capitec’s transformation into a full retail bank
• Led strategic marketing and brand development initiatives
• Champion of inclusive and customer-focused banking
• Passionate mentor and advocate for young professionals
• Recognised leader in financial services brand strategy
1. Building Trusted Financial Brands
2. The Evolution of Banking in South Africa
3. Brand Transformation in the Financial Services Industry
4. Customer-Centric Marketing Strategies
5. Leadership in Modern Marketing
6. Building Authentic Brands That Last
7. Financial Inclusion Through Innovation
8. The Future of Banking & Brand Experience
9. Developing the Next Generation of Marketing Leaders
10. Creating Purpose-Driven Organisations
Sbusiso brings valuable insight into how established financial institutions can evolve while maintaining the trust that customers have built over time. Having contributed to the growth of Capitec and now leading marketing at African Bank, he understands the balance between preserving a brand’s heritage and embracing innovation in an increasingly digital world.
His session will explore how legacy brands can remain competitive by putting customers at the centre of their strategy, building authentic relationships and continuously adapting to changing consumer expectations. Attendees will gain practical insights into brand transformation, leadership and creating organisations that remain relevant for generations.
• Chief Marketing Officer – African Bank
• Former Head of Brand Marketing – Capitec Bank
• Recognised marketing leader within South Africa’s financial services industry
• Key contributor to Capitec’s brand transformation and growth
• Advocate for financial inclusion and leadership development
• Speaker on marketing, branding and business transformation
