Khensani-Wonder Mabunda’s journey from the streets of Thulamahashe, a township nestled in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, to becoming a renowned entrepreneur, is nothing short of inspiring. Raised in a family where business was a way of life, her parents owned a construction company they established in the late 90s.
Khensani’s entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured from a young age. “My parents inspired me to become an entrepreneur at an early age,” she says, reflecting the deep-seated admiration she holds for them. Their entrepreneurial journey shaped her worldview, giving her the drive and ambition to one day build her legacy.
Her academic journey, too, played a pivotal role in shaping her path. Khensani’s education in BCom Law led her to Adams & Adams, one of Africa’s most prestigious Intellectual Property law firms.
“My education in BCom Law positioned me in one of Africa’s biggest IP Law Firms, Adams & Adams, where my passion for brand development began through my work in the trademarks department,” she reflects. Here Khensani’s passion for branding and media started to take shape, setting the stage for her life’s work.
The Birth of KW Kreatives
In 2022, she took a bold step in establishing KW Kreatives, a marketing, media, and advertising agency based in Johannesburg, South Africa. But what made her take this leap into the business world? For Khensani, it was her “creative mindset to see solutions on how to help brands establish themselves and evolve.” This innate creativity was bolstered by her years of exposure to business and early lessons in entrepreneurship. “It’s all about solving problems and bringing new ideas to life,” she adds.
KW Kreatives is a company that thrives on its belief in relationships. “We believe that relationships are the foundation of any successful business,” she explains. “We strive to build strong relationships with our clients and partners, which is essential for success.”
The company doesn’t just focus on traditional marketing and branding. Khensani and her team believe that the future of branding is about creating deep, meaningful connections with people. “It’s about creating experiences that connect with people on a deeper level,” she explains.
The company’s approach is innovative, focusing on futuristic strategies that engage customers in unique ways. Their expertise spans various domains, from brand storytelling to developing high-impact marketing and PR campaigns. “We are experts in developing innovative, futuristic, and new ways to elevate brands,” Khensani adds, showcasing her forward-thinking mindset.
Navigating Challenges and Finding Success
Since the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey, the business landscape has evolved rapidly, and Khensani has ensured that KW Kreatives has stayed ahead of the curve. She credits the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation for reshaping the industry.
“Our industry has evolved drastically, and with 4IR, we’ve been constantly updating our skills and tools, using different AI software to help us enhance our work and stay up to date with the latest trends,” she shares. “We’re also excited to see how the digital landscape is evolving in Africa. The potential is limitless, and we’re here for it.”
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Like many entrepreneurs, Khensani faced significant challenges, particularly building the right team. “The biggest challenge for me has been finding the right people to work with and creating a structure that embodies the kind of work culture and environment I want,” she says. The complexities of people management taught her a crucial lesson that would later prove to be the backbone of her leadership style.
“The biggest lesson I have learned that came at a huge cost is the importance of setting boundaries and being firm on discipline in the workplace,” she admits. “If you don’t set the tone early, it’s easy for things to get out of control.”
Impactful Campaigns and Future Goals
Despite the hurdles, Khensani’s vision has led her to monumental successes. One such success was her work with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety and Promotions Campaign (LPGSA), a project that began in 2022. KW Kreatives spearheaded this campaign, which aimed to raise awareness about LPG safety across South Africa.
“Since 2022, KW Kreatives has been at the forefront of developing and implementing the LPGSA Safety and Promotions Campaign,” Khensani shares with pride.
The initiative has been a resounding success, with the company organizing over 15 exhibitions, reaching over 2 million people through digital campaigns, and securing nationwide media coverage. The campaign also reached an estimated audience of over 10 million listeners through radio advertisements, with over 30 media interviews conducted across multiple platforms. Khensani’s agency has made an indelible mark on the industry through its work.
But Khensani’s entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there. She is also deeply committed to driving change in Africa, particularly through her new venture, ACCEXX Africa. “We are excited to launch our new project, ACCEXX Africa,” she announces. ACCEXX is set to be a game-changer in entrepreneurship, particularly for Africa’s youth. The event-based empowerment platform is designed to tackle unemployment and foster innovation by equipping individuals with the skills and resources needed to succeed.
“We are building this platform to create opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs across the continent,” she says. With plans to host the event across various African countries, Khensani hopes to partner with governments, NPOs, and businesses to make a lasting impact.
Leadership Philosophy and Advice for Entrepreneurs
Her passion for empowering the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs is evident in her advice to those starting with limited resources. “My all-time favourite slogan is by Nike: ‘Just Do It’ – start with the limited resources you have and scale up from there. Do not wait for anyone or anything, just do it!” she says with a contagious confidence that has undoubtedly influenced many in her circle.
Khensani’s keen interest in Africa’s advertising landscape and the emerging trends in OTT (Over The Top Media) platforms further solidifies her place as a forward-thinking leader. “I am excited about the advertising landscape of Africa,” she remarks. “South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya are growing in this space, and we are working on venturing into different advertising services that will position us in the market,” she adds.
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Khensani shares a powerful final lesson. “Being an entrepreneur is the business of managing people,” she reflects. “If you learn to master people management, then you will be able to survive in business.” This insight has shaped her approach to leadership, as she continues to observe, adapt, and guide those around her to bring out the best in them.
As Khensani-Wonder Mabunda moves forward, her mission is to continue shaping the future of African branding and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. “This is just the beginning,” she confidently says. “We are pushing boundaries, breaking norms, and building a legacy that will transcend generations.”
Her story is not just about creating a successful business but is about fostering an ecosystem where others can thrive and create meaningful change. For Khensani, the journey of entrepreneurship is not just about reaching personal success; it’s about lifting others as you climb, ensuring that the path she forges today leaves a lasting impact on tomorrow.
