This week, our Comms Spotlight is Thando Dhaza, Managing Director at Ingenious Holdings. One of the things Thando loves most about working in Communications is the dynamic nature of the work. Her journey in Communications began behind the mic as a radio host for Rhythm 100 Radio, Africa’s first online radio station. What started as a love for storytelling quickly grew into a full-blown passion for Media and Communications. This passion has led her on a unique journey which she shares with in this interview.
Tell us about your role as Managing Director at Ingenious Holdings.
As the Managing Director of Ingenious Holdings, I wear many hats and I love it that way! Running a small Communications business means I’m involved in everything: from finding new business opportunities to developing strategy, pitching ideas, and seeing them through to execution.
It can get a little hectic at times, but the reward of seeing impactful results makes it all worthwhile. The work is dynamic, creative, and deeply fulfilling—so much so, it rarely feels like work at all.
How did you begin your career journey in Communications?
My journey in Communications began behind the mic as a radio host for Rhythm 100 Radio, Africa’s first online radio station. What started as a love for storytelling quickly grew into a full-blown passion for media.
From Alex FM to UJFM, CAPS Radio, The Curriculum Magazine, and eventually Alex TV, I immersed myself in broadcasting as both a producer and presenter. I also stepped into the publishing world as Editor of The Curriculum Magazine, which focused on basic education. Even though Alex TV was short-lived, it cemented my deep love for the media landscape.
While studying at Boston Media House, I enrolled in the Radio major but soon discovered my knack for shaping narratives behind the scenes. That led me to pivot and double-major in Public Relations and Marketing—graduating with a Media Studies degree and a clear vision to make meaningful impact in the communications space.
A twist of fate brought me to Joe Public United. I had initially come to shadow the Engage Joe Public team, but just five days in, I secured impressive media coverage thanks to industry relationships I’d cultivated and landed an internship. Six months later, I was hired permanently. That’s when things took off.
During my time at Joe Public, I worked on an exciting mix of brands including VISA, De Beers Botswana, Clover, Jet, Tropika Island of Treasure, Futurelife, and Steers. I was fortunate to contribute to several award-winning campaigns, including:
Gold SABRE EMEA – Innovative Marketing/Comms Team (De Beers Botswana, 2017)
Gold Africa Excellence Award – Event & Experiential (Clover Futurelife Smart Drink, 2017)
Silver Loerie – PR Communications (Futurelife Drink Campaign, 2017)
Silver PRISM Award – Financial Services (VISA Card Security Week, 2016)
Silver PRISM Award – Small Agency of the Year (Engage Joe Public, 2017)
Bronze PRISM Award – Social Media (Jet Love Yourself Campaign, 2017)
This foundation gave me the confidence to launch my own Communications agency, Ingenious Holdings, in 2018. It’s a platform where I’ve brought big ideas to life for both corporate and consumer brands.
Since then, I’ve expanded my skillset beyond agency life. I took on the role of Brand Manager for Channel O and Mzansi Magic Music, then explored the rail and renewable energy sectors in marketing roles that broadened my industry insight.
Today, I’m in the insurance space as an Account Director—focused on brand reputation management, strategic communications, and crisis response with purpose and precision.
From studio mics to executive meetings, my journey has always been fuelled by connection, creativity, and a deep belief in the power of storytelling to build brands that truly matter.
What are some of your favourite things about working in Communications?
One of the things I love most about working in Communications is the dynamic nature of the work—no two days are ever the same. Each challenge calls for a fresh perspective and a unique solution, which keeps things exciting and rewarding.
You’re constantly learning, adapting, and discovering new industries, people, and ideas. Every day offers a new opportunity to shape a narrative, solve a problem creatively, and let your message shine in its own distinct way.
Have you had any mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career?
Tell us about this. Yes, absolutely! I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had many remarkable mentors who have helped shape the woman I am today. My very first mentor and lifelong role model is my mother, followed closely by my aunt, who raised me with love, strength, and wisdom. Their influence laid the foundation for my values and my resilience.
As my journey progressed—both as an entrepreneur and in the corporate world—I’ve been guided and inspired by phenomenal women and men such as Tryphosa Ramano, Dr Futhi Mtoba, Irene Charnley, Nolitha Fakude, Sharmla Chetty, Audrey Mothupi, Basetsana Kumalo, Vusi Zwane, Mike Slim, Sindi Mabaso-Koyana, Charmaine Houvet, Zimkhitha Zatu-Moloi, and Advocate Thandi Orleyn.
Each of these women and men has played a unique role in my growth, whether through direct mentorship or by leading with such authenticity and excellence that their example alone pushed me to rise higher. I’m grateful for the sisterhood, the wisdom shared, and the doors they helped open along the way.
Mentorship isn’t just about guidance—it’s about community, courage, and lifting others as we climb. I’m lucky to walk in the footsteps of giants.
Can you share some of the exciting highlights in your career that have made the most impact on you?
My career has taken me across a dynamic landscape, where I’ve had the opportunity to grow, lead, and contribute to causes and campaigns that matter. One of my proudest moments was being nominated for Best News Reader Bulletin at the MTN Radio Awards in 2014 – a milestone that affirmed my passion for impactful storytelling.
Since then, my journey has evolved with exciting turns: from being the PR Lead for the Alchemy Festival in 2017, which brought the sensational Tom Misch to South Africa, to managing PR for Zakes Bantwini, one of the country’s top international music exports. In 2019, I took the reins as PR lead for the bold and culture-shifting Sportscene Capsule Festival.
From 2021 to 2024, I’ve proudly served as Mentorship Co-Lead for Young Leaders Connect, helping to shape a new generation of ethical, visionary leaders. My work in women’s empowerment has been equally fulfilling — heading PR, media, and communications for WECONA – the Women Economic Assembly, and leading the charge for the YLC Summit and Awards from 2022 to date.
In 2023 and 2024, I led PR for the International Women’s Forum of South Africa (IWFSA) Awards, and in 2024, I had the honour of steering communications for the Duke Corporate Education Graduation Ceremony, in partnership with FASSET and IWFSA.
At the heart of it all is my ongoing work with the Mathupha Foundation, which I’ve been running since 2021. Seeing the transformation in young people’s lives through our initiatives is deeply rewarding — it’s the kind of work that keeps me grounded and inspired.
There’s so much more I could mention, but these highlights truly capture the essence of the journey: purposeful, creative, and full of heart.
What advice would you give to your younger professional self?
“I’d tell my younger self: You are worthy of every dream you dare to dream. With faith in God and belief in yourself, you’ll go further than you ever imagined. Oh, and trust your gut—it’s smarter than you think!”
