[Interview] Zimkhitha Mqutheni: MD, Ukhanyiso Communications, South Africa
Zimkhitha Mqutheni is MD of Ukhanyiso Communications, Cape Town, South Africa. She also runs a Young Business Leaders Discussion Forum which brings together young entrepreneurs, the Western Cape Government, Transformation and BEE managers and financial institutions that fund small businesses to discuss the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs.
Africa Business Communities speaks with her.
Would you please introduce Ukhanyiso Communications to us?
Ukhanyiso Communications is a PR and Communications agency based in Cape Town, South Africa. I own and run it, and what we do is give our clients cutting edge communication and PR solutions based on today’s trends. We analyze a brand and get to work with unique angles. We don’t apply the “same size fits all” approach.
In which industries does Ukhanyiso Communications operate?
The company operates in the Public Relations, Marketing and Communications industry.
What are the USPs of your business?
Ukhanyiso Communications offers the inside-out approach, which first looks into your brand internally before looking at the external factors. We believe that each company/organization/brand must first get its house in order before advertising itself outside.
Who are your clients?
My clients range from retail companies to financial institutions, non-profit organizations, music artists and religious organisations.
How does Ukhanyiso Communications remain competitive in a fast-changing global marketplace?
We offer measurable solutions; we continuously re-invent ourselves based on industry trends; the creative space is evolving and one needs to be a step-ahead from competitors. One needs to also embrace the proliferation of social media as we cannot run away from the fact that consumers use social media platforms to either make or break a brand.
Do you think that women business owners typically have a much harder time getting business funding through traditional bank channels?
I would not say that women find it difficult, but youths sure do. As a young individual that has not yet built up much credibility and has little to no assets that banks can use as surety, you´re in for a double hard time getting financial support.
What can be done by entrepreneurs and government to stimulate the business environment in South Africa?
When I am not running Ukhanyiso Communications, I engage in a ton of activities for the betterment of entrepreneurs in South Africa, and we always end up with this one question: “How can the government create a conducive environment for young entrepreneurs to thrive and run sustainable businesses?”
Entrepreneurs and the government need to start creating open dialogues and push for implementation. Policies can be there but if we lack the tools to implement them, we are failing ourselves.
I also ran a Youth Leadership Seminar in my university, an annual event which targets university students. The main objective is to encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship, following your passion and living a life with a purpose (living life with a purpose is our theme). That needs to be instilled before students leave tertiary institutions to seek employment.
You recently received a Youth Excellence Award in South Africa?
Yes! On 23 March 2015, to be precise, I was awarded the Ministerial Award at the Youth Excellence Awards hosted by the Western Cape Department of Social Development in Partnership with Impumelelo and University of Stellenbosch Business School. This was in recognition of the work that I have done in the province in terms of youth leadership development and the leadership role I have played.
What can you say about the targets, plans and ambitions of Ukhanyiso Communications for 2015?
We are looking at expanding the business to Johannesburg because that’s where the environment seems friendlier and open for black-owned businesses. We also need to build stronger relations with our current clients so that they can remain with us. We are shooting for stability and growth.
Do you believe Social Media and the Internet to be a plus to the business environment, as it applies to your industry?
Most certainly, social media plays a vital role in our industry. Consumers hold more power as they can complain or compliment a brand at the click of a button. As PR consultants we need to be on our toes.
What expectations do you have for South Africa´s economy in 2015?
Our economy has not been doing well due to power shortages, and it seems things will worsen as the year unfolds, but we remain optimistic that the main power supplier will find solutions to the problem. This affects the smaller businesses and the poor even more as they feel the pinch in their pockets.
Which African countries will perform best in 2015?
Well! Though I have painted a gloomy image of the South African economy, we remain the entry and friendlier country for foreign investments. So, in no particular order, I am betting on South Africa, Nigeria and Egypt for 2015.
Africa Business Communities is conducting a series of interviews with CEO's in Africa. Are you a CEO in Africa and interested in an interview? Please send an e-mail to Andrea Ayemoba: andrea@africabusinesscommunities.com