The 2021 Global WiM Award shortlist has been announced and as we prepare for the Awards Ceremony is set to take place very soon, we shine a spotlight on the amazing shortlisted women from across the continent.
For the fourth edition of the Africa Spotlight Series we speak to Zama Khumalo, Founder of Itheku Connect in South Africa.
Zama Khumalo is a Online Media Specialist who specialises in Digital Marketing. Having worked in the media space for more than 5 years, she has worked with brands such as: SABC, Meropa, eThekwini Municipality, Unilever, Liquorice and many others. Aside from being an Online Media Specialist, she also is a Culture Curator where she has a platform called "Itheku Connect",where she profiles creatives and the journey they have had to endure. The guests on her platform are from all walks of life, ranging from Chrisette Michele, Mario Winans, Tyson Ngubeni, Gigi Lamayne and many others.
WiM Africa: What does it mean to you to be shortlisted for the 2021 Global Women in Marketing Awards?
ZK: Firstly, it is quite a great honour and that secondly, my journey is being recognised as one that has great significance in the eyes of those who value women as pioneers in their respective fields in the Marketing and Advertising industry.
Being nominated amongst such phenomenal women who are paving their own lane for others to not only be inspired by but to follow, is indeed a strong testament to many that even I am of value and add value to the lives of many.
WiM Africa: Content creation has always been of huge importance for brands to engage with audiences. Do you feel the global pandemic has highlighted this even further and how has it affected the work you do?
ZK: It most certainly has, it gave brands a new perspective for understanding the true value of the human spirit.
We all felt the effects of the global pandemic, it required everyone to come up with innovative ways to be more connected and engaging within their content.
Challenging but with time, a solution was found, ironically it was one that has always been heavily emphasized but overlooked quite a lot, which is to be authentic within your content, as that is always the best way to relay your story to your audience (They are smart so don't decide for them, let them support rather than destroy what you are building).
For me personally, with the type of work I do for Itheku Connect, it further enhanced my work as people would not shy away from the struggle they faced and how they overcame them. Through sharing their stories, it gave an opportunity to see many in a new light, as my content is all online.
WiM Africa: It is great to see that creativity is such a large part of Itheku Connect. What is your advice for someone who wishes to be more creative in creating content?
ZK: This may sound like a cliché thing to say but always remember why you started your journey. It is easy to get lost in the noise but once you silence it and become more focused you will realise how powerful not only your role in other people's journey is but most importantly your own.
Lastly, be open minded in your approach of doing things, most importantly, start with the resources you have. The world is waiting for your creation, so be kind towards yourself and realise that no one started out as an expert.
Check out all the 2021 Global WiM Awards Shortlisted Women.
Further information on the Awards Ceremony to be announced soon!