This past Friday, 22 November, Imizamo Media Agency marked a significant milestone—its 10th anniversary. Founded by visionary entrepreneurs Tlangelani Manzini and Daisy Mulenga, the agency has grown from a modest venture to a formidable force in the marketing industry, with a newly opened office in Zambia as a testament to its expansion and impact across borders.
The grand celebration, held at the Leonardo Hotel in Sandton, brought together clients, partners, and industry peers to honour a journey defined by resilience, innovation, and transformation. The event, which commenced at 19:00, was hosted by the dynamic MC and presenter Rorisang Thandekiso, whose eloquent prayer set the tone for the evening. Guests were mesmerised by a captivating performance from ballerina dancers and a soothing rendition of Kenny G’s classics by a talented flautist.
A Decade of Dedication
For co-founder Tlangelani, the celebration was not just a commemoration but a testament to the hard work that has defined Imizamo’s journey. “It’s a big milestone for us—10 years of hard work, success, and finding our voice,” she shared. Reflecting on the agency’s growth, she compared it to the “bad hairdresser” scenario: excelling in serving others while neglecting to celebrate their own achievements. “For me, this milestone will always be remembered. We’re finally at the point where we can be in a room and tell our story—a story that has often been hidden from many,” she said.
Tlangelani emphasised the agency’s impact, noting how their work with various brands has garnered trust and long-standing partnerships. She also highlighted their trailblazing efforts in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise marketing strategies, in partnership with the Johannesburg Business School (JBS).
Breaking Barriers in Business
Imizamo’s success underscores the resilience required to thrive as a Black-owned agency in South Africa. Statistics show that while women-owned businesses are on the rise, they still face significant hurdles. According to a 2023 report by the International Finance Corporation, only 20% of small, formal businesses in sub-Saharan Africa are owned by women. Despite this, women-led enterprises contribute substantially to employment and economic growth, often reinvesting their earnings into their families and communities.
Tlangelani believes this ripple effect is transformative. “When you help a woman reach the next level, you empower a family. That’s why being a woman-led agency is so important to us,” she said. Imizamo’s commitment to transformation is evident in its executive team, which prioritises upskilling employees and fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Defying the Odds
Running a business for a decade is no small feat, especially in South Africa’s competitive and often challenging economic landscape. Research shows that 50% of businesses fail within their first five years, and only a fraction of Black-owned enterprises manage to scale sustainably. Imizamo’s success is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with innovation and persistence, these odds can be overcome.
The Future of Imizamo Media
As one of the few agencies embracing AI to deliver data-driven insights, Imizamo is not only keeping pace with global trends but also redefining the local industry’s standards. “AI helps us understand audiences better, turning data into actionable insights that create meaningful results for brands,” Tlangelani explained. This forward-thinking approach gives Imizamo a competitive edge in an increasingly saturated market.
Their partnership with JBS and the opening of their Zambia office solidify Imizamo’s commitment to scaling their impact, both locally and regionally. “If you look at the market, most agencies offer similar services—market strategy, campaign management, and the usual. But what sets us apart is how we embrace innovation and add value to our clients in unique ways,” Tlangelani said.
For Imizamo, the journey is far from over. With a commitment to transformation, empowerment, and innovation, the agency is poised to shape the future of marketing in South Africa and beyond. As the night drew to a close, the sentiment was clear: Imizamo Media Agency’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and unwavering dedication to creating value—not just for clients but for communities. Here’s to the next decade of excellence.