THE TEAM

Zanele Apata, Head of Marketing and Programmes

In 2009, Zanele Apata began her professional career at PwC as a Client Account Associate, supporting the audit engagement management team that serviced insurance clients. In 2013, she moved to EY and then joined Deloitte in 2014 until 2020. During her time at Deloitte, she held various roles including Academic Learning Consultant, and Marketing Coordinator, and ultimately served as a Senior Communications Consultant handling internal communications for the audit practice in Africa.

In her entrepreneurial endeavours, she founded Mshiswa Accessories, an online fashion accessories store, in 2021. She is currently the director of  ZA Creative and Projects.

She has a Diploma in Marketing Management from Varsity College and a Digital Marketing Certificate from Google. Zanele is currently working towards a degree in Marketing Management.

Mahlodi Kgatle, Head of Membership Management & Strategic Communications

When you mix a heart for social impact, a mind for solutions and a soul for public speaking, you get Mahlodi Kgatle. A servant leader who was selected alongside 100 young leaders throughout the SADC region to participate in the Obama Young African Leaders Initiative. In the same year, she was 1 of 30 fellows to join the ASRI Future Leaders Fellowship Program, which focuses on the social development of communities across SA by igniting active citizenship in youth. She was also the President of the Golden Key International Honour Society (University of Pretoria Chapter), which recognises the top 15% of academic achievers from tertiary institutions worldwide.

She has 7 years of corporate Marketing experience and now hopes to use her education to co-create a heightened sense of civic duty in Africa.
Mahlodi is also a decorated public speaker with accolades, such as the ATKV Speaking Festival National Winner.

  • BCom Marketing Management Honours Degree (University of Pretoria)
  • Fundamentals of Digital Marketing Certificate (Google Skills for Africa)
  • Social Media Strategy Diploma (Alison Institute)
  • Public Management Certificate (UNISA School of Business Leadership)
  • Purpose Connected Leadership Certificate (Yale School of Management)

Sam Apata, Executive Convener

Sam Apata is a dynamic and results-driven professional with over 20 years of experience in website development, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship development. As the Executive Convener of Corporate Affairs, he plays a pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships, engaging corporate stakeholders, and driving impactful initiatives that elevate corporate client’s positive reputation.

A highly skilled digital strategist, Sam has successfully supported hundreds of entrepreneurs in establishing their online presence and accessing broader markets. His expertise in WordPress, e-commerce, and digital marketing enables him to design innovative solutions that promote business growth and sustainability.

With a strong background in corporate engagement, Sam has raised over R5.5 million from leading organisations in South Africa, facilitating business development programmes that have provided more than R3 million in grant funding to small enterprises. His ability to convene business leaders and corporate executives to mentor and educate SMMEs underscores his deep commitment to enterprise development and economic sustainability.

Sam holds multiple certifications, including a Project Management Certificate from UNISA, and has undertaken specialised training in innovation and entrepreneurship from University of Maryland, College Park, MD. USA (Coursera Verified). His expertise extends to event management, stakeholder engagement, videography, content creation, and digital storytelling, enhancing corporate messaging and brand engagement.

Passionate about fostering inclusive economic growth, Sam is a strategic thinker and an effective communicator who bridges the gap between corporate entities and small business ecosystems, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.