As a journalism graduate from Rhodes University, Ayanda Mbanga sharpened her advertising skills, gaining practical experience and hands-on knowledge, writing recruitment advertising for Saatchi & Saatchi. Her hard work paid off, as just 2 years after starting with Saatchi & Saatchi, she was appointed a director.

Ayanda established Ayanda Mbanga Communications in 1998 with just four employees.

What makes Ayanda Mbanga unique is her ability to connect emotionally with clients and staff. "I am personally involved in the day-to-day running of Ayanda Mbanga Communications and focus my energy on creating an environment where innovators thrive and where the team is happy and settled. For us to be the best in building brands, we need to be an outstanding brand ourselves. I want people to love working here and to be inspired by the brand," she says.

13 years later, Ayanda Mbanga Communications has offices in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.