A Director of iPendoring since 2019, Khumalo succeeds Izelle Venter, who stepped down from the chair on Tuesday, 15 September and remains a board member. Astrid de Vos continues as Vice-Chairperson. Both appointments run until the close of the 2027 Annual General Meeting.

Izelle Venter Hands Over the Chair

Izelle Venter has been part of the iPendoring board since 2013, serving first as Vice-Chairperson before taking on the role of Chairperson in May 2017. She stepped down of her own accord, asking that the chair pass to someone more closely linked to industry. Izelle remains a Director, and the board thanks her for her years in the chair, says the awards.

"iPendoring is more than an awards platform," says Venter. "It is a place where language, culture and creativity meet, and where our industry is reminded of the power of telling our own stories, in our own words."

"It has been a privilege to help hold that space and to watch the platform grow into a stronger home for South Africa's creative voices. I leave the chair knowing that the work continues, and I'm delighted to see it pass into Brenda's capable hands," adds Venter.

Introducing the New Chairperson

Brenda Khumalo is the Founder and Managing Director of Lobengula Advertising, an independent boutique creative agency she launched in 2020 with the aim to give voice to underrepresented African stories and broaden narratives beyond borders. 

With over 20 years in the industry, Khumalo aims to champion for inclusivity. Alongside her seat on the iPendoring board, she serves on the board of the Association for Communication and Advertising, and mentors young talent while leading change with empathy and vision, says the awards.

Her contribution to the industry has been widely recognised. She was named the 2024 Standard Bank Top Women Entrepreneur of the Year, was a finalist for the 2025 Santam Women of the Future award, and most recently won Silver for Agency Leader of the Year at the 2026 Mark Awards, adds the awards.

"Languages are living things. They move with us, change with us and find new ways to express who we are. iPendoring has always been a space for that evolution, celebrating the creativity that happens when Indigenous languages find their place in advertising, media and culture," says Khumalo.

"I'm honoured to take the chair and to help carry that spirit forward, with an eye on all that our languages and our creativity can become," adds Khumalo. 

As she steps into the role, Khumalo aims to chart a new course for iPendoring, one rooted in authentic African storytelling and a belief in the continent's creative voice, says the awards.

The board concludes that it looks forward to the vision, energy and integrity she brings, confident that under her leadership, iPendoring will continue its aim to champion South African advertising stories.

For more information, visit www.pendoring.co.za. You can also follow the iPendoring Awards on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor