#STORIES | 1 MIN READ

Rene Mokoena

 

When Women Rise, We All Rise: Why South Africa Must Invest in Women Entrepreneurs

From Hustle to Industry Player: How Black Women-Owned Agencies Are Redefining South Africa’s Communications Landscape

The communications industry in South Africa has long been dominated by large, established agencies. But a quiet transformation is underway: black women-owned agencies are carving out their own space, bringing fresh perspectives, agility, and authenticity to brand storytelling.

One such agency is Kgosigadi Communications, founded by Rene Mokoena. The name itself, Kgosigadi, meaning “Queen” in Setswana, is a declaration of intent: to lead with strength, dignity, and purpose.

Rene’s journey from selling sweets outside a school to running a boutique agency partnering with corporates like Sanlam reflects a growing trend; smaller, agile firms winning trust by delivering high-quality, culturally resonant work.

This surge of black women-owned agencies comes despite a challenging landscape. In South Africa, women own only about 38% of small businesses, and that share falls to roughly 13% among firms employing more than 50 people. Yet their economic footprint is undeniable: women-led businesses contribute an estimated R175 billion a year to the economy and have already created nearly one million jobs. Studies also show women entrepreneurs face steeper hurdles to funding, 44% cite access to finance as their biggest barrier, even though their repayment rates are often stronger than the market average.

“Our tagline is ‘Your Journey, Our Expertise,’” Rene explains. “Because every brand has a story, and we help tell it with intention.”

Her Sanlam partnership, secured through Black Umbrellas’ enterprise development programme, highlights another shift: corporates are increasingly recognising the value of diversifying their supplier base, not just for compliance, but for creativity and innovation.

What sets agencies like Kgosigadi Communications apart is not just their size or ownership structure; it is their approach. They offer clients something many traditional agencies struggle with: authentic, grassroots storytelling that connects with audiences on a deeper level. In an era where consumers demand authenticity, this has become a critical differentiator.

Yet, while stories like Rene’s are inspiring, they also highlight the hurdles that still exist. Many black women-owned agencies face barriers to finance, visibility, and scaling up, despite proving they can compete at the highest level.

Looking ahead, Rene is determined to use Kgosigadi Communications as more than a business. She wants it to become a platform that mentors and grows the next generation of black creatives, helping them find their place in an industry that has not always made room for them.

Her advice to others entering the space? Deliver excellence, consistently. “We must always work for the highest standard, no matter the size of the project,” she says. “That way your practice becomes your habit, and you end up setting the standard.”

The rise of black women-owned agencies like Kgosigadi Communications signals a new era for South Africa’s communications sector, one where diversity, authenticity, and resilience are not buzzwords, but business drivers.

Supporting black women entrepreneurs is not just about celebrating success, it is about creating opportunities for more to thrive. There are tangible ways to make a difference: buy from women-owned businesses to help them gain visibility and grow; advocate for equal procurement, ensuring corporates and organisations allocate contracts to women-led firms; and mentor emerging women leaders, sharing skills, networks, and guidance to help the next generation scale their businesses.

For media enquiries, collaborations, or to learn more about Kgosigadi Communications’ work in delivering authentic brand storytelling, let’s connect at:

011 592 0670

communications@blackumbrellas.org

www.blackumbrellas.co.za