Mbalenhle Bhengu, informally known as Mbali, was born in Durban, South Africa where her first taste of entrepreneurship was discovered in the bustling township of Kwa BB Umlazi. From a young age, Mbali thrived in performing arts in her early childhood and soon realised that her passion is story – telling, crafting innovative business ideas and ultimately empowering others.

Her mid schooling was completed in Durban and she matriculated at Westville Girls High School. Mbali completed her tertiary qualification in the Bachelors of Arts in Media and Communications and English at University of KwaZulu – Natal, Durban. She began her early career steps at prominent retail banks in South Africa in numerous roles and she was introduced to marketing during this time. In 2016, she leaped into her entrepreneurial career and opened her marketing consultancy called Mind Switch where she went to serve well recognised clients such as Durban Tourism, Ethekwini Municipality and government stakeholders for marketing consultations, below the line promotional campaigns and training and development initiatives.

During this time, she graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Graduate School of Business and Leadership at the University of KwaZulu – Natal. In 2017, She was nominated as a SAB kickstart Top 9 National Finalist in Business where she received top mentorship from industry experts and in 2018 she was awarded the KwaZulu Natal Young Achiever Award in Business.

Mbali has trained more than 400 entrepreneurs during her consultancy career in rural, township and urban settings and has been a keynote speaker for numerous business and thought leadership seminars in the country. She has appeared on numerous publications as well as spoken on radio platforms on entrepreneurship and personal branding insights for entrepreneurs.

In 2020, She opened a new business, Zizwe Group PTY LTD, which specialises in cleaning and supplying medical consumables to private and public sectors. This business was inspired by her recent corporate position as Group Marketing Manager for a Healthcare company. Her future goals are to serve as a Goodwill Ambassador for United Nations Women where she will work to uphold gender equality and lend her voice on activating change towards women.

Mbali has affirmed herself as a published author and has published her 1st book called SELF – ISH: Mastering self in a selfish business world for start – ups on a local and international scale.

Mbali has been on the cover of successful woman magazine, featured on Morning Live as well as many media and business publications.

Podcast BIO

Small BUSINESS Podcast is a podcast powered by TEA and it is a weekly podcast featuring industry practitioners who are in the entrepreneurial development space and individuals/brands who's goal is to empower small business. The podcast is hosted by Bulelani Balabala who is the founder of TEA. He is an entrepreneur and business speaker. www.bulelani.co.za

This podcast is aimed at entrepreneurs, startups, ESD practitioners, PR & Marketing personnel, Funding institutions and all small business development agencies. You will get information, interviews, opportunities and linkages.

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