Mrs. Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi is an award-winning marketing and communications executive, recognised as the 2025 IMM Marketer of the Year for her strategic leadership and innovative contributions to South Africa’s marketing landscape. A graduate in Communications, she has spent the last nine years redefining and revitalising the Buy Local Campaign through her
With over 20 years of corporate experience, Mrs. Ngidi brings unparalleled value, vision, and purpose to every project she leads. Prior to joining Proudly SA, she was the Founder and Managing Director of a successful public relations boutique agency and previously served as Head of PR and Communications at Metro FM, one of the SABC’s flagship radio stations. During her tenure there, she acted as the official spokesperson for the SABC’s high-profile events and national projects of strategic importance.
Her career spans roles in numerous respected organisations and brands, including Seagram SA, Chivas Regal, Cell C, SABC, Forum Company, Primi Restaurant Group, Divine Relations, Haba Productions, and more. She has led efforts in strategic development, turnaround strategies, brand building, and product management across sectors such as hospitality, broadcasting, FMCG, and marketing services.
A dynamic motivational speaker, educator, budding author, and social entrepreneur, Mrs. Ngidi is a passionate advocate for women in business, actively working to expand market access and economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs. She is currently a Member of the BRICS Women Business Alliance (WBA) – South Africa, an initiative spearheaded by the Department of Business Development to unlock economic value across BRICS nations, especially for women-owned businesses.
Further amplifying her commitment to social impact, she partnered with the Nyatee Foundation to launch the Happy Khumalo Scholarship Fund on 16 June 2025. The initiative supports academically talented yet underprivileged learners at her former primary school in Soweto, providing financial aid, career guidance, and digital literacy support with a vision of nurturing future leaders.
In August 2022, she ventured into the wine industry, launching her own label, Bella Wines, named in honour of her daughter, Isabella. This personal milestone underscores her entrepreneurial spirit and love for building legacy brands rooted in authenticity and heritage.
Through her trailblazing work across sectors, Mrs. Ngidi continues to shape the marketing industry in South Africa and beyond—leaving an indelible mark as a visionary leader, nation builder, and champion of inclusive development.
