A formidable trendsetter

Elizabeth Joseph Chigumba has worked in the fashion industry for a quarter of his career and afterwards ventured into marketing and communications. With a brilliant mind and plenty of resilience and flair, he completed his Cambridge A-Levels in his hometown of Harare. He then moved to Johannesburg where he pursued his tertiary education in marketing and media communications at Monash University, after which he did his honours degree in strategic brand management at a prestigious advertising school, Vega School of Brand Communication. “I started off in the fashion industry, working for the famous South African designer, David Tlale, and later I moved on to African Fashion International to be part of the team that launched the inaugural Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg. I have worked with diverse companies, namely Cheil Worldwide, Abnormal Marketing, Metropolitan Republic, Lowe Bull and with David Tlale Couture,” Chigumba said. Apart from this he has also been building the momentum of his established career across clients such as Sheraton Uganda, Sanlam, FNB, MTN SEA region, Standard Bank, 1Life, Ocean Basket, Johannesburg Business School and the Abcon Group, just to name a few. He is currently the brand and communications strategist at Weathermen & Co, which means he integrates a strategic plan into the marketing efforts, ensuring that the company reaches the right audience at the right time to drive results for their brand. “I basically make sure the brand tells a meaningful story to consumers that resonates and evokes change. I love what I do, especially when it empowers people and communities,” Chigumba said. Triumphs “The biggest achievements for me have been becoming a published writer in national South African magazines such as Destiny, being a panellist at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls - South Africa (OWLAG) - and being an active spokesperson for South African NGO, Mina, which focuses on empowering the African girl child and lastly it was losing 60 kilograms, which has been an amazing journey,” Chigumba said. The officeA typical day in his office includes plenty of time spent on building storytelling presentations and making sure the job gets done and desired results are obtained. “A lot of hustle and bustle. I am always busy and it helps when I am listen to loud music,” he adds. Vennduke perseveres through every trial that is placed in front of him. He faces adversary with fire in his eyes. “I absolutely think what sets me apart from the rest of my colleagues is definitely my threshold for stress. I would say that I work well under stress, I become calm and laugh more.” He loves working out, wine and meditating. Being a youth leader made him love philanthropy and becoming a role model for others. He further enjoys reading, dancing and socialising and is a self-proclaimed chef.“My advice to aspiring young people out there is that no one is coming to save you, make a lane for yourself and run in it. The world will adjust. My mantra is wake, pray, slay and don't be basic,” he says.

A formidable trendsetter

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-14

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A formidable trendsetter

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-14

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