Toni Gumede is a multifaceted professional known for her expertise in Reputation Management, Stakeholder Relations, and Social Facilitation. With over 15 years of comprehensive experience, she has made significant contributions across various sectors including infrastructure development, energy, investment promotion, and nation branding.
Professional Background
Toni currently serves as the Manager in the office of the Chief Executive Officer at Brand South Africa, where she plays a pivotal role in enhancing the country’s global reputation and fostering strategic partnerships. Additionally, she operates as an independent Stakeholder Relations and Social Facilitation Consultant, specializing in creating impactful collaborations and community engagements.
Career Highlights
Throughout her career, Toni has established and managed stakeholder relations and community engagement portfolios for prominent road infrastructure projects nationwide. Her adeptness in fostering multi-stakeholder collaborations has been instrumental in advancing infrastructure development and promoting investment initiatives within South Africa.
Education and Certifications
Toni holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of the Free State, supplemented by postgraduate certificates in Project Management and Enterprise Risk Management from the Business School. Currently pursuing a Masters in Development Studies, she continues to deepen her knowledge and expertise in driving sustainable socio-economic development.
Leadership and Community Involvement
Toni Gumede’s leadership extends to her role as the Deputy Chairperson of the board of directors for Maluti A-Phofung Special Economic Zone (MAP SEZ), a state-owned entity focused on promoting economic growth and development in South Africa. She also contributes significantly to youth empowerment and social entrepreneurship as a mentor and alumnus of En-Act-Us (formerly SIFE).
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Driven by a commitment to social impact, Toni champions causes such as childhood cancer awareness through the Childhood Cancer Foundation and early childhood development support through Breadline Africa. Her involvement underscores her dedication to improving communities and advocating for meaningful change.
Public Speaking and Thought Leadership
A sought-after speaker and panelist, Toni has addressed prestigious national and international platforms. Her engagements include the African Marketers Confederations Conference, Tourism Investment Forum Africa, and various youth empowerment initiatives, where she shares insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development.
Personal Life
Beyond her professional achievements, Toni Gumede is a pastor at Sandton Tabernacle of the United Apostolic Faith Church, where she integrates her faith with her commitment to community service and leadership.
Toni Gumede exemplifies leadership, dedication, and a profound commitment to driving positive change across South Africa’s socio-economic landscape, making her a respected figure in both professional and philanthropic circles.
Q: Toni, as someone deeply involved in nation branding and stakeholder relations, how do you perceive International Fashion Day contributing to promoting South Africa’s cultural identity and creativity on a global scale?
A: International Fashion Day plays a crucial role in promoting South Africa’s cultural identity and creativity globally through fashion. Our nation’s positive reputation is significantly driven by the arts, and our fashion industry effectively exports South African culture and heritage to the world. Fashion is a powerful vehicle for spreading “South Africanness” globally. Brands like Thebe Magugu, MaXhosa Africa, Bathu sneakers, and others have expanded their footprint beyond borders, solidifying South Africa as a nation renowned for culturally rich and authentic fashion.
Q: Given your experience in fostering multi-stakeholder collaborations, how can events like International Fashion Day enhance partnerships between South African fashion designers, brands, and international markets?
A: South Africa’s nation brand is best represented through collaboration. Our nation belongs to all who live in it, as expressed in our diverse contributions. Brand South Africa cannot single-handedly position the nation brand; successful positioning requires collaborations with like-minded entities and brands. In the fashion sector, events like International Fashion Day spotlight the sector’s significance and provide an opportunity to amplify South Africa’s message in global fashion while telling our unique story. All stakeholders play a vital role in telling this positive narrative, presenting ample opportunities for collaboration.
Q: Fashion often intersects with economic development and tourism. From your standpoint, how can South Africa leverage International Fashion Day to attract global investment and tourism interest?
A: International Fashion Day presents a platform to highlight the opportunities within the fashion industry value chain for trade and investment. By showcasing our vibrant fashion scene, South Africa can attract global investors interested in our creative industries. Moreover, fashion tourism can be stimulated by promoting our diverse and culturally rich fashion landscape to international audiences.
Q: As a leader in social facilitation and community engagement, how do you believe International Fashion Day can empower local communities and promote inclusivity within the South African fashion industry?
A: Effective social facilitation and community engagement involve bridging opportunities with communities through engagement and information sharing. Similarly, in the fashion industry, it’s crucial to identify and communicate the opportunities available for ordinary South Africans. International Fashion Day can empower local communities by showcasing diverse talents and promoting inclusivity within the fashion industry, thereby inspiring aspiring designers and entrepreneurs across the country.
Q: You’ve spoken at various international forums on economic empowerment and leadership. How do you think South African fashion entrepreneurs and designers can use International Fashion Day to amplify their voices and expand their global footprint?
A: Collaboration is key to amplifying voices and expanding global footprints. South African fashion entrepreneurs and designers should collaborate and collectively tell their stories to derive maximum value from the international spotlight provided by events like International Fashion Day. They should boldly showcase the creativity, authenticity, and innovation that define South African fashion, ensuring their voices resonate globally and attract attention from international markets and stakeholders.
