Meet the women redefining talent management in South Africa’s entertainment, fashion, and sports

In an industry where strategy meets storytelling and influence shapes culture, a new wave of women is redefining the landscape of talent management. They are building powerful, future-focused agencies at the intersection of entertainment, fashion, sport and media, and doing so with vision, intuition and an unyielding commitment to their craft. Their work goes beyond contracts and campaigns; it is about legacy, intentional leadership and creating spaces where talent is seen, celebrated and empowered to thrive. Through innovation, cultural fluency and an undeniable passion for elevating others, they are proving that the future of talent representation is bold, dynamic and distinctly female-driven.

Thuthu Maqhosha

Founder of TSquared Productions

lifestyle

Introducing the Winners of the GLAMOUR Women of the Year Awards 2025

Thuthu Maqhosha, Founder of TSquared Productions. Image: Supplied

Now with a golden reputation as a manager of events and artists, Thuthu’s career began in 2009 as a stage manager with MSP Events before working on platforms like Major League Gardens and learning from icons DJ Euphonik and Black Coffee at Soulistic Music. She also contributed to landmark productions such as Music is King before launching TSquared.

Thuthu is committed to building spaces where artists’ visions thrive. Representing leading local artists including Mörda, Malumz on Decks, JazziQ, Kelvin Momo, Ms Cosmo, Da Capo, Babalwa M, Sjava, JFlo and Ney the Bae, TSquared has been in the music industry for over 10 years, curating lineups and managing bookings for global stages like Live List events in Dubai.

Thuthu’s Personal Philosophy “Artist management is a selfless, 24/7 commitment built on trust and passion, with the manager as the driving force behind an artist’s success.”

Ntando Zikalala

Founder and CEO of To The Max Brand Management

A trailblazing agency at the intersection of entertainment, fashion and sport, Ntando has grown To The Max Brand Management to represent high-profile local talents across industries — including personalities like Linda Mtoba, Zola Nombona, Zandisile Nhlapo, Temba Bavuma, Percy Tau and Sinaye Kotobe. She has also previously worked with notable names like Thuli Phongolo, Kamo Mphela, Mpumi Ledwaba and Teboho Mokoena.

A powerhouse in talent management, Ntando has negotiated groundbreaking deals, from securing Linda Mtoba as Vaseline’s first global brand ambassador, to positioning Zola Nombona as the first-ever ambassador for Foschini in the TFG Group’s 100-year history. Under her leadership, To The Max has expanded to include a sports division (To The Max Sports) and a podcast (More Than Management), further amplifying the brand’s mission.

Her accolades include being named one of Mail & Guardian’s 50 Most Powerful Women (2023) and receiving the Forty Under 40 Award for Marketing.

Ntando’s Personal Philosophy “Management is more than contracts; it’s about vision, legacy and creating spaces where talent not only belongs, but thrives.”

Simbongile Ndlangisa

Founder and Managing Director of Melenial Media

Evolving from a career in boutique retail and roles in digital marketing, PR and production, Simbongile founded Melenial Media, a culture-driven communications and talent management agency with a footprint in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Dubai. Currently its managing director, the transnational label began as a passion project during her university years, and has grown into a respected agency representing talent like Shudufhadzo Musida, Aisha Baker and Wayne Parnell, and Lulama Wolf. She also works with brands such as Momentum, JD Sports, TATA Motors and Archive.

After ditching her nine-to-five job, Simbongile used her knowledge of the marketing landscape to create some of the most standout campaigns, including Momentum’s successful #SheOwnsHerSuccess season and major First Thursdays activations for Archive. She was named PRISM Young Judge of the Year (2019) and has been featured in both Cosmopolitan SA and Mail & Guardian. Known for her strategic eye and cultural intuition, Simbongile is building an agency where talent and brands thrive on authenticity.

Simbongile’s Personal Philosophy “Contracts are meant to be negotiated, not dictated.”

Original article appeared on GLAMOUR's November 2025 print issue. OUT NOW!