Board Members

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

To achieve KUMISA's mission and objectives, and to fulfil its corporate responsibilities, the KUMISA Board regards corporate governance as of fundamental importance. In its dealings with stakeholders, the board adheres to the core governance principles set out in King IV, which demand accountability, integrity, fairness, and transparency. As part of its oversight, the KUMISA Board is comprised of experienced professionals from multiple fields, including music, enterprise development, media, and marketing.

Dr. Lindiwe “Malindi” Kunene (Board Chairperson)

Expertise: Governance & Enterprise Strategy
An academic and lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Discipline of Management and Entrepreneurship where she lectures and does research in Small, Medium, Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).

Additionally, Dr. Kunene is an experienced governance expert with a Master's in Commerce and a PhD in Entrepreneurship & Management.

Sifiso Kalinjani (Board Deputy Chairperson)

Expertise: Business, Events & Marketing Strategy
Awarded the Standard Bank KZN Top Business SMME Achiever Award 2018 for MADUNGE EVENTS AND PROJECTS, Mr. Kalinjani is a Business Founder, Marketing Director, Real Estate Entrepreneur, Independent Marketing and Event Director. Moreover, he is an experienced Executive Strategist with corporate and banking management experience who previously served as MTN SA Marketing Manager in KZN. In addition to completing a business management program at DUT, as well as participating in several local and international business programs, he serves as Chairperson of the KUMISA HR, Finance & Risk Committee and as a non-executive director at the Tourism KZN Board.

Debbie Mari

Expertise: Music Industry Development Strategy
Debbie Mari is a singer, pianist, educator, vocal coach and community music practitioner who lives and works in Durban as a music lecture at the UKZN. She is also the co-founder of the Marigold Music School and the current Project Manager of the Ukusa Arts Program. She holds BMus (Jazz Performance) and MA (Intercultural Music Education) qualifications from the UKZN.

Zandile Tembe

Expertise: Media, Entertainment & Marketing Strategy
Experienced Radio Programs Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the broadcast media industry. Skilled in Communication Strategy, Event Planning, Management, and Strategic Planning with Business Marketing qualifications from DUT, GIBBS and Stellenbosch Business Schools.

Thando Nyameni (Managing Director)

Expertise: Business Management, Value Chain Analysis & Skills Development

In addition to being a singer-songwriter, music producer, business consultant, and award-winning entrepreneur, Thando Nyameni has a deep understanding of the music industry value chain, which he applies to guiding musicians and music business professionals. In his role as Managing Director of KUMISA, he is committed to nurturing, fostering, and cultivating established and emerging artists' careers and to ensuring that the local music industry supply chain is well-resourced with appropriate tools, legislation, and skills.

Further, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from MANCOSA, as well as extensive governance experience, while serving on the MOSHITO Music Conference & Exhibition board and the South African Music Awards Supervisory Committee.

KWAZULU-NATAL UNITED MUSIC INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

BOARD MEMBERS