Johanna Makgalemele

Johanna Makgalemele
Born
Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa
NationalitySouth African
Other namesJohanna Mukoki
EducationRhodes University (BCom, Accounting and Economics)
Occupation(s)Businesswoman, motivational speaker, philanthropist
Years active1996–present
EmployerTravel with Flair
Known forCo-founder of Travel with Flair, first African board member of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives, multiple business awards
TitleGroup CEO of Travel with Flair
Spouse
Alan Mukoki
​
​
(m. 2011, divorced)​
RelativesBasetsana Kumalo (sister)

Johanna Makgalemele[1] (also known as Johanna Mukoki during her marriage) is a South African entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. She is the co-founder of Travel with Flair,[2] a leading South African travel management company, and has been recognized for her contributions to the travel industry and women's empowerment in business.[3] Makgalemele was the first African to serve on the Global Tourism Board of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), representing the Middle East and Africa.[4]

Early life and education

Johanna Makgalemele was born in Soweto, South Africa, during the apartheid era of the 1970s.[5] Growing up in a financially challenged household, her father worked as a bus driver, and her mother was a school teacher who instilled hands-on business lessons.[5] She is the older sister of Basetsana Kumalo, a prominent South African media personality and former Miss South Africa.[5] Makgalemele attended Rhodes University,[6] where she earned a B.Com degree, majoring in Accounting and Economics.[5]

Career

In 1996, Makgalemele co-founded Travel with Flair (TWF) with two partners after working as an accountant.[3] TWF is a personalized travel management service that integrates innovative technology to cater to corporate and leisure travel needs.[3] Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the company employed over 780 people and had offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal.[3] TWF has been recognized as the Most Empowered Business of the Year, reflecting its impact on South Africa's business landscape.[3]

Media and production

Makgalemele served as the executive producer of Women on the Move, a television program aired on SABC 2 that highlighted successful South African businesswomen and promoted business empowerment.[7] In 1997, she faced a contractual dispute with the SABC, which led to arbitration over the termination of her contract for the series.[7] The program was later renamed Lebone and continued without her involvement.[7]

Global representation

Makgalemele broke barriers as the first African to serve on the Global Tourism Board of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), representing the Middle East and Africa.[4] Her role amplified African perspectives in global corporate travel discussions.

Awards and recognition

Makgalemele has received numerous accolades for her entrepreneurial achievements and influence, including:

  • Most Influential Woman in Business and Government in Tourism
  • EY Emerging World Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Business Woman of the Year by the Business Women's Association[8](BWA)[4]
  • Most Stylish Business Personality by SA Style Awards[5]
  • In 2023, she was featured as the cover star for TRUELOVE Home & Décor, celebrating her influence in lifestyle and business.[9] She has also been a guest at high-profile events, such as the Santam Women of the Future Awards in 2023 and 2024, recognizing trailblazing women entrepreneurs.[10]

Personal life

Makgalemele was married[11] to Alan Mukoki, a South African business leader, in a private ceremony in 2011.[5] The couple divorced[12] amicably after several years, and Makgalemele reverted to her maiden name.[5] They have children and are committed to co-parenting.[5] She has been linked to Musa Shivambu, the younger brother of EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu, though she maintains privacy about her personal relationships.[5] Makgalemele is the sister of Basetsana Kumalo, with whom she collaborates in business ventures, including Travel with Flair.[5] She is known for her philanthropy, supporting initiatives that uplift South African communities, and is a sought-after motivational speaker.[4]

Philanthropy

Makgalemele's charitable efforts focus on empowering women and supporting community development in South Africa. Her work has inspired young women through her media projects and public speaking engagements.[4]

Makgalemele is a prominent figure in South African social and business circles, often featured in media for her style and influence. She attended high-profile events, such as Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe's birthday celebration in 2024, alongside notable figures like Basetsana Kumalo.[10] Her TRUELOVE Home & Décor cover reveal party in 2023 was a celebrated event, highlighting her influence in lifestyle media.

References

  1. ^ Makgalemele, Johanna (July 30, 2021). "Johanna Makgalemele: A Powerhouse Leader in Global Executive Travel". Lionesses of Africa.
  2. ^ "About Us". Travel with Flair. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Travel with Flair: About Us". Travel with Flair Official Website. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Johanna Makgalemele, a powerhouse leader in global executive travel". Lionesses of Africa. 1 August 2021. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Johanna Mukoki's biography: All we know about Basetsana Kumalo's older sister". Briefly.co.za. 15 January 2025. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  6. ^ "Rhodes University Academic Calendar 2025" (PDF). Rhodes University. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c "SABC 'ordered raid'". Mail & Guardian. 7 March 1997. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  8. ^ Makgalemele, Johanna (July 30, 2021). "Johanna Makgalemele: A Powerhouse Leader in Global Executive Travel". Lionesses of Africa. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  9. ^ "GALLERY: Inside TRUELOVE Home & Décor afternoon of glamour with Johanna Makgalemele". TRUELOVE. 10 January 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  10. ^ a b "Celebrating trailblazing women entrepreneurs at the 10th Annual Santam Women of the Future Awards". SA Good News. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  11. ^ "SABC board rocked by resignation". News24. November 16, 2017. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  12. ^ "Johanna Makgalemela: Living Her Best Life After Divorce". Zimoja. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
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