Phelekeza Turns 9: A Journey of impact, innovation, and accompaniment

Born out of uncertainty and inspired by shared purpose, Phelekeza was established in 2015 following a wave of retrenchments. What could have ended in defeat instead ignited a new beginning. A small group of passionate professionals chose to build something far greater than themselves. United by a desire to bring harmony to human relationships while delivering meaningful results, they gave birth to what would become one of South Africa’s most dynamic people-focused consultancies.

“The vision hasn’t changed—but the people, the process, and the perseverance along the way have shaped every chapter of this journey.” – Mackie Makitla.

Anchored in purpose

From day one, the philosophy behind Phelekeza has been rooted in its name: to accompany. Over the past nine years, that philosophy has come to life through every engagement, project, and partnership.

According to Mr Makitla, trust is at the heart of every relationship—whether with clients, collaborators, or community members. “When someone chooses you to accompany them on any journey, it’s a sign of deep trust. And we honour that trust by focusing on impact, particularly within the human capital space, which is the lifeblood of every organisation.”

Whether working with a startup or a major corporation, Phelekeza’s team brings empathy, strategic insight, and innovative thinking to help organisations elevate their people and purpose.

Key milestones & memorable moments

Among Phelekeza’s proudest milestones was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Long before the world shifted to virtual engagement, Phelekeza was already operating efficiently in that space. But what followed after lockdowns eased was a true test of resilience. “Operating effectively during the pandemic was one thing,” Mackie shares, “but maintaining momentum afterwards took every ounce of perseverance. That we made it through is a credit to the team and the community we’ve built.”

One especially proud moment came during Phelekeza’s 5th anniversary. Mr Makitla adds, “That year gave me clarity—not just for the next few steps, but for the next 100 years. It was a powerful confirmation that we were on the right path.”

From the beginning, Phelekeza has approached innovation not as a trend but as a necessity. The team has consistently integrated science and technology into their service delivery, ensuring that client outcomes aren’t just intuitive but measurable and validated.

“We don’t innovate for the sake of it,” Mr Makitla explains. “We do it to ensure our clients experience real, tangible results.” Whether through data-driven coaching models, digital facilitation tools, or adaptive learning platforms, the team continues to transform how individuals and teams grow.

“Our clients value our ability to align with their needs—technologically, strategically, and emotionally.”

This adaptive mindset enables Phelekeza to help clients navigate their digital transformations. As the world shifted, the Phelekeza team pivoted with it, bringing not only their systems online but guiding others to embrace new ways of working.

Central to Phelekeza’s story is its people. The organisation is built on collaboration, mentorship, and partnership. The team has benefited from the wisdom of a dedicated business mentor and worked closely with a network of highly skilled associates and solution partners. These relationships have expanded the company’s capacity and enriched its offerings.

“Our partners don’t just amplify what we do—they help us continually evolve and improve,” says Mr Makitla. “It’s a mutual investment in progress.”

As Phelekeza celebrates its 9th birthday, Mr Makitla has a heartfelt message for the people who have helped shape this journey:

“To our clients and broader community, thank you for walking with us. We’ve made it to nine years because of you. Your trust and support fuel our growth. To our team—let’s forge ahead relentlessly. The impact we make together is lasting.”

Looking ahead

The vision for the next chapter? One word: Africa.

With deep roots in South Africa, Phelekeza is setting its sights on the broader continent. The goal is to expand its footprint, partner with like-minded organisations, and bring its brand of people- first innovation to every corner of Africa.

“We’re ready to explore Africa, fully,” says Mr Makitla. “Not just as a market, but as a community we want to grow with and contribute to.”

The vision is clear and the goal is set. As the organisation moves forward, it remains committed to purpose, grounded in trust, and defined by the meaningful impact it creates while walking alongside others.

Phelekeza is a human capital consultancy dedicated to inspiring, developing, and impacting individuals and organisations. Leveraging a team of experienced HR practitioners, organisational psychologists, and talent development experts, Phelekeza combines data-driven insight with

practical tools to elevate performance through psychometric assessments, soft skills training, and SETA/QCTOaccredited learning solutions.