Thembalethu Msibi

Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer, BlackSwan

Thembalethu Msibi is an award-winning creative leader, storyteller and entrepreneur in marketing and advertising. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of BlackSwan, an independent, women-led boutique powerhouse agency based in Johannesburg.

Known for her bold creative thinking and passion for purpose-driven storytelling, Thembalethu has led impactful campaigns for some of South Africa’s most recognised brands, including Telkom, Absa, Miway, Clicks, Bidvest Group and Glencore.

Beyond creating award-winning work, Thembalethu is passionate about advancing creativity and shaping the industry’s future. She has served on the Creative Circle Executive Committee and the AB InBev Braintrust, and has been a judge at prestigious industry awards, including The Clios, Cannes Lions and Loeries. She is the current President of the iPendoring Awards, spearheading excellence in indigenous language creative work.

As a woman in business and a creative leader, she challenges conventions, nurtures emerging talent, and creates opportunities for others to thrive. Her approach to leadership is rooted in collaboration, fearless creativity and the belief that great ideas have the power to connect people, influence culture and inspire meaningful change.