MEET THE WSU ALUMNA BEHIND THE HOLLYWOODBETS BRAND

From formulating strategies for the illustrious Durban July, to leading campaigns for Hollywoodbets and its various divisions, WSU alumna Kuhle Mkhize is living her wildest dreams as the betting giant’s Public Relations Manager.

Propelled by a passion for storytelling from childhood, Mkhize’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance and unwavering dedication to one’s craft.

Like many of her peers, Mkhize was raised by a single mother, with help from her grandmother. It is to these formidable women that she attributes her drive and hunger for success.

“Growing up in a household full of strong female figures, from my grandmother to my mom and aunts, shaped who I am today. Simply seeing them overcome all odds and raise phenomenal children inspired me. No matter the obstacles, they made sure we had the best and taught us that through Christ, nothing is impossible,” said Mkhize. 

Born in Butterworth, and raised in Mdantsane, the media enthusiast obtained a National Diploma in Journalism as well as a Btech in Public Relations from Walter Sisulu University.

Following a stint as an intern in WSU’s Marketing and Communications Directorate, she went on to intern at the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, in the Information and Content Development Unit.

“My professional journey started off slowly. Like life, things don’t always work out quickly for everyone. I had the opportunity to do my in-service training in the WSU Communication Division. For me, that was the moment I knew: yes, this is what I want to do; be the person behind a brand’s communication unit, plan strategies, and execute them effectively,” she remarked.

Undeterred by a competitive job market after her internship, Mkhize made her way into lifestyle PR, where she handled campaigns for major lifestyle and alcohol brands. This was followed by two years at the National Sea Rescue Institute.

In search of greener pastures, she made her way to Durban where she currently works as the Public Relations Manager for Hollywoodbets.

“I work closely with the Hollywood Foundation and the Hollywood Athletics Club. My team and I help roll out strategies for both entities—ranging from the CSI (Corporate Social Investment) initiatives driven by the Foundation to the sports development projects it supports,” Mkhize said.

As a true testament of her prowess in the PR and communications field, Mkhize who now holds a BA Honours in Brand Strategic Communication, has earned accolades, including a PRISM Bronze Award.

Offering words of encouragement to future PR practitioners, she said, “Don’t be afraid to start from the bottom and work your way up. It’s okay to make mistakes—just make sure you learn from them. If you want to reach bigger spaces, don’t get too comfortable in your current environment. Explore. Step out of your comfort zone—you never know where it might lead you.”

By Yanga Ziwele