You generally wouldn’t expect the chief marketing officer of one of Africa’s largest banks to admit that her biggest financial regret is buying a MacBook she never uses, or to describe dancing around the house to J Cole as one of her greatest sources of inspiration. And yet, it’s exactly the kind of unfiltered honesty that makes Khensani Nobanda so captivating.
The award-winning marketing executive first joined Nedbank in 2017 and now leads a team of more than 300 people. But behind the boardroom decisions and global campaigns is someone who measures success as much by curiosity and watching her team flourish as she does by market share.
Where do we find you creatively and emotionally?
I sit on Nedbank’s arts and heritage board, and [we] look after Nedbank’s art collection. We just approved the purchase of a tapestry for our boardroom, and it’s so interesting because it’s so different from my daily job. I’m highly inspired.
Creatively, I’m feeling really lucky that my job allows me to, yes, worry about our share price and market share growth, but at the same time create beautiful TV ads, look at artwork, and help create a space at our offices that’s almost like a gallery.
If money were no object, what would your dream buy be?
A home somewhere in the south of Europe, by the ocean.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Watching the next generation of marketers lean into who they are and get opportunities. I love seeing the young people in my team do well.
Your favourite destination?
Istanbul.
The last travel destination that knocked your socks off?
Iceland. I got to snorkel between two tectonic plates, then we went to the Blue Lagoon, where volcanoes bring up hot water and I got a massage. I loved it.
What are you reading/listening to right now?
I’m reading Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay. [Musically,] I’m an old school hip-hop girl. I go back to J Cole, Jay-Z and Snoop.
What is a great gift you received recently?
One of our business unit directors gave me the first three Dune books [by Frank Herbert]. What I love about the gift is that she knows me, she knows I love reading, and it was just so beautifully done.
What’s a luxury that money can’t buy?
Spending time with the people who are very special to me.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?
I became a category director at a very young age and didn’t really know how to manage myself. My boss at the time said to me, “If you want to lead people, you have to know how to self-regulate.”
Something you always return to for inspiration?
Music. Moving my body and dancing just takes me to a better space.
Who is one of your favourite local creative talents right now?
Tshepo Mohlala from Tshepo Jeans.
Favourite drink?
Champagne — my favourite is Veuve Clicquot and the story behind the brand.
Best way to spend a Sunday morning?
First of all, sleeping in. But Sundays are all about my dog, Samuel L Jackson. The second he sees me put on my sneakers, he runs downstairs because he knows he’s about to go for a walk.
Your dream dinner guests?
Oprah Winfrey, Madame Veuve Clicquot and Winnie Mandela. I love strong women.
What’s the biggest lesson your 26 years in the industry have taught you?
Sometimes, when you’re the leader, people expect you to know everything. I don’t pretend that I do. So, while I take my job incredibly seriously, I don’t take myself seriously at all.
Your most treasured possession?
My wedding ring. I travel so much, and it reminds me that I’ve got my husband waiting for me at home.
Favourite scent?
The most challenging aspect of your work the past year?
People. The higher you go in your career, the less actual work you do yourself because you deliver through people. I’ve found that quite challenging in different ways.
A building everyone should visit before they die?
The Apartheid Museum [in Joburg]. When I speak to my 13-year-old nephew, his lack of understanding of our history sometimes worries me. We shouldn’t forget it. That doesn’t mean our history should hold us back, but I think the only way we move forward as a country is by recognising where we’ve come from. That’s how you see your progress.
Your biggest purchase that you
a) regret?
I should never have bought my MacBook. I don’t know how to use a Mac. It sits at home gathering dust.
b) would buy all over again?
Going to Anfield to watch Steven Gerrard’s last game for Liverpool. The funniest part is that [he] ended up spending less than a minute on the pitch because he got sent off with a red card.
What personal quality has had the biggest impact on your success?
Curiosity about the world, about people, and about myself.
From the August issue of Wanted, 2026.
