Mbali Mahlangu is a real-life modern-day princess that is a successful business owner, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and content creator that is living out her purpose in life. PHOTO: Supplied/ Mbali Mahlangu
Mbali Mahlangu is a vibrant 26-year-old, who is living her purpose and is helping others discover theirs. This modern-day princess is a successful entrepreneur, motivational speaker and content creator. However, the journey to her success and finding purpose, has not been an easy one.
Mbali Mahlangu was born into a royal family. She is the daughter of the late Ndebele King; Ingwenyama Mayitjha III, Cornelius Mahlangu, and the late Queen Gabisile Mabona of the Ndzunda-Mabhoko people in Mpumalanga.
But in spite of her royal background, Mahlangu had a very normal upbringing in the village of KwaNdebele, where she grew up as one of 20 siblings.
She describes her childhood as care-free, fun and adventurous. It was spent outside climbing trees, making mud cakes and mud houses, and playing hide and seek with her siblings and cousins.
However, when Mahlangu was 7, her mother died. This was followed by the death of her father when she was 11.
But before her father died, he remarried the woman, Mahlangu says she is fortunate to now call her mother. Her stepmother, along with the rest of the larger family, continued to care for her after the death of both of her parents.
Struggling with the pain of losing both of her parents, made her feel as though she did not belong. As a result, when Mahlangu entered her teens, she struggled with her mental health and developed issues such as anxiety and depression.
Following her move to the Western Cape to live with her sister in 2011, 16-year-old Mahlangu joined the Bay Christian Family Church (The Bay CFC) in Somerset West, near Cape Town.
She explains that her new found faith and spiritual awakening, guided her on a journey of healing and the path to self-discovery.
Mbali likes to unwind by drinking her favourite drink, a warm cup of rooibos tea and curled up with a good book. Supplied/ Mbali Mahlangu
Mahlangu attended Hottentots-Holland High School in Somerset West, from grade 11 until grade 12. It was there that she began to thrive.
She took part in various school activities, such as school dramas and community based initiatives.
She won a bronze for her role in the play “My Life”, which won gold as an ensemble at the Fraserburg Logan Arts Festival, while for her service towards the community, Mahlangu received the Ann’s Cup of Service above Self by the Rotary Club of Somerset West.
After matriculating with a Bachelor’s Pass National Senior Certificate in 2013, all-rounder Mahlangu decided to get many qualifications under her belt.
She is qualified in event-planning, business entrepreneurship and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Ministry from the Christian Family Church International Bible College.
“The journey was filled with heartache, but it led me to who I was always meant to be and into my purpose. There is a reason for everything,” she states.
Mahlangu uses her platform to educate, inspire and empower women. PHOTO: Supplied/ Mbali Mahlangu
A modern day princess
By being part of a royal family means that you are constantly in the public eye and that your actions have consequences. Therefore, one has to lead by example, says Mahlangu.
From a young age, she was taught the importance of being of service to the community.
Therefore, while growing up, although she had many dreams of either being a doctor, a lawyer or a teacher, it all centered around the principle of helping others.
Today, Mahlangu is the owner of two successful businesses. She started Isiba Le Africa in 2015, which was officially registered in 2016. The following year Isiba Moments was launched and is a company under Isiba Le Africa.
Isiba Le Africa helps women to start and grow their own businesses, while Isiba Moments focuses on event planning, such as weddings, conferences and events.
According to Mahlangu, when she started her first business, she struggled for 2 years to get it off the ground.
She had no idea who to speak to or who could have offered her guidance on how to do things such as to register her business, open a business bank account, market the business and how to price her products.
After a process of self-learning, Mahlangu was inspired to help develop other entrepreneurs, especially those who also want to start their own businesses, but did not know how to go about it.
She overcame many obstacles to get to the success she has today. This is why it is so important for her to help others.
According to Mahlangu the attitude and mentality of “dog eats dog” and survival of the fittest will definitely be the downfall of human beings.
“We need each other and the world will always be a better place, when we operate with Ubuntu. All for one and one for all,” she states.
Therefore, she is always willing to use her influence to assist various other initiatives and organisations, such as gender-based violence and menstruation education.
She is part of the Rise Up project which helps place women in the tourism and hospitality industry by helping with personal development, skills and entrepreneurial training.
Mahlangu is also in demand as a public speaker and has shared the stage with the former minister of tourism, Derek Hanekom and financial influencer, Nicolette Mashile.
“I stumbled into speaking and then it just took off from there,” she says.
According to Mahlangu social media has played a big role in promoting her business and expanding her brand through the content she creates.
She often posts motivational videos, entrepreneurial advice and tips, and raises awareness on issues that she is passionate about.
Through her platform, she wants to foster entrepreneurship amongst the youth, women and marginalised groups, she states.
She says that it is important for her to positively influence the lives of people in her community, as well as to make a difference on the African continent.
According to Mahlangu, she has been very blessed throughout her career, thus far. Therefore, she believes that it is her purpose to make a difference in the world.
In spite of her royal beginnings, she remains humble and believes that being of service to others is the definition of success. PHOTO: Supplied/ Mbali Mahlangu
Finding purpose
The secret is that throughout all of the challenges and obstacles, I have been able to create a core foundation by being strong in who I am, says Mahlangu.
“I know who I am, what my purpose is and I live it daily,” she says.
According to Mahlangu, if something does not align with her purpose and who she is and what she stands for, then she does not do it at all.
She believes that it is important to be true to yourself and what you are meant to do.
“I strive by making a difference in people’s lives, that to me is success,” she states.
She is passionate about the African continent and wants to travel to all 54 countries by the time she is 30-years-old. PHOTO: Supplied/ Mbali Mahlangu
Looking to the future
Mahlangu is passionate about Africa. She wants to see the continent transform, thrive and be all that it is meant to be.
“Africa has a lot of potential. I want to be part of the transformation by helping to develop entrepreneurs, I want to see it thrive and get to experience all that it has to offer,” says Mahlangu.
Her goal is to visit all 54 countries by the time that she is 30. So far, she has travelled to Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Egypt.
There was a time when Mahlangu was not making any money. Yet, she kept going. She says that it is important to remain consistent with regards to one’s goals.
“Every day, I do something that contributes to the bigger vision of my life,” she says.
