Snethemba Phakathi’s Empowered Vision for South Africa’s Transport and Logistics Future

Driving Change: Snethemba Phakathi’s Empowered Vision for South Africa’s Transport and Logistics Future

In an industry traditionally dominated by men and legacy institutions, Snethemba Phakathi stands as a bold and transformative force. As the founder and principal of Khula Snethemba PhakathiNathi Group (Pty) Ltd t/a KNG Transport & Logistics, she brings a refreshing blend of passion, resilience, and strategic foresight to the logistics and transportation sector in South Africa. But her journey, like many who are building something enduring, didn’t begin with trucks and supply chains—it started with family, values, and a deep commitment to seeing people grow.

The Heart Behind the Hustle
Outside the boardroom and logistics hubs, Snethemba describes herself as a family-oriented person—easygoing, grounded, and deeply invested in the development of others. This personal philosophy of growth and nurturing seamlessly blends into her leadership style. She thrives on helping others evolve into the best versions of themselves, whether they’re family, friends, or employees.

“In and out of the workplace, I’m passionate about people,” she explains. “I love learning, challenging myself, and questioning the status quo. That passion drives everything I do.”

This balance between personal warmth and professional ambition is a hallmark of her leadership. She’s a firm believer in people-first entrepreneurship, where growth is collective and purpose-led.

Roots in Marketing and the Entrepreneurial Spark
Before launching her own enterprise, Snethemba’s career journey began in a very familiar setting—her family’s business. Her father, a marketing veteran, founded Eyes & Ears Marketing Services, a company specializing in below-the-line activations and qualitative research. It was there that she first witnessed the real meaning of entrepreneurship—the long hours, the emotional investment, and the complex balance of innovation and survival.

It was also a training ground. She cut her teeth working with top-tier FMCG brands like Nestlé Nespray, MAGGI, Benny, Tastic, and GynaGuard. These early experiences gave her a firm grasp of operational discipline, customer-centric delivery, and the high standards of corporate partnership.

“Working with my father helped me understand the blood, sweat, and tears behind building something meaningful. That foundation taught me resilience and the importance of excellence,” she recalls.

Planting the Seeds of Khula Nathi Group
While Eyes & Ears was thriving, the world changed in 2020. As COVID-19 disrupted industries across the globe, Snethemba found herself reflecting deeply on the future. The pandemic’s economic uncertainty made her realize how fragile business stability could be. If her family’s marketing business failed, everyone would be at risk. That clarity sparked a long-held dream into motion.

“I’ve always loved trucking,” she says, smiling. “The idea of running a logistics company always lived in the back of my mind. When COVID hit, I stopped dreaming and started building.”

Khula Nathi, which means “Grow With Us” in isiZulu, was born. Initially intended as a sister company to Eyes & Ears, it evolved into something far more significant—a vehicle for Snethemba’s entrepreneurial independence and a statement on women’s empowerment in a sector where female leadership remains rare.

Her first client? A black female-led organization. That wasn’t a coincidence.

“I’ve been very intentional about who we work with. Representation and values matter,” she affirms.

Growing with Grit, One Mile at a Time
Building a logistics company from scratch, particularly in a male-dominated industry, came with no shortage of hurdles. Yet Snethemba never lost sight of her vision. Her secret? Persistence, adaptability, and a relentless focus on continuous improvement.

“I won’t say I’m successful yet,” she admits with humility. “There have been moments I wanted to close shop. But I believe in learning, improving, and never giving up. Work ethic, resilience, and passion—that’s what I value.”

This mindset has helped her carve out a distinct space in the market.

Khula Nathi Group now offers a wide range of services including local and intercity transportation, warehousing, and logistics for sectors such as construction, agriculture, and FMCG. The company handles both normal and abnormal loads and has recently expanded into the supply of building materials, aiming to become a fully integrated service provider across transport and construction.

“At the end of the day, we’re solution-driven,” says Snethemba. “We offer personalized, cost-effective services without compromising on quality.”

Building a Culture of Purpose
A key factor in the company’s growth has been its internal culture—an intentional mix of inclusion, transparency, collaboration, and ethical conduct. For Snethemba, culture isn’t about posters on a wall; it’s about behavior in the everyday.

“I believe in building a culture where people feel empowered,” she explains. “When you trust your team, they perform at their best. I’m big on transparency and giving people ownership over their work.”

From open communication to mentorship and feedback, Khula Nathi operates like a community. Team members are encouraged to share ideas, make decisions, and grow their own leadership potential.

“We don’t shy away from innovation. In fact, we welcome it,” Snethemba says. “Fresh ideas give us a competitive edge, help us reduce operational costs, and allow us to better serve our clients.”

Leading Through Balance
Snethemba has cultivated a leadership style that values both individual brilliance and collaborative systems. She doesn’t believe in glorifying “heroic” employees at the cost of team dynamics—instead, she emphasizes a balance.

“Individual contributions are important, but they need to be integrated into a strong team process,” she says. “We focus on skill development and team-building at the same time. One doesn’t have to come at the expense of the other.”

This philosophy has contributed to a work environment where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to contribute meaningfully to the company’s goals.

At the Helm: Strategy, Growth, and the Joy of Closing Deals
As the principal and driving force of the company, Snethemba’s role is multifaceted. She leads business development, spearheads strategic planning, manages risk, and nurtures client relationships—all while keeping an eye on long-term growth.

“I’m constantly analysing market trends and seeking new partnerships,” she explains. “I also stay deeply involved in risk management—regulatory changes, safety concerns, economic conditions. It’s all part of running a sustainable operation.”

Yet amid these responsibilities, there’s a part of her day she treasures the most: closing a deal.

“There’s nothing quite like it—convincing a new client to come on board and knowing you’ve earned their trust,” she smiles. “That’s when I feel the most fulfilled.”

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders
Reflecting on her own leadership journey, Snethemba is quick to offer practical advice for those stepping into leadership roles for the first time.

“Start by listening and learning. Understand your team’s dynamics before making big moves,” she advises. “Invest in yourself. Leadership isn’t static—it’s a journey.”

She emphasizes leading by example, cultivating collaboration, and offering both support and honest feedback.

“Be the leader you’d want to work for. Integrity, professionalism, and care—that’s the foundation.”

Looking Ahead: A National Vision
The future of Khula Nathi Group is as expansive as Snethemba’s vision. She’s working toward national expansion, with plans to unify her company’s transport, building materials, and construction services under one powerful umbrella. The name “Khula Nathi” is more than just branding—it’s a promise, an invitation, and a challenge to grow together.

In an age where businesses are increasingly judged by both profit and purpose, Snethemba Phakathi is showing that you can build with heart, hustle, and a higher calling. She is not only changing the face of logistics but reshaping the possibilities for women in business across South Africa.

And she’s just getting started.