- Mesia Gumede Leads 76Media Into a New Era of Purposeful Storytelling
- Celebrating Two Decades of Broadcast Excellence
Johannesburg, South Africa — 76Media, one of South Africa’s most dynamic independent media and communications agencies, today celebrates the continued leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Mesia Gumede who is a seasoned broadcast veteran, visionary director, and trusted voice in the media landscape. With more than 20 years of hands-on experience in radio and direction, Gumede has not only shaped 76Media’s identity but has established himself as one of the foremost thought leaders in the industry.
A Career Forged in Radio, Sharpened by Vision
Mesia Gumede’s journey in media began in radio , a medium that demands authenticity, immediacy, and a deep understanding of audience. Over two decades, he honed his craft across every dimension of the broadcast world, rising from on-air talent to directorial leadership. That path gave him something rare in the media industry: the ability to see storytelling from both sides of the microphone, and to understand what it truly means to connect with people.
His experience as a director has further broadened that perspective, equipping him to lead complex productions, manage high-profile client relationships, and craft campaigns that resonate at both a cultural and commercial level. At 76Media, these skills converge into a leadership philosophy rooted in creativity, integrity, and impact.
Serving South Africa’s Most Iconic Institutions
Under Gumede’s leadership, 76Media has built a distinguished client portfolio that reflects the agency’s commitment to meaningful work. The agency proudly serves the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, supporting the legacy and ongoing thought leadership of one of Africa’s most consequential statesmen . This is a relationship that speaks to the trust placed in 76Media to handle work of historical significance with care and sophistication.
The agency is equally the public relations force behind Classics on Turf, South Africa’s premier annual lifestyle event celebrating sports, heritage, and classical music. From public relations to full media execution, 76Media ensures that the event’s voice reaches and resonates with its discerning audience year after year.
Perhaps most notably, Gumede has steered 76Media into a valued relationship with the Nelson Mandela Foundation an institution synonymous with the highest ideals of human dignity, justice, and leadership. Serving the Mandela Foundation is not simply a professional milestone; it is an affirmation of the values that underpin everything 76Media does.
These partnerships, alongside a growing roster of clients across South Africa, illustrate the depth of 76Media’s capabilities and the confidence that institutions and brands place in Gumede’s leadership.
Thought Leadership as a Cornerstone
Gumede’s influence extends well beyond the boardroom and the studio. As a thought leader, he is a consistent voice on the evolving role of media in shaping public discourse, preserving cultural identity, and driving social progress in Africa. He understands that media is not merely a commercial enterprise but it is a responsibility.
Advocate Lizelle Haskins, who has worked closely with Gumede over the years, speaks to the intentionality that defines his approach. “For Mesia, storytelling is never simply about delivering a message or completing a project. He is constantly asking how to tell the story honestly, authentically, and in a way that does justice to the people and purpose behind it. There is a genuine sense of purpose that drives him. He cares deeply about the stories he tells, the people they represent, and the impact they have.”
Haskins adds: “He leads with humility, earns trust through consistency, and creates space for others to contribute and thrive. Mesia’s contribution to the industry extends beyond the work itself. He represents a kind of leadership that reminds us that storytelling matters because people matter and that understanding, together with his creative vision and unwavering sense of purpose, is what makes him such a respected voice in the media and communications space.”
“We tell stories that matter. Our work is only as powerful as the truth behind it, and our responsibility is to the people those stories serve.” — Mesia Gumede, CEO, 76 Media
The Man Behind the Leader
Those who work alongside Mesia Gumede will tell you that his professional achievements are matched by the quality of the person he is. His colleagues describe him as a generous collaborator and a grounding presence: someone who leads by example. Longtime collaborator and broadcaster Koketso Sachane speaks to a passion and humility rarely seen in the industry. “At the core of Gumede’s work ethic is a grounding centred on respect, dignity and selflessness. This is evident in both the approach to and delivery of projects including the 22nd Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture and most recently the Mme Zanele Mbeki IWD 2026 Dialogue. Each was executed with an understanding not only of the work, but its significance in preserving and continuing to tell the history of our country.”
About 76Media
76Media is an independent South African media and communications agency delivering broadcast, production, and strategic communications services to leading institutions, brands, and events across the country. Anchored by deep industry expertise and a passion for authentic storytelling, 76Media is committed to content that connects, inspires, and endures.
Media Enquiries
76Media
loraine@76media.co.za
+ 27 73 0210 53
www.76media.co.za
Distributed on behalf of Mesia Gumede
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Author: Loraine Sibanda from MIChiko PR on behalf of Mesia Gumede.
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