Dr. Thandeka Ellenson Honored with Nomination for the Clevenard Media Award 2025 in Cultural Leadership & Heritage Development

Palma de Mallorca, Spain — The prestigious Clevenard Media Award 2025 is set to make history in the vibrant Mediterranean city of Palma de Mallorca. For the first time, this international celebration of excellence will spotlight leaders in entertainment, entrepreneurship, fashion, innovation, leadership, and community empowerment on Friday, November 21, 2025.

Among this year’s distinguished nominees is Dr. Thandeka Ellenson, a respected academic, strategist, and cultural leader from South Africa. She has been nominated in the category of Cultural Leadership & Heritage Development for her tireless work in advancing KwaZulu Natal’s culture, heritage, and tourism, both locally and globally.

A Visionary at the Forefront of Culture and Tourism

Dr. Ellenson currently serves as Chairperson of the Culture, Heritage & Investment Tourism (CHIT) Committee in KwaZulu Natal and as CEO of the Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI). With a career deeply rooted in research and innovation, she has championed policies and initiatives that integrate cultural heritage into sustainable economic development.

Through her leadership at MKRI, Dr. Ellenson has transformed the way cultural and heritage assets are valued and utilized in KwaZulu Natal. She spearheaded the creation of the Hlangana Zulu Parade, now recognized as a flagship cultural event that not only celebrates Zulu heritage but also attracts global tourism and investment opportunities.

Her groundbreaking work on the Culture and Heritage Economy Strategy for KwaZulu Natal has provided a sustainable roadmap to create jobs, uplift local communities, and strengthen the province’s cultural economy. This strategy is a cornerstone in positioning KwaZulu Natal as a world-class cultural tourism destination.

Bridging Research, Policy, and Community Impact

What sets Dr. Ellenson apart is her ability to bridge academia, government, and industry, creating innovative solutions that resonate with both policymakers and grassroots communities. Her vision extends beyond culture and heritage as she advocates for inclusivity, community empowerment, and long-term sustainability.

Her work has not only elevated KwaZulu Natal’s cultural identity on the world stage but has also positioned her as a thought leader in cultural tourism development across Africa. She continues to inspire a new generation of leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs to see culture not just as heritage, but as a living, thriving engine of economic growth and empowerment.

A Global Platform for Recognition

The Clevenard Media Award is not a competition but a recognition platform that celebrates and amplifies the contributions of global leaders. Once nominated, honorees are already winners. Dr. Ellenson’s nomination is a testament to her extraordinary contributions, and her presence in Palma de Mallorca will further highlight the richness of Africa’s cultural leadership on the international stage.

Event Details

• Venue: Calle Manacor, núm. 156, Palma 07007 Illes Balears, Spain
• Date: Friday, November 21, 2025
• Organizer: Clevenard SL (NIF B75809574)
  

About Clevenard

Clevenard is an international media and digital marketing company specializing in marketing, networking, telecommunications, sourcing services, and consulting. With offices across Europe, Africa, and the UK, Clevenard champions leaders and changemakers by amplifying their voices on the global stage.

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Category:

Press release 

Oganisation:

Clevenard

Writer:

Tolu Osindero

Phone:

+34631279811

Location:

Spain