Johanna Makgalemele (also known as Johanna Mukoki during her marriage) is a South African entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and philanthropist. She is the co-founder of Travel with Flair, a leading South African travel management company, and has been recognized for her contributions to the travel industry and women's empowerment in business. Makgalemele was the first African to serve on the Global Tourism Board of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), representing the Middle East and Africa.
Early life and education.
Johanna Makgalemele was born in Soweto, South Africa, during the apartheid era of the 1970s. Growing up in a financially challenged household, her father worked as a bus driver, and her mother was a school teacher who instilled hands-on business lessons. She is the older sister of Basetsana Kumalo, a prominent South African media personality and former Miss South Africa. Makgalemele attended Rhodes University, where she earned a B.Com degree, majoring in Accounting and Economics.
Career.
In 1996, Makgalemele co-founded Travel with Flair (TWF) with two partners after working as an accountant. TWF is a personalized travel management service that integrates innovative technology to cater to corporate and leisure travel needs. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the company employed over 780 people and had offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal. TWF has been recognized as the Most Empowered Business of the Year, reflecting its impact on South Africa's business landscape.
Media and production.
Makgalemele served as the executive producer of "Women on the Move", a television program aired on SABC 2 that highlighted successful South African businesswomen and promoted business empowerment. In 1997, she faced a contractual dispute with the SABC, which led to arbitration over the termination of her contract for the series. The program was later renamed "Lebone" and continued without her involvement.
Global representation.
Makgalemele broke barriers as the first African to serve on the Global Tourism Board of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), representing the Middle East and Africa. Her role amplified African perspectives in global corporate travel discussions.
Awards and recognition.
Makgalemele has received numerous accolades for her entrepreneurial achievements and influence, including:
Personal life.
Makgalemele was married to Alan Mukoki, a South African business leader, in a private ceremony in 2011. The couple divorced amicably after several years, and Makgalemele reverted to her maiden name. They have children and are committed to co-parenting. She has been linked to Musa Shivambu, the younger brother of EFF Deputy President Floyd Shivambu, though she maintains privacy about her personal relationships.
Makgalemele is the sister of Basetsana Kumalo, with whom she collaborates in business ventures, including Travel with Flair. She is known for her philanthropy, supporting initiatives that uplift South African communities, and is a sought-after motivational speaker.
Philanthropy.
Makgalemele's charitable efforts focus on empowering women and supporting community development in South Africa. Her work has inspired young women through her media projects and public speaking engagements.
In popular culture.
Makgalemele is a prominent figure in South African social and business circles, often featured in media for her style and influence. She attended high-profile events, such as Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe's birthday celebration in 2024, alongside notable figures like Basetsana Kumalo. Her "TRUELOVE Home & Décor" cover reveal party in 2023 was a celebrated event, highlighting her influence in lifestyle media.