From the lecture halls of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) to the helm of his own public relations and marketing agency, Lebu Khanye is a living testament to his passion, and perseverance. A proud DUT alumnus, he holds both a Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Public Relations and Communication Management, qualifications that laid the foundation for what would become an inspiring and impactful entrepreneurial journey.
He is the Founder and Director of Span Communication Agency, a proudly South African Public Relations (PR) and Marketing firm rooted in storytelling, strategy, and social impact. However, his rise from student to business leader did not happen overnight.
Khanye’s journey began during his Diploma studies, where DUT’s bold ENVISION2030 statement of intent ignited a spark within him. The call for graduates to be creative, innovative, entrepreneurial and adaptive to changes in the world deeply resonated, and he had decided to turn that vision into a personal mandate.
“That statement of intent gave me direction. It wasn’t just about getting a qualification, it was about becoming someone who could lead change,” he said.
His first step into the world of entrepreneurship came through the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a hub that gave him access to mentorship, resources, and practical training. The experience provided the groundwork for Span Communication Agency, and his dedication soon began to bear fruit.
In 2023, he was honoured at the Student Entrepreneurship Awards hosted by the Department of Applied Sciences, receiving a Certificate for Unwavering Excellence in Entrepreneurship. This recognition validated the hard work and innovation he had poured into his dream. A year later, his tenacity paid off once again when he was awarded funding through the AlumBiz Voucher Fund after successfully pitching his agency against other promising alumni-owned businesses.
Khanye has not stopped there. He has gone on to participate in several prestigious leadership programmes, including the ASPIRE Leadership Programme, the United States–South Africa Virtual Incubator, and the VUNA Leadership Academy-platforms that not only sharpened his leadership skills but broadened his world view and allowed him to connect with changemakers from around the globe.
One of his most rewarding achievements to date is the Span Communication PR and Marketing Masterclass, held in early 2024 with the support of Lungelo Funeke, one of his former lecturers from the Department of Public Relations Management at DUT. The masterclass welcomed over 40 entrepreneurs, including representatives from SMEs and NPOs, offering them practical strategies for building brand visibility.
“It was important for me to give back. Many entrepreneurs have the heart and the hustle, but not always the tools. This was about bridging that gap and empowering others the way DUT empowered me,” said Khanye.
According to Khanye, Span Communication Agency continues to grow, offering branding, digital marketing, media relations, and training services. “More than just a business, the agency is becoming a platform for social impact;one that champions black excellence, youth innovation, and inclusive growth,” he shared.
Khanye’s story is one of courage, consistency, and commitment-a shining example of what happens when a young man dares to dream and works tirelessly to bring that dream to life. As he continues to shape the future of Public Relations in South Africa and beyond, he remains grounded in the values that DUT instilled in him: resilience, service, and innovation.
“I am where I am because someone believed in me and gave me a chance. Now it’s my turn to open doors for others,” he said.
Pictured: Lebu Khanye
Swelihle Shoba
