Academic’s Entrepreneurial Impact Endures as She Bids Farewell as Chairperson

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After five years as Board Chairperson leading the KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) United Music Industry Association (KUMISA), a sectoral Non-Profit Company (NPC) under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Dr Lindiwe Kunene, senior lecturer in Management and Entrepreneurship in the College of Law and Management Studies, bids farewell as chairperson.

Her departure was marked at KUMISA’s fifth Annual Business Brunch, an event that focused on the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the music industry as their theme this year.

The event included a panel discussion on industry concerns, where Kunene highlighted AI and other technological advancements as major disruptors in the creative sector. ‘Our goal has always been to create a thriving, resilient music industry in KZN - one that is not only driven by creativity but also protected and supported amid external influences,’ she said.

Kunene was appointed at KUMISA during a period of significant structural challenges to help establish governance frameworks for the organisation.

‘Given the multidisciplinary and cross-disciplinary nature of entrepreneurship and small business development, KUMISA recognised the importance of forming a Board composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds who could contribute to its growth,’ said Kunene

Under her leadership, KUMISA focused on enhancing the economic development of KwaZulu-Natal’s creative industries through infrastructure development, business skills training, and promoting the idea that music is both an art form and a business requiring strong governance. With one of the great achievements being the establishment of the first music Black Umbrellas incubator, which was piloted last year.

‘Over the years, my work in research, consultation, and teaching has been deeply focused on helping small businesses adopt and implement systems, processes, and governance structures essential for their success’

Kunene applies the lessons from her time at KUMISA to her current work in small enterprise development and entrepreneurship.

‘These insights have shaped my academic work and influenced the software program I am developing, which aims to provide a comprehensive solution for enterprise and supplier development (ESD) and small, medium, and micro-enterprise (SMME) growth, ensuring that small businesses receive comprehensive support across all key functions - unlike existing market solutions that address only specific areas,’ she explained.

Reflecting on KUMISA’s impact, she noted that the organisation has set a benchmark for supporting the creative sector.

Kunene who has been a Board Member trustee for 11 years expressed confidence in KUMISA’s ability to continue advocating for the rights and development of music professionals.

Words: Ayanda Radebe

Photograph: Supplied