Event planner extraordinaire Precious Thamaga-Mazibuko crafts unforgettable moments in Mzansi and beyond. We find out where it started and what keeps her believing in the magic.
She’s planned birthday celebrations for Bonang Matheba and Thembi Seete, investment banker Robin Vela’s mega 50th at Sun City, and weddings for rapper Slikour, cricketer Temba Bavuma and media mogul Lebo Gunguluza’s nuptials in Mauritius – and let’s not forget coming to the party for the dream (viral) wedding of famous ‘KFC couple’ Hector and Nonhlanhla in 2020.
In the world of event planning, where creativity, precision and a knack for turning ideas into reality are essential, one name shines brightly: Precious the Planner. A curator of experiences and a weaver of dreams, she’s left an indelible mark on the hearts of her clients. The pivotal moment that ignited her passion came during her early career at Sun International. As a young receptionist and PA, she had the opportunity to witness the inner workings of the events industry during meetings with the PR division. Discussions about high-profile projects, like Miss South Africa and the Nedbank Golf Challenge, captured her imagination.
Promoted from personal assistant to PR manager in a matter of months, Precious found herself at the heart of event planning. “The rest is history,” she says with a smile. It was the beginning of a career that would see her become a trailblazer in the industry.
A spark ignited
Precious, who had always dreamt of having a business of her own someday, spotted a gap in the market and in 2011 founded her company, Precious Celebrations. “I took the leap of faith to make a change in the industry by offering a professional service, and especially for a black female to be one of the leaders.”
Her corporate experiences and the influence of her bosses in various roles moulded her, setting the stage for her eventual foray into event planning. Personal role models such as Oprah Winfrey and industry icon Colin Cowie (a SA-born wedding planner based in Los Angeles) served as beacons of excellence, shaping her aspirations and guiding her steps.
However, her background also had a role to play. The Limpopo-born creative’s roots run deep in a close-knit family that valued education and shared joy in even the simplest of moments. “I’m a village girl through and through,” she says, attributing her upbringing as the strong foundation that has shaped her career.
“My background is a humble one that created a great foundation to appreciate what you have with the resources that are presented to you.”
Raised by parents who prioritised providing their children with a better life, Precious developed qualities of independence, diligence and integrity from an early age. Her formative years were spent in boarding school, where she cultivated resilience and adaptability.
“My background is a humble one that created a great foundation to appreciate what you have with the resources that are presented to you,” she reflects. Growing up in a large family also taught her the art of sharing and finding joy in life’s simplest moments, a trait that would later prove invaluable in her role as an event planner.
Over the years, she has honed her skills, recognising the importance of creativity, adaptability, patience and resourcefulness in her field of play. “But experience is key,” she emphasises. She advocates for a balance between pursuing one’s dreams and building a strong foundation of skills through both hands-on experience and formal education.
As with any journey, especially on the path of entrepreneurship, Precious encountered challenges that tested her mettle. One notable lesson was realising the value of delegation and seeking support when needed.
“You can’t do everything yourself!” she says, underscoring the importance of recognising one’s strengths, working with a good team and leveraging the right resources for success.
Growing and Glowing
Her creative process is underpinned by dedication and attention to detail. Starting with personal consultations, Precious delves into her client’s vision, crafting detailed plans that capture their dreams. From there, the process unfolds, leading to the execution of breath-taking events that leave a lasting impact.
“All of our events are memorable to me, they all hold a special place in my heart, but there are two that stand out,” she says. “For Bonang Matheba’s 30th birthday celebration in 2017, I remember how I consciously made the decision that it will be the event that elevates my brand to greater heights. We put our all into everything.
Another highlight would be our first wedding in Mauritius in 2018 – such an incredible experience, with its own challenges trying to navigate a different language.”
“Find your niche – there is room for us all… Specialise in what you are good at and your work will stand out”
Although she curates many kinds of events in Mzansi and beyond, she admits weddings are her first love. “Nothing beats the joy and happiness of two people and their families coming together.”
Of course, she planned her own wedding in 2019 to Creative Director of Master Suit SA, Sifiso Mazibuko, which included modern traditional Sepedi & Zulu nuptials in her home village in Marble Hall and his home in Mofolo, Soweto.
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Precious has forged enduring relationships with clients and supplier partners alike. However, her journey has sometimes required moments of tricky negotiation with difficult clients or vendors. She recalls the lesson she learned about understanding when a client may not align with her services – “Be okay that some clients are not for you, and you are not for them” – and the importance of educating clients to ensure satisfaction.
As a mentor to aspiring event planners (she’s a regular guest speaker at wedding expos around the world), Precious has this wisdom to share: “Find your niche – there is room for us all. Be professional and never stop learning. It’s important to establish yourself in the industry but, most importantly, specialise in what you are good at, and your work will stand out.”
Words by: Melissa Ndlovu
Photography: Zhann Solomons
