From the quiet corners of Standerton to commanding presence in music videos and managing the next wave of talent, Zanele Penelope Mhlanga, better known as Penny K is building more than a career. She’s shaping a legacy.
“I was the kid glued to the TV screen, imagining my life was a movie,” she recalls. That dream now lives in full colour.
Growing up in Standerton and attending Khunjuliwe Secondary School, Penny K’s creative spirit made an early debut. She was acting in school plays, crafting hooks for local rappers, taking dance lessons, all before she even knew what “the industry” was. For her, performance wasn’t a phase. It was a pulse. A purpose.
In 2015, she officially entered the entertainment industry. After nabbing roles in smaller productions, she quickly discovered a deeper calling in scriptwriting, starting with her work on Cruelhearts for Starships Casting Agency, owned by Edmond.
That entry point became a launchpad. From writing scripts to performing in front of the camera, Penny K’s journey became one of constant evolution.
Her resume reads like a masterclass in versatility: host, dancer, model, influencer, scriptwriter, stage manager, and video vixen. Notably, her appearances in Nakesha by Mabantu ft. Marioo, Celebrate by Uncut DJs ft. Saint Seaba, and Shakara by Mr DaGangy cemented her visual presence in African music storytelling.
In modeling, her debut with BachelorMag wasn’t just a moment, it was a milestone. “It made me feel seen and validated,” she says.
Her leadership journey took shape through her experiences with Eziko Productions and The Film People (TFP), where she honed her behind-the-scenes skills. Eventually, Penny K founded REEDS Management n Productions, a creative house now home to rising stars like Ekka, IB-Rayz, and JeredArtFilm.
“I saw a gap, so many creatives had the talent but lacked structure,” she says. “REEDS is about building that bridge.”
Her brand isn’t built on clout, it’s built on authenticity and values. As a visual ambassador for Author Nails Studio and Zumba Hair, Penny K brought more than beauty to the table, she brought identity and intention.
“I’m proud of the work I’ve done, not just because of who I’ve worked with, but because of what it all represents: purpose, passion, and progress.”
In the next five years, Penny K sees her brand not just surviving, but thriving. “We’re breaking generational cycles, building long-term success. This is about legacy,” she affirms.
Her Message to Young Women:
“Know yourself. Know your worth. Love yourself enough to do things the right way, even if it takes longer.”
In a world rushing for the spotlight, Penny K is reminding young women that the real glow comes from within, and from knowing exactly what you stand for.
