Precious Thamaga-Mazibuko: Planner to the stars
Precious Thamaga-Mazibuko, better known as Precious the Planner, is crafting unforgettable moments in Mzansi and beyond. We discover how she reshaped the events industry through creativity, professionalism and beautiful celebrations
In the world of event planning, where creativity, precision and a knack for turning dreams into reality are the driving forces, one name shines brightly: Precious Thamaga-Mazibuko, affectionately known as Precious the Planner. With a career that has not only transformed the local events industry but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless celebrity clients, Precious is more than an events planner — she is a curator of experiences and a weaver of dreams.
This 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,” Precious says, attributing her upbringing to the strong foundation that has shaped her career. 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 a spirit of 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 events planner.
A spark ignited
Precious’s journey into the world of event planning was driven by the inspiration she found in both personal and professional spheres. Role models such as Oprah Winfrey and Colin Cowie, an SA-born Hollywood events planner, served as beacons of excellence, shaping her aspirations and guiding her steps.
The pivotal moment that ignited Precious’s passion for event planning came during her early years 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 and beckoned her to immerse herself in this dynamic realm.
Promoted from the role of PA to PR manager in a matter of months, Precious found herself at the heart of event planning, and from there, her journey took flight. “The rest is history,” she says with a smile, encapsulating the beginnings of a career that would see her become a trailblazer in the industry.
Her path to becoming Precious the Planner was not without challenges. With a work background spanning travel, hospitality, telecommunications and retail, she recognised a gap in the market for a niche offering that catered to a more diverse clientele.
Armed with a vision to elevate the industry and become a leader, in 2011, Precious embarked on a plan to redefine event planning. “I took the leap of faith to make a change in the industry by offering a professional service especially for a black female to be one of the leaders.”
Over the years, she honed her skills, recognising the importance of creativity, adaptability, patience and resourcefulness in the event planning arena. “Experience is key,” she emphasises, advocating for a balance between pursuing one’s dreams and building a strong foundation of skills through both hands-on experience and formal education.
As in any journey, 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 affirms, underscoring the importance of recognising one’s strengths, working with a team and leveraging the right resources for success.
@precioustheplanner 𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦 🎬 Step into a Precious Celebrations Event Production in motion✨ ___ From concept 𝓉𝑜 curated perfection 🤌🏾 This #BTS is your front row seat to 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝘆, the unfolding of a dreamy suprise baby shower that we had the honour of planning & designing 🤍 The full reveal #𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗦𝗼𝗼𝗻 🎥 ___ #eventbts #precioustheplanner #luxurybabyshower #southafricaneventplanner #eventdesigner #bespokeevents #preciouscelebrations #trendingreels #explore #eventinspiration ♬ original sound - Precious The Planner
Growing and Glowing
Her creative process is one of dedication and attention to detail. Starting with personalised consultations, Precious delves into her clients’ vision, crafting detailed plans that capture their dreams. From there, the process unfolds, leading to the execution of breathtaking events that leave a lasting impact.
“All our events are memorable to me, they all hold a special place in my heart, but there are two that stand out,” she says. “Bonang Matheba’s 30th birthday celebration in 2017. I remember how I consciously made the decision that it will be the event that elevates the brand to greater heights —we put in our all and everything. Another highlight would be our first wedding in Mauritius in 2018 — it was such an incredible experience and came with its own challenges as we tried to navigate a different language.”
Although she curates many 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.”
Precious has forged enduring relationships with clients and supply partners alike. However, there have been 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, and the importance of educating clients to ensure satisfaction.
“Be okay that some clients are not for you, and you are not for them,” she says, acknowledging the significance of mutual alignment in achieving outcomes that are successful.
Precious the Planner remains a beacon of creativity, professionalism and unbridled joy, as she continues to shape the industry and inspire the next generation. Her advice? “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.”
By: Mel Ndlovu
Text courtesy of Jet magazine
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