A new chapter in health and wellness began with the official launch of Khanya Code, a brand dedicated to curating health and wellness activities for the nation. The inaugural event, held on September 13, 2025, at the scenic Plant Co, was the brainchild of Khumbu Dlamini, a visionary dietitian, and the brand’s founder, director, and organiser.
Dlamini’s journey to this significant milestone began in 2022 when she made the courageous decision to leave her corporate job. Her mission was clear: to establish a platform that would provide Emaswati with vital information to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. This event was the realisation of a three-year dream, a project Dlamini describes as “well thought out and intentional.” For her, every detail of the launch had a story, and the entire event stood out as a testament to her vision. The most profound feeling was knowing that she had finally taken the first step in creating a platform that will truly improve the lives of her fellow Emaswati.
A Personal Philosophy of Wellness
Dlamini defines wellness as a “holistic, ongoing journey of finding balance in the different areas of our lives—physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and mental—so we can thrive, not just survive.” This personal philosophy is born from her own realisation that living in “survival mode” is exhausting and detrimental to one’s well-being.
To reclaim her own wellness, Dlamini has implemented a structured and intentional approach. She works with a personal trainer to maintain her physical health, a clinical psychologist to acquire the necessary tools for her mental and emotional health, and a life coach to ensure she is actively working toward her goals. These personal practices are the bedrock of her professional mission, allowing her to lead by example and inspire others.
Debunking Myths and Fostering Proactive Health
One of the biggest obstacles Dlamini aims to overcome is the misconception that wellness is “expensive and unattainable.” Through Khanya Code, she is dedicated to shifting this narrative by educating and empowering individuals with knowledge that enables them to make better, more informed choices. The primary goal of the launch event was to reach as many people as possible with scientifically sound information, encouraging Emaswati to be proactive about their health and well-being. Looking forward, she hopes to partner with organisations that can offer free health screenings and services during future events, making wellness even more accessible to the community.
The Vision Behind Khanya Code
The name Khanya Code was chosen with profound purpose. “Khanya,” meaning “to enlighten” or “to shine” in Siswati, perfectly aligns with the brand’s mission to “enlighten people with the code for living healthier & full lives.” As a dietitian in private practice, Dlamini’s ability to reach people is limited to one-on-one consultations. Khanya Code provides a powerful avenue to broaden her impact, allowing her to connect with and educate a larger audience. Her hope is to reach people before they become ill, empowering them with the tools for disease prevention.
Beyond its core focus on health and wellness, Khanya Code is also a platform for supporting local businesses. Dlamini is passionate about showcasing local entrepreneurs, ensuring that all service providers for health talks are local and that event goody bags are filled with products from local businesses. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the community but also provides a stage for local talent and innovation.
The Future and Its Impact
Dlamini hopes that every attendee left the event with a renewed sense of hope—a belief that wellness is attainable for everyone and that they are capable of achieving their health goals and any other goals they set for themselves.
Looking to the future, Dlamini’s focus is on the evolution of Khanya Code. Her ambition is to see the brand become a key player in health promotion across both the private and public sectors in Eswatini. Ultimately, she dreams of expanding the Khanya Code vision to the rest of the African continent.
Emaswati can look forward to the next Khanya Code event, which will take place in December at Plant Co. With events planned every three to four months, Khanya Code promises to be a consistent source of inspiration and guidance on the path to a healthier nation.
