Khulakunye comes from the Xhosa words khula (grow) and kunye (together) – it means “grow together.”
We believe leadership always starts with personal growth, and that strong leaders build stronger teams and stronger communities. But it's not just about theory alone; it's also about practical experience to help local leaders thrive, not just in business but in their communities.
Our focus
Leadership development for farmers, teams, and local enterprises.
Personal growth and transformation as the foundation for better decision-making.
Cultural intelligence and trust-building in diverse workplaces.
About Khulakunye
The Mission
We help leaders grow through personal development, leadership skills, and the practical application of cultural intelligence.
The Vision
Strong leaders build stronger communities.
Gideon Hanekom
Consultant and Presenter
Gideon Hanekom brings over 15 years of experience in people development, leadership training, and performance coaching in both South Africa and New Zealand. His early career (2002–2008) included extensive community development work in the Ceres and Koue Bokkeveld region, where he operated bilingually in Afrikaans and isiXhosa. During his theological studies to Master of Divinity level at Stellenbosch University, he majored in isiXhosa, equipping him with valuable cross-cultural and language skills that continue to inform his consulting work today.
He also holds a degree in Psychology (Massey University, New Zealand) and postgraduate training in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, grounding his practice in a scientist-practitioner approach: combining research-based insights with practical tools for leaders and teams.
Since 2008, Gideon has worked extensively in performance coaching and organisational training. He partnered with First National Real Estate in New Zealand at local, regional, and national levels for over eight years, supported management teams within the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), and contributed to the Extension 350 (E350) project in Northland, where he helped develop mentors in the agricultural sector.
His expertise also extends into sports performance, where he worked as a mental skills coach for the Northland Rugby Union for more than a decade, collaborating with elite rugby talent. Since 2013, he has also managed an online educational platform supporting thousands of couples in strengthening their relationships through coaching.
Now back in South Africa, Gideon leads Khulakunye Consulting, dedicated to supporting leadership, personal growth, and cultural intelligence in agriculture and rural enterprises. His combination of international experience, academic grounding, and local cultural fluency makes him a trusted partner for leaders who want to grow personally, build stronger teams, and create healthier organisations.
Collaborations
