Sindiso Khumalo, Khaya Dlanga and more big names cruise into Volvo’s ambassador family

Volvo isn’t just about luxury wheels–it’s about who’s behind them. And their new ambassador lineup? Pure star power. From a sky-high pilot serving fashion at 30,000 feet, to a pop star breaking every rule in the book, to a designer turning heads on global runways, this crew is the perfect mix of brains, talent, and style.

On Instagram, Melissa Vekasie is known as Pilot on the Gram, and if you don’t know her yet, you’re about to. A young cargo pilot breaking barriers in aviation, Melissa is proving that the skies aren’t just for the boys – and now she’s cruising in Volvo style too. Even when she’s not in the air, her all-electric EX30 moves quickly, silently, and effortlessly, its smooth ride and modern interior feeling almost like an aeroplane for the road.

Dodo Nyoka’s story is pure goosebumps. From overcoming a speech impediment to becoming a South African pop sensation, his rise has been nothing short of bold. Raised in an Afrikaans family, he flipped the script by making it big in SA pop–singing in Afrikaans as a black artist. At the launch of the all-new EX30 Cross Country, Dodo took delivery of a one-of-a-kind version of the adventure-ready SUV, complete with an orange wrap, Volvo roof racks, and custom details, including a fishing rod and a potjie pot holder.

Cape Town’s own Sindiso Khumalo brings creativity with a conscience. An architect turned fashion designer, she’s impressed the global stage as an LVMH Prize finalist in 2020, and her commitment to sustainable style has made her a household name. Her new ride, the Volvo XC40 Recharge, matches her ethos perfectly–understated elegance with high-end features, compact enough to dart around the city in style.

And then there’s Khaya Dlanga, a name that hardly needs introduction. Author, award-winning marketer, speaker, and commentator, Khaya has long been one of South Africa’s sharpest voices. Now he’s switching gears into full electric mode with the Volvo C40 Recharge. With 300 kW of power and 670 N.m of torque, it sprints from 0–100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, while still delivering an all-electric range of 510 km.

Volvo isn’t just signing ambassadors. The automaker is partnering with culture shifters who are rewriting the rules in their respective fields. And honestly? This lineup is everything.

The latest names join Volvo’s growing South African family, which earlier this year welcomed TikTok star Quincy Mojela, rapper K.O, and chef Neo Nontso, alongside a host of other big names, including Miss South Africa 2023 Natasha Joubert, actress Jessica Nkosi, electro-pop band GoodLuck, wildlife influencer Shandor Larenty, social media sensation Lasizwe, style icon Tshepi Vundla, Olympic swimmer Tatjana Schoenmaker, and cricket star Dewald Brevis.