Page 21 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Busisiwe ‘Busi’ Dlamini

General Manager for MTN BUILDING A CAREER CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
KwaZulu-Natal Region
Busi’s professional journey began in earnest at Vodacom, Busi’s ambitions extend beyond her current role. She
where she spent twelve formative years honing her envisions herself leading a country operation, such as MTN
n the fast-paced world of telecommunications, skills and building a reputation for excellence. In 2018, Nigeria or Zambia, and is passionate about advancing
I few leaders embody the spirit of resilience, she joined MTN as head of enterprise for KwaZulu-Natal, gender diversity in the ICT sector. “I often find myself

empathy, and transformative vision quite quickly distinguishing herself as a results-driven leader as the only woman in the boardroom,” she notes. “You
like Busisiwe ‘Busi’ Dlamini. As the general manager with a knack for inspiring teams. have to decide whether to hold back or to be yourself. I
for MTN’s KwaZulu-Natal region, Busi’s journey from realised that people must accept me as I am. I’m direct,
humble beginnings to the helm of one of South Africa’s After five years of exceptional performance, Busi was straightforward, and I love taking on challenges. The world
most dynamic regions is a testament to the power of promoted to general manager, a role she describes as wasn’t always ready for that kind of woman, but I think
perseverance and purpose-driven leadership. Busi has akin to being the CEO of the region. She now oversees we’re changing that narrative.”
also been recently elected as the deputy president of the a diverse portfolio, including consumer and enterprise She is a vocal advocate for inclusive progress, emphasising
Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. business units, network monetisation, finance, and human
resources. Her holistic approach ensures that every aspect the importance of collaboration between men and
Her rise to leadership has been marked by a desire to of the business operates in harmony, driving sustainable women. “As women, we have been given opportunities,
create a better life for her family. “My inspiration comes growth and innovation. but we must also take men along. We cannot leave the
from wanting to change my situation. Growing up, I saw boy child behind,” she asserts. “Men and women are not
many men and women struggle to make ends meet,” What sets Busi apart is her distinctive leadership style, the same. We are differently abled. The trick is in balancing
she shared. My mom was a machinist around the Durban grounded in empathy and a genuine commitment to the two, recognising where each excels, and creating a
factories,” she recalled. “She worked in many factories. She people’s development. “As a woman, I bring empathy better world through that balance.”
couldn’t afford much.” to my environment,” she explains. “People often think
that to lead, women must act like men. We don’t. Busi’s advice to aspiring leaders is shaped by her own
Circumstances led Busi to be adopted by her great aunt There’s a place for women both inside and outside the journey. “Be patient. Everything that is meant for you will
during her teenage years, a pivotal moment that exposed boardroom. Empathy and putting people first have come, no matter the time. Don’t be hard on yourself. Run
her to new possibilities and inspired her to dream bigger. helped me because people thrive in spaces where they your own race, not someone else’s. Everything aligns at
“That changed my life because I got to see people who feel seen and valued.” the perfect time,” she counsels.
were doing better in life than where I came from.” Busi Balancing a demanding career with motherhood has
added, “That inspired me. I wanted to do better, I wanted This human-centred approach has yielded remarkable taught her the importance of self-care and support
more,” she recalls. results. In 2021, under Busi’s stewardship, MTN systems. “There’s no such thing as having it all,” she says
KwaZulu-Natal was named Region of the Year across
Despite financial constraints that prevented her from all MTN regions in South Africa – a testament to her candidly. “In the background, there’s always mayhem. I try
attending university immediately after school, Busi’s ability to galvanise teams and deliver outstanding to spend as much time as I can with my children. I ask for
determination never wavered. She entered the workforce performance. Many of her team members have gone help when I need it. My husband is very supportive. But I
also take time alone to realign my thoughts, even if it’s just
straight out of high school, driven by a desire to uplift on to become top professionals in their fields, a source
ten or fifteen minutes.”
her family and break generational cycles of hardship. of immense pride for Busi. “I’ve had a hand in growth,
“My journey has been filled with resilience, hope, and big and that’s been one of my greatest achievements,”
RESTORING COMMUNITY AND CULTURE
dreams. I wanted more for myself and my family, and I think she says.
I’ve managed to change our lives for the better,” she says. For Busi, leadership is not just about business results, it’s
Outside the corporate sphere, Busi’s greatest about restoring a sense of community and shared purpose.
Her mother never witnessed her success, but Busi remains achievement is deeply personal: raising her younger “Today’s society has become too isolated,” she observes.
deeply connected to her roots. “It’s sad that my mom is no sister who was 13 when their mother passed. “I had “We need to rebuild our communities and our culture.
longer here to see it, but everything that has brought us just gotten married at the time, and I became a parent Culture is a powerful tool for raising children and shaping
here has achieved the goal of making my family proud and before I even knew how to be one. Today she’s 32 good citizens. We must start building those communities
breaking generational curses,” she said. “Seeing everyone and seeing the woman she has become makes me again where we can rely on one another and look after
thrive has been the ultimate reward.” incredibly proud.” both the older and younger generations.”

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