Page 23 - KZN Top Business Women - eBook 2023

As soon as you grow a love or understanding of the human element,

I think most of everything else will make sense

Breaking stereotypes and resilient mother and empathetic father, who both
Senior Manager, Quality Division, Toyota SA
prospered despite their own struggles, she is determined
Entering a male-dominated industry is no small feat, and that we as South Africans can do the same. She emphasises
osihle Dlamini may be described as a woman Nosihle has faced her fair share of challenges. She began
extraordinaire. As a senior manager at Toyota in the her career in engineering in Witbank, working in the mining that life’s hardships should not define someone. Instead,
N Quality Division, Nosihle plays a role in ensuring industry. Despite being one of the most qualified in many these challenges should be viewed as invaluable life
the vehicle quality at a leading automotive company. Her meetings, she remembers being unfairly stereotyped as lessons, opportunities for growth, and a path to prosperity.
responsibilities include liaising with internal and external a ‘meisiekind’, the young girl who could be younger than She added, “We all have different journeys. You need to
customers, driving efficiency, productivity, and quality some of the engineers’ daughters and therefore deemed experience the things you do to become your best self.”
through innovation and creative problem-solving. unworthy of a say. Another source of inspiration for Nosihle is her children.
She says, “We are in South Africa and need a better
Nosihle is also the vice chair for the TWIMS Alumni board, However, these challenges only fuelled Nosihle’s
an association aimed at making manufacturing ‘sexy’ determination. Looking back, she recognises that the country, we cannot all immigrate somewhere else. Every
again in the communities around manufacturing spaces. difficulties she faced taught her resilience and encouraged day I wake up, see my beautiful boys and think how I can
change things so that they can have something better to
In addition, Nosihle is the founding member for Circle her to speak up even when challenging. grow into as people.”
of Hope, an organisation run through a church in the However, gender bias continued to be a hurdle, Nosihle
township of Kwamakhutha and Ezimbokodweni. They recalls feelings torn between her personal life and the Nosihle turns to her firm faith in God to remind us that we
assist youth and older people with job searches and persona she had to portray at work. Like many other all have a unique role to play in the world.
readiness for the workplace. She is also an ambassador for women with untold stories, Nosihle struggled with An impassioned advocate for education, Nosihle says,
WYB organisation where leaders are coming together to fertility issues and a heartbreaking miscarriage. She felt “There’s a level of empowerment and the discipline that
be agents of change for socio economic issues in KZN. that amid heartbreak and anxiety it was important for her goes with education.” As she feels strongly about this, she

A chance encounter with a plant engineer, piqued Nosihle’s to be present, maintain a brave demeanour and continue sponsors the schooling of four children per year, hoping
interest in studying engineering. as if there was nothing wrong to deliver on the required to make a difference in an education system which
performance targets. favours the wealthy and leaves the underprivileged largely
Nosihle didn’t stop there though, after obtaining her unsupported. Nosihle also runs a school and homework
mechanical engineering qualification, she continued Nosihle reflected, “I think that was one of the biggest club at work, where she makes all the shopfloor leaders go
to pursue subjects she believed were essential for her challenges, where you literally live a double life. It’s the back to school and helps them with their schooling.
personal and professional growth. Her education, which whole stereotype of being a woman, you constantly
includes psychology, business studies, and her current have to prove yourself, which we do all the time.” She In a world that often measures success by rigid standards,
pursuit of a masters in human resources, showcases her emphasised that our current education systems continue Nosihle reminds us that true greatness lies in embracing
dedication to understanding how the human dynamic to teach and promote ‘cut-throat masculine traits’ as ‘good our unique talents and passions. She advocates for an
operates within systems. management’. “When a woman comes into the space education system that recognises and nurtures individual
not operating in a masculine manner, we think it’s weak strengths and talents, rather than pushing everyone into
Nosihle emphasises, “It’s people who build cars, not the leadership,” she added. the same mould.
machines or the robots and its people who buy cars and
so understanding humans is key. Whether you look from Nosihle is passionate about the need for more inclusive Her advice to young people is simple: “Know thyself.
a business or socio-economic point of view or any other leadership styles, recognising that the top-down approach Embrace every experience, whether positive or negative,
perspective, people are at the heart of it. As soon as you often fails to capture the true essence of leadership. She as a crucial part of your personal journey.”
grow a love or understanding of the human element, I advocates for leadership which combines strength with In Zulu culture, a greeting that stands out is “Sawubona,”
think most of everything else will make sense.” empathy, a concept drawing from her experience of a which translates to “I see you.” Being nominated for this
confident and capable mother.
She added, “That is interesting because I think as soon initiative feels like her personal “Sawubona” moment
as we crack that code then everything will just fall into A message of empowerment shared Nosihle. It’s not just about her own hard work,
place. What makes the common denominator is tapping dedication, and perseverance being recognised; she’s
into that human spirit, that human energy that’s going to Nosihle firmly believes that running away from challenges is also excited about the acknowledgement of all the other
make everything work.” not the solution. Drawing inspiration again from her strong remarkable women she’s surrounded by.

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