Busisiwe ‘Busi’ Dlamini: A Journey of Resilience, Leadership, and Community

Rising Through Adversity

In the fast-paced world of telecommunications, few leaders embody the spirit of resilience, empathy, and transformative vision quite like Busisiwe ‘Busi’ Dlamini. As the general manager for MTN’s KwaZulu-Natal region, Busi’s journey from humble beginnings to leading one of South Africa’s most dynamic regions stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose-driven leadership. Recently, she was elected as the deputy president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, further solidifying her role as a prominent figure in the business community.

Inspiration and Early Life

Busi’s rise to leadership has been driven by her desire to create a better life for her family. Reflecting on her upbringing, she shares, “My inspiration comes from wanting to change my situation. Growing up, I saw many men and women struggle to make ends meet.” Her mother worked as a machinist in various Durban factories, often unable to afford much. This environment instilled in Busi a strong motivation to seek change and improvement.

A pivotal moment in her life occurred when she was adopted by her great aunt during her teenage years. This experience introduced her to new possibilities and inspired her to dream bigger. “That changed my life because I got to see people who were doing better in life than where I came from,” Busi recalls. “That inspired me. I wanted to do better, I wanted more.”

Perseverance in the Face of Challenges

Financial limitations prevented Busi from attending university immediately after finishing school. Nevertheless, her determination remained steadfast. She entered the workforce straight out of high school, motivated by the desire to uplift her family and break generational cycles of hardship. “My journey has been filled with resilience, hope, and big dreams. I wanted more for myself and my family, and I think I’ve managed to change our lives for the better,” she says.

Though her mother did not live to witness her achievements, Busi feels deeply connected to her roots. She reflects, “It’s sad that my mom is no longer here to see it, but everything that has brought us here has achieved the goal of making my family proud and breaking generational curses. Seeing everyone thrive has been the ultimate reward.”

Building a Career in Telecommunications

Busi’s professional journey began at Vodacom, where she spent twelve years developing her expertise and building a reputation for excellence. In 2018, she joined MTN as head of enterprise for KwaZulu-Natal, quickly distinguishing herself as a results-driven leader with a talent for inspiring her teams.

After five years of outstanding performance, Busi was promoted to general manager—a position she likens to being the CEO of the region. She now oversees a diverse portfolio, including consumer and enterprise business units, network monetisation, finance, and human resources. Her holistic approach ensures that all areas of the business work together efficiently, driving sustainable growth and innovation.

A Distinctive Leadership Style

Busi’s leadership is characterised by empathy and a genuine commitment to the development of others. “As a woman, I bring empathy to my environment,” she explains. “People often think that to lead, women must act like men. We don’t.” She emphasises the importance of creating environments where people feel seen and valued, noting that this human-centred approach has contributed significantly to her success.

Under her guidance, MTN KwaZulu-Natal was named Region of the Year across all MTN regions in South Africa in 2021—a clear indication of her ability to inspire teams and deliver exceptional results. Many of her team members have become top professionals in their fields, which Busi regards as one of her greatest achievements. “I’ve had a hand in growth, and that’s been one of my greatest achievements,” she says.

Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Busi’s most personal achievement is raising her younger sister after their mother’s passing. “I had just gotten married at the time, and I became a parent before I even knew how to be one. Today she’s 32 and seeing the woman she has become makes me incredibly proud.”

Championing Diversity and Inclusion

Busi’s ambitions reach further than her current role. She envisions herself leading a country operation for MTN, such as in Nigeria or Zambia, and is passionate about advancing gender diversity within the ICT sector. “I often find myself as the only woman in the boardroom,” she notes. “You have to decide whether to hold back or to be yourself. I realised that people must accept me as I am. I’m direct, straightforward, and I love taking on challenges. The world wasn’t always ready for that kind of woman, but I think we’re changing that narrative.”

She is a vocal advocate for inclusive progress, stressing the importance of collaboration between men and women. “As women, we have been given opportunities, but we must also take men along. We cannot leave the boy child behind,” she asserts. “Men and women are not the same. We are differently abled. The trick is in balancing the two, recognising where each excels, and creating a better world through that balance.”

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Busi’s guidance for emerging leaders draws from her own experiences. “Be patient. Everything that is meant for you will come, no matter the time. Don’t be hard on yourself. Run your own race, not someone else’s. Everything aligns at the perfect time,” she advises.

She also emphasises the importance of self-care and maintaining support systems, especially when balancing a demanding career with motherhood. “There’s no such thing as having it all,” she says candidly. “In the background, there’s always mayhem. I try to spend as much time as I can with my children. I ask for 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 ten or fifteen minutes.”

Restoring Community and Culture

For Busi, leadership extends beyond achieving business results. It is about restoring a sense of community and shared purpose. “Today’s society has become too isolated,” she observes. “We need to rebuild our communities and our culture. Culture is a powerful tool for raising children and shaping good citizens. We must start building those communities again where we can rely on one another and look after both the older and younger generations.”