Busi Dlamini

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 the helm of one of South Africa’s most dynamic regions is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose-driven leadership. Busi has also been recently elected as the deputy president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Her rise to leadership has been marked by a desire to create a better life for her family. “My inspiration comes from wanting to change my situation. Growing up, I saw many men and women struggle to make ends meet,” she shared. My mom was a machinist around the Durban factories,” she recalled. “She worked in many factories. She couldn’t afford much.”

Circumstances led Busi to be adopted by her great aunt during her teenage years, a pivotal moment that exposed 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 added, “That inspired me. I wanted to do better, I wanted more,” she recalls.

Despite financial constraints that prevented her from attending university immediately after school, Busi’s
determination never wavered. She entered the workforce straight out of high school, driven by a 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. Her mother never witnessed her success, but Busi remains deeply connected to her roots. “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,” she said. “Seeing everyone thrive has been the ultimate reward. BUILDING A CAREER
Busi’s professional journey began in earnest at Vodacom, where she spent twelve formative years honing her skills 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 knack for inspiring teams.
After five years of exceptional performance, Busi was promoted to general manager, a role she describes as
akin 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 every aspect of the business operates in harmony, driving sustainable growth and innovation.
What sets Busi apart is her distinctive leadership style, grounded in empathy and a genuine commitment to
people’s development. “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.

There’s a place for women both inside and outside the boardroom. Empathy and putting people first have
helped me because people thrive in spaces where they feel seen and valued.” This human-centred approach has yielded remarkable results. In 2021, under Busi’s stewardship, MTN KwaZulu-Natal was named Region of the Year across all MTN regions in South Africa – a testament to her ability to galvanise teams and deliver outstanding performance. Many of her team members have gone on to become top professionals in their fields, a source of immense pride for Busi. “I’ve had a hand in growth, and that’s been one of my greatest achievements,” she says.
Outside the corporate sphere, Busi’s greatest achievement is deeply personal: raising her younger
sister who was 13 when their mother passed. “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 extend beyond her current role. She envisions herself leading a country operation, such as MTN Nigeria or Zambia, and is passionate about advancing gender diversity in 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, emphasising 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.”

Busi’s advice to aspiring leaders is shaped by her own journey. “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 counsels.

Balancing a demanding career with motherhood has taught her the importance of self-care and support
systems. “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 is not just about business results, it’s 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.”