Minenhle Dlamini: Leading with Passion and Purpose at Gagasi FM

Rising Through the Ranks

Minenhle Dlamini, the managing director of Gagasi FM, stands at the helm of one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most dynamic regional commercial radio stations. Her ascent to this influential position is a testament to her persistence, capacity for reinvention, and deep-rooted passion for the media industry. Reflecting on her journey, Minenhle shares, “My journey to being an MD started in 2009.” She began as a weekend radio presenter, balancing her on-air responsibilities with a traditional nine-to-five job during the week. This early dedication laid the groundwork for her gradual, determined climb within the broadcasting world.

In 2010, Minenhle transitioned into content production, joining the breakfast show team. By 2011, she had shifted to the commercial and promotions department, where her creativity and strategic thinking earned her the role of department head. This position became a launchpad for her leadership journey.

A pivotal moment arrived in 2021 when Minenhle’s predecessor left for Johannesburg to open a sales house for Gagasi and its sister station, Heart FM. Stepping in as acting managing director, Minenhle’s leadership was soon recognised, and in July 2021, she was formally appointed as the managing director of Gagasi FM.

Passion for Media

Minenhle’s love for communication took root during her university years, where she pursued a BA in media studies with aspirations of becoming a magazine writer. Her discovery of campus radio, where she began volunteering, ignited her enduring passion for radio broadcasting.

Even as a schoolgirl, Minenhle envisioned a life filled with exploration and creativity. This spirit of curiosity shaped her career, steering her through various interests—from acting and news reporting to ultimately becoming a leader in media. She draws continuous inspiration from colleagues and mentors, including her predecessor, whose expertise in radio and consumer insights fueled her ambitions, and the group’s chairman, whose resilience motivates her daily.

Leadership Philosophy

At Gagasi FM, Minenhle’s leadership style is defined by inclusivity and genuine connection. She believes in fostering an environment where team members feel free to express themselves, be creative, and experience a sense of belonging within the Gagasi family and the broader KwaZulu-Natal community. This ethos of warmth and unity extends beyond the station’s walls, embracing listeners and the wider region.

Making an Impact

Under Minenhle’s direction, Gagasi FM has launched campaigns that deliver real social value. The station has surpassed one million Facebook followers and actively engages audiences through initiatives that prioritise compassion and empowerment. One campaign that resonates deeply with Minenhle occurs on Mother’s Day, when the team visits government hospitals to deliver care packs to new mothers. Another annual event is the back-to-school drive, which provides much-needed financial assistance to both school pupils and tertiary students.

The Shero Awards, held every Women’s Day, honour unsung heroines in fields such as business, science and technology, education, and community service. “Ours is to let them know that people are seeing you, they nominated you, and they like the work that you are doing,” Minenhle explains. She has also introduced business workshops aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs in their self-employment ventures, recognising the challenges and isolation that come with the entrepreneurial journey. Furthermore, the station’s annual music festival, hosted at Moses Mabhida People’s Park, celebrates South African talent by drawing crowds of 12,000 people, consistently selling out a month in advance—a remarkable achievement for the team.

Minenhle acknowledges that working in media presents unique challenges, including the scrutiny and harshness of social media and the impact of cancel culture. She also points to the hardships of serving communities during crises, such as floods and riots, and the heartbreak of witnessing community displacement.

On a personal level, Minenhle has faced rejection and moments of self-doubt. Doors were often closed at the start of her radio career, and overcoming feelings of invisibility required her to step out of her comfort zone and proactively build her brand.

Guiding the Next Generation

Minenhle offers grounded advice to aspiring women in media, rooted in integrity and resilience. She stresses the importance of doing every task with integrity, regardless of whether anyone is watching, and highlights the significance of a strong work ethic—fulfilling promises and commitments. Collaboration and humility are equally vital; she encourages asking for help and surrounding oneself with people who possess complementary skills and can serve as sounding boards.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Minenhle envisions Gagasi FM as much more than a radio station. Her ambition is to transform it into a multifaceted business, expanding its digital and content offerings and establishing it as a training academy for aspiring media professionals in KwaZulu-Natal.

Balancing her career with motherhood and personal growth, Minenhle is intentional about self-care and support. She incorporates exercise into her daily routine, builds a reliable support network, and values the principle that “it takes a village to raise kids.” Grounded by faith and personal reflection, she sets aside time for meditation, reading business books, and attending church services—even scheduling them in her diary to ensure spiritual grounding.

For Minenhle, true leadership is about more than professional success; it is about forging connections, showing compassion, and creating spaces where others are empowered to thrive.