MBA student part of Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative

Mthiyane (34) from Richards Bay and MBA alumnus of the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), is currently spending time in the US gaining invaluable skills and connections. She is the CEO of Zoluhle Polymerics, a company that specialises in the design and manufacturing of synthetic steel products. She graduated from USB at the end of last year.

The programme, which embodies President Obama's commitment to invest in the future of Africa, aims to identify and support young people who have the potential to lead in their respective countries and provide them with resources and tools that will enhance their abilities to do so. The six-week intensive executive leadership training in Washington DC comprises networking and skills building, which will not only accelerate the careers of those elected but also allow them to contribute robustly to the African economy through their leadership.

Mthiyane said being elected was a significant achievement for her. "I feel a great sense of accomplishment and a confirmation that my dreams are valid and deserve pursuit. To have my name synonymous with the Nelson Mandela Washington Fellows is a huge honour and to be recognised as a future leader of my country and a major player on my continent is overwhelming."

She will participate in the public management category, which is in line with her passion for community development. The other categories are for civil leadership and business and entrepreneurship.

"I hope to learn how we can translate public policy into instruments of change, and to make it more accessible to women and girls in a way that changes their reality. I dream of economic models that support and sustain rural economies. In my vision, the model centres on broadening economic access for women and girls. My future is going to be spent in pursuit of that dream, starting with assisting government in accelerating access to water and electricity in rural areas."

Mthiyane said she enrolled for her MBA at USB quite by chance. "I interviewed a candidate for a position in my team and he was so articulate and mastered the emotional intelligence questions with ease. I asked him where he had acquired these skills he told me he was in his final year at USB and explained the leadership development programme to me. I enrolled the following month. On reflection I realised that I had taken a decision to be a leader but I needed to learn my own style of leadership."

During her MBA journey, she uncovered more than just an academic qualification. "I learnt that it is okay to be me and that what the world needs is the authentic Zibu who is aware and accepting of her limitations and appreciates them for what they are. The MBA was three years of questioning for me. I questioned everything - my history, my worldview and what makes a great leader. I learnt to embrace being black and to understand that it is a strength."