Leadership Focus

Sihle Ndlovu

CIMA, SAIPA, MBAExecutive Chairman at Utility Systems – Smart Water Managemen

Municipal Edge had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Sihle Ndlovu, the Executive Chairman of Utility Smart Water Meters as the chosen leader for this quarterly publication.

The country requires to manage its mineral resources and achieve economical advancements utilizing these resources in the international arena. Achieving this is possible when the leadership in both the public and private sectors practice a level of corporate governance that displays principles of ethical leadership, corporate citizenship, sustainable development, stakeholder inclusivity and strives to build the organization in society.

Chief Editor:
A very good morning to you Sir and welcome to our beautiful city. I am sure that being in Durban is never disappointing with our superb coastal climate.
Let me say first and foremost that it is our esteemed pleasure to have you join us and I want to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude and appreciation to you for taking time off your busy schedule to share your thoughts with us today. Your time with us is most valued.
Getting straight into the business of the day, your extremely impressive profile highlights your previous and current involvement in numerous initiatives and business ventures over the years. Tell us, what is it that drives and inspires you to do all that you do?

Sihle Ndlovu
I grew up in a township in Mpumalanga with my origins rooted in the Impendle rural areas. I worked on my family’s farm, herding cattle and helping my parents to price the goods they sold to the community. During these early years, I developed two passions: farming and finances. At a young age I made a vow to be a pioneer in industry, a force for change and a role model for future generations.
Growing up poor motivated me
to pursue a career in finance, specifically
chartered accounting, and to use my farming knowledge to make a difference in the lives of those around me.

Chief Editor:
Being a member of a number of corporate boards and municipal audit committees must come with many challenges especially in regards to having to transition between the private and public sector mindsets. With the private sector being driven by profits and business growth whilst municipalities in the public sector are focused on service delivery to local communities, We see two very different and distinct sectors. Thus being both strategic and effective in executing engagements within these sectors will require adequate mind preparation. How do you do it? As someone who has contributed tremendous influence in both sectors, how have you prepared for this?

Sihle Ndlovu
I have found that the key to influence is ensuring that one is well equipped with the correct knowledge. Hence what has helped me be prepared to engage both sectors is being well informed and thoroughly researching both sectors and then applying my knowledge and skills within each sector to achieve efficient management of resources, productivity, community upliftment and ultimately efficient service delivery.

Chief Editor:
From your travels across South Africa and periodically overseas, you would have been able to receive a better perspective of where we are as nation. In light of all the negativity surrounding South Africa, what is your view point of what we as a nation has achieved and what are the areas that need to still be improved on in order for there to be greater impact?

Sihle Ndlovu
I’ve been fortunate enough to be well travelled and have insight as a global citizen to the question at hand. South Africa has come a long way in where we are as a nation and I am proud to be South African however the country still requires to improve in Technology and Infrustructure, to ensure alignment with the global standards internationally This will assist with the effective management of resources such as energy and water that will greatly impact optimum revenue realization. The country requires to manage its mineral resources and achieve economical advancements utilizing these resources in the international arena. Achieving all that is mentioned above is possible when the leadership in both the public and private sector practice a level of corporate governance that displays principles of ethical leadership, corporate citizenship, sustainable development, stakeholder inclusivity and strives to build the organization in society.

Chief Editor:
On a more personal note, recently you were in the
news in regards to the 60% business ownership acquisition. Can you enlighten us on exactly what is this much spoken about business deal that has caught the attention of both the political leadership and media outlets?

Sihle Ndlovu
Sebata Holdings has sold a majority stake in Utility Systems and Amanzi Meters to Inzalo Capital Holdings, led by Mr. Sbonelo Mazibuko and myself. Sebata, which specializes in servicing the public sector, sold a 55% stake in the Water Group, which comprises USC Metering and Amanzi Meters.
A further 5% stake will be donated to Inzalo by Sebata. This new development is in accordance with the Black Industrialist Scheme formulated by DTI. The purpose of Black Industrialists (BI) policy is to leverage the State’s capacity to unlock the industrial potential that exists within black-owned and managed businesses that operate within the South African economy through deliberate, targeted and well-defined financial and non-financial interventions.

Chief Editor:
Sir, we are truly grateful to have received such great insights from you and thank you for your valuable input. We trust that our readers will be inspired by your thoughts as I have been. We commend your contribution to the building of our remarkable South Africa and wish you all the best in your business ventures and future endeavors.