Insights into international development, China, and the \x26quot;South African Dream\x26quot;.
For CEIBS MBA 2024 alumnus Siyamthanda (Siya) Dlova, the decision to relocate from South Africa to China was more than just a career move—it was a leap towards shaping the "South African Dream." Now a valued team member at the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral bank founded by the BRICS group of nations, Siya exemplifies the spirit of a globally minded graduate: passionate, reflective, and committed to turning his international experience into meaningful contributions to development both in South Africa and beyond.
01
Finding purpose through energy and development
Hailing from East London, a small city in South Africa's Eastern Cape, Siya grew up witnessing his country's struggles with infrastructure and energy shortages. During early career stints at Red Bull and in the construction industry, he found himself returning to the rural heartlands of South Africa, where the realities of underdevelopment struck him deeply.
"When I moved back, I realised that there's a lot of development needed, so I started drafting some notes in my phone about what I call the 'South African Dream'", he recalls. That reflection reignited his passion for infrastructure and construction, and soon crystallised into a focus on energy, the sector he saw as most vital for change.
The turning point came during South Africa's recurring "load shedding" crises, when rolling blackouts left communities without power. "Without electricity, there's no economy," Siya says. Determined to be part of the solution, he set his sights on energy and infrastructure as the foundations for sustainable growth. China, with its rapid development and expertise in these sectors, became the natural destination for him to learn and grow; the CEIBS MBA, consistently ranked Asia's number one, seemed the perfect fit.
02
Building a home in Shanghai
Arriving in Shanghai, Siya threw himself into his MBA at CEIBS, embracing not only the academic rigour, but also the strong sense of community the campus cultivates. "CEIBS has created a bit of family for me, and some friends that I still keep in touch with, that I meet on a regular basis. Sometimes it wasn't just the classroom, it was more 3am sessions, having good chats with friends in the CEIBS eLab, that created the longevity," he reflects, adding that his MBA was a great catalyst to build networks in China.
For Siya, this social foundation has made Shanghai feel like a second home, as he nears the milestone of five years spent living in the city. "Sometimes when I travel, I say, 'I need to get home,' and sometimes I don't mean South Africa, I mean Shanghai. It's strange, but it just happened naturally," he laughs.
03
Working in the New Development Bank
Today, as part of the New Development Bank's Independent Evaluations Office, Siya helps evaluate sustainable infrastructure projects ranging from energy investments in South Africa to landmark initiatives like Ethiopia's Renaissance Dam and Nigeria's Dangote refinery.
His role, as he describes it, is not about auditing, but about drawing lessons: "We evaluate the project from start to finish. We look at what went right, what went wrong, and how those insights can help make the bank's decision-making better," he explains.
04
Lessons in networking and culture
From Johannesburg to Shanghai, Siya's journey has been shaped by his approach to networking, which emphasises authenticity over strict routines. Moving to China without knowing anyone, he quickly realised that the key to building a community was simply being genuine.
"Networking isn't programming. It's about finding a connection with someone, leveraging the connection to give whatever you have and sharing things together. That's always the beginning of a relationship. It's not just networking, it's building relationships." he says.
Living in China has also sharpened his cultural awareness. He's learned the value of "reading the room," listening more, and striking a balance between staying true to himself while respecting local norms. "Sometimes keeping quiet and reading the room is essential," he observes. "A lot of Chinese culture is very conservative. You've got to read the room, say the right thing at the right time, but also still be you. And I think there's a balance in between those things."
These lessons, he believes, have not only reshaped his perceptions on many things, but also strengthened his ability to navigate complex cultural contexts with greater sensitivity and effectiveness.
05
Bridging Africa and China
From a business perspective, Siya sees vast collaboration opportunities between Africa and China. With half of Africa's population projected to be under 25 by 2050, Africa is, in his words, a dream consumer market. "The demographics, the space, the business, the opportunities are there, and they just need to be honed," he says.
For those seeking a "soft landing" into global business, Siya suggests that cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town can serve as gateways into the vibrant complexities of Africa, in much the way Shanghai and Hong Kong welcome international arrivals to China.
06
Advice for young professionals
Siya's advice for aspiring young professionals who wish to pursue a career in development is simple, yet profound: "If you're passionate about it, you're always knocking on the doors, don't be afraid to ask stupid questions or approach people that are in the space," he reflects.
Though Siya's rooted in Shanghai for now, he views his time abroad as part of a larger journey—one that will ultimately circle back to South Africa. "Sometimes you have to grow personally in order to assist the community […] my hope is to one day take what I've learned here and bring it home," he concludes.
This article is based on an in-depth conversation with Siyamthanda Dlova and CEIBS MBA 2009 alumnus Jeff Pi, host of CEIBS Alumni International Chapter (CAIC) podcast "Unscripted".
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