MUZI SIYAYA LANDS TOP POST IN SA

 MBABANE – Greater heights.  Engineering solutions provider Semane, which was spun off by Anglo American in 1998, has appointed Liswati Muzi Siyaya as its new CEO.

Siyaya who holds an MBA from Wits University, joins Semane after spending six years at GIBB Engineering as Group Executive responsible for business development and strategy.

The soft spoken Siyaya, who boasts of more than 20 years experience, having previously held senior management and executive roles at MTN, Cell C and Dimension Data subsidiary. Siyaya takes over from founding CEO Joe Araujo, who is retiring after 21 years at the helm. However, it has been disclosed that Araujo will continue to be available in a consulting capacity.

Joel Mokgohlwa, Executive Chairman was reported to have said, “The Board believes Muzi’s multifaceted experience will direct Semane into a new trajectory. He has broad business skills and experience in managing growth in a rapidly evolving business landscape.”

Opportunity

On behalf of the company and its stakeholders, Mokgohlwa took the opportunity to extend the Board’s profound gratitude and appreciation to Joe Araujo for his impeccable service and leadership, which has seen Semane grow to its current market position as a respected engineering solutions consultancy, delivering sought-after expertise and experience. Semane boasts clients such as Anglo American, Foskor, Exxarro, Rio Tinto, Seriti, BHP and Gold Fields, among others.

When asked what the appointment meant from a personal growth perspective, Siyaya said the appointment was a culmination of a dedicated focus to develop his career.  

In the journey, Siyaya mentioned that he had received significant help and support from many people.
“I am also grateful to my parents who sacrificed a lot in my formative years to provide me with a quality education. I still believe that their decision to send me to boarding school when they realised that I was slacking in my education and developing bad habits, planted the seeds for what has been an enjoyable career,” said Siyaya. 

 
Credit

True to the adage that ‘behind every successful man is a wife’, Siyaya gave credit to his wife whom he said had been a tremendous pillar of strength and support  through continuously putting up with the long hours  at work and constant business travel.
“My wife has been nothing short of amazing,” said Siyaya.

Professionally, the appointee said he had been privileged to have access to fantastic mentors over the years such as Noel Meier former founding CEO of Eswatini MTN, and Vincent Reseroka, former MD at Cell C and many others.

“Importantly, I would want this appointment to serve as an inspiration to many people back home that it is possible to reach greater heights in life not only professionally but in whatever is your chosen field.  Young people especially, must know that circumstances should not define and restrict one’s ambitions,” Siyaya advised.

To be successful, Siyaya said it was very important to be humble and never let fame or money and travel deceive you. “Success is not a good teacher, so remain humble,” he added.

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