Siyamthanda Dlova, from South Africa, is a 2024 MBA graduate from the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) and now works at the New Development Bank (NDB) in Shanghai.

His experience in the city is more than an academic pursuit. It reflects a global outlook shaped by passion, diligence, and a commitment to his South African aspirations.

Dlova grew up in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. From an early age, he witnessed his hometown struggle with inadequate infrastructure and persistent energy shortages. Early in his career, working for Red Bull and later in the construction industry, he traveled extensively to remote villages across South Africa, where he saw firsthand the challenges posed by underdeveloped infrastructure.

These experiences shaped his long-term ambition and fueled his passion for advancing infrastructure and energy development, which he believes are key to sustainable growth.

A turning point came during South Africa's ongoing electricity load-shedding crisis. As communities suffered from recurring blackouts, Dlova, eager to find solutions, observed that China was making rapid progress in the energy sector. He chose to enroll in the CEIBS MBA program to equip himself with the knowledge and skills to achieve his goals.

Upon arriving in Shanghai, Dlova immersed himself in the academic environment and distinctive campus culture. He felt a sense of belonging, and he still keeps in touch with many of his fellow alumni. Their interactions went beyond the classroom to inspiring conversations at 3 am at the CEIBS Entrepreneurship Laboratory. For Dlova, this experience laid a vital foundation for building a network in China.

Having lived in Shanghai for nearly five years, Dlova now considers the city his second home. He now works at the Independent Evaluation Office of NDB, where he evaluates sustainable development infrastructure projects. His portfolio includes landmark initiatives such as the energy investment projects in South Africa, Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, and Nigeria's Dangote Refinery.

Dlova said that the focus of his work is not on auditing but on learning from experience. The office conducts life-cycle evaluations of projects, summarizing both successes and shortcomings and drawing insights to help optimize the bank's decision-making.

From Johannesburg to Shanghai, Dlova has developed a distinctive approach to building relationships. He believes that sincerity far outweighs fixed social formulas in building meaningful relationships.

His time in Shanghai has also sharpened his cultural sensitivity. He has come to appreciate the value placed on restraint in Chinese culture, finding the balance between staying true to himself and respecting local customs. He said that these insights have reshaped his understanding of cross-cultural interaction, sharpening his judgment and enabling him to navigate complex environments with greater confidence.

Dlova also shows a keen business acumen, identifying opportunities for cooperation between Africa and China. By 2050, half of Africa's population is projected to be under 25, creating a vast and dynamic consumer market.

Furthermore, he offers advice for young people aspiring to work in international development, encouraging them to stay passionate and actively connect with pioneers in their fields.

Reflecting on his journey in Shanghai, Dlova said that personal growth is about giving back to the community, and he plans to bring everything he has learned in China back home to pursue his South African dream.

Source: Official WeChat account of China Europe International Business School MBA (ID: CEIBSMBA699)