Siyabonga’s relationship of faith and leadership

It all started when Siyabonga Ndlanzi’s father would tell how being a postman for about 30 years influenced his behaviour and the choices he began to make.

Delivering post by bicycle then, to Ladysmith, Colenso and Estcourt ,Siyabonga’s dad met phenomenal people who gave him great advice and words of encouragement all while handing them their mail.

Ever since the 39-year-old, Siyabonga hoped to share the experiences his father did while he offered his dedicated service to the South African Postal Service.

Although times have changed and a lot has moved online this did not faze Siyabonga. 17 years of working his way up at our local and neighbouring post offices, from starting off as a security guard Siyabonga is now the Acting Branch Manager of the Estcourt Post Office.

Technology has changed how people communicate, but with an unmistakable smile Siyabonga said he does all he can for people to see the worth of face-to-face communication. Siyabonga leads his team at the office as well as at his church (Corinthian Zion Church) in Ntabamhlophe, where he is the Reverend.

Leadership asks a great deal of us. It often demands that we guide people out into the often unknown and convince other people it’s a good idea.

It asks us to trust that some things do not come complete with a rational explanation.  It asks us, too, to believe in our own abilities the potential and ability of those who work with us, even at times when that vision seems unlikely enough to reach.

Faith has made room for Siyabonga to take chances, helped him believe in his outcomes. He learned to let go and place his faith in the ability of others and taught him to see mistakes as stepping stones.

Coming from a family where Siyabonga is one of nine children he said that it taught him a lot about different personalities and how best to deal with each of them.

“This has helped me a lot both in the church and my work place. I have learned how to communicate and approach people better,” told Siyabonga.

Siyabonga admired his grandfather’s way of life.

“He was very helpful but also a very straight forward man who lived according to the bible,” said Siyabonga.

His grandfather was a church leader and so is his father. He jokingly said it must be a family calling.

“I also look up to Africa Mhmanzi, he is a marvellous man, and is currently the Acting Regional Manager of Northen Natal post offices. The way in which he carries himself… his leadership skills are my career goals,” he added.

Reverend Siyabonga says Easter it is a time where individuals should reflect on their relationship with God and understand why Jesus was crucified for our sins.

Siyabonga is a self-proclaimed ‘family man’ and dreams that one day his big family can all live together. Siyabonga has a one-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter.

The Kazier Chiefs supporter says he loves being a dad and also enjoys all the questions his inquisitive little Avumimle throws at him.

When he is not preaching spiritual faith and managing his team at the post office you’ll find him bonding with his children or watching soccer.