Brilliant Buyi is back

AFFECTIONATELY known as Buyi, Life Empangeni Garden Clinic Public Relations Officer (PRO), Zibuyile Mthiyane, is back home and ready to hit the ground running.

Originally from Nseleni, this charismatic 26-year-old has her hands full with the overall branding and marketing of the hospital.

‘I am responsible for the co-ordinating of events, dealing with customer service and delivery concerns, service quality, brand and hospital image, marketing and ensuring the smooth running of communication and the following of protocol,’ she said.

Having previously worked at St Mary’s KwaMagwaza Hospital in Melmoth, and later at Christian-based NGO ‘Youth for Christ’ in Pietermaritzburg as the Marketing Assistant, Buyi plans to stay in Nseleni and build her career.

The second eldest child from a family of four and a Public Relations Management graduate of Durban University of Technology, Buyi is an alumnus of Aquadene Secondary School and the first to accomplish a tertiary qualification among her siblings.

Education is important

During her high school career, Buyi was an RCL member, debating enthusiast, public speaking title holder and award-winning actress, but always ensured there was time for her books.

‘Having a teacher for a mother meant that education is something very important in my home. Growing up I saw the difference having an education makes in your life and I knew it was vital,’ she said.

It is said nothing good comes easy and Buyi agrees challenges will arise.

‘People have often questioned my career choice. I have been told by many ignorant people that Public Relations is not a career for black people and is predominantly ‘white’ field,’

‘I deal with so many different people on a daily basis, it requires impeccable communication skills and patience, which I am thankful to have, otherwise I would never have cut it,’ she chuckled.

Driving force

Despite difficulties, Buyi says her family is her source of strength.

‘My family is my driving force. They get me up every morning and just keep me going.

‘My parents have always ensured I stay grounded, focussed and on track and they continually give me courage to achieve my goals. In them, I have the biggest support structure,’ she said.

If this bubbly beauty is not branding or coordinating events, she enjoys quality time with her loved ones or treating herself to a well deserved ‘mani and pedi’.

Fluent in French, Buyi hopes to travel to Paris someday.

‘In University, I took up French as one of my subjects. It is such a beautiful language and I would love to travel to a French- speaking country just to soak in the language of love,’ she chuckled.

‘Also, I have this insane fascination with Lagos, Nigeria. It is so rich in culture. I would just love to experience that,’ she said.