The sold-out Unlock Summit 2025, hosted by The K3Y at the Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre, offered a day of bold ideas, unfiltered truths, and deeply personal leadership insights under the energizing theme: “Unlock Self. Unlock Others. Unlock Change.”
With global speaker and venture capitalist Vusi Thembekwayo headlining the event, the summit drew leaders and change-makers from across Eswatini and beyond, sparking dialogue that went well beyond typical leadership platitudes.
In a compelling keynote speech, Thembekwayo challenged traditional leadership thinking and called for outcomes-focused leadership that emphasizes impact over popularity.
“You judge a good leader by one thing: are people better off under that leader or not?” he asked. “The role of a leader isn’t to be liked; it’s to lead. That means making tough decisions that push people forward, even when they resist.”
He stressed the importance of empowering African youth with the right mindset, skills, and tools. A panel discussion, moderated by Errol Nembhard of The K3Y, set the tone for reflection.
“Leadership plays a key role in the rise and fall of individuals, families, teams, and nations,” Nembhard said. “That’s why this conversation matters so much.”
The first panel included Nozizwe Mulela, Managing Director of Eswatini Bank, who shared an emotionally impactful story of personal reinvention. She recounted a pivotal moment when she decided to leave a career in law—a choice that drew ridicule from colleagues. Her story about humility and courage resonated deeply, highlighting the importance of listening to one’s inner voice.
“You must have a serious, proper conversation with yourself. That’s where leadership begins,” she said.
Mandla “Cheeks” Nxumalo, Managing Director of Instacash, provided a sober view of the harsh realities faced by entrepreneurs, especially in heavily regulated industries like financial services. “Let’s talk about the pain,” he began, citing obstacles such as lack of capital, strict regulations, and high compliance costs.
When asked how he maintains resilience amid adversity, he credited the power of vision: “If you start something knowing where you want to land, no matter how tough it gets, you’ll try to get there. Many people start businesses with a survival mindset. But if your vision is long-term, you’ll endure the short-term pain.”
He underlined the discipline needed to ignore outside pressure, sharing how many expect profits in the early stages. “It’s three years in, and people ask, ‘Are you making money yet?’ But the vision is for seven years.”
Muzi Siyaya, MD of Ubombo Sugar with cross-sector leadership experience, emphasized that purpose must come before profit. “At the core of purpose is people—transforming lives and communities. That’s the real measure of leadership,” he said.
He urged leaders to stay consistent in their messaging and actions: “People don’t just listen to what you say; they watch what you do. Consistency builds trust.”
He recalled facing skepticism upon returning to Eswatini, with some questioning his knowledge of the sugar industry, but he stayed focused and committed to driving change.
Minister of ICT Savannah Maziya joined the second panel, delivering a powerful message on the link between innovation, values, and leadership. She emphasized that effective leadership requires more than planning—it demands disciplined execution and foresight. Warning that Africa risks becoming just a consumer in the digital age—describing it as a “new kind of slavery”—she highlighted the importance of leading the digital revolution.
The Minister highlighted the “Government in Your Hand” initiative, which offers 11 digital services aimed at reducing in-person visits to government offices. Her broader vision includes solutions like livestock tracking, weather monitoring, and healthcare logistics.
More than digitization, she described this movement as a way to unlock Eswatini’s future by shifting the national mindset from dependency to empowerment. She stressed the importance of instilling confidence in youth, calling it the true foundation for innovation and sustainable development.
When Dr. Phil Mnisi, Governor of the Central Bank of Eswatini, joined the second panel, the atmosphere shifted. Known for his calm authority and values-based leadership, Dr. Mnisi summarized his leadership approach in three pillars: authenticity, intentionality, and influence.
“To lead with integrity is to be honest and true to yourself, your vision, the people you lead, and your organization,” he explained.
He encouraged leaders to act purposefully despite global uncertainty, urging them to stay committed to bold aspirations. Dr. Mnisi reinforced this by emphasizing the need for Africa to take control of its narrative by leveraging its demographic advantages with the right tools and mindset.
Closing the second panel, Melusi ‘Zox’ Dlamini, Founder and Chairman of A Peculiar People, shared profound insights on leading without seeking applause.
“Being authentic is a currency,” he said. “We admire our culture and products when they’re appreciated from outside. But we need to value them from within.”
He noted that true leadership is driven by conviction, not recognition. It’s about showing up consistently, even without applause.