Mzuvele Mthethwa

Mzuvele Mthethwa, the managing director of East Coast Radio, was born in uMkhomazi, on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Growing up there, he developed a deep appreciation for the community and the culture around him.

Reflecting on his early life, Mzuvele recalls, “Those years were incredibly formative for me. I come from a humble background, and my parents instilled in me values of perseverance and dedication, which have carried me through my career.”

After completing school, Mzuvele enrolled at the then Natal Technikon but did not complete his qualification. “It was a tough decision at the time, but life had other plans for me,” he explained. In 1998, he got his first job at an audit firm in Amanzimtoti as a junior bookkeeper. “My first taste of the corporate world was both challenging and exciting. The experience I gained there was invaluable, teaching me the foundations of finance, the importance of precision, and how to manage financial records accurately.”

In this role, Mzuvele worked in a competitive environment that offered many learning opportunities. “I remember working late hours and constantly striving to prove myself. That experience shaped my work ethic and gave me a foundation in finance,” he explained.

His career took a turn in 2004 when Mzuvele joined East Coast Radio as a debt collector. For nearly 20 years, Mzuvele dedicated himself to the finance department where he moved up the ladder, becoming a finance officer, and was promoted to finance manager in 2012. He held that position until the end of 2023, when he was appointed managing director, a role Mzuvele is honoured to hold.

Mzuvele shares, “Being part of East Coast Radio for nearly two decades has been an incredible journey. I have witnessed the organisation adapt to changes in the media landscape, embrace digital transformation, and continuously innovate to stay relevant. Our team has always been passionate, and that energy is infectious.”

BRING OUT THE BEST
Discussing his motivation, Mzuvele says, “People often default to their professional achievements when asked about their ‘why.’ For me, my career at East Coast Radio has been rewarding, but my ‘why’ extends beyond professional success. I strive to be a leader who can bring out the best in others, create opportunities for growth, and foster an environment where everyone feels valued. I want to see my team members thrive and develop, just as I have over the years.”

Mzuvele emphasises, “On a personal level, becoming a husband and a father are among my proudest achievements. The growth I’ve experienced as a family man has profoundly influenced how I lead and interact with my team.”

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to meet many remarkable people who have shared valuable lessons,” Mzuvele says. “But one piece of advice has always stood out to me. It came from my former boss, who recruited me to East Coast Radio. He told me, ‘Maintain the highest standards of integrity and morals; it will go a long way in helping you achieve success in your professional career.’ I’ve always believed that if you are honest, transparent, and ethical in your dealings, success will naturally follow.”

“Every business faces challenges,” Mzuvele acknowledges, “but the Covid-19 pandemic was an unprecedented test. We faced significant revenue losses, and keeping the operations running was a constant struggle. During that period, our focus was on keeping our team safe and ensuring that they were supported. We had to think creatively about how to maintain our service to listeners and clients. Our resilience as a team and our commitment to each other helped us pull through.”

“Motivating a team is one of the most critical roles of a leader,” Mzuvele explains. “It’s not just about setting targets and expecting results; it’s about inspiring people to give their best. One of the ways to do this is by constantly communicating the company’s goals. People need to understand what we are trying to achieve and how their contributions matter.”

“Recognition is also vital. People like to be acknowledged when they perform well. It’s about catching people doing the right things and celebrating those moments. Moreover, motivation is sustained when leaders are authentic and lead by example. Positivity and a winning mindset start at the top, and I strive to embody those qualities every day.”

ACTS OF KINDNESS
Mzuvele is inspired by the culture at East Coast Radio, describing it as “equal parts a corporate company, a movie set with creative energies, and a nursery school for young professionals starting their careers.” He adds, “This is a melting pot of diverse characters that we knit together to form a unit and a business.”

In addition, Mzuvele shares, “I’m inspired by acts of kindness, whether it’s letting someone merge in traffic or seeing a colleague go out of their way to help another. Doing good, even in small ways, has a ripple effect. It makes a difference and inspires others to do the same. I believe that if we all did a little bit better every day, the world would be a much better place. At East Coast Radio, I see this spirit in action daily. Our people genuinely care about each other, and that’s a source of constant inspiration for me.”

Mzuvele’s vision is to see the East Coast Radio brand continue to grow, to reach more people, and to remain a trusted voice in the community. “I want us to use our influence to support other businesses in the region. My goal is to have a positive impact, whether that means changing the narrative around our province, putting a smile on someone’s face, or making a difference, no matter how small.”

When asked about a motto, Mzuvele smiles, “I consider myself a simple man, and my motto is equally simple: ‘Do better’. In everything you do, strive to be better than you were yesterday. Whether it’s in business or in life, continuous improvement is key. Small, consistent efforts can lead to significant change over time. That’s the philosophy I live by, and I encourage my team to do the same.”