Minenhle Dlamini

inenhle Dlamini, managing director of Gagasi FM, leads one of KwaZulu Natal’s most vibrant regional
commercial radio stations. Her journey to the top of the commercial broadcasting world has been one of persistence, reinvention, and a deep love for media.

“My journey to being an MD started in 2009,” she recalled. “I started as a radio presenter, presenting on weekends. Monday to Friday I’d have a nine-to-five, then Saturday and Sunday I would be on air.” That early commitment laid the foundation for what would become a steady rise through the ranks.

A year later, she moved into content production, joining the breakfast show team. By 2011, she had transitioned into the commercial and promotions department. Her creativity and strategic thinking led to her appointment as head of the department, a position that showcased her leadership potential.

In 2021, Minenhle’s path took another major step forward. “The MD before me went off to Johannesburg to start a sales house for Gagasi and our sister station, Heart FM,” she said. “I stood in for him, and in July 2021, I was announced as the managing director of Gagasi FM.”

PASSION FOR MEDIA
Minenhle’s love for communication began during her university years. “I’ve always loved media. Even in university, I did a BA in media studies. I wanted to be a magazine writer,” she said. “However, when I found out about campus radio, I started volunteering there, and that’s where my love for radio started.”

As a schoolgirl, she dreamt of a life of exploration and creativity. “I always saw myself as someone who would just travel the world,” she reflected. That curiosity would later define her career path, guiding her through shifts in interest from acting and news reporting to media leadership.

Throughout her career, Minenhle has drawn inspiration from those around her. “My predecessor, the previous MD, has inspired me,” she said. “I would attend meetings with him and find myself inspired by his knowledge about radio and consumer insights.” She also credits Gagasi Heart Media Group’s current chairman for motivating her with his story of resilience.

At Gagasi FM, Minenhle’s leadership philosophy centres on inclusivity and connection. “It’s ensuring that the members of Gagasi can be themselves, can be creative, and at the same time feel that they are part of the family and part of the greater community that we serve.” This culture is felt from the moment anyone enters the building. That sense of warmth and unity also extends to listeners and the wider KwaZulu-Natal community.

MAKING AN IMPACT
Under her direction, Gagasi FM has launched a series of campaigns that have had a tangible social impact. The station has surpassed one million followers on Facebook and continues to engage audiences with initiatives rooted in compassion and empowerment.

One such campaign, close to Minenhle’s heart, takes place on Mother’s Day. “We go into government hospitals delivering care packs to mothers who have just given birth,” she said. Another is a back-to-school drive that supports both pupils and tertiary students in need of financial assistance.

The Shero Awards, held annually on Women’s Day, cele brate unsung heroines across business, science and technology, education, and community work. “Ours is to let them know that people are seeing you, they nominated you, and they like the work that you are doing.”

Minenhle has also introduced youth-focused business workshops that support young entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of self-employment. “We know that the entrepreneurship journey can be quite lonely,” she said. “It’s all about motivating them to keep on with their hustles.”

Another major highlight is the station’s annual music festival, which shines a spotlight on South African talent. “We fill up 12,000 people at Moses Mabhida People’s Park, and we sell out a month before the actual event,” she shared proudly. “That’s a huge achievement for us.”

Working in media comes with its own set of trials. Minenhle acknowledges that the public scrutiny can be tough. “Social media can sometimes be quite hurtful, and cancel culture is quite big,” she said. She also reflected on the difficulties of serving communities during crises such as floods and riots and how seeing the community being misplaced can be heartbreaking.

On a personal level, she has had to confront rejection and self-doubt. “Even getting into radio, I had a couple of doors shut in my face,” she admitted. “Sometimes feeling unseen is a challenge, and you have to get out of your comfort zone and map out a way for your brand to be seen.”

GUIDING THE NEXT GENERATION
Her advice to aspiring women in media is rooted in integrity and resilience. “Do everything with integrity, whether people are watching or not,” she said. “Work ethic is quite important. If you say you’re going to do something, do it.” She also emphasises the importance of collaboration and humility. “Ask for help. Position yourself with people who know certain skills that you might not have. Have people you can use as your sounding board.”

Minenhle’s vision for Gagasi FM extends far beyond radio. “My future goal is to grow Gagasi to be more than just a radio station,” she said. “I see it as a business that offers more than radio, from a digital and content perspective, and as a training academy for the media dreamers of KZN.”

Balancing work, motherhood, and personal growth is something she takes seriously. “I go to the gym and make sure that every day I do something that I like,” Minenhle shared. As a mother of three, she has built a support network and learned the value of shared responsibility. “I’ve realised just how much it takes a village to raise kids.”

Grounded by faith and reflection, she finds time to meditate and read business books. “I diarise everything,” she added. “Even church services, so that I can find time during the week to attend mass and ground myself.”

For Minenhle, leadership is not only about success on paper but about connection, compassion, and creating spaces where others can shine.