Lindiwe Buthelezi’s approach to business rescue was informed by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which she says has made a permanent impact on the world’s economy, affecting the financial health of companies worldwide, leading to varying levels of financial distress.

“The economic dilemma caused by the pandemic forced many companies out of trading, causing other businesses to re-evaluate their financial position and implement strategies to mitigate the adverse effects,” says University of Pretoria (UP) alumna Buthelezi, a senior manager in the Legal Services Department at the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa. “The pandemic influenced and reshaped my perspective on the role that skills and experience play in the stimulation and development of the South African economy.” 

Buthelezi, who holds an MPhil in Business Management Corporate Strategy from UP’s Gordon Institute of Business Science, says her outlook changed after having witnessed the impact of the pandemic on businesses, which were forced to shut their doors and cease trading for a significant period. She saw an opportunity to utilise her newly acquired knowledge on business rescue to participate in the development of  an early-warning system for businesses in financial distress. 

“The pandemic informed my decision to reframe my experience and skills towards strategies aimed at facilitating and aligning financing products to assist distressed businesses navigate extreme contexts associated with growing default rates, liquidity challenges, debt restructuring, and environmental, social and governance.”

She co-creates bespoke financial products to resuscitate companies that are in financial distress to arrest their declining situation and avert liquidation.

“I believe in developing specific strategies that are suitable for a specific challenge faced by a respective business, rather than relying on generic solutions that might exacerbate the problem,” Buthelezi explains. “This will necessitate collaborative efforts between the financially distressed company and its creditors as well as other stakeholders, which will require effective management and alignment. My strategic competencies will come in handy in navigating these relationships.”

Her upbringing was based on Christian values of respecting every person regardless of their background or beliefs, she says.

“This perspective has grounded my approach in life and guided how I interact with diverse people, both in social and professional settings.”

Buthelezi says getting a UP qualification set in motion her career in strategic leadership, both locally and internationally. She believes that alumni have a responsibility to contribute to the mentorship of students and graduates, and provide networking opportunities and transitioning platforms (from academia to the professional world), among others.

Like any other student, Buthelezi faced hurdles while completing her degree. She says the rigorous coursework, the expectation to perform well and time management to balance lectures, assignments and full-time work were major challenges. However, she overcame this with support from the University – including making use of UP’s how-to tutorials and getting assistance from the library’s information centre – and by reprioritising her mental health, making use of a physical activity schedule and a “study buddy” network.

“These challenges are referred to as ‘blood, sweat and tears’ at UP.”

One important lesson that Buthelezi says she has learnt is to respect every opportunity that has come her way, whether related to education, her career or her personal growth.

“I have always embraced opportunities by being proactive, open-minded and committed to making the most of them,” she says. “This has led me to my current journey of turning threats into opportunities.”

Businesses that require Buthelezi’s services can reach her on LinkedIn (Lindiwe Buthelezi) or by sending an email to [email protected].