Sylvia Maseko-Mhlanga is a South African entrepreneur, event industry leader, and healthcare-sector advocate recognized for creating impactful platforms that celebrate excellence and empower medical professionals across Africa. Her work sits at the intersection of healthcare, entrepreneurship, youth development, and social impact.
Early Life & Background
Born and raised in Boschfontein, Mpumalanga, within the rural Nkomazi Municipality, Sylvia grew up in a modest household where resilience and hard work were a way of life. Her father was the sole breadwinner, and the family operated a small trading business selling everyday goods such as vegetables and clothing—an experience that sparked her entrepreneurial mindset from an early age.
Despite significant financial challenges and personal loss, including the passing of her mother during her final year at university, Sylvia persevered and completed her studies with determination, laying the foundation for her future leadership journey.
Education & Professional Training
Sylvia is a qualified Registered Dietician, having begun her career in the public healthcare sector where she worked directly with patients. She later transitioned into corporate roles, managing regional territories across multiple South African provinces and Eswatini.
Her academic and professional qualifications include:
Bachelor of Nutrition
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Project Management Certification
Entrepreneurial Journey
After leaving the public sector, Sylvia moved fully into entrepreneurship, where she found greater scope for innovation, impact, and sustainable growth.
She leads several successful initiatives, including:
Daisy Lee Events – Corporate and social event management
Medical Events – Professional medical conferences and educational programs
Medi-Dieticians – Health and nutrition services
African Health Excellence Organization & Awards – A premier platform recognizing healthcare professionals across Africa
Through these ventures, Sylvia creates employment opportunities for young people and delivers conferences, awards ceremonies, and educational programs that elevate healthcare standards and professional development across the continent.
Leadership & Impact
Sylvia is deeply committed to uplifting others through leadership and service. Her impact includes:
Championing healthcare excellence and professional recognition
Delivering empowerment and motivational talks, particularly to youth and young women from disadvantaged backgrounds
Promoting innovation, sustainability, and mental well-being in workplace culture
Creating employment and learning opportunities for healthcare professionals and communities
Recognition & Affiliations
Recipient of a Business Rookie Award
Founder of the Year in Africa nominee
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the African Health Excellence Awards Organization
Personal Philosophy
Sylvia’s life and work are guided by resilience, faith, and self-reliance. She strongly believes in:
Turning rejection into opportunity
Balancing leadership with continuous personal growth
Using business as a powerful tool for social change
Summary
Sylvia Maseko-Mhlanga is a healthcare-focused entrepreneur and event strategist whose work bridges business excellence, social impact, and professional recognition across Africa’s medical sector. Through her leadership, she continues to advocate for empowerment, ethical leadership, and youth development—driving meaningful change across communities and industries.