Sibusisiwe Zethu Buthelezi, Director of Human Scale Printers, shares her leadership principles, advice for printing businesses to ensure their longevity, and how women can transform the industry.
What are the leadership principles that ensure both yours and your team’s success?
I believe leadership starts with setting the tone: being consistent, transparent, and leading by example. Coming from an auditing and risk management background, I naturally value structure and accountability, but I’ve also learnt that people thrive when they feel trusted and included.
At Human Scale Printers, we’re a close-knit team of about 20 people, so communication and collaboration are key. I make sure everyone understands how their work fits into the bigger picture. When people feel supported and know that their contributions matter, they take real ownership, and that’s where success begins.
What is your advice to women who want to be trailblazers in the printing industry?
Don’t wait for permission to lead. Bring your voice, your perspective, and your ambition to the table. The printing industry is evolving, but it still needs more women who are confident enough to take up space and change the narrative.
Learn everything you can, from the technical side to the business side. Be curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes — that’s how you grow. Build a strong network of mentors and peers, and never underestimate the value of your perspective. Women bring creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking, qualities that can transform how this industry operates.
What should printing businesses do to ensure their longevity?
Longevity comes down to innovation, discipline, and adaptability. The printing landscape changes fast — technology, customer expectations, and even sustainability demands are constantly evolving. We’ve focused on investing in modern equipment, expanding into packaging and design, and maintaining strong supplier relationships. My auditing background has also taught me the importance of financial discipline and internal controls — without that foundation, it’s hard to grow sustainably. Businesses that listen to their clients, embrace change, and build solid systems will always be better positioned for long-term success.
How do you achieve a healthy balance between work and your personal life?
It’s still a work in progress! In a family business, it’s easy for work to spill into every part of your life, so I’ve learnt to be intentional about setting boundaries. Balance doesn’t mean a perfect 50/50 split, it’s about knowing when to give your all to work and when to step back and recharge. Staying grounded in my values and remembering my purpose helps me navigate both worlds with clarity and peace of mind.
C1W Initiative
Change 1 Woman (C1W) aims to empower women in the branding, print and signage industries. As part of this initiative, Africa Print would like to spotlight women-focused content like this piece. If you have any trend/business articles related to the signage, branding and printing industries, please email content to: meggan@practicalmedia.co.za. Follow C1W on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates.
HUMAN SCALE PRINTERS
www.humanscaleprinters.co.za
