Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself?
A: I grew up in the small town of Parys in the Free State and have always had a passion for adding value to the world and trying to make the world a better place. I had the benefit of starting my career out in the cricket industry, an industry that beyond the game, focuses on the uplifting power that sports has and the positive energy it can bring to the world – which is linked to who I am at the core and inspires me daily.
In 2018 I joined KFC and today I head up the brand’s purpose agenda in partnership with our consumers through the Add Hope feeding programme, Ikusasa Lethu scholarship, T20 & Mini Cricket sponsorships. I take great pride in being a part of a brand that is committed to making a difference in the communities we operate in – and leading with purpose.
Q: When did you start your career in the QSR industry?
A: I have been a part of the QSR industry for nearly three years now and it has been an incredible journey thus far. Through KFC I have learned a new-found respect for our country and its citizens. We come together in times of need to give to those who are less fortunate – speaking to this country’s greatest pride of Ubuntu and the African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
Q: Have you always been passionate about giving back?
A: Yes, my view on giving back is that if everyone plays a small part, we can make a big difference in the world. In fact, giving back can take many shapes and forms– from something as small as buying a meal, donating your unused clothes to just offering your time.
Personally, I am passionate about making a difference and ensuring we do everything that we can to make a better life for our future generations.
Q: Tell us about your team of purpose led individuals at KFC Add Hope?
A: I have the great privilege of working with a team of 4 incredible women who wake up daily with the sole focus of making a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of so many children. On a daily basis, with the support of our customers, KFC is able to feed over 150 000 kids every day and I am truly inspired by the dedication, grit and determination this team has to make sure that this happens every single day.
In addition to this, I am also really motivated by the network of non-profit organisations who so selflessly give their time and effort to try and add value to some very dire situations in our country – these community heroes are the perfect example of incredible South Africans with a true spirit of Ubuntu. I also have immense respect for the in-restaurant teams who are our Add Hope Army at the frontlines… our teams are a true inspiration and remind me of the incredible responsibility of ensuring we do what we need to for the children of this country.
Q: What work do you do?
A: I have the privilege of leaning in on all the social purpose work we do, whether it is the various education initiatives we run or Mini Cricket, or Add Hope. My work on a daily basis entails ensuring that as a brand we do all we can to unlock opportunities for the next generation.
Q: Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?
A: I have to continuously work to be the best version of myself, ensuring that I show up as someone that is here to really contribute and wants to make a difference.
Q: Plans for the future?
A: As a brand, we know that we are here because of the people, and not only do we have a responsibility, but we are also passionate about investing in the communities we operate in. We have great ambitions for both the Add Hope and Mini Cricket Programmes, as these allow us to directly impact and uplift so many young people and invest in the future of the country. For us, it is about continuing to partner with our customers who ensure the compound impact of those little R2 make an even bigger impact.
