“We’re proud to be the first quick service restaurant (QSR) group in South Africa offering NQF-level courses to team members. The Streetwise Academy is a great expression of KFC’s cultural values, which advocate investment in people, modernisation of the workforce and winning the war on talent,” she says.

“Considering that nearly 60% of the youngest employable demographic in our country are currently unemployed, programmes like the Streetwise Academy are not just a nice to have but an imperative. Courses at the Academy open up career paths in hospitality, retail and beyond, but they also help to make KFC the employer of choice in the QSR sector.”

The Streetwise Academy’s class of 2023 was the biggest yet, with more than 200 KFC team members enrolling for eight courses offered in partnership with Ziyana Business Consulting & Training. The courses are conducted online and last 12 months (NQF 3-5) or 24 months (NQF 6-8). KFC meets all the costs.

“The fact that our courses are aligned with SETA and NQF requirements is key, but apart from technical skills we believe the leadership lessons embodied in the training are vital. Among the graduates on 24 October were many of KFC Africa’s future leaders,” says Thobejane.

“The academy is not only about skills; it’s also a way for KFC to have social impact, to drive gender and pay parity, and it gives every student the opportunity to accelerate their career path.”

Another goal is to help young people start work by dealing with obstacles such as lack of experience, market access, and job-matched training and education. So far, 87 learners have experienced the Academy’s learnerships, all subsequently obtained employment with KFC, and 40% have advanced to management positions.

“This learnership, which is accredited by the Services SETA, also leads to an NQF qualification. That means it gives everyone who completes it an edge when looking for a job,” says Thobejane. “By offering it, KFC is playing its part in combating unemployment.”