Pizza Hut’s LeadHerShip initiative continues to inspire change for young women in South Africa, with its latest EmpowerHer session held on March 12. The event, which took place at the company’s head office, marked a key milestone for the third cohort of participants.
Focusing on fostering a growth mindset and highlighting the significance of mentorship, the session addressed one of the biggest challenges faced by young job seekers: the cycle of “I can’t get a job without experience, and I can’t get experience without a job.”
In collaboration with the Youth Employment Service (YES), the LeadHerShip initiative aims to break this cycle by offering young women quality work experiences in non-profit organizations, complemented by skills development and monthly salaries. About 50 women from cohort three attended the event, where discussions centered on embracing a growth mindset and the need for constant adaptation in today’s competitive job market.
Rirhandzu Manganye, Head of Brand Marketing for Pizza Hut Turkey, Africa, & Germany, emphasized the importance of resilience, saying: “By embracing challenges and learning from failure, LeadHerShip participants are empowered to take control of their futures.”
Leanne Emery-Hunter, Chief Commercial Officer of YES, shared her insights on the growth mindset, encouraging participants to embrace learning as a continuous journey. She remarked, “Sometimes, a delay in your journey is not a denial of your dreams.” Emery-Hunter also highlighted YES’s achievement of creating over 178,000 quality work experience opportunities for young South Africans.
Three alumni of the program shared their personal stories, illustrating the transformative impact of LeadHerShip. Zandisile Goeieman, a past participant, discussed how the program helped her launch a successful career as a creator and videographer at Investec. She emphasized the value of feedback and exploring new opportunities, stating, “A growth mindset is about seeking more opportunities.”
Tshegofatso Phungwayo, 23, from cohort three, recounted her journey from unemployment to securing a marketing internship at Pizza Hut. She attributed her success to perseverance and mentorship, asserting, “It does work. You just need to keep pushing.”
Olerato Mtshweni, 25, a media content creator, spoke about the importance of empathy and staying authentic. “Everyone faces challenges, and understanding where someone comes from can offer valuable perspective,” she shared. “Stay true to yourself and do your best.”
The event also included a mentoring component, where participants from cohort three were paired with experienced mentors from Pizza Hut South Africa’s regional office. Nadine EI-Hadad, Chief People and Culture Officer at Pizza Hut Global Franchise Market, and Terikha Nagin, HR Lead for Africa and Europe, both highlighted the significance of mentorship in fostering professional growth. “LeadHerShip is about building a supportive community and empowering young women to reach their full potential,” said Nagin.
Pizza Hut’s LeadHerShip initiative continues to provide invaluable opportunities for young women, supporting their growth, career development, and the pursuit of their professional goals.
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