McDonald’s SA champions women’s leadership

by TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – MCDONALD’S South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s leadership, arguing that investing in women is essential to building stronger families, communities and a more resilient economy.

More than 120 leaders, employees and changemakers from business, entrepreneurship, education and civil society gathered in Johannesburg on Thursday for the company’s annual Women in Conversation event, while more than 1,000 McDonald’s employees joined virtually from across the country.

Hosted by the McDonald’s South Africa Women’s Leadership Network (WLN), the event was held under the theme, “Building Resilient Economies for All: The Power of Women in Shaping Families, Communities and Future Generations”.

The discussion explored leadership, resilience, purpose and inclusion against a backdrop of mounting economic and social pressures.

McDonald’s South Africa CEO Max Oliva said resilient economies are built on strong families and communities.

“For me, everything begins with family,” Oliva said, describing families as the foundation for values, character and future leadership.

He said the company’s focus on women’s advancement also reflected its wider culture, where family is central to the customer experience and workplace.

Women currently make up 65% of McDonald’s South Africa’s workforce, 62% of restaurant managers and 53% of its management team. Over the past year, the number of women serving on the Executive Leadership Team has risen from one to four.

However, Oliva cautioned that representation alone should not be considered the measure of progress.

“The real measure of progress is whether we are creating an organisation and an economy where talent can thrive regardless of gender,” he said.

Dr Mzamo Masito called for a shift in thinking around gender equality, arguing that empowering women and men should not be treated as competing priorities.

“We need a new mindset and paradigm shift,” he said.

WLN chairperson Maureen Mtonintshi said advancing women strengthened families and, in turn, communities and economies.

The event concluded with renewed calls for mentorship, leadership development and inclusive decision-making, with Oliva stressing that creating opportunities for women requires shared responsibility.

“Advancing women is not only good for business. It is the right thing to do,” he said.

– CAJ News