KFC Africa is investing in employee development as businesses look for ways to build skills, strengthen retention and create opportunities for career progression, particularly in industries with large frontline workforces.
Luthando Nyameni (left), Nolo Thobejane (middle) and Rose Khoza
KFC Africa’s Streetwise Academy has now produced 303 graduates since its launch. The programme provides eligible employees with fully funded, Services Seta-accredited qualifications, combining formal learning with practical workplace experience.
Of the 101 team members who graduated in 2026, 84% have remained with KFC. The latest results highlight how workplace training can support employees’ professional development while helping businesses retain experienced staff.
Linking qualifications to career progression
The Class of 2026 achieved qualifications across NQF levels 3, 4 and 5, covering restaurant operations, management and leadership.
For employees, the training offers a way to gain recognised qualifications while continuing to work. For the business, it helps develop people who understand its operations and can progress into positions with greater responsibility.
Luthando Nyameni, an inventory manager working for a KFC franchisee in the Eastern Cape, has spent 13 years with the business. He says completing an NQF Level 5 qualification has strengthened his understanding of operations, leadership and people management, helping him take on additional responsibilities.
Rose Khoza, restaurant general manager at KFC Daveyton Mall in Benoni, also completed an NQF Level 5 qualification. She says the programme helped her develop her approach to people management, problem-solving and leading under pressure.
Their experiences show how formal qualifications can build on existing workplace knowledge and help employees prepare for more senior roles.
Developing a broader talent pipeline
Streetwise Academy offers Services Seta-accredited qualifications from NQF levels 3 to 7. Training combines online learning with practical, on-the-job experience, and is fully funded for participating team members.
Women account for 52% of this year’s graduating class, contributing to the development of future leaders across the business.
Nolo Thobejane, chief people, culture and purpose officer at KFC Africa, says the programme is designed to give employees the skills and confidence to progress into leadership and management positions.
“Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity doesn’t always. Our responsibility is to create an environment where people can see a future for themselves and have the support to pursue it,” says Thobejane.
For businesses operating across multiple restaurants, developing talent internally can help build a pipeline of people with the operational experience needed to lead teams and manage day-to-day performance.
With 303 graduates to date, Streetwise Academy forms part of KFC Africa’s broader focus on employee development and creating longer-term career opportunities within the quick-service restaurant industry.
