Alex youth hopes to grow leadership ambitions in learnership
Alexandra’s Thuli Nhlamulo Sibanda hopes to use a CATHSSETA learnership to grow her leadership ambitions in food giant McDonald’s.
A young woman from Alexandra is among 1 400 youths from around the country who will be trained in various job-ready skills as part of moves to curb the rising number of unemployed youths in the country.
Limpopo born 24-year-old Thuli Nhlamulo Sibanda, from the Stoneridge outlet of McDonald’s South Africa, said she was overjoyed to have been selected as one of the inaugural beneficiaries of the empowerment programme, which could see some beneficiaries opening their own small businesses in line with the training and mentorship they’ve received.
Read more: Sayza_ZA initiates Amagomora School Tour to empower Alex youth
When asked what her ambition was after completing the programme, Sibanda has a very clear goal in mind. “I have ambition to grow and develop within McDonald’s, and probably become one of the company’s top executives.”
McDonald’s South Africa has collaborated with the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) to develop its workforce and empower them with various skills that can also help them strike out on their own, or remain within the company but climb the echelons of leadership within McDonald’s.
Also read: Companies unite on Mandela Day to revamp youth centre in Alex
The training institution within McDonald’s has been developed and aptly named the Hamburger University. It will provide training to unemployed youth through a Hospitality Learnership Programme, aligning with CATHSSETA’s recently adopted High Impact Programme, which aims to empower both employed and unemployed youth with skills that could lead to employment within McDonald’s, or the broader hospitality sector, or even help them strike out with their own businesses.
“Our role and mandate, as set out in section 10 of the Skills Development Act of 1998, includes developing and implementing sector skills plans which talks to supporting and administering learning programmes and facilitating the implementation of the National Qualifications Framework, and to conduct quality assurance on learning in line with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations requirements,” said the CEO of CATHSSETA, Marks Thibela.
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Alex youth to represent South Africa abroad
