Thandeka proves to SA that she is ‘streetwise’ too

“I was studying Human Resources but had to drop out of college since I didn’t have funds to continue. It was a very hard time for me. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I went out to look for a job.” Meet Thandeka Hlatshwayo, a 29 year old mother to a four year old daughter, an enthused KFC cashier in Dundee and this years’ winner of the Abo Kleva KFC competition.

The ‘Abo Kleva’ or ‘Streetwise’ competition run by KFC SA is an internal competition with all store staff nationwide were employees were requested to submit their story on how they strive to achieve double the effort every single day. Thandeka pursued a very relevant topic to South Africans since the ‘transformational’ 1995 Rugby World Cup; sport. “Sport is the one thing that unites us all in South Africa. It is easy to talk about- even the shyest people comment on sport” says Thandeka enthusiastically. She goes out of her way in her spare time to catch up on all types of sport since she has such a diverse customer base.

“I would always get a smile in return for my effort,” she says about people opening up and chatting to her about sports. She raised the stakes by betting with her customers – “If their favorite team loses they will donate R2 a day for a month to the Add Hope campaign.” With this popular tactic amongst her customers, she managed to raise R3920 alone for the World Hunger Relief Month in October last year which was donated to orphanages.

Thandeka is in store for double her salary because of her amazing work and one year’s free Bona subscription and hampers. “It feels good to win,” she says with a smile. Although she still finds it unbelievable she points out that it shows that God has a plan for you “having the little that I have, I’m grateful,” she adds.

Being a sport fanatic herself she enjoys playing netball to stay fit and supporting her favorite soccer team, Kaizer Chiefs. Although work and being a mother occupies most of her time she wishes to give her four-year-old daughter the best and make her proud.

Thandeka states that she is happy to be a part of a supportive team and this is what they had to say about their co-worker:

“She is respectful, diligent, listens and offers good service. She also has the highest percentage in sales by exceeding the target every time.” – Sithembile Skhosana (Manager)

“She is a god person. It is great working with her.” – Ncamisile Dubazana

“I love working with her. She loves to laugh and her service is excellent.” – Thandazile Mtshali

“She is a good worker, has a ‘go-for-break-through’ attitude.” – Nomusa Msimang

Thandeka shows that she is here for a purpose. She makes sure she is punctual and shows up every day for work, “I respect my job”.