Eighty young women graduate from 3rd cohort of LeadHERship programme

 

Pizza Hut marked the graduation of 80 young women from its third LeadHERship cohort, showcasing the real impact of skills development, mentorship, and inclusive employment opportunities in tackling youth unemployment and gender inequality.

 

A spirit of pride and possibility filled the room as Pizza Hut, in collaboration with the Youth Employment Service (YES) and local NPOs, honoured the achievements of 80 young women graduating from the third cohort of its LeadHERship initiative.

Launched in 2022, the LeadHERship initiative is a bold response to two of South Africa’s most urgent challenges: Youth unemployment and gender inequality.

 

Targeting young women aged 18–24, a demographic with one of the highest unemployment rates, the programme offers participants a transformative year of workplace experience, mentorship, and practical skills training, along with a monthly income that supports an average of 3.5 family members.

 

Now in its third year, the initiative has sponsored a total of 252 youth, with 227 successfully completing the programme, a 91% completion rate. The results speak volumes with 53 graduates having secured permanent roles, 11 having taken on fixed-term contracts, and 5 having gone on to start their own businesses.

More employment outcomes are anticipated as third-cohort graduates begin to enter the job market.

 

DJ Zinhle brings the energy during a surprise performance at the LeadHERship graduation ceremony. Photo: Xoliswa Zakwe

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Pizza Hut marketing director for Middle East and Africa Lee-Ann Cullingworth said: “Through LeadHERship, we’re not just addressing unemployment statistics; we’re changing lives, families, and communities. These young women are breaking barriers, and it was truly special to celebrate their graduation.”

 

The graduation ceremony, held on September 9 at Yum head office, was a vibrant celebration of growth and potential, featuring a keynote address by Ntandoyenkosi (Ntando) Kunene-Radzuma, former Miss South Africa 2016 and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment. “It’s okay to be nervous now, but don’t let that stop you. Channel those nerves into action and do something.” Kunene-Radzuma encouraged the graduates to use their experience as a springboard into bold new opportunities.

 

Graduate Jacqueline Nakana shared a powerful personal story during the event, speaking candidly about her journey before joining the programme. “I knew I needed quality work experience, and through LeadHERship, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. Growth is uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Now, working alongside two inspiring women, I am motivated to become a businesswoman myself. My advice: Just start.”

 

The event concluded with a high-energy networking session, live entertainment, and a surprise DJ set from none other than DJ Zinhle, who celebrated with the graduates in true style.

Social purpose lead at Pizza Hut Marlene von Berg concluded: “The LeadHERship Initiative has become a cornerstone of our global social purpose strategy: An Equal Slice for Everyone. We’re proud of how it continues to create meaningful, lasting change.”