CHICKEN THAT RULES THE ROOST
World-renowned for nearly a century’s worth of Finger Lickin’
Good food, KFC is proud to be the second-largest restaurant chain in the world. We speak to Akhona Qengqe, General Manager of KFC Africa, about her inspirational career and the restaurant chain’s plans for an inclusive, sustainable, and delicious future
Writer: Lauren Kania | Project Manager: Ben Weaver
There are mysteries that have puzzled mankind for decades. Who built Stonehenge? Does the Loch Ness Monster really exist? Is there a sunken city of Atlantis?
However, the most intriguing and tantalising mystery of all is the KFC Original Recipe – a secret mix of 11
herbs and spices used to produce the franchise’s world-famous fried chicken, which is so mouth-watering and tender that it has captured the tastebuds of poultry connoisseurs for nearly an entire century.
In the late 1930s, Harland Sanders - better known as Colonel Sanders
– owned a gas station in Corbin, Kentucky, that became so well known for its pressure fried chicken, a unique cooking method at the time, that he ended up removing the gas pumps and building a restaurant in their place. That intimate, six-table restaurant marked the beginnings of KFC, the
world’s second-largest restaurant chain, now boasting approximately 30,000 locations in 150 different countries and territories globally.
One of the company’s most prominent markets is South Africa, where it established its roots in 1971 and has subsequently grown to
become the largest quick-service restaurant (QSR), with more outlets on the continent than any other fastfood firm.
“Most brands aren’t lucky enough to have world-famous food invented by a founder with an incredible story, but we are,” opens Akhona Qengqe,
General Manager of KFC Africa.
“KFC is a global brand with a rich, decades-long history of success and innovation. Today, while honouring our heritage, we remain committed to modernising Colonel Sanders’ vision by serving feel-good food at scale through inclusive, equitable,
“TODAY, WHILE HONOURING OUR HERITAGE, WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO MODERNISING COLONEL SANDERS’ VISION BY SERVING FEEL-GOOD FOOD AT SCALE THROUGH INCLUSIVE, EQUITABLE, AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES”
-AKHONA QENGQE, GENERAL MANAGER, KFC AFRICA
and sustainable business practices,” she prides.
WORKING AROUND THE ‘CLUCK’
Qengqe’s story is one of inspiration and unwavering dedication, having rapidly ascended through the QSR industry to become the company’s first female and first African General Manager in April 2023.
As someone who represents both the consumers and the workforce that encompass the fast-food restaurant sector, she has the unique ability to respond to challenges not just from an empathic perspective, but from lived experience.
Having started her career as a strategy analyst graduate in petroleum, Qengqe worked in various functions including real estate and convenience retailing before joining KFC Africa as a Development Director
in 2015, tasked with accelerating store growth inside the country and into sub-Saharan Africa, where KFC currently has a presence in 22 countries.
“Fast forward to 2017, I accepted an opportunity to lead the company’s diversity and inclusion agenda. It was in this role that I was able to truly bring life to what I believe is at the core of our strategy – unlocking people’s potential,” she divulges.
Continuing to break down barriers, Qengqe launched initiatives including the first women’s leadership programme, Women on the Move, and the KFC Ikusasa Lethu scholarship, a partnership with the independent school network, Curro Group of Schools, aimed at the most deserving students whose parents work at KFC Africa. The aim is to expand this programme into the rest of subSaharan Africa in the future.
In 2020, Qengqe was then appointed Chief People Officer, a role that allowed her to focus on bringing in and retaining great talent for the organisation and continue to lead the transformation agenda. Within this role, she ensured KFC Africa was representative of its customer base
and conducted business in a way that speaks to the heart of the nation.
“Now, as General Manager, I have the opportunity to take KFC Africa’s equity programmes to new heights from both a local and global perspective,” she enthuses.
“As the world’s second largest
restaurant chain, we’re at an inflexion point where our actions can, and should, make a real, lasting change, and I am privileged to be a part of that.”
SURPASSING EXPECTATIONS
In an effort to remain at the forefront of the industry and connect with diverse consumers, the company recently celebrated the opening of KFC Play Braam, a groundbreaking concept store in Johannesburg’s renowned Play Braamfontein precinct.
“KFC Play Braam will serve as both a unique retail space and an innovation hub for the brand. It will pioneer new concepts in real-time and transform all areas including food, fashion, customer service, team member experience, technology, operations, development, sustainability, and design,” informs Qengqe.
This, coupled with new, forwardthinking technology and a dual-lane drive-thru store at a newly opened concept, off-premises digital store called The Wedge, signal just a few of the incredible innovations happening across the company.
KFC Africa is additionally focusing on digitalisation for the further convenience of its customers, including modern kiosks, digitalised drive-thrus, and updated e-commerce platforms, allowing for a quick and seamless experience.
Alongside ensuring customers can access the store and their meals with ease, the company also promises only the highest quality of food is served at every location.
From the farm straight to the store, KFC Africa is proud to source all its chicken locally, recognising its responsibility to support the communities in which it operates.
STREAMING PROCESS FOR
MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY
Delivering versatile performance to enhance customer journey
FOOD & BEVERAGE OUTLOOK: WHAT DIFFERENTIATES KFC AFRICA FROM THE COMPETITION?
Akhona Qengqe, General Manager: “We create a culture of heart-led high performance that is grounded in winning, celebrating, recognition, inclusion, and belonging. We’re made up of unique and passionate people who each bring their own story, grit, energy, and passion to our kitchens and restaurant support centres each day.
“Together, we work to bring Finger Lickin’ Good chicken and hospitality to the next generation of KFC customers. Every day, we’re finding ways to make a difference and have fun along the way. It is truly our people that differentiate us – that and our fried chicken, of course.”
In most of the other markets outside South Africa, the strategy is to also localise as much of the ingredients as possible.
“Our exciting growth is driven by a steadfast commitment to sustainable business practices, achieved responsibly and in harmony with environmental and social considerations – the supply chain is a critical component of this,” details Qengqe.
“In fact, one way in which the QSR industry can further reduce carbon emissions is by championing locally sourced ingredients by working closely with local suppliers and farmers across our supply chain.”
This close relationship also allows the company to have strict controls in place to ensure that all of its suppliers adhere to global animal welfare standards and practices regarding the treatment of chickens. Going a step further, all ingredients and poultry are
sourced from accredited suppliers and are checked 34 times throughout the journey from farm to restaurant to ensure their quality and safety, all without compromising its Finger Lickin’ Good taste.
BUCKETLOADS OF GOOD FOR ALL
KFC Africa is incredibly proud to be the most inclusive brand on the continent, ensuring that everyone, no matter their identity or background, has an open seat at the table.
Qengqe has been described as a fierce advocate for gender equality, female empowerment, and LGBTQIA+ representation, having created a multitude of programmes and opportunities for those both within the company and throughout the local communities.
The Women on the Move initiative, created in 2021, is a transformative 12-month programme to help equip
Astral Foods Limited - more than a leading integrated poultry producer
Achieving our purpose
Driven by a vision to be the best cost-integrated poultry producer in select African countries, Astral Foods Ltd. was established and listed on the JSE in April 2001. Today, the company is a leading integrated poultry producer in South Africa, playing an essential role in feeding the nation and creating employment.
2023: 4851
What we do
We produce leading brands of the highest quality and safety standards while positively impacting local communities. Our business is centred on three key pillars:
Operations are active at eight strategically placed local and international feed mills.
These well-equipped facilities are used to produce and distribute a wide range of specialised products suited for all commercially farmed animal species.
FY 2023: 1 484 594 tons of feed produced
Combined processing capacity: 6 200 000 broilers per week FY 2023: 12 311 employees across operations
Where we create value
At any given time, we have about 34 000 000 broilers under our management. Our poultry products are produced on 178 agricultural sites.
Our operations involve:
• Ross Poultry Breeders (Broiler Genetics)
• Central Analytical Laboratories (CAL) (Laboratory services)
• National Chicks – South Africa and Tiger Chicks – Zambia (Day-old broiler and hatching egg supplier)
Our four processing plants process, package, store and distribute our products.
The commercial division is predominantly responsible for sales to retail, wholesale and QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) customers who rely on Astral for the timely supply of quality chicken to the trade.
1. Animal feed 3. Poultry commercial 2. Poultry agriculture
“IF THERE’S ANYTHING WE CARE ABOUT MORE THAN CHICKEN, IT’S OUR PEOPLE –THE TEAM MEMBERS IN OUR RESTAURANTS, OUR FRANCHISE PARTNERS, AND OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES THAT WE SERVE EVERY DAY”
-AKHONA QENGQE, GENERAL MANAGER, KFC AFRICA
women with tools and resources to leverage their innate leadership qualities and fuel results within the business.
“This initiative sees women go through the process of discovery, participation, and self-transformation that is underpinned by blended exposure, which results in readiness for leadership and driving a high-performance culture,” expands Qengqe.
The programme was expanded even further by the newly introduced Women on the Move Extended
Network (WOM.EN), which looks to bring women across the business together, globally at all levels, and afford them the opportunity to share experiences, learnings, and challenges, creating growth networks both within KFC and externally with like-minded individuals and organisations that would otherwise not be available.
Qengqe has also helped launch SHINE, a global programme for women aimed at creating a safe and brave space for people to connect,
belong, and lead, ultimately building leadership experience by creating an environment of inclusion and belonging with a restaurant-first mentality.
“This programme allows the business to not only partner with other leaders from around the world and be at the forefront of leading change for our people, but also become a visible ally for women and LGBTQIA+ communities around the globe,” proudly states Qengqe.
Additionally, in order to continue to drive the economic active
A PARTNERSHIP THAT’S FULL OF GOODNESS
Sovereign, a leading poultry supplier in South Africa, stands at the forefront of excellence and commitment in delivering top-quality chicken products, a fact further accentuated by their esteemed partnership with Yum! As a proud supplier to Yum!, Sovereign has consistently delivered on its promise of providing South Africa with the topquality chicken products that the Yum! brand is known for.
Central to the success of this partnership is Sovereign’s unwavering dedication to exceptional service delivery, consistent supply, and quality. As a show of its commitment to making the Yum! partnership a successful one, Sovereign has actioned substantial Capex investments and expansions at Hartbeespoort and Kariega, where the brand has established two state-of-the-art processing facilities. These cutting-edge sites serve as a testament to Sovereign’s dedication to delivering products of Yum!-approved quality. In bolstering its production capabilities and resources, Sovereign has also helped
Furthermore, Sovereign’s investment in water and electricity projects underscores its proactive approach to maintaining a stable and sustainable supply chain. By incorporating solar technology, generators, and a wastewater treatment plant into their operations, Sovereign has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability, even under challenging circumstances in South Africa.
In addition to enhancing operational efficiency, the brand has also prioritised investments to meet exceptional quality standards and compliance requirements. Achieving Yum! approval for its outside storage facilities and becoming a Tier One supplier for Yum!, is a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to meeting and exceeding global food safety standards.
Going forward, Sovereign will continue to uphold its promise of delivering products that are “Full of Goodness,” enriching the dining experiences of millions across South Africa.
participation of women in local communities, KFC Africa has introduced socially-led initiatives such as Add Hope, the largest corporate feeding scheme in South Africa, and Mini Cricket, a programme for young cricketers from any background, a programme that KFC will soon be launching into other sub-Saharan African markets.
“We believe that a multifaceted approach to driving the recognition and elevation of women, both in business and communities, is the
only way real change will be made,” declares Qengqe.
With the desire to be an environment filled with bucketloads of good for everyone, KFC Africa is building a workplace that reflects a world in which all people have an equal opportunity to live and thrive. The company extends this to more than 40,000 people employed across the continent, as well as the customers served and the communities in which it lives and operates.
“TOGETHER, WE WORK TO BRING FINGER LICKIN’ GOOD CHICKEN TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF KFC CUSTOMERS. EVERY DAY, WE’RE FINDING WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HAVE FUN ALONG THE WAY”
-AKHONA QENGQE, GENERAL MANAGER, KFC AFRICA
A SPECTACULAR WORKPLACE
KFC Africa is steadfast in the belief that its people are the very heart of the brand.
Investing in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is of vital importance to the company, allowing team members and their families to have the opportunities to develop their skills, further their careers, and gain quality education.
“We strive to be the best place to work through our heart-led, highperformance mindset and inclusive culture,” details Qengqe.
“We believe in feeding people’s potential, and we do this through global and local social purpose programmes that build skills to unlock employment opportunities in our industry and beyond.”
This is achieved by empowering employees to bring creativity, ideas, and individuality to the table.
Skedadel: Revolutionising Food Delivery Across South Africa
Since its inception in 2018, Skedadel has been at the forefront of the online food ordering and delivery industry in South Africa.
Our name means to leave hurriedly or quickly, especially to avoid trouble or danger. It's often used informally to describe a sudden departure or quick getaway, just like our guys in red do when we receive your order!
Skedadel with a focus on e ciency, reliability, and customer satisfaction,
Lufil Packaging established itself 40 years ago and supplies paper bags, wraps and serviettes to the QSR and Retail markets. Lufil has been the supplier of the KFC branded serviettes for the past 18 years in South Africa.
The serviette material is food grade, FSC certified tissue grade that is supplied from Sappi at their North Coast mill in KwaZulu Natal
Fun Fact:
Did you know -Tissue paper is made from sugarcane waste fibre (bagasse). This sustainable approach ultimately also helps to protect our environment postproduction, with paper that is biodegradable, acid-free and recyclable. - Sappi
Skedadel has quickly become the preferred last-mile food delivery service in all major South African city centres.
Delivery Methods and Expertise
Skedadel utilises a variety of courier methods to ensure swift and e cient delivery to its customers. From cars to scooters to bikes, Skedadelers, at your services.
Reliable Service, Every Time
Whether it's an on-demand order or a scheduled delivery, customers can rest assured that Skedadel will always deliver. With our commitment to timely service and customer satisfaction, we strive to exceed expectations with every delivery.
Customer-Centric Approach
Our team is dedicated to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience from order placement to delivery, ensuring that every customer's needs are met with professionalism and care.
Skedadel is not just a food delivery service; it's a commitment to excellence, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
With our wide range of delivery options, convenient online platform, and unwavering dedication to customer service, Skedadel is revolutionising the way South Africans enjoy their favourite meals and will soon be expanding into the rest of Africa .
Experience the Skedadel di erence today. leave the last mile to us; you make it, we'll take it
THE BIGGER PICTURE!
Our primary vision at Skedadel is to be the preferred food delivery partner in SA. How will we accomplish that?
By uplifting our rural communities, creating job opportunities and empowering them through skills development. Our entry-level driver program provides the perfect platform for career development.
Zola Moyikwa, he joined Skedadel in August of 2022 as a dedicated driver, and within 6 months, he was promoted to Driver Manager. Zola's commitment to service excellence and passion for teamwork will stand him in good stead as he aspires to become a Fleet Manager.
CHICKEN WELFARE DONE THE RIGHT WAY
KFC Africa is unwavering in its goal to provide chicken that is freshly prepared in its restaurants and sourced from suppliers who ensure they are well cared for and healthy throughout their lives.
FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT:
All birds are housed in an appropriate environment that includes shelter and a comfortable resting area.
FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOUR: The animals that are sourced are raised with sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of their own kind.
FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS: KFC Africa’s suppliers ensure conditions and treatment that prevents stress on the animals.
FREEDOM FROM HUNGER OR THIRST: Suppliers ensure that all poultry has been raised with ready
Additionally, KFC Africa creates tailored development plans for leadership training and mentorship, and offers a wide variety of
helping individuals grow and develop,
taste meet the same high standards, regardless of location. It therefore uses premium, whole-muscle chickens that comply with local animal rights legislation and are always freshly prepared by team members within KFC Africa kitchens.
Alongside creating an environment
“We have a continued focus on exclusively using the freshest ingredients that are meticulously monitored and controlled, leveraging technology and processes that meet the highest food service excellence standards which, together with ongoing training, upskilling, and auditing of our restaurant operations, means we serve great food with great taste every time,” acknowledges Qengqe.
To guarantee the unique flavour that customers have come to expect from KFC Africa restaurants, all suppliers and over 1,400 stores across sub-Saharan Africa are independently audited throughout the year, helping ensure that all health and safety procedures are followed.
Crest Choice Chicken
APPETITE FOR A HEALTHIER PLANET
In a world that is more conscious of humanity’s impact on the environment, it is no surprise that sustainability is a critical component to operating a business.
As KFC Africa continues to tackle its environmental footprint with bold action, it is committed to building with purpose while simultaneously
decreasing its carbon emissions.
In order to have a sustainable impact, the company is sourcing its food responsibly and utilising robust waste reduction efforts, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 46 percent per restaurant and decreasing packaging purchased by 2030, alongside achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
“From a packaging perspective,
straws to environmentally-friendly paper straws in 2019 empowered the company to remove an annual volume of 80 million pieces of single-use plastic from the South African waste stream. Additionally, the company also localised the production of the newly introduced paper straws to reduce transport pollution and support the local economy.
When KFC Africa launched its paper-based gravy and coleslaw bowls in 2022, the company once again reduced its single-use plastic annual tonnage, this time by a massive 40 percent.
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Nulaid
Nulaid is an integrated egg business with its own breeding farms, hatcheries, rearing farms, laying farms, and packstations.
In Gauteng, we grade and pasteurise the best quality eggs for KFC and we deliver daily to their DC. The brand for these pasteurised eggs is called Safe Eggs. It assists KFC with their food safety requirements and the extended shelf life helps with their planning.
Nulaid is very proud to be the preferred egg supplier to KFC and we look forward to building further relationships and to be part of their growing business.
us: +27 (0) 21 864 8600 info@quantumfoods.co.za www.nulaid.co.za
FEEDING PEOPLE’S POTENTIAL
KFC Africa believes in providing educational opportunities for children. Its scholarship programme, KFC Ikusasa Lethu, aims to do just that.
The programme identifies high-performing students from across South Africa, mainly the children of KFC Africa’s in-store team members, supporting them in their pursuit of knowledge with a quality education and all that they need to make the most of this opportunity.
The company has already seen incredible results, such as a 96 percent pass rate and 30 accolades amongst over 30 children that have already enrolled in the programme.
The scholarship provides students with tutoring, mentoring, school fees, uniforms, stationery, transport, camps, and academic support, and has a goal of supporting 50 learners by 2025.
While restaurants are still required by legislation to use plastic products for food safety reasons, KFC Africa’s focus is very much centralised around ensuring a minimal impact on the environment by working to make every plastic product used is recyclable.
Ultimately, the priority goal remains to move away from plastic packaging wherever possible and continuously examine a diverse range of materials to develop a balanced approach for the procurement of packaging.
“With our global KFC Building Green standards guiding our development, we continue to innovate the way we open, remodel, and operate our restaurants to minimise air pollution, water and electricity usage, and waste generated by our operations,” further emphasises Qengqe.
AN ‘EGG’-QUISITE FUTURE
KFC Africa has long been a pioneer in the continent’s QSR industry, prepared to put its money where its
mouth is to establish the market.
Under the leadership and guidance of Qengqe, the company is prepared and ready to progress further than ever before, continuing to be a game changer within the industry.
“As cultures intertwine and borders blur, palates are constantly evolving, coupled with digital innovations, a focus on sustainability, and customer preferences and habits that are evolving faster than ever; these changes make for an exciting industry,” she enthuses.
To be Africa’s leading QSR brand, the company must ensure it is constantly evolving alongside its consumers in order to meet their needs. While some may view this as a challenge, KFC Africa sees it as an opportunity. Looking towards the future, it aims to be at the forefront of innovation in food, store design, and in-restaurant experiences, building a talent powerhouse that dominates locally and is globally exportable, doubling down on community relevance through its Add Hope programme.
“I believe in Africa, its people, and the incredible untapped potential that still exists. As a business, we have shown tremendous growth, momentum, and acceleration through very challenging times in the past few years, and because of the people we have in our business, including our franchise partners, and our ongoing commitment to a high-performance, heart-led culture, we have shown that the impossible is, in fact, possible. I cannot wait to see what we can collectively achieve,” concludes Qengqe.
