McDonald’s South Africa celebrated women’s month with a thought-provoking panel discussion on August 14, titled: Women in Conversation: The Power of Mentorship.

The event was hosted at Hamburger University, the company’s leadership and training centre in Johannesburg.

Read more: Women complete mentorship programme

Part of the McDonald’s Women in Leadership Network’s women’s month programme, the event coincided with the company’s 30th anniversary in South Africa.

Leaders from business, industry, and within McDonald’s, shared insights on how mentorship empowers women, shapes leadership journeys, and strengthens organisational culture.

Chief executive officer Max Oliva noted that women make up 61% of McDonald’s total employees, 64% of restaurant managers, and 25% of franchise owner-operators. “These numbers reflect more than statistics; they tell the story of progress, purpose, and partnership. And we’re not done.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth McDonald’s South Africa CEO Max Oliva speaks about women’s empowerment in McDonald’s SA, and his vision for supporting and advancing women in McDonald’s. #McDonalds #Sandton ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Panelist Andrea Reinecke spoke about the transformative power of mentorship. “It plants seeds of belief that can grow into remarkable achievements.”

Maureen Mtonintshi, chairperson of the Women in Leadership Network, described mentorship as a powerful tool to help women rise. “When we invest in women, we invest in stronger businesses and stronger communities.”

Oliva concluded: “To build a stronger South Africa, we must continue to create spaces where women can lead, mentor, and inspire the generations to come.”

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