For Sulaiman Kasoo, the McDonald’s journey began where many great stories start – at the ground level. From his earliest days wiping tables and working in the kitchen, he’s lived by one clear principle: you can’t tell someone what to do unless you’ve done it yourself.
That hands-on leadership style continues to define his approach as an Owner/Operator today. “You have to walk the talk,” he says. “Life is about give and take – and to lead, you must be among the people. You must live the life of your people.”
Now a respected franchisee, Sulaiman is known not just for operational excellence, but for how deeply he invests in his team. “He’s a very nice person,” says Nqobile Mthembu, a crew trainer who’s risen through the ranks under his mentorship. “He gives us so many opportunities”
“When my people grow, I grow,” says Sulaiman. “That’s the dream for everyone working here – to see themselves rising, climbing that ladder. That’s how I started, and that’s what I want for every crew member.”
And his restaurants are filled with those stories. From long-time managers who began as crew to team leaders taking their first steps toward bigger roles, Sulaiman is intentional about creating a culture of growth and mentorship. His operations manager, Joseph, has walked alongside him for more than a decade – a reflection of the loyalty and trust he inspires.
As McDonald’s evolves to meet the tastes of new generations – with exciting additions like the McCrispy now on local menus – Sulaiman sees change not as a challenge, but as a call to keep building people, not just businesses.
For more than 30 years, McDonald’s has stood as a symbol of opportunity in South Africa – a place where hard work is recognised, and potential is turned into progress. Sulaiman’s story captures this spirit: from humble beginnings to franchise success, his journey reflects a brand built on people, community and the belief that growth is something we do together.
