Celebrating 30 years of McDonald’s South Africa.

When Victoria Moya joined the McDonald’s system in 2010, she brought a unique blend of corporate leadership and entrepreneurial drive. Armed with an MBA, executive experience in banking operations and earlier success as a franchisee with QSR and fuel brands, she viewed McDonald’s as the perfect platform to combine business discipline with a passion for people. “Joining a global brand was both an inspiration and a dream realised,” she says.

Before McDonald’s, Victoria led major banking operations. She served as Director of Cash Operations at Standard Bank and as General Manager at Nedbank and BoE, managing teams of more than 1 200 employees. This foundation in customer service, finance and strategy supports every aspect of her restaurants’ performance. “My corporate years taught me to manage risk, optimise systems and lead at scale,” she notes.

Victoria quickly became active beyond her own restaurants. She chaired the McDonald’s South Africa National Leadership Council from 2014 to 2019 and served on the Global Operator Leadership Council, helping to shape policy and strengthen the franchise system. Her collaborative approach earned respect from fellow franchisees and the corporate team. “System alignment creates value for everyone – from crew to our corporate partners,” she says.

Through her company, Victoria operates six restaurants in KwaZulu-Natal: Amanzimtoti, Galleria Mall, Kingsburgh, Shelly Beach, Port Shepstone and Kokstad. High staff retention is a hallmark of her approach. “Prioritising people is the secret ingredient,” she explains. “When you build capacity and

develop leaders, growth follows naturally.”

Her teams demonstrate that principle: many managers have progressed through the ranks, sustaining a culture of service and operational excellence that keeps customers returning.

Victoria is equally committed to the communities her restaurants serve. She speaks regularly at local schools, supports high school leadership programmes, and is frequently invited to address business forums. “Being a brand ambassador means more than running restaurants; it means showing young people what’s possible,” she says. This extends to her employees’ children, who are treated to annual outings of learning and fun. She claims, “charity begins at home”

In 2023, she broadened that outreach with her first internationally published book, Resilience Do-Over: How to Rediscover Yourself After Hardship. A practical guide inspired by her own journey to help youth, women and men to overcome challenges and pursue their goals.

With new stores planned for the South Coast and a strong growth plan, Victoria remains forward-thinking. Her goals remain consistent: develop people, maintain operational excellence and

contribute to the wider McDonald’s system. “Our business only succeeds when our people succeed,” she says.

As McDonald’s South Africa celebrates 30 years, Victoria Moya’s journey—from early entrepreneurial ventures to corporate leadership and now multi-store franchise ownership of one of the

most loved brands in the world—highlights the opportunities the brand provides and the impact a dedicated franchisee can have on staff and the community alike.