Humans of RCL FOODS – From 160km to success: Sedza’s journey of determination

Some journeys begin with a single step. For Sedza Maalakano, it began with thousands – every single day. Born and raised in the small village of Tshipise Sagole near Thohoyandou in Limpopo, Sedza’s childhood was defined by resilience, discipline, and an unshakable drive for success. With his parents working tirelessly to provide better opportunities, Sedza, the youngest of four siblings, learned early on that sacrifices pave the road to a brighter future.

From pre-school through to matric at Tshikevha Christian School, Sedza travelled over 160km daily. Long bakkie rides, early mornings, and late evenings became his norm. But within that routine, a dream was forming – a belief that his circumstances would not define his future. Guided by the philosophy that “thoughts become things,” he set his sights on something bigger. With his parents’ unwavering belief in the power of education, they instilled in him the value of learning, giving him the foundation to dream boldly and build a future beyond their own.

His journey with RCL FOODS began on 1 November, 2015 as a Management Trainee. Eager to prove himself, he poured everything into learning, growing, and making an impact. But the road to success was anything but easy. At the start of his career, with no personal transport, he found himself hiking nearly 20km to work every day. For many, this would have been an unbearable challenge. For Sedza, it was just another step towards his goal – proof that persistence could conquer even the toughest obstacles.

Through perseverance and a relentless pursuit of growth, his hard work paid off. Promotions followed: Business Improvement Manager in 2019, Acting Processing Manager of our Chilled Plant in 2021, Business Improvement Manager, and eventually, Factory Manager of our Speciality Division in Centurion by 2025. Rising to such a senior role at a young age was no small feat, a testament to his dedication and capability. Each role shaped him, refining his ability to solve problems, lead teams, and drive continuous improvement within the business. But beyond climbing the corporate ladder, what truly mattered to him was the ability to uplift others – to be one of the great mentors he once learnt from.

Yet, despite his professional success, doubt lingered at times. Having studied industrial engineering and named the top student at the University of Johannesburg, he once feared that academic success alone wouldn’t guarantee a fulfilling career. But he refused to let fear dictate his future. Instead, he embraced lifelong learning, completing the Emerging Leaders Development Programme in 2021 through NMMU and earning an Advanced Diploma in General Management through GIBS in 2024. Along the way, he was given the opportunity to travel to countries like Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Ireland for his studies, gaining valuable perspective and broadening his understanding of global business practices. He realised that growth wasn’t about having all the answers – it was about continuously seeking them.

Through it all, Sedza never walked alone. His journey was supported by exceptional managers who saw his potential, mentors who guided him, and – most importantly – his family, whose belief in him never wavered. Their sacrifices fuelled his determination, pushing him to achieve what once seemed impossible.

Then came the moment that made it all worth it – buying his first car. No longer did he have to hike to work, no longer did he have to depend on others for transport. The boy who once travelled over 100km a day had finally reached a point where the road ahead felt a lot smoother. It was a full-circle moment, a symbol of how far he had come from those long school commutes to leading within a major company. But more than that, it was a reminder: no dream is too distant when met with dedication and heart.

Today, Sedza’s purpose is clear: to inspire positive change. His journey is a testament that discipline, resilience, and continuous learning can turn dreams into reality. He wants others to know that success isn’t just for the privileged – it’s for those willing to work for it.

From Management Trainee to Factory Manager, Sedza’s journey is a testament to growth, perseverance, and the power of embracing every opportunity along the way. To all who have come across his incredible story, his message is simple: the road may be long, but every step brings you closer to where you’re meant to be.