In the heart of Malelane, where the sugarcane stretches as far as the eye can see, there’s a woman whose kindness and resilience has touched countless lives. Athalia’s journey is not just about personal growth; it’s about lifting others with her. From her work at TsGRO, a joint venture between RCL FOODS and small-scale growers,
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,
With the 2024 academic year behind us, we wanted to take a moment to congratulate our nation’s matriculants, particularly those in our Star School Programme, sponsored by our Selati Sugar business in partnership with AgriSETA. The continued success of this year’s students is a testament to this programme This includes the likes of our top
Since 1951, the Nola brand has been a staple in South African homes. Starting with edible oil, Nola has evolved over seven decades, driven by our passion for the consumer. One thing that remains after more than 70 years is Nola’s strong heritage of uncompromising taste and inspiration. Today, Nola is a market leader with
Growth is never linear, but when you refuse to give up, the results are always beautiful. Boikanyo Molefe truly embodies this — an incredibly talented and multifaceted human of RCL FOODS who is as passionate about his career growth as he is about fashion, rugby, and acting! Boikanyo, originally from the North West, considers himself
Since 1985, South African families have trusted Bobtail to look out for the well-being of their dogs. With a variety of nutritional dry food, meal enhancers and treats, Bobtail has been a staple in households for 40 years to protect our nation’s dogs and provide them with:• A healthy skin and coat• Strong teeth and
When you think of unmistakably authentic Mzansi products, there’s a good chance that Number 1 Mageu comes to mind – the original, fermented, dairy-free, and maize-based beverage that’s been part of our nation’s culture since 1969. Number 1 Mageu is a trusted Mageu industry icon thanks to the brand’s rich heritage, which resonates with consumers
Since 1965, Selati has established and cemented a cherished place in hearts and cupboards across the country. A simple yet profound mission to spread joy has allowed the brand to give back to communities, empower local growers, and enrich the lives of our nation’s youth. Whether in a bowl of porridge, a cup of tea,
Impactful, perfectly describes Kevin Naidoo, a remarkable Training Officer and phenomenal human of RCL FOODS. He is a multifaceted individual, excelling in both his professional career, and his passion for motivating others, while being deeply involved in community service. As we approach International Day of People living with Disabilities on 3rd December, we are celebrating
At the heart of our business, you’ll find incredible humans who live their purpose daily to overcome the odds in the hopes of a brighter future for themselves and others. Talent Manyonga is an incredible human who embodies this daily. Having struggled with a speech impairment from a young age, Talent refused to be defined
For over 85 years, OUMA Rusks has been a cherished South African brand, rooted in a rich history that begins in the small town of Molteno, Northern Cape. Born out of necessity during the Great Depression, the brand’s humble origins lie in the heartwarming story of Ouma Greyvensteyn, who turned a family recipe into a
Meet Saras Naicker, one of the remarkable humans who make RCL FOODS the extraordinary place it is. Since joining the company 13 years ago, Saras has progressed from a Maintenance Clerk to Senior Risk Control Officer, all while nurturing a deep passion for animals and a profound commitment to her community. Through hard work and
RCL FOODS has woven Sustainability into its Business Strategy to secure a positive future. The term “Sustainability” often brings to mind lush green landscapes and environmental activism. However, it’s actually so much more than that. “We need to move past the idea that sustainability is just a ‘green’ initiative. In a corporate context and for
Byron is another one of our inspiring Humans of RCL FOODS – a leader whose journey reflects the heart of our Purpose: We Grow What Matters. His story is one of resilience, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of making a difference – not just for himself, but for those around him. Raised in a marginalised
After a gruelling day of cooking and baking, the winners of the 2024 RCL FOODS Young Chefs & Bakers Challenge have been announced. Competing in the finals held at The Capsicum Culinary Studio Durban Campus, the teams showcased their culinary skills through a mystery basket main course and a pre-submitted dessert, which tested their creativity,
After an intense day of culinary competition, the finalists for the 2024 RCL FOODS Young Chefs & Bakers Challenge have been announced. A total of 60 chefs competed simultaneously in three cities across the country, with 10 teams competing in both Johannesburg and Durban, and 10 teams in Cape Town. Each team brought passion, precision,
The excitement is building as RCL FOODS proudly announces the semi-finalists for the highly anticipated RCL FOODS Young Chefs & Bakers Challenge. In less than a week, the semi-finals will take place, showcasing the skills, creativity, and passion of the next generation of culinary talent from across South Africa. This year’s competition is fiercer than
At RCL FOODS, our commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a strategy but a core value, and we are committed to bring it to life. We believe that by empowering women, We Grow What Matters for our employees, our business, and our communities. These initiatives are more than just programmes; they are pathways
Culinary enthusiasts across South Africa are gearing up for another exhilarating edition of the RCL FOODS Young Chefs & Bakers Challenge, set to discover and celebrate the nation’s brightest young culinary talents. Following the resounding success of last year’s competition, which crowned Catherine Sainsbury and Robert Zituta from Silwood School of Cookery as champions, this
Over the course of our careers, many of us will choose a profession based on our skills, talents and hopes for the future. But for Siwe Mamba, another remarkable human of RCL FOODS, it’s always been about chasing and, most importantly, choosing joy. With her purpose to be positive and share her positivity wherever she
Bread is one of South Africa’s staple foods, and despite a challenging market, RCL FOODS’ Baking business is on the rise. “The baking industry as a whole has faced a very difficult past three years, with the significant increase in commodity prices impacting the end-pricing for consumers who’re already financially challenged,” says Daryl Milne, Managing
Life Simplified. These are two words that come to mind when we think of Nomathamsanqa Mdlazi, Noma to her friends, a fellow Human of RCL FOODS. It’s also the name of her YouTube Channel that encourages her followers to live simply and meaningfully. As someone who embodies her “why” daily, we admire Noma for boldly
From overcoming loss to leading with purpose, Tshepo Monyitshwale’s story is one of remarkable resilience and accountability. Losing his father at a young age, Tshepo had to rebuild his confidence and learn valuable lessons about perseverance far beyond his years. After completing a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree at the University of Venda, Tshepo was
RCL FOODS is home to over 30 household brands, from Nola Mayonnaise to Yum Yum Peanut Butter and more. But while we have many market-leading brands, we’re not taking anything for granted – and we know that we’re operating in a tough business environment. “Consumers are struggling with high inflation, and they’re looking for products
Mlu is on a mission to support vulnerable children In the tropical town of Pongola lives a man with a heart of gold – Mlungisi Ntshangase, affectionately known as Mlu. You may recognise him as a driver from the Pongola Sugar Mill. However, to the children of his community, he is a beacon of hope.
RCL FOODS’ Sugar business is deeply rooted in South African soil. “A lot of our operations are in rural areas, where we support the livelihoods of over 1 200 small-scale growers,” says Michela Cutts, Managing Director: Sugar. “We’re often both the hub and the creator of economic activity in these areas. But while we are
Elani’s inspiring career shift is a lesson in the importance of embracing change to chase after one’s passions wholeheartedly. With a qualification in Chartered Accounting, Elani began her journey at RCL FOODS in May 2020. She started her career as a Management Accountant for Speciality Bread, focusing on numbers and finance. She was clearly very
As the dust settles on the 2023 academic year, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to last year’s 40 exceptional Star School matriculants – particularly the top 5 performers: Acron Mthembu, Siphosethu Lubisi, Portia Ntimba, Soft Chambale, and Frank Lubisi. Top student, Acron, is currently pursuing medicine at Sefako Makgatho. As our top
“Food safety is not just about meeting the minimum requirements of the law,” says Najib Salim, RCL FOODS’ Safety, Health, Environment, Risk & Quality (SHERQ) Director. “We want to be best-in-class. We adhere to the highest standards in terms of food safety, and we’re driving a company-wide culture of safety.” South Africa has multiple laws
In December 2023, 21 learners graduated from RCL FOODS’ Siyabhaka Academy, receiving NQF 2 and 3 qualifications. However, the skills they acquired during the program go beyond simple qualifications. The highly specialised syllabus aims to equip students with a balance of technical knowledge, practical hands-on skills and in-bakery experience – all to make graduates as