Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) has been named a Certified Top Employer, recognised for its inclusive culture, leadership development, and commitment to employee growth, wellbeing, and sustainability offering more than just jobs, but purpose-driven career opportunities.
“Being recognised as an Employer of Choice is a reflection of our commitment to building an inclusive, developmental culture – a place where people want to join, stay, grow, and build careers,” said Willie van Wyk, Human Resources Business Partner at CCBSA. “It’s a positive reflection of how we support our people and create opportunities.”
The Top Employer certification is awarded following a rigorous evaluation by the Top Employers Institute, which assesses companies based on their people practices. According to Willie, CCBSA’s successful certification stems from its ‘People First’ strategy, which emphasises leadership development, employee wellbeing, and equal opportunity.
Key initiatives that led to the recognition include CCBSA’s comprehensive employee engagement surveys. These are conducted annually, completely anonymously, and help identify areas for improvement across the business. “These surveys help us understand how our employees feel and where we can improve,” said Willie. “We then turn that feedback into real, actionable change.”
The company also boasts strong leadership development and career growth programmes. From mentorship to monthly performance conversations and structured development plans, employees are encouraged to grow professionally. “We offer more than just a job – we offer purpose and long-term career paths,” Willie expressed. This includes opportunities for international mobility and access to education for employees and even their children.
Diversity and inclusion remain central to CCBSA’s HR strategy. More than half of the company’s leadership roles are filled by women – a point of pride for Willie. “We aim to reflect the communities we serve,” he said. “Whether it’s in major cities or small towns like Kuruman, we are committed to developing local talent.”
Despite challenges – including aligning national strategies with local conditions across wide regions like the Free State, North West, and Northern Cape – CCBSA has maintained high engagement through robust planning and communication. “We rely on strong leadership and ethical decision-making to guide us,” Willie explained.
The road ahead, according to him, includes preparing the workforce for rapid technological shifts. “We must align our people strategy with emerging trends, especially around digital skills and artificial intelligence,” he said. “Our youth development programs are key to building a workforce ready for the future.”
Willie added that sustainability remains a top priority – from environmental practices like water conservation and recycling to broader social impact. “We aim to refresh Africa every day, not only through our products, but by building stronger communities.”
He concluded: “Our goal is to be the most admired company in Africa. That starts with serving our customers and communities with integrity, passion, and a relentless focus on doing the right thing.”
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Text: JUSTINE FORTUIN / Photograph: CLEMENT MATROOS
