Pizza Hut’s LeadHERship initiative continues to change lives across South Africa, most recently through a dynamic EmpowerHER session designed to equip young women with the tools they need to thrive in the workplace.
Hosted at Pizza Hut’s head office in Johannesburg, the event brought together over 50 participants from Cohort 3 of the LeadHERship program. The session focused on boosting employability through practical skills training and inspiring mentorship. From CV writing tips and digital tools for career growth to styling advice for interviews and
professional profile pictures, participants left feeling more prepared to step confidently into the job market.
The event opened with powerful testimonies from two young women of Cohort 2, Lindiwe Ndlovu and Sinethemba Mokopeni, who shared their personal journeys of growth and transformation through the program. Reflecting on the universal challenge – “We couldn’t get a job without experience, and we couldn’t get experience without a
job”- Lindiwe spoke about her evolution from a shy girl with no industry background to someone who found her confidence, progressing from a call center agent to a marketing
agency. Sinethemba described how her transition from photography school into the program exposed her to real-world client work, eventually leading her to a role as a
marketing coordinator. “If something scares you, do it anyway,” she said, expressing her gratitude to Pizza Hut for what she described as a “real life opportunity.”
Creating a winning CV
Next, attendees received expert guidance on crafting standout CVs from Nitika Datta, Talent Acquisition Lead at Pizza Hut, Africa. Emphasising the importance of designing a
concise and well-structured CV that highlights your qualifications with clarity and impact. She demonstrated this by comparing two sample CVs and asking the young women for
their opinion which CV best showcased work experience, education, core skills, and accomplishments. Nitika advised including your contact details, city and province
upfront, linking your LinkedIn profile, and using a formal photo on LinkedIn. She stressed the value of action words, quantifiable achievements, and tailoring your
CV to job descriptions with relevant keywords. For entry level, she recommended a one-page CV, while professionals with more experience should limit theirs to two pages.
‘Recruiters take just five seconds to scan your CV,’ she noted, ‘so structure it well, focus on what you bring to the table, and make every word count.’"
Power Up your digital skills Building on the theme of employability, Kelsey Tennent, Brand Manager at Pizza Hut
Africa, encouraged attendees to "power up" their job search using accessible technology. She highlighted ChatGPT as a powerful, free AI tool for crafting CVs, cover
letters and practicing interviews. Kelsey also recommended Canva for its user-friendly CV templates, LinkedIn as a dynamic digital CV platform, and Job Mail for targeted job
searches. Her key takeaway: “These tools are at your fingertips—use them to stand out, personalise your applications, and connect with confidence.” Personal styling tips
Rounding out the day, personal stylist Pippa J delivered an engaging and practical session on dressing for success. Drawing from her experience helping women from all
backgrounds feel confident in their appearance, Pippa explained that 80% of first impressions are based on how we present ourselves. She discussed the psychology of
first impressions and gave actionable advice on grooming, fit, and accessorising appropriately for different work environments. Her top three wardrobe must-haves for
students: a pair of neutral shoes, a classic button-down shirt, and a pencil skirt. “Your wardrobe should help you put your best foot forward,” she said, “because
confidence starts with feeling good in what you wear.” By helping with extra tips on getting that job they want, LeadHERship participants were
empowered at the event to take control of their futures,said event host Rirhandzu Manganye, Head of Brand Marketing for Pizza Hut Africa.
The event concluded with lively networking, delicious food and refreshments, and a sense of renewed motivation among attendees.
LeadHERship founding members Lee-Ann Cullingworth, Pizza Hut Marketing Director for Africa, and Marlene Von Berg, Social Purpose Lead, were delighted to see the day’s impact.
“These young women are trying so hard to create a brighter future for themselves, and we’re happy to equip them with additional skills to boost their employability,” said
Cullingworth and Von Berg.
To learn more or get involved with the LeadHERship initiative, visit
www.pizzahutleadhership.com.
