Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa: Women Leading The Economic Hub – Gauteng

They are uniquely influential executives in their distinct environments – from public affairs and sustainability, commercial and marketing, communications and stakeholder management, manufacturing and finance. 

Many industries, including fast-moving consumer goods continue to seek opportunities for diversity and the inclusion of women in leading roles. Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is one such organisation with a valiant ambition to have 50% women in leadership by 2025 and invest in the economic inclusion of women in society – because women are integral to their shared success. 

Meet CCBSA’s distinct female leaders in its Gauteng commercial and manufacturing operations, made up of 64% Women in Leadership  – who are resilient and share a common goal to uplift and empower society. 

Q: Tell us about yourself 

Gugu: My career started at the bank as a Finance Trainee. I then moved to join the Motor Industry/FMCG as a Management Accountant, i.e. Toyota Motors SA and Unilever SA, respectively. My biggest highlight within the Motor Industry was being a Finance Fixed Assets Lead for the Hilux Export to Europe in 2005! In 2008, I joined Amalgamated Beverage Industries (ABI) as a Financial Planner and progressed through the ranks within the Coke value chain.

Q: What are the important lessons you learnt that have impacted your growth and success?

Gugu: Every day is another chance to try again, so give it all you can! Stay honest, open-minded, and solution-driven and embrace change!

Q: How does women empowerment contribute to the success of a business, and the well-being of society overall? 

Gugu: Women embrace collaboration and are more engaging. Women stay true to the course and often seek opportunities to create value for everyone.  

Q: How can we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion and what steps must we take to make this a reality? 

Gugu: The awareness and education of gender equality is a critical enabler for equal opportunities, increased productivity and reduced conflicts. 

Q: Tell us about yourself 

Angela: I started my career in 1996 at twenty at Amalgamated Beverages Industries (ABI) as a Marketing Information Clerk and was privileged to grow and gain experience through many projects. My career path has remained in the Sales Execution space, having held roles such as Promotions Manager, Marketing Services Manager, and Project Manager in Regional Commercial Operations. In 2016, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) merged, and I was honoured to be part of the Channel Development Team. I am also blessed with my two beautiful children.

Q: What are the important lessons you learnt that have impacted your growth and success?

Angela: Growth is a personal journey; I am ultimately responsible for my growth. The ability to work within a team is critical, as we cannot succeed without others. Self-reflection and understanding myself and others have contributed to my success. It is important to have a support system, personally and at work; never be afraid to ask for help. Always surround yourself with positive people. 

Q: How does women empowerment contribute to the success of a business, and the well-being of society overall? 

Angela: When women are empowered, they can help shape society, build the economy and nurture their families. Our contribution to business provides a softer touch, making the environment a little more humanoid.

Q: How can we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion and what steps must we take to make this a reality? 

Angela: Promote education, training and professional development for women. Raise our sons to respect and value women from young. Raise our daughters to be strong, independent women.

Bonus question: Does CCBSA encourage gender inclusion and equality?

Angela: Yes, we have amazing women in leadership who are strong mentors for the young women in our business. For the most part, I feel heard, and my ideas and opinions are valued. We have come a long way.

Q: Tell us about yourself 

Teresa: The past nine years at The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) have been a thrilling experience, touching on everything from Finance to Innovations and now Franchise leadership, all part of a career I’ve been building over the last thirty-plus years. I guess you could say I’m a jack of all trades in the corporate world! My resume includes big names like MTN, Verizon, and Investec.

I’m also all about family and have been married for thirty-two years with two amazing kids – who are carving out their paths in the fields of Occupational Therapy and Data Science. When the pace of life slows down, or I need to take a deep breath, you’ll find me in my garden or the kitchen – my sanctuaries where I love to create what I affectionately call my ‘masterpieces’. But my real passion lies in people from all walks of life – it’s been a lifelong fascination that has inspired many travel destinations, and almost all my “own time” is spent engrossed in this topic! That’s me – a blend of corporate, culture, people and homemaking artistry.

Q: What are the important lessons you learnt that have impacted your growth and success?

Teresa: Know yourself and remain true to yourself. You are worth it! Work hard, but never sacrifice your happiness. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade – this is where resilience becomes the name of the game – get up, dust yourself off and keep going! And continuously learn new skills and stay curious; nothing risked, nothing gained – say YES more often and see what happens!

Q: How does women empowerment contribute to the success of a business, and the well-being of society overall?

Teresa: Women empowerment is a game-changer for any business and society at large. When women are empowered, organisations benefit from a broader range of perspectives, which drives holistic appreciation of the workforce and better decision-making. This inclusivity often results in higher employee morale and productivity, which can impact the workplace culture positively. In society, empowered women raise empowered children, creating a ripple effect that uplifts entire communities. Balanced representation in leadership, in turn, inspires younger women to show up authentically and continue to challenge the status quo.  

Q: How can we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion and what steps must we take to make this a reality?

Teresa: Be curious and take the time to really understand the perspectives of others without judgement. Be willing to be wrong and to learn! Run focus groups, allow women to tell their stories and pay attention – they will inspire you with their tenacity and drive to move society forward. Women lean in, speak up, and recognise that the time has come for your voice to be heard! By giving others the opportunity to grow and learn you in turn will reap the benefits of higher levels of engagement and the opportunity to reach greater heights.

Q: Tell us about yourself

Lize: I became a part of the Coke family in 2010 when I assumed the role of Lab Manager. Since then, my journey has seen me in various capacities, from serving as SHEQ and Process Support Manager to taking on responsibilities as Unit Manager and Production Engineer at two manufacturing plants in Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa.

I’ve also found profound joy in my personal life; happily married to Terance for twelve years and blessed with two wonderfully independent-minded, busy children, Renesmay (12) and Brayden (10). Motherhood has been the most rewarding role – I treasure every moment spent with my family. Their presence keeps me grounded and reminds me of life’s simplest joys.

Q: What are the important lessons you learnt that have impacted your growth and success?

Lize: I am fortunate to have worked with and been mentored by several inspiring leaders who share CCBSA’s passion for empowering women in our business. Perhaps the most valuable lesson is to be more kind to myself. As a working woman, achieving work-life balance has been my most formidable challenge. We juggle not only ambitious careers but also the roles of wives, sisters, daughters, and mothers, each with its own set of responsibilities. With two young children, I’ve come to realise that it’s the quality, not necessarily the quantity, of time spent with my family that truly matters.

Q: How does women empowerment contribute to the success of a business, and the well-being of society overall?

Lize: Empowering women in the workplace brings diverse perspectives, ideas, and approaches to problem-solving and decision-making. By empowering women, businesses tap into a broader talent pool, allowing them to attract and retain skilled and capable professionals. Women empowerment is not only morally imperative but strategically advantageous for businesses and society. By promoting gender equality and creating environments where women can thrive, businesses can unlock the full potential of their workforce and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Q: How can we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion and what steps must we take to make this a reality?

Lize: This requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, advocacy, and systemic change. A big step is to create more awareness of the importance of women’s inclusion and the benefits it brings to businesses and society. I am very proud to be part of a business like CCBSA, where leadership has already demonstrated a commitment to have 50% of women in the organisation in leadership roles.

Q: Tell us about yourself

Pirtunia: I am a mother to a boy child, Njabulo, 12, and that is my most cherished responsibility. My career journey in the Coca-Cola system began 16 years ago, initially in Human Resources. In 2014, I transitioned to Corporate Affairs, a move reflective of my dedication to sustainability, diversity, and living beyond myself. Currently pursuing an MBA at Henley Business School, I have actively engaged in strategic leadership, collaboration, and project management, notably the CCBA Economic Inclusion Strategy and securing MOUs that have translated to a positive impact on CCBSA.

This career shift allowed me to align my professional path with my passion for empowering Africa’s women and young people. Now serving as the Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability Manager at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, I lead in implementing the PACS strategy, emphasizing stakeholder relationships and sustainability projects. My commitment to family values and dedication to making a meaningful impact in areas close to my heart continue to drive my career trajectory.

Q: What are the important lessons you learnt that have impacted your growth and success?

Pirtunia: As a leader, I view learning as a continual journey, and maintaining a growth mindset allows me to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This mindset naturally leads to ongoing improvement, fostering an environment where I don’t feel the need to have all the answers. Instead, I rely on the collective strength of the team, recognizing that collaboration is the key to finding the best solutions for the challenges we face. Empowering others to contribute and fostering a culture of teamwork is at the core of my leadership philosophy, creating a dynamic and innovative space for both personal and collective success.”

Q: How does women empowerment contribute to the success of a business, and the well-being of society overall?

Pirtunia: Empowering women is crucial in rectifying the historical imbalances ingrained in our society. It is not merely a matter of moral correctness but a necessary component for the prosperity of businesses. Women, known for their ability to amplify their influence, become catalysts for positive change when empowered. By investing in women’s empowerment, we extend the reach of impact to encompass not only the individuals directly involved but also those within their circles and beyond.

The act of fostering diversity within our ranks is, in essence, laying the groundwork for success. Embracing varied perspectives, talents, and experiences that come with gender diversity enriches our collective capabilities and positions us for greater achievements. In essence, empowering women is not just a commitment to equality; it is an investment in the success of businesses and the holistic betterment of our society.

Q: How can we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion and what steps must we take to make this a reality? 

Pirtunia: To inspire understanding and appreciation for women’s inclusion, organisations should focus on education, leadership commitment, and inclusive policies. Implement mentorship and sponsorship programs, provide equal opportunities, and ensure transparent communication. Establish accountability through measurable goals and metrics, engage with the community, and offer continuous training. Employee resource groups can further support a culture that values and embraces gender diversity. Through these comprehensive steps, organisations can work towards making women’s inclusion a fundamental reality in the workplace.

Q: Tell us about yourself 

Sewela: I am a mother to two beautiful and disciplined children, a 14-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter, and a proud wife. I am a qualified Industrial Engineer and have always been deliberate about my career path since I was in grade ten. I initially wanted to be a pilot; I explored Aeronautical Engineer and then opted for Industrial Engineering, which allowed me to spend time in execution and use my analytical skills. I am a deep thinker, highly analytical and very structured –being able to put the analytics and execution together has, over the years, allowed me to realise my full potential.

Q: What is your approach to leadership (especially as a Manufacturing Manager)?

Sewela: I am a leader who will not give you the answers but challenge you to think until you arrive at the answer. I’m unapologetic about being a demanding leader – I demand more and the best out of people. I’m a leader who clears obstacles and values a real connection rather than a transactional relationship with people I work with. My team is underpinned by the fundamental to respect, I always want to have functional and respectable relationships. We must be able to take accountability, which I also don’t do very well but push to hold myself accountable and allow my team to hold me accountable – the message delivery must always be done with respect and care, both ways.

Q: How does women empowerment contribute to the success of a business, and the well-being of society overall? 

Sewela:  In life, there are diminishers and multipliers; diminishers focus on what they can get, whereas multipliers focus on how they can serve and add value. Women do this naturally. There is a strong need for servant leadership, operating with the highest level of integrity – with firmness and fairness in everything they do. Women who self-actualise are comfortable enough in their skin and suspend egos to get things done.

Q: How can we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion and what steps must we take to make this a reality? 

Sewela: We are on the right track; talent sourcing and development take time. We should focus more on mentoring and grooming female leaders with resilience and the ability to deliver through people. There are many forums and platforms to do this, but the simple way to start is in your team and area of leadership. There is power in each one teaching ethos, and if done deliberately with a structured approach, the results could be exponential. We have phenomenal diamonds in the business – all we need to do is be present to the potential around us. 

Bonus question: Does CCBSA encourage gender inclusion and equality?

Sewela: Making WIL a performance indicator shows how the business takes women seriously. CCBSA is the only organisation I have worked for with a gender equity and transformation agenda high on its list of “Must wins”. 

We are privileged to work with a progressive leadership that understands the importance of women and what we bring to the table as leaders.    

Q: Tell us about yourself

Kagiso: I am a mother of a very energetic four-year-old who now finds fulfilment in evenings of binge-streaming with a large bowl of popcorn. If not that, my weekends are now consumed by pre-primary sports and fun days, birthday parties, not to mention play dates at our favourite Spur restaurant. My twenty-year career journey has always been in the FMCG environment in the commercial space, having worked in classical marketing, trade marketing, and sales roles. I accredit my successful career journey to God and my parents, who continuously teach me the value of commitment and working hard, and the organisations and people I have worked with, affording me opportunities to learn and grow.

Q: What are the important lessons you learnt that have impacted your growth and success?

Kagiso: Never stop learning – it can come from all aspects of one’s life. Learning fosters curiosity and a growth mindset that motivates you to seek more knowledge and skills to boost your self-confidence and esteem, bringing you closer to achieving your dreams.

Q: How does women empowerment contribute to the success of a business, and the well-being of society overall? 

Kagiso: Women are nurturers – we are supportive, empathetic, approachable, of service to the needs of others and impactful to those around us. The characteristics can bring a different dimension and shape any organisation’s culture for growth and longevity. Gender equality gives us a sense of self-worth and access to opportunities and resources.

Q: How can we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion and what steps must we take to make this a reality? 

Kagiso: Women must walk tall, proudly different, and bring vast qualities. The corporate world is competitive in its own right, so we must not fall into the trap of playing the game at the expense of losing our innate uniqueness. It is important to inspire those around us.