“BEING recognized as a Top Employer strengthens our reputation as an employer of choice that upholds our values,” says Dr. Mamello Masia, Chief People Officer of McDonald’s South Africa.
McD as popularly known- has been regarded as Top Employer for 2025 by the Top Employers Institute, not once, but three times consecutively.
This recognition acknowledges the company’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing its people and fostering a workplace environment in which all employees can thrive.
“It also reinforces a sense of pride within our organization by demonstrating our investment in employees’ growth, development, and overall experience,” says Dr Masia.
Receiving the Top Employer status enhances the company’s external reputation as an employer of choice aligned with its values. Internally, it bolsters employee pride by demonstrating the organization’s dedication to growth, development, and overall employee experience.
The certification was awarded following an independent and rigorous assessment across six key HR domains: Steer, Shape, Attract, Develop, Engage, and Unite.
A significant proportion of the workforce comprises youth and women, highlighting the organization’s role in promoting youth employment, skills development, and gender inclusion.
The organisation’s commitment to talent development is exemplified by its impressive 71% retention rate within its learnership program, as well as the existence of Hamburger University, the company’s dedicated training institution.
Employees who did not remain with McDonald’s after the learnerships pursued other career opportunities, which reflects the quality of development provided.
Additionally, the CATHSSETA program engaged 1,400 learners, with notable outcomes: 476 learners were permanently absorbed into McDonald’s South Africa, approximately 658 transitioned to careers elsewhere, and around 200 declined job offers to explore other options.
“Our vision of Accelerating the Arches and our mission to create feel-good moments for everyone – from employees and customers alike—continue to inform our daily operations.
Being recognized as a Top Employer strengthens our reputation as an employer of choice that upholds our values. It also reinforces a sense of pride within our organization by demonstrating our investment in employees’ growth, development, and overall experience,” continued Dr. Masia.
Beyond being a workplace, McDonald’s South Africa positions itself as a platform for meaningful career growth, where individuals can begin, evolve, and succeed.
From the kitchen to the boardroom, every role is valued, and every career path is supported. The organization exemplifies a business with heart—Made for You.
McD operates over 400 restaurants nationwide, employing more than 17,000 people, and serving millions of South Africans every month.
The company which celebrated its 30th milestone recently, also supports various sporting codes in mzansi!
