A LEGACY OF VISIBILITY OF CHAMPIONING ALLYSHIP FOR WOMEN

This outgoing Managing Director of CocaCola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) can easily be counted as a leader with the most awards for championing women’s equality in corporate South Africa. What sets Velaphi Ratshefola apart in the realm of innovative and forward-thinking leadership is his unwavering commitment to allyship of marginalised groups, which has contributed to driving strategic growth within this global FastMoving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company in South Africa.

As a visionary Chairperson of Non-Alcoholic Ready to Drink (NARTD), Ratshefola has not only led his organisation but also established CCBSA as a key player in the beverage sector. Ratshefola’s professional journey commenced as a Public Prosecutor, with degrees from North-West University and the University of Cape Town. He has used his position to advance the agenda of inclusive economies by advocating for a diverse and supportive workplace and value chain.

One of Ratshefola’s most notable achievements is the successful execution of collaboration-centric initiatives. His reputation as an outcome-focused Executive Leader is richly deserved, underpinned by his exceptional business acumen and adept negotiation skills.

In 2023, he was awarded the 22nd Lifetime Achievement Award at the Top Empowerment Awards, and prior to that in 2021, he won the Standard Bank Top Women Award for the third consecutive year, specifically in the category of Top Gender Empowered Company: Top Male Driving Gender Empowerment. This recognition is testament to his vision to leverage economic inclusion to foster gender equity and consistent and effective advocacy for collaboration in corporate spaces. Ratshefola’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and supportive practices may have borne substantial fruit, as evident in the 52% representation of women in leadership positions at CCBSA.

In summary, Ratshefola’s professional journey demonstrates the importance of leader-led DEI strategic goals and collaboration in corporate environments. It illustrates how a steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusivity can not only drive organisational success and growth but may also earn well-deserved recognition in the global corporate arena.

My take away lessons from Velaphi’s leadership

1. Building relationships and intellectual humility: Ratshefola’s ability to build relationships with his employees regardless of level is an example of a leader who creates psychological safety and demonstrates intellectual humility.

2. Active championing of collaboration: His proactive approach highlights the significance of actively championing cooperation and collaboration within an organisation. Leaders should not merely endorse DEI initiatives but actively lead and promote them, recognising that it demands continuous commitment and advocacy.

3. Synergy between cooperation and business success: Ratshefola’s ability to steer complex business transformations and implement effective turnaround strategies while upholding collaborative principles emphasises that these principles may not be at odds with business success. Leaders can learn that partnership can serve as an enabler of growth and profitability, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation and enhance decision making.

4. Concrete results from DEI commitments: Ratshefola’s consistent recognition for gender empowerment and allyship showcases how DEI initiatives, when genuinely embedded in an organisation’s culture, yield not just societal benefits but also concrete achievements and accolades. This underscores the compelling business case for diversity and allyship.

Velaphi Ratshefola’s journey provides a convincing example of how collaboration may simultaneously fuel corporate success and societal progress. His experiences offer valuable insights for leaders striving to build more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organisations, highlighting that collaboration may not be only a moral imperative but a strategic catalyst, leading to tangible growth and well-deserved recognition.