Meet the McDonald's power couple that turn employee jobs into careers
At the heart of several vibrant McDonald's restaurants in South Africa sits Saheed and Sayeeda Nasir, who have dedicated nearly two decades to building more than just successful businesses; they have created launchpads for young South Africans seeking meaningful opportunities and career growth.
The Nasirs began their journey as Trainee Managers before becoming McDonald's Owner/Operators, bringing a deeply personal understanding to the transformative power of mentorship and opportunity. Their philosophy centres on developing potential and fostering leadership among South Africa's youth.
'When we hire youth, we're not just giving jobs, we're starting journeys,' says Sayeeda Nasir, whose passion for employee development shines through in every aspect of their operation.
This commitment to nurturing talent is exemplified by team members like Dorah Mabula. Starting as a part-time crew member, Dorah received consistent mentorship and encouragement from the Nasirs. She progressed to shift leader before being promoted to department manager. Her story represents the approach to development that the Nasirs champion throughout their business.
Their impact extends beyond individual success stories. Four out of five current restaurant managers in their system began as part-time crew members, demonstrating the effectiveness of their leadership pipeline and commitment to promoting from within.
For the Nasirs, targeted hiring focuses on potential rather than just qualifications or previous experience. They actively seek out individuals who might otherwise be overlooked, providing them with resources, mentorship, and clear pathways to advancement.
'More restaurants mean more opportunities,' Saheed points out, highlighting how their business growth directly translates to increased possibilities for youth employment and development in their communities.
This year, their restaurants saw the exciting launch of the McCrispy, bringing new offerings to their customers while continuing to provide valuable work experiences for their teams.
The energy within their restaurants reflects the youthful dynamism of their workforce. 'They keep us young,' Sayeeda says with warmth when describing the vibrant atmosphere their young team members create.
As McDonald's celebrates 30 years in South Africa, the Nasirs' approach to business ownership exemplifies how the brand has become intertwined with community development and opportunity creation. Their success isn't measured merely in sales but in the transformative impact they have on the lives of those they employ and mentor.
Throughout their nearly two decades at McDonald's, Saheed and Sayeeda have shown that when business leadership is paired with a genuine concern for people's development, the outcome is a legacy of opportunity that reaches far beyond the restaurant walls.
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