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People with Passion: Driving their own careers

“Thusanani learners are of an exceptional quality. We still believe they give us the best value for our Future Leaders Development Programmes,” says Deloitte Consulting Senior Manager, Madi du Toit.

Deloitte launched its Future Leaders Development Programme in November 2007 as part of an initiative driven by the then, Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, to get corporate South Africa to develop previously disadvantaged young people as future leaders.

This is the third year in succession that Deloitte has offered its Future Leaders Development Programme. The first intake of Thusanani learners so impressed, that Deloitte decided that it would only recruit learners from the Thusannai Work Readiness Programme for this prestigious programme.

Thirty-two candidates have already completed the programme. Ten learners have been signed onto the 2011 Programme.
Deloitte is firmly focused on developing talent within its business. “We look at raw, young talent from disadvantaged backgrounds and we try to place these individuals into positions where they can really add value. We look at the gaps in our business and decide which candidates will fill these gaps best. We also identify learners who are best suited for our Future Leaders Development Programme,” du Toit explains.

The Deloitte Future Leaders Development Programme builds on skills acquired on the Thusanani Work Readiness Programme. The emphasis, however, is on skills required in a consulting environment.
Candidates complete six Deloitte-specific training programmes and six Deloitte-specific e-learning programmes. The programme opens with the Seven Habits for Highly Effective People Programme. Each candidate is assigned a mentor to further assist in his or her development.

Thusanani and Deloitte Future Leaders Development Programme “graduates” Rita Kaiyake and Zwelakhe Gixajiya are very grateful for the opportunities that both programmes have provided.
Kaiyake says the Thusanani Work Readiness Programme was “an eye-opener”. “When you are unemployed, you lose your self-esteem, your sense of self-worth. At the end of the Thusanani Work Readiness Programme I knew my worth. If someone hired me, it is because they have also seen my worth,” she explains.
She really enjoyed the Deloitte Future Leaders Programme, particularly the personal mastery course. “At this point in time, it is really about understanding myself. I first have to learn who I am, before I can think about the difference I can make out there,” she reminds.

Deloitte employees are expected to “drive their own career.” “Once candidates have completed the Deloitte Future Leaders Programme, it is up to them how they take their careers forward. Candidates may become a specialist in their area. There is a lot of leadership involved. We look at leadership when we recruit them,” du Toit reveals.

Kaiyake’s current position at Deloitte Consulting entails training clients on accounting standards. She also assists with practice reviews and conducts research on impacts.
In five years’ time Rita hopes to be an expert in her field. She wants to be in a position where she is able to give back: “I hope I will be able to take a few young people and teach them. I want to be a mentor and a friend. I want to be someone who can say I know where you are right now because I come from the same place. Many parents do not come from a corporate environment, and at school, no one tells you what the corporate world is like, and this is how you do things,” she remarks.
Zwelakhe, who declared: “This just shows that if you work hard it actually pays off,” when he was announced the top learner overall in his intake of Thusanani learners, was delighted to be offered a three-month temporary position at Deloitte. He was determined to impress:  “I dug deep and within two months, I was offered a permanent position.”

Zwelakhe is currently employed as an HR Administrator. “I have used everything that I have learnt. This has opened my world. I do so much more than my job. I also run the Induction Programme. I have to assist candidates through the process of being a Deloitte employee, and that is from the most junior to the most senior position. I have to present in front of all these people, make them laugh, and make them feel at home. I have also been assisting with Thusanani learners, when they come to Deloitte for their two-week internship. I make sure that everything is done and I keep them happy. I want to make them want to work for Deloitte because they leave Deloitte with a smile every day,” he informs.
He says it has been a privilege to be provided the opportunity to complete both programmes. “It is up to you to make it work for you. You can be given something, but you need to run with it and win the race,” Zwelakhe concludes.

Story supplied by FASSET