Sola Oke, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard South Africa, has announced the launch of a new upskilling initiative called “Kwazi Konke,” meaning “aspiring to know all.” This program aims to cultivate a culture of continuous learning within the organization by integrating education into everyday practices, decision-making, and the company’s overall operations.
Speaking about the launch, Oke said, “I was truly inspired by the commitment, energy, and excitement of our commercial team as we introduced Kwazi Konke. Our goal is to create a conscious culture where learning is actively and intentionally woven into the fabric of our daily work.”
Kwazi Konke is designed to motivate employees through a range of learning methods, including insights from subject matter experts, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, immersive gamified onboarding experiences, and micro-learning content that reinforces key concepts. The program also focuses on enhancing human connections through personalized coaching and ongoing support, ensuring that learning is both engaging and effective.
“We are using this opportunity to realign with our vision, providing our teams with a clear, forward-looking perspective that excites them about future opportunities,” Oke added. “The passion and energy displayed by our team guarantee that we will continue to lead in our markets.”
The initiative has been brought to life through the efforts of Sherman Mouton and his team, with coordination by Rulene van der Westhuizen and support from a cross-functional team. Oke also extended special thanks to Vusi Thembekwayo for sharing his expertise and to K.O for engaging with the team.
The introduction of Kwazi Konke underscores Pernod Ricard South Africa’s commitment to employee development, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry through a well-equipped and motivated workforce.