Akhona Qengqe, the trailblazing General Manager of KFC Africa, is an inspiration, not just as the first Black African female GM of KFC globally, but as a leader driven by purpose, and determined to feed the dreams of young South Africans.
Speaking at the launch of the KFC Mini-Cricket Impact Study, Qengqe spoke of her commitment to impacting lives and creating possibilities for young people in South Africa.
Qengqe’s leadership embodies KFC Africa’s holistic approach to child development. “At KFC, we are intentional about doing all we can to provide children with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive,” she said.
“We feed children through Add Hope. We level the playing fields through Mini-Cricket. We award scholarships through Ikusasa Lethu. We create learnerships through Streetwise Academy. We invest in the full development of a child.”
KFC Africa General Manager, Akhona Qengqe
Under her leadership, KFC Africa has furthered its dedication to youth development through initiatives like the KFC Mini-Cricket program, a platform that has driven unity, inclusion, and gender equality since KFC joined hands with Cricket South Africa (CSA) in the 2009/2010 cricket season.


Celebrating 15 years of KFC’s commitment to Mini-Cricket, the newly released #KFCMiniCricket Impact Study, conducted by Dr. Tracey Toefy, Senior Lecturer at GIBS Business School, reveals significant strides in social impact, drawing insights from over 4,000 respondents across the country.
The findings show the program’s extensive influence in promoting social cohesion, developing essential life skills, and advancing inclusivity for all children, including those with disabilities.

Photo: Supplied
The program’s commitment to gender equality is particularly notable, creating equal opportunities for boys and girls to participate in sport and learn valuable life skills.
Through the KFC Mini-Cricket program, young girls are encouraged to engage in cricket, a traditionally male-dominated sport, fostering early empowerment and confidence that aligns with KFC Africa’s goal of uplifting future female leaders.
The study highlighted several key areas where KFC Mini-Cricket has positively influenced communities:
Championing Social Cohesion and Diversity: The program unites children from diverse backgrounds, fostering friendships and breaking down societal barriers.
Building Essential Life Skills: Participants learn teamwork, discipline, and leadership, skills they carry beyond the cricket field.
Supporting Global Development Goals: By aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the program plays a role in driving broader social impact.
Inclusive Participation for Children with Disabilities: Embracing inclusivity, the program ensures children of all abilities can enjoy the game.
Fostering Physical and Emotional Development: Through active participation, children enhance their physical fitness and build mental resilience.
With leaders like Qengqe championing programs like KFC Mini-Cricket, KFC Africa is setting a powerful example in driving gender equality, inclusivity, and community strength. Through this initiative, young South Africans are empowered not only to play but to dream and to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
Main Photo caption: KFC Africa General Manager Akhona Qengqe is playing a pivotal role in ensuring that KFC’s 15-year commitment to Mini-Cricket in South Africa makes a lasting impact on the next generation of sports stars. Photo: Supplied
Photo 2 caption: KFC Africa GM Akhona Qengqe shares a lighter moment with SABC Morning Live host, Vusiwe Ngcobo, at the KFC Mini-Cricket Impact Study. Photo: Supplied
Photo 3 caption: Qengqe pictured alongside Dr. Tracey Toefy, Senior Lecturer at GIBS Business School, at the launch of the #KFCMiniCricket Impact Study. Photo: Supplied
Photo 4 caption: KFC Africa aims to drive gender equality, inclusivity, and community strength, to grow leaders of tomorrow. Photo: Supplied