Nestlé South Africa (Pty) Ltd has been recognised as the Number 1 Top Employer in the country. The announcement was made by the Top Employer Institute at the Top Employer Awards ceremony held at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg this evening.

The Top Employer Institute Certification Programme assesses amongst others, an organisation’s practices on talent strategy, workforce planning, learning & development, performance management and leadership development. According to the Institute, creating a flexible work environment and driving a better employee experience are major factors that influenced Nestlé’s recognition as a Top Employer in South Africa.

Nestlé also bagged the Top Employer in Industry for Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) & Manufacturing Company Award category. Accepting both awards, David Moloto, Human Resources Director for Nestlé: East and Southern Africa (ESAR) thanked the entire Nestlé leadership and all employees for their dedication and hard work in making Nestlé a success.

He added that the recognition further affirms the company’s efforts of attracting some of the best talents in South Africa whilst making a contribution in addressing some of the socio-economic challenges facing South Africa.

“We are all aware of the challenges our country faces and the great opportunities it offers. At Nestlé, we are proud to play our part in the development of this great country. It is a role we have embraced for more than one hundred years in South Africa through our purpose which is, to enhance the quality of life and contribute to a healthier future.”

“To make a real, positive impact in South Africa, we need the best people we can find. Or, to look at it another way, we need those great people to find their way to us. We need them to feel confident that they will find a place in the Nestlé family. We need them to know that Nestlé is a place where they will thrive,” added Moloto.

He stated that the recognition given to Nestlé, as South Africa’s top employer, will help ensure that those great people can make Nestlé their home. “It gives that young talent confidence, that we are an organisation where they can find, not just a job but a career. And that, in these uncertain times, is so important.”

Moloto concluded by challenging other companies to rise to the unemployment challenge facing South Africa. “Today, more than one in four South Africans are without a job. As employers, we have a collective responsibility to try to ensure the next generation gets the opportunities we did. So what matters is not whether you are the top employer or not. What matters, is that all of us commit to doing all we can to create those opportunities.”