This month, as part of award-winning KLM Empowered Human Solutions Specialist’s ambitious five-year change strategy and committed journey towards upholding a culture of diversity, inclusion, and responsible citizenship in South Africa, CEO Lyn Mansour, is proud to announce yet another milestone in the company’s glowing trajectory: an exciting new collaboration with celebrity chef and phenomenal businesswoman, Siba Mtongana.
By welcoming Mtongana to KLM Empowered’s table, Mansour – known as the “CEO of Hearts” – continues to show her personal commitment to transforming the business and creating a braver, more empowered and transformed world. With Mtongana joining KLM Empowered as a valued stakeholder, KLM Empowered has cumulatively and successfully achieved 51% Black Female Ownership.
Lauded as a woman who has made it on her own, Mtongana is respected as a celebrity chef, entrepreneur and business leader in her own right. Named one of “100 Most Influential Africans” by New Africa Magazine in 2020, she is the savvy CEO and Founder of The Siba Co., a restauranteur, bestselling author, as well as the dynamic celebrity chef and host on “Siba’s Table”, aired in over 135 countries.
Mtongana’s passion for using her reach to share her skills, knowledge and expertise aligns with Mansour’s purpose-driven business philosophy and KLM Empowered’s mission to bring something more to education: to inspire new ways of expanding mindsets by bringing innovative entrepreneurial ideas to market for start-ups and to developing a future-fit talent pool of aspiring young South Africans. Together, the two dynamos will combine their respective energies and combustive desires to create real impact through education in this ground-breaking alliance that is set to create a brighter future — for all.
“This is a major milestone for KLM Empowered and for me personally,” says Mansour. “This is the time for transformation, for African excellence and for powerful female leadership — with heart. Siba at our table symbolises two like-minded, passionate leaders coming together for the greater good; to collaborate on and to contribute towards a single purpose of bringing new ideas to market that, essentially, change how we educate for the future. We are very proud to be a part of that change, and, in doing so, leaving a legacy in our wake.”
Says Mtongana: “I feel exceptionally proud and excited to be contributing to KLM Empowered’s story of real change and innovation and, in combining our talents, expertise and passions, to help empower and to educate the next generation of South Africans in this new digital age.”
Bolstered and supported by an exceptional management team as well as the board and beneficiaries of the KLM PDI Empowered Trust, Mtongana’s arrival as a key stakeholder not only strengthens KLM Empowered’s reach, impact and potential but also reinforces its position as a powerful, driven, female-led business in South Africa.
As a fierce advocate for change, diversity and inclusion, Mansour has been duly awarded as the CEO of Africa, two years running, and has been recognised for spotlighting positive change through education and skills transfer – specifically within historically disadvantaged communities. Her focus on women development has been the cornerstone of Mansour’s success, while promoting the dire need for purpose-driven education across all social sectors.
Additionally, through this quantum leap, KLM Empowered’s steadfast commitment to its journey of transformation serves as proof that all South Africans in business have the power at-hand to create win-win opportunities for all. No matter the size or strength of the organisation, real transformation is possible: transformation that enhances and advances the company and also the eco-system of our beloved country.
Driven by women with purpose, for productive and progressive transformation, KLM Empowered — with Siba Mtongana side by side with business stalwart, Lyn Mansour brings a new and exciting flavour to change; to build and leave a legacy of transformed people, and ultimately, a transformed and better-educated South Africa. Says Mansour: “Doing the right thing is the business of the future.”
