Marriott International, in partnership with the University of Stellenbosch Business School Executive Development, has launched a year-long leadership development programme.

Khulanathi, which means ‘grow with us’, has been designed exclusively for internal employment equity participants to access world-class leadership theory, teachers, and on-the-job mentorship.

The inaugural 2021 Khulanathi cohort, which launched last month, consists of 10 participants, seven of whom are female and work at Marriott International properties across the country.

The course includes online learning modules, targeted on-the-job training, and special projects with assigned mentors, which enable the participants to learn and put theory into practice in the workplace.

“When it comes to our leadership pipeline, we adhere to our long-held philosophy of growing leaders from within, and investing in the development of our people to see them thrive in their careers,” says the Chief Human Resources Officer, EMEA Marriott International, Francisca Martinez.

Based on a Marriott talent development model, the curriculum includes Business and Economics, Financial Management, Marketing and Customer Service, People Management and Leadership competencies.

“It’s taken hard work and a lot of dedication to qualify for the Khulanathi programme, and now I am excited and proud to be part of the 2021 cohort. I am looking forward to learning from the best business teachers and developing my capabilities as a future leader in the Marriott International family,” says Rhodanthe Johannisen, currently employed as Food & Beverage Manager at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Pretoria Menlyn.

Marriott International grants participants 40 days of study leave in addition to providing full bursaries for the course, which is certified as a management development programme of The University of Stellenbosch Business School Executive Development.