The advantage of a global talent pool

Vodacom has experienced phenomenal growth in the 17 years since its establishment, and recognises that the way to continue on this path—and to uphold its status as one of South Africa’s telecommunications giants—is through its people. Specifically, it is the culture surrounding these people that is regarded as critical.

According to chief human resources officer Mpho Nkeli, one of the elements that has been central to the company’s success is a milieu where innovation, success and diversity are celebrated, and where transparency, recognition for a job well done and the certainty of support in all endeavours provide a platform for growth and learning.

Recently, the company augmented its signature Vodacom Way programme—an initiative that emphasises the values of speed, simplicity and trust and promotes these as behavioural drivers for all staff members - by adopting the Vodafone Way.

In this manner, Vodafone’s values have also become reflected within the organisation. Skills are a central focus; not surprising, given the speed with which the telecommunications industry develops.

As a result, Nkeli has identified technical skills as a priority area, especially as the company moves ever more steadily into the provision of data services. Equally important to the company’s future is the creation of a strong talent pool.

Through ‘Talking Talent’, Vodacom employees receive support to develop their careers and individuals are encouraged to look beyond Vodacom’s boundaries to the entire Vodafone group for opportunities.

With this in mind, the company’s talent management initiatives have a global rather than local focus, and with access to this giant worldwide resource, it is relatively simple for the company to achieve its objective of filling vacancies from within.

What is unique to Vodacom within the Vodafone family, however, is its career path model, which allows employees to choose between managerial and professional paths.

This article originally appeared in the Mail & Guardian newspaper as a sponsored feature