Youth Month arrives at a time when young South Africans need more than just hope – they need real opportunities. With youth unemployment in South Africa still among the highest in the world (Statistics South Africa. (2025). Quarterly Labour Force Survey – Quarter 1: 2025), in a fast-changing environment, this year’s government approved theme of “Skills for the Changing World – Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation” is especially relevant.
Old Mutual is answering that call through two powerful initiatives: the Leadership Development Programme (LDP) and Advanced Leadership Development Programme (ALDP). Both programmes are run by Old Mutual’s Foundation Market Retail (FMR) channel and are designed to give young people not only access to employment, but a clear path to leadership. And the results are starting to show.
From first job to future leader
FMR aims to employ Sales Agents to service Old Mutual customers in the low-income segment in South Africa by employing individuals that represent the customer. Many Sales Agents come from the areas they now serve, creating a powerful ripple effect: more relatable role models, stronger customer trust, and leadership that reflects the lived experiences of the people around them. In 2024, 84% of all new Foundation Market employees were unemployed at date of appointment, amounting to 774 new jobs created. That’s only the beginning - for these employees, the LDP and ALDP offer a chance to do more than just earn a living – they’re a way to grow into leadership roles.
The LDP, launched in 2022, focuses on building leadership skills in Old Mutual’s young sales force. It provides practical training, mentorship, and hands-on development to help participants grow into Sales Leader roles within the FMR channel. Over the past 5 years, 96 candidates have taken part in the programme, and 31 of them have already been promoted to Sales Leader positions. 28 more are currently progressing through the 2025 intake.
The purpose of our leadership development is to enhance leadership skills, abilities, and knowledge of our Sales Agents to ensure their readiness for opportunities as leaders and to improve their effectiveness in their daily sales related roles. Our FMR philosophy is to use these programmes to grow our management pipeline from within, says Sanelisiwe Nkuta, General Manager, Foundation Market, Old Mutual Mass and Foundation Cluster.
Boitumelo Kegomodicoe Tsikoe (FMR Sales Leader) says, “During the LDP Programme, I have grown in my knowledge; to have more interest in knowing and understanding my numbers and branch performance overall. The courage to lead people and the importance of meeting action plans on targeted times.”
The ALDP, introduced more recently, takes things further by equipping current Sales Leaders with the tools, confidence and exposure needed to transition into Regional Sales Leader (RSL) positions. In the most recent intake, 12 candidates were selected. So far, five have already been promoted into trainee RSL roles.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude”, says Bulelwa Dzingwe, (FMR Trainee RSL). “The Advanced Leadership Development Programme was insightful and educational. It has enriched my knowledge and skills thanks to the expertise, knowledge and guidance of dedicated facilitators."
That’s real leadership, built from the ground up.
Practical training that delivers real growth
What makes the LDP and ALDP unique is that they don’t just teach theory. These are on-the-ground, immersive learning experiences that combine coaching, mentoring, and active work experience. Candidates don’t leave their day jobs to study – they learn while leading, supported every step of the way.
They’re given space to make decisions, take responsibility and learn from the people around them. For many, this experience becomes the turning point in their career: a shift from “just doing the job” to seeing themselves as leaders with purpose and impact.
FMR channel
A clear answer to the Youth Month challenge
The LDP and ALDP are proof of what’s possible when young people are given structure, belief, and a clear path to succeed. They speak directly to this year’s Youth Month theme by showing how the right opportunities can help young South Africans take their place in the economy.
At Old Mutual, developing youth potential isn’t a side project – it’s part of how the business builds a sustainable future that uplifts the communities that supports it. And while the stats are impressive, it’s the stories that matter most: stories of young people being given a chance at a brighter future, stories of tomorrow’s leaders being shaped, of confidence growing through mentorship and of lives changing for the better because potential is being seen and nurtured.