2022 Millennial Board Launch Update

Illovo Sugar Africa is pleased to announce the launch of the 2022 Millennial Board, which got off to a great start on the 11th and 12th of July in Umhlanga at the Head Office.

Established as an initiative to promote a culture of innovative cross-collaboration across the Group and between the Exco and the younger generation, the second chapter of the Illovo Millennial Board promises great benefits for the business, as well as for the elected Board members courageous enough to take up the task at hand.

The launch began with much excitement as the nine board members had the opportunity to meet in person for the first time, ahead of a productive two days spent with Exco members and the Group Talent Team, as well as with their nominated coaches, specially selected to support them along this journey. With a jam-packed agenda, the board members got straight into it, getting to know each other, and preparing for the journey ahead.

Valuable sessions with both Illovo Sugar Africa Group Managing Director, Gavin Dalgleish, and Group Human Resources Head, Kim Usher provided the board with fantastic business context as they really began to understand the ‘why’ with regards to the specific challenge they have been set.

“How can we make a step change improvement in how Illovo Sugar Africa creates and embeds a culture that truly embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion so that we are able to attract, engage and retain talent as well as make Illovo a place where people feel valued and included, regardless of gender, race/ethnicity, or age?”

Board members were further motivated and encouraged by engagements with their coaches and Illovo Millennial Board alumni, Khumbo Banda and Natalie Davey, who shared advice on their ways of working; and managing this huge commitment, over and above their day jobs.

A highlight of the engagement was an intensive four-hour workshop with the inspiring Rachel Nyaradzo Adams, who coached the board on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging – she will continue to play a role as their DEIB Coach throughout this journey. Rachel left everyone with a lot to think about, but most importantly, the inspiration to have the courageous conversations that will be required over the coming months.

Over the remainder of the year, the board will convene in Durban monthly to engage with Exco on all the hard work they have been doing in between, working virtually together as a team. They are currently delving into all the data the business has to offer, surveying the current landscape, and beginning to formulate the early stage of what success could look like when they have their final presentation to Exco in December.

It goes without saying how important this topic is, both globally and within the business, and it is so exciting to see the team come together, eager to change things for the better.