ONE OF THE LARGEST KFC FRANCHISE PARTNERS IN AFRICA
WOOD INTERIORS
FINGER LICKIN’
Rohloff Group has grown to become one of the largest KFC franchise partners in Africa. We dig into the group’s expansion, including the recent opening of its 100th store, journey of innovation, and support for communities through the Add Hope programme
Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Harry Thurlow
KFC has been making its worldfamous, Finger Lickin’ Good fried chicken since 1952.
The story begins with Colonel Sanders who, after serving in the US Army, started running service stations in Nicholasville and Corbin, Kentucky, US.
There, he served his delicious fried chicken to interstate travellers, eventually perfecting the pressure cooker method and his Original Recipe, which remains a closely held secret to this day.
Since starting with this unique blend of 11 herbs and spices, KFC has grown from its first franchise near Salt Lake City, Utah, US into an iconic brand across the world.
Today, KFC has the widest global footprint of any quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand with more than 28,000 stores in 150 countries and territories across the world.
The company sees big growth opportunities in many markets across the world and strives to be the number one QSR in every market where it operates.
KFC is the leading global fastfood chain in Africa, where the company opened its first restaurant in 1971 in Orange Grove, a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa (SA).
Over 1,400 KFC restaurants have now been opened across Africa, the vast majority of which are in SA, its largest market on the continent.
Indeed, KFC has more outlets in SA than any other fast-food brand.
The vast majority of these locations are franchised, with only a small number directly owned by KFC’s parent company, Yum! Brands.
RESTAURANT OPENINGS
Rohloff Group (Rohloff) has grown to become one of the largest KFC franchise partners in Africa and is looking to double the size of the business in the next five years.
The group has recently announced the opening of a number of new restaurants, including KFC Mall of the South in Johannesburg, which opened its doors on 18th November 2025.
Nestled in the beautiful, gated suburb of Aspen Hills, Mall of the South is one of Johannesburg’s premier shopping destinations, offering a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and entertainment.
Just over a week later, on 27th November, Rohloff celebrated another exciting milestone – the opening of its 100th restaurant, KFC Omni Square, set within a new luxury shopping centre in Bassonia, Johannesburg.
Rohloff was incredibly proud of this achievement and joined by the Yum! Brands leadership team for this special occasion.
In December, Rohloff then announced the openings of a further three stores, the first of which was KFC Monument in Krugersdorp, a city in the Gauteng province of SA.
This opening created 28 new jobs and was a testament to the relentless dedication and collaboration across all teams within Rohloff as every effort, from planning and development to execution, played a vital role in turning this vision into a reality.
On 19th December, Rohloff was thrilled to announce the opening of KFC Strand Broadway, bringing even more great food and experiences to the local community in Strand, a seaside resort town in SA’s Western Cape.
Impressively, this restaurant created 40 new job opportunities, reinforcing the group’s ongoing commitment to empowering local communities and driving meaningful economic impact.
KFC Doornkop was then officially opened a few days later, an achievement that reflects the group’s continued commitment to growth, service, and community impact.
Indeed, one of the highlights of this opening is the creation of 22 new jobs within Doornkop, a ridge and locality on the western outskirts of Soweto in the Gauteng province.
Rohloff is incredibly proud to contribute to meaningful employment opportunities and help empower the local area through this investment.
DIGITAL STRATEGY
KFC Mall of the South, KFC Omni Square, and KFC Monument all offer multiple convenient ordering channels.
These include kiosks for quick selfservice, a drive-thru for on-the-go convenience, and the KFC app for easy ordering, allowing customers to choose collection or delivery and enjoy all available promotions and rewards.
Through kiosks, digitised drivethrus, and updated e-commerce platforms, KFC is delivering quick and seamless experiences for enjoying its food – no matter where customers are or how they choose to order.
Using data-driven listening and automation, the chain is incorporating feedback in real-time and making it easier to manage its restaurants, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to go farther, faster.
“Efficiently Functional, Beautifully Executed”
Our architectural firm began as a dream shared by a group of university friends in 2011. What started as a passionate venture has evolved into something extraordinary—a warm, inclusive space where friendship and professionalism thrive. As an all-female firm, we embrace the power of collaboration, fostering a supportive environment that feels like family.
Initially, we made our mark as consulting architects, providing essential insights and support to various projects. However, our dedication and expertise led
us to become recognized leaders in the design and technical architecture sector of the fast food industry. Our innovative approach has redefined the standards of functionality and aesthetics within this niche, merging efficiency with appealing designs that cater to modern consumer needs.
At our core, we believe in strong family values, which guide our interactions not just with each other but also with our clients and communities. This foundation of trust and understanding helps us create architecture
that resonates deeply with the people who inhabit it. Beyond the realm of fast food, we proudly specialize in residential and commercial architecture. We take great care to navigate every stage of the process, from crafting thoughtful design concepts to overseeing project management. Our goal is simple: to create spaces that are functional, beautiful, and sensitive to the needs of families and businesses alike.
As we continue our journey, we recognize that learning and growth are vital components of our ethos.
info@kladstudios.co.za
www.kladstudios.co.za KLAD Studios_Architecture 0718833174 / 0611388763
We strive not only to keep pace with industry trends but also set them, positioning ourselves as forwardthinking innovators. Our mission is to create spaces that resonate with people, reflect sustainability, and elevate the built environment.
Together, we’re not just constructing buildings; we’re building connections and a legacy that celebrates the spirit of unity, creativity, and family values in architecture. Join us on our journey as we strive to make a positive impact one project at a time.
A few years ago, Rohloff was recognised as a leader in KFC’s digital strategy and its contribution to growing the brand’s e-commerce footprint.
As franchise leaders in the digital space, Rohloff was proud to have been recognised and looks forward to breaking barriers in the future.
Rohloff was also thrilled to have won two prestigious awards at the 2025 KFC Africa #1Leaders conference.
In the Digital Restaurant category, KFC Gardens proudly secured first place, showcasing its commitment to excellence and innovation in the digital space.
KFC Parklands also achieved third place in the same category, further highlighting Rohloff’s dedication to leading with cutting-edge digital strategies.
Rohloff was honoured to be recognised by KFC Africa and
is committed to continuing its journey of innovation as part of its 100 percent digital strategy.
This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Rohloff’s incredible team, and the group will continue to set new standards and lead the way in digital transformation.
collective effort, passion, and purpose driving every part of the business.
Some highlights that helped Rohloff shine include strong investment in growing and empowering its people, continued innovation in how it serves customers, a focus on delivering great service and Finger Lickin’ Good food every day, and ongoing support and involvement in its local communities.
Following the award, Rohloff had the honour of hosting its valued partners at its Somerset West office in the Western Cape.
It had the pleasure of welcoming KFC’s Global CEO, Scott Mezvinsky, and Global Chief Technology and Digital Officer, Judd Knight.
They were also accompanied by the KFC Africa leadership team, headed by General Manager, Akhona Qengqe. Rohloff thoroughly enjoyed sharing its space, culture, and the way it works with these executive leaders, and it was a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and showcase the passion behind what the group does every day.
During the visit, Rohloff showcased two of its restaurants, giving the guests a taste of the passion and excellence it brings to every experience.
AWARD-WINNING FRANCHISE PARTNER
Rohloff was named Franchise Partner of the Year 2024 at the annual KFC Africa Franchisee Summit, held in Johannesburg last year.
This incredible honour celebrates the team’s dedication to operational excellence, innovation, talent development, and making a meaningful difference in its communities.
It’s a moment that reflects the
The group’s team members welcomed them with a heartfelt song and dance – a celebration of Rohloff’s culture, spirit, and the joy it finds in serving others.
Rohloff was also proud to be recognised as Culture Leader of the Year 2024, acknowledging its commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued, included, and inspired to grow.
This achievement was a celebration of the heart and soul of Rohloff – its incredible teams, who bring their best to work every day.
HIGH-PERFORMANCE CULTURE
In August 2025, meanwhile, Rohloff was also recognised by the Chartered Institute for Procurement and Supply (CIPS), the world’s largest procurement professional body, for Best Collaborative Teamwork Project. This award celebrates the power of collaboration, driving impactful results in procurement and the supply chain.
It was another proud moment for Rohloff, with huge congratulations to the procurement team for driving excellence and consistency throughout the business. Their hard work and dedication continue to raise the bar, ensuring Rohloff delivers the very best for its customers and partners.
Rohloff strives to be best-in-class
– leading with innovation, influence, and a commitment to exceeding expectations.
Its goal is to be the preferred choice for customers, driving a highperformance culture that delivers meaningful results and positively impacts lives.
Rohloff boasts a high-performance culture focused on the ultimate guest experience to satisfy every customer.
The group strives to be an employer of choice and embraces a heartled culture through leadership programmes in its restaurants and at its Restaurant Support Centre in Somerset West.
It believes in creating a fully inclusive work environment, cultivating a workplace where diversity of thought and perspective is welcomed, sought out, and developed.
Rohloff has built a unique culture where everyone can be their best self, make a difference, and have fun, and prides itself on being a hands-on and innovative business partner that leads by example.
Creating Spaces That Work Harder
Building world-class interiors for South Africa’s leading brands
From flagship KFC Restaurants to high-performance banking spaces, RS Wood Interiors delivers precision-built commercial interiors that elevate brands, enhance customer experience, and stand the test of time.
With nearly two decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and turnkey delivery, we partner with some of South Africa’s most respected names in hospitality, retail, and commercial property.
Trusted by industry leaders. Built for performance. Designed to impress.
OUR SPECIALITIES
• Commercial shopfitting
• Turnkey construction and fit-out
• Custom joinery and cabinetry
• Bespoke furniture manufacturing
• Signage, brand manufacturing, and installation
www.rswi.co.za
PROUD PARTNER OVER THE YEARS TO LEADING BRANDS
Including:
KFC (Rohloff Group)
Standard Bank
Tsogo Sun
Investec Properties
Galaxy Bingo
Marco Polo Casino
From concept to completion — we build spaces that perform.
Creating Spaces That Bring Brands to Life
The RS Wood Interiors Story
At RS Wood Interiors, we believe great spaces do more than look good — they work hard, tell your brand story, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. What began in 2006 as a specialist kitchen manufacturing business has grown into a versatile and respected commercial fit-out and shopfitting company. Today, RS Wood Industries (Pty) Ltd, trading as RS Wood Interiors (RSWI), delivers full turnkey interior solutions across hospitality, retail, banking, leisure, and commercial property sectors.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship. A Future of Innovation.
Founded by Renier de Waal, RS Wood Interiors initially focused on kitchen and cabinet manufacturing and installation, before venturing into custom shopfitting In 2020, under the new leadership of Managing Director Robert Sheriff, RS Wood Interiors merged with Patriarch Projects, forming a stronger, more agile business with expanded construction, project management, and turnkey capabilities.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the business emerged resilient, focused, and ready to grow, resulting in the successful delivery of new Standard Bank branches in Gauteng, Limpopo, and the North West provinces, shopfitting to the new Marco Polo Casino in Sandton City, and new and remodelled KFC stores for Rohloff Group.
Built for Scale. Designed for Detail.
Today, RS Wood Interiors offers a personalised endto-end service, built on flexibility, accountability, and technical excellence.
With in-house manufacturing, construction teams, and project managers, the company delivers:
• Shopfitting and branded retail environments
• Full construction and interior fit-outs
• Custom joinery, cabinetry, and furniture
• Signage Solutions
From concept to handover, every project is managed with precision, transparency, and care.
A Trusted Partner to the KFC Brand, South Africa
RS Wood Interiors is proud to be a trusted construction and fit-out partner to Rohloff Group, Africa’s largest KFC Franchisee, delivering turn-key new-build restaurants and remodels, from fit-out to shop-fitting and exterior cladding, across Gauteng, the Free State, and beyond.
Recent projects include:
• New KFC Craighall
• KFC Batho Remodel – Bloemfontein
• KFC Rocklands Remodel – Bloemfontein
• New KFC Dainfern Square (2024)
• New KFC Omni Square (2025)
These fast-paced, high-performance environments demand precision, speed, and consistency — and RS Wood Interiors delivers every time.
National Footprint. Personal Service.
Based in Gauteng, RS Wood Interiors is sufficiently resourced to deliver projects anywhere in South Africa. With a growing team of skilled craftsmen, project managers, and construction professionals, the business continues to expand its footprint and will be offering its services within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and beyond in 2026.
Let’s Build Something Remarkable
Whether you are launching a new restaurant, upgrading a retail space, renovating your hotel, or perhaps delivering a modern commercial environment, RS Wood Interiors is your trusted partner.
RS Wood Interiors — building the spaces where South Africa does business.
EXCEPTIONAL TALENT
Rohloff is always on the lookout for exceptional talent and opening new roles for individuals to join the team.
The group invites anyone who is passionate about joining a dynamic, fast-paced organisation and contributing to its success to explore upcoming vacancies.
To assist with talent acquisition, it has recently hired a passionate, strategic, and detail-oriented Talent and Recruitment Practitioner to join the team in Somerset West.
This position was for someone that is driven by the opportunity to connect exceptional talent with
This role presents resents an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the strategic and day-to-day success of Rohloff’s HR function.
The Talent and Culture Administrator will deliver efficient and accurate administrative support across critical areas such as recruitment, onboarding, training coordination, and compliance.
Their commitment to service excellence will help ensure smooth HR operations and support the creation of a positive, engaging workplace culture that drives the continued growth and success of Rohloff.
ADD HOPE PROGRAMME
KFC prides itself on its chicken but is also committed to being a good neighbour in the heart of the communities where it has
The chain believes in feeding people’s potential in local communities – and it does that by investing in the next generation, creating a more sustainable and equitable future for young people, and empowering them to reach their full potential.
With nearly one million team members serving thousands of communities, KFC has a passion for feeding people’s potential.
Its global food donation programme, for example, shares surplus protein-rich chicken to those who need it, whilst upskilling programmes for youth, women, refugees, and people with disabilities creates confidence and unlocks opportunities for a brighter future.
Rohloff supports its local communities through KFC’s Add Hope programme, which provides funding to feed children in need.
Customers can voluntarily donate ZAR2 to their bill every time they visit their local restaurant which, combined with KFC’s contributions, feed nutritious meals to children throughout SA.
In 2024, Add Hope reached more than 150,000 children and served over 41 million meals.
This contributes to a brighter future for these children as they will be able to focus once they have a full stomach, which fuels them to learn, grow, and thrive.
VOLTMILL
Energy security is a part of modern life, and Voltmill provides generators and solar systems to suit its customers’ specific needs and budgets.
Through partnerships with leading generator and solar product suppliers, Voltmill is able to offer an unrivalled product range with the back-up and support of national chains.
Voltmill is fortunate to have been part of Rohloff’s maintenance team. Communication and fast back-up support has kept downtime to a minimum, ensuring a lasting relationship.
Generators and Solar Power: Balancing Reliability and Sustainability
Electricity is one of the most essential resources in modern society, enabling nearly every aspect of daily life. Access to reliable electricity is not always guaranteed. Power outages caused by storms, infrastructure failures, or rising demands can disrupt routines and create significant challenges. To address these issues, many people turn to alternative energy solutions. Solar power is the best solution for sustainability, paired with a back-up generator. Voltmill was established in 2019 with a focus on supplying different brands and sizes of generators to accommodate the needs of every sector, from small to big businesses, agriculture, and households seeking reliable back-up power. We assist clients with making informed decisions based on practicality and affordability, providing a full turnkey solution from sales to installation and offering breakdown support and routine maintenance.
We have been fortunate to be part of the Rohloff KFC maintenance team. Communication and fast back-up support have ensured that we keep downtime to a minimum, ensuring a lasting relationship.
The services we offer:
Generators:
Our silent diesel, LP gas, and petrol generators offer durability and fuel efficiency. Engine options range from budget-conscious to exotic European brands all backed by OEM warranties. Some of the brands we use:
• FAWDE
• SDEC
• Baudouin
• Perkins
• Cummins
• John Deere
Laser cutting and bending:
In-house laser cutting and bending allow us to build and customise towards special applications and corrosive coastal locations.
Generator Installations:
From delivery to electrical installation, our skilled team has you covered. Final site testing guarantees the safety and long-term performance of your investment.
Generator Maintenance:
A generator requires ongoing maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, and periodic inspections. Establishing a maintenance schedule during installation reduces the risk of unexpected failures. We aim to stock all maintenance parts to minimise downtime.
Solar installations:
Solar energy represents more than just a power solution; it is a sustainable, environmental and economic development. We provide all the equipmentneeded, from solar panels to batteries and inverters, at competitive prices.
Why choose us?
Expert Guidance: We don’t just sell power equipment; we design solutions. We help clients choose the best systems for their application.
Quality Over Quantity: Every product is tested, certified, and backed by warranties that protect your investment.
Customer Satisfaction: At Voltmill, we put customer satisfaction first as most customers rely on us for stable power. We understand and anticipate the needs of our customers whilst acting with integrity throughout the process.
Don’t wait for the next blackout or a high-cost utility bill to remind you of what’s at stake. Take charge today. Choose Voltmill Generators and Solar Western Cape, because your world deserves power without limits.
THE ADD HOPE MODEL
1. GOVERNANCE – Add Hope’s governance framework balances accountability with growth, ensuring every ZAR2 donation reaches hungry children through transparent, ethical operations.
2. FUNDRAISING – The programme’s fundraising success stems from voluntary ZAR2 micro-donations supplemented by KFC contributions.
3. PARTNERSHIPS – Add Hope’s impact multiplies through strategic partnerships with more than 120 organisations operating across more than 3,300 feeding centres in SA.
4. REPORTING AND FINANCE – Add Hope publishes annual reports and,
Rohloff partners with several Add Hope beneficiaries nationally to provide vital nutrition to children in need.
All proceeds raised through Add Hope go directly to non-profit organisations (NPOs), which focus on ending childhood hunger through the KFC Social Responsibility Trust. The trust oversees customer donations and KFC contributions through rigorous partner vetting,
in 2024, conducted its first impact assessment. Beneficiaries report quarterly on finances and programme impact with oversight by the KFC Social Responsibility Trust and independent auditors.
5. COMMUNICATIONS AND STORYTELLING – The programme’s communications strategy centres on ‘KFC raised Add Hope, customers sustain it’, emphasising collective impact through multi-channel storytelling.
6. INTERNAL BUY-IN AND BRAND INTEGRATION – Add Hope succeeds because it’s woven into KFC’s organisational DNA. The programme is mandatory across all franchises, integrated into onboarding and training, and supported by confidential
KPMG audits, and independent reviews.
CHANGING LIVES
KFC’s hope is that everyone who donates to Add Hope is reassured that their ZAR2s are changing lives. Since the programme’s inception, it has raised ZAR1.2 billion and fed the potential of hundreds of thousands of children – but it hasn’t been as simple as it sounds.
reporting mechanisms. This comprehensive integration ensures authentic employee engagement and sustainable programme delivery.
7. SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE – Add Hope operates on a cloud-native technology foundation built primarily on Microsoft Azure, with more than 95 percent of infrastructure hosted in the cloud.
As Add Hope has grown, KFC has built frameworks for governance, fundraising, partnerships, reporting and finance, communications and storytelling, internal buy-in and brand integration, and systems architecture.
It’s a finely tuned recipe for youth potential built on a foundation of deep integrity, and each ingredient plays a role in making Add Hope impactful and sustainable.
Now, KFC is open-sourcing its Add Hope blueprint to drive growth and challenging some of the nation’s brightest young minds to build upon the blueprint and make it more adaptable, responsive, and scalable.
KFC’s aim is nothing less than the end of child hunger in SA. By turning the Add Hope playbook into a blueprint anyone can use, the chain is showing that hope lights the way to a brighter future – and that it isn’t a secret, but a solution.
Together, Rohloff remains committed to building a business that leaves a lasting, positive impact.
METRO
AIRCONDITIONING SERVICES,
an independent HVAC/R company based in Pretoria (Gauteng), has been delivering reliable climate-control solutions since 1990. With decades of industry experience, the company provides innovative, cost-effective and high-quality airconditioning and ventilation services.
Metro Air’s dedicated team offers end-to-end support — from the initial enquiry through to project completion — specialising in design, installation, commissioning, fault-finding, repairs, maintenance and servicing of HVAC and refrigeration systems.
Through strong partnerships with leading suppliers, Metro Air ensures access to a wide range of specialised products and technical expertise, enabling the company to consistently deliver reliable, comprehensive and professional
juan@metroair.co.za admin@metroair.co.za accounts@metroair.co.za ugien@metroair.co.za
Francolin Street, Elspark, Germiston Ettiene Francis - Cell: 083 242 1765 WhatsApp: 081 031 1776 ettiene@francisrefrigeration.co.za wilrie@francisrefrigeration.co.za www.francisrefrigeration.co.za
