Re-Engaging South Africa’s Workforce Starts with Managers – According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace Report 2025, manager engagement has dropped from 30% to 27%, directly impacting team performance. In fact, 70% of team engagement is attributable to the manager – and yet, less than half of the world’s managers have received any training.
This is more than a leadership issue. It’s a productivity crisis.
South Africa currently ranks low in both employee engagement (23%) and wellbeing (28%). Gallup’s research points to a clear solution: manager development.
If managers are overwhelmed and disengaged, it trickles down. When they are supported and trained, the results are transformative – not just for them, but for their teams.
Why This Matters
Gallup’s 2025 data shows that only 28% of South Africans describe themselves as “thriving.” And with South Africa ranked 12th in the region for employee engagement, something has to change.
Training your managers – many of whom have never received formal development – is one of the most powerful things you can do to improve performance, retention, and wellbeing. Even basic training can halve the rate of active disengagement, and effective coaching techniques can improve manager performance by up to 28%.
Now is the time to act.
Our Response: The First-Line Manager Development Programme (FMDP)
To support this need, Kwelanga has introduced two public intakes of our First-Line Manager Development Programme (FMDP) into the July–December 2025 calendar.
FMDP is designed to:
- Provide essential training in core management competencies
- Equip new and emerging managers with coaching and leadership techniques proven to increase engagement
- Build confidence and capability in frontline leaders who are often promoted without support
The result?
Better manager wellbeing, more engaged teams, and stronger business outcomes – exactly what Gallup highlights as critical for future workplace performance.
How Public Courses Bridge the Gap
In an age of hyper-personalised learning solutions, it’s easy to assume that public training courses have had their day. But in 2025, the opposite is true. Public courses remain a strategic, accessible way to build skills, broaden professional perspectives, and support high-performing teams – especially when time and budget are limited.
At Kwelanga Training, we offer both Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and Face-to-Face Public Courses across key South African regions, ensuring our clients get flexible, accredited learning no matter where or how they prefer to learn.
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)
Training shouldn’t be confined to a classroom. Our online public business skills courses allow managers and team members to participate from anywhere – building skills while connecting with professionals across industries.
Experience the Benefits of Online Learning:
- Flexibility: Learn from anywhere, with zero travel time.
- Interaction: Engage with facilitators and peers in real-time.
- Effectiveness: Enjoy practical, hands-on learning through group discussions and breakout sessions.
How VILT Works:
- Virtual Classroom: Join our live, facilitator-led sessions via a user-friendly video platform.
- Interactive Learning: Participate in role-plays and group tasks in breakout rooms.
- Personalised Support: Get real-time feedback and support from seasoned instructors.
Face-to-Face Public Courses (Regional)
Prefer a traditional setup? We also run immersive classroom-based sessions in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. These sessions offer a vibrant, collaborative environment for skill development.
Why Choose Face-to-Face Training?
- Immersive Learning: Engage in live discussions, practical exercises, and peer collaboration.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with professionals across industries and roles.
- Expert Facilitation: Learn from experienced facilitators with deep industry knowledge.
Stretch Your Training Budget: Get More for Less with Our Exclusive Voucher Promotion!
For a limited time, enjoy 20% off the full value of each public course with our exclusive promotion.
Benefits at a Glance:
- Secure your 2025 training budget at today’s rates
- Flexibility for teams and planning
- Access to high-impact, accredited soft skills training
Voucher Details:
- Vouchers are available for both Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) and Face-to-Face (F2F) courses. Please note: pricing may differ based on the format selected and vouchers are not interchangeable between formats
- Nationwide sessions available
- Vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase
- Upfront payment secures your savings
- Minimum order: 20 vouchers
Contact us to take advantage of this limited offer.
Not Sure Where to Start? Try Our Free Training Needs Analysis App
Choosing the right courses starts with understanding what your team actually needs. Our FREE Training Needs Analysis (TNA) App helps you:
- Identify real skills gaps in your team
- Align training with business objectives
- Build a focused development plan
It’s a smart, simple way to ensure your spend delivers real ROI – and lasting impact.
🔗 Try the TNA App Now
What Our Clients Are Saying:
“I want to express my gratitude for the exceptional course provided by Kwelanga Training. The content covered over the two days was not only well-structured but also highly relevant to my professional development.
The organised curriculum facilitated a smooth flow of information, ensuring I efficiently grasped key concepts. The inclusion of practical exercises and interactive sessions was particularly beneficial, enhancing my understanding through hands-on application and consolidating the theory taught.
Active participation and discussions with fellow participants added immense value to the learning experience. I also want to acknowledge the facilitator for her expertise and enthusiasm, which significantly elevated the learning environment. Her wealth of knowledge contributed to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.”
— SBU Manager, Major Public Transport Bus Service Operator
Ready for the Second Half of 2025?
We’ve just released our updated Public Course Calendar for July–December. With high-impact courses across both virtual and face-to-face formats, there’s never been a better time to plan ahead.
Download the calendar now or speak to our team for guidance on the best options for your team, or let our TNA App help you pinpoint where the biggest learning gaps are.
Let’s keep your people growing – wherever they are.