The Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) Ascend – Leaders in Training Programme is an exceptional opportunity for ambitious graduates who want to develop their leadership capability in one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic FMCG companies. This programme is crafted for graduates who are ready to learn, grow, and step into the future as purpose-driven leaders.
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Quick Overview
| Programme | Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa Ascend – Leaders in Training |
| Organisation | Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) |
| Who Can Apply? | Recent graduates (degree completed in the last 2 years) |
| Focus Areas | Operations, Commercial, Support Services, Cross-functional roles |
| Location | South Africa |
| Suitable For | Driven, curious, impact-focused emerging leaders |
| Required Skills | Leadership, collaboration, problem solving, adaptability |
| Experience Needed | Academic leadership roles & involvement in student/other activities |
About Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA)
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) is the eighth-largest Coca-Cola bottler globally by revenue and the largest bottler in Africa, producing more than 40% of all Coca-Cola beverages sold on the continent.
CCBA employs over 14,000 people, services more than 800,000 customers, and operates in 14 African countries, including:
- South Africa
- Kenya
- Ethiopia
- Uganda
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Tanzania
- Botswana
- Zambia
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Comoros
- Mayotte
The Ascend – Leaders in Training Programme is part of CCBA’s commitment to developing future leaders who will innovate, inspire, and drive transformation across the business.
What the Ascend – Leaders in Training Programme Offers
As a participant, you’ll embark on a journey designed to build strong leadership capability while gaining valuable experience across key functional areas.
You will:
- Rotate through departments such as Operations, Commercial, and Support Services.
- Participate in structured leadership development programmes.
- Work on impactful, real-world business projects.
- Collaborate with experts, mentors, and cross-functional teams.
- Strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Develop the courage, curiosity, and integrity needed to lead in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
This is more than a job – it’s a career-launching platform for young professionals who want to thrive and grow.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
During the programme, your responsibilities will include:
- Participating in structured learning and rotational business assignments.
- Applying problem-solving and analytical abilities to real challenges.
- Supporting and collaborating with project teams.
- Demonstrating initiative, ownership, and leadership capacity.
- Embracing feedback, learning rapidly, and adapting to change.
Skills, Behaviours & Competencies
What CCBA is looking for:
Core Traits
- Driven to make an impact
- Thirsty to learn
- Caring toward customers, teams, and communities
- Willing to take ownership and lead
- Open to collaboration and shared success
Behaviours
- Courageous in receiving feedback
- Highly curious and adaptable
- Resilient under pressure
- Accountable and optimistic
- Effective communicator across diverse teams
Competencies
- Impact-driven and results-focused
- Thrives in fast-paced environments
- Influential and confident in shaping processes
- Enjoys teamwork and varied tasks
- Self-driven with high standards
- Empathetic and inclusive in approach
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the Ascend – Leaders in Training Programme, applicants must have:
Qualifications
- A completed undergraduate degree (must have been completed within the last two years).
Experience
- Active involvement in extracurricular activities during university.
- Demonstrated leadership abilities, such as student leadership roles.
- Proficiency in MS Office.
- Strong command of English (written and spoken).
Before you Apply, Check the Edupstairs Youth Tools Hub below that can be helpful in your application
- Edupstairs Simple CV Builder Tool
- Edupstairs AI Cover Letter Generator Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Internship Application Checklist Tool
- Edupstairs Interview Q & A Coach Tool
- Edupstairs Learnership Stipend Calculator Tool
- NSFAS Funding Eligibility Checker Tool
- Edupstairs Qualification-to-Career Pathways Tool
- South African Salary Explorer Tool
- TVET College Enrolment Eligibility Checker Tool
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who can apply for the CCBA Ascend – Leaders in Training Programme?
Any graduate who completed a bachelor’s degree within the last two years and demonstrates strong leadership potential.
- Do I need work experience to apply?
No formal work experience is required, but leadership roles and campus involvement are highly valued.
- Is the programme open only to South Africans?
Yes, for the South African-based programme, applicants must be legally allowed to work in South Africa.
- What fields of study does CCBA accept?
Any undergraduate degree is considered, but applicants must demonstrate strong leadership, curiosity, and impact potential.
- Does the programme offer a permanent position after completion?
While not guaranteed, successful graduates may qualify for future roles within CCBA based on performance and business needs.
CLOSING DATE: 30 NOVEMBER 2025
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Disclaimers
- Edupstairs is not an official representative of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.
- All information is based on publicly available content at the time of publishing.
- Always verify programme details via the official CCBA careers portal.
- Application deadlines, requirements, and programme availability may change without notice.
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