Mmenyana Ranku | WOMEN IN FRANCHISING

Mmenyana Ranku is General Manager of the Branded Retail Channel at MTN South Africa and serves as a Board Member of the Franchise Association of South Africa.

Some lessons don’t come from a classroom. They come from the shop floor, during the lunch rush, when a brand’s promise is either kept or broken in minutes. That is where Mmenyana Ranku learned the fundamentals of her trade in a KFC, long before she took responsibility for one of South Africa’s largest retail transformation programmes. This is where she learned that a brand is not just a name on a sign. It is a standard, proven or lost, one customer at a time. That early experience would go on to shape a career that few people in South African telecommunications can match.

Today, Ranku is General Manager of the Branded Retail Channel at MTN South Africa, where she oversees the network of franchise partners who represent the brand on the ground the stores, the sales floors, the everyday interactions that make MTN real to its customers. She is also a Board Member of the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA). On paper, fast food and telecommunications have little in common. Different products, different customers, different rules but Ranku’s career has been built on a simple belief: that running a business well is not about the industry. It’s about discipline and that discipline travels.

That belief has been tested, and it has held. Under her leadership, MTN’s branded retail channel has gone through one of the biggest transformations in the company’s history not a new look but a new way of working, one that changed how franchise partners operate, compete and grow. Talk to Ranku about this work, and a pattern becomes clear. Her leadership is not built on instinct. It is built on doing the basics right, over and over, until the credibility she once had to fight for was no longer in question.

What follows is Ranku’s story, in her own words from the lessons she learned behind a fast-food counter, to the transformation she now leads at one of Africa’s biggest telecommunications companies and the advice she has for the next generation of women working to earn their place in franchising and to keep it.

What first drew you to the franchising world, and how did you end up in your specific sector?

My franchising journey began at KFC SA, where I saw how strong brands and passionate entrepreneurs could create successful businesses together. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for franchising, and moving into telecommunications with MTN SA allowed me to apply those same principles supporting franchise partners while delivering exceptional customer experiences.

As a woman in your franchising sector, who or what had the biggest influence on your journey?

I’ve been fortunate to learn from great leaders throughout my career, but my biggest growth has come from navigating complex business challenges. Those experiences taught me resilience, confidence and the importance of leading with authenticity.

What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you balance work and life?

Every day is different, from engaging with franchise partners to shaping strategy and improving customer experience. Balance comes from prioritising what matters most, trusting my team and making time for my family and personal wellbeing.

What’s a moment in your franchising career that you’re most proud of?

Leading the transformation of MTN’s retail channel stands out. It wasn’t just about modernising stores,it was about creating a stronger future for our franchise partners and delivering a better experience for customers.

Have you faced particular challenges as a woman in your sector?

Like many women in leadership, I’ve had to earn credibility in traditionally male-dominated environments. I’ve learned that preparation, consistency and delivering results speak louder than anything else.

What’s something people don’t fully understand about your industry?

People often think franchising is simply about following a business model. In reality, it’s about building strong partnerships, supporting entrepreneurs and continuously adapting to meet changing customer needs.

How has your sector changed since you first started?

The biggest shift has been towards digital and customer experience. Today’s customers expect seamless, personalised interactions, so we’ve had to continuously innovate while helping franchise partners adapt.

What do you enjoy most about interacting with franchise partners?

I enjoy solving problems together and seeing ideas become reality. It’s rewarding to help franchise partners grow successful businesses while making a real difference to customers.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t wait until you feel ready. Say yes to opportunities that challenge you because that’s where the greatest growth happens.

Outside of work, what helps you recharge?

Spending quality time with family is incredibly important to me, and my faith in God keeps me grounded. I also enjoy travelling, exploring different cultures and continuously learning. I’m passionate about leadership, business strategy and innovation, so reading and reflecting are ways I both relax and grow.

Is there a woman who inspires how you lead?

I’ve been inspired by women who lead with both strength and empathy. They’ve shown me that you can achieve exceptional results while remaining authentic and people-focused.

What advice would you give to women considering franchising?

Don’t limit yourself to one industry because the principles of great franchising are transferable. My career has taken me from one of the world’s largest restaurant brands to one of Africa’s leading telecommunications companies, and each experience strengthened the next.

Build your commercial capability, understand operations, stay curious and invest in relationships. Franchising rewards people who are resilient, adaptable and committed to continuous learning.