Celebrating 30 Years of McDonald's South Africa

Before joining McDonald's, Luther Bakkes built a career as a professional rugby player with the Cheetahs, Blue Bulls and Griquas.

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His future seemed rooted in sport, until a new opportunity appeared, introducing him to a world he had never imagined: the Golden Arches of the McDonald's restaurant business.His journey began in Johannesburg, where he stepped into a McDonald's kitchen for the very first time. "I remember telling my wife, 'I've never even cooked an egg, and now I'm making burgers!'" he recalls with a smile. Supported by colleagues and guided by experienced mentors, Luther learned firsthand what it meant to be part of a system designed for growth, teamwork and operational excellence. Those early days opened his eyes to a new purpose and ignited his drive to build something meaningful beyond the rugby field.