South Africa's top franchisees gathered in Johannesburg on Wednesday when finalists in the Franchise Association of Southern Africa (FASA) Regional Franchisee of the Year Award for 2007 were announced.
Sponsored by First National Bank (FNB), who has established very strong franchise divisions throughout the country, the awards highlight the important role of franchising in making possible and self-employment among ordinary South Africans.
Riaan Fouche, who heads up the franchising arm at FNB, stresses that excellence and transformation are crucial elements for survival in this business today.
“With 470 franchise systems in operation in our country,” he adds, “this is something that the franchise industry is very conscious of. Awards such as these promote the drive for quality found among our close to 26000 franchise outlets, which employ a staggering 412500 people, 32% of whom were previously disadvantaged, so encouraging transformation in our economy."
"When FNB established a dedicated Franchise Desk, we made a commitment to support the industry through a strong focus on developing this sector. Our sponsorship of the FASA Regional Awards reflects our dedication to franchising in South Africa," says Fouche.
Gauteng and other Provinces
Hassen Ahmed Cassim, owner of Mochachos in Ormonde is a leader in Mochachos' family of franchisees. Not only does he help train new franchisees, but he was also instrumental in incorporating a dining section to the take-out concept.
Also in the food/restaurant business, George Prosalendis owns Piatto, considered one of the new “in” places to eat in Alberton.
From food to real estate, Julian Buckmaster owns the RealNet franchise in Centurion, and considered byRealNet head office as a “model office”.
Arista Enslin runs a Tina Cowley Reading Centre in The Reeds, Pretoria. After only two years, Enslin has the highest number of students of all 14 franchises in Pretoria and ranks amongst the top four Tina Cowley franchisees in the country.
Joshua Jonker owns Sign-a-Rama in Midrand and has broken all records to become one of the largest and most profitable Sign-a-Rama's – not only amongst the 30 domestic outlets, but also among the 853 international branches throughout 53 countries.
One winner among these finalists (to be announced on Tuesday 9 October) will now compete for the coveted National Franchisee of the Year Title, to be announced on 25 October in Johannesburg.
Fouche believes that FNB's crucial role, not only as the leading banker of a fair number of these franchisees, but also as a service provider for their business needs, is to promote quality within this already well-developed industry in South Africa.
“Franchising can certainly hold its own in the face of international competition. Through the spread smaller towns, local economic activity will be boosted and new jobs can be created. Franchising plays a significant role in assisting new entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the business environment,” he concludes.
