The results of the FASA Awards reflects franchising's resilience and innovation with new concepts continually being launched and well-known franchises actively growing their brands and consumer footprint. The Franchise sector contributes 12.57% to GDP contributing R256 billion to the economy through its 28 620 outlets which employs an estimated 460 000 people - the largest contributor to job creation. (Stats courtesy of The Standard Bank Franchise Factor 2008)
| Category | Winner | Finalists |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisor: Leading Developer of Emerging Entrepreneurs | Hot Dog Café | Dorego's |
| The Courier Guy | ||
| Brand Builder of the Year | Ola Milky Lane | Maxi's Restaurant |
| NWJ Jewellery | ||
| Newcomer Franchisor of the Year | Dr Tv Ads | Old Fashioned Fish And Chips |
| The Coffee Stop | ||
| Franchisor of the Year | Maxi's Restaurant | Jetline-E.Com |
| Oasis Water | ||
| Vodacare |
| Category | Winner | Finalists |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee of the Year | Steven Dally of Dorego's, Johannesburg | Hassen Cassim of Mochachos, Ormonde |
| Antonio Barra of Dorego's, Kimberley | ||
| Clara Makara & Pule Makgoe of Woolworths, Ladybrand & Phuthaditjhaba | ||
| Neville Goldstone of NWJ Jewellery, Kolonnade | ||
| Most Promising Female Franchisee of the Year | Clara Makara of Woolworths Ladybrand & Phuthaditjhaba | Jeanette Malan of Dorego's, Kokstad |
| Anne Matlala of Woolworths, Sunset Beach, Milnerton, Cape Town | Leona Krishna of Ola Milky Lane, Alberton | |
| Most Promising Black Franchisee of the Year | Nkosi Nyaningwe of Woolworths, Atteridgeville | Sifiso Bophela of The Coffee, Builders Warehouse, Gleneagles |
| Gregory Naidoo of BP, Chatsworth, Durban | ||
| Petrus Ramatla of Dorego's, Kimberley |
FASA's Chairman Thulani Cele believes that franchising, which has weathered the economic storm far better than independent businesses, has turned the corner and is set for renewed growth. "Despite the economic downturn franchising continues to be a dominant business format as far as SME development is concerned. Across the globe small business is recognized as the safety net of any economy and franchising is proving to be quite resilient even in this economic climate."
FASA Hall of Fame Personality of the Year and recently appointed Java Brands' MD, Claus Kuhl, said that these awards would act as important motivation for the team to reach its future goals. These goals included 15% growth per annum, increasing outlet trading density, ensuring above average franchisee profitability and return on investment, continuing to build a strong brand and focusing on the needs of the consumer in order to offer a fun experience. Java Brands is the management company of Ola Milky Lane, Juicy Lucy, Chicken King, and Java Heights Specialty Coffee brands.
During a career that has spanned nearly 30 years and included top franchise brands such as Debonairs Pizza and Ola Milky Lane, Kuhl has won numerous awards, including FASA Franchisor of the Year Award 2000 as MD of Debonairs Pizza.
Wessel Ebersohn, editor and publisher of Succeed, said Kuhl had been one of the pillars of franchising in this country, bringing a combination of qualities almost without equal in business to the franchising sector - great energy, deep passion and a spirit that does not understand failure.
