The Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) annual awards, which this year celebrates its 21st anniversary, was held recently.
Open to FASA members, the Awards aim to highlight the contribution that the franchising sector makes to the various industries within the economy. Its contribution of 11.8% to GDP is larger than many other industries – including agriculture, mining, electricity, construction, transport etc.
At the event, Vera Valasis, Executive Director of FASA pointed out that the association represents the highest number of franchisors in its 32-year history and in the past year over 25 franchises joined, many of them new concepts. “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 recognised as the safety net of any economy and franchising proved its resilience in the face of the global recession. And, of course, one must also not forget that fascinating anomaly that some of the greatest companies and franchises have been started and built during the worst of times.”
This year’s winners were:
DoRego’s – Franchisor of the Year
Masurick van der Walt of the Tina Cowley Reading Centre – Franchisee of the Year
The Coffee Stop – Newcomer of the Year and Franchisor: Leading Developer of Emerging Entrepreneurs
Brand Builder of the Year Scooters Pizza
Eugene Honey of law firm Bowman Gilfillan – FASA’s Hall of Fame Award
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