Future 50 - Powered by FNB Business and East Coast Radio!

Behind every successful product is packaging that captures attention. Graham Hepburn, founder of QualiPak JHB, shares how his business has spent more than 20 years helping brands launch smarter with flexible shrink-sleeve packaging.

He also reflects on the setbacks that shaped his business, while Pavlo Phitidis explains why partnering with growing customers is one of the smartest ways to build long-term success.

Wayne Da Costa and Gideon Monyelekgau spent years learning every part of Tensile Rubber Hoses before making a life-changing decision. When the business came up for sale, they invested their pension savings to buy it.

They share how they transformed from employees into business owners, the lessons they've learned about manufacturing and customer relationships, and why backing local expertise continues to drive their success.

Reliable water has become one of South Africa's biggest challenges, but for father-and-son team Pierre van Tonder Senior and Pierre van Tonder Junior, it became the foundation for a purpose-driven business.

In this Future50 episode, the founders of iWater Management share how a life-changing experience in Botswana inspired them to build integrated water solutions that help businesses, schools, retirement villages and residential estates stay operational during water disruptions.

In this episode, Guy Hamlin of Republic Lifestyle shares the journey of building a Durban-based manufacturing company that supplies everything from umbrellas and bedding to baby products, pet ranges and hospitality goods across South Africa.

Guy discusses the realities of competing against imports, adapting to changing retail trends and one of the toughest lessons in business: knowing when to walk away from an investment that no longer serves the bigger picture. It's a conversation about resilience, local manufacturing and why protecting what already works can sometimes be the smartest growth strategy of all.

What does it take to keep factories running, fleets moving and businesses operating without costly downtime?

In this episode, we dive into the story of Deojay Petroleum KZN with owners Nisha Reddy and Trishen Naidu. From starting as employees under founder Jackie Leroux to leading a successful management buyout, they share how the company evolved into a proudly local manufacturer and distributor of automotive and industrial lubricants.

The conversation explores entrepreneurship, local ownership, manufacturing in South Africa, building trusted customer relationships and why supporting local industry matters now more than ever. It’s a story of resilience, growth and keeping KwaZulu-Natal’s economy moving behind the scenes.

Business owner Shaaz Moosa shared the real story behind building Supahot Geysers into a growing local manufacturing business in one of the toughest industries to crack.

From competing against major established players to rebuilding systems, partnerships and operations from the ground up, Shaaz unpacked the resilience required to grow a business beyond survival mode.

What does it take to turn a small backyard operation into one of South Africa’s growing timber suppliers?

In this episode, we chat to Leeroy Deane from The Pole Yard about the journey from humble beginnings to building a multi-branch business supplying everything from decking and fencing to jungle gyms and custom timber creations across the country.

What does it take to turn a “boring” industry into a global success story? Van Ryn Rubber has been quietly doing just that for over four decades. From processing 500 tonnes of rubber a month to exporting to more than 30 countries, this Pinetown-based manufacturer is proving that consistency, quality, and mindset can take you far.

In this episode, we unpack the journey with insights from Shannon Proctor; covering growth, challenges in South Africa’s manufacturing space, and why focusing on what you can control might be the ultimate business strategy.

Wipe-it chose to rebuild. Founded in 2002 by Fanus van Niekerk and now led by Gerbrandt van Niekerk, this South African hygiene supplier turned a tough setback into a powerful growth story. By doubling down on service, speed, and strong relationships, the business transformed into a national player serving industries from healthcare to hospitality.

In this episode, we unpack the hard lessons behind complacency, the importance of staying hungry in business, and how systemising your sales strategy can unlock real, scalable growth.

Plus, Pavlo Phitidis shares a practical three-step plan to help Wipe-it expand into new markets, build stronger customer partnerships, and create a business that grows beyond a few key players.

The tools. The PPE. The systems behind the scenes.

When everything works, you don’t notice but when it doesn’t, everything feels it.

Elcarbo Industrial Supplies, led by CEO Wendy Turton, started as a family business and grew from a car boot operation to a multi-branch supplier powering industries across South Africa.

Now, the focus shifts from supply to experience transforming PPE into something that builds pride and belonging in the workplace.

Because real growth isn’t just about what you deliver, but how it’s experienced.