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

Think about the last space you walked into.

The lighting. The switches. The fittings.

If everything worked seamlessly, you didn’t think twice.

If it didn’t, the entire experience felt off.

That moment isn’t by accident, it’s the result of infrastructure done right.

Zebbies Electrical, with 15 retail locations across South Africa, sits at the centre of that system. Supplying the components that power homes, businesses and everyday environments, the business has built a strong national footprint in a highly competitive market.

Now, under the leadership of VVanessa Marshall, the focus shifts from expansion to optimisation leveraging what’s already been built and introducing a second growth engine to drive stability and scale over the next 3 to 5 years.

Because in business, real growth isn’t always about adding more, it’s about unlocking more from what you already have.

Think about the last box you opened.

If it closed cleanly, folded perfectly, and looked sharp, you trusted the product inside.

If it didn’t, the brand felt weaker immediately.

That moment is not chance. It’s the result of systems working properly.

Packtech Tooling, based in Cape Town and led by Kim Naran, sits at the start of that system.

Packtech Tooling, a specialised manufacturing business based in Cape Town, has built a strong reputation within South Africa’s printing and packaging sector. Founded by Werner Weber, the company supplies precision tooling to the printing, packaging and narrow web label industries across South Africa and parts of the African continent. Today, the business is headed up by Managing Director Kim Naran, whose leadership reflects decades of hands-on industry experience.

From the unmistakable sound of childhood ride-on toys to industrial-scale packaging solutions, this is a proudly South African manufacturing story built on grit, engineering and adaptability.

In this episode, we unpack how Blomo Plastics was founded by Fritz Strydom Snr, who quite literally built his own machinery to start the business. What followed was decades of evolution from producing nearly two million ride-on toys to becoming a trusted name in rigid plastic packaging.

We explore the company’s shift into industrial manufacturing, the risks of relying on a single customer, and how a second-generation leadership team is now driving growth through expanded production, new packaging capabilities and export ambitions.

What does it take to turn a single food stall into a recognised dining brand?

In this Future50 conversation, Dino Vlachos shares how Soul Souvlaki grew from a small stall at Market on Main into a modern fast-casual Greek dining concept.

We explore the early risks, the decision to focus on fresh, made-to-order food in every store, and how thoughtful design, strong franchise partners and disciplined expansion helped the brand grow across South Africa. Dino also shares his advice to entrepreneurs about managing debt, protecting cash flow and building a business that can stand the test of time.

In this Future50 conversation presented by Pavlo Phitidis from Aurik and powered by FNB Business, we unpack how Olympic Paints has produced over 450 million litres of paint while evolving into a modern, innovation-driven manufacturer.

We explore the realities of second-generation leadership, why experience outside the family business matters, and how traditional manufacturing can embrace AI — from patented packaging like the Flip ‘n Roll lid to digital tools like the VibrAInt colour platform.

Plus, Pavlo shares this week’s growth tip: Build a business you can leave for six months — because if you can’t step away, you don’t own it… it owns you.

From building computers in his bedroom at 18 to leading a national outsourced IT company, Wickus Aucamp’s journey with Flawless IT Solutions is a masterclass in long-term thinking and smart growth.

In this Future50 conversation presented by Pavlo Phitidis from Aurik and powered by FNB Business, we unpack how Flawless IT Solutions evolved from once-off hardware installs to structured, proactive IT support for businesses operating in high-pressure and remote environments — including renewable energy sites, farms and construction projects.

Wickus shares lessons on building the right team, shifting from reactive tech support to a service-led model, and why founders need to “leave the engine room” to focus on strategy and growth.

Pinnacle Stone has carved out a name in South Africa’s stone and porcelain surface industry by focusing on one powerful promise: certainty. With operations in Johannesburg and Polokwane, the business supplies imported porcelain and sintered stone surfaces for luxury homes, commercial developments, kitchen studios, architects, and developers across the country.

In conversation with Pavlo Phitidis from Aurik, the founders unpack how they shifted from simply supplying products to protecting project timelines. By securing specifications early, managing cash flow through a controlled stock range, and engineering reliable delivery systems, Pinnacle Stone is building sustainable, repeatable growth.

Powered by FNB Business, this Future50 feature dives into entrepreneurship, systems thinking, and the reality of building a business that creates jobs and shapes South Africa’s future.

Based in Durban’s Umgeni Business Park, Supafoods has grown from a bakery ingredient supplier into a full-service solution for South Africa’s retail and independent bakeries.

In this Future50 conversation, Marco Kotze shares how the business built long-term partnerships with retailers like SPAR and Pick n Pay, supported in-store bakers through hands-on training, and expanded into community feeding initiatives.

A powerful lesson on turning products into solutions that drive loyalty, impact and sustainable growth.

What happens when a professional sports career ends unexpectedly? For Corne Krige, it marked the beginning of a new arena - business. In this episode, we explore the journey behind CK Advertising, a Cape Town–based branding and event solutions company built on resilience, reinvention, and practical execution.

From an informal handshake deal in outdoor media to establishing a structured branding business serving organisations across South Africa, CK Advertising focuses on more than just promotional items - it delivers consistent, usable brand activation systems that help businesses show up professionally across multiple locations.

Corne shares the lessons he learned transitioning from sport to entrepreneurship, including the importance of formal agreements, clear expectations, and knowing when to step away. It’s a conversation about second acts, smart systems, and building a business designed for long-term sustainability.

In Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, a major clothing manufacturer is showing how South African industry can evolve — creating jobs, adopting new technologies, and building skills along the way.

Celrose Clothing is one of South Africa’s leading apparel manufacturers, supplying quality denim garments and other clothing to well-known local retailers. Headed up by John Comley, the business employs over 1,500 people and plays a valuable role in the local economy.