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

The KZN Future 50, powered by FNB Business in partnership with East Coast Radio, highlights businesses that are helping shape KwaZulu-Natal’s economic landscape. The initiative offers more than just airtime — it serves as a launchpad for small and medium-sized businesses to grow their visibility, customer base, and market reach. Many featured businesses have reported tangible benefits, including increased sales, improved operational efficiency, and access to new markets across provinces and, in some cases, internationally.

Since being featured on the KZN Future 50, Papini Trading — founded and headed up by Rasheed Patel — has refined its approach to strategic marketing. The business, which supplies curtain fabrics and accessories to independent window dressing fabricators, has used the exposure to increase brand visibility and improve customer engagement. This shift has enabled the team to connect more effectively not only with their direct clients but also with their clients’ end-users, resulting in smarter, more purposeful growth.

La Vita Spas and Hair Studios, based in KwaZulu-Natal, has grown into one of South Africa’s recognised names in wellness, beauty and self-care. The business began in 2002 when Rioma Cominelli opened the first branch in Musgrave under the name Cellu-Beauty. Her brother, Valerio Cominelli, later joined her to help grow the brand. Together, they laid the foundation for a national network of spas focused on accessible wellness and personal care.

Since being featured on the KZN Future 50, Food Sock—run by Mike Nel—has continued to grow its footprint across KwaZulu-Natal and further afield. The business produces affordable, long shelf-life meal packs that can feed a family for around R10, making a real difference in areas where access to nutritious food is limited.

Over the past year, Food Sock has grown its sales by 10%, despite tough economic conditions, and has started working more closely with church networks to reach more people in rural communities.

Since being featured on the KZN Future 50, Livecopper—founded by Alf Allingham and Andrew Davies—has continued to grow its presence as an online retailer of electrical and lighting products. Based in KwaZulu-Natal and serving customers across South Africa, the business has remained focused on making specialist products easily accessible through its e-commerce platform.

The recognition from the Future 50 helped reinforce their commitment to innovation in the digital space.

Big Five Accident Repair Centre, a proudly family-run business in Durban, has built a solid reputation in the automotive repair sector — not through gimmicks or grand claims, but through consistent workmanship and a genuine passion for vehicles.

Founded by Mano Nayager, a seasoned professional with over 36 years of experience, the company has grown into one of the city’s most respected panel shops.

Mano’s interest in the motor industry began with a fascination for how damaged vehicles could be restored. That curiosity, combined with years of practical experience, led him to establish Big Five Accident Repair Centre — a workshop that today is trusted by drivers across Durban and further afield.

Based in Durban, Alute SA is making a difference in workplaces across KwaZulu-Natal. The company provides training, consulting, and equipment in the areas of health, safety, fire, and security—helping businesses stay compliant and, more importantly, safe.

From factories and warehouses to construction sites and engineering firms, Alute SA works with industries where safety really matters. Their team offers practical support, from installing fire systems to training staff in how to handle emergencies. They also help companies meet the legal requirements for workplace safety, skills development, and security.

Following their feature on the KZN Future 50, Sparesboyz has focused on building a stronger foundation to support long-term growth.

The business, headed up by John Hunt, supplies quality used and new non-original vehicle parts by salvaging usable components from accident-damaged vehicles. Since being featured, the company has restructured its leadership and appointed experienced managers.

This has enabled John to concentrate more on growing the business, while a capable team manages day-to-day operations.

They have also improved their systems and processes, making it easier to expand without encountering obstacles.

Steelco, a family-run business supplying steel products and roofing solutions to the construction and industrial sectors, was previously featured on the KZN Future 50 for its growth and contribution to the local economy.

Since then, the company has made meaningful progress—both in how it operates and in how it serves its customers.

They have added key individuals to their leadership team, including a Head of Operations and Procurement and a Finance Support Coordinator, to strengthen day-to-day operations.

Their sister company, MBM Roofing, has also launched its own in-house roofing line, which now enables them to offer a complete roofing solution under one roof.

I-Tech Solutions, based in Pietermaritzburg, has been helping businesses stay connected and secure since 2002. Founded by Clyde Langley and Brett Precious, two passionate tech enthusiasts, the company has grown from a small start-up into one of the trusted names in IT services across KwaZulu-Natal