As we enter the second quarter of the year, there has been some uncertainty hovering over the franchising sector from both a global perspective as well as locally. While weathering the political and economical storms, franchising still remains one of the bastions of our economy. This sector spans around fourteen different business sectors with the 727 franchise systems and its 68 463 franchisees contributing 15% to the country’s GDP and employing in the region of 500 000 people.

Our next guest argues that a more concerted effort needs to be made by the government to recognise franchising’s contribution and be open to partnering with our sector to stimulate entrepreneurship, add to skills transfer and ultimately to much needed job creation. To tell us more about the challenges, lessons and opportunities available to build capacity for these small businesses, we are joined by...

Guest: Ayabulela Njingolo - new Chairman of the Franchising Association of South Africa for 2025/2026 (He has lead the OBC Group has multiple decades experience in the supermarket retailer in both urban and rural areas of South Africa)