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

Épisodes

• The hardest business decision? Knowing what not to grow 02.06.2026 4min

  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.
• Deojay Petroleum KZN: The local business keeping industry moving 26.05.2026 4min

  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.
• Built in South Africa: The Hard Road Behind Supahot Geysers 19.05.2026 4min

  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.
• From Backyard Hustle to Timber Empire: The Pole Yard Story 12.05.2026 4min

  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.
• From Pinetown to the World: The Van Ryn Rubber Story 28.04.2026 5min

  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.
• From Setback to Scale: How Wipe-it Rebuilt Stronger 14.04.2026 5min

  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.
• How Elcarbo Is Redefining Industrial Supply 07.04.2026 7min

  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.
• From Footprint to Future: How Zebbies Electrical Can Plans Its Next Growth Move 01.04.2026 5min

  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.
• Packtech Tooling: Precision Engineering Learnt From the Factory Floor 24.03.2026 6min

  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 Backyard Ingenuity to Industrial Scale: The Blomo Plastics Story 17.03.2026 5min

  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.
• From Market Stall to Restaurant Brand: The Soul Souvlaki Story 10.03.2026 5min

  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.
• Legacy in Colour: How Olympic Paints Blends Family, Grit and Innovation 03.03.2026 6min

  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.
• Flawless IT Solutions: From Bedroom Start-Up to Trusted IT Partner 24.02.2026 6min

  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: From a husband-and-wife team to a national surface supplier 17.02.2026 6min

  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.
• From Supplier to Solution: How Supafoods Built More Than a Bakery Business 10.02.2026 6min

  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.
• CK Advertising: From professional sport to brand execution 03.02.2026 7min

  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.
• Celrose Clothing: Building a Sustainable Future Through Skills and Innovation 23.09.2025 7min

  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.
• Ocean Plastic Technologies: Turning Plastic Waste into Community Value 16.09.2025 6min

  Ocean Plastic Technologies, based in KwaZulu-Natal, was founded by Oliver Nudds with a clear purpose: to create practical, small-scale recycling solutions that make it possible to process plastic waste where it’s collected. What started as an idea during Oliver’s travels has grown into a business that is reshaping how recycling is done in both local and international settings.
• Saddler Belts Explores Innovation While Staying True to Craft 09.09.2025 3min

  Saddler Belts & Leathercraft, headed up by Andrew Fenwick, was featured in the KZN Future 50 earlier this year for its longstanding presence in the leather goods industry. Known for handcrafted leather belts and accessories, the Durban-based business has continued to grow steadily. While no major new retail contracts have materialised, both online and walk-in sales have shown positive movement—an encouraging sign in the current economic environment.
• Where are they now: LIVClean Strengthens Position in the Industrial Cleaning Sector 09.09.2025 3min

  LIVClean, founded by Matt Simpkins and Murray Gilson, continues to focus on delivering high standards in the industrial cleaning sector. Since their feature in the KZN Future 50, the business has worked on building long-term, sustainable contracts—particularly in sectors such as hospitality, where consistent service and operational certainty are key. The exposure from the feature has helped increase awareness of their offering among larger organisations and decision-makers.