Franchisee ownership improves in 2023, with black ownership showing an increase of 10%.

Loading player...
GUEST – Fred Makgato, CEO of Franchise Association SA

The number of franchise systems dropped from 813 in 2019 to 727 in 2023 – clearly attributed to the disruptions of the past four years which put the break on new concepts coming on line and perhaps in the closing of smaller fledgling concepts that could not get off the ground during the pandemic.

Female ownership remained steady at 30% in 2023, possibly due to the multiple roles women had to play over the past four years, especially during Covid which may have restricted their entrepreneurial ambitions.
24 Jan 2024 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

South African employment improves, but youth concerns persist

South Africa’s latest employment numbers are out, with Stats SA reporting an improvement of 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Nkosinathi Mahlangu, Head of the Youth Employment Portfolio at Momentum Group, argues that employer-driven opportunities are needed to give young people a real foothold in the economy.
31 Mar 4PM 9 min

SA fuel stations under pressure

Petrol stations are running dry nationwide as motorists rush to fill up ahead of record fuel price hikes expected from 1 April. South Africa braces for record fuel price hikes on April 1. To help address public concerns, we spoke to Avhapfani Tshifularo, Chief Executive of the Fuels Industry Association…
31 Mar 4PM 17 min

Key takeaways from South Africa’s 2026 Investment Conference

South Africa wants to move from promises to performance, and it’s aiming big — R2 trillion in new investment commitments over the next five years. For these and other highlights from today’s South African Investment Conference, Ipeleng Selele, Chairperson, Brand South Africa, joins the show.
31 Mar 4PM 7 min

Tech at the centre of SA’s investment story

As the country hosts the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference, government leaders are emphasizing a new phase of economic resilience, diversification, and digitalization. Takealot Group CEO, Frederik Zietsman, weighs in on the digital aspect after attending the conference.
31 Mar 4PM 7 min