AGM report from Maria D’Amico, FASA chair

At FASA’s 45th AGM on the 29th February, Maria D’Amico, the chairperson of the Franchising Association of South Africa, (FASA) shared the highlights and challenges that this non-profit organization faced during the past year and her vision for this year.

“Since its inception in 1979, FASA has had ethical franchising as its mission and core value. Moreover, it has become the vehicle for the networking and promotion of franchising to businesses and the public; all this aligning itself with socio-economic, legal and political changes. It is with these unwavering objectives in mind that FASA continued to work steadfastly throughout the year.”

FASA, thanks to Absa as their sponsor, presented four breakfast roadshows in Boksburg, Rustenburg, White-River and Polokwane respectively. Roadshows play an intrinsic role in boosting public awareness and interest regarding franchising. It is with pride that I can vouch that these roadshows were well received by the attendees as the presenters promoted franchising, providing information vis-à-vis franchising and franchising-related subjects.

FASA continued to host their monthly virtual networking sessions with presenters imparting useful and valuable information, which sessions were also well attended.

FASA gave many interviews on radio and TV, and we thank FASA’s Fred Makgato, board member and everyone else involved in these. Moreover, I was invited to give a one-hour interview on SAFM, which was a great opportunity to discuss franchising and create awareness amongst the public.

FASA had two franchising features which appeared in the Sunday Times and subsequently, after a hiatus of four years, a survey was held to gauge the impact of franchising in South Africa and compare this with the previous survey occurring in 2019. The results were revealed at a FASA Conference in October. The survey, under the auspices of Margaret Constantaras, was an enlightening contribution to the FASA Conference and from the feedback that FASA received, it was a resounding success.

The survey had far-reaching results when assessing the contribution of the franchising sector to the South African Economy in terms of GDP (gross domestic product), business establishments, the creation of employment and the ascertaining of key franchise practices. The survey’s results were nothing short of encouraging, despite the extensive nationwide load-shedding, and the consequent economic uncertainty. Both franchisees and franchisors should be congratulated on generating R999 billion in turnover, an increase of 36 per cent when compared with R734 billion generated in the previous year, equating to 15 per cent of our nation’s GDP, up from the 13,9% recorded in 2019, and contributing meaningfully to skills transfer and gainful employment. Additionally, the survey showed that most franchisors are confident that during 2024, their franchised businesses will grow.

It is our sentiment that the South African Franchising Sector has done its utmost in making a viable contribution not only to our nation’s economy but also to job creation and skills transfer. The franchising sector can improve dramatically with government involvement, through social, tandem and micro-franchising, as all of these will contribute to stimulating franchising further; thereby empowering communities across the country and it is hoped, Africa.

We remind government that according to the survey, meaningful partnerships in franchising are imperative in advancing economic growth. Consequently, we invite the relevant government departments to become more involved with FASA; thereby making franchising more accessible to the South African people.

We have many exciting events scheduled for 2024, one of them being that FASA will host the International Franchise Expo on 20 and 21 July 2024 at Gallagher Estate, Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, aiming to enhance networking, improve knowledge and promote brands. Attending the Expo implies contributing to FASA’S success in promoting ethical franchising over the years, and thus in holding the South African torch high for franchising in Africa.

At this point, I feel it is imperative to thank my team for all their diligent work, consisting of staff, the Public Relations team, both media and online, board members, sub-committees, sponsors and particularly Absa, our main sponsor. Without you all, FASA could not have achieved the heights it has in 2023, last year.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made a difference and continues to work tirelessly for the greater good of franchising. I look forward to another year at the helm of FASA and look forward to working with the duly elected board members.

Maria D'Amico

Maria D’Amico holds an LLB in Law (obtained at WITS) and has been practicing as an attorney for 33 years and working at Thomson Wilks Attorneys.

Maria is an expert in commercial law, commercial litigation and franchising and her understanding of franchising law is invaluable to anyone involved in the franchising industry.

Maria is also qualified as a Solicitor in England, the United Kingdom, completed her Canadian legal conversion exams and is a Civil and Commercial Mediator (having obtained her certificate from the ADR – Alternative Dispute Resolution group in London).