Is A Franchise Agreement Invalid if it Does Not Comply with the Consumer Protection Act? Edging Towards Clarity – Ian Jacobsberg
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) contains extensive regulations prescribing terms and information that must be included in franchise agreements. However, although it had been raised in several cases that a franchise agreement that the parties had concluded omitted some of the prescribed details, in none of these cases had the courts declared outright that these omissions rendered the agreements void, or even that it afforded either of the parties the option of cancelling the agreement. For example, in Steynberg v Tammy Taylor Nails Franchising No 45 (Pty) Ltd, the Court noted that the franchisee had raised the argument that the franchise …
The Day That Belongs to Every Franchisee, Franchisor, and Future Entrepreneur in South Africa
World Franchising Day is coming, and FASA is making it count. Every year, on the 11th of June, the global franchise community pauses to celebrate something remarkable: a business model that has turned ordinary people into business owners, and local brands into household names. World Franchising Day is not just a date on a calendar; it is a celebration of entrepreneurship, economic resilience, and the power of partnership. In South Africa, where unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time, franchising represents something deeply significant. It is a proven, structured pathway to business ownership, one that …
Renewed focus on localised procurement at upcoming Buy Local Summit & Expo
The importance of increased localised procurement and consumer spend will come under the spotlight at the Proudly South African Buy Local Summit & Expo, which is taking place in the backdrop of debilitating tariff hikes that the Donald Trump-led administration has slapped on South African exports to the United States. The imposition of 30% tariff increases on South African exports to the United States has reignited fears of a jobs bloodbath and has seen many industries scrambling to find alternative exports for their produce. While tariff hikes will not form part of the discussion items at the 14th edition of …
Are you ready to pitch your African brand to Saudi and Middle East investors?
Did you know that investors from the Gulf are actively seeking African brands and franchise opportunities? Will your business be ready when the opportunity comes? As part of the journey toward CEO Drawing Board 8.0 – Egyptian–Saudi International Franchise Expo (FRANEX 2026) in Cairo, we are hosting our second preparatory webinar to help African entrepreneurs prepare for investment and partnership opportunities with Saudi and Middle East investors. Webinar Topic: Preparing for Your Pitch to Saudi & Middle East Investors Date: March 16th, 2026 Time: 12:00pm GMT+1 🔗 Register here: https://ceodrawingboardfranex.businessroom.io/ In this session we will cover: * What Saudi and …
FASA Conference 2026 Draws Strong Industry Backing as Key Platform for Franchise Growth
Alderman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni FASA Conference 2026 Draws Strong Industry Backing as Key Platform for Franchise Growth The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE), leading financial institutions, sector education and training authorities and industry bodies have reaffirmed their commitment to franchising through support of the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) Conference and Expo 2026. The event takes place on 19 February at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Centre in Boksburg, Ekhurhuleni. “The CoE is proud to partner with FASA to empower our SMMEs and drive sustainable economic growth,” states Phakamile Mbengashe, HOD: Communication, …
Services SETA Opens 2026/27 Discretionary Grant Applications
The Services SETA, a proud sponsor of the FASA Conference and Expo happening in February 2026 invites sector employers, employer associations, professional bodies, recognised trade unions and accredited Skills Development Providers to apply for Discretionary Grant funding for 2026/27. The grant supports Learning Programmes aligned with the Sector Skills Plan, Strategic Plan, 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan and National Skills Development Plan 2030, focusing on developing scarce and critical skills through workplace-based learning. Application Period Applications open: Monday, 10 November 2025 at 08:00 Applications close: Tuesday, 9 December 2025 at 15:00 Late, manual or emailed submissions will not be accepted. …
Strengthening Connections: FASA’s Member Engagement Initiative
At FASA, we believe that meaningful engagement drives mutual success. Our management team has launched an innovative member outreach program to deepen relationships and foster collaboration across the franchising community. Taking FASA Directly to You Recognising that face-to-face connections create lasting impact, FASA leadership has embarked on a nationwide member engagement journey. Our team is visiting member locations to: Provide personalised updates on association programs and initiatives Share critical industry developments and market insights Gather valuable feedback directly from business leaders Strengthen the partnership between FASA and our member community Learning Through Dialogue These on-site engagements have already yielded invaluable …
Shaping the Future of Franchising in South Africa
Strategic Review: Positioning FASA for Excellence in 2025 The Franchising Association of South Africa (FASA) is proud to announce a comprehensive strategic review initiative designed to strengthen our mandate and enhance our value to the franchising community. Driving Strategic Transformation In anticipation of 2025, FASA has partnered with leading strategic consultants to conduct an in-depth organisational review. This forward-thinking initiative focuses on three critical pillars: Mandate Refinement – Ensuring our core mission aligns with the evolving needs of South Africa’s dynamic franchising landscape Strategic Repositioning – Enhancing FASA’s role as the premier voice and resource for franchising excellence Continuous Improvement …
Shaping the Future of Franchising in South Africa
Strategic Review: Positioning FASA for Excellence in 2025 The Franchising Association of South Africa (FASA) is proud to announce a comprehensive strategic review initiative designed to strengthen our mandate and enhance our value to the franchising community. Driving Strategic Transformation In anticipation of 2025, FASA has partnered with leading strategic consultants to conduct an in-depth organisational review. This forward-thinking initiative focuses on three critical pillars: Mandate Refinement – Ensuring our core mission aligns with the evolving needs of South Africa’s dynamic franchising landscape Strategic Repositioning – Enhancing FASA’s role as the premier voice and resource for franchising excellence Continuous Improvement …
Exhibition Opportunity: North-West MSME Mega Expo 2025
The North-West MSME Mega Expo is taking place on 9 and 10 December 2025 at Sun City, and you are invited to be part of this prestigious event. Organised by the North-West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), this flagship provincial event is designed to strengthen the MSME ecosystem, unlock market access opportunities, and foster collaboration between government, the private sector, and development partners. As a key stakeholder in South Africa’s economic landscape, your organisation’s participation will play a vital role in empowering local MSMEs and showcasing the programmes, services, and support available to them. Why Exhibit? …
Your Voice, Amplified: Exclusive FASA Member Rates on Radio Pulpit
Radio Pulpit, in collaboration with FASA, has a special negotiated discount offer for you, tailored especially for FASA Members, to help you increase your brand awareness. As a valued member of FASA, your business represents the quality and entrepreneurial spirit that South Africans trust. At Radio Pulpit / Radiokansel, we share that same commitment to integrity, service, and community. We would like to invite you to partner with us by advertising your products or services on one of South Africa’s most trusted radio platforms. With a loyal, values-driven audience that spans across language, culture, and region, Radio Pulpit offers an …
AARTO Demerit System: What Store Owners & Vehicle Proxies Need to Know Before December 2025
Big Changes Are Coming: What Is AARTO? The AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) system is being rolled out across South Africa, with 69 municipalities implementing the full AARTO structure by December 1, 2025. If your business owns vehicles—or if you’re listed as a proxy for any business vehicles—this directly affects you. franchisingfasaVirtual Consultant | Connecting people using online platforms, social media and online networking Equipping you with information, helping you explore possibilities, and preparing you to do business and develop an online brand in the digital world. Creating opportunities for people to connect through virtual networking, social media …
Networking Isn’t a Waste of Time, It’s an Untapped Ground for Growth
How many times have you heard someone say, “Networking is a waste of time”? The truth is, networking only feels like a waste when people come unprepared, uninspired, or unsure of why they are there. The difference between a fruitless hour and a life-changing connection often lies in your approach. Romany ThresherRomany Thresher is a strategic thinker and systems organizer who helps businesses streamline their digital operations, especially around online events and customer engagement. She supports you in setting up and managing your online platforms — making sure you collect the right information to better understand your audience and improve their …
FASA Networking Events
Events are organised by the Franchise Association, giving people an opportunity to connect on common ground. The objective is not only to grow your network but to inspire you with information that can be helpful to you. Whether it’s virtual or in person, FASA organises these events to keep its members up to date with franchise developments and more importantly to offer platforms for mutual networking. FASA Franchise Association South AfricaTo protect, lobby, promote and develop ethical franchising across all sectors in South Africa with specific focus on transformation. www.fasa.co.za …
AGM report from Maria D’Amico, FASA Chair
Founded in 1979, the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA), has been dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship through ethical franchising and good business practices. These principles remain its cornerstone today. Maria D'AmicoMaria 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 …
2025 FASA Chairs & Board Members
As a non-profit association, FASA continues to represent franchising in South Africa and also serves as an example to other African countries and the rest of the world on how important it has become in its contribution to the country’s GDP. Its success relies on a board of directors that oversee the association’s work and help steer it to greater heights. FASA Franchise Association South AfricaTo protect, lobby, promote and develop ethical franchising across all sectors in South Africa with specific focus on transformation. www.fasa.co.za …
Making a difference as a FASA Board member
Serving on the Board should be seen as a privilege and be taken seriously as Board members provide strategic direction, make decisions and oversee FASA’s financial health and well-being. This is a voluntary position that requires time and commitment. By joining the Board of FASA as a Director, the member becomes part of a group of individuals that represent member companies and jointly oversee the activities of FASA. FASA looks for members who are enthusiastic about FASA’s goals and can commit to attending regular meetings, attend FASA events, sharing expertise, and helping FASA achieve its vision. FASA Franchise Association South …
The nominees standing to serve for 2025 – 2027
As FASA prepares for its Annual General Meeting to be held on the 7th March, we profile those members who have put themselves forward to fill the three openings for the FASA Board for the period 2025 to 2027 and given an overview of the importance of board members’ responsibilities in running the association. If you are a member of FASA, we suggest you get to know the nominees, their backgrounds and reasons for wanting to serve, then make sure you attend the AGM, vote and be involved. Click on the link to attend this important event. FASA Franchise Association …
FASA’s role in the franchise sector
The growth of franchising in South Africa has been phenomenal over the past 46 years and this business format continues to play a leading role in fostering entrepreneurship, in small business development and in job creation. FASA recognises the need to constantly evaluate the franchise system within South Africa, and to monitor the perception of members within the markets where they operate. Information gathered is crucial in assisting the association in completing the picture franchising’s continued success in South Africa. FASA Franchise Association South AfricaTo protect, lobby, promote and develop ethical franchising across all sectors in South Africa with specific …































































































































