FASA Launches Seven-Benefit Membership Package on World Franchise Day

Johannesburg – The Franchise Association of South Africa used World Franchise Day to signal a clear change of direction. At an event in Johannesburg on 10 June 2026, hosted in partnership with ABSA, SME Entrepreneur, Msoho Consulting and Radio Pulpit, FASA announced a framework of seven new membership benefits that move the association beyond its traditional representative role into direct capability support for franchisors and franchisees.

The announcement, made during Youth Month, puts practical tools and business support at the centre of what FASA membership means.

“Our sole purpose is taking care of our members and ensuring that South Africa’s franchise community is making a meaningful contribution to the economy as a whole,” said Freddy Makgato, Chief Executive Officer of FASA. “The membership committee drove this from the ground up. They are active in the sector and they understand, first-hand, what franchise operators face. What we are announcing today reflects that.”

What changes for members

Three benefits stand out as the most substantive departures from what FASA has previously offered.

The Franchisee Readiness Programme is a new initiative designed to identify and develop high-potential franchise candidates before they enter the system. It gives aspiring owners structured preparation – skills, operational knowledge and business readiness – while giving franchisors access to pre-screened candidates. The programme is currently in development.

The Capability Development System brings learning programmes, leadership development and business improvement tools directly to members. Rather than directing members elsewhere for training, FASA will provide structured resources to help both franchisees and franchisors build stronger operations and manage growth.

Capital Access and Funding Support addresses one of the most persistent barriers in the sector. Through funding guidance, financial literacy support and partnerships with financial institutions and development agencies, FASA aims to help members improve their readiness to access growth capital

The remaining four pillars – Legal Support and Ethical Franchise Governance, Coaching, Mentorship and Peer Learning, Trust, Credibility and Ethical Leadership, and FASA Accreditation and Industry Recognition – extend and formalise support that members have previously accessed in a more limited form. Together they cover dispute mediation, mentorship networks, governance standards and the FASA accreditation mark

Driven by the membership committee

The benefits were developed by FASA’s membership committee, made up of active franchise sector practitioners. Their involvement in shaping the framework is, FASA argues, what separates this announcement from a policy document.

“FASA’s value to members has always rested on what we actually deliver,” said Larry Hodes, CEO of Grow Franchising and a FASA Board member. “We will make sure every one of these benefits is felt in practice, and we will be accountable for that throughout the year.”

About FASA

The Franchise Association of South Africa is the representative body for the country’s franchise sector, promoting ethical franchising, industry standards and member development across the franchise value chain.

For media enquiries and interview requests:

Mpho Mashego

mpho.mashego@fasa.co.za

www.fasa.co.za