FASA ready to serve its members and promote franchising

Franchising, without a doubt, will play an important role in adding to the bottom line of economic growth and FASA will continue to be at the forefront of promoting the benefits of franchising not only to business and the public at large, but more importantly to impress on government to partner with FASA to facilitate franchise growth in all areas of the economy.

As the country moves into its first full year governed by the GNU (Government of National Unity) without any drastic fall-out; driven by recovering domestic demand supported by renewed post-election confidence, improved power generation with no load shedding since end of March 2024, real GDP growth is projected to accelerate to 1.1 percent this year and 1.5 percent in 2025.

Monthly Newsletters

FASA has, through its many events where the public register to receive communications on franchising, built up a notable data base of members, service providers, franchisors, franchisees, suppliers and members of the public who have expressed interest in franchising. In addition to news that relates to franchising, business and the economy, members and service providers are encouraged to work with Giuli Osso, FASA’s PR to produce interesting articles around their particular franchise category and product and how it is faring within the economy and how successful it has been. Email Giuli at giuli@gocomms.co.za if you have any relevant and interesting news.

Social Media/Networking

FASA is very active on social media – be it on platforms such as Facebook or LinkedIn thanks to Romany Thresher, FASA’s social media manager who is continually posting news, events and success stories. She also hosts monthly online networking sessions that highlight important issue around franchising and also offers its members an opportunity to have their say.

Events Programme for 2025

Annual General Meeting – 7th March 2025 at Absa, 15 Alice Lane, Sandhurst
- Not many people realise that the Franchise Association was started way back in 1979 by early franchisor pioneers who got together to give each other support and to establish ethical standards for the then burgeoning industry. Although FASA remains relevant forty-six years later, its members often forget that it is their association and that they need to play an active role in planning its future – especially in a country like ours that is constantly changing. So we call on all members to make the effort to attend the AGM and more importantly…. to get involved! CEO Fred Makgato freddy@fasa.co.za and his PA Lindiwe Hlatshwayo lindiwe@fasa.co.za will be managing this year’s AGM.

Breakfast Seminars around the country in 2025
- Even though franchising has been around for over fifty years and everyone is familiar and loves their favourite brands, the business format of franchising is still vague to them – as is government’s understanding of how franchising has changed the business environment over the past decades and how it can be used to further stimulate the economy. To this end, CEO Fred Makgato is, thanks to generous sponsorships, taking franchising to all corners of the country with the FASA Breakfast Seminars where experts, sponsors, franchisors and franchisees explain the narrative and the success of this extraordinary business opportunity. The following dates have been earmarked for breakfast seminars. Details will be sent out before each event and will also be posted on FASA’s website www.fasa.co.za.
  - 16th May – Mpumalanga
  - 22nd May – Eastern Cape
  - 20thJune – Limpopo
  - 24th July – Durban
  - 15th August – Bloemfontein
  - 11th September – Gauteng
  - 19th September – Northwest

Membership Workshops
- FASA has a history of engaging with past, existing and new members – from the early days when they met at each other’s eateries to network but, in these crazy times, many don’t have the time to engage with colleagues from different sectors. Fred Makgato is trying to change that and has scheduled a series of member workshops for the various member categories to get together, exchange ideas and give each other support. Contact Fred on 083 237 9932 to get involved.
  - 11th April New Members @FASA Offices
  - 25th April Preliminary Members
  - 8th May Franchisor Members
  - 15 May Franchisee Members

Golf Day – 12th September 2025 – Venue to be confirmed
- Probably the most famous of FASA’s events, the Golf Day is an institution that no-one wants to miss as it gives franchisors, franchisees, suppliers and service providers the opportunity to network whilst enjoying a day of golf…. and padel for those who don’t play golf. Shereen Davids, FASA’s long-serving Office Manager organises this event superbly getting loads of sponsored holes and gifts so if you want to be part of the 2025 Golf Day, drop Shereen an email at Shereen.Davids@fasa.co.za to sponsor or to book your 4-ball as these get snapped up quicky.

National Franchise Conference – 9th October 2025 – Venue to be confirmed

Another long-standing tradition is FASA’s Conference which brings together all the industry players, franchisors, franchisees, service providers and stakeholders to thrash out what is happening both locally and internationally on the franchising front. Franchising has thrived in South Africa for over four decades, despite and in spite of the many political and socio-economic upheavals. Covid-19 lockdown regulations and a crippled economy impeded its growth to a certain extent and it is time for the renewal and regeneration of this phenomenal business format that contributes 15% to GDP. This year’s conference, organised by FASA’s PR Giuli Osso will have expert speakers and also feature panel discussions where franchisors, franchisees will thrash out their challenges and offer solutions. Don’t miss this important event.