Future 50 - Powered by FNB Business and East Coast Radio!

Wayne Da Costa and Gideon Monyelekgau spent years learning every part of Tensile Rubber Hoses before making a life-changing decision. When the business came up for sale, they invested their pension savings to buy it. They share how they transformed from employees into business owners, the lessons they've learned about manufacturing and customer relationships, and why backing local expertise contin...

Reliable water has become one of South Africa's biggest challenges, but for father-and-son team Pierre van Tonder Senior and Pierre van Tonder Junior, it became the foundation for a purpose-driven business. In this Future50 episode, the founders of iWater Management share how a life-changing experience in Botswana inspired them to build integrated water solutions that help businesses, schools, ret...

In this episode, Guy Hamlin of Republic Lifestyle shares the journey of building a Durban-based manufacturing company that supplies everything from umbrellas and bedding to baby products, pet ranges and hospitality goods across South Africa. Guy discusses the realities of competing against imports, adapting to changing retail trends and one of the toughest lessons in business: knowing when to walk...

What does it take to keep factories running, fleets moving and businesses operating without costly downtime? In this episode, we dive into the story of Deojay Petroleum KZN with owners Nisha Reddy and Trishen Naidu. From starting as employees under founder Jackie Leroux to leading a successful management buyout, they share how the company evolved into a proudly local manufacturer and distributor o...

Business owner Shaaz Moosa shared the real story behind building Supahot Geysers into a growing local manufacturing business in one of the toughest industries to crack. From competing against major established players to rebuilding systems, partnerships and operations from the ground up, Shaaz unpacked the resilience required to grow a business beyond survival mode.

What does it take to turn a small backyard operation into one of South Africa’s growing timber suppliers? In this episode, we chat to Leeroy Deane from The Pole Yard about the journey from humble beginnings to building a multi-branch business supplying everything from decking and fencing to jungle gyms and custom timber creations across the country.

What does it take to turn a “boring” industry into a global success story? Van Ryn Rubber has been quietly doing just that for over four decades. From processing 500 tonnes of rubber a month to exporting to more than 30 countries, this Pinetown-based manufacturer is proving that consistency, quality, and mindset can take you far. In this episode, we unpack the journey with insights from Shannon Pr...

Wipe-it chose to rebuild. Founded in 2002 by Fanus van Niekerk and now led by Gerbrandt van Niekerk, this South African hygiene supplier turned a tough setback into a powerful growth story. By doubling down on service, speed, and strong relationships, the business transformed into a national player serving industries from healthcare to hospitality. In this episode, we unpack the hard lessons behin...

The tools. The PPE. The systems behind the scenes. When everything works, you don’t notice but when it doesn’t, everything feels it. Elcarbo Industrial Supplies, led by CEO Wendy Turton, started as a family business and grew from a car boot operation to a multi-branch supplier powering industries across South Africa. Now, the focus shifts from supply to experience transforming PPE into something t...

Think about the last space you walked into. The lighting. The switches. The fittings. If everything worked seamlessly, you didn’t think twice. If it didn’t, the entire experience felt off. That moment isn’t by accident, it’s the result of infrastructure done right. Zebbies Electrical, with 15 retail locations across South Africa, sits at the centre of that system. Supplying the components that pow...

Think about the last box you opened. If it closed cleanly, folded perfectly, and looked sharp, you trusted the product inside. If it didn’t, the brand felt weaker immediately. That moment is not chance. It’s the result of systems working properly. Packtech Tooling, based in Cape Town and led by Kim Naran, sits at the start of that system. Packtech Tooling, a specialised manufacturing business base...

From the unmistakable sound of childhood ride-on toys to industrial-scale packaging solutions, this is a proudly South African manufacturing story built on grit, engineering and adaptability. In this episode, we unpack how Blomo Plastics was founded by Fritz Strydom Snr, who quite literally built his own machinery to start the business. What followed was decades of evolution from producing nearly...

What does it take to turn a single food stall into a recognised dining brand? In this Future50 conversation, Dino Vlachos shares how Soul Souvlaki grew from a small stall at Market on Main into a modern fast-casual Greek dining concept. We explore the early risks, the decision to focus on fresh, made-to-order food in every store, and how thoughtful design, strong franchise partners and disciplined...

In this Future50 conversation presented by Pavlo Phitidis from Aurik and powered by FNB Business, we unpack how Olympic Paints has produced over 450 million litres of paint while evolving into a modern, innovation-driven manufacturer. We explore the realities of second-generation leadership, why experience outside the family business matters, and how traditional manufacturing can embrace AI — from...

From building computers in his bedroom at 18 to leading a national outsourced IT company, Wickus Aucamp’s journey with Flawless IT Solutions is a masterclass in long-term thinking and smart growth. In this Future50 conversation presented by Pavlo Phitidis from Aurik and powered by FNB Business, we unpack how Flawless IT Solutions evolved from once-off hardware installs to structured, proactive IT...

Pinnacle Stone has carved out a name in South Africa’s stone and porcelain surface industry by focusing on one powerful promise: certainty. With operations in Johannesburg and Polokwane, the business supplies imported porcelain and sintered stone surfaces for luxury homes, commercial developments, kitchen studios, architects, and developers across the country. In conversation with Pavlo Phitidis f...

Based in Durban’s Umgeni Business Park, Supafoods has grown from a bakery ingredient supplier into a full-service solution for South Africa’s retail and independent bakeries. In this Future50 conversation, Marco Kotze shares how the business built long-term partnerships with retailers like SPAR and Pick n Pay, supported in-store bakers through hands-on training, and expanded into community feeding...

What happens when a professional sports career ends unexpectedly? For Corne Krige, it marked the beginning of a new arena - business. In this episode, we explore the journey behind CK Advertising, a Cape Town–based branding and event solutions company built on resilience, reinvention, and practical execution. From an informal handshake deal in outdoor media to establishing a structured branding bu...

In Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal, a major clothing manufacturer is showing how South African industry can evolve — creating jobs, adopting new technologies, and building skills along the way. Celrose Clothing is one of South Africa’s leading apparel manufacturers, supplying quality denim garments and other clothing to well-known local retailers. Headed up by John Comley, the business employs over 1,500 p...

Ocean Plastic Technologies, based in KwaZulu-Natal, was founded by Oliver Nudds with a clear purpose: to create practical, small-scale recycling solutions that make it possible to process plastic waste where it’s collected. What started as an idea during Oliver’s travels has grown into a business that is reshaping how recycling is done in both local and international settings.

Saddler Belts & Leathercraft, headed up by Andrew Fenwick, was featured in the KZN Future 50 earlier this year for its longstanding presence in the leather goods industry. Known for handcrafted leather belts and accessories, the Durban-based business has continued to grow steadily. While no major new retail contracts have materialised, both online and walk-in sales have shown positive movement—an...

LIVClean, founded by Matt Simpkins and Murray Gilson, continues to focus on delivering high standards in the industrial cleaning sector. Since their feature in the KZN Future 50, the business has worked on building long-term, sustainable contracts—particularly in sectors such as hospitality, where consistent service and operational certainty are key. The exposure from the feature has helped increa...

Elangeni Buildings, a family-run business in New Germany, KwaZulu-Natal, has been constructing homes and community spaces across South Africa since 1979. Founded by Rob Gibb, the business was established to provide a faster, more cost-effective alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar construction—without compromising on quality or compliance.

Firefly Fabrics, based in KwaZulu-Natal, was founded in 2021 to provide South African designers with access to small-batch, high-quality digital printing. Headed up by Reshma Harilall and operating as a division of the Startex Group, Firefly Fabrics combines textile expertise, sustainability, and technology to support fashion entrepreneurs in a competitive market. The business was established to f...

Pinetown Diff and Gearbox, based in New Germany, KwaZulu-Natal, has been specialising in differential and gearbox repairs for cars and trucks since 2008. The business was founded by Nadeera Ramharakh, who currently heads up the company, bringing her technical experience and leadership to every aspect of the workshop. Before establishing the business, Nadeera had built a strong career in workshop l...