Franchise sector prepared to help rebuild economy, says new Fasa chair

Pertunia Sibanyoni

With strong skills in strategy stakeholder management, sales and operations and marketing, Fasa says that Sibanyoni is well poised to steer the organisation through the aftershocks of the pandemic and onto renewed growth in a sector that, in 2019, contributed an estimated turnover of R734bn (or 13,9% of GDP), through its around 800 franchise systems, 48,000 franchised outlets and employing close to half a million people.

According to Sibanyoni, the franchise sector certainly took a serious knock during the height of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic and will continue to until normality and the vaccine reaches all corners of the country. “But to franchising’s credit, and thanks to its strong business principles and support structures, most franchisors took strong leadership steps, tweaked their franchised systems, were pro-active on financial support and put in place recovery plans. The association also welcomed seventeen new members to the fold over that period.”

Fasa notes that no other industry, which spans around 14 different business sectors, has contributed so extensively and continuously over the past fifty years to the country’s GDP and brought together the winning elements of entrepreneurship, small business development and job creation. “And we are prepared to do more to help get South Africans back to work and rebuild the economy,” says Sibanyoni.

Economy recovery

In the latest Budget Speech, Minister Tito Mboweni said, “The economy recovery plan recommends support for small and medium-sized enterprises, co-operatives and startups to facilitate inclusive growth. A more competitive economy will enable higher growth and job creation while providing consumers with lower prices and more product choice.”

Following on the heels of this address, the Fasa held its AGM and its board was able to take cognisance of government’s proposed growth plans and dove-tail them to the strategic objectives set by the association for its members and the industry at large.

Whilst acknowledging the measures announced by Minister Tito Mboweni to lower the tax rate for companies and give tax relief for lower and middle income earners, and establishing both a Tourism Equity and Small Business Fund, the Fasa board believes that they can play a greater role in government’s push to kick-start the economy.

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With National Treasury continuing to work with industry bodies to promote South Africa as an industry hub for Africa, Fasa, as the leading franchise association in Africa, says it can act as a springboard for the many local and international brands that want to establish themselves in South Africa and then onwards to the rest of Africa.

“Whether it’s picking up on new trends emanating from the pandemic, encouraging entrepreneurs and corporates to look at the benefits of franchising – to developing small business concepts in townships and rural areas through social and tandem franchising – the franchise sector has a lot to offer and we appeal to government to engage with us and tap into our tried and tested business formats that can assist in rolling out entrepreneurial endeavours that will ultimately bring about transformation and much-needed jobs," says Sibanyoni.

Strategic objectives

Fasa’s strategic objectives going forward will be dove-tailed to the needs of the country and in assisting government in the restructuring and rebuilding of the economy.

Key amongst them will be:
• Continuously promote and enable responsible and ethical business practices.
• Pro-actively support and promote economic transformation.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to drive economic growth and job creation.
• Prioritise innovation to increase awareness, training and development for the franchise industry through digitisation.

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Fasa salutes its members and the broader franchise community made up of thousands of frontline workers working in hospitality, restaurants, supermarkets and petrol stations ensuring the safety of staff and customers in adhering to Covid-19 safety regulations.

Concludes Sibanyoni, “Never underestimate a tough and resilient franchise industry full of talented and highly motivated entrepreneurs who excel during times of extreme stress and undue pressure and who, over the years, showed that their innovative thinking and unrelenting desire for success will help kick-start the South African economy and get the wheels of job creation and consumerism moving again.”