Where Coffee, Flowers and Community Meet
“After years in Johannesburg and a corporate career, life shifted post Covid. We decided to leave the city and establish ourselves in Hartbeespoort, closer to the rest of my family and away from the constant bustle of big-city life. My dad owned the former Ennis Nursery property for several years, and about two years ago he mentioned wanting to sell it. I asked if I could first try to turn it around. I knew there was real potential on the site; it simply needed work to unlock it.
A Passion for Hearing, Connection, and Compassion
“Do it. Your children are watching. Show them that women can nurture and lead, build and bloom. Because when they see you doing it, they’ll know they can too.”
YOUNG BLOOD BOLD VISION: The Stationery Studio
“You have to go deeper here,” Kyle said. “Superficial products do not survive. People see through it. You need real connection.”
V8 – The Story of Passion, Family and Food
Even as a teenager, Maria was finding her feet in business. She sold Lip-Ice at school and worked at a local video store—simple ventures, but ones that taught her responsibility and the basics of thinking like a business owner.
Leander Coetzer Manifesting His Future
Born and raised as an only child in the small town of Lichtenburg, Leander grew up in a household where dedication and discipline were the cornerstones. His parents, both government teachers, worked tirelessly to provide him with the best opportunities within their means. From them, he learned the value of perseverance and financial prudence—lessons that would serve as the bedrock of his entrepreneurial ambitions.
Joozy Dance Fitness Rising
“I dance a lot,” she reflects, her words underscored by a profound sense of joy. In fact, she dances for at least three hours a day, most days of the week. For her, it’s not just about the movement but the emotional release it brings. “I’m happy…truly happy,” Lyndall shares. “I go through life with a smile, despite the challenges, and people know this about me. It’s because I dance.”
Lindie Badenhorst the Quirky Queen of Resilience
“I was brave and started a gift shop there, not knowing anyone,”
Ruby’s Fabrics – The new generation
In the quaint town of Brits, nestled among the rolling hills, lies a fabric emporium steeped in history and tradition. Founded in 1982 by the indomitable Rabia, affectionately known as Ruby, along with her brother and father, Ruby’s Fabrics is a testament to creativity, entrepreneurship, and familial bonds. Ruby, with her innate talent and flair for sewing and design, transformed humble fabrics into exquisite garments coveted by all who beheld them.
Quest to Stand Out
Lana Joubert, the visionary owner of Lana Joubert Makeover Specialist, Oh My Blouse Boutique, and Die Atelier – Workshop Studio, traces her entrepreneurial journey from childhood dreams to a flourishing business empire. From early days styling her Great Gran’s hair and experimenting with Barbie dolls, Lana’s passion for transformation and creativity became evident. Raised by a determined single mother, Lana imbibed the spirit of independence, realizing that women can achieve anything. This mindset, nurtured in her formative years, laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial endeavours.
The Success Behind Property Tree
Before venturing into real estate, Henk had a full-time career in rugby, playing for teams such as the Bulls, Lions, Ep Kings, and Pumas. His sports background instilled essential life lessons about teamwork and the value of hard work, principles he applies to his business.
Africa’s second Organic and Natural Products Expo returns with exciting offerings
The countdown has begun for Africa’s second Organic and Natural Products Expo Africa. This flagship event, organised by South African Trade Promotions (SATP), takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from the 14th to the 16th of September. As excitement mounts, exhibitors are eagerly unveiling their plans for this year’s event, which aims to build on the successes of its inaugural edition.
Old school Hospitality in Kensington Joburg
Nico Brandt was born 10 April 1968. As a child he used to assist his Mom in the kitchen and thinks that this might be where his love for food originated from. He grew up with two siblings in Randfontein where he completed his SHS education.
Denis Ackulay – Africa’s Global Connection
Denis Ackulay also referred to as “Chief Denis” was born on the 21st of July the year he was born in however is Top Secret. He playfully ensures us that his birthday celebration always extends to the 22nd of July and that he prefers to stay the same age for many years to come.
by Marinda Sauerman
Silent Dynamic Power
Jacquelene Swanepoel describes herself as a business woman, entrepreneur, working mom and wife. Her business community, however, describes her as a quiet woman that has the dynamic presence of a giant. The few times that Jacquelene speaks, everyone listens to every single word she has to say.
Rising Above the External
Steph Jansen van Vuuren was born and raised in Klerksdorp (a mining town in North West). This is where he was introduced to the pageant and modelling world. He entered his first pageant at the age of 15 and from then on, modelling became a significant part of his life.
Dancing is music to Tanya Jacobs’ feet
At 47 she dances for four hours daily on weekdays with her students. Tanya Jacobs has been teaching various forms of dancing at her interactive studio in Hartbeespoort for the past 30 years. By Carla van der Spuy
Telling stories of hope
I was born in KwaMashu township in Kwazulu-Natal as Mqondisi Ngubane, or “MQ.” I was named by my grandmother who envisioned me as a “Mqondisi,” an isiXhosa word meaning “director”. This turned out to be prophetic – my name heralded my future – it was as if it was known from my birth that my destiny was to become a director.
The magic of Photography and Annelie
Annelie Dillman’s story starts a little more than 40 years ago, when her dad, a keen amateur photographer, converted his darkroom into a baby room for her.
Melissa-Jo Sharpe Moolman
Melissa-Jo Sharpe received her BSc Dietetics cum laude at the North West University. Her interest in Dietetics started out more as a result of her own journey to understand and recover from a teenage eating disorder.
Zanele Angel Mvelase ~ Mc Donald’s
“I am in the business of empowering people”
This sophisticated woman with love and empathy for people, hails from Swaziland.
A little juice, a lot of heart: Meet Lucy, BlackBrick’s youngest entrepreneur
“I just wanted to try,” Lucy says matter-of-factly. “You don’t know if something will work unless you do it.” That early curiosity turned into a string of pop-ups – first in the reception of BlackBrick Foreshore, and later at a kids’ entrepreneur market where she outsold her competition with pure enthusiasm. “I shouted for hours,” she laughs. “People bought from me first because they could hear me!”
Disability Exclusion Costs SA’s gdp Billions, Yet Corporates “Don’t Know Where to Start”
“Executives have told me that they do not know how to ‘do disability’,” says Lana Roy, the Programme Lead of 360: Disability Inclusion at Afrika Tikkun. “What does ‘do disability’ even mean? In South Africa, companies have a legal obligation to employ disabled people, but there are also moral reasons for companies to make an effort to improve disability inclusion.”
Specno and Tentra launch AI-powered rental platform to transform tenant onboarding & rental application processes in SA
he digital tool we developed for Tentra now provides rental agents in South Africa with an instant, data-driven view of applicant strength at the click of a button. This, in turn, will lead to better rental affordability conversations, a reduction in fraudulent applications, and healthier property market dynamics” comments Joshua Harvey, Head of Growth at Specno.
Mediation Pan African: Equipping the mediation industry for tomorrow
Mediation Pan African (Pty) Ltd is a professional mediation and dispute resolution training and services organisation dedicated to developing high-quality mediators, strengthening ethical practice, and expanding access to affordable, effective dispute resolution throughout South Africa.
The Pura Beverage Company secures major investment to accelerate its growth in global $1.4 trillion non-alcoholic beverage market
PURA Beverages anticipated global health and wellness trends within this product category nearly a decade ago, well before sugar reduction became the standard. Since entering the market in 2017, the company has continued to disrupt traditional beverage categories across global markets by offering natural, low-sugar, and preservative-free drinks that genuinely taste good for consumers, ultimately pioneering the reinvention of classic soda.
The Clout Group Brings TikTok’s Viral Luxury Chocolate, the Dodo Dubai Chocolates, to South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa – The Clout Group, South Africa’s brand new gateway to global beauty, wellness,
HBC MEMBER PROFILE: Connectivity Challenges and Solutions
1. In your experience, what are the biggest connectivity challenges homes and businesses face today,
Rapid Scaling vs slow consistent growth.
When a company scales rapidly, it can gain a strong foothold in the market. Growing fast often means reaching new customers before competitors have the chance to react. It also allows a brand to build recognition and loyalty while riding the momentum of success. Investors tend to notice companies that expand quickly, which can open doors to fresh capital and partnerships. For start-ups and small businesses, these benefits can be life-changing. In South Africa’s competitive environment, where market share is often hard-won, moving quickly can help a company establish itself as an industry leader.
Why Direction Matters More Than Momentum
As The Daily Stoic puts it: “When your efforts are not directed at a cause or a purpose, how will you know what to do day in and day out?”
Editor’s Note
Hard work is never wasted. Sometimes the rewards are immediate, and sometimes they take time to show, but every late night, every difficult decision, and every lesson learned contributes to the harvest we eventually reap. Success is not built on shortcuts, but on perseverance, resilience, and the willingness to keep going even when the results are not yet visible.
From California to South Africa: Lessons for Our Advertising Future
By Ray Langa, CEO at Leagas Delaney South Africa Leagas Delaney South Africa, CEO Ray
Hisense X-zone Master Wins Top CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award
The innovatively designed dual 1kg independent mini-drums each support integrated washing and drying, making them ideal for the delicate care of baby clothes, premium underwear, and other specialized laundry scenarios. These mini-drums have obtained authoritative maternal and infant certifications, as well as medical-grade certifications for healthy underwear washing.
Baglio’s confirms launch of authentic Dubai Pistachio Kunafa Gelato in partnership with local distributors of luxury chocolate
“For too long, South Africans have watched global food moments go viral online without being able to experience them locally,” says Gareth Brough, Co-Founder of The Clout Group. “Our mission has always been to close that gap. Partnering with Baglio’s ensures that this flavour, and the original Dodo Dubai Chocolate behind it, becomes a long-term summer staple for South Africans, not just a fleeting trend.”
The Silent Battle Between South African Farmers and Problem Animals
The types of animals that cause damage vary widely depending on the region and the type of farming. In fruit-producing areas such as the Western Cape, baboons, porcupines, and birds can cause extensive losses. Baboons have learned to open irrigation taps, tear protective nets, and strip fruit trees in a matter of hours. In grain and maize belts, large flocks of birds can devastate entire fields. Farmers in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal struggle with bushpigs and warthogs digging up roots and damaging young plants, while in the Northern Cape and Limpopo, predators such as jackals, caracals, and leopards attack sheep, goats, and calves.
Building an Inclusive Economy: FASA 2026 Conference and Expo Unlocks the Next Wave of South African Entrepreneurship
As the countdown begins for the 2026 National Conference & Expo, the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) is highlighting the sector’s pivotal role as the country’s premier engine for job creation and inclusive growth. Scheduled for Thursday, 19 February 2026, at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, the event will showcase how franchising is evolving to meet the challenges of a modern South African economy.