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.
Inside South Africa’s most overlooked franchise opportunity
“South Africa’s franchise sector has proven its resilience and economic value, contributing close to R1 trillion to the economy and supporting around 500,000 jobs nationwide,” says Ryan Gaines, CEO at Fastway Couriers South Africa. “Despite this, many franchise opportunities remain under-recognised. We’ve seen strong growth since 2019, reflecting how structured business ownership models are becoming a more attractive and stable pathway for entrepreneurs, particularly amid rising living costs and economic uncertainty.”
Ponciana Superior Guesthouse:Where Comfort Meets Elegance in Hartbeespoort
Elegant suites offer a tranquil and luxurious stay, while family friendly spaces, including thoughtfully designed bunk rooms, ensure comfort for guests of all ages. Outside, inviting courtyard areas and a sparkling pool create the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the Hartbeespoort climate.
The Perfect Hartbeespoort Escape
Cape Town startup Happy Pay raises $5M seed round to scale the first ad-subsidised payments network, to deliver cost-free Buy Now Pay Later payments for SA consumers
“Our mission is simple, to make cash-flow management free for consumers,” said Wesley Billett, Co-Founder and CEO of Happy Pay. “If we can connect the right product to the right person at the right moment and remove payment friction, commerce itself can fund the flexibility. That allows us to deliver installment payments without charging consumers interest.”
A seat in the city: Why public seating shapes how we experience Cape Town’s Inner City
“We want our back to something. We want to sit under a tree and people-watch while feeling safe,” Thompson shared.
The Economic Influence of a US–East Conflict on South African Property Prices
At a global level, tensions between these major powers disrupt trade, weaken investor confidence, and create volatility in commodity and financial markets. South Africa, as an emerging economy with strong ties to both Western and Eastern partners, often finds itself indirectly exposed. When uncertainty rises, global investors tend to retreat from riskier markets, which can reduce foreign capital inflows into South Africa, including property investment.
Press release
“Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Hostex made this year’s show particularly meaningful,” said Lerato Nako, Events Manager of Hostex. “The theme ‘Opening doors’ truly came to life, creating new opportunities, strong connections and renewed energy across the hospitality industry.”
What Your Independent Trustee Should Be Doing — and Why It Matters
It is in this context that the role of the independent trustee becomes essential. South African courts have long emphasised the need for independent judgment in the administration of family trusts, most notably in the 2003 Land Bank of South Africa vParker decision. This principle was reinforced in 2017 when the Master of the High Court issued a directive requiring many family trusts — particularly those where trustees and beneficiaries are related — to appoint an independent trustee.
Skincare Is Either Stripping or Suffocating Your Skin
“Most skincare today either strips the skin or overwhelms it,” said Nick Hunt, General Manager RTSCBeauty. “Sel:pH is engineered to reset the skin to where it naturally thrives, at 5.5. When you restore balance first, you treat acne more effectively, retain moisture properly, and unlock a glow that comes from healthy skin function — not surface shine.”
South Africans Are Done Being Sold To. They Want Skincare That Works.
“The shift we are seeing is not just about product preference. It’s about a fundamentally different relationship between the consumer and the category. South Africans have become genuinely ingredient-literate. They are approaching skincare the way they approach health; with questions, with scepticism, and with high expectations.”
From Japan to South AfricaHow global skin longevity traditions inspired the relaunch of Face Blossom
“I spent a long time studying longevity cultures in the East, where populations are known globally for their clear, healthy complexions. What stood out to me was their focus on supporting the body rather than forcing external change,” says Carroll. “I then focused on sourcing ingredients that were both pure and effective. The cherry blossom extract from Japan was especially important because of its long history in skin health and its antioxidant properties. When combined with rose bud extract and vegan L Cysteine, the goal was to create something that supports the skin at a cellular level, rather than relying on quick fixes.”
The Pros and Cons of Getting Monetised on Social Media in South Africa
One of the most significant advantages of social media monetisation is accessibility. Unlike traditional industries that often require formal qualifications or substantial capital, content creation is open to anyone with a smartphone and internet access. This democratisation of opportunity is particularly important in South Africa, where unemployment remains high and access to formal employment can be limited. A creative individual with consistency and a clear niche can build an audience and begin earning without needing to enter the conventional job market.
Your Financial Statements Are Not a Market Report. They Are a Record of Your Behaviour.
I have seen the impact of taking money from the till with the promise of paying it back. It always feels reasonable in the moment. Just this once. Just until the payment comes in, the consequence is always the same. Cash flow issues. And the business owner says, ” But the sales are good, why can’t I pay what I need to pay?
THE COST OF BEING UNPREPARED
“The cost of being unprepared is not only short-term pressure. It is the long-term damage caused when reactive decisions become patterns. Interest becomes a tax on future income. Catch-up spending becomes normal. The gap between what you earn and what you keep widens quietly.
Editor’s Note
As we move into the second half of the year, let this be a gentle reminder to stay focused, keep pushing forward, and trust both the process and the purpose.
Multinational tech giant celebrates 30th anniversary in SA & reinforces commitment to local manufacturing at Buy Local Summit & Expo in Johannesburg
As one of the country’s largest consumer electronics manufacturers, celebrating it’s 30th anniversary in South Africa this year, Hisense SA’s participation in the summit underscored the company’s long-standing investment in local manufacturing and industrial development. Since entering the South African market in 1996, Hisense has steadily expanded its footprint through local production, job creation, and technology investment.
Hospitality as a catalyst for accelerating localisation
StatsSA confirms that though the sector has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels, South Africa’s tourism sector continues to grow, with total arrivals reaching 8.92 million in 2024, marking an impressive 5.1% increase compared to 2023. The sector now contributes 8.8% to GDP and supports 1.68 million jobs, according to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates. This positive momentum underscores the resilience of the sector, despite global economic pressures. The sector’s contribution to the economy eclipses that of the mining industry, which was once the mainstay of South Africa’s economy. Yet the sector is often unfairly overlooked despite its significant economic contribution. The growth of tourism has the potential to serve as a powerful driver of SME development across many sectors.
The Chewing Gum Reinvention: How a South African Biohacker Just Created SA’s First Plastic-Free Functional Gum
A South African entrepreneur just did. Meet GNASH, SA’s first plastic-free, biodegradable, tooth-friendly functional gum.
Forged Through Hard Work
Today, her career has come full circle. The industries she operates in now, logistics, distribution, industrial operations, and sectors linked to construction and supply, connect directly back to those early experiences of physical work, structure, and production.