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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.

By TheLife Team 2 weeks ago

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.

By TheLife Team 3 months ago

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.

By TheLife Team 3 months ago

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.”

By TheLife Team 3 months ago

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!”

By TheLife Team 3 months ago

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.”

By TheLife Team 3 months ago

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.

By TheLife Team 3 months ago

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.

By TheLife Team 3 months ago

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.

By TheLife Team 3 months ago

 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.

By TheLife Team 3 months ago