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.
Harvesting the Ocean Abalone Part 1
South Africa’s coastline tells many stories, but few are as complex and valuable as that of Abalone farming. Known locally as “perlemoen”,this marine delicacy has grown into one of the country’s most lucrative aquaculture products. Yet, behind its glossy export success lies a fragile industry shaped by risk, resilience, and ongoing challenges.
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?”