East Coast Radio - Catch Up KZN Future 50 - Powered by FNB Business and East Coast Radio!

KZN Future 50 - Powered by FNB Business and East Coast Radio!

East Coast Breakfast, in collaboration with business growth specialist Pavlo Phitidis, is once again celebrating the brilliance of local businesses with the second season of the KZN Future 50, proudly powered by FNB Business and East Coast Radio. Listen on-air to the KZN Future 50 every Tuesday at 8:10am, or catch the podcast here, and be inspired by host Pavlo Phitidis as he puts a local business in the spotlight.

Local business owners are the cornerstone of growth and prosperity in KZN. Their determination to succeed against the odds strengthens our communities, our province, and the global market.

East Coast Breakfast and Pavlo Phitidis are ready to spotlight those who excel through the KZN Future 50 campaign, now powered by FNB Business and East Coast Radio. Each week, we'll profile a business that exemplifies forward-thinking growth, demonstrating how their success paves the way for a brighter future.

Whether your growth goal is to gain more customers, secure funding, find a key supplier, hire a specialist employee, access valuable information, or get listed with a retailer, Pavlo will connect you with the right opportunities and resources.
Powered by FNB Business, the help behind over 1 million unstoppable businesses.

*** FNB supports local businesses and has been recognised as the Best SME Bank in South Africa by the Global Finance Awards for three consecutive years, including 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Weekly English South Africa Business News · Business
98 Episodes
1 – 20

Africa Alternate Energy Solutions: Powering Smarter Energy Use in KwaZulu-Natal

Africa Alternate Energy Solutions (AAES), an independent KwaZulu-Natal-based business headed up by Muhammed Suleman, was established out of a growing interest in renewable energy and a drive to make sustainable power more accessible to South African businesses. What began as a technical passion soon developed into a full-scale operation offering…
21 Jul 7 min

Akili Timber: A Local Business with Deep Roots in Richmond

Akili Timber, a sawmill based in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Richmond, is steadily building a name for itself in South Africa’s timber industry. The business processes raw logs into planks, poles, and custom timber products, serving clients across various sectors. Located just one hour from Durban Harbour, Akili Timber…
14 Jul 6 min

KZN Businesses: Still Standing, Still Showing Up

In the latest KZN Future 50 feature on East Coast Radio, powered by FNB Business, the focus turned to something many local business owners are quietly facing — burnout. Business strategist Pavlo Phitidis spoke candidly about what he’s seeing across the country: entrepreneurs who haven’t given up, but who are…
7 Jul 6 min

The Gold Bar: Building a Modern Gold Recycling Business with Purpose

The Gold Bar, a proudly South African business headed up by Sholain Perumal, has grown from experience earned on the ground to a steadily expanding network of gold recycling stores in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Today, it operates from six locations in leading shopping centres, offering customers a secure, transparent, and…
1 Jul 5 min

Where are they now: AV Company Lighting Up Bigger Stages

AV Company, headed up by Craig Browning, has continued to play a key role behind the scenes in South Africa’s events industry. Known for delivering lighting, video, live streaming, staging, and event technology for concerts and large-scale productions, the business built on the momentum of the KZN Future 50 spotlight…
24 Jun 2 min

Where are they now: Saikav Foods Grows Footprint in National Retail

Saikav Foods, under the leadership of Pregasen Francis, specialises in the production of pre-cooked legumes such as split pea dhal, sugar beans, and chickpeas. Since being featured on KZN Future 50, the business has secured a retail listing with Food Lover’s Market, significantly increasing its product visibility and access to…
24 Jun 3 min

Bedrock Group: From Local Foundations to National Concrete Expertis

Bedrock Group, a specialist concrete construction business based in Westmead, Durban, has become a leading name in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. Founded and led by David and Greg Kitching, the company has built its reputation on innovation, precision, and a commitment to quality in the niche sectors of tilt-up and pre-cast…
17 Jun 5 min

Adapting for Impact: Energywise Systems Refines Its Approach

After being highlighted in the KZN Future 50, Energywise Systems has focused on strengthening its internal strategy to better position the business for long-term growth. The company specialises in energy-efficient lighting solutions that help commercial, and retail clients reduce electricity consumption while also improving lighting design for productivity and sales…
10 Jun 3 min

Driving Safer Fleets: FleetCam SA Moves Forward

Since being featured on the KZN Future 50, FleetCam SA has continued to focus on improving safety on South Africa’s roads. The company specialises in vehicle camera systems and telematics that use artificial intelligence to monitor driver behaviour and detect fatigue. A 24/7 command centre is on hand to respond…
10 Jun 3 min

Hall’s Retail: A Business Built on Chemistry, Family and Community Spirit

Hall’s Retail, a proudly family-run business in Pietermaritzburg, has steadily grown over the past three decades from a small adhesive supplier into a trusted name in industrial coatings and chemical solutions across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. But its success didn’t happen overnight—it’s a story of perseverance, innovation, and a strong belief…
2 Jun 5 min

Need A Tool: Equipping KZN’s Builders, Makers and Fixers Since 1986

Need A Tool, a well-known family-run business in KwaZulu-Natal, began with a practical idea: provide good-quality equipment to people who need to get things done. Founded in 1986 by the late Bob Moore — a respected figure in the tool hire industry and one of the founding members of the…
26 May 6 min

Want to apply for the KZN Future 50? Here's why it works!

The KZN Future 50, powered by FNB Business in partnership with East Coast Radio, highlights businesses that are helping shape KwaZulu-Natal’s economic landscape. The initiative offers more than just airtime — it serves as a launchpad for small and medium-sized businesses to grow their visibility, customer base, and market reach…
20 May 4 min

Where are they now? Papini Trading: Strengthening Small Business Through Smart Growth

Since being featured on the KZN Future 50, Papini Trading — founded and headed up by Rasheed Patel — has refined its approach to strategic marketing. The business, which supplies curtain fabrics and accessories to independent window dressing fabricators, has used the exposure to increase brand visibility and improve customer…
20 May 3 min

La Vita Spas Expands Its Wellness Footprint Across South Africa

La Vita Spas and Hair Studios, based in KwaZulu-Natal, has grown into one of South Africa’s recognised names in wellness, beauty and self-care. The business began in 2002 when Rioma Cominelli opened the first branch in Musgrave under the name Cellu-Beauty. Her brother, Valerio Cominelli, later joined her to help…
13 May 5 min

Where are they now? Livecopper Builds Momentum in the Digital Retail Space

Since being featured on the KZN Future 50, Livecopper—founded by Alf Allingham and Andrew Davies—has continued to grow its presence as an online retailer of electrical and lighting products. Based in KwaZulu-Natal and serving customers across South Africa, the business has remained focused on making specialist products easily accessible through…
6 May 3 min

Big Five Accident Repair Centre: From Passion for Cars to a Durban Landmark

Big Five Accident Repair Centre, a proudly family-run business in Durban, has built a solid reputation in the automotive repair sector — not through gimmicks or grand claims, but through consistent workmanship and a genuine passion for vehicles. Founded by Mano Nayager, a seasoned professional with over 36 years of…
29 Apr 5 min

Alute SA: Helping Keep Workplaces Safe Across KZN

Based in Durban, Alute SA is making a difference in workplaces across KwaZulu-Natal. The company provides training, consulting, and equipment in the areas of health, safety, fire, and security—helping businesses stay compliant and, more importantly, safe. From factories and warehouses to construction sites and engineering firms, Alute SA works with…
22 Apr 5 min

KZN Future 50: Where are they now? Sparesboyz

Following their feature on the KZN Future 50, Sparesboyz has focused on building a stronger foundation to support long-term growth. The business, headed up by John Hunt, supplies quality used and new non-original vehicle parts by salvaging usable components from accident-damaged vehicles. Since being featured, the company has restructured its…
15 Apr 3 min

KZN Future 50: Where are they now? Steelco

Steelco, a family-run business supplying steel products and roofing solutions to the construction and industrial sectors, was previously featured on the KZN Future 50 for its growth and contribution to the local economy. Since then, the company has made meaningful progress—both in how it operates and in how it serves…
15 Apr 3 min
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