Last week the World Economic Forum (WEF) named the company as one of six South African companies that has the ability to become a world leader.
The SA companies, and 10 other African companies, were honoured in Abuja, Nigeria, at the 24th meeting of the WEF on Africa on Friday 9 May.
Tekkie Town ranks among multi-million rand companies like Growthpoint Properties, Capitec, Webber Wentzel, KZN Oils and Net1 UEPS Technologies. These 16 companies are regarded as the region’s most dynamic and high-growth companies, which are considered trailblazers, shapers and innovators committed to improving the state of the world and have been invited to join the WEF.
Founder and Managing Director of Tekkie Town Braam van Huyssteen said this week that he was humbled by the latest accolade, which he wanted to share with his dedicated staff - now numbering 1 600 people in South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho.
Tekkie Town, which provides branded products at affordable prices, has become unstoppable and has on average been launching 25 to 30 branches per annum in its 13 years of existence. From day one, the company's business foundations were firmly laid on operating without debt.
While owning a R1-billion operation with 251 branches in SA and Namibia has its rewards, Van Huyssteen said during a telephonic interview on Monday that it also brings heavy responsibility to ensure that a legacy of sustainability is built to last. "Tekkie Town must continue to operate long after I am gone.
"The WEF recognition also creates great expectations that need to be lived up to. In the next two years we plan to spread our wings to Zambia, Angola, Ghana and Tanzania. It is tough competing against China. We are dealing with intellectual property when selling branded products." Van Huyssteen said Tekkie Town is the biggest buyer at Watsons shoe factory in Great Brak. Part of the George company's success is based on building partnerships in each of the African countries that they export to.
Family
Running such a large company is hard work and it takes some fancy footwork to maintain a balanced life in order to share time with family.
"I'm pleased to say that over the past weekend I spent some time with my daughter Bianca, who is a Stellenbosch student."
Behind every man there is a supporting wife and Van Huyssteen is gratified at the way in which Charmaine keeps the family grounded.
Described as being a charismatic and well-known race horse owner, Van Huyssteen is delighted that his filly, Disney Queen, won the seventh race at Kenilworth on Saturday. He was on track with Bianca to enjoy his runners.
Apart from launching five new branches in June, Tekkie Town is on the verge of making a major breakthrough with a transaction that will have far-reaching effects, but readers will have to wait a month or two before the announcement can be made.
Braam van Huyssteen was pleased to be at his daughter Bianca's (middle) matric farewell. Seen at Fancourt where the family resides are, from left: Lara, Bianca, Charmaine (wife) and Braam. The couple's son, also named Braam, was absent.
ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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