Tributes

A long-standing multiple store operator, Essie Esterhuysen was a franchisee for over 24 years, with a portfolio of 27 restaurants within the Esgro Group. He was a true gentleman, family man and a great franchisee with incredible commitment and integrity. Essie is survived by his wife Mariaan and his son Marius. We extend our deepest condolences to the entire family, friends, and the team at the Esgro Group.

A long-standing Wimpy franchisee, Andrew Mavrokordatos and his wife Olga joined the Wimpy Brand in 2000, having converted their Juicy Lucy to Wimpy Makro Woodmead in 2000. In 2016, they acquired Wimpy Mall of Africa. Andrew was an asset to the Wimpy brand and was extremely passionate. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Olga, his sons Christopher and Dino, his family, friends, staff, and colleagues. His passing has left a great void within our Wimpy family.

An astute businessman, Jabulani Albert Mabuza, affectionately known as Jabu, joined the Steers brand in 2002, with the prominent Total Dwarsfontein N12 sites. In later years, Jabu expanded his Steers network and grew his footprint within the network by adding Mugg & Bean to his portfolio. Despite being a distinguished leader in South Africa with various responsibilities of national importance, Jabu represented his two brands exceptionally well. We wish Jabu’s wife Siphiwe, his three children, his business partners, and the various teams he led our deepest condolences.

Dirk Swanepoel joined the Wimpy brand 23 years ago along with his wife Jounie. He successfully grew his portfolio by adding Mugg & Bean and other brands over the years. Dirk served on the Wimpy National Franchise Forum so many years and became a member of our esteemed Wimpy Legends Club in 2010, a testament to his love of the brand. Dirk is survived by his beautiful wife Jounie, two children, DeeJee and Deidre and his beloved four grandchildren. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Our beloved George Economakis, more affectionately known as Uncle George, had an illustrious career and was recognised as an Operations Campaign winner on many occasions across his Debonairs Pizza, Steers and Wimpy network. George and his wife Dorothy have been part of the Wimpy family for 45 years, and George was one of the first members of the Wimpy Legend Club. He is survived by his amazing wife Dorothy, his daughter Cindy, two sons, Ari, and Andy, and his four grandchildren, Athena, Alexia, Layah and Levi. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, his staff across all his stores and colleagues across the network.

A long-standing franchisee of over 26 years, Tinus Sadie started his journey with the Steers brand in 1994 with his first restaurant in Bethlehem. Tinus was an integral part of pioneering the Steers brand in small Free State towns. Over the years, Tinus expanded his business to 15 restaurants and an outsourced call-centre operation. For his contribution, Tinus was acknowledged as a Steers Master and a Debonairs Pizza Pioneer. His knowledge and passion for the Steers brand were evident and tangible. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Bets, and his daughters, Leandra, Annika and Marine.

A generous man, Pius Khupari was born and raised in Rustenburg. He was actively involved in various community events and development projects. He loved the Steers brand, and Pius represented the North West on the Steers Regional Franchisee Forum. Pius had a drive for adventure and was a devoted family man. Pius is survived by his wife, three children, four siblings, and mother. They remain in our thoughts and prayers.

A key figure in the Johannesburg QSR network, Jayce Naduramuthu was part of the Famous Brands family for 15 years, starting with the Debonairs Pizza brand in Norwood in 2006. Over the years, Jayce was our franchisee for Debonairs Pizza Berea, Hillbrow and Park Central. Jayce was also involved in Education Centre Combo in Johannesburg and Braamfontein Combo. Jayce was a family man who left behind his wife and two sons. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, team members and colleagues.

Our dear friend and franchise partner Fazel Khota passed away in July 2021. Having grown up in Roshnee, Fazel started his journey with Famous Brands in 2008, opening a Debonairs Pizza restaurant in Vereeniging CBD. Over the years, he grew and expanded his portfolio into Cape Town with Debonairs Pizza and Milky Lane brands. His passion for the brands was evident, and he was constantly adding value and support to his fellow franchisees. Fazel is survived by his wife Nazira and his two children, Naasir and Uthmaan. We will remember Fazel and salute him for his impact on many people’s lives. Our thoughts go out to Nazira, their entire family, team members and colleagues.

Ken Schoerie was part of the Mugg & Bean brand for over 23 years, a true restaurateur involved in four major Mugg & Bean restaurants. Ken Schoerie was also part of two KwaZulu-Natal Turn ‘n Tender restaurants. He led the way in driving exceptional operational standards in his restaurants. His larger-than-life personality and love for people made him a rare soul and a true gentleman. His love and pride for his family knew no bounds, and he lived life to the fullest. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family. May his soul rest in peace.

With great sadness, we bid farewell to our Wimpy family member, Johnny Abatzoglou. Johnny was a family man, husband, brother, and a true gentleman that has been part of the Wimpy family since 1989. He began his Wimpy journey with his brother Aristides at Welkom Drive-Thru, Virginia and Welkom Goldfields Mall. Over the years, he expanded his portfolio by acquiring Milky Lane and Debonairs Pizza restaurants. We extend our deepest condolences to Johnny’s family, friends, and his team.

With great sorrow, we say goodbye to Ari Nicholopoulos, our franchisee from Mugg & Bean Pavilion. Ari was a supreme gentleman, wonderful father, and long-standing franchisee in KwaZulu-Natal, having joined the Brand in 2007. He had the biggest heart and valued loyalty above all else. Ari was a highly respected businessman within the Famous Brands network and his local community. He was a larger-than-life personality and will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends.

A respected businessman and a true gentleman, Isaac Maqelepo was part of the Steers family for 21 years. He opened a Steers in Kwa Thema in 2000 and expanded his portfolio into Debonairs Pizza over the years. His contribution to the brands has been exceptional. He leaves a legacy to his two sons, Lijane and Thabang. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family as they remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Mandla Nzimande joined Famous Brands two years ago and operated the Debonairs Pizza and Steers brands at Sky City Mall. With various business interests, Mandla was entrenched in his community. We extend our deepest condolences to the Nzimande Family, GATA Group and the Sky City Team.

Jacomina Engelbrecht was a loyal employee of Lamberts Bay Foods for seven years. She had a quiet demeanour and a strong work ethic. Although she was a quiet person, she was jovial with a contagious laugh and she touched many lives. Her passing was a shock to her colleagues and left a big void in our company. Our condolences to her parents and other family members.

Glen Dembo has been involved in the Turn ‘n Tender brand since the 1980s. He was instrumental in setting up and managing Turn ‘n Tender Bassonia in 2011 and Bedfordview in 2013. In March 2019, Glen joined the Turn ‘n Tender Central Kitchen and eventually took over the running of the business. Glen’s dedication and hard work were evident in his ability to quickly streamline the business into an awe-inspiring facility resulting in several manufacturing certifications. He adapted the business to comply with COVID-19 protocols. Glen was down-to-earth with a larger-than-life personality, and his loss will leave a massive hole in the Turn ‘n Tender family. Glen will be sorely missed by his family, colleagues, franchise partners and all who knew him. We wish his two children our sincere condolences.

We are devastated by the untimely death of our beloved colleague and friend, Andre Piehl. Andre joined Famous Brands nearly 15 years ago and held various management and executive roles across several brands. His boundless energy and passion for life were infectious. Over the years, Andre received several accolades for his work. The most notable and memorable was his induction as a Steers Master in 2020 for his extraordinary contribution to the Steers brand. Outside of work, Andre was an exceptional cyclist and triathlete and represented South Africa at various global events. He cared deeply for people, none more so than his dear wife Sharon and their teenage twins, Tyler, and Axel. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family and friends.

Cecil joined Famous Brands in 2007 and held various positions within our Logistics division. He always helped his colleagues and heavily involved in his community. He is sorely missed at Famous Brands. Our sincere condolences go to his partner Kim and children Nandipha, Smukelo and Smukelisiwe.

Daniel Mabulana started working for Baltimore in 2001 as a temporary general worker and became a permanent employee in 2006. In 2014 he was diagnosed with a heart condition, but he continued to perform to the best of his abilities. Daniel leaves behind he’s wife Portia and sons Phethole and Sello. Daniel was an excellent employee and peaceful member of the team, he is dearly missed.

Ayanda Mabizela was an energetic, humble and kind individual. He began his career at the Famous Brands sauce plant on the retail line as a material handler. He had many friends and his passing left us devasted. Our condolences to his mother Duduzile, his partner Cynthia and his son Njabulo.

Powlan was a well-known, loved and admired member of the Famous Brands family and a stalwart of our Debtors community.

Having served in numerous Credit control roles in the business since joining us in May 2007, he was known to and respected by many of our Franchise partners and retail customers.

Our sincere condolences are extended to his wife Kantha and three children, Merkaylan, Michael and Myron.