Business

iKhokha – The Future of Mobile Payments

Published

10 years ago

9 December 2015

Durbanite

Every now and then, we have the pleasure of meeting some of Durban’s most passionate entrepreneurs, so let me introduce you to the guys behind Ikhokha, Durban’s latest home-grown tech enterprise, taking the mobile pay point option to a new level and a more affordable price! These two born and bred Durban boys are now taking the market by storm.

Let me introduce Matt Puttman and Ramsay Daly, two school friends separated then reunited as if by fate. Matt and Ramsay both grew up in Westville and attended Hilton High School, even though they matriculated in different years, they stayed friends and still partied hard. Finishing at different times eventually lead the two to part ways, where by chance they ran into each other in a London bar. After a UK stint, they headed back home to South Africa.

After an article about Square in the US based Fortune magazine caught the boys interests, the guys realised that there was a potential gap in the SA market. This is where it gets really interesting, with absolutely zero experience in the industry (they were making a living playing online poker and working in a call centre respectively) they began to set out and learn everything they could about app development through to the red tape and certification around making and receiving online payments. Sounds easy? Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it’s not.

In South Africa, it is extremely difficult for small businesses to get capital from banks for start-up purposes (I speak from experience on this!). The guys had a working rudimentary prototype as well as the app platform (Outsourced to India for development and better pricing). Unfortunately they needed to survive and Ramsay headed down to Cape Town to work for a digital agency while Matt continued to play poker online. The two kept in contact and never let the project die.

By chance, Ramsay bumped into an old friend, who then introduced them to venture capitalists and potential investors. After a few tough pitches, the guys got the first phase of funding they needed to get going, and they did!

The concept is simple, all the business owner needs to have is a mobile device and he or she can take payments buy card, anywhere, anytime. The system also has reconciliation software to track the payments and best of all, they have one of the most competitive rates in the industry. As a business owner, you can get all this for a nominal fee (Once off or monthly) and you will be setup and ready to go in 5 days, no banks queues, no annoying “additional fees”, no waiting on the banks call centre only to be passed from agent to agent, just effortless setup.

Something iKhokha pride themselves in as well is customer service. You can pick up the phone or drop them an email and they get back to you, something the other big players really need to work on! And that’s not all, the guys have some amazing Plans for iKhokha which will continue to see the offer evolve and challenge the financial services sector in a way that is long overdue. This is definitely a case of watch this space!

To sum up, I think their intro statement says it all: “iKhokha is for anybody and everybody. Whether in an office, a store or on the move, iKhokha is for anyone needing to accept debit and credit card payments from customers, clients or patients.”

Feel free to check them out here:

https://www.ikhokha.com/

https://www.facebook.com/iKhokha

Author: Durbanite

Business

One Year of Flavour on the GO!

Published

5 days ago

16 April 2026

Carla Wynne

Happy 1st Birthday, Col’Cacchio GO!

One year ago, in April 2025, Col’Cacchio lit the ovens at Westlake and changed the South African QSR game forever. They took a 33-year legacy of artisanal, wood-fired excellence and asked: “How can we make this fit the pace of modern life?”

The answer was Col’Cacchio GO. This month, as Col’Cacchio celebrate their 1st birthday, they’re looking back at a year of growth, innovation, and a whole lot of pizza.

From One Store to a National Rollout

It started as a bold response to the demand for premium at-home dining. They didn’t just want to join the fast-food race; they wanted to redefine it. Since that first day in Westlake, the “GO” movement has sparked a national flame:

The Creative Hub: They landed at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, blending their artisanal roots with Cape Town’s most iconic cultural market.
The Culinary Pros: In Durban, the Joubert twins, Michelin-trained chefs, brought their global expertise to the Mackeurtan Avenue store.
The Island Life: They crossed the ocean to open their 5th store in Tribeca Mall, Mauritius, proving that the craving for quality Italian food is universal.
The Community Favourites: From the leafy suburbs of Hillcrest KZN , and Waterfall in Gauteng, to the bustling streets of Benmore in Sandton and their newest addition in Oliver Road, Kimberley, they are officially making their mark with a total of 8 GO`s opened in the last financial year.

Why “GO” is the Game-Changer

The secret to their first year’s success? Convenience without compromise. In a world where you’re often forced to choose between “fast” and “good,” Col’Cacchio GO delivers both. They’ve stayed true to their 1992 roots, using handpicked tomatoes, secret-recipe dough, and fresh ingredients, but optimized it for the “grab-it-before-the-meeting” slice or the “family-dinner-on-the-way-home” rush.

“It’s not just fast food; it’s a curated experience,” says Group CEO Etienne Pieterse. “With Col’Cacchio GO, we’re delivering the same craftsmanship that has defined us for over three decades, but in a format that meets today’s consumer needs.”

A Year of “Thank Yous”

To the incredible teams on the ground, from Cape Town to Mauritius, and most importantly, to you, our customers: Thank you for choosing quality. Whether you’ve ordered through an app, popped in for a quick takeaway, or shared a Family Mega Meal at home, you are the reason Col’Cacchio are celebrating today!

Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

Attractions

Midlands Meander Turns 40

Published

3 months ago

19 January 2026

Carla Wynne

Midlands Meander Association Celebrates 40 Years of Craft, Cuisine and Countryside Founded in 1985, the landmark arts-and-crafts route marks four decades of growth and looks to a digital future.

This year the Midlands Meander Association proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary. What began in 1985 as a small, creative collaboration of local potters, weavers and artists, has grown into one of South Africa’s best-known artisan tourism routes — a thriving network of accommodation, studios, eateries and attractions that showcases the unique culture and hospitality of the KZN Midlands.

The Meander’s origin story is simple. In 1985 a handful of creatives met at Caversham Mill and decided to work together, opening their studios to the public as a collective way to increase visibility and sales. That grassroots idea expanded steadily; the route now spans roughly 80 kilometres and includes well over 100 member businesses offering a rich tapestry of experiences—from artisanal handmade crafts and cozy country kitchens to world-class accommodation, enchanting wedding venues, and exceptional conferencing facilities.

Over four decades the Midlands Meander has become synonymous with warm hospitality, local craftsmanship, culinary creativity and outdoor adventure. The Association continues to play a central role in promoting the Midlands as a cultural and tourism destination. As it celebrates 40 years, the Meander is not only honouring its heritage but also investing in the future — expanding member services, promoting sustainable tourism, and embracing digital platforms to make the route easier to explore for both domestic and international visitors.

This year the Association is rolling out new digital initiatives designed to support members and connect visitors with experiences across the route. These moves reflect the organisation’s ongoing strategy to create a networking community, modernise marketing, increase bookings for small businesses and grow exposure for members while preserving the authentic, local character that makes the Meander special.

“From a handful of studios to a beloved tourism route, the Midlands Meander is a testament to creative collaboration and community,” said a Midlands Meander spokesperson. “As we celebrate 40 years, we’re thankful to the members, artists, hoteliers and visitors who have shaped the Meander. We’re excited about our digital offerings and our plans to continue growing in ways that benefit local businesses and visitors alike.”

The Association will mark the anniversary with a series of promotional campaigns throughout the year.

For more information:
visit: www.midlandsmeander.co.za
contact: info@midlandsmeander.co.za / +27 (0)33 330 8195 or +27 (0)69 725 1916
follow: instagram
follow: facebook

Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

Business

Award-Winning Tutoring and Extra Lessons with Qualified Teachers

Published

3 months ago

12 January 2026

mrjoelmagic

Quality Tutoring and Extra Lessons That Build Confidence and Results

Every child learns in their own way. Some enjoy the classroom setting, while others benefit from extra time and focused support to strengthen their understanding. Many families also choose extra lessons simply to give their children more confidence and a stronger foundation. That is where Kip McGrath Westville makes a difference. Recognised at the Best of Durban Awards, the centre is trusted across KZN for helping learners grow in both skill and self-belief.

Qualified Teachers, Local Understanding

One of the things that makes Kip McGrath Westville stand out is its team of qualified teachers from schools in and around the community. These are professionals who understand both the curriculum and the challenges learners face, and who bring classroom experience into a focused tutoring environment.

Sessions are available across a wide range of subjects, including English, Maths, Maths Literacy, Afrikaans, Science, Accounting, Physics, Study Skills and, School Readiness, supporting learners from Grade R through to Grade 12.

This variety means support is available for early foundational learning, exam preparation and everything in between.

Building Strong Foundations

The journey begins with a free, no-obligation assessment. This looks at a child’s current year and the two years prior. English is the language of instruction for most subjects, so having a solid grasp of it helps learners better understand everything from Maths problems to Science concepts.

By identifying areas that need strengthening, tutors can design a programme that gives each learner the support they need to feel more confident and prepared.

What to Expect from a Kip Session

Each learner follows a personalised programme that matches their needs and goals. Extra lessons are structured to be focused, engaging and supportive:

~ A session concentrating on one subject at a time.
~ A maximum of four students per session.
~ A combination of computer activities and written work to keep learning interesting.
~ Guidance from qualified teachers who provide encouragement and structure.
~ Clear goals that help learners see their progress and celebrate achievements.

More Than Just Better Marks

Kip McGrath is not only about improving results. It is about helping children feel more confident in their learning, giving them the tools to manage challenges and the reassurance that they can succeed. Parents often see a positive shift in how their children approach school, noticing greater independence and a more relaxed attitude to their studies.

Working Together with Families

The best results happen when families and tutors work together. At Kip McGrath:

~ Learners receive weekly homework to practise what they have studied.
~ Parents are kept up to date with regular feedback on progress.
~ Kip McGrath facilitates an open line of communication between its tutors, parents, the school, and the child’s teachers for full transparency on extra lessons.

This teamwork ensures that each learner feels encouraged and supported throughout their academic journey.

Lasting Results

The programmes at Kip McGrath are progressive and measurable. Children start at their level and build step by step toward their goals. With consistency and encouragement, learners gain confidence, improve their understanding, and feel more at ease with their schoolwork.

Why Families Choose Kip

With 50 years of international experience, and branches all over South Africa, and other areas of the world including the UK and Australia, Kip McGrath has supported generations of learners. Families choose Kip McGrath Westville for its caring approach and proven results. Recognition at the Best of Durban Awards is a reflection of the impact they continue to make in the community.

Book a Free Assessment

Whether your child could use some extra support or simply wants to strengthen their foundation, Kip McGrath Westville is here to help. Start with a free, no-obligation assessment and see the difference a little extra guidance & a few extra lessons can make.