How is it possible that a private business - Stratlec - can sell the Shelly PRO 4PM for a cheaper price than a multi national store? R2 699 (Stratlec) vs R4 500.00 (Mega Online Store) It may seem surprising that a smaller private business like Stratlec can offer the Shelly Pro 4PM for R2 699 whilst a retail giant charges R4 500 and sometimes more OR inflates the price and then offers that as a 'discount'. This price difference is primarily driven by how the two companies source, list, and sell the product. 1. The Marketplace Model (Third-Party Sellers) The most significant reason for the price gap is that most of the 'mega online' stores do not sell many items directly. On major South African online stores many of the items are sold on behalf of another company which pays to be listed. These online marketplaces allow independent third-party vendors to list their goods. In turn these third-party vendors are charged a commission fee on every sale. In addition the online marketplaces often have 'hidden fees' and stocking requirements that increase the amount of holding stock required - often third party vendors are required to hold stock in more than one distribution centre as well as their own warehouses. To absorb a multi-national retailers' commission and still make a profit, the third-party seller on that platform must inflate their retail price. 2. Direct Sourcing vs. Middlemen Stratlec is a specialized automation and electrical supplier backed b y qualified electricians that are intensely familiar with their products and any 'installation peccadillos'. Direct Channels: They often source smart home hardware directly from official distributors or manufacturers in bulk. By eliminating the middleman, they keep costs low. Specialist Focus: Unlike general retailers, Stratlec buys deeply into specific product lines, securing better tier-pricing that they can pass on to consumers. 3. Niche Expertise and Lower Overhead Multi-national …
SMD Introduces LocknLock: Global Lifestyle, Airtight Innovation
LOCKNLOCK: SMARTER LIVING, EVERY DAY For decades, LocknLock has been a trusted global lifestyle brand, known for bringing innovation, quality and convenience into everyday homes. Best recognised for its pioneering airtight storage solutions, the brand has built a strong reputation for helping households keep food fresher for longer while making storage simpler and more organised. But LocknLock has grown to become far more than just containers. Today, the brand offers smart lifestyle solutions designed around the way people live. From food preparation and kitchen organisation to hydration, storage and on-the-go convenience, LocknLock products are created to make every day routines easier, more practical and more enjoyable. At the heart of the brand is a commitment to innovation, functionality and quality. Each product is designed with purpose, combining practical features with modern design to create solutions that fit seamlessly into busy households.As consumers become increasingly conscious of waste and the products they bring into their homes, LocknLock also encourages a more sustainable approach to everyday living. Reusable storage and lifestyle solutions provide an alternative to disposable products while helping households store, organise and make better use of what they already have. A Global Brand with a Growing South African Presence With a strong international heritage and decades of product innovation, LocknLock has earned the trust of consumers around the world. Through SMD Technologies, the brand continues to build its presence in South Africa, bringing its globally recognised products and innovation closer to local consumers. For SMD Technologies, LocknLock represents an exciting addition to its growing portfolio of brands, while the focus remains firmly on what has made LocknLock successful worldwide: products that are dependable, thoughtfully designed and made for real life.Whether it is preparing meals for the week, organising the …
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Businesses Urged to Secure their New WhatsApp Username Now
With WhatsApp rolling out usernames, WhatsApp users, and specifically businesses, are being urged to urgently reserve their own customised WhatsApp number. This is done in a similar manner to creating a unique website domain. While this feature is not yet available in South Africa, it is currently being tested on different platforms. “A WhatsApp unique username will protect business brands or a person’s identification. Delaying could lead to lost opportunities, brand dilution and even attempts at extortion by name squatters, similar to the early days of website creation when well-known companies had their names registered as domains by third parties,” says Keith Levenstein, MD of ET Artificial Intelligence Systems. “WhatsApp is now prompting users to reserve a unique username in the format of @yourbusinessname. The identifier handle is expected to become as vital as your email address or website domain. Usernames are not case sensitive and cannot contain spaces, making it critical for companies to claim clean, professional handles such as @YourCompanyName right away. “Millions of names are being snapped up as we speak, and hopefully not with the intention of selling them back to businesses later at a premium, similar to a website domain name. You do not want to be left with something generic like @YourBusinessName6783434234.” Business Benefits of Adopting WhatsApp Usernames Levenstein notes that business accounts stand to benefit significantly from the new feature. Adopting custom handles provides improved discoverability and strong branding opportunities. It enables companies to maintain consistent identity across platforms by importing existing Instagram or Facebook usernames via Meta’s Accounts Center. Some premium handles are reserved specifically for verified businesses, government bodies and public figures. WhatsApp has also introduced a new Business Scoped User ID (BSUID) system to support backend compatibility for business tools and …
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Lamelle Research Laboratories Wins Best Luxury Beauty Brand in South Africa for the Second Year Running
Lamelle Research Laboratories has once again been recognised by Luxury Lifestyle Awards as the Best Luxury Beauty Brand in South Africa for 2026, marking the second consecutive year in the South African skincare brand has received this prestigious accolade. For more than 20 years, Lamelle Research Laboratories has been redefining what professional skincare can achieve by bringing together biotechnology, scientific research, and confident innovation to develop advanced solutions that go beyond the surface. Founded in 2005, Lamelle is a proudly South African biotechnology company specialising in professional aesthetic skincare. Over two decades, the company has built its reputation on developing targeted, evidence-based formulations designed to address complex skin concerns including acne, pigmentation, ageing and sensitivity. At the heart of Lamelle’s philosophy is a belief that true skincare innovation goes deeper than what is immediately visible. Its approach combines scientifically researched actives, proprietary and patented ingredient technologies and internationally sourced innovations to create formulations designed to support measurable skin outcomes. Confident innovation. Beyond the surface. is more than a tagline for Lamelle; it reflects the philosophy that has guided the company throughout its 20-year journey. From understanding the biology behind skin concerns to developing sophisticated formulations that work with the skin’s natural processes, Lamelle continues to challenge conventional approaches to professional skincare. The brand’s commitment to innovation extends beyond its formulations. Lamelle works closely with trained skincare professionals and healthcare practitioners, supported by an ongoing education programme designed to ensure that advanced skincare is accompanied by informed consultation and professional expertise. This combination of science, education and personalised care remains central to the Lamelle experience. Today, …
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From Hillcrest to London: The Barista Who Turned Coffee Into Connection
At the Starbucks Hillcrest store, the regulars have started bringing their families in. They want them to meet Musawenkosi Mosikili, the barista behind the counter who has just been named Starbucks South Africa's 2026 National Champion. The store has only been open a year. You would not know it from the way people talk about it. Mosikili won the title at the National Final at the Starbucks Reserve in Melrose Arch, held from 10 to 12 June. In September he travels to the Starbucks EMEA Support Centre in Chiswick, London. The EMEA Championship runs from 16 to 18 September. He joins the other finalists from the 11th. There is a stop in Amsterdam from 13 to 15 September to visit the Starbucks EMEA Coffee Roasting Plant and learn more about the company's approach to ethical sourcing. For a young man who joined Starbucks in 2023, unsure of himself and still finding his voice in English, it is a long way to have come in a short time. Ask him about the win and he does not talk about trophies. He talks about people. "Some of the best moments we get to experience in life are when we feel seen, heard and inspired," he says. "Through each cup I craft, I have a moment of connection." That, more than anything, is what the championship gave him. A bigger stage for something he was already doing every morning. His winning drink says the same thing in a cup. He built the Caramel Comfort Cold Brew as a portrait of his mother. It opens with a pump of chocolate sauce poured on top, two swirls of caramel drizzle down the inside of the cup, and the signature cold brew. To him, that base holds his mother's strength and the solid footing she gave him. He fills the ice to the third line. That is the Starbucks house measure, there to steady the temperature and stop the drink from watering down. To him, that line is her too, the one who keeps the family grounded when things around them turn to chaos. The finish is a velvety oat milk cold foam lifted with two pumps of white …
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Giant Melting Ice Installation Brings Jewel City to a Standstill to Reveal New Hunter’s ICED Range
Commuters and pedestrians in Johannesburg’s bustling Jewel City were brought to an unexpected halt on Friday, 31 July 2026 as a giant, solid block of ice took over the precinct. The public art-style installation, which slowly melted throughout the day, was eventually revealed to be the launchpad for the new Hunter’s ICED range. In a city known for its relentless pace, the installation was designed to create an unmissable visual spectacle. Passers-by gathered to watch, take photos, and guess what was hidden inside as the ice gradually gave way to reveal the two new variants: Hunter’s ICED Watermelon and Hunter’s ICED Apple. Rather than a traditional product launch, Hunter's opted for a street-level intervention that physically represented the cooling nature of the new beverage. “Joburg is a city that is always on the move, and our young consumers are constantly juggling work, studies, and their social lives,” said Nontsikelelo Gumede, Brand Manager at Hunter’s. “We didn't just want to tell people about a refreshing new drink; we wanted to literally bring a moment of chill to the streets. Watching the public's curiosity grow as the ice melted was incredible. It was a simple invitation to just slow down and enjoy the moment.” The activation captured the attention of local crowds, turning a standard Friday commute into a shared, interactive experience that quickly spread across social media. The new Hunter’s ICED Watermelon and Hunter’s ICED Apple are now available in leading stores nationwide. Hunter’s Cider promotes responsible drinking. Not for persons under 18. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: Mthokozisi Moyo from Burson on behalf of Hunter's Cider. …
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Eskort Strikes Double Gold With 12 Taste Awards
Six products earn matching honours at the 2026 Aurora International Taste Challenge and the South African Food & Beverage Awards Eskort, South Africa’s leading antibiotic-free pork producer, has done something remarkable at two of the food industry’s most respected taste competitions: entered six products and had every single one recognised at both events. The results; 12 awards across the 2026 Aurora International Taste Challenge and the South African Food and Beverage Awards; are testament to Eskort’s approach to food innovation: bold flavours, exciting formats and great-tasting products designed around the way South Africans eat today. Five products earned Double Gold at both competitions. The sixth earned Gold at both. Not one product came away empty-handed. The bold flavours behind the wins The winning line-up tells its own story: Creamy Pepper Loin Chops, rich, tender steaks coated in a velvety pepper sauce earned Double Gold at both competitions, as did Jalapeño Twisters, Eskort’s fiery twist on a classic: jalapeño poppers wrapped in the brand’s famous streaky bacon. The Pork Prego Steak, a punchy, flame-grilled favourite with deep Portuguese-inspired flavour, matched that achievement. So did Premium Sliced Gammon and Premium Sliced Pork Pastrami, both crafted to the exacting standards that define Eskort’s premium deli range. Completing the six, the Pepperoni Griller, perfectly spiced, satisfyingly smoky and made for the braai,earned Gold at both competitions. What the awards mean Eskort CEO Arnold Prinsloo says these products show how Eskort is broadening the role of pork in South African kitchens: from quick weekday meals and lunchboxes to relaxed weekend braais and special-occasion entertaining. “To have six products recognised twice by expert panels evaluating both local and international excellence is a powerful endorsement of the standards our teams work to every day,” says Prinsloo. “These awards belong to everyone across our …
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Master Butcher’s Son Dean de Sousa Crowned 2026 Boerewors Champion
Master Butcher’s son Dean De Sousa crowned 2026 Boerewors Champion A 33-year-old investment actuary and portfolio manager, Dean De Sousa from Bryanston in Gauteng, was crowned the country’s top boerewors maker at the 34th annual Championship Boerewors finale on Saturday, 15 August. De Sousa impressed the expert judging panel with a recipe that offered a balance of flavour and texture, while remaining true to traditional boerewors. “Winning the Championship Boerewors Competition is an incredible honour. To be named the maker of the best boerewors in the country means having the best boerewors around the braai, and that is something I am extremely proud of. My dad has been a huge inspiration throughout my journey and I’m happy to make him and the rest of my family proud with this achievement,” says De Sousa. De Sousa was inspired by childhood memories of attending Championship Boerewors events with his father, who has always encouraged him to cook and experiment with flavours, and this led to a lifelong passion for making boerewors. His father, Tony de Sousa, was one of the first South Africans to become a Master Butcher in 2020 after obtaining this prestigious accreditation from Britain’s Institute of Meat, He joined the Shoprite Group in 1998 and is a Spice and Meat Operations Manager at the retailer’s Home Office in Brackenfell. As the 2026 champion, De Sousa’s recipe will be produced as the new Championship Boerewors which will be for sale in Shoprite and Checkers supermarkets nationwide from Friday, 4 September. He also drove away in a Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 RB AT valued at more than R700 000 and received R20 000 in cash. Second place went to Luhan Pretorius from Bloemfontein, Free State, who received R50 000, while Ashook Beharie from Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal took third place and received R30 000. “Selecting a winning recipe was incredibly challenging because each finalist brought something unique to the table. Every recipe reflected …
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Which Future Menus 2026 Trend Will You Be Serving Up?
Take our Quick Quiz to Discover Your Style Match Food is a living story, constantly evolving, and Unilever Food Solutions' much-anticipated Future Menus 2026 report captures the latest chapter. From bold, reimagined street food and heritage-inspired dishes to globally influenced flavours and personalised dining experiences, it explores the trends shaping the future of food. But trends only tell half the story; the other half is you. Your signature style is shaped by where you cook, who you cook for, and what draws you to a dish in the first place. And whether you run a busy restaurant, operate a catering kitchen, own a food truck or simply love experimenting at home, that style is your own. So, which exciting Future Menus 2026 trend best reflects yours? The Unilever Food Solutions culinary team put together these six quick questions, based on the four Future Menus 2026 trends, to help you find your match. Select the most suitable answer for each question: 1. When creating a new dish, your inspiration comes from? a) A family recipe, local ingredients or traditional cooking methods. b) Flavours, techniques and ideas from around the world. c) The changing tastes and preferences of your customers. d) Everyday comfort foods reimagined. 2. Pick the sentence that sounds most like you: a) Skilled at bringing classic techniques to life. b) Creative - always trying something new. c) Able to adapt dishes to suit different tastes. d) Fast-paced and full of energy, serving crowd-pleasing dishes with flair. 3. When time is tight, what's most important? a) Staying true to traditional methods, no matter the rush. b) Keeping creativity alive under pressure. c) Ensuring guests still feel they’ve had a personalised experience. d) Keeping the energy and flavour up, even when the kitchen's slammed. 4. Which customer compliment would make your day? a) "That reminded me of home." b) "I've never tasted anything like that …
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Bundox Introduces Wild Escape Packages for Short Greater Kruger Stays
GREATER KRUGER, South Africa, August 2026, Bundox Safari Co. has added two Wild Escape getaways for travellers looking for a shorter safari stay in the Greater Kruger region. Wild Escapes is Bundox’s collection of short safari getaways, available at selected camps and during defined travel periods. Both current packages require a minimum stay of two nights. This gives guests enough time to settle into the camp and enjoy the safari experience while keeping the getaway practical for couples, friends and travellers adding the Greater Kruger to a wider South African journey. The Bundox Explorer Camp Wild Escape is available for stays between 15 November 2026 and 28 February 2027. The Khanya Tented Camp Wild Escape is available from 1 August 2026 until 28 February 2027. The packages are structured as short safari getaways rather than single overnight stays. They may also provide travel advisors with a practical option for clients planning domestic holidays, road trips or short Greater Kruger extensions. “These Wild Escape packages are designed for travellers who want enough time to experience the camp environment without needing to build a long itinerary around the stay,” a Bundox Safari Co. spokesperson said. The current promotional rates are available to qualifying residents of Southern African Development Community countries. Proof of residency may be required when booking or checking in. Travellers can compare the offers with Bundox’s wider portfolio of safari lodges and camps or contact the Bundox team for assistance. All bookings remain subject to availability, confirmed package inclusions and exclusions, the minimum-stay requirement, residency eligibility and the applicable terms and conditions. About Bundox Safari Co. Bundox Safari Co. operates safari lodges and camps and provides accommodation, safari packages, destination planning, transfers, ground handling and itinerary support across Southern Africa. The company works with direct travellers, …