Introduction to FASA

The Franchise Association of Southern Africa (FASA) is a trade association for franchisors, franchisees and professional organisations that service the needs of the franchise sector. It is FASA’s declared aim to safeguard ethics in franchising and constantly advance the development of the concept for the benefit of all involved.

Membership

FASA offers membership in three categories, namely:

• full, open to accredited franchisors*
• affiliate, open to accredited service providers*
• franchisee membership.

*Membership is voluntary but subject to an in-depth evaluation and review process. Once admitted, members are compelled to adhere to FASA’s Code of Ethics and Business Practices (see below). This provides a degree of protection to franchisees but does not free prospects from the obligation to investigate a franchise offer carefully before making an investment.

Governance

A council elected annually by FASA’s members from within the membership oversees the organisation’s affairs. This council appoints a chairperson and an executive committee from amongst its membership to set policy and oversee operations. The day-to-day activities of FASA’s secretariat are controlled by its Executive Director who in turn reports to the Executive Committee.

History

FASA was established in 1979, making it one of the longest-established franchise associations in the world. FASA represents the interests of the franchise sector vis-à-vis government, commerce and the public at large. Over the years, FASA has evolved into the most powerful franchise association on the African continent and often acts as a mentor to sister associations throughout the continent.

FASA’s membership on the World Franchise Council ensures that South Africa’s franchise practitioners are constantly exposed to international trends. Of equal importance is the fact that South African franchising’s voice is heard world-wide.

Activities

In addition to upholding its Code of Ethics, adherence to which is binding on FASA members, FASA’s other activities revolve around the promotion of the concept through the organisation and/or support of public events. This includes the annual International Franchise Exhibition (IFE), and the arranging or endorsing other relevant activities, including those of an educational nature.

• Up to date information on franchising is disseminated through FASA’s web site and a growing range of print publications, including the Franchise Directory, an annual that contains details of FASA’s members and generates many enquiries for franchise opportunities.
• FASA’s reference library, which is widely recognised as being the most comprehensive of its kind in the country, is accessible, free of charge, to anyone with a legitimate interest in franchising.
• Dispute resolution service: although franchising aims towards win/win outcomes for franchisors and their franchisees, it would be unrealistic to deny that on occasion, differences of opinion between the parties do arise. In such instances, FASA assumes the mantle of facilitator and has a proud record of resolving disputes between franchisors and their franchisees before the parties end up facing each other in court.
• Awards: The FASA Awards for Excellence in Franchising, held annually since 1990, enable FASA’s members and their guests to meet in a congenial setting and honour the sector’s top achievers. Currently, five different categories are contested, namely Franchisor of the Year, Newcomer Franchisor of the Year, Franchisor: Leading Developer of Emerging Entrepreneurs, Franchisee of the Year and Brand Builder of the Year.

The FASA Code of Ethics

No piece of writing could express FASA’s aims and objectives better than the FASA Code of Ethics and Business Practices. For this reason, we reproduce it herewith in its entirety, complete with its Appendix setting out how a disclosure document should be structured.

To read the FASA Code of Ethics click here