Bobaas-entrepreneur: Nou gaan ons springmielies braai!

AfriForum Names Awie Krog as Entrepreneur of the Year 2024

Awie Krog, founder and owner of Craft Braai, has been crowned Entrepreneur of the Year for 2024 by AfriForum in Pretoria. His business plan revolving around his unique braai bag, designed by him during the Covid-19 period and locally manufactured, captured the imagination of judges Lizette Volkwyn and Charl Oberholzer.

AfriForum Business Network hosted the competition from October 1 to 3. Krog, based in Benoni, considers Pretoria his second home as he and his family have been operating their stall at Busstop 7 Open Market in Pretoria East every weekend for three and a half years.

Innovative Braai Bag Design and Local Product Focus

• Krog describes the braai bag as ideal for grilling smaller foods, especially great for braaibroodjies if you prefer them not too crispy.
• He mentions their popular recipe of three-cheese braaibroodjies and grilling corn in the bag.

Focus on Local Products and Safety

The judges were impressed by Krog’s approach to designing unique products using local materials and emphasizing safety in open-fire cooking. He aims to create products that leave customers amazed and in awe of the ingenuity.

Krog also received recognition for his invention to enhance safety in the grilling of marshmallows by curving the points of the skewers to prevent accidents, especially with children around.

Looking ahead, Krog plans to expand his product range, create jobs, and promote the popular culture of braaing. He attributes the inception of Craft Braai to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 period when layoffs were common.

Runner-Up Recognition for Danielle de Villiers

Danielle de Villiers, owner of The Fun Room, impressed the judges with her business presentation. She received the Business of Significance award for her establishment.

Her business caters to easing the burden on parents of young children, offering indoor play and party facilities in Waterkloof for kids up to 12 years old, allowing parents to relax and enjoy refreshments.

De Villiers expressed gratitude for the recognition, considering it a testament to her hard work. She views the participation as a valuable learning experience that prompted introspection.

Other finalists from Pretoria include Carmé Myburgh, Jolene Snyman, Marezelda Combrinck, and Martie Truter. The high standard of submissions led to the decision to transform the award into Networker of Significance in Business of Significance, according to Sanderien van der Walt, manager of AfriForum Business Network.

Source: The Citizen