The Franchise Association of South Africa ’s Franchise Awards for Excellence in Franchising, sponsored by Sanlam and held this past week-end as part of their annual Franchise Business Festival , honoured those franchise brands that have bucked the negative trends to show resilience and growth in these trying times. Commenting on the finalists and winners in the categories, Franchisor of the Year, Franchisee of the Year, Newcomer Franchisor of the Year, Franchisor: Leading Developer of Emerging Entrepreneur, Job Creator of the Year, Brand Builder of the year and Field Service Consultant of the Year -  Tony Da Fonseca, FASA’s Chairman for 2017/8 and MD of the OBC Group , believes that the industry’s saving grace is the fact that, by its very nature, franchising is entrepreneurial, flexible and forward-thinking.  “Despite the on-going recession that is impacting heavily on small businesses, the franchise sector continues to be resilient and offers its franchisees a better cha...