Do it like a local, all day every day

We love the business we love, because no one can do what they do better than they do it. The fourth edition of SA’s Most Loved Local survey, powered by Santam, is back to celebrate the local gems we can’t live without.

Discover who the 2023 Most Loved Local winners are, and why customers turn into fans on the daily. Get to know more about the winning businesses and what they’re doing right by checking out insights from the survey.

2023 Report
Most Loved Local restaurant

Gemelli

Gemelli restaurant was founded by Alessandro Mosupi Khojane, a proud Mosotho raised in Rome, Italy during his formative years. Alessandro inherited his father’s infectious love for people and entertaining and was destined for the hospitality industry.

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Most Loved Local Bakery/Café

Jason Bakery

Jason and his team of skilled bakers keep things exciting by constantly pushing the creativity envelope. Famous for innovations such as the Croclair, an éclair shaped croissant and the Doughssant, a hybrid between a doughnut and croissant, featuring delectable new flavours weekly for 10 years.

Most Loved Local Butchery

Meatongrant

Meatongrant is most loved for its delicious biltong and spit braai products for those extra special occasions. The friendly staff are always happy to listen to customers’ stories while they prepare their cuts, making sure they leave with a smile.

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Pharmacy
MOST LOVED LOCAL PHARMACY

Umhlanga Medisport Pharmacy

Voted the Most Loved Local Pharmacy three out of the past four years, Umhlanga Medisport 24/7 Pharmacy is a much-loved bustling one-stop wellness hub devoted to serving its community 365 days a year, since 1951.

The most loved local Beauty/Spa

The SPA at the Oyster Box

The Spa treatment menu offers an extensive range of health, beauty and wellness-focused treatments that draw inspiration from ancient healing traditions from across the world.

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Most Loved Local Specialised Gift Shops

House of Flowers

House of Flowers Kimberley has been brightening up people’s lives with lovingly crafted floral bouquets since 2011. This business is a family affair owned and operated by brother and sister Ezelle Venter and Wihan Bosman, who is the manager and head florist.

The most loved local Interior Designer

Hoi P’loy

Hoi P’loy is a value-driven bespoke lighting solutions business that strives for creativity in all its designs. This purpose-led business was founded by husband and wife team Ploy Phiromnam and Guy van der Walt ten years ago.

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Gym
Most Loved Local Fitness/Health

CrossFit George

CrossFit George is all about community. It’s more than a fitness facility, it’s a family where everyone is welcomed and each individual is as important as the other. This community of fitness enthusiasts embrace a culture of championing each other, no matter how big or small the goal, each victory is celebrated.

Most Loved Local Vet/Vet Shops

Petpassion Animal-Care Clinic

Petpassion Animal Care Clinic is a full-service vet, founded by the deeply passionate Dr Fida Young in 2013. It grew from one client on opening day to over 6000 clients today with the help of Dr Henri Olckers, Brenda Botes and the entire team who helped expand and diversify the practice.

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Dry cleaners
Most Loved Local Dry Cleaner

Exclusive Dry Cleaners

In business for over 30 years, this family run dry cleaner is well-entrenched in its community, and it shows. Voted Most Loved Local Dry Cleaner by its customers for the second year in a row and the third time in four years, this operation knows exactly what they are doing when it comes to the care of delicate garments.

Most Loved Local Car Wash

City View Car Wash

When new owner Krish Padayachee took over in April 2023, City View Car Wash was already a Most Loved Local business due to its exceptional service and attention to detail. With the same well-trained team in place, and the undivided attention of Krish overseeing every vehicle, the highest quality service has remained a differentiating characteristic of this establishment.

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Building material
The most loved local Building Supplies

Menlo Paint & Hardware

The well-established local traditional hardware store serves the community’s DIY, home improvement and gardening needs and with Dirk’s 17-year construction background in building houses, this was the perfect next step for him.

What makes these SA’s Most Loved Local businesses?

If SMEs have taught us anything, it’s that local support grows local support. In turn, local businesses support other local businesses. From the fluffiest bakes to the thickest cuts, good service is a given – but what else does Mzansi value most about these most loved locals? Let’s take a look at the survey results.

2023 Report

The benefits of insuring with us

Building a business your customers can’t live without? Trust insurance good and proper to protect it. Start with finding the right intermediary to help you with comprehensive insurance cover for your unique business needs.

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