From a car wash where you can have your hair cut and a hotel with the best calamari in town, to a gym that’s changed lives – the top 12 commercial entities named as South Africa’s Most Loved Local businesses in Santam’s Most Loved Local report are all something special. Voted by South Africans as the 12 top businesses across 12 categories, these locals epitomise service with a smile. And it turns out, good service is exactly what South Africans value the most[SC1] . It’s the number one factor that turns clients into fans.
Through respected independent research house World Wide Worx, Santam shortlisted 10 local businesses per each of the 12 categories, which were identified through social listening. Then South Africans voted for their favourites. These were the winners:
1. Chapmans Peak Hotel – category: place to stay
What makes it super special?
23% of respondents voted ‘Chappies’ as their no.1 place to stay. Why? The calamari. Not to mention sea views, a cosy home-away-from-home feel and happy staff.
2. Marble – category: eatery
What makes it super special?
This hot-spot combines Insta-ready food with exceptional attention to detail and superb service to keep fans coming back time and again.
3. The Butcher Man – category: butcher
What makes it super special?
Winning with a meaty 20% of the vote, this special joint offers moreish biltong with a bustling restaurant to boot.
4. Fournos Bakery – category: bakery
What makes it super special?
According to one fan review, the chocolate croissants. Aside from a spectacular feast of carbs, Fournos also prioritises ‘Family.Friends’.
5. Rouge Day Spa – category: spa
What makes it super special?
Fans say it’s the service, warm and welcoming staff and the atmosphere of peace.
6. Gold Reef City – category: entertainment
What makes it super special?
Winning with a resounding 46%, Gold Reef has it all, including homage to Jozi’s history.
7. Dream Body Fitness – category: gym
What makes it super special?
Fans call it more than a gym. It brings together a “fitness family” of like-minded people who put health (and happiness) first.
8. By Dezign Interiors – category: interior designer
What makes it super special?
An incredible attention to getting the details right that turn a house into a home.
9. Bryanston Organic & Natural Market – category: market
What makes it super special?
This is a place that puts community first, offering up clean, green fun for everyone.
10. Exclusive Dry Cleaners – category: dry cleaners
What makes it super special?
This dry cleaner seriously cares about the community, even sponsoring Miss SA!
11. Tubbs’s Car Wash – category: car wash
What makes it super special?
Have your hair cut, grab a bite and listen to musical delights, all while your wheels get squeaky clean.
12. Radon Projects – category: construction company
What makes it super special?
Radon prioritises its clients and team, and offers value for money in tight economic times.
For more insights on what these winners are getting right, visit