From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:
Food and beverage giant McDonald’s South Africa has unveiled its first newly built, revamped restaurant at Stoneridge shopping centre, in Johannesburg. Anine Kilian tells us more.

Anine Kilian:
The R10-million flagship Stoneridge rebuild is the first of its kind in the fast food major’s Middle East and African markets.

The new features of the refurbished franchise include a neutral pallet that uses natural- looking materials such as timber, concrete, glass and stone.

McDonald’s CEO Greg Solomon:

Anine Kilian:
He noted that the intention of McDonald’s with the in-store makeover was to make the customer the focus of attention, while also allowing for customers to interact with their environment.

The facility will boast a never-before-seen vertical play place wall that is within a safe controlled environment. It is a great contemporary atmosphere where families can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.

The new design is a more simple, international representation being incorporated into all the McDonald’s franchises in South Africa and is more energy efficient as it used slightly smaller windows with a lower ceiling to ensure the space was more compact.

McDonald’s CEO Greg Solomon:

Anine Kilian:
Solomon pointed out that the company employs between 800 and 1 000 new employees every year and noted that the potential future CEO of McDonald’s could come from one of the restaurants.

He noted that it should be a priority of big business to upskill its employees.
McDonald’s South Africa formally trains 1 500 students through its McDonald’s training programme every year and is accredited with National Quality Form levels 2, 3 and 4.

Solomon said that McDonald’s was also focused on creating employment for women. Over 50% of our franchisees are female, 57% of our employees are female and 62% of all our managers are female.

Sashnee Moodley:
Other news making headlines:
Need for accurate designs of dosing systems
And, Agri SA says will not support fracking as set out under current legislation

The designs for dosing systems in the gas and fumes industries have to be accurate to ensure safety.
Packaged Metering and Pumping Solutions’ David O’Neill:
 

Agricultural industry association Agri SA says it cannot support government’s continued pursuit of hydraulic fracturing.
Agri SA President Johannes Moller:
 

Sashnee Moodley:
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.