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12 February 2018 Photo Supplied
Get your blend of rock and legal with the Kovsie FM Breakfast Show
Richard and Fifi from the Kovsie FM Breakfast Show
Richard Chemaly completed a BCom degree at the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2010 before he enrolled for an LLB, and is currently doing an LLM in legal philosophy. He was also a familiar face on campus as SRC President. After jetting around the world, Richard is back in Bloemfontein. Since becoming a DJ for the Breakfast Show at Kovsie FM, he is now responsible for starting the day for listeners on a good note.

Blending law and entertainment fell into my lap. After locking up my Hillbrow apartment, I travelled for a year, accidentally fell in love and moved back to Bloemfontein. Nobody wanted to hire me. Could have been my unconventional Facebook presence, or appearing on ANN7… I don’t know. I was already in the entertainment field because one of my business partners and I started a beer distribution company, which got us a lot of free beer. We then realised that if we started an entertainment blog, which we did, we’d get free access to cool parties, which we did. It just made sense to venture into entertainment law, which suited my personality.

Radio was never my thing, and I have always regretted that. Music was always my thing, though, so the transition was easy. My co-host, Fifi, is my polar opposite. As a young black female who likes old R&B, trap and alternative pop, she brings everything I can’t as an old, hairy Lebanese punk-rocking dude. The dynamic is incredible.

I’m a big lover of mornings and I try to get in an early morning jog and hunting for geocaches before I aim to make even the grumpiest morning listener smile. With an exceptional knowledge of current affairs, it is easy to get across to our diverse listenership. Quick wit and my co-presenter also help! The Breakfast Show sets the tone for the day, and we get good feedback.

I would still like to take over the Musicon and become a pilot. 

News Archive

When entrepreneurship meets industrial innovation
2014-12-13

Johan Eksteen (Photo: Supplied)

Internationally acclaimed Argicon Pelleting is a worldwide supplier of pelleting machinery and equipment as well as agri-processing factories. The company was established in 1993 by André and Johan Eksteen, UFS 2004 MBA graduate. After taking over sole ownership, the company grew from a one-man business to an internationally respected specialist in the design and manufacturing of pelleting solutions for the agricultural industry.

A common practice in industrial procedures, pelleting involves processing material into small dry pellets. This is used globally by manufacturers of animal feed or recycling facilities that specialise in processing materials for reuse. This process, however, can only be successfully accomplished with specialised equipment, namely a pelletizer. With fifteen years’ experience in agriculture, and international exposure in countries such as Uganda, Australia, Singapore and New Caledonia, this was not a tall order for Johan.

Agricon focuses on consistently developing innovative ways to add value to its offering. The business has successfully installed pelleting equipment for a range of products, including tobacco dust, rooibos tea, human sludge waste, organic fertilizers and vermi-compost. In addition to the manufacturing of machines and equipment, the company also provides training and on-site installation for clients, as well as support following a sale or the provision of spare parts. The company also provides advice on new product developments and business opportunities for clients within the sector.

Apart from doubling its sales between 2013 and 2014, the company gained great recognition within the industry. Johan was awarded the University of the Free State Business School’s Entrepreneur award in 2013 and he is the first-prize winner of the ILO Free State EnterPRIZE Job Creation Challenge for 2014. He is currently one of 15 finalists countrywide in the Entrepreneur of the Year competition sponsored by Business Partners and Sanlam. Johan is the mentor and stand-in manager for Almenta, a skills development company (winner of the ILO Best Social Entrepreneur for Skills Development award) and Equus Groom School (winner of the ILO Social Entrepreneur in Youth Development award).

Johan was also announced as the winner of the SA entrepreneur of the year for small businesses.

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