Mica Market 2025: Living the theme ‘This Is Us’

The annual Mica Market 2025 proved to be one of the most memorable in the brand’s history. With the theme “This Is Us”, the three-day event was a mix of laughter, inspiration, exhibitions, music, excursions, and the prestigious True-Blue Awards Evening. This year’s Mica Market highlighted the strength of the Mica family, the power of unity, and the value of partnerships across the hardware industry.

Day one: Barrels of laughs

Delegates checked in on Monday, 15 September, before strolling across to the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) for the evening opener, Share a Laugh, proudly sponsored by Dulux. 

Membership Advisory Committee chairperson Brad Carter officially welcomed guests to this year’s Mica Market. He highlighted the impressive turnout, with over 90% of members in attendance, and extended special recognition to the invited guests who joined the occasion. 

Dulux South Africa sales director Frank Wagner then addressed the audience. He thanked Mica members for their continued support, noting the strong sales Dulux has achieved through the Mica stores this year. Wagner also expressed the company’s pride in being a sponsor of the Mica Market and invited everyone to enjoy the evening’s ‘Share a Laugh’ event. 

The evening was filled with “barrels of belly laughs” thanks to a stellar comedy lineup featuring MC Barry Hilton, Mark Lottering, Dalin Oliver, and Kurt Schoonraad. 

Day two: Exhibition and festival

On Tuesday, 16 September, CTICC’s Halls 1 and 2, sponsored by Academy Brushware, Motoquip, and Sanlic House of Locks, played host to members wanting to engage and do business with Mica suppliers who outdid themselves with fantastic stands and deals.  

• Over 100 exhibitors showcased their latest products 

• A giant screen broadcast supplier offers specials available for immediate ordering via the Mica Market app 

• Attendees could secure ‘8 till empty’, never to be repeated specials  

• The Store page on the Mica Market app enabled members to view specials and place orders in real time 

• The opportunity for members to join the Make it with Mica Loyalty programme — a fully integrated, proven system designed to strengthen customer relationships, drive revenue growth, and give stores a competitive edge.  

Songs and Stories Festival Evening 

The evening shifted to Cape Town’s Old Biscuit Mill for the Songs and Stories Festival, sponsored by Ryobi. Delegates enjoyed a diverse lineup of local talent, including DJ Dave Ward, Craig Lucas, Majozi, Saxby Twins, Ard Matthews, and Kurt Darren with Me & Mr Green. 

Food trucks offered an array of treats, from bao buns to lamb skewers, while Anoop Mistry of Lenasia Mica welcomed guests and handed over to John Stevens of Ryobi, whose message was short and sweet, thanking Mica and the members. 

Day three: Conference and excursions

The official Mica Conference opened on Wednesday, 17 September, sponsored by Ingco Tools. 

LRB managing director Jaco Hattingh welcomed everyone and explained that this year’s presentation would take a different approach. In line with the theme, ‘This is Us’, the team chose to be more inclusive by sharing a video that tells Mica’s story through the voices of the people who drive the business forward. The video, he noted, captures what makes Mica truly unique: its members, teams, customers, and the positive impact Mica stores have within their communities. 

“It is a celebration of who we are, what Mica stands for, and the future we are building together. This is Mica, and this is us,” he said. 

The video focused on belonging, brand strength, customer empowerment, and loyalty. Feedback from members highlighted successful campaigns, the value of IQ Retail support, and the motivational impact of M Rewards. 

Sponsor Address – Ingco Tools

Angelo Angelos, MD of Ingco, shared his personal journey from electrical engineer to music entrepreneur to hardware leader, before explaining why Ingco represents more than just tools; it is about opportunity. 

Key announcements included 

• Launch of the 42V heavy-duty range in 2026 

• Introduction of the Prestige Ricotta high-end range 

• Enhanced store-in-store concepts and standalone Ingco concept stores 

• Adding ‘Powered by Ingco’ branding to the Decakila range to reinforce consumer trust. 
   

His challenge to retailers was clear: “Step up, engage, and take these opportunities. Ingco is offering more than a pot of gold, we’re offering possibilities.” 

The Good Things Guy

Brent Lindeque, journalist, influencer, and founder of the global Good Things Guy platform, delivered an unforgettable keynote. 

He shared his story of rejecting a viral drinking game challenge and instead buying food for a homeless person, a small act that became a global movement of Random Acts of Kindness (RAK). His video spread worldwide, proving the ripple effect of positivity. 

Brent’s key lessons included: 

• “In times of tragedy, look for the helpers, because they will always be there.” (Fred Rogers Mother nearly a century ago) 

• “If you cannot find a helper, it is your responsibility to become one.” 
   

Now reaching more than 30 million people worldwide, his platform demonstrates how kindness can change narratives. He encouraged Mica members to embrace the RAK philosophy in their businesses and communities, proving that even small gestures can have a big impact. 

Welcoming new members 

Mica proudly welcomed new members and new store owners:

• Baobab Mica Build (Krugersdorp) 

• Allandale Mica (Midrand) 

• Duro Mica Build (Makopane) 

• Rustenburg Mica Paint Centre 

• Windermere Mica Paint Centre (Durban) 

• Polofields Mica (Waterfall, Midrand) 

• Avant Mica Paint Centre (Broederstroom) 

• Paddagat Mica Paint Centre (George) 

• Heatherpark Mica Paint Centre (George) 

• Midlands Mica (Howick – new owner). 

Excursions – Sponsored by Ingco

Delegates enjoyed a range of Cape Town experiences, including a catamaran cruise, wine tasting at De Grendel, tea pairings at The Happy Uncles, and lunch at The Lawns at Table Mountain. 

The True-Blue Awards Dinner

The highlight of the Market was the True-Blue Awards Dinner, sponsored by Duram and hosted at the Two Oceans Aquarium. 

Guests were welcomed with drinks and canapés before the awards ceremony began, which this year was held earlier in the evening for the first time. 

Each delegate received a SANCCOB penguin plush toy, with unclaimed toys and optional purchases donated to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. This Random Act of Kindness initiative resonated perfectly with MC Brent Lindeque’s ethos. 

Duram’s Francois Swart emphasised the company’s Smart Paint, Smart Value proposition and thanked Mica members, with special praise for floor sales staff across the country who represent the true heart of the brand. He also made special mention of Jenny Hean, who once again successfully organised an event that would be the envy of companies globally.

Award winners

Supplier Throughput Awards (Top 10) Presented by Jorge Castro — Based on total throughput for the last financial cycle. 

• Winners: AkzoNobel Dulux, Duram, Eureka DIY Solutions, Excelsior Paints, Plascon, Kwikbuild, Matus, NPC, PPC, Skillcraft Agencies. 

Supplier Throughput Percentage Growth Awards (Top 5) — Based on growth across two financial years, with a minimum two-cycle supplier history. 

• Winners: AkzoNobel Dulux, Geo Building Plumbing, Kwikbuild, Promac, Skillcraft Agencies. 

Members Throughput Awards (Top 5 Stores) Presented by Johan van der Vyver- Top five stores by throughput for the past financial year. 

• Winners: BBS Mega Mica Ballito, Bela Bela Mica, Honolulu Mica, Kwa-Mnqandi Mica Build, Riverside Mega Mica. 

Members Throughput Percentage Growth Awards -Regional winners, requiring at least two years under the same ownership. 

• KZN/Free State/Swaziland/Lesotho: BBS Mica Build Ballito 

• Western Cape/Eastern Cape/Northern Cape: Steyn’s Mica Build Voorbaai 

• Mpumalanga/Limpopo/Botswana: Elite Mica  

• Gauteng/North West: U-Build Mica. 
   

Member Promoter of the Year – Presented by Debra Schmidt — Recognising ongoing support of national campaigns, category promotions, and social media execution. 

• Nominees: Bracken Mica, Langebaan Mica, Parys Mica, Riverside Mega Mica, Three Rivers Mica, U-Build Mica, Vredenburg Mica 

•  Winner: Parys Mica. 

Member Brand Ambassador of the Year– Awarded to a store embodying the Mica values of leadership, professionalism, and community engagement. 

• Nominees: Northriding Mica Paint Centre, Parktown North Mica, Parys Mica, Riverside Mega Mica, Spiro’s Mega Mica, Three Rivers Mica, U-Build Mica 

• Winner: U-Build Mica. 

Mica Rookie of the Year – For members of less than 24 months or under new ownership, judged on throughput, participation, and loyalty. 

• Nominees: Action Mica, Emmarentia Mica, Langebaan Mica, Matsapha Mega Mica, Mbombela Mica Paint Centre 

• Winner: Matsapha Mega Mica. 

Members’ Choice Supplier of the Year – presented by Jorge Castro -Based on member votes, recognising supplier excellence. 

• Nominees: AkzoNobel Dulux, Duram, Eureka DIY Solutions, Matus, Skillcraft Agencies 

• Winner: Duram, who, in a historic first, swept all regions and the National Award. 

Mica Member of the Year — presented by Jaco Hattingh — Stores with at least two years’ membership, throughput growth, loyalty, and active participation. 

• Nominees: BBS Mica Build Ballito, Elite Mica, Honolulu Mica, Parktown North Mica, Parys Mica, U-Build Mica 

• Winner: Honolulu Mica.  

Mica Superstar Award — presented by Steven Sollinger, CEO of Legendary Retail Brands and Mica. 

A discretionary award recognising individuals who embody Mica’s values of customer focus, team spirit, and integrity.. 

• Winner: Craig Smith (Academy Brushware) 

Following the awards, delegates explored the aquarium, enjoyed neon dancers, musicians, and tastings of gin, whiskey, and craft beer. A standout moment was Duram’s ONE for Plaster banner, displayed underwater in the main tank by divers, aptly demonstrating the product’s 60% moisture tolerance. 

Mica Market 2025 closed as one of the most successful and inspiring in the group’s history. With a perfect balance of learning, networking, entertainment, and recognition, the event truly embodied its theme: “This is Us.” 

For more information; visit: www.mica.co.za ; call: 011 479 3300