Farrarmere resident’s sizzling product bags him an award

Faced with unemployment and the door to prospective emigration being shut due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Awie Krog of Farrarmere needed to think outside of the box in an effort to stay financially afloat.

Drawing on his experience as a civil engineer and project manager, as well as a decade-long yearning to be able to braai mince, Krog went to the drawing broad, creating the versatile and multi-functional Craft Braai Sakkie.

Following four years of painstaking work, tweaks to its design and travelling across the country to promote his product at various markets and expos, Awie recently became the recipient of the coveted AfriForum Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Walking away with a prize valued at R380 000, which includes R50 000 and business growth services, Awie said the process which formed part of the competition has given him the invaluable opportunity to look at his business’ growth and to appreciate the journey.

“When our lives took an unexpected turn, I felt deflated, riddled with anxiety about how I will provide for my family,” he said, his face illuminated with pride.

“I was desperate to find a solution, realising that my next move could be the only move.

“Dabbling with my thoughts, I picked up my Bible and opened it to John 21:6. It reads ‘He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some. When they did this, they were able to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

“In that moment, I got all the reassurance I needed to dive headfirst into my business and to have faith not only in my product but also in God’s guidance.”

With a hint of showmanship, Awie proudly shows off the three patented Craft Braai Sakkies, launching into an excited description of the product and its unique features.

“To date, about 52 000 units have been sold with clients continuously exploring its array of uses,” he said, a hint of satisfaction glistening in his eye.

“I have perfected a mince recipe which allows you to braai mince for dishes like lasagne and many others.

“It gives the meat that invitingly smokey braai taste while effortlessly pairing with traditional pasta dishes.

“Some may argue that there is no such thing as too much braai, but the bags allow you to do more than just grill a choppie.”

And what about a ‘braaibroodjie’ you may ask? Simple. Ditch the ‘klap rooster’ for the Craft Braai Sakkie!

Your scrumptious toasties will no longer be flattened while the fillings sizzle on the coals.

Made from durable, non-toxic, no-stick material, the reusable bag is the perfect braai buddy, whether you cook with gas or ‘gooi’ coals or hard wood.

“We have further fine-tuned production allowing us to customise the bags to the client’s needs. This includes personalised buttons or branding,” Awie said.

“We are also looking at launching a recipe book as well as a sauce and spice range.”

When embarking on the entrepreneurial journey, Awie’s advice is: “To be successful, you have to get comfortable with the discomfort of taking a risk”.

“No matter how small you may think your idea is, just start. Don’t fear success. Use each failure as a building block for your next step.”

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