Hi-Tec Magazine 2023

Meet the

FR ANK, O UR CHAIRMAN

SHANE, RETAIL DIRECTOR

MIKE, SALES DIRECTOR

GARY, O UR CEO

the Team

DE BEER – HEAD OF MARKETING

ANDREA

Meet our founder

Founded in 1974 by Frank van Wezel, Hi-Tec is the embodiment of his dream: to let ever ybody enjoy the things that he loves — spor ts, and the world outside.

Meet Frank and you will be introduced to a charismatic and passionate individual whose love for life and family is greatly evident, a passion which extends to his business and employees

Those in the industr y respect his ver y hands on approach to the business and 50 years later he is still ver y much par t of the decision making in the Hi-Tec and Magnum

brand por tfolio, and still personally responds to each and ever y email received by a customer, as his personal email address rests in ever y shoe box. His wife, Caroline van Wezel, plays an imperative role in Hi-Tec’s creative direction.

About

At Hi-Tec we are driven by the belief that the outdoors is for ever yone, no matter who you are or where you are from. You deser ve to experience what the outdoors has to offer.

Hi-Tec was born out of the love for the outdoors and through affordable, well-designed products we want to ensure others feel the same way too. In a world where we spend 90% of our lives indoors, we’re here to give people one less excuse not to venture outside. The freedom to explore a little fur ther and really enjoy the moments that unfold.

This fuels our innovative approach to design and materials Each season we evolve the aesthetics, technologies, and materials that are carefully implemented in new designs – all with a single purpose in mind, to enable others to experience the freedom of the active outdoors.

YEARS

‘90

‘10

‘17

‘92 ‘11

‘95

‘13 ‘18

‘81 ‘82 ‘8

‘96

‘20

‘07

‘08 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16

Introduced the first pair of sustainabke hiking bootsthe Hi-Tec V-Lite Psychs using Repreve technology

We turn 50!

Launching Original Since collection featuring our most iconic footwear styles

The Grove

Hi-Tec has expanded and grown the footprint within the Pretoria area, with the opening of the new store at the Grove Mall on Saturday, 8 April 2023.

The store is perfectly located in the heart of Pretoria, bringing beautiful outdoor and active gear to enthusiasts. The refreshing look has been designed to incorporate eco-friendly features that contribute meaningfully to Hi-Tec’s sustainability commitments. Apart from educating customers about the latest ranges, Hi-Tec aims to satisfy their needs for versatility, durability,flexibility and comfort through a selection of apparel, footwear, and accessories.

The Grove

Tyger Valley

On Thursday, 5 October, Hi-Tec embarked on a new adventure with the opening of their brand-new store in Tyger Valley Shopping Centre.

The thoughtful design and engaging features of their Tyger Valley store educates shoppers on quality products and creates a beautiful and inviting setting for customers to shop.

The Tyger Valley store is one out of five existing Hi-Tec stores in the Western Cape and we look forward to expanding even further.

Tyger Valley

Jackal Creek

Hi-Tec is excited to have joined the Jackal Creek family with a brand new Hi-Tec store previously known as Boundary.

The new store opened its doors on Friday, 27 October and is designed to provide a better experience for the loyal Boundary customers. With updated in-store screens for visual appeal and added information, customers can easily find the products they’re looking for and learn more about Hi-Tec‘s commitment to innovation and performance.

Hi-Tec One

Hi-Tec has introduced the Hi-Tec One campaign, emphasising progress and a commitment to sustainability. This initiative, rooted in the brand's ironment.

Specific Hi-Tec stores feature dedicated sections highlighting the Hi-Tec One initiative, encouraging customer engagement and providing information on upcoming activities. A notable in-store experience is the "Spin the Earth" activation, where customers have the opportunity to win exciting prizes by spending R899 or more in specified stores or online.

The Hi-Tec focus on sustainability extends to products as well. This is highlighted by the use of Repreve, a recycled waste made from plastic bottles, in a growing number of Hi-Tec jacket and shoe product lines.

RETAI L

The LEO Collection

The Leo Collection stands for Live Extra Ordinary, and is designed for the avid outdoor runner or gym enthusiast. Comfort, support, and functionality are all on display in this locally-made female apparel. The all-new range incorporates soft, breathable and

Izelle Nel, Apparel Sales Manager at Hi-Tec, said: “We have designed some pieces using high compression fabric for support, and included mesh inserts for ventilation. The materials are lightweight, breathable, and feel amazing.”

Studies have shown that colourful workout clothes have an impact on fitness motivation and performance. The Leo Collection’s aesthetic was designed to inspire people to move in a way that brings them joy, and secure a place amongst the fashion crowd. “We wanted this collection to feel fresh and fun! We incorporated Acid Lime into the designs, a new core colour for Hi-Tec. The geometric print and bright pops of colour make the collection feel playful and energetic.” said Izelle. Designed for every shape and size with a bold, feminine print, Hi-Tec want women to embrace their playfulness and femininity, and feel confident to go out and get active.

The Heritage Collection

The AW23 Heritage Collection unveiled a

A homage to the history of Hi-Tec, the collection includes:

• The Heritage tee, offering bold designs

• Track pants, blending comfort with style

• Heritage shorts, providing casual sophistication

• The panelled polo, seamlessly blending classic and contemporary

• The graphic longsleeve, with artistic flair

• The retro sweater, a nod to timeless class

• The Heritage hoody, combining comfort and style

• The puffer jacket, offering warmth and fashion

The collection is based on retro silhouettes and styles from the Hi-Tec sports successes in the 80s and 90s. Redesigned for today's outdoor trends, each piece is a way for customers to showcase their love and appreciation for the brand.

The GEO Collection

The GEO collection provides great value for money, and spans the gap between a walking shoes.

The lightweight, high-performance uppers and welded forefoot protection reduce friction points and create a sock-like feel. The dual-density midsoles combine a Dyna-Cradle shock absorption rebound layer, and GEO-engineered EVA foam allows for speed and comfort while exploring.

The GEO-Trail Pro offered an opportunity to collaborate with GARMIN on the #GEOGARMINChallenge, an online challenge based on fun and getting outside. 133 entrants took part in the challenge, posting their workout times through their sports/tracking apps.

The Infant Collection

Hi-Tec launched its latest and greatest style just for kids, giving the little ones’ feet the support they need. The Hi-Tec GEO Lite is made from natural cotton and has a supporting shoe element which is removable and washable. The sole material is made from TP Rubber, protecting the foot from any toe drag and bumps.

Gordon Stokes, Product Director, said, “Hi-Tec has always been a family brand and we have always produced products to get families outside. In the past we have produced footwear for men’s, ladies and children, and it was a natural progression to start offering infants footwear.”

SPONSORSHIP S

Maties Rugby

Maties Rugby and Hi-Tec are reaping the rewards of a longstanding and fruitful partnership. Expressing enthusiasm for the partnership, Andrea De Beer, Head of Marketing at Hi-Tec, says this highlights the brand's commitment to providing top-quality gear, and ensuring that student athletes are not only comfortable but also well-equipped to excel in their games.

In 2023, Hi-Tec proudly continued their sponsorship as the official off-field apparel partners for Stellenbosch University Sport teams. Building on their successful partnership with Maties, 2024 marks a new milestone as the Hi-Tec logo takes its place on the sleeves of on-field gear, ensuring even greater exposure and support for the senior teams. Here's to another year of teamwork, excellence, and shared victories.

WFFA

The South African Open Freestyle Football Championship 2023 took place on August 26th at 10am at The Grove Mall in Pretoria.

For the first time, the tournament included 1 × 1 battle competitions for both male and female freestylers, as well as a tournament of Double Routines. Crowd participation competitions kept the atmosphere high and gave the 250 – 300 attendees the chance to win spot prizes. Hi-Tec discount vouchers were issued to spectators to drive awareness, foot traffic and sales through our retail stores.

Added event sponsors included The Grove Mall, Aquelle Viv, SA Freestyle Association, Red Bull and the WFFA. This year saw strong female representation, with the winner moving on to the African Champs scheduled to take place in Kenya. The promotion of the event was a huge success, with post-event interviews conducted with Newzroom Afrika (Channel 405 on DStv) and 5fm radio station.

LAUNCHES

Carrick Collection

The Hi-Tec Carrick Collection introduces trendy styles and impeccable comfort. The collection offers contemporary styled footwear for women and men, designed for quality, reliability, and affordability.

The Carrick Collection was crafted for the individual. By creating this authentic product, Hi-Tec is celebrating real people, doing real things. People who live, work, play and inspire. With the Carrick Collection, Hi-Tec wants the customer to feel they have bought a pair of shoes that is the right fit, comfortable, top quality and excellent value.

Schalk Bezuidenhout

With Schalk Bezuidenhout at helm, the new Hi-Tec ad aimed to appeal to ordinary people, showing that Hi-Tec is not just for avid hikers and runners. The campaign went on to reach 16.6 million South Africans!

“We were determined to create a campaign that would inject a dose of lightheartedness into our lives today, and Schalk’s work resonated with us instantly. His ability to bring smiles and laughter to South Africans is remarkable, and we believe we all need a little bit of that right now. By partnering with Schalk Bezuidenhout, we are not only promoting our shared South African heritage but also spreading the joy and optimism that defines our brand.” said Andrea De Beer, Head of Marketing at Hi-Tec.

CAMPAI G

The Two Oceans Aquarium

Hi-Tec has come on board to equip the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation staff with tools to further assist them with their day-to-day duties. The foundation is committed to research and marine wildlife management, ensuring the well-being of animals and aiding the broader conservation of marine species.

“We couldn’t be more thankful to Hi-Tec for these amazing shoes. This is an exciting partnership, and we look forward to helping the animals in our Hi-Tec boots!”, said Brett Glasby, Wildlife Management Program Coordinator.

The support extends beyond footwear. It showcases Hi-Tec’s commitment to conservation and its understanding of the critical role education and marine wildlife management play in the protection of our oceans.

The Magoebaskloof Ultra Trail

Hi-Tec is a proud sponsor of The Magoebaskloof Ultra Trail, located in the picturesque north of South Africa, and epitomizes endurance, adventure, heightened excitement with route changes and diverse landscapes in the Magoebaskloof Mountains. This challenging race caters to various

In 2023, the race explored rarely treaded areas, introducing thrilling variations while maintaining its commitment to environmental responsibility through collaboration with local environmentalists. The event goes beyond competition, fostering community spirit with unwavering local support, creating an encouraging atmosphere.

Beyond the physical challenge, the Magoebaskloof Ultra Trail celebrates the region's biodiversity, promoting environmental awareness and responsibility. Participants encounter indigenous flora and fauna, instilling a commitment to preserve these natural wonders. The event also serves as a platform for building friendships among participants who share a passion for trail running.

Knysna Forest Marathon

Being one of South Africa’s leading outdoor footwear, apparel, and accessories retailers, Hi-Tec once again held the honour of being the official footwear and apparel sponsor of the Knysna Forest Marathon.

The Knysna Forest Marathon is held annually during the Knysna Oyster Festival and is one of the most popular, not to mention beautiful, races on the calendar! Taking place on Saturday, 8 July, the marathon offered several unique highlights that cannot not be found in any other trail in the world.

In its 38th edition, the race was exhilarating and memorable for all participants, with different distances available to athletes of different fitness levels – from half-marathon to the full-marathon distance of 42.2km. True to its name, most of the route ran deep into the Knysna Forest, with breathtaking views over the estuary and the iconic Knysna Head, a great distraction to get participants through those last few kilometers!

The Cradle Ultra Trail started and finished at the Pavilion at the four-star Cradle Boutique Hotel, which was only a 20-minute drive from JHB North. With well-stocked water points, open spaces, a festive race village with entertainment, delicious food, cold beer, and great apparel for sale, the Cradle Ultra Trail offered an adventurous and unforgettable trail running experience. Supporters and family members were also welcome to talk to local guides about the property's rich history and the origins of life from unearthed fossils at one of the three active Palaeoanthropological sites.

Cradle Ultra

Set in the majestic greater Cradle Nature Reserve on a privately owned UNESCO World Heritage site, Cradle Ultra-Trail was a trail-runner's paradise.

The reserve was made available to runners specifically for this event, which gave runners the chance to see some rare plant and bird species, as well as eland and other game.

There were five epic routes to choose from –ranging from 50km to 6km, with steep climbs, flat plateaus, and fast descents through high-veld grasslands, forests, valleys, and rugged hills. This ensured a challenging but rewarding run with stunning views.

SPONSORSHIPS

Wander Women, Women's Day Celebration

In commemoration of Women's Month, Hi-Tec was delighted to be part of a unique event brimming with meditation, inspiration, mindfulness, light movement, and affirmations.

"Wild & Grounded Mornings" was expertly facilitated by Lauren Manuel in partnership with Hi-Tec. Participants enjoyed themselves amid the tranquil beauty of Groot Constantia. As the morning unfolded, coffee, croissants, and engaging conversations were savoured, creating an atmosphere that fed the mind, body, and spirit. Some of the guests included Martine Viljoen, a marine conservationist based in Cape Town and part of the Aquarium Foundation team, and Tarryn Kay Trussell van Louw, a TV and radio presenter and producer.

The Best 2023

Collabs

Ashley Mkhize

Ashley Mkhize is easily the most recognizable freestyler in Africa. He has been breaking records and winning championships locally and internationally for some time now.

Serving as the head of freestyle football in Southern Africa at the WFFA, Ashley launched the freestyling championship to help carve a space for the next generation of freestylers. Ashley has become a vital cog in the Hi-Tec marketing team, providing excellent exposure across various media platforms including TV & radio.

Gary De Vogel Summits Kilimanjaro

Hi-Tec’s own Gary De Vogel summited Kilimanjaro in 2023, a feat he modestly described as “doable - but not for the faint hearted.” Gary’s achievement was monumental, and his blog post provides an

Gary’s Kilimanjaro summit in numbers:

Total hiking distance: 68.2km

Total altitude change: 7172m

Hiking days: 5.9

Days from base to summit: 4.5

At the summit, the altitude is so high that the air contains about half of the oxygen it does at sea level. The final climb, after 4 days of hiking, starts at 23:00 at night, meaning Gary hiking through the night to reach the summit at sunrise. Gary’s toughness and fortitude is only underlined by tackling Africa’s highest mountain – from everyone at Hi-Tec, well done Gary!

Be The Difference

Education: Providing school support

established by Granthem Abrahams in Cape Town in 2014. Together we aim to communities to enable positive change. BTD is a registered NPO based on three pillars: nutrition, education and sport.

Nutrition: Creating hope for the future

BTD provides a healthy meal for children and creates a sense of hope for the future. The program includes an active education session with boys and girls aimed at empowering the youth.

The education program has a strategic focus, providing support in the form of stationery and school clothing. This mitigates school attendance affected by financial strain.

Sport: Becoming a catalyst for change

Utilising sport as a catalyst for change as well as creating a platform for youth within the community. It allows children to showcase their talents and encourage them to not only become better players but great leaders.In addition to gear and involvement in the Cape Town 7s, Hi-Tec contributed more than R280 000 in 2023, and will continue to serve and support the mission of BTD.

CORP

Be The Difference

Easter & Youth Day Tournaments

In a bid to invest in the future and foster community development, Hi-Tec proudly took centre stage as the title sponsor of the Easter & Youth Day events in 2023. This dynamic celebration, held on 8 April and 16 June, showcased the enthusiasm and talent of the youth, with a particular focus on two popular sporting codes – rugby and netball. The event not only provided a platform for young athletes to display their skills but also emphasized the importance of community engagement and teamwork.

Meal distribution – Nutritional Development

The collaboration between Hi-Tec and BTD Foundation proves to be a powerful force for good. Together, we worked to ensure that not only were basic nutritional needs met, but also that a sense of dignity and care accompanied each meal. The initiative involved a monetary contribution towards nutritional development, staff members as volunteers, and serving hampers and meals to families in Kraaifontein area.

The Black Mambas

This all-female Anti-Poaching Unit was founded in 2013 by Transfrontier Africa NPC. Their mission: protect the most critical areas within the Greater Kruger.

Currently the team is patrolling 20,000 ha, and is planning to expand their area of operations further. They work hard to make our area the most undesirable and difficult place to poach any species. Their objectives are not only the protection of rhinos through boots on the ground, but also through being role models in their communities. These 36 young rangers want their communities to understand the benefits to rhino conservation.

The Wildlife Ranger Challenge was launched in 2023. The purpose was to secure salaries of the rangers across Africa. Hi-Tec sponsored the rangers with training gear as they prepped for their 21km race.

The Cape Leopard Trust

innovative research, conservation and education projects to promote the conservation of biological diversity.

The CLT consists of a small, highly dedicated team, spread across a number of project areas. Co-founded in 2004 by Dr Quinton Martins, the CLT has since embarked on an incredible and momentous journey.

In 2023, alongside the CLT, Hi-Tec sponsored footwear for the 'Spotted on the Road' campaign. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the wildlife on roads in the Overberg region and make these roads safer for both animals and motorists. Hi-Tec is always proud to support causes that align with our passion for the great outdoors.

SPONSORSHIPS

Magnum

Magnum Boots continue to support the efforts of Team Pit-Track in their ongoing mission to protect wildlife. Pit-Track is a registered NPC specialising in K-9 conservation and anti-poaching. Pit-Track have recently agreed to film a docu-series that we hope will flight on Netflix in 2024.

SPONSO R SH I P S

Interceptor

Interceptor Boots collaborated with the Lith-tha School of Skills in Cape Town, and donated 65 pairs of Interceptor Razer safety boots to deserving children.

The plan is to further ensure the safety of kids when doing artisan-type work by sponsoring boots to the school. This is a great opportunity to promote uniformity and reduce bullying by having the kids in the same boots. Interceptor Boots would also like to help matric students prepare for university/college registration fees. If successful, this framework will be duplicated across other Schools of Skills in the Western Cape.

SPONSO R SH I P S

Interceptor

The Building Company

The Building Company (TBCo) hosted its biggest General Building Material (GBM) trade show recently at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The trade show, hosted by TBCo’s most prominent GBM brands, Buco and Timbercity, brought together suppliers, buyers and store managers from across the country to showcase the latest industry innovations and cemented the company’s role as a trusted and preferred industry partner. Over 100 suppliers including Interceptor Africa attended TBCo’s most successful trade show to date. The event had to be moved to a larger venue after exhibitor capacity was exceeded at the prior venue. It was an excellent opportunity to showcase new products and technologies with the trade show serving as a merchandise innovation ‘think tank’, where new ways of merchandising were presented.

Profiling

Our captivating video series unveiled the meticulous craftsmanship behind each pair, showcasing how our boots excel in diverse sectors such as construction, motor mechanics, mould making and beer making. We prioritise comfort without compromising on safety, featuring a variety designs and breathable materials. With unmatched durability against abrasion and impact, our boots prove to be a cost-effective investment. Interceptor Africa redefines the standard, providing advanced, comfortable, and stylish safety boots that elevate performance in the workplace.

Duca Del Cosma

Duca del Cosma SA has become a prominent player in the golf footwear market, expanding its reach and solidifying its position as a go-to brand for golfers and enthusiasts alike.

The exceptional quality and design of Duca del Cosma's shoes have not gone unnoticed, with them being featured on television multiple times. One of the most notable appearances was during the prestigious Masters tournament, a highly-publicised event that commands a large viewership in South Africa. It comes as no surprise that top golfers and sport celebrities have been spotted sporting Duca Del Cosma shoes, along with several professional golfers. Not only that, but Duca del Cosma also proudly served as the main footwear sponsor for both the BMW Corporate Championship and the Vodacom Origins of Golf pro-am event in 2023. Looking back at the previous year, our focus was on elevating our brand exposure and reaching as many golfers as possible.

By conducting over 100 activations across various golf courses, Duca Del Cosma were able to showcase their shoes to over 12,000 players, a feat that speaks for itself.