[imagesource: Instagram / @melanyviljoen]

Last year, it was reported that opening a new Chicken Licken, Nando’s, or KFC in South Africa could cost in excess of R5 million.

Other smaller franchises like Barcelos, Bird & Co, Honchos, Mochachos, and Chicken Xpress could be franchised for significantly less.

At least in those instances, you’re actually going to end up with a franchise that stands a chance of making your money back.

The same allegedly cannot be said for Tammy Taylor Nails franchisees in South Africa.

At the centre of the story are Mel (above) and Peet Viljoen. You might recognise them from a previous Carte Blanche story a few years back, or even the current season of Die Real Housewives van Pretoria.

As soon as Mel appeared in the first episode, tongues started wagging and social media was not kind:

How many times must Tammy Taylor be exposed for people to get that it’s a scam?!

— FikileMpukane (@fikileGunz) October 30, 2022

This Tammy Taylor hun buying Rari’s on stolen money. Mel and Pete Viljoen are criminals! #CarteBlanche pic.twitter.com/2QeI2Y8Mn1

— TP Pillay (@TP_Pillay) October 30, 2022

To better understand the allegations, Carte Blanche did a follow-up segment which aired on Sunday:

Brazen intimidation, alleged intellectual property theft, and questionable multi-million-rand ownership agreements, leaving some franchisees desperate and out of pocket.

We investigate notorious beauty franchise Tammy Taylor Nails SA and how it’s allegedly peddling counterfeit products.

It’s all rather convoluted and doesn’t reflect well on the Viljoens:

Mel and Peet addressed the allegations against them in the first episode of Die Real Housewives van Pretoria and denied any wrongdoing.

I guess I am obliged to tell you that the show airs Thursdays at 8PM on kykNET (DStv channel 144).

Mel also posted a video earlier today calling the Carte Blanche report fake news:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mel Viljoen (@melanyviljoen)

In episode three of Die Real Housewives van Pretoria, Mel recounted how she was robbed by two men at gunpoint.

Those who tried to open Tammy Taylor franchises in this country may be able to relate in some way.

[source:carteblanche]