SOJO’s 2024 AGM highlights member contributions and community impact
During the AGM, SOJO Business and Tourism expressed heartfelt gratitude to members and sponsors, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to make a lasting difference in the south of Johannesburg through collaboration and service.
SOJO Business and Tourism proudly hosted its 2024 AGM at the renowned Apartheid Museum, with attendance from board members, local ward councillors, participating NPOs as well as family and friends.
The event included guests being greeted on a beautiful red carpet that guided them to the museum’s auditorium.
The gathering continued in the foyer, where guests enjoyed the elegant décor, catering by Norma Co and live music from the skilled pianist, Guru Kaofela.
Opening the meeting, SOJO CEO Nicky Vakaloudis expressed her gratitude to the Apartheid Museum and all attendees for their collective efforts in enhancing the community in southern Johannesburg.
She specifically acknowledged the museum’s generous contribution to hosting the AGM at no cost. In a moment of reflection, Vakaloudis honoured the memory of the late Richard Bennet, SOJO’s former chairperson, pausing for a brief moment of silence to celebrate his impactful legacy as a steadfast advocate for the South.
“Richard was passionate about developing new ideas to improve our community and we will continue that work in his honour,” she stated.
Vakaloudis reminisced about her longstanding journey with the organisation, dating back to 1998 when it was known as the Booysens Business Forum. Together with four fellow business leaders, the forum was created to address municipal issues and advocate for the community, a mission that remains a central focus today.
At the meeting, Reuben Louw succeeded as the new chairperson of SOJO Business and Tourism.
Louw outlined plans for 2025, emphasizing innovative partnerships with Smart Communities to streamline the reporting of municipal service delivery issues through a smart app, providing real-time solutions for users.
Peter Soester presented the annual financial report, offering members an opportunity to view the printed audit.
Vakaloudis introduced the current board of directors, including chairperson man Reuben Louw, financial director Peter Soester, marketing and tourism director Sheldon Stuurman, leadership and strategy director Reuben Louw, sales and membership representative Trevor Sturgess, CEO Nicky Vakaloudis and office manager Janine Cameron, along with area representatives and alternates.
Additionally, SOJO warmly welcomed nine new member organisations this year, including; Bosch Expedi-8, Continental Biscuit Manufacturers (Pty) Ltd, Adendorff Machinery Mart (Pty) Ltd, Roll-Up Serranda (Pty) Ltd, Gasela Stationery (Pty) Ltd, New Concept Mining Powered by Epiroc, Kibler Park Hardware, Metboard Properties Limited and Sequence Logistics (Pty) Ltd.
Forward to 2025
Twelve SOJO members also received excellence recognition which included Gold Reef City, Mall of the South, New Concept Mining Powered by Epiroc, Thaba Eco Hotel, The Expo Guys, Plusten, Robot Hardware, Bosch Expedi-8, Restonic (Pty) Ltd, Zee’s Flava Fusion, iProp and Trevor Sturgess.
Recognition was also given to various non-profit organisations such as Resthaven Ministries, Mount Like Eagles Mission, Meals on Wheels Caregivers Association, Thea’s Home of Hope and MOMO’s Upliftment Centre, with certificates of appreciation awarded to their representatives.
A special acknowledgement was made for partners supporting SOJO’s vision, including Andrew Barker of KlipSA and Chris Morison from Vumacam. As well as sponsors were recognised for their contributions to the AGM notably Expo Guys printing of SOJO plaques, MLASS Printers for the printing of the lovely certificates, Pick n Pay Mulbarton, New Concept Mining Powered by Epiroc and Expert Beauty for auction prizes.
Ward councillors and City of Joburg representatives were also acknowledged for showing support to SOJO namely councillors Stuart Marais, Tyrell Meyers, Matsobane Sekhu, Faeeza Chame, Michael Crichton and Rashieda Landis.
“SOJO will continue ‘working together for a Better South of Joburg’,” said Vakaloudis.
She also expressed gratitude to the dedicated SOJO street monitors and her assistant, Janine Cameron, as well as Pravesh Singh for their support throughout the year.
The meeting concluded with a short video showcasing fundraising events, community participation and cleanup operations executed over the past year.
