Mixing business with pleasure at awards event
Congratulations to all the business people who help grow our beautiful city.
The West Rand Chamber of Business and Tourism (WRCBT) had their annual awards ceremony at the prestigious Usambara four-star lodge.
The West Rand’s finest business owners and representatives came together at the lodge on 30 October to celebrate the business year in style in a beautifully decorated hall and a three-course meal.
Vincent du Chenne along with Steve Ashley, former Staccato lead singer opened the festivities with a few golden oldies to get the crowd in the mood. Then master of ceremonies Dennis Pretorius was on standby to ensure that all proceeding ran smoothly.
There was a tribute to the late John Olivier, director of the WRCBT who passed away three years ago. “We still battle to fill his shoes; I really miss you uncle John,” said Pretorius.
Barry Friedman, MMC of Economic Development delivered a motivational speech on behalf of Mogale City Local Municipality Mayor Koketso Calvin Seerane. Friedman discussed how small and medium enterprises play a role in local communities, help to reduce national unemployment and contribute to economic growth. Friedman noted that there is a clear indication of a growing city with cash injections by corporations such as Tsogo Sun’s Silverstar, Action Ford, Cradlestone Mall and the redevelopment of the Kagiso Mall and the new Netcare hospital for Pinehaven.
“The future of the business of the country lies in the hands of the small business in our communities.”
Friedman further stated that the challenges business owners face are crime, red tape and inadequate infrastructure.
Then it was time to reveal the decisions of the judges, among whom were Collin Steyn, Tjaard Steenkamp, Amanda Kruger, Susan Hattingh and Kamo Tsotetsi about whom they believed worthy of the prestigious awards.
Krugersdorp’s Cradle of Hope founder Melody van Brakel not only walked away with the Business Women Achiever Award for a non-profit organisation (NPO), but also received the award for NPO Winner of 2014. The overall winner of the night was Adam Fillmore from Air Ventures Hot Air Ballooning, who walked away with the Overall Achiever Award.
Congratulations to all the business people who help grow our beautiful city.
