West Rand Businesses awarded
Many of the West Rand's most prominent businesses came out to celebrate yet another successful year.
The West Rand Chamber of Business and Tourism (WRCBT) celebrated its annual Business Achievers Awards on Wednesday at the Diamond4 Estate in Muldersdrift.
The competition is open to any business in Mogale City, and not only looks at the business in general, but also their responsibility.
“You cannot just take from the community, you also need to give back to the community,” said Dennis Pretorius from the WRCBT.
Executive Mayor Lynn Pannall discussed the importance of “creating a city that is working and responsive to the needs of the community”, and how local businesses play an important role in this. She then went on to present Special Awards for a sense of social responsibility to Silverstar Casino and President Hyper. A third Special Award, the Chris Kruger Award, was awarded to Reinetta Ridley from the La Reynette Centre.
Hartogh Streicher, last year’s overall winner, was also given the opportunity to speak to local business owners, and he took the opportunity to remind them that they are also important.
“George Orwell said, all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others. You need to realise that your perceived threats often find a way to become a reality, so you need to take what is rightfully yours,” he said. He added that the employers are just as important as the employees.
The night’s entertainment was provided by Vincent du Chenne and two very talented belly dancers, who had the audience captivated.
Many businesses received awards, but there can only be one winner, and that went to Garden World’s JJ van Rensburg, who received the overall Gold Award.
However, Melodie van Brakel, founder of the Cradle of Hope shelter for vulnerable women, won the Businesswoman of the Year award.
Related stories:
• Recognition given to top businesses
