Hoedspruit has grown tenfold in the last few years and this trend is set to continue, says prominent businesswoman, Lizmari Wolmarans. “We want to be part of decisions that affect our town. We want to ensure that we eradicate corruption at all levels but most important to us is that business interests at all levels are upheld,” says Lizmari Wolmarans, a prominent and well-known businesswoman from Hoedspruit.

Wolmarans says there are plans in the pipeline to revive the Hoedspruit Chamber of Commerce (HCC) to be more representative and relevant to Hoedspruit and surrounding businesses as well as its residents. “Hoedspruit has grown tenfold in the last few years and this trend is set to continue. A Chamber of Commerce is one of the only legal structures that can represent the business at the municipal level,” she says. “It is envisaged that the HCC will be made up of active business owners as well as residents.

Also read: ‘Nobody is as blind as someone who does not want to see’

Businesses will include trade and industry including tourism and hospitality, agriculture, construction, retail, and other small and medium enterprises (SMEs). “Others will include policy issues relating to rates, water, electricity, sewerage, and others falling under general municipal services. “Another important component will be community services which will include safety structures such as the incredibly successful Town Watch and Farm Watch, as well as other NPOs.

“By speaking with one voice, the impact is so much stronger. Hoedspruit has a population with a wealth of knowledge and experience in different fields. There are also a large number of retired professionals who would probably jump at the opportunity to assist. We can tap into this knowledge.” Some of the focus areas for the HCC would be business mentoring and business networking. Wolmarans, supported by a small team of dedicated residents, is currently gauging interest in revitalising the HCC.

They are asking residents to advise them as to whether they see benefit in getting the HCC fully active again. “We are also asking businesses and residents to send nominations of individuals living or owning businesses in and around Hoedspruit to put forward any suggestions for candidates to join the steering or sub-committees of the HCC. “We again emphasise that we want the committees to be as representative as possible,” she says. Send an email to lizmari@hoedspruitgh. co.za or a WhatsApp 083 459 0526 including name, business or organisation, and telephone number.

Indicate a “Yes” or a “No” as to whether the revitalisation of the HCC is supported before October 31. Indicate whether the person nominated would be suitable for steering or a sub-committee.